"Wait, the Raiden?" Jubei rubbed his aching leg as he tried to stand back up. "The God of Thunder?"
Standing behind Kasumi and Ayane, 'Raiden' crossed his arms and look straight at angry looking youngster, noticing the bruise on his leg that would impair him considerably if he decided to drag on their little 'fight' against each other. Ayane swallowed lightly and moved behind Kasumi, intimidated by the fact that a god in physical form was standing right before them. She then turned to Jubei, concerned, and to help him back onto his feet.
"No way," Jubei shook his head, biting his lip as he tried not to let his bruised leg bother him. "No. Way. Can you be Raiden."
"You doubt the existence of higher powers, Jubei?" 'Raiden' queried, genuinely curious.
"No, I'm sure they've got better things to do than to come all the way down here," Jubei explained, unfazed that this stranger somehow knew his name. He stood fully upright and staring up at him in the eye, a defiant glint in his own jade-coloured orbs.
The stranger smirked, "As the Protector of Earthrealm I believe I'm entitled to walk amongst the mortals that inhabit it from time to time."
The kids' eyes all lit up from that statement.
"Earth… realm?" Kasumi inquired as she and Ayane stepped forward to be at Jubei's side. "Raiden-sama?"
Jubei's eyes widened and he turned his head to looked at Kasumi as if she was insane, "Y-you can't honestly believe he's the God of Thunder, Kasumi-ch-"
"Raiden-sama? KASUMI! JUBEI!"
'Raiden' glanced up from the children to see Hayate running towards them from the direction of the Tenji Mon village, face reddened with exertion as he ran as fast he could after hearing Jubei's battle cries, and fearing the worst for his sister. Jubei, Kasumi and Ayane spun around, Ayane nervously reaching for Kasumi's shoulder when she recognised him as the son of the clan chief and the heir to Mugen Tenshin. Kasumi turned to her, questioned by her sudden attachment to her.
"H-Hayate-niisan!" Kasumi called out to him.
Hayate stopped dead right in front of Raiden, panting slightly. He was immediately alarmed when he noticed Ayane clinging to his sister.
'Is that-?' he thought, immediately recognising who it was and having to suppress a gasp.
"Hello again, Hayate. It's good to see you again."
He then looked up to see the stranger staring down at him, and smiling.
Hayate bowed his head, "Thank you, Raiden-sama."
Jubei's jaw went slightly agape, "You know this guy, Hayate-san?"
Hayate glanced over at him with his mouth slightly agape, alarmed and a little frightened by the younger boy's disrespectful behaviour towards Mugen Tenshin's most distinguished guest. If Raiden was bothered by it, however, he didn't let it show. "H-he's Lord Raiden, Jubei," he explained, now appearing slightly nervous that Jubei appeared to be trying to antagonise the gods themselves. "God of Thunder. Protector of EarthRealm."
Jubei's raised his eyebrows, his bruised leg long having stopped bothering him.
"Seriously?"
Hayate nodded, much to Jubei's, Kasumi and Ayane's surprise.
"Seriously."
Jubei turned to look back up at Raiden, who was now smiling down at him as if daring him to deny that he really was the Thunder God in human form.
"…" Jubei glowered at him, finally allowing himself to limp from his bruised leg. Arrogantly he stated, "You're lucky you're made of lightning. I would've beaten you."
Hayate cringed hard enough for his teeth to ache. Raiden stepped over to the tree where Jubei's tanto was embedded in. Pulling it out, he walked back towards Jubei, who still appeared furious with him. Extending the blade towards him, Jubei was unhesitant in taking his tanto back, snatching it and sheathing it. Kasumi, Ayane and Hayate watched this exchange silently, in awe that Jubei wasn't in fear of the personification of thunder itself; Hayate chalked it up to his arrogance,
"I suppose a rematch is in order," Raiden said. "On that day, however, I expect you to not hold anything back."
Jubei smirked and narrowed his eyes with a determined glare, "Count on it…Lord Raiden."
"…huh?" Hayate muttered quietly, confused by Jubei's sudden shift in temperament and suddenly addressing Raiden with a reserved amount of respect.
Raiden turned his head towards Hayate, "Now, I believe I have an appointment with your father, Hayate, Kasumi."
He turned to Ayane, the younger girl shrinking slightly. She noticed, however, that he didn't look at her with any sort of malice like how so many others have locked at her, and she relaxed a bit and stepped forward away from Kasumi, allowing Raiden to look a better look at her.
"Ayane," Raiden addressed her.
"…Lord Raiden," Ayane bowed her head.
Lightning encasing him, Raiden suddenly disappeared in a flash of white, leaving the three youngsters standing there. For a few brief moments they could only hear the sound of waterfall, the birds, and their own loud heartbeats as each of them struggled to process what had just happened.
"H-Hayate-san?" Jubei finally spoke up.
"Yeah?" Hayate replied.
"Why does he need to speak to father?" Kasumi asked, feeling afraid.
(MK)
Sitting at the head in the conference hall with his wife and the Mugen Tenshin's Master ninja in attendance, Shiden was staring towards the centre of the hall, an atmosphere of silence upon them as they expected their distinguished guest to appear at any given moment. Shiden raised an eyebrow, and he immediately stood up, Ayame and the other masters following suit.
A burst of lightning appeared in the centre of the room, and in its place materialised Raiden. Shiden and the other ninja present all bowed their heads in greetings towards him. Raiden pounded his fist into his hand and bowed his head in return.
"Lord Raiden," Shiden raised his head. "We are honoured to have you here amongst the Mugen Tenshin once again."
Raiden regarded the words of the chief of the Mugen Tenshin carefully. It was eight years ago when he had first visited the Mugen Tenshin and relayed to them the existence of Elder Gods, ancient and undying evils, parallel Realms, and the Tournament that is annually held to determine the fate of Earthrealm. And right away, Mugen Tenshin had pledged their loyalty and service to Raiden towards the defence of Earthrealm and the billions of mortal souls that inhabit it.
"Chief Shiden," Raiden greeted, pounding his left hand into his right palm and bowing, returning the ninjas' greetings. "I bring unfortunate tidings."
"About the Tournament?" Shiden queried, wearily.
Raiden nodded, "It would seem I am the not only one who has been busy gathering allies. The aGents of Outworld have begun recruiting from this plane also. Men and women who would see their fortunes rise above the corpses that the forces of Outworld would leave once their stake on Earthrealm has been claimed."
Shiden reacted to that news with pure, determined stoicism. However he noticed his fellow master ninja all exchange worried glances, one of whom bowed his head lightly so that no one could see how panicked he looked.
That master ninja raised his head, now appearing outraged, and demanded, "That cannot be allowed! Surely the laws surrounding the Tournament must prohibit this."
"Unfortunately, no," Raiden replied, crossing his arms. "There is no law stipulating how each Realm can recruit fights to their cause. And I believe you're familiar with many of the warriors Outworld has so far sworn into service for its Emperor." He paused, letting his words sink in. "The Black Dragon, for one."
Shiden shook his head, "Yes, we are familiar with that…organisation." He cast his worried glance to his wife, seeing how much she tried to not let this existence of this group, and its membership, bother her. "We have crossed paths with them a few times." He then frowned, "The Lin Kuei?"
"It's Grandmaster has pledged himself and his entire clan to fight for Outworld," explained Raiden, grimly. "They will be competing in the Tournament. Again, for personal gain they threaten our very existence."
"The first time it meant the death of Hasashi Hanzo and end of the Shirai Ryu," Shiden said. He then wondered, "Speaking of whom, you've just become acquainted with its heir?"
Raiden nodded, "Hmm, impulsive that one. But perhaps it's just because he is a mere child." He smiled, surprising everyone present." He does not lack for spirit; I'll give him that, however, nor does he put himself before others."
"You mean Kasumi?" Ayame asked with a small smile, happy of the bond growing between the children.
Raiden stopped smiling, replacing it with a rather judgemental frown." For her, for Hayate, and Ayane." He looked around to see the Masters all appear uncomfortable with the mention of Ayane. He noted how bitter they all looked, Ayame doing her best to keep her composure. Shiden kept his now unhappy focus straight at the Thunder God. "Apologies if I broached a rather uncomfortable subject."
"We don't speak of…that girl," another of the Masters angrily put forward. "Ever."
"Because of the circumstance surrounding her birth?" Raiden asked, unhappily. He didn't miss how forlorn Ayame felt, judging from the way she was could no longer look Raiden in the eye. "Are you really that callous that the child should inherit the father's sins?"
"You speak of things you know nothing ab-!" that same Master exclaimed, but stopped when he remembered who he was speaking to. That, and Shiden glaring him into silence. "With respect, Raiden-sama, we deal with that child as we feel is appropriate."
"…I will not press the issue, then," Raiden said, dissatisfied. "I only ask you be certain that it will not affect her loyalty to Mugen Tenshin in the long run." He paused a moment, allowing what he just said to sink in. "I wish to test the mettle of Mugen Tenshin, to see if it had that fire in its heart."
"You would have us compete to earn your favour?" Shiden asked.
Raiden stared at Shiden hard, unflinchingly. The ninja chieftain was unfazed as ever.
"Do you represent Mugen Tenshin, Shiden?"
"I do."
"Then I would only have to compete against you."
(MK)
"HEY, SLOW DOWN JUBEI!"
Jubei ignored Hayate calling out after him, and the pain in his bruised leg, as he tore across the bridge towards the Tenji Mon village. There was no way he was going to miss a single moment not catching a glimpse of Raiden himself in the flesh. Earlier he would have answered Raiden's question on if he doubted the existence of gods; that answer would have been 'no.' He knew that there had to have been higher powers, but always thought there were too busy to deal with the problems of mortal, like him and best friend Ayane being mistreated in Mugen Tenshin. And despite acting unpleasant towards the Thunder God, he had felt gratitude towards him for acknowledging his worth, not to mention Ayane's very existence.
He grinned. Besides, if there was going to a fight revolving around Raiden coming all the way down here then there was no way he was going to miss it. His smile faded when he saw the crowd gathered outside the chief's residence. He groaned out loud, looking up at the sky, and then hung his head in resignation. He wasn't the only one interested in seeing Raiden again.
"What's going on?" Jubei asked the nearest villager. The nearest, jovial looking villager to be precise. "Hey!"
"Lord Raiden is here," the villager answered, excitedly. "It's been eight years since he last walked amongst mortals and once again we're privileged to have him here among us."
Jubei blinked, trying to understand why Mugen Tenshin was happy to have someone that could easily wipe them off the face of the Earth walking among them. He tried pushed past some kid a year older than him and make his way through the crowd…
"HEY!"
…only to be shoved back, tripping over and falling onto his behind.
"Watch where you're going!" the kid yelled down at a startled Jubei.
"Chow," he heard an older, calmer voice admonish him. "Remember what Lord Raiden said about being guests-"
"But he shoved right into me, Liu!" Jubei heard the younger voice shout as he rubbed his aching behind. "Stupid ninja…"
"Huh?!" Jubei cried out in hearing those words. He looked up, ready to cave the scum's head in. He stopped himself when he saw that those two boys he didn't recognise as belonging to Mugen Tenshin. One of them was about Hayate age's but a least a couple inches taller and the other one much younger and shorter, about eight or nine years old. They both had black hair and brown-coloured eyes and Jubei was quick to recognise their ethnicity as Chinese.
'How'd they get here?' Jubei thought, alarmed. Even more so about the fact no one from the village seems to care they were two strangers wearing the casual garments associated with the Shaolin Temple all the way from China. He turned to see the older one stand above him, and extend his hand down towards him with a friendly, reassuring smile.
"Forgive my brother, he can bit a bit…rude at times," the Chinese teenager replied. His smile faded when Jubei batted his hand away and stood up, brushing the dirt off his backside and shooting both strangers a glare.
"Who are you and what're doing here?!" Jubei demanded. "Outsiders aren't allowed here! How'd you even find this place?"
Taken aback by Jubei's outburst, which drew the attention of the some of the crowd, the teenager replied, awkwardly as Chow glowered at him, "We…uh…we accompanied Lord Raiden here on matters regarding the Tournament."
Jubei's expression softened a bit at the mention of Raiden, "You know Raiden?" The teenager nodded and smiled. It faded when Jubei pressed inquisitively, "Tournament? What Tournament?"
"JUBEI!"
The three boys turned to see Hayate finally catching up with him, holding both Kasumi and Ayane's hands. Ayane quickly scurried behind Hayate's back at the sight of so many people gathered outside Hayate and Kasumi's home, many of them she recognised having looked at her in an awful way in the past. Those same people recognised her in turn and were immediately vocal about it.
"HEY! What is she doing here in the village?!" one of the villagers, a middle-aged man, demanded as he pointed at finger at the shivering girl. Several of the other villagers immediately turned and started hurling abuse at her, Kasumi and Hayate stunned at seeing this side of the people they saw nearly every day and always thought them to be good people. Hayate frowned and kept himself protectively between Ayane and everyone else.
Jubei was immediately incensed and menacingly stepped forward, only to be stopped when he felt the Chinese teenager, Liu, put a hand on his shoulder and shook his head, his face calm in the face of such a heart-wrenching situation. He then silently pointed Hayate's way.
"She's with me!" Hayate declared out loud, immediately silencing the crowd, a few of them appearing awestruck by how authoritative the young teenager sounded. "Anyone that has a problem with it can take it up with my father." He didn't notice how awestruck Kasumi and Ayane looked at him, especially the purple-haired, crimson-eyed little girl who couldn't keep her eyes quivering from emotion, that someone other than Jubei was standing up for her.
The crowd immediately backed off. Immediately guards, in full Mugen Tenshin uniform, appeared to disperse the crowd, ordering them to return to their homes and allow the dignitary of the 'Elder Gods' to converse with the Masters of Mugen Tenshin in peace. Hayate turned to Liu, inquiring, "Can we…try this again somewhere quiet?"
Liu nodded, noticing out the corner of his eyes his brother appearing nonplussed and glaring at Jubei.
(MK)
Jubei sighed as he sat cross-legged beneath the shade of the Cherry Blossom tree situated in the forest to the west of Mugen Tenshin, a place where many people go to whenever they needed solace from a bloody life as a ninja in service to Mugen Tenshin. To his relief there was no one else around, there was only him, Kasumi, Ayane, Hayate, and the two Shaolin boys that sat were sitting on a tree stump some feet away. Kasumi and Ayane were sitting next to him while Hayate simply stood.
"Again, I apologise about what happened earlier," Liu reiterated, directing his gaze towards Jubei. "Lord Raiden had asked us to wait outside the chief's house while they handled business."
Jubei noticed everyone was staring at him, expecting him to reply. Opening his mouth, he would have said something if he hadn't noticed that Chow glowering at him. The Tenji Mon boy instead grimaced and averted his gaze, directing it towards a falling cherry blossom petal which he caught in his left palm. He then grumbled, "Shaolin, huh? Heard you monks invented martial arts or something?"
"We did," Chow smirked, crossing his arms. "As the old saying: 'All martial arts under heaven arose out of Shaolin.' You've been told that, right?"
"…nope," Jubei stated flatly, his tone of voice infuriating the younger of the Shaolin Monks-In-Training. "Sensei never said that-"
"SO why is Lord Raiden here?" Hayate quickly interjected, staring at the Hajin Mon boy hard, causing him to cringe and shut his mouth. Liu watched the exchanged between them and inwardly smirked. Just like him and Chow, the older responsible brother and his impulsive, younger brother.
"He's here to evaluate the shinobi of Mugen Tenshin and if they are fit to participate in the upcoming Tournament," Liu explained. Noting the confusion on the Mugen Tenshin's children's faces, he realised they didn't know what he was talking about. "You…don't know about-"
"That means we're here to see if you ninja are really worthy of His attention." Chow cut in and smirked confidently at Kasumi, her eyes lit up from the attention. "Don't know why he even bothered coming, he's already recruited our whole Order to take up arms for his cause."
Jubei finally decided he did not like Chow, especially the way he was staring at Kasumi and making her uncomfortable. Kasumi, however, stared back at him hard, wiping the smile off his face. "What if we are worthy?" she then asked, startling Chow. Jubei smirked; convinced that this was the first time a girl had spoken back at him.
Despite having lived within Mugen Tenshin all his life, Jubei, and by extension every other child his age, weren't ignorant of the outside world and of martial arts existence outside Japan. Jubeira had told him of the warrior monks of the Shaolin Temples in China and how their Shaolin Kung Fu were the basis for many other martial arts style, including the ninjitsu all ninja clans shared. And that made him want to challenge these monks all the more.
And it scared him. This ingrained desire to fight. Whether it was because of all the scrapes he used to get into with the other Tenji Mon or Hajin Mon children when he was younger whenever they decided pick on him, if it sprung from the blood that flowed in his veins, his dead family and clan that many of the Tenji Mon reviled as 'evil', or it was simply the way he was being raised.
Him, Kasumi and Ayane. He was afraid for them as well. Getting back to the present, he noticed that Chow was scowling Kasumi's way, and how Ayane was double-taking between them in concern …
"Then you get to participate in the Tournament, I guess," Chow replied. He then snorted, "Seriously, you've never heard of THE Tournament?"
Hayate scratched the back of his head, briefly deep in thought, "One time I think I overheard father mention some kind of martial arts competition to the other Masters."
"This Tournament will determine the fate of Earthrealm," Liu said, the urgency in his voice startling the Mugen Tenshin children. "Lord Raiden is its sworn protector and he is recruiting warriors to fight on his behalf."
"P-protector?" Ayane inquired, meekly.
"Protecting against what?!" Jubei exclaimed, shifting himself so that he was now kneeling on the ground, darting his eyes toward Kasumi, Ayane and Hayate, scared of the thought of anything threatening the lives of his friends. Hayate felt the same way, inhaling sharply as he felt nervous.
Chow was about to answer when Liu interjected, "Apologies, I think we've said too much."
"Not enough," Hayate stated, just as Jubei stood up, fists clenching and looking very determined for an eight year old. "If everyone here is in danger than we'll have to be ready."
Liu couldn't help but be in awe of how ready these shinobi-in-training were to fight for the future of Earthrealm. Lord Raiden had been right about the Mugen Tenshin. It wasn't just the fact they produced some of the finest warriors in the world, it included the will and determination to follow through.
"There's only one way I know that will help us to be ready," Liu said.
Guessing what it is, Jubei nevertheless smirked and asked, "What's that?"
(MK)
Hayate was glad the Tenji Mon's dojo situated in the centre plains of the village just happened to be empty, Raiden's appearance drawing nearly everyone in the village to his home. Stepping onto the white painted wooden floor Jubei behind Hayate with Kasumi and Ayane tagging along he took in every inch of the dojo, having never set foot in it before, where in the past his training as either been in the forests surrounding the Hajin Mon village or at its temple. The dojo wasn't off limits to just him but all Hajin Mon.
"I call first match!" Chow's enthusiastic declaration caught Hayate and Jubei's attention. He turned to Jubei smirking and said, "And I challenge-!"
"Me."
All heads present turned to face Kasumi, she brushed past Jubei, the Tenji Mon's mouth was agape as he became alarmed by Kasumi's declaration, but suddenly looked eager to see her fight. Chow looked at her like she was crazy while Liu appeared intrigued. Hayate however became alarmed and was about to voice his protest when saw Kasumi staring at him, almost pleadingly. Ayane fearfully stretched a hand towards her new friend, touching her on the shoulder.
"Kasumi-chan?" she whispered, concerned.
"I don't wanna fight a girl!" Chow exclaimed, heatedly. "Besides…" He gestured to Kasumi and Ayane, "Do they even know how to fight?" Kasumi's eye widened, feeling hurt by Chow's comment; not unlike Jubei who was outraged at that statement. She stopped feeling hurt almost immediately, instead levelling a very intense glare aimed at Chow, who visibly uncomfortable took a few steps back.
"I know how to fight," Kasumi declared. She then bowed her head towards him, followed by putting her hands up and spreading her feet as she assumed the Tenji Mon Style Ninjitsu stance. He turned to Hayate, "Nii-san, I can fight."
Hayate inhaled sharply with worry. He then sighed, and reluctantly nodded.
Chow openly gawked at her, appearing visibly insulted. He then shrugged, "Fine. Just don't complain afterward, right?" He then assumed his fighting style, and noticed Liu was looking at him disapprovingly
"Remember what sifu Bo'Rai Cho said about not underestimating your opponent?" Liu asked.
"Yeah, I remember," Chow exclaimed. He then smirked confidently, "No way she's gonna lay a hand on me."
Hayate and Liu shared a glance, the former giving him a rather knowing smile. The elder brother sighed before stepping away from the ring, Jubei and Ayame following suit. Both Kasumi and Chow remain their stances, waiting for someone to give them the order to begin. Hayate took that upon himself, raising his left arm.
"Ready?" Both fighters nodded, and Hayate brought his arms down…
"HAJIME!"
Chow was the first to attack, taking one step forward and swinging a left hook aimed at Kasumi's face. In a display of sereneness that made Jubei hold his breath she took a step back, moved her right hand so that she could brush his fist aside, the momentum causing Chow's whole body to turn so that his back was exposed to him. Her eyes dimmed, and the pain Chow felt as Kasumi unleashed several fast strikes all over his back was so extreme his scream was cut off as he felt like he had swallowed his tongue. One last strike to the small of his back knocked him off his feet and he landed flat on his chest.
The fight had last the span of two seconds, leaving Ayane, Jubei, Hayate and Liu gaping. "Whoa," Jubei let out, before he started grinning. Kasumi noticed him and turned red, before closing her eyes and smiling cutely, hands clasped behind her back and looking bashful.
"Kasumi-chan," Ayane smiled in amazement. She turned to see the Hayate, who looked like he couldn't decide to be proud that Kasumi was this skilled already at her age or to start fretting like an older brother that she got herself into a fight with a guest.
"Chow!" Liu exclaimed, rushing to his side and moving to help him. Instead, Chow pushed him away, incensed that he had just been floored by a girl.
"I'M NOT DONE YET!" he exclaimed, standing back up and suddenly extending his hand forward.
"CHOW, NO!" Liu shouted, swatting Chow's hand away, but not late to stop him from generating a small fireball and projecting it at Kasumi as she turned her back to him.
Panicking, Jubei jumped in front of Kasumi, stretching his left hand forward and catching the fireball in his hand, which exploded in his palm and eliciting a scream from Jubei, bringing him down onto his knee and clutching his burnt hand. Kasumi barely had time to comprehend what had just happened, but when she did she cried Jubei's name and knelt down to his level, immediately trying to offer whatever aid she could. Chow's eyes widened in horror when he realised what he had just done.
"WAS THAT A FIREBALL?!" Jubei screamed, pain lacing his voice as he suddenly groaned.
"W-WHAT?! WHAT'D YOU DO?!"" Hayate shouted in anger. A terrified squeak came from a shocked, frozen Ayane as Hayate attempted to round on Chow, but was stopped by Liu.
"Please…" Liu pleaded with Chow. "There doesn't-"
"He just tried to a throw a fireball at my sister!" Hayate exclaimed, angrily. "J-Jubei-"
"…we saw that."
They froze when they heard the familiar voice of Raiden. And sure enough there was he and Shiden standing in the dojo entrance. Liu nearly dropped Chow after helping him to his feet as he and his brother bowed their heads, while Hayate stepped forward, guilt playing on his face. Ayane quickly moved so that she was hiding behind Jubei, scared of the Tenji Mon chief and the consequences of being inside the village.
"F-father," Hayate stammered. "I can explain-"
Shiden brushed him off, "Me and Lord Raiden were just discussing how much all of you were improving in your martial prowess," He paused when he noticed Ayane peeking over Jubei's arm at him, intimidated by his presence. Hayate noticed he was focused on her, before he turned back to him and looked sternly at his son. "And we find you here disregarding clan law."
"And Chow here demonstrating one of Jun Fan's more advanced techniques against his master's command," Raiden added, a thoroughly embarrassed Chow bowing his head in supplication.
Hayate bowed his head low, knowing why his father was looking at him like that, "I invited them to watch me and Liu-san spar, father." He turned to Liu, silently pleading with the Shaolin Monk-In-Training.
Liu raised his eyebrows, before getting the gist and quickly nodding, "Yes, that's right. We were just let our siblings have a shot at sparring first before us." He smiled, eagerly. "I'd be honoured to show you how much Master Bo'Rai Cho has taught me. It would be in preparation for this Tournament of course, Lord Raiden." To Shiden he added, "Lord Shiden."
Turning to Shiden, Raiden was smiling approvingly, "I believe Mugen Tenshin can afford to overlook this one small transgression, in the interests of our cause. What do you think, Shiden?"
Shiden noted how Kasumi was already tending to the burn on Jubei's hand,.
"…agreed," Shiden said, surprising the children.
Raiden could sense that Shiden already had no intention of disciplining his son or the Tenji Mon children over some ridiculous clan law. Knowing that Liu already must have let it slip regarding the Tournament and possibly even Outworld, Raiden put a hand on Hayate shoulder and nodded, appearing confident in the Tenji Mon youth's abilities, "It is time to see if you are truly able to shoulder such responsibility."
Hayate nodded, determined, "Anything for Mugen Tenshin."
(SSJNYH)
Chow was still wincing in pain from the blows Kasumi dealt to his back, glaring over at the girl in question standing close to Shiden as he himself stood by Lord Raiden's side. He noticed Jubei, his hand properly bandaged, standing right next to her, Ayane in turn standing next to him, leaning backward and sending him a death glare, the fact that Chow had somehow managed to hurl a fireball at Kasumi something that he would never forgive him. Chow snarled lightly and concentrated on Hayate and Liu standing at opposite ends of the ring, preparing themselves for their fight. The way Liu cracked his knuckles and his joints and that radiating aura of confidence around him, Chow was sure he would win.
"Eyes forward, Jubei," Shiden ordered, and Jubei complied instantly, gulping lightly. The clan chief announced, "Whoever is able to lay his opponent upon the floor will be named victor. Now, prepare yourselves."
Hayate bowed his head in Liu's direction, the Shaolin-in-training which Liu returned, pounding his left fist into his right hand as customary.
"There's something I need to say before we fight, Liu-san," Hayate said, piquing the monk's interest. "I…had always wanted to see what is so special about the Shaolin Temple's Jun Fan style."
Liu smiled lightly, "I'll show you." He then dropped into his stance, Hayate following suit.
Jubei's raised his eyebrows when he felt Ayane clutch onto his right hand, looking at Hayate with glossy eyed concern.
"HAJIME!"
Shiden's declaration drew Jubei's attention back to the two older boys, who were immediately trading blows with each other. Everyone noted the turkey-like cries of exertion that came out of Liu's mouth, him the first to land two strike to Hayate's left shoulder and chest, stunning him and allowing the Shaolin Monk-in-Training to launch a high kick to the chest that sent him flying some feet back. Hayate recovered quickly enough, landing on the palms of his hands, pushing himself off the ground and throwing himself back into the air, and right in Liu Kang's direction, levelling a down kick at Liu's right shoulder.
Liu crossed his arms in a block, but the force was enough to bring him down on one knee, Hayate's leg pressing down on him and his arms. Crying with exertion, Liu threw Hayate off him, and threw a barrage of straight jabs that nailed Hayate in the chest, knocking the wind out of Hayate. He levelled a palm strike at his forehead but Hayate suddenly disappeared in a whirlwind of leaves, surprising Liu. Hayate materialised behind Liu and levelled a spinning kick to his face; Liu jerking head back in time to avoid it, feeling the wind graze the tip of nose. Liu countered with a straight jab to Hayate's face, following up with several more straight punches that Hayate wasn't dazed enough to not defend against, before grabbing hold of Liu's fist and attempted to twist it.
The two boys started grappling with each other, gritting their teeth as he they tried to get a grip on the other. Giving up, Liu grounded his left knee right into Hayate's stomach, just as Hayate struck him in the forehead with the palm of his right hand. Both adolescents collapsed onto the floor, the other children looking all wide eyed that both unconscious older boys both managed to knock out the other.
"Hayate!" Kasumi exclaimed, panicking
"Liu!" Chow cried, outraged.
Shiden and Raiden didn't show any sort of emotion on their face. Jubei turned around, pointing at Hayate and Liu and asked, "So, it's a tie?" He winced when Kasumi brushed past him to check on Hayate, immediately shaking him to try and rouse him from unconsciousness.
"They still have much to learn," Shiden said. He addressed Jubei, Ayane and Chow, "You all do."
"Yes, father," Kasumi looked up her father. She turned to Jubei and Ayane as they approached her, to see if they can help Jubei any way they can. It quickly dawned on Ayane that the clan chief had been talking to her as well.
"Remember there is still one more match?" Shiden announced. Hayate groaned and those gathered around him, and Chow, turned to him questioningly as the chief ninja turned to Raiden, gesturing towards the dojo floor, "Lord Raiden."
The children were all stunned to hear this. Even more so when Raiden smiled and nodded, accepting the clan chief's challenge.
(MK)
Jubei hissed when he held his burnt hand in a pond some feet away from the dojo, trying to ease the pain that came with protecting Kasumi from some snot-nosed Shaolin that hurled a fireball at her. He looked over his shoulder to see a crowd outside the dojo's front door. He snorted, disappointed he was going to miss out on watching the clan chief and Raiden fight, but Shiden had ordered him to go and treat his burns. Ayane had wanted to join him but he told her to stay close to Hayate.
"Stupid Shaolin," Jubei muttered, indignantly.
"Jubei."
He saw Kasumi approach him, and quickly turned back to the water and his palm in it.
"You know you're gonna miss the fight," Jubei bitterly pointed out.
Kasumi shook her head. She then reached down and Jubeitly took his hand. She then removed her haircloth and wrapped it around his hand, Jubei hissing lightly but felt the pain lessen considerably as it wasn't exposed to the air. He saw that Kasumi looked guilty, almost like she was ready to burst into tears, "What's wrong, Kasumi-san?"
"I was careless and you got hurt because of me," Kasumi sniffed lightly, staring down at her feet. "Again."
Jubei dimmed his eyes forlornly, and sighed, "Kasumi…Shiden-sama said to protect you, and I did that."
He almost jumped when he thought he heard Kasumi growl in frustration. She then cried, desperately, "He should not have! I don't want you to get hurt!"
"…why?" Jubei asked, his eyes widened when she suddenly hugged him, burying her face into his chest.
"Because you're my friend," Kasumi cooed, all of a sudden a lot calmer. "You're not supposed to get hurt because of me."
Jubei found himself trying to comprehend that someone other than Ayane and Genra cared for him, especially that it was the heir to Mugen Tenshin. He thought that it was her nature to be warm to everybody, even him; a member of the Tenji Mon, and would never consider someone like him a friend. Quietly ecstatic, he genly returned the embrace.
"I-I'm ninja, Kasumi-san," Jubei said, a bit too quiet. "I-I was just doing what I was told. I-"
He noticed that Kasumi had gone silent, and just hugged him even tighter. He sighed and just held her.
(MK)
Hayate, Liu, Ayane and Chow found themselves amongst the crowd of villagers that had packed into dojo, no one wanting to miss out on watching their clan chief in a contest against the God of Thunder in human form. Hayate and Liu looked and felt miserable, feeling bruises all over with Liu sporting around his forehead. Their siblings, biological and adopted, were standing close by.
'What chance does father have against a god?' Hayate asked himself, watching the two men pace before each other before getting into a fighting stance. Hayate immediately realised by looking at Raiden's stance and footwork that his fighting style must be jujutsu.
"How should we determine the winner, Shiden?" Raiden asked, sounding almost condescending as if expecting that his opponent would not last long against him, and everybody present except the children had a feeling that that was the truth.
"Until the other cannot fight any longer, Lord Raiden," Shiden replied matter-of-factly. "We shall not ahold nything back."
Raiden smiled lightly, "Hubris. For once it's refreshing hearing it from you of all people."
Everyone tensed as they waited for the match to begin. Hayate felt Kasumi grip him tightly by the left hand.
"HAJIME!"
Shiden opened with a series of rapid kicks aimed at Raiden's head and torso, the Thunder God blocking each of them, then swatting his left leg with his hand, causing Shiden to lose his footing and expose his back for Raiden to deliver a lightning-enhanced flat palmed strike then sent him flying back and landing on his chest; immediately causing alarm throughout the entire training hall. Chow grinned, seeing his lord down the Mugen Tenshin chief almost instantly. Liu was disappointed, however, expecting the fight to have been longer.
"Father!" Hayate exclaimed.
Shiden immediately got back up and flickered out of sight, drawing surprised gasps that he managed to even get back up and shake off blows delivered by a god. Raiden immediately sensed his presence behind him, immediately blocking a palm strike aimed his chest and counter with several punches to Shiden's chest. The chief ninja managed to block Raiden's last blow before launching his own counter, bringing his right leg in a sweep that knocked Raiden off his feet. But he was quick to land on the palms of his hands, thrust himself off the ground, spin in the air and land back on his feet, startling the crowd. Hayate couldn't keep the smirk of his face as Shiden unleashed another hail of kicks that struck Raiden in the stomach and the chest. Shiden then sent a left jab at his opponent's head, Raiden then suddenly teleported away in a burst of lightning and appeared further ahead of Shiden.
"Do you wish for me to continue not holding back?" Raiden suddenly asked.
"…I would have this match no other way," came Shiden's reply. "Now come at me, Thunder God."
Raiden nodded, inhaling deeply as his body was covered head in toe in electricity, circulating mostly around his arms as he assumed his stance. Shiden flickered forward, feigning a left hook which Raiden fell for by raising his right arm to block, but Shiden suddenly grabbed hold of, causing the Thunder God to grimace as Shiden twisted his arm and flung him over his shoulder and onto the ground, gritting his teeth as he felt like several thousand volts course through his body, causing him to stagger back, allowing Raiden to recover and leap abck onto his feet.
"Father!" Hayate made a move to stand up.
"NO!" Shiden shouted over at the crowd, directly at his son and causing him to freeze. "STAY. Where you are!"
Raiden then stretched his hands forward launched himself off his feet at Shiden like a torpedo, grabbing the chief ninja by his shoulders and sent them both flying towards the wall. Ayane and Hayate leapt onto their feet in alarm as both combatants smashed through the wooden wall and spilled out onto the courtyard outside, both children and much of the audience quickly running outside.
"C'mon!" Hayate cried as he grabbed Ayane by the hand and they followed everyone outside.
(MK)
Outside Kasumi and Jubei saw the two go through the wall and tumble onto the courtyard outside the dojo. Glancing at one another in alarm, the two youngsters got up and ran to get a better view.
"Father!" Kasumi exclaimed.
They soon found themselves pushing through the crowd as they tried to find Hayate and Ayane, eventually reaching them to see the battle continue to unfold, both man and god continuing to trade blows, both of them either blocking or counter with their own moves, which in turn was defended against. Hayate gritted his teeth as he fought to stop himself from jumping in, well aware he would put himself at risk in coming between his father and the Thunder God.
Shiden and Raiden continued to exchange blows, speaking volumes about their fighting skill as neither once again were able to land a hit on the other. Right until Shiden moved his head to avoid a straight jab, quickly grabbing Raiden by the wrist and bringing his elbow down on his arm, the audible snap of bone following as he broke it. Jubei grunted through clenched teeth, the sound of bone breaking causing the hair on his body to stand on end. Looking across at Hayate, he saw a hopeful smile plastered upon the older boy's face. He turned back to the fight to see Shiden release Raiden's wrist only to unleash a knife blow against the bridge of his nose and between his eyes, stunning the Thunder God, and the crowd, giving the Master Ninja ample time to deliver a high kick to Raiden's chin with such force that sent him flying and landing directly on his head as he fell back to Earth.
Liu and Chow panicked at the beaten sight of the God of Thunder. Having seen firsthand that kind of blow could instantly kill a normal man, the older brother shouted, "Lord Raiden!"
The children could all hear almost everyone hold their breaths; others asking one another in hushed whispers if Shiden had just killed a God. Shiden grimaced, unable to believe that Raiden would allow himself to be beaten by a mortal. And amidst a hushed gasp from the crowd as he spun around to suddenly catch Raiden's fist between his hands mere inches from his face, having materialised behind him in the blink of an eye, he was right.
Shiden held Raiden tightly, grunting lightly as both man and god struggled with one another.
"You know how this fight will end, Shiden," Raiden pointed out, not sounding any worse for wear despite the injuries Shiden inflicted on him. Or the injuries Shiden had inflicted upon him, as they were now fully healed, making everybody present aware that no matter how hard and how long Shiden fought Raiden, he would fall eventually.
Shiden knew that. "I know," the chief ninja replied, grimly. "Just as I know whom and what we face outside Earthrealm."
"And you will still fight nonetheless?" Raiden asked. "Even in the event the Elder Gods may not intervene?"
"We will still fight regardless," Shiden answered. "And we will not lose!"
Shiden felt Raiden relax his fist and released him, both whom staggered away from the other. Both men straightened themselves out, before promptly bowing towards the other, Shiden own injuries now bothering him in the least. Jubei appeared gobsmacked at the gestures, sentiments shared with Kasumi, Ayane and Chow.
"Wha-?" Jubei blinked, visibly looking like he was trying to understand what just happened. "I don't understand?"
Liu smiled, glancing over at the Mugen Tenshin ninja-in-training, "I think Lord Raiden will appreciate Mugen Tenshin participating in the Tournament now, Jubei." He turned to Hayate, "Hayate."
"But Raiden could have beaten him easy!" Chow exclaimed.
"He could have," Hayate explained, visibly relieved that it did not come to that, and for good reason. "I think Raiden-sama just wanted to test father's resolve."
"Father knew he wouldn't have been able to win, but challenged him anyway?" Kasumi asked, staring at the older man in wonder. "I-"
She found herself at a loss for words, sentiments shared with Jubei and Ayane, especially Ayane.
Hayate looked upon his father with admiration, "He fought for all of Mugen Tenshin."
"So, I guess this means we'll be competing in the Tournament, right?" Jubei inquired.
"Yeah, suppose you will," Chow grumbled. He then smirked and said, arrogantly, "Hopefully you'll last long enough to face off against me." Jubei growled silently, flexing his burnt hand and trying to stave off the stiffness he was feeling in it.
"And me."
The purple-haired little girl lowered her head slightly; the other children's eyes upon her making her feel nervous. But feeling resolve she looked up at Jubei, and into his eyes. She asked, "Can Genra-san teach me how to become a ninja?"
Jubei's eyes widened at Ayane's declaration, as did Kasumi and Hayate's.
"What?"