The first time he went through this portal, The Samurai screamed in pain and fear. This time, he screamed in anger. How could he let Aku win yet again? All that time, all that work, all for nothing. He had to start over! He did not even know if the portal he used to return to the past was still there! What if it was gone since he already used it!? No. Focus. All is not lost. He told himself. He had to contain his anger. Think of something good. At least I will not be as lost as I was the first time. I will know where I am, I will not be so confused. This brought him some comfort as he saw the ending to the portal.

He landed calmly with his eyes closed, and stood up. He looked around and realized immediately that things were different. For one, he was in a city, but it was nothing like most of the cities in Aku's future. In this one, the sky was empty. Clear and blue similar to his homeland. There were no flying vehicles, there were odd vehicles that looked like carriages encased in metal, but they were self-propelled. There were tall buildings, but nothing like the towering structures that resembled the demon. He looked around at the people, and saw that there were only humans. No strange alien creatures that came here because of Aku's power lust. Also, no one looked frightened. It seemed as if they were all going about their own business quite calmly. Everything seemed very clean compared to how it was in Aku's future. It was so different, but he felt as if this was a good place. He had truly defeated the demon. With this realization, an astounding sense of peace came over him. Everything was perfect.

He was attracting a few curious looks from the passersby, but he was ignoring them until a short elderly lady walked up, "Excuse me young man, but are you lost?"

He thought for a moment before answering. During his travels, he had encountered many dangerous people who had attempted to take his life. Little old ladies included. "Yes…" He answered cautiously, not knowing what her intentions were.

She smiled kindly at him, "Well most people choose to change into their Kendo clothes after arriving at the Dojo, but to each his own. What is your Dojo called? Kyumeikan is only a block away, is that it?"

"Ummm. Yes. That is the one." He lied, smiling. He could not truly explain to this woman what had would only cause trouble.

"Oh, good. I'll walk you there so you won't get lost again."

"Thank you, ma'am." He was hoping he could just walk in the direction of the dojo she mentioned, and simply get away from her. But he had no such luck. She made small talk on the walk, her husband was a former Joujutsu practitioner, and an avid weapon user, but he was too old to practice actively. Although he still taught students whenever he could. Currently, he was helping instruct a group of girls as well as a Sumo Wrestler, and their Grand Daughter whenever she decided to drop by. She also liked his sword, and could tell that it was professionally made. If only you knew. He thought to himself with a slight smile. In only a few minutes, they arrived at the dojo.

He walked into the establishment and wanted to walk out as soon as the lady left, but almost immediately, he was noticed by one of the Dojo masters. "Hello there! You look like you are ready to train with us! Wow, you even brought a real Katana! Well, we do not use live steel here unless you have permission from our Hanshi, so for now, you will have to use a bamboo blade. What Dan are you?"

"Dan?" He asked confused, "My apologies, but I do not know what you mean."

"What? A beginner like you, and you come to a dojo with a real katana?" the man laughed, "Don't worry, we will straighten you out. By the way, what is your name? You may call me Kaziki."

Jack bowed low, "Greetings, Kaziki Kohai." He said respectfully before standing up.

"Ummm, that's Sempai." The man laughed politely. "You are the Kohai."

Jack lowered his head respectfully, "If you say so." He dropped the honorific for the time being. There was no reason to start a fight. "They call me Jack."

"Well Jack Kohai, why don't we get you some the safety gear, and spar a few rounds to get a feel for how good you are. Just look at it like an entrance exam."

A few minutes later, Jack was completely dressed in an odd, soft armor, and a strange caged mask. He was extremely uncomfortable, and would much rather fight in his dougi as he was used to. But he would obey the dojo rules as of right now. He did not even want to be here, but it seemed as if he did not have a choice. Besides, it was only a sparring match. Friendly swordplay would be nice after all these years. Perhaps even relaxing. He was given a shinai; At least he was used to using one of these. However he was uncomfortable being separated from his katana. His opponent was Kaziki who was wearing the same armor, but his shinai was a little longer. Most people would not even notice, but this Samurai was certainly not most people. Jack frowned at the fact that one of the dojo masters was cheating against someone who he thought was a novice. Despite this, he said nothing.

They both stood in Saigin no Kame, a beginning kendo stance. Jack waited, waiting to defend. After several seconds, Kaziki lost his patience and lunged forward. The Samurai parried flawlessly, tripping his opponent, and setting the tip of his bamboo blade to his back. The man barred his teeth behind his mask, and swung around, Jack blocked it, but the man was ready and twisted his sword around, parrying. This went on for quite some time, but no matter what the man did; Jack always held the upper hand. There was nothing the man could do; Jack's form was beyond perfect. Finally, Kaziki gave up. "You lied!" he yelled. "You said that you did not know what Dan you were! But someone with your skill had to have trained at a dojo for a very long time! You are at least a 6 Dan!"

"No." a voice interrupted,

"Shihan!" Kaziki exclaimed.

"This man is higher than that. If I were to guess, he is at least a 9dan."

"At least? But that is the highest Dan there is." Kaziki was rather confused at his master's words.

"Formally, you would be correct. But there are still many things you don't know. One of which is how to recognize a true master." He practically spat at Kaziki who was now kneeling on the ground bowing to his teacher. This man comes in here, carrying a real katana, and you assume that he is a fool who knows nothing!?"

"But, Shihan, he said that he did not know what Dan he is! He claimed to have never been trained!"

"You fool! He truly does not know what Dan he is, because someone of his skill cannot be classified any skill level!" Then to Jack he said, "My deepest apologies, brother. My student is nothing but a fool who knows nothing of the world of masters." The man bowed deeply before continuing. "I am Ichirou Saga, a member of Yami's Armed Division. I assume that is why you are here?"