Ninja Gaiden III – Kasumi's Tale

Me: Well … hello again! I'm surprised and very glad that I've already got a review! Thanks StarCaptain! Anyhow, let's get the show on the road! But … right before that, I will warn you that this chapter is a bit … bleh. Stilted. And I made up some stuff … and it will sound a tad awkward.

"I am very sorry Joe Hayabusa. Unfortunately, we have lost one of your numbers during an operation, and it appears she has been captured by the enemy. I'm sorry to disturb your clan, but we need an operative to retrieve Ayane – unfortunately, headquarters has disapproved my request …"

It was the afternoon after Ayane's capture. Irene made an apologetic bow, inside a Japanese style chamber. Joe Hayabusa's chambers. He sat stoically, almost expressionless, but Irene could see a streak of anxiety.

"Irene … your apologies should not go to me. Rather, the Mugen Tenshin clan. Ayane is not a part of the Hayabusa clan, though she has been under the employ of Ryu for several occasions. Although … we cannot spare any men. It is too dangerous. The spies of the village reported that the Black Spider clan, are keeping tabs on both our clan, and assisting these terrorists. However … the Mugen Tenshin clan may help you in this case. I will send for one of my men to send you there, through a clan alliance ritual."

Irene nodded, and bowed in respect. She was lead out by another ninja, and was taken to a small room, with mysterious runes and symbols etched into the building, as well as all kinds of traditional … thingamabobs. Irene wasn't particularly familiar with traditional Japan.

After a few minutes of waiting, she was placed in a strange ritual, and in a flash of light, leaves, and burning ki, she was teleported to the entrance of the Mugen Tenshin village.

However, she was barely there for a second before an entire squadron of ninja had surrounded her and demanded the reason for her presence. Irene calmly presented a scroll of peace, given to her by the ritual ninja at the Hayabusa clan.

The leader of the squadron approached her, and took the scroll, reading it carefully as well as performing some kind of magical detection on the scroll. He nodded and he signalled for his squadron to retreat.

Irene was then taken through the village, a motley assortment of traditional Japanese houses with varying buildings, until she came to a stop at the largest establishment – a temple like structure with ornate decorations and Japanese styling.

She was lead inside, and before she knew it, she was sitting in a grand room, flowing in the aesthetics of rural Japan. Tatami, wooden sculptures, katana and armor ornaments, as well as a beautiful view of the surrounding forests bathed in the sunlight.

A door at the back end then opened, revealing a somewhat old man, but with a spry face along with a beautiful woman with dark hair.

"I am very sorry to disturb your clan, but the CIA requires your help, Master Shiden. I am Irene Lew. One of your numbers has been lost and captured by the enemy, and we request you send one of your ninja as an operative for this mission to retrieve Ayane of the Hajin Mon sect of your clan."

"Ayane's missing?! Why? Please, continue your explanation Irene!" asked Ayame desperately, worried for her daughter.

"Ayame. Don't worry, Ayane will be fine. But … all of our competent men and women are full with Raidou's doings or keeping guard in case he returns ..."

Irene furrowed her brow, and looked down. This was not good news. The room grew silent for a few seconds … but then –

"Father! Mother! Ayane's gone missing!" a certain girl exclaimed.

The sliding door was wide open, revealing a beautiful, young kunoichi, dressed in a lapis blue kimono, fit for a princess. She had fiery auburn hair which accentuated her sparkling eyes, which were a bright brown-orange.

Me: Wow. I'm so evil. I cliffhanger'ed right when Kasumi came in. Hehehehe … Kasumi's coming soon enough anyhow. Tomorrow … or tomorrow tomorrow. Probably tomorrow. Anyway, Kunoichi says "お楽しみに!" And this Jap font is horrible …

Kasumi: What a shame … I wasn't able to appear in this chapter …

Me: Don't worry. You won't even engage in combat in the next two chapters or so.

Kasumi: *Gasp*