Kenichi leaves the school with a disappointed sigh. He really should feel proud about his accomplishment. In a week's time, he managed to defeat Daimunji. A weak person like him managed to defeat a person as strong and big as Daimunji. It is all thanks to a certain girl who decided to be his sensei in the martial arts. Miu taught him the stepping technique that helped him to defeat Daimunji so she gets a great deal of the credit in his victory. He never would have been able to defeat Daimunji without her help. Chances are he would be a mere stain on the ground without her help. Unfortunately, even though he managed to defeat Daimunji, he didn't have the heart to follow through with the outcome of the promise.

"Please don't kick me out! Karate is my life!"

Another sigh comes from Kenichi. He couldn't let Daimunji get kicked out of the club. Daimunji trained so hard in elementary school to get into the Karate Club. The reason Kenichi wanted to become strong is not to ruin the lives of others. That is why he reminded the instructor that it was an infringement on the rules to use a throwing technique. It sucks that he was kicked out of the club, but at least Daimunji still has a place to go.

"Kenichi."

A grumble comes from Kenichi. Just when he thought that this day couldn't get any worse. He turns around to see one of the worse people he ever had the fortune to meet. "What do you want Nijiima?"

Nijiima types away at his PDA. "I heard that you lost the match against Daimunji on an infringement."

"Yeah, I used a throwing technique to beat him. It is an illegal move so I lost," nods Kenichi.

"Infringement or not, you still managed to defeat him," smirks Nijiima. "Looks like I will need to update my information on you."

Kenichi shrugs. "Whatever." He begins to walk away.

"As a reward for winning your match, I'll give you some information." Nijiima gains an evil smile. "I heard that your victory against Daimunji managed to catch the attention of Tsukuba-sempai. He is the vice president of the Karate Club and a member of a delinquent gang known as Ragnarok." Kenichi pales. Laughter erupts from Nijiima. "Good luck trying to beat him!" The alien looking boy runs off laughing merrily at Kenichi's despair.

Break

Matoko blushes as she watches Naruto easily defeat every opponent he faces. Even the older students are being defeated without landing a single blow. 'He is so amazing.'

Hanzo raises his hand. "Point and match. Winner is Uzumaki Naruto."

Dan and Naruto bow to each other. Naruto reaches up removing his helmet. It is a useless piece of gear that hinders more than helps him, but he doesn't want to stand out too much so he wears the protective gear. He walks over to where Matoko is sitting on the mats and takes a seat next to the girl. She beams happily at him choosing to sit next to her. Little does she know that he chose that spot because it was the closest opening to where he was standing. "Next up, we have Kin versus Mei Lin."

A soft whisper comes from Matoko. "You were great."

"Thank you," nods Naruto.

"At this rate you are going to become the ace of the team," smiles Matoko.

"I still have much to learn." It is a true statement. Despite having never lost a single spar, it is mainly due to the fact that he is faster and stronger than everyone else in the room. He doesn't nearly know as many advanced techniques as the older students, but his speed allows him to strike first. All ninja train in using speed over power. Ninja are taught to move in the shadows and strike before an enemy even knows that they exist. In order to accomplish such a task, a ninja needs to be able to move at high speeds to avoid detection. Get in and get out in a matter of seconds without leaving a trace of evidence behind. Many days, weeks, and months he spent training with weights attached to his legs and arms. He would have to move about quickly with the weights attached to his body in order to accomplish his training tasks. Failure to do so would earn him a harsh punishment. He takes great pride in his speed having spent many years training to develop it to its current level. Only jounin were ever able to outmatch in a contest of speed. One day he plans to reach a level of speed to surpass even the greatest of fighters.

She smiles with a heavy blush. 'He is so modest. I really like that about him.'

"Hey did you hear? Shirahama Kenichi managed to defeat Daimunji."

"No way, I thought he lost."

"Technically, he used a throwing technique to win."

"That is cheating man. It is not a real victory."

"I guess so…"

Naruto hides his surprise well. Kenichi managed to defeat Daimunji? It seems that Kenichi truly trained hard over the week. He is impressed. Daimunji is a weakling, but so is Kenichi. To think that Kenichi grew so strong over a week shows that the boy has the potential to be strong. Perhaps he needs to reevaluate his original assessment of Kenichi. He will have to pay Kenichi a visit later today to verify the rumors.

Break

Tsukuba leans back in his seat. An irritating grating sound fills the classroom as he rolls two rocks together in his right palm. He doesn't even hear the teacher talking to him. All he can think about is that match the other day between Shirahama and Daimunji. It doesn't matter if it is an infringement of the rules, Shirahama managed to defeat Daimunji. Daimunji is a weakling with large muscles, but even still, for someone like Shirahama to defeat the muscle bound idiot is a huge accomplishment. Shirahama displayed incredible footwork and good reflexes during the fight. Could it be that Shirahama was hiding his true strength this entire time? Or was it a fluke?

'Shirahama Kenichi, I want to see how strong you really are,' glares Tsukuba. The rocks are crushed into dust scaring the entire class including the teacher.

Break

Miu sweat drops, "Gardening Club?" Kenichi nods. "Is everything ok? You are acting really strange."

"I am going to die," sulks Kenichi. Miu blinks.

An evil laughter fills the air. Miu turns around to see an alien looking boy walking towards them. "Who are you?"

"The name is Nijiima, a friend of Kenichi," smirks the alien. His eyes travel downward noticing Miu's large breasts and curvy figure.

Miu smiles in delight. "You are a friend of Kenichi!? Me too! Does that mean we are friends?"

Nijiima gives an evil smirk. "Of course." Miu's smiles brightly. She gained a second friend. "The reason Kenichi is so down is because Tsukuba-sempai wants to beat him up."

"Beat him up?"

"Yes, after seeing him defeat Daimunji, Tsukuba-sempai now wants to fight Kenichi."

"Oh!" Miu relaxes. "It sounds like he wants a match. Why don't you spar with him?"

Kenichi looks at her as if she has grown a second head. "Are you insane?! Tsukuba-sempai can destroy rocks with his bare hand and break a baseball bat with his feet! I don't stand a chance against a guy like that."

"You didn't stand much a chance against Daimunji, but you managed to defeat him."

Miu, Kenichi, and Nijiima all jump in surprise. The three spin around to find a boy standing on the other side of Kenichi. "Naruto!?" gasps Kenichi.

'I didn't even see him,' thinks Nijiima.

Miu's eyes narrow in suspicion. 'I wasn't even able to detect him.' This is no ordinary boy. To be able to move so close to them without even being detected is an incredible feet. She knows that he must have had extreme training to move around so discreetly. Is he an enemy?

Naruto raises his hand giving a wave. "Yo."

Kenichi sweat drops. "Don't sneak up on me like that, I was about to have a heart attack."

"Ah…sorry," replies Naruto. "I heard about your victory against Daimunji. I came to congratulate you."

"Uzumaki Naruto, age fifteen, and recent transfer student from Okinawa. Grades are average at best and is a rising prodigy in the Kendo Club," says Nijiima reading the information on his PDA. Naruto stares calmly at the alien boy. "I make sure to keep information on all the strong people in school." A boastful smirk is on Nijiima's face, but soon turns to a frown as Naruto starts ignoring him.

A grumble comes from Kenichi. "Tsukuba-sempai is way stronger than Daimunji. I barely beat Daimunji." He looks at Naruto before turning to look at Miu. "I wish I was strong like you two."

Mu adjusts her glasses. "I know a place where you could grow strong if you are serious about getting stronger." Kenichi's eyes light up in hope. "…but the chances of surviving the training….are unlikely." The boy pales as shivers run up and down his spine.

"If you are serious about getting strong you need to be willing to risk everything," says Naruto. He turns around and throws up a wave. "Later Kenichi-san."

Nijiima narrows his eyes. 'He is stronger than he is letting on.'

'I can't put my finger on it, but there is something dangerous about him,' frowns Miu.

Break

Kenichi gulps, 'Is this really the place?'

In front of him is a large pair of intimidating wooden gates. Suddenly, he feels like an ant. An ant about to enter into a giant's home. He looks back down at the map. Miu's directions are extremely cute, but hard to read. No matter how many times he looks at the map, it leads him to this exact spot. This is the place that she wanted him to come to. Kenichi turns his head to see a sign upon the doors. "Ryozanpaku," he reads. It is a strange name for a dojo.

Taking a deep breath, he places a hand against the door and begins to push. His face begins to turn red. He soon has both hands on the door and begins to push with all his might. The doors refuse to budge even a single millimeter. Just when he is about to collapse from exhaustion, an unseen hand reaches above his head and flicks the doors. The doors burst open and Kenichi falls forward. "Are you okay young man?"

"Yeah….it's a giant!" Kenichi's eyes widen in terror. The tallest man he ever met in his life stands over him with long blonde hair, a matching beard, and muscles that put a body builder to shame. Gulping, he stands up and begins to bow while his body trembles. "Thank you for the help sir."

A chuckle comes from the giant. "Such polite manners." The giant strokes his beard. "What business do you have at Ryozanpaku?"

"Um a friend of mine told me to come here in order to find training. Are you a master?"

"Me?" The giant points at himself with an amused smile. "I wouldn't say I am a master, but I am fortunate enough to say that I have never lost a single fight."

Kenichi gulps, 'never lost a single fight?!' He smiles sheepishly. "Well, I better get going. I don't think I have the right address." He starts to run taking a look back. Miu must have sent him to the wrong place. No more thoughts enter his head due to the wall he runs face first into.

"Where are you going?"

"W-w-what!?" Kenichi stares up at the giant. He turns around to find the spot behind him empty. The giant looks down at him with a friendly smile.

"Come young man, if you are looking for a master there are plenty in Ryozanpaku."

"Um…ok."

Little does Kenichi know that by entering into Ryozanpaku, his entire life is about to change.

Next Day - School

Nijiima runs around the corner. Surprise fills him. He begins to turn his head from side to side in furious motions. Anger fills the alien boy as he once again lost his prey. It doesn't make any sense. Every time he tries to follow Uzumaki Naruto, the Kendo prodigy manages to disappear on him. When it comes to sneaking around he is supposed to be the best! Uzumaki is making him look like a fool.

'You won't escape me! I know your schedule!'

Naruto steps out of the shadows after Nijiima leaves the hallway. He scratches the back of his head. Nijiima sure does seem intent on getting information on him. Honestly, he doesn't care what Nijiima learns about him when it concerns his life at school. As long as the alien doesn't start trying to pry into his past or personal life it is not a big issue with him. Still, it is almost…fun to mess with Nijiima and vanish around every corner so that the alien is even more lost than before. 'Hmm…maybe I should skip my next class to confuse Nijiima-san even more,' thinks Naruto.

After School

Tsukuba leans against the wall in the locker room. The past three days he has been trying to find Shirahama, but the slippery rat is somehow managing to avoid all his men. Fortunately, he managed to find a reliable source that told him Shirahama is escaping out the first floor window at the end of the day. All he has to do is wait it out.

"Ok need to get my shoes and get out," whispers Kenichi sneaking around the locker room.

'You are all mine now,' smirks Tsukuba. He walks forward with a smirk. It is time for him and Shirahama to fight.

Kenichi grabs his shoes. "Alright, all clear to the left. Clear to the right." A cracking sound makes him pale. He turns around with a loud gulp. "Tsukuba-sempai…." Tsukuba stares down at him with a cruel smile that promises a great deal of pain. "Can't we talk about this?"

Break

A harsh shove makes Kenichi stumble backwards. He barely manages to keep standing. Tsukuba steps forward with a sadistic gleam in his eyes. "I know you are better than that. I want to see that power you used to defeat Daimunji."

Kenichi winces, "why do you want to fight me? What is the point?"

"Point?" Tsukuba chuckles. "I never said there was a point. I just want to fight!"

"I won't fight you without a reason." Kenichi turns around and begin to walk away. He won't be involved with senseless fighting. The whole point of becoming strong is to protect the weak, not get into fights to prove who is stronger.

Tsukuba scowls in annoyance. "I guess it was all fluke. You really are a coward who got lucky."

Kenichi freezes clenching his hands into fists. A coward? He trained very hard for an entire week in order to defeat Daimunji! Every day he ended up being late for school. Every night he would be too exhausted to eat dinner and instead end up falling asleep on the floor. All that blood and sweat he poured into his training in order to become stronger. No way is he going to let this jerk call him a coward. "I am not a coward! Take it back!" yells Kenichi.

"Oh? Did I make you mad?" Tsukuba raises his fists up and begins to bounce around on his toes. "If you want me to take it back you are going to have to make me." Kenichi's eyes burn in anger. The younger boy gets into his own stance. Tsukuba springs forward surprising Kenichi with his speed. A fist buries into Kenichi's stomach. Using the momentum, Tsukuba spins on his heel delivering a strong kick to Kenichi's face. Kenichi is sent flying and slams to the ground harshly.

'So fast,' coughs Kenichi.

"Get up!" Tsukuba gets back into his stance. "I know you have more in you than that." Kenichi continues to cough heavily. A frown mars Tsukuba's face. He walks over to the downed boy. "Is this really all you got? Pathetic." Pain fills Kenichi as two swift kicks are delivered to his gut. "You are nothing but a weakling after all. This was a complete waste of my time." Tsukuba scowls not in the least bit satisfied. He prepares to walk away when a hand grabs his ankle. Surprise fills the older boy to find Kenichi gripping his ankle.

"Take….it….back."

Tsukuba lashes out with a kick. "Release me!" It takes three kicks to get Kenichi to let go. The older boy prepares to walk away, but winces as he steps down on his right foot. Tsukuba's eyes widen to see a decent sized bruise on his leg from where Kenichi grabbed him. 'No way, he managed to bruise me? What the hell?' Kenichi lies on the ground barely conscious. Tsukuba shakes his head before leaving.

Ryozanpaku

Miu walks around the dojo sweeping the outside grounds. 'I wonder what happened to Kenichi.' She waited forty minutes for him after school, but he never showed up. It is not like him to blow her off like that. Granted, she has only known him for a couple weeks, but he never showed up late for previous meetings after school. A smile appears on her face. She is worried for no reason. He is probably doing some work for the Gardening Club or some extra work for classes. Kenichi wouldn't ditch her for no reason at all. Coming around the corner, her eyes widen in surprise upon seeing Kenichi kneeling down by the water faucet. "Kenichi!"

Kenichi refuses to turn around. He continues to run the water not responding to Miu. "Hey! I waited for you after school but you never showed up. I was really worried about you." Miu expects an answer, but nothing comes from the boy. She is about to yell at him some more before stopping as she notices the bruises and welts on Kenichi's body. "What happened to you?! You are injured….Did Tsukuba find you?"

"I am fine." He stands up putting a towel over his head to hide the look on his face. "I fell down some steps."

"Those are not injuries that one gets from falling!"

He walks away refusing to meet her eyes. "I have to get training."

Miu reaches out to stop him. "Kenichi, talk to…"

"Leave him be Miu." She turns around to see Sakaki leaning against the wall with arms folded across his chest. "There are some faces a man can't show to a woman," says Sakaki knowingly.

"I see," whispers Miu. She bites her bottom lip worrying about Kenichi.

Unknown Location

Tsukuba enters a dingy room with a heavy bag hanging from the ceiling and a single large leather chair. In that leather chair is a pretty girl with short red hair that is mostly hidden by a green beret. She may seem like nothing much, but she is incredibly strong and an executive member of Ragnarok. For all his strength, he knows that a fight with her would end in a severe beating. It is the reason that he takes orders from her. Only the top seven fighters in Ragnarok are strong enough to beat Nanjou Kisara.

Kisara turns her head to stare at him with piercing emerald eyes. Tsukuba feels a shiver go down his spine at her gaze. "So, how was that freshman, Shirahama Kenichi?"

A scowl forms on his face. "You were wrong about him, he was a total weakling."

An object sails through the air striking the wall next to his face. He turns his head to see a photo embedded into the wall. "Oh well, there is another target I want you to check out." Tsukuba grabs the photo to take a look at the kid in the picture. "I got word on a freshman prodigy in the Kendo Club. I want you to test him."

"I hope he is strong. If he is weak I will just crush him."

Kisara smirks in amusement. "Crush him, I don't care. If he isn't strong I have no use for him." Tsukuba smirks as he leaves the room. She leans back in her chair. Tsukuba isn't the strongest member in her gang, but he is useful when it comes to testing new talent. It saves her the trouble of dirtying her own hands.

Break

Naruto yawns. He is barely able to keep his eyes open during class. The day is going by so slowly. Saturday and Sunday seemed to go by so fast. It wasn't fair that the weekend went by in the blink of an eye. Why can't Monday go by super-fast and the weekends nice and slow? At least he is in his last class. If he had another class left he wouldn't be able to survive. He much rather go through the hellish ANBU training than suffer these classes. Groaning inwardly, he realizes that he still has seven more months of school before the year finishes out. Why did he decide to come to school?

Ten minutes later, the class comes to an end. Naruto grabs his bag and leaves the classroom with the rest of his classmates. It is time to head to Kendo Club. He hopes that one of the older students like Sora-sempai or Dan-sempai will teach him a new technique. Kendo is really improving his kenjutsu abilities. Previous moves that he learned in the ANBU but never mastered are starting to improve since his training in Kendo. Contrary to popular belief, ANBU ninja do not all know how to wield a sword. ANBU are taught the basics of kenjutsu, fuinjutsu, and genjutsu to make them more dangerous and versatile in battle. Most ANBU and ninja in general learn multiple different arts never specializing in a single art. The few ninja that do specialize in a certain field are rare and most of the time lacking in skills in other areas. If he recalls correctly, and he always does, he can think of only two individuals that he worked with that truly specialized in kenjutsu. Gekko Hayate was a special jounin that he worked with on a couple missions and had amazing kenjutsu abilities. Naruto even witnessed several of the man's techniques and is using Kendo to help recreate them.

"Uzumaki Naruto!" Naruto thoughts are interrupted as he looks behind him to see an older student walking towards him. There is a gleam in the older boy's eyes that Naruto recognizes. It is the same gleam that the villagers and Daimunji had. The desire to fight and beat him is in the older boy's eyes. "I heard you are a rising prodigy in the Kendo Club. I want to see how strong you really are," smirks Tsukuba.

"I have no desire to fight you," replies Naruto.

Tsukuba scowls, "you are starting to sound like that idiot Shirahama." Naruto becomes curious. "I want to fight strong people so don't disappoint me." The older student swings his right arm tossing a shinai to Naruto. Naruto catches the shinai. Tsukuba raises up his arms and begins to bounce on the balls of his feet. "Now get ready to fight!"

A cracking sound fills the air. Spit flies from Tsukuba's mouth as he is knocked backwards. Tsukuba falls to a knee clutching his stomach. He doesn't understand what happened. One second he was charging at the kid, the next second an object hits him in the chest with such force that he is almost knocked onto his ass. Tsukuba raises his head to stare at Naruto. Naruto stands calmly with a bored expression. Tsukuba's eyes narrow in anger. It looks like this time he finally found a strong freshman. He stands up getting back into his stance. "Lucky hit," grits Tsukuba.

Naruto watches as Tsukuba charges towards him in slow motion. There are so many openings that Tsukuba might be able to land a hit while he is deciding which angle to strike from. Unfortunately for Tsukuba, old habits tend to die hard. In a blur, Tsukuba's punch is parried aside by the shinai and a quick crack across the side of the head knocks the older boy out cold. Tsukuba hits the ground with a thump blood pouring down the side of his face. Ninja always make the decision to go for the easiest blow to eliminate an opponent. 'I guess he lives,' thinks Naruto staring at the broken shinai. He is going to have to work on holding back and resisting the urge to make the killing blow. Oh well, he needs to get to Kendo Club. Tsukuba will live so no point in worrying over small details. He walks away without a second glance backwards.