Chapter One:
"Someday, i'm going to see the world." An eight year boy says to himself. He stands on the edge of a beach. Water laps up at his bare pale feet. His green eyes scan the never ending sea that leads to the mainland across from his home island. He knew of the Elemental Nation from stories his mom told at night. He never been directly to the mainland itself. His mother told him it not safe for them. Bad men were after them because of his dad. She never explained in detail for him. "I'll tell you when your older." She said for an excuse. Wind howls through the eight year olds green mohawk. He wanted a hairstyle that reflected his personality. His mom said no to the rat tail so this was the next best thing.
A loud squawk breaks the boy out of his concentration. He turns to the sandy beach to face his younger brother Konahamaru or Kono for short. His brother was three years younger than me. His hair was a wild bushy brown that matched his chestnut eyes. He throws sand at his older brother. His face red with anger. "Duncan! You're suppose to be helping me."
"Sorry Kono." Duncan smiles sheepishly at him. He moves over to help his little brother. They build a medium size sand castle together with buckets and pails. Sand gets in Duncan's shorts and falls out his hair in flakes. Kono trips him on the way to get water so they could fortify the walls. Duncan throws a glare. But his younger brother ignores it. His face in a fake angelic look to prompt innocence. Something Konohamaru lacked since turning one. Just like his half brother, he was a bad boy in the making. Duncan shuddered at the thought of them both going on rampages across the island when they hit 13. Their poor mom and step dad would have a hard time to minimize the damage unleashed.
"Look Duncan, look. It's Uncle's ship." Kono starts to scream. He drops the bucket of water. It splashes out and destroys an entire wall of their sand castle. Duncan lets out a wail of protest. Kono ignores it and runs off to the docks. The giant red galleon with a sword edge at the front begins the process to dock just as Kono gets closer. Duncan lets out a sigh and drops his plastic shovel.
"Mom said to stop running off." He yelled before he followed after his younger brother. Duncan swore his brother did this on purpose to annoy him. Ever since an incident where Kono three months ago, their mother required Duncan to always be around him. He was forced to be responsible for any antics his brother got into. In theory it was a good way to keep the older son out of trouble. Only in hindsight it caused more trouble because Kono was just as bad, if not worse. Duncan got blamed for his antics since Kono knew how to use his angelic looks to fake innocence. People thought he was the bad one, but Kono had him beat hands down. It all started when his brother unlocked the power of transformation. Kono just had to touch someone once and he could fully transform into them. Not just people either. He can also transform into a weapon and be used by someone. The downside with the second part being he takes damage when he turns back. They learned this on a fateful day Duncan needed the most help.
(Three weeks ago)
"Say that again coward!" Duncan yelled. He raised a fist at a tall teenage boy five times his age. A crowd of kids surround them in a circle and leave no room for escape. They chant "Fight, Fight, Fight" along with "Kick his ass David. Show that bastard what for."
The older boy in question sneers down at the runt in front of his. His front teeth have been missing since childhood when he was kicked by a donkey. Long strands of red hair run down the teenager's face and cover his dark eyes. He waves the crowd around them off. A deep laugh filling the air. "No need guys. I promised my mom I wouldn't hit girls. He so weak one blow would kill em."
"Is that so." Duncan archs an eyebrow. He steps forward and punch the teenager in the stomach. His fist bounce off the hard muscles hidden underneath the teenager's straw shirt. The teenager lets out a grunt. He slaps Duncan in the face and knocks him down in one blow. Pain runs through Duncan's face. His eyes water in embarrassment while his mind rumbles in shock. The teenager waste no time kicking him in the stomach. Duncan rolls against the pavement and let out a cry of pain.
"Kill him." Some shouts in the crowd.
"Fuck him up." Another girl yells.
Being on a small isolated island entertainment was hard to come by out side the common plays and minor yearly festival. A blood match between two kids was enough to draw any attention. Good or bad, with this time being bad for Duncan.
"Leave my brother alone." A pipsqueak voice screamed. The crowd parts to let Kono through to rush to Duncan's aid. He kneels beside his older brother. Horrified by the bruises on his face from the slide across the pavement. Kono glare up at the teenager. His young brown eyes held hatred in them. "Fuck off you bully. Don't make me fuck you up."
"Such langauge for a five year old." Someone commented from the crowd.
"He gets it from Duncan." Someone else explained afterwords. "Hang around him and any curse words you didn't know, you will learn."
"Such a fucked up family." The teenager said. He sneers down at the two brothers. Then let out a sigh. "Take him and leave. I don't like to dirty my hands. More than they are after touching that piece of shit."
"How dare you." Kono yelled. He charges forward and attempts a punch. The teenager dodges it with ease and pushes Kono to the side. "Ok calm down little man. I may be older but I don't hit little kids. Go take your brother home before it gets worse."
"Fuck you." Kono said. He throws punches and kicks at the older teenager. He dodges them without effort and shoves Kono to the ground. He let out a deep belly laugh full of heart. " Kid, I like the energy here, but your not tall enough to hit where it matters. Come back in a few years and then we can fight."
Kono tremble with rage at these words. Bright white energy surrounds him and makes the ground underneath him tremble. Duncan watch through bloody eyes at the feat before him. Kono glows bright like the sun in the sky. Then his body expands upward with the energy and makes him 2 feet taller than the teenager. His body features slightly the same with a bulky increase in muscle. "Who's short now." Kono growled. He punches the surprised boy in the face and knocks him to the ground. Then he wails on him with an onslaught of attacks. The teenager lays helpless on the ground while his face gets punched in and blood sprays from his nose and cuts on his face. Two friends of the teenager jump in and kick Kono in the ribs, The boy squeaks out and explodes in smoke. His body back in it tiny form. The two teenagers grab hin by the arms and throws him. The younger boy lands in a heap beside his brother. Both moaning in pain.
The original teenager that started it is helped up. He wipes away his blood with the sleeve of his shirt. He roars likea angry lion. His eyes see only red. "That's it. Both of them die here."
"Kono." Duncan said. He struggles to push himself in a prone position. His brother looks at him with tired eyes. His face drips with sweat from exhaustion. The transformation while a complete surprise exhausted his limbs from the effort. "Yeah bro?"
"Can you do that trick again. But make yourself like a metal bo staff? The kind uncle likes to train you on?"
"Let me see if i can." He groans as he claps his hand together and concentrate. White light surrounds him before smoke explodes. In his place is a fat metal staff. Heavy enough on both ends to do damage if swung. Duncan hurrys to grab it and threaten the three teenagers. "Come closer and this gets ugly."
"Lets finish this." The head teenager growls. He moves to fight them. Only for a loud whistle to crack through the sky. Smoke explodes around them as three adults in black and blue uniform appear. A wave of fury fills the air. Enough to make the kids in the area shake in fear.
"Party time over. You brats are in trouble." Katsu Manger, head of the island police, said in a quiet tone that held an underlying threat that dared them to try him. All the kids scatter like rats into different directions. Duncan turns to follow them. A heavy hand hits his shoulder and stops him. The staff jumps out his grip and transforms back into Kono. His eyes were daze like stars while his body slumps on the ground in exhaustion. "I hope there is a good explanation for this Duncan." Katsu said, his tone sickly sweet with a twinkle in his eye. Not the nice one he gave to little old ladies either. No this was the one reserved for troublemakers like Duncan. It spoke of a hidden promise to make the boy suffer.
Ever since then, Duncan has been on house arrest for the weekdays. He was only allowed one day of freedom with another day spent doing community service. Duncan also got a verbal beatdown from his mom. Her rage shook their two story house and was loud enough for the damn world to hear. Duncan swore his hearing still had a ring to it. He shakes his head and steps onto the docks after his little brother. He would rather not risk another screaming fit with his mom. Once every so often was more enough for his taste.
Kono grabs one of Duncan's hand and jerks it for attention. "Uncle's here, he really really here." He begins to hop on both legs. He tugs against Duncan's arm to make sure the older boy paid attention. Duncan let out a laugh. His eyes scan the giant red galleon for his uncle. The sun glitters against the black flags that flutter from the masts. Though it was more mechanical then wooden; their Uncle's boat sailed like the best there ever was. It could out race a good in terms of speed, and had various weapons built in to take on a fleet of enemy ships should combat be required. Despite being the only crew, his uncle managed to get around the world and do whatever it was he did when not at the island. Their mother said he had to keep it hidden in case enemies found out and retaliated against the small family. He may not be direct blood, but he was family to his mother since the early years when the world was wrought in chaos. More importantly, uncle Sasuke Uchica fought with their dad as a power ranger. Buster Blue and Buster Red respectively. Duncan tense up and throws a punch behind them. He hits open air and raise his leg to block a kick aimed at his ribs. "Nice way to greet family, Uncle."
"Ha,ha." Sasuke laughed in response. A dark gleam in his unique red and black eyes shaped like a star. Power oozes from behind them while their ability to scan people reads into Sasuke's head. He observes his nephew's power level and nods. "It seems that training for the last few months helped. Better not get your ass kicked again. Otherwise I will be real disappointed my student isn't worth it."
"In your dreams old man." Duncan sneers in annoyance. He gestures up at the ship. "That ship right there is mine when I finally beat you. Expect it by the end of the year."
"The day I get beaten by you is a cold day in hell." Sasuke said. Despite the words Duncan knew there was no malice in it. His uncle had always been there for him and Kono since birth. He was more of a father to Duncan than his actual stepfather. Someone who knew his dad and gave him small stories about his time as a ranger. Duncan knew nothing bad would ever happen long as he existed in the world. At least that what he thought at the time. It's funny how things can change.
""So where have you been lately?" Kono asked. He jumps from foot to foot and grabs hold of Sasuke's hand. He leads the way into the village while Sasuke begins a tale of his most recent adventures. Duncan followed close by with them and drifted in and out on the trip into the village. Trees and wide fields past them on the long walk. It wasn't until they reached the gates that Sasuke stopped his detailed story. The gate guards glare daggers at him. Hands on the pistol that dangle from their toolbelts. A big burly guard named Burt steps forward to speak. His voice thick and slow like gravel. "Papers and Identification please."
Duncan rolls his eyes and pulls out the necessary forms for him and Kono. Sasuke lets them get approved first before he hands over a black packet that contains the bare minimum about him. What his nephews didn't know was that Sasuke Uchica is more than an uncle. He is a outlaw in all Five nations of the mainland. A billion dollar bounty on his head that prompts everyone to attack him on sight. So far the islanders didn't know that. He made sure they did not get that news. His sister in all but blood made sure to help on that front as well. For you see, the island they were on had a special pact with the mainland. Long as they paid tribute to the government they were allowed free reign under a treaty. Should anything be broken in that treaty the mainland had the right to destroy everyone on the island or take it over. Sasuke Uchica being there violated that treaty tenfold. Though that is mainly Sasuke's fault as he makes sure that any correspondence is done in his hand to keep the island in the dark. He even used his unique eye power to hypnotize any ambassadors from coming there in person. He wanted to keep this as a safe haven for his adopted family. Especially since the knowledge that Buster Blue morpher was hidden with Duncan's mother would cause issues in a different way. The power of being a ranger now hidden in a select few meant only certain people with genes could use it. Konohamaru already showed his hidden ability, with Duncan despite being older also having it dormant in him. Sasuke needed them to come of age before the risk of assissination or kidnapping hit his family. He swore to Sai he would protect him. He will not break another promise to his former grabs his papers back and leads the way to the boys house. Everyone within the village gives them glare. People mistrusted Sasuke's intentions since he never stay for more than a month or two. Some thought he was a spy for the government. His secret intention to catch them being treasonous to get them destroyed.
Kono runs ahead of Sasuke and Duncan. He screams the entire time he throws open their front door. A guaranteed method to draw their mom to him. Duncan shakes his head at Kono's antic. "I swear on my life I do not teach him that. Whatever excitement is in him comes from his side of the family. Mine is normal."
"I would highly disagree." Sasuke said. He laughs at the look Duncan gives him. Sasuke pats his nephew on the back. "Your dad was a social outcast at first. He had a bad skin condition that made him really pale. His dark eyes were blank with emotion because he didn't get to spend time around kids when he was young. He made the funniest comments about our teammates. Some inappropriate at the worst times, but he meant well. I remember during this one battle he insulted the Queen Of Snakes, Boa Hancock, and drew all her attention on him so we could take down her minions and weaken her power. You may not look like him alot, but you have his personality at times. He was the most loyal guy in the world."
"Wish we could go back in time and met him someday." Duncan growled. He still wondered how his dad died. Sasuke and his mother kept it secret from him. But he had a feeling whatever went down caused his mother to be on this god forsaken island. While it was nice in the summer times, winters were cruel and heavy. The islanders relied on support from the mainland nation Mist. They charged outrageous prices that made the villagers work hard to make up. Being a pacific island they relied on fishing all year with some dabbling in mining coal and ore and making homemade products. Winter times still hurt them with less demand and being on the island trees hardly grew much for them to use. Duncan still had burns on his back from all the time he spent near fire. It part of the reason he never end up as pale as his father.
"I need another opinion before I believe that." Duncan laughed. The enter the house and Sasuke is greeted by his sister in law. She squeal and hugs him close. Her red eyes alight with enjoyment and love. "I was not expecting you so soon. You normally wait another month."
"I know right." Sasuke runs a hand through his thick black hair. "But I got so word that trouble would brew in this region. I wanted to be around in case something goes down."
"What kind of trouble?' Duncan asked. He glance over at Kono who was distracted by a book on boats. The little boy loved to learn about the latest sail techniques and fishing methods. He longed to be on the seas at all time. Only stopped by their mother everytime he tried to sneak on their stepdad's ship. "Not until your older." She snapped at him anytime he gets to those antics.
"Nothing you need to worry about." Duncan's mom snapped before Sasuke could answer. "Worry more about your house arrest for now. Sasuke can handle anything they throw at the island."
'True." Sasuke smirked. He sits down on the couch with Kono and tells him some of his own techniques for the ship. They laugh and jeer at everything they both know about boats. Sasuke's mom drags him away to the kitchen to help her cook dinner. Outside the house, the world drifts into nighttime. The air goes stale with foreboding as the villagers hustle in secret to the main hall. Within the three story building a secret meeting takes place with a representative from the Republic. What is called an action commander in the main land with the rank of captain in the Navy. This particular action commander is funny looking. To be blunt,Despite his red Naval hat that had the icon of the Republic on it, his long red cape and professional shoes, he looked like a fucking clown. Buggy the clown, first of his name, stood on a stage and leer down at the town folks. An unimpressed look on his ruby red lips while his rubber nose stood out in the light. A multitude of knives hang from his toolbelt. The blades polished so much they glitter in the low lighting. A pistol clings to his left leg and a bulk brown bag hangs off his back. Strands of limp blue curls hang from under his hat while his dark eyes glare at the mayor across the stage. He waited for lower level soldiers to close the door to the building. Everyone requested for the meeting now here, Buggy begins to pace across the stage. His hands tap against his thighs. "We have a big problem here on this island. One that needs to be resolved." Buggy points a finger at the mayor. "We have been in touch with you for several years since the petition for this island. Yet we recently noticed a big discrepancy. Despite the response, we have yet to get you in person. How is that possible?"
"I swear to god, i have no idea." The mayor whimpers in response. Sweat pours in bullets down his dark skin. His professional squirt and pants were wet with fear. The mayor looks everywhere but Buggy's eyes. He knew from the minute this commander entered his office with no warning he fucked up. The treaty for this godforsaken island was iron tight in all the rules. Ones he broke not just once but twice. Unlike the rest of the people, he was well aware of Sasuke Uchiha's bounty and status. He should have forbidden the man from coming. But the bribe he slipped the mayor was too tempting. Now that same bribe that helped him have a fancy lifestyle would also put him in a grave. "I swear anything the Emperor asked of me would be answered post haste. Please don't do this. We are innocent."
"Innocent?" Buggy asked. He turns his back to the mayor and eyes the crowd. 'Hear that villagers? According to your fat ass mayor, every last one of you are innocent." The way Buggy phrased his wording showed sacrastim. In no way did he buy that bullshit. Not with the information gathered by Cipher Pol. Corruption reeks from the bowels of this island. Buggy read every file made about the backwater deals. This folks had no idea who they were fucking with. "If that is the case tell them about your deal with THEM."
The mayor squeaks and his eyes widen in terror. He knew exactly the issue he was now facing. He had really fucked everyone on the island over if they knew about it.
Buggy waited for the mayor to respond. The fat ass shakes his head and looks down at the stage. The villagers shuffle in their chairs unnerve by this response. Buggy lets out a sighs and fingers a knife with his left hand. He toss it up in the air and catches it. Each time he does so, he steps away from the mayor until he is at the edge of the stage. "This fat piece of shit here has betrayed not only you, but the Empire in two ways. He made a grievous deal that I am afraid to say doomed you all for the foreseeable future. " Buggy flash a smile everywhere. It only last a second before things evolve into chaos. Silver flashes in the air and the Mayor lets out a loud gurgle. Blood spurts from his mouth. Buggy's silver knife lodge through his throat out the other end. "He made a deal with the outcast islands. The ones that we don't associate with nor acknowledge." Buggy stands beside the mayor who bends over on his knees. Gallons of blood drip out his wound and mouth. Buggy reach down and yanks the knife out. In quick fashion he stabs the Mayor in the head. A sick twack echoes when he yanks it back out. "Because of that, all of you must die." he looks back at the crowd. Fear runs rampant through them all. Most scream while others rush to exit the building. Guns cock at the entrance and pops go off one by one. More bodies hit the floor and cover it with blood. A woman gets sprayed with fresh gore in her open mouth. Screams continue to ring out. Someone takes a chair to a window and climbs out the glass. A gunshot answers this action and drops the perp dead. Navy soldiers had every inch of the building surrounded from escape.
"Sit back down." Buggy growls in a low voice. He waits but no one follows the order. Buggy sighs and fires his pistol into the ceiling. Everyone pauses and stares up at him. "Sit down." Buggy repeated with a harsher growl. Everyone follows his orders. They knew their lives were forfeited already. No need to draw it out more than necessary. They shiver in fear and look at each other. Their minds try to find a way out of this mess. Buggy lets out a loud laugh. "There is only one way out of this mess. It is the next point of business I need to bring up. We were told something of interest resides on this island. Something we've been looking for." Buggy picks his fingertip with the tips of his knife. "So tell me, what does everyone know about a certain nomad. His name being Sasuke Uchicha, aka Buster Blue. I'm sure you are aware of the implications this means?"
Andy Baker, the local store owner, stands up from his seat. He answers for everyone despite his knowledge they were already dead. Small chance of them to get out alive. "He comes here every so often to visit his family. We didn't know he was an outlaw. Much least one of those villainous power rangers."
"I'm glad you see it my way." Buggy smiled. He jumps off the stage and cross the floor to stand before Andy. He grabs his hand and slaps a silver knife in it. "Now comes the fun part. You fine folks, those that remain, can either sit here and die by our hand; or you can get up and kill Sasuke Uchiha for me. Redeem the honor the mayor has dropped from you. The choice is yours."
"How can we trust you?" The female owner of a flower shop asked. Buggy looks her in the eye with no emotion. He pushes towards her in the crowd. Everyone is quick to get out Buggy's way in the process. She stares him down without a flinch. Her eyes are steel colored and harsh. "It's easy to promise something then rein it back."
"That is a great point." Buggy said. He reaches out in a burst of speed and grabs her by the throat. The woman squeaks in protest while Buggy easily lift her in the air and chokes her. The woman ballos her hands and punches Buggy in the face. The action commander ignores each blow and press harder into the hold. Finally he twist her neck in a sharp motion. Her bones crackle like a water bottle and he lets her body drop to the floor. Buggy wipes his hands on his baggy blue pants and looks at everyone. "That's a risk you just have to take with me."