Ron's seemed to change that week. He was still the amusing nice guy, but he seemed more focused and determined. He did his homework; correctly, he paid attention in class and willingly answered questions. He also stopped his Mad Dog routine. And everybody knew why.
Somehow the entire school found out that he and Kim stopped being friends. There were rumors everywhere. Some claimed that Ron had proclaimed his love for Kim and she rejected him. Others said Ron got a girlfriend and Kim got jealous. The rumors continued to grow more and more extravagant, and it did nothing for Kim's and Ron's relationship. In fact, it pissed them off even more hearing rumors where they looked pathetic and needy.
Finally the end of the week came and Ron was in his room, packing for his trip to Japan. Chris was there with him trying to talk some sense into him.
"C'mon," Chris whined, "At least tell me where you are going."
"No," Ron said firmly, "You'll either follow me or find some way to convince me to come home."
"This is just kind of stupid, though. You shouldn't even go."
"God! My parents were easier to convince than this. Why can't you just support me?"
"Because I am somewhat responsible and if anything happens it will be my fault."
"Chris, I am going and nothing you say can stop me!" Ron said, a tiny bit tweaked.
"Okay, okay. I'll stop. At least let me give you a ride to the airport to make up for it."
"Works for me," Ron said with a grin.
Ron finished packing and they both went downstairs.
"I've never actually seen your car, have I?" Ron asked.
"Nope," Chris responded with a slight smirk.
They both went outside and Ron looked around and found the street deserted. "Where is it?"
Chris smiled and held up his keys and pushed a button. "It'll be here in a sec."
"Do you have some guy deliver it whenever you push that button?" Ron asked in awe.
"You remember when I said I was a genius? I wasn't exaggerating."
Then suddenly a silver Porsche came around the corner, going way past the speed limit. And the driver seat was empty. Ron gawked in amazement.
"I've created an autopilot system that analyzes the entire area within a 50 mile radius, including cars, pedestrians, and traffic," Chris said with pride.
Ron just continued to stare. "You designed it? Is it legal?"
"It isn't illegal. Now hop in. I don't want you blaming me for missing your plane."
Ron got in the car, Chris jumped in on the other side and they were off. They never went slower than 90 mph. Ron wasn't sure whether he should be thrilled by the experience or terrified. In the end he went with paralyzing fear. It took them 10 minutes to do a 40 minute drive. When they got out Ron was shaking slightly. Chris just chuckled.
"You took it better than most. I remember one time, there was this jock. Completely fearless, I took him for a ride. He wet himself, vomited and cried. It was pathetic. And you've also proven yourself to me. If you could handle that, you can handle anything."
Ron gave a weak smile.
"Here," Ron said, handing Chris a set of keys. "These are for my moped. See if you can't install that autopilot and maybe make it go faster."
Chris took the keys and smiled, "I'll see what I can do. Your moped is kind of crappy," Chris gave Ron is hand. "Take care, man. See you when you get back"
"I am going to succeed, Chris. I will not let anything stop me."
"I know you won't, man."
Then Ron turned around and went into the terminal.
Ron arrived 8 hours later in Japan and made his way towards Yamanuchi. He did not know how to contact anybody there so they did not know he was coming. He prayed for a warm welcome. When he got to the mountain he once had to climb, he found he did not dread the climb. He actually looked forward to the challenge. He then began climbing.
An hour later he found himself at the spot he collapsed at last time. He smiled fondly at the memory, took a deep breath and went behind the waterfall. When he saw the ninja school again he felt the same amazement he felt the first time. He walked forward, over the rope bridge. When he got onto the grounds it looked deserted. He glanced around; saw and heard nothing. And then, out of the blue, he was surrounded by people in black gis.
Ron got into fighting position, ready for a fight, when all of a sudden one of the ninjas stepped forward.
"Ron-san?" asked a familiar female voice.
Ron relaxed, "Hey Yori, hope I didn't drop in at a bad time."
"No, I am just shocked to see you. Is anything wrong?"
"No, nothing is wrong. I just want to complete my training. I don't wish to be a mediocre fighter anymore. I want to begin embracing my destiny."
"Come, we must speak to Sensei. He will decide if you may continue your training here." At that Yori and Ron headed towards Sensei's chambers. The rest of the ninjas went back to their training.
"Sensei," Ron and Yori said as they entered bowing.
"Stoppable-san. I had not expected you to return to us so soon." Sensei said in a voice that sounded like shock; an uncommon tone for Sensei to use.
"Certain circumstances have changed. The only thing preventing me from returning was Kim Possible, and we have parted ways," Ron said bitterly.
"This place is not a refuge to hide from your troubles. It is a place to learn how to protect the world from evil."
"And that is why I came. I want to become a tool against evil. Not a sidekick but a real hero. I am not running away, I am trying to reach my full potential. I can not do that without your aid. I beg of you to train me."
"Very well, I will train you. But you are not ready to fulfill your destiny. And I will not train you to master you Mystical Monkey Powers."
"I understand Sensei. I hope one day you think I am ready."
"Go and rest, tomorrow your training will begin."
And with that Yori and Ron left. Yori gave Ron the room he stayed in last time.
"Thanks, Yori. It's great to see you again," said Ron, feeling his exhaustion setting in.
"It is good to see you again Ron-san. I hope you will stay with us longer this time."
"Vacation lasts three weeks. I will stay till at least then, unless Sensei sends me home earlier."
"I am glad. Good night, Ron-san."
"Good night, Yori," Ron said as Yori left. He lay down and was asleep 27 seconds later.
The next morning Ron woke up long before the 'alarm' sounded. He decided to start the morning with a nice refreshing walk. When he got back he found Sensei waiting for him.
"I am glad to see we will no longer have to repair doors," said Sensei in an amused tone.
"I am no longer going to be that clumsy oaf. I am completely dedicated to my training. And don't forget, last time I didn't know I was going to a secret ninja school."
"Let us move on. Yori tells me your vacation lasts three weeks. During this time, we will work on your balance, your agility and your fighting technique. This week we will work on your balance."
It was then Ron noticed that they were standing at the top of a lagoon a circle of stepping stones.
"What's this?" asked Ron.
"This is your training for balance," said Sensei.
"What do I do?"
"You continue to run on these rocks and everyday the rocks will become smaller. You will also do this while wearing this," Sensei responded while holding up a set of clothes apparently filled with some sort of heavy substance.
"Works for me," Ron said and put on the clothes. "These are not that heavy"
"I am glad you think so. Begin."
Ron jumped on the first rock, and barely kept his balance. He then jumped onto the next. And then the next, and the next, then all of a sudden he slips and falls into the water. He tries to get up but finds he is a lot heavier.
He looks at Sensei confused. "The clothes are filled with sand. If you get them wet they will get heavier. The longer you stay out of the water the lighter it will get. This will also increase your stamina."
"How long do I keep this up?" Ron asked
"You will continue with this exercise until I come to get you."
Ron got out of the water and continued the exercise. Sensei watched for a little while and then he left. Ron continued all day. He fell many times and never stayed dry. It was well after 9:00pm before Sensei came for him. He then made Ron do 50 push-ups and 100 curl-ups. And then he was sent to bed. He fell asleep as he collapsed on the mat. Sensei watched him walk away, he then heard Yori come up beside him.
"How did he do?" Yori asked
"He is dedicated, but he is not ready to become the Monkey Master. I hope this may strengthen him, but I am concerned that this will lead him down a dark path similar to Monkey Fist's."
"I do not believe that would happen. If Ron can not follow the good path then no man can."
"I hope you are right."
Back in Middleton, Kim was freshly irked. Someone had been foolish enough to bring up the separation between her and Ron. The repercussions were not pretty. Let's just say the guy needed a change of underwear.
Kim went to Bueno Nacho to cool down. She hadn't seen Ron in a while and she wanted to see how much he had suffered since their little quarrel. She also thought he deserved a chance to apologies to her for being so stupid. When she got there she didn't see him, but, much to her displeasure, she saw Chris. Her first thought was to leave, but she then decided to vent a little on anger on him.
"Well, well. If it isn't Chris," she said, not hiding her condescending tone. "Where's Ron?"
"Not with me," Chris said, paying no attention to her tone, "and if he didn't tell you where he went, then it is my place to tell you." He added with a slight smirk.
"Don't you get arrogant with me! I know kung fu. I know six different ways to break your legs with one hand."
"Right. You're the best fighter. No one is a better fighter than you. And you're also the best acrobat. No one can do acrobatics better than you, unless I'm forgetting someone. Oh yes, me! You may be a better fighter than me, but don't forget you thought you were a better acrobat than me. Do you want to take the chance of being humiliated again?"
Kim didn't know what to do. She was fairly certain that she could beat him, but his confidence made her hesitant.
"You're not worth my time," she said finally turning away.
"Oh, thank goodness," Chris said with obvious sarcasm, "I was so scared. Thank you for being so merciful."
Kim ignored him, not willing to risk embarrassment, but she swore to herself that she would get him back.
Ron woke up, feeling sore all over, a feeling he had not felt since the first time he came to Yamanuchi. He got up, got dressed and went to get some breakfast from the lady with the fast tray.
"This time I will get food from you, tray lady," Ron said when he arrived. "I've been practicing for this day. I am able to catch Rufus with chopsticks now, so this will be no problem."
The food lady just stared at him blankly. Ron took the chopsticks and attacked the tray. The lady moved with lightning reflexes and Ron never even came close.
"Ah man. I'm going to starve here, again!" Ron said exasperated.
"Do not worry Ron-san," said Yori appearing behind him, "you will not starve; you just will not be full."
"Thanks, that is soooo much more comforting."
"You and your American-style jokes," she giggling, "Come; you must continue your training."
"Right; the stone hopping. Let's go."
When they got there Ron noticed the stones were smaller and the weighted clothes seemed heavier.
"Is it just me, or does this seem harder?" Ron said wearily.
"We must continue to make it harder or else you will never go beyond your limits," Yori responded knowingly.
"That's great, but how am I supposed to go beyond my limits on an empty stomach?"
"There are fish in the lagoon."
"How do I cook them, Ms. Know-it-all?"
"Sushi is a delicacy here"
"I knew you guys would force that stuff on me one day."
"Enjoy your training Ron-san."
"I'll enjoy it like a hangnail."
Ron then put on the outfit and started jumping on the small rocks. He found it was easier today than it was yesterday, despite the smaller rocks and the heavier weights. He even caught a fish, though he did not find it such a delicious eating a fish, and he had not enjoyed killing it either. Despite everything, Ron felt he did well that day. He only fell 3 times.
Just like the day before, Sensei came to get him after dark, and just like the day before, Sensei forced him to do 50 push-ups and 100 curl-ups. And just like the day before, Ron fell asleep before he hit the mat.
This continued on for the entire week. The rocks got smaller, the weights got heavier and Sensei told him to stop later. And everyday Ron got better and better, after four days he was able to jump on the rocks and catch fish without falling. Then, on the eighth day of training, Ron went towards the lagoon, but then Sensei stopped him.
"Sensei, I must get to training. Today the rocks will probably be the size of my big toe," said Ron.
"No, Stoppable-san, today you are finished with your training for balance," said Sensei, "We now move on to agility. Come with me."
Authors Note: I would just like to thank Isumo 1489 for the help with proof reading. I would also like to say that I will accept flames. Any criticism is appreciated.