Osaka, Japan. Night had fallen and the winds howled heavily. Through the trees dashed three figures moving toward a small town. Within this town was an escape convict who had taken refuge inside. A bounty was on his head for numerous murders and rapes. That night he was celebrating with a group of men he recruited into a band of convicts at a local bar. As they drank and partied, three geisha entertainers were dancing on stage.
The three figures in the trees were Shirai Ryu assassin. They race through the trees silently and swiftly. As they came to the town, they remained in the tree tops, planning their attack. The lead assassin gave the order and the three split up, scouting through the town unheard and unseen.
The men watch lustfully as the women dance. The main convict had his eye on one in particular. He chugged the whole cup of alcohol in his hand and watched her closely. He then got a refill and tossed it onto the geisha's dress, acting as if it was an accident. Embarrass, she step down and went into the restroom to clean herself up. The convict followed her.
The three assassins scouted, and the leader found their target. He threw an iron star rapped in paper into the sky that flared for a short second alerting the other two assassins. As the other two were on their way, the lead assassin made his move.
The geisha was in the restroom washing up when the man came in behind her and locked the door. As he walk over to her, the woman ran into the stall. Before she could lock it, the man pried the door open and snatched her out by her hair.
"I love a woman who puts up a fight," he said.
He through her face into the mirror, cracking it and cutting her face a bit. The woman then got up and made a run for the door. The man grab her by her leg and dragged her back across the floor.
"Where are you going sweat heart. I thought you liked me," he said.
"Please, somebody help!" she screamed out.
The man then hoped on top of her and put his hand around her mouth.
"Don't fight, your only going to make it worse than its gonna be," he told her.
As she began to cry, horrific screams came from the other side of the door. Sounds of struggling and pleading wailed from outside of the bathroom. The man than got off the woman.
"Don't move or I'll kill you afterward," he warned her.
She watched as he walked over to the door. The man took out his pocket knife and unlocked the bathroom door. All of a sudden, something pierce threw the door, hitting him directly in his chest. It was a spear connected to a chain. He looked back at the geisha as blood began to spill from the corners of his mouth. He was then snatched through the door like a rag doll, screaming to the top of his lungs. The woman sat up horrified of the sudden events, yet she sat quietly hoping what got him didn't come for her. After a minute of soul numbing screams, dead silence surfaced. The woman continued to sit silently. The body of the man was tossed into the bathroom decapitated. This broke the woman's silence as she screamed from the site of the headless body.
The three assassin raced from the town with there prize in hand. They returned to their hidden village. As they entered, they made sure that they didn't leave any tracks and that they had not been followed. The lead assassin then place the head in a bag and signaled for the other two to report in to their Hokage. He then went to his home. Before going in, be placed the severed head inside a bush outside and removed his mask while also placing a kimono over his uniform. As he walked in, his wife was sitting on the floor running her fingers through their son's hair who was asleep in her lap. He notice the cold bowl of rice awaiting him. He picked up two chop sticks, grabbed the bowl of rice, and sat in front of his wife.
"He asked about you all day Hanzo," she said still playing in her son's hair.
"I figured he would," he said taking a bite of the cold rice.
"He needs you around more," she told him.
He didn't respond seeing that this was not going to be a easy discussion. He only took another small bite of his rice and sat quietly.
"Hanzo, don't ignore me," she pleaded.
"What do you want me to say Kana," he responded, "I have to provide for all three of us. The Shirai Ryu is the only way I can do that."
"Is that the example you want to set for Jubei. He wants nothing more than to be like his father."
"What is wrong with that," he said a bit angreliy, and quietly so he wouldn't wake his son.
"Nothing, but I'd rather it be Hanzo Hasashi rather than Scorpion," she explained.
At that moment three knocks came from the door, it was code that Scorpion was needed. He sat still as if to ignore the knocks and stared his wife deeply into her eyes. Although he grew tired of this conversation, he knew she had a point. He loves that his son admires his profession, yet he wanted Jubei to have nothing to do with the Shirai Ryu.
"I understand what you are saying Kana, but Jubei will choose his on path in life as I did. We will discuss this matter later. I must go."
Scorpion sat the bowl of rice back in its place and left his wife sitting on the floor. As he walked outside, he met with the other to assassins that were with him on the mission.
"The Hokage wishes to see you," they reported.
Scorpion removed the kimono, revealing his uniform and place his mask over his face. He took the bag out of the bushes and left to follow his orders with the other two behind him. As they entered the Hokage's dojo, he and a Shogun were awaiting them. They sat on the floor and the Hokage was smoking while holding a scroll. Scorpion and the other two ninjas took a knee with one fist to the floor and their heads bowed.
"Do you have what you were sent for," asked the Hokage.
"Yes Hokage," Scorpion said swiftly out of respect.
"Well," he said indicating for Scorpion to show proof.
Scorpion took the head from the bag and held it up by the hair. Blood dripped onto the floor as he held it.
"Is this the man you sent them for," the Hokage as the Shogun.
"Indeed it is. Your assassins are impressive," the Shogun confirmed and then complimented.
The Shogun stood up and grabbed the head from Scorpion. He then placed a small bag of gold coins in each ninjas hand and then proceed to walk out of the dojo. The other three ninja stayed in their position waiting to be dismissed.
"You may leave," said the Hokage waving his hand.
The ninja stood up and turned to leave.
"Scorpion, stay. I must speak with you. The rest of you leave," he commanded.
As the other two walked out, Scorpion turned back and assumed his previous position out of respect for the Hokage. The Hokage opened the scroll to look at it, and then finally look up at Scorpion.
"You may sit," he offered.
Scorpion sat down and place his full attention on the Hokage. He removed his mask and sat patiently, wondering what the Hokage needed with him. The Hokage close the scroll and then signaled for a man to come in. He was balded, with greyish white skin, and markings all over his body. The aura he gave off gave Scorpion chills. He walked over and stood next to the Hokage, who was still sitting. Scorpion's first glance at the man made him uncomfortable and suspicious. The Hokage handed the man the scroll and stood up signaling for Scorpion to rise. Scorpion also stood, but place both hands behind his back.
"Is this the one," asked the man looking Scorpion over.
"Yes, the finest ninja produced by the Shirai Ryu," replied the Hokage.
"So your the great Scorpion. I've heard rumors," he complimented.
"Rumors are fake, I am real," Scorpion replied with distrust in his voice.
The Hokage stared heavily at Scorpion as if to say show respect. Although Scorpion felt as if he owed this man nothing, he had to respect his Hokage. A short moment of silent ran before the man spoke again.
"My name is Quan Chi," the man stated, "I've come seeking your serves."
"Just give me the name, I will find him myself," Scorpion asked.
"No, no my friend. You seem to have the wrong idea," started Quan Chi, "What I want you to kill is something you've never seen before. Something not of this world."
"What are you talking about," asked Scorpion suspiciously.
"I wish to hire you, but this is no ordinary job. It requires you to travel to an unholy land," replied Quan Chi.
"Unholy?" questioned Scorpion.
"Yes. If you wish to take me up on my offer you will bring this scroll to me at the location provided," said Quan Chi handing Scorpion the scroll, "Arrive an hour before midnight. I so hope you show, and remember that only you can see the true meaning in the words."
Scorpion held the scroll and felt as if evil surrounded it. Holding the scroll made his skin crawl and his blood cold. All of a sudden another ninja ran inside frantically and out of breath.
"Please excuse my intrusion Hokage, but Lin Kuei warriors have been spotted coming this way," he said.
"What! Alert the men to reinforce our defense and then gather a small squad to guide the women and children out of the village. Escort them to our safe haven," commanded the Hokage, "Scorpion, we shall continue this matter later, they need you."
"Yes Hokage," he complied.
Scorpion place the scroll on the back of his sash, put on his mask, and race out the dojo. Shirai Ryu ninjas were grabbing their weapons, and women and children were taken from their homes and rushed to safety. As Scorpion was running he saw his family being escorted from their home.
"Honzo!" she yelled out to him.
"Get them to safety, the Lin Kuei has been spotted!" Scorpion yelled to the ninja guiding them out of their home.
As Scorpion and the others were racing to the sound of combat, a loud bang followed by an explosion sent a shock wave that knock them off their feet. As the flames engulfed the houses and the trees, Lin Kuei warriors emerged through the flames and in front of them was a familiar face. Seeing him, Scorpion realized that they were in for a battle.
"Sektor," he said with hatred.