What's up to everyone, to those who know me from Saints Row: saints and sinners, thank for supporting me and those who don't, I'm just like everyone else here, just an aspiring writer and a darn good one. Anyway, I was turned on to the Senran Kagura series by a few friends and I wanted to see what all the fuss is about, after playing some of the games and watching the anime series, I can honestly say that i'm an BIG fan of the series. I know that this new and is old to change the genre of Senran Kagura, but I feel I can tell a awesome story from it, so please give it a chance. Disclaimer: I don't own Senran Kagura, Kenichiro Takaki does, i'm just a fan loves his work! that being said hope you all enjoy the fanseries I created. #LifeAndHometown Enjoy!
Episode Zero/Prologue: A Shinobi's Path Begins
"In each of us, there burns the souls of Warriors. In Every Generation, a few a chosen to prove it. In a World of Everyday Life, there are many Secrets Long Hidden from the world of the eyes of regular people, like you and me. One Such Secret, is the world of Shinobi. Shinobi are Warriors who study the sacred art of Ninjutsu."
They depend on the safe haven of the shadows and can strike down an enemy quickly, at a moment's notice. Some are Noble Good Shinobi, who protect the innocent and always carry themselves with a sense of Honor, While Evil Shinobi, follow their own code (while not clear cut as a good ninja is) an Evil Shinobi, kill for fun or steal for themselves. The Shinobi Life is Froth with Excitement and Danger at every turn. But a Storm was coming on the Horizon and awaken an old evil, long forgotten. And Soon the Shinobi world and the entire world itself would rest in the hands of a newcomer…this is his story…this is OUR Story!
Narrates: In the Real World, it's easy to live your life, going day to day, shopping, hanging with friends, partying…. but in the world of Shinobi, Female or Male, it's a never ending struggle to be the BEST, to excel well past your skills, to be better than your opponent. For years, I all cared about was being this third generation Shinobi, who want to protect my family's legacy and be the good ninja that everyone wants…. but Starting today, all that was about to change…drastically.
Undisclosed Hidden Shinobi Beach – Florida
Two young Shinobi, were in an intense sparring session, both were fighting to their very limits, one threw three shuriken at the other, only to countered with three Kunai of his own, blocking the Shinobi's Attack. Both Shinobi were almost spent out of Energy, so they both charged at each other, trying to end it with one blow, only to block the other's attack and only coming Kunai to Kunai, testing each other's strength.
"Looks Like you're slowing down, Darius, not very good for a Ninja to do" the Shinobi grunted while showing a test of strength with Darius. "Not on your Worse day, am I doing that, I've already won, Terumi, you just don't know yet" Exclaimed Darius as he tried to get the upper hand on Terumi, both Ninjas broke from their kunai to kunai grasp and stepped five steps away from each other. "Go ahead and Boast, it's what you do best, anyway it won't help you now" Terumi growled when his unleashed his rage induced aura, looking very dangerous and oniums. "Bring it on, cuz I'm about to bring the pain to ya" Darius responded as he himself unleashed his good ninja aura looking greenish and with controlled frenzy. Both Ninjas came at each other with so much speed and force, Throwing Kicks, Punches and Shuriken. Every time they cross Kunai, they left small craters on the beach. Not knowing that from a distance an older figure was watching on at the two Shinobi as they turned the sparring match into a very intense fight between them.
As they were about to move in on the final blows to each other the older figure moved in and shouted "Enough you two" the two shinobi looked at the older figure, it was too late to stop their attacks, both of their punches met each other's face and both fell on their backs with the arms sprawled out and breathing heavily. "You won't make it as Shinobi, if all you two think about is brute strength" the figure said walking towards them, disappointed at their lack of focus in the heat of battle. "Darrien, why do you always feel the need to correct us during battle"
snapped Darrien at his Older Brother stopping the battle. "Yea, who asked you to butt in, I was about to whoop your brother's ass, if you hadn't interfered" Terumi added you were, What, I straight up OWNED you in that fight" Darius responded to Terumi's comment on the end result of the fight, but Darrien wouldn't hear no more as he interrupted and shouted "ENOUGH, This Fight needed to be stopped, you two are an embarrassment as ninjas, if you don't fight with Focus, Poise and a little something we call "Skill" Darrien snapped back and his young brother and His Rival for having the lack of skill or Discipline in a fight as Shinobi should. "Terumi, I'm not surprised, you got too much anger and rage in your attacks, but Darius, I'm really Disappointed in you…I thought you be more of a better Shinobi, when we moved back to the states, but I guess I was wrong, you need better training" Exclaimed Darrien looking in Disbelief of his Younger Brothers' Lack of talent in the fight.
"But Big Bro- "before Darius could say anything, Darrien responded "But Nothing, Darius, We'll talk about this when we get home, so come on" he added gesturing to Darius to head home with him. Feeling Defeated, Darius just sighed and said "Alright Bro" as the two brothers were about to leave, Terumi charged at Darrien for stopping the fight, out of the corner of his eye, Darrien caught Terumi trying to attack him from behind, sidestepped his attack and kick him from behind. When he went down, Terumi caught his back and groaned in pain. "See you still lack focus, Terumi, calm down and Train HARDER, a ninjas greatest strength is focus" as both Brothers were about to leave, Darrien thought that he being harsh on the young ninja was a little harsh, but necessary and hoped that both learned something from the experience, but his warnings fell on deaf ears as Terumi, slowly got back to his feet and shouted "Not on your life, I'm gonna be the BEST shinobi there ever lived, and no one, not EVEN the sons of the Legendary Foreign Shinobi is gonna stop me from my DESTINY" as they walked away from the beach, Darius' Eyes Widened as Terumi said that he wanted to be the very BEST ninja that ever lived. When he said that, Darius remembered a time where he said to his dad, that he'd be the BEST shinobi in the world.
Flashback- 10 years ago
A young Darius and Darrien was training under a waterfall in the Tohoku region of Japan, with their dad, Jackson Takayama, The First Legendary Shinobi from a Foreign Land and trained by the Legendary Shinobi himself, Master Hanzo, with their Wonderful and Beautiful Mother, Kasumi. They say that waterfall is said to not only clean a Shinobi, but to Cleanse one's soul from all Impurities and unnecessary thoughts. Darius was letting the rushing cold of the waterfall, make him flinch a little. Shivering, he saw that, his father and older brother, were still in their Meditative positions. When he saw that his family were still unaffected by the rushing waters, he felt as though that he was not doing it right and being an embarrassment to the Takayama Family. His dad sensed his trouble and only told him "Don't sweat it, Darius, just push ahead, keep up that positive attitude and I know you'll be a great shinobi."
In a sparring session with his Brother, Darrien, Darius was in a fighting stance, ready to fight, their dad, Master Hanzo and his young granddaughter, Asuka, looking on, with their dad being the referee said "BEGIN" the two brothers charged at each other, going at each other with punches, kicks, while the other dodged each other's' attacks. Darius when on the attack with a series of Kunai, Darrien dodged the kunai, but Darius, connected with an uppercut to Darrius, only to use a submission jutsu, then jammed Darius in the ribs with a fast elbow and right hook to the face. With great force, Darius fell to the ground and caused a big crater.
"ENOUGH" Jackson said to his sons, with Darrien, pulled his younger brother and told his brother "you got overzealous and careless, Darius, you'll never be a great shinobi at this rate, might as well leave the honor of caring on the family name to me" he said, as he walked off. after cleaning himself off, Darius felt as though that he was not doing things right and being an embarrassment to the Takayama Family and Ninja Clan.
His dad sensed his trouble and only told him "Don't sweat it, Darius, just push ahead, keep up that positive attitude and I know you'll be a great shinobi." Darius turned to his left and saw Master Hanzo and a young Asuka smiling at him. Darius Blushed at the sight of seeing Asuka smile, he shook it off, looked proudly at his father and told him
" Dad, no matter what, I will be the BEST shinobi in the world and learn the way of the Shinobi" he proclaimed, his dad looked at him with a proud look at him, laughed and said, "Son, I've no doubt you will be" as he wrapped his arm around his young son and walk towards Master Hanzo and Asuka.
~Flashback end~
Takayama Ninja Clan -American Estate, Florida
As they were walking into the Takayama home estate, Darius was met by his mother Kasumi, she asked him if he was alright and He responded "yea, mom, I'm alright, just a little hurt in the pride department, by dear big bro here" "Hey I was trying to protect you, you're certainly not ready to be a shinobi yet or ever" Darrien Responded "and that's your opinion" looking with resentment towards his brothers comments "It's true, I was just-" before Darrien could finish, Kasumi interrupted "That's Enough both of you, you're both my sons and proud Takayama Clan Shinobi, we good shinobi must rise above resentment and hate and stand together like a unified wolfpack, understand?" "Yes, Mother, We're sorry" Both of her sons bowed in respect and apology for their sibling rivalry.
"Haha, that's my Darling Beta Wolf" Jackson said as he walked in and kissed his wife in greeting. "She's right you know, your mother, is a very insightful and intelligent Shinobi, be mindful of your mother's wisdom, take it and learn from it, my sons, we're proud of both you and your skills as Shinobi" he said directing his comment to his sons. He then turned to Darius with some amazing news" Darius, I think it's time that you should learn and hone your shinobi skills from the same school your brother once attended" Darrien and Darius' eyes Widened to surprise when their father said that, Darius said "you don't mean that I- "he said before his father responded immediately "always catches on the slightest detail…he takes up after you, my love" he said directing to Kasumi as she responded with pride" Yes He does…Darius, you've been personally chosen by the legendary Master Hanzo to fly to Japan to attend Hanzo Academy next week" she added, Darius was excited to hear that Master Hanzo picked him to be apart the most prodigious Shinobi School in the world. He was so Excited that he got up hugged and Kissed his mother and hugged his father, then bowed to them in respect and in acceptance.
"Mom, Dad, this is a HUGE honor, I thank both you for this and I promise to bring honor to the Takayama Shinobi Clan during my time at Hanzo" Darius added, but Darrien wasn't too happy for Darius going to the same shinobi school that he once attended and graduated from. "I WON'T Stand for this" he screamed in protest of his younger brother getting accepted. "Darrien" Darius said in shock in Darrien's Protest "Darius has done NOTHING to earn his place in the Takayama Clan, let alone being accepted to the most prodigious Shinobi School in the world, I find it laughable that you, mom and Master Hanzo would pick Darius to enroll in Hanzo, before long, He'd be a laughing stock of the Whole Shinobi world." He exclaimed.
"Careful, Darrien, you've graduated from Hanzo yourself, why would you think that your brother would be an embarrassment to the clan and shinobi world?" their dad asked Darrien why he still sees Darius as a novice to the clan. "Because, he's just not ready, and I don't think he'll ever be- "Darrien said before being cut off by Darius mid-sentence. "Stop right there, I'm just as capable, if not better than you and I'll prove it right now, because I challenge you to one on one duel" he said "If I win, you let me enroll into Hanzo Academy, if I lose, I'll give up my rank as heir to the Takayama Clan and being a Shinobi, FOREVER, are you interested?" he added asking Darrien if he agrees to those terms. "you're on Darius, nothing personal little bro, but you're just not cut out to be a Shinobi, and you'll learn why, see you on the Takayama Training grounds." He said he went to his room to change and get ready for the challenge.
~In Darius' Room~
Darius was getting ready for the Biggest Shinobi Duel of his life, fighting his Older and More Experienced brother, for the right to go to Hanzo Academy. As he was getting geared up in the Traditional Takayama Ninja Gear, He wondered if he was doing the right thing, challenging Darrien to a Duel. He knows Conventionally, he can't win against his brother, if history has proven. He just needed One technique to beat Darrien, but what, he practically knows all of the moves taught to them by his mother and father. Then his mother walked into his room. "Darius, how are you feeling?" she asked' Darius Sighed and truthfully answered "Honestly, Nervous, mom, I don't know if I can beat Darrien, I mean he's graduated from Hanzo and is Destined to be the next in line to be leader of the Takayama Clan. I don't know if I can beat him." "Darrien is quite gifted, but not unstoppable. You two have always been working hard to be the best Shinobi in the clan, even when you were 3, you wanted to be just like your father. Ahh, my special little ninja knight. It's amazing how you've grown as a Shinobi" Kasumi said giving comfort and confidence in her son. Darius sat next to his mother as she continued "Darius, do you know our what our spirit animal is in our clan?" Kasumi asked Darius "of Course, the Wolf right?" he answered "that's right, in our family's history, Wolves are renowned for their Fierce, Cunning and Fearlessness.
"They're known far and wide as the ninjas of the woods, you and Darrien possess that same ability since before you were born, but only you have that ability to be even more" She added, Darius asked "Why is that, Mom? "In time, you'll know everything, but just know that, we love you and that you're a great Shinobi" She said giving Darius the Courage and Strength to face his older Brother now. "Thanks, Mom" they both hugged each other, and after a few seconds a disciple of the clan opened the door and told them "my apologies milady, master Darius, Grandmaster and master Darrien awit you on the Training Grounds" and she bowed telling them that it's time for the duel, Darius added "it's time…and I'm ready."
~Takayama Training Grounds~
In the Training grounds, where they train the future of the Takayama Clan. Both sons, stood at the ready, face to face to fight to the finish – Darius, to Keep being a Shinobi and attend Hanzo Academy, just like his older brother – Darrien to officially relieve his brother of being a Shinobi forever. It all comes down to who wants it more. Their father in his Traditional Grandmaster gear stood from his seat, looked up at his sons and knew how proud he is at how far they come, but saddened that one may lose his title and status as a Takayama Shinobi, as clan shinobi and their Wolf Spirits appeared and even Terumi from the shadows, to observe at the fight. Their father, raised up his hand and ask his two sons 'Alright do you two know what's at stake" both sons nodded in agreement. "go for as long as you like, until one of you is knocked unconscious. BEGIN" he said as the Two Sons Charged at each other.
The Battle went Back and forth they went both as the two brothers thought of the same opening attacks, a series a kunai and shuriken attacks to each other, only for the other block them. They both went in for punch/kick combos, but only for the other to be on the defensive. Darrien caught his young brother's punch and counter to have him in a sleeper hold position, then whispering to him "why keep fighting, everyone knows you can't beat me, Darius, even you" he said to a staggering Darius "Never, I belong in this clan and being a Shinobi and I'll prove it, right now" Darius responded after headbutting and hitting his older brother with a roundhouse kick" I will attend Hanzo, whether you like it or not" he added while charging at Darrien at full speed. "I need to End this with one blow at great force, that's all I need" Darius thought to himself as he connected with an uppercut to Darrien, only to use a submission jutsu. "Heh, just like 10 years ago, Darius, you're just too predictable" Darrien though as he then jammed Darius in the ribs with a fast elbow and right hook to the face. With great force, Darius fell to the ground and caused a big crater. Darius on the ground unconscious, everyone was sure that Darrien won the duel, as Darrien walked over to Darius' body, he said "So sorry bro, but it looks like I wi- "just as Darrien was about claim victory, he saw that Darius body changed into a training dummy with a kunai with a red bow on it. "can't be…a paper BOMB- "Darrien said as the explosion caught him by surprise.
Darrien fell back a few feet only to have his hands over his eyes to shield himself from incoming debris from the explosion. "a paper bomb, should've known. Very wise, but not-" Darrien thought as he felt a quick strike to his abdomen. It was Darius Channeling his inner wolf, going on the offensive with a series of quick attacks, throwing off Darrien's thought of countering and defending. Darius hit Darrien with a series body shot from the back, front, sides and legs, he saw that his younger brother never had that kind of fight in him, but had a sense of proudness came over his face as he thought "you truly have come a long way, Darius from when you were 7 years old. My little brother, I'm proud of you" as Darius was about to land the finishing blow "Here's the finish" Darius Screamed "Secret Ninja Art: Wolf's Rage" Wolf's Rage a very powerful ninjas art, charging at the enemy at breakneck speed and landing a very punch/kick combo attack. When Darius landed the last punch, Darrien, fell back a few feet and landed on the ground, causing a crater line as stopped a few feet away from Darius.
Everyone was shocked to see Darius get the better of his older brother, so much so, that they're was clamoring among the clan after that attack landed, that soon stopped when Darrien was Barely back up on his feet. "No way, it can't me, how is he still up from that attack" Thought Darius as he was in shock to see his older brother survived that attack. "It…it's not…over...yet...D..Dar…ius" Darrien said as blood was dripping out of his mouth and he was covered in wounds suffered by Darius' Wolf Rage Barrage. But Before Darrien could make an attack he keeled over and collapsed on the ground, unable to fight on. Their Father arose from his seat to address his sons and clan, raise up his hand and said" The Winner is…Darius Takayama" the clan cheered for Darius as he was relieved that he finally beat his older brother in a ninja duel. Darius was tired from the battle that he himself collapsed on the ground too. Everyone went on the grounds to check on the two sons. Terumi who saw the whole fight from start to finish, knew that with his friend and rival's victory assured, he aims to defeat Darius with his own two hands "Well done Darius, you've taken care of one obstacle, but it won't save you from me, because when you and I meet in combat again, you won't be so lucky" Terumi thought as he disappeared into the night.
~In Darius' Room~
The next day, Darius awoke from his unconscious state, to find himself all patched up, with his Arms, Legs and ribcage all taped up from the intense fight with his older brother, to which he was the victor of and that made him smile, only to feel pain in his ribs, his mother was right beside him while he was bedridden said woke up beside him and said "mmm…Darius, you're finally awake, I'm glad "Darius added " Mo-MOM, you've been here the whole time" "well of course silly, who else undressed you and got you patch up" she said, Darius was blushing beat red when he heard that his own mother undressed and patched him up herself, Darius thought " I can't believe that my own mother undressed me herself…but then again, she's also a great Medical Ninja as well. And she's my mother, anyone else and I would''ve freaked for sure"
Kasumi asked Darius if he was alright 'I'm mom and I want to thank you" for what?" she asked. "for never giving up on me, you were there, when I wasn't myself, and wasn't sure that could beat Darrien in a Shinobi Battle." Answered Darius as he hugged his mother and she hugged back, embracing each other. "aww your welcome sweetie, I knew you could do it and I wasn't the only one" Darius looked up and saw that his father, Jackson was there by his wife's side tending to him while laid unconscious. "She's right you know, I always knew that my sons were destined for great things, now, I know for sure." He said to Darius as he smiled in approval. He then asked his son something most fathers ask their sons, getting at Darius' age "Darius, do you have a girlfriend?" he asked 'Wha-wha-WHAT?" Darius turned beat red blushing when his father said that. But thinking about it he did see images of Master Hanzo's granddaughter, Asuka smiling at him and that made him smile too. "well dad, to answer your question, not…yet, but I guess anything's possible" Darius responded answering his dad's question.
His father laugh at his answer and agreed "yes it can son" afterwards the doors to Darius' room swung open and Darrien, like his younger brother, all tapped up from the injuries suffered from the shinobi battle with Darius. "Hello, Mom, Dad, could you give us a few minutes alone" he asked his Mother and Father for a few minutes of privacy with his brother to talk. Their Father said "sure son, come on Kasumi, let's give our two young men some time for a heart to heart chat" he said. Kasumi Nodded, while talking her love's hand and leaving their two sons to talk, as they closed the door. Darrien sat down beside Darius and started "~sighs~ so you finally did it, you finally beat me…after 100 tries" Darrien being funny, Darius in a funny way took exception to that "it wasn't 100 tries….it was...82 tries and 1 tie" Darius said under his breath, Darrien asked "I'm sorry can you repeat that? "it was 82 tries and 1 tie" Darius said a little louder, but still mumbling. Darrien asked to repeat it while his hand was over his right ear and Darius yelled "IT WAS 82 TRIES AND 1 TIE YOU MORON" "haha, see now wasn't too bad was it" Darrien asked, Darius threw a pillow at him and said "ah Shut up, why are you here this early anyway, thought you'd be resting up after last night" Darius said ad Darrien picked up the pillow and gave it back to Darius. He got up out of the chair and walked to the balcony of Darius' room "Let's just say I'm proud of my little brother and wanted to congratulate my brother for beating me in a Shinobi Battle." Darrien said, "wait are you saying-?" Darius asking his brother for clarification. "A Deal is a deal, you win, so that means you get to start the spring semester at Hanzo Academy." Darrien said answering his question.
When he said that Darrien jumped for joy with excitement, but Darrien said "stop it you're gonna upset your wounds again, mom's not gonna like that" he said warning Darius as he stopped and said' "oh right sorry" "listen here's why I'm here, since you're not old enough to be on your own yet, mom and dad had but me in charge of being your guardian, during your time at Hanzo and you are to follow my rules and not to get into unnecessary fights, that cool?" he asked Darius, he responded saying, "it's cool"
~One Week Later~
The day has finally come for Darius to his next steps as a true shinobi, Darius was in his room packing for the trip to stay at the Takayama Spring and Summer home in Japan with Darrien, while Darius was attending Hanzo Academy. It was within walking distance of the school, so it wouldn't be a problem.
before they got into the limo heading to airport, their mother and father stopped them and offered words of encouragement" Darius, my special little shinobi, I'm so proud of how you grown as a young man and as a shinobi, his mother said "Do your absolute best and I know you'll make proud" she added "I will mom" Darius said as he hugged her. "I also heard that Master Hanzo's Granddaughter, Asuka is attending Hanzo, this should be great, you two can hook up and I can have grandchildren" he said in a dilutive rant, Darius was all flustered and just said "MOOOOOM" "Sighs~ Mom always acts like this even with me when I was at hanzo with Rin" Darrien responded, Darius asked his brother what did meant by that and he just said "nothing, nothing at all little bro" "oh…ok" Darius shrugged it off. Their dad came up to Darius with a short wooden chest and told him "Darius, you're already proven yourself to be a very capable and amazing shonobi, I know you'll represent the Takayama Clan, during your time at Hanzo, to that end, your mother, brother and I agreed that you need to be ready for the many, many Challenges that lie ahead."
Jackson said opening the chest, revealing a set of legendary Ninja Gauntlets and Shinobi Scroll "A True Ninja is always at the ready when it comes to any challenge and now, you will be too, these gauntlets and ninjas scroll have been in the Takayama clan for generations; the Gauntlets and scroll which contains amazing power passed down generation after generation of Takayama. they have served me well and got me through many a battles with rival ninjas and even yoma and now I pass them on to you Darius" Darius was shocked that even his dad took on yoma and still lived to tell the tale. That filled him with so much confidence and honor that he said on impulse "Mom, Dad, I won't you down, I will bring honor to the Takayama Clan and become a True Shinobi" Exclaimed Darius making a promise to his mom and dad that he'll be the #1 true shinobi in the world. As Darrien and Darius got into the limo and said their goodbyes, as they left for the airport. Darius reached for his pocket and took out a picture of Asuka, now the same age as him.
"Asuka, hope you're doing well, soon we get to meet up again, I can't wait to see you and see you how you've grown as a person and Shinobi" As Darius thought to himself, Darrien, saw that Darius was looking at the picture of Asuka, he snatched the picture from out of his hands, Darius blushed and said Hey give it back bro, don't make get hood ninjas on your butt" as both brothers fought for the picture, Terumi was right on their Trail to follow Darius to Japan, to get Stronger, along the honor of defeating him in battle.
~ Meanwhile~
A cloak figure, was about to address dark shinobi and said to her army "our master, my father, was murdered by those wretched Hanzo Ninja and those backstabbing bitches from Hebijo, who now call themselves the Crimson Squad. My loyal minions, we will now get satisfaction and eradicate those who are responsible for this heinous action for killing out master Dougen, because I, Junko, will lead you to victory…and to their enviable death of our sworn enemies, first we strike the Hanzo Shinobi…WHO" S WITH ME" Junko yelled as to rally her troops around her, they all cheered yelling "Junko, Junko, Junko, Junko" as she gave off an evil laugh. It seemed a storm was coming, and that it would envelop the whole world…in Darkness!
That's it from Chapter Zero, hope you all enjoyed it. it only gets better from here, this is just a taste, I'm already hard at work with Chapter One. it will be out soon.
What will happen to Darius and the Hanzo Ninja when they meet up, what will Asuka think of Darius, after 10 long years. and what will Junko have in store for the Hanzo Ninjas, whatever it is, its not out Next time.
~ Next Episode: Shinobi Reunion: Enter The Sixth Hanzo Shinobi. ~
If you like the story, show me some love and please hit like, favorite, follow and subscribe...til next chapter, later!