"It should be around here somewhere," Kasumi said to herself. She strolled along the small riverbed while keeping her presence a secret. Then, she noticed the large temple sitting by the center of the village. She crept her way towards the temple and began to search for anyone that could be the mysterious letter sender. However, it shouldn't have been a surprise as she saw a familiar face on top of the temple roof. "There's not much time," said Hayabusa.
Ryu Hayabusa was Hayate's best friend. They have been getting along since they were kids. One day, Hayate asked Ryu to protect his sister, Kasumi. Ryu honored that request as a promise. Now, Hayate has been ordered to silence his traitor sister. Ryu seeks to keep the promise with Hayate and protect Kasumi.
"Hayabusa-san, what are you doing here? Were you the one who sent the message?" Kasumi asked. Ryu jumped down and landed with perfect balance. "I am sure you are well aware of the current situation. Hayate has taken a step up and decided to end it as soon as possible. That is why I am here," Ryu said.
"But, that means you will go against your best friend," Kasumi said. Ryu sighed. "I know, but honoring my promise comes first. If you are not careful, you may end up dead before you know it. Like so…" Ryu grabbed a shuriken from his pocket and threw it toward a bush. A masked ninja lay down and was injured by the shuriken. Ryu was skilled with throwing weapons.
"It seems that you have led them here. Looks like coming here was a bad idea after all. We have to keep moving. Follow me," Ryu said. He leapt on a branch and was heading towards the east exit. Kasumi followed him as she had nowhere to go now that the pursue squad was within the village. They stopped at an open field area. Kasumi was confused.
"Why are we stopping?" she asked. "They could be here any minute." Ryu stared up at the moon. "I'm sorry. I just had to look at something." Ryu continued on as Kasumi followed behind. "The storm is definitely coming," he said. Halfway across the path, Ryu stopped again.
"Behind you!" he exclaimed. The two ninjas dodged the barrage of shuriken that came from the west. There, the hunter ninjas revealed themselves. The leader was with them as well. "Long time no see, Hayabusa-sama." Ryu looked at the leader as he pulled his mask off. "So it was you, Meizu."
Kasumi looked frightened. The ninja leader had scars all over his face. "Hayabusa-san," she whispered. Ryu turned to Kasumi. "There is another village near the Tamura Mountains. My friend is the owner of a sushi bar. It should be easy to find as it is the only one inside the village. I will meet you there." Kasumi shook her head. "But…" she started. "You must hurry! Go!" replied Ryu.
Kasumi started leaping across the branches to her destination.. "Please be safe, Hayabusa-san," she said to herself. The ninja leader, Meizu, drew his blade. "It's about time we end this, Hayabusa-sama. The rest of you must follow that girl!" The other ninjas nodded and followed Kasumi. "Wait!" Ryu said. He began to strike the ninjas until Meizu came behind him and made a slash on his arm. Ryu kneeled down and drew his sword as well. "Your fight is with me," Meizu said.