Konoha Hospital: Daichi's Mind
Daichi found himself standing in a green field. There were clouds over head that would obscure the sun before moving on. He looked around and eventually his eyes came to rest on the only point of interest for miles. A large, black seal that merged with both the ground and sky.
In front of the seal there sat a young woman wearing a white dress. Daichi ran over to her and got a better look the closer he got. This woman had long, black hair, matching dragon like eyes, and fair skin. She seemed to be the only one around for miles.
"Excuse me." Daichi stated. "Where am I?"
"This is the visual representation of your mind. Everyone has one and subconsciously makes their own." The woman nodded. "Though the Yamanaka clan visits the real mind, it's easier for Jinchuriki and your classification to do this."
"This is my mind? That must mean I'm resting after that battle with Kuroma." Daichi looked at the seal before placing his hands on it. "So, this must be the seal that contains Kenshi." He turned to the woman. "Why am I here? Are you Kenshi?"
"No, I'm not Kenshi. I'm someone else whom you've recently formed a bond with." The woman happily replied. "You defeated Kuroma, so you have been named the next dragon summoner. The only one for now, and he who has control over the main contract."
"What?" Daichi asked shocked. "Because I beat Kuroma, I now get the contract?"
"It's a little more complicated than that." The woman replied. "Dragons are loyal to their summoner and by extension clan. We have been ever since the Ryu Clan was formed. Kuroma broke our trust by using our sealed technique for selfish reasons."
"You mean Ninja Art: Dragonic Merge?" Daichi asked.
The woman nodded. "We dragons enjoy battle, but he killed one of those under my leadership sorely to beat you. That is something we see as a breach of trust. We did not wish to be forgotten, so our contract has been passed you. You who proved he was stronger than Kuroma.
The Summoning Contract, the Dragon Blade, and Jutsu have been reversed summoned to your basement. They are yours." She bowed her head. "I sincerely hope my kind will be able to serve you, and your clan one day. Now, I must go."
In a bright flash of light, the woman became a dragon the size of Gamabunta. She was a beautiful white dragon with black scales. The dragon began to ascend into the air with her majestic wings.
"Wait, you didn't tell me your name!" Daichi shouted.
"My name is Vonyss, Leader of the Dragons." Vonyss then vanished, but her voice remained. "I look forward to eventually working with you dragon summoner Daichi."
Land of Iron: Ryu Training Grounds
A Samurai in training was working hard to perfect his craft. He was solidly built, had fair skin, short, spiked sky-blue hair and turquoise eyes. His attire was samurai style sky blue armor that bore the family crest, a moon, on the back.
The Samurai was about to strike another dummy when he noticed a younger girl running towards him. She had the same fair skin, turquoise eyes, and sky-blue hair only it was straight and kept in a bun. Her attire consisted of black robes with sky blue trim.
"Big brother Toshiro, I brought lunch!" Momo happily exclaimed.
Toshiro sheathed his blade with a smile. "Thanks, Momo. I was starting to feel…"
Toshiro's smile dropped as he drew his blade and turned to block a sword that seemed to be made of yellow electricity. In the end, his assailant's blade cut through his practice sword like butter. Fortunately, the Samurai in training was given the few seconds needed to jump back.
Toshiro carefully observed his attacker. His opponent had green hair and his forehead protector declared him as a Shinobi from the Hidden Rain. The Shinobi wore a light blue cloak and carried an umbrella on his back. In his right hand he carried the yellow, glowing sword.
Momo had stopped in her tracks. "Big brother?"
"Momo run back to the house and get father." Toshiro stated seriously.
"R-right." Momo stated, a little frightened, before running.
The ninja smirked. "It's not very smart to turn your back on me."
The Rain Shinobi moved fast enough to seemingly appear behind Momo causing her to turn around with a look of pure terror. The terror turned to shock as she saw her brother in front of her. The sword had gone clean through Toshiro's armor and out the other side.
The Rain Shinobi laughed, "Here I thought attacking Samurai in training was going to be boring." He removed the blade causing Toshiro to stumble back before falling. "Seems this injury will keep you from competing in the Promotion Exams. What a shame."
Momo was shocked as tears began to form in her eyes.
Toshiro, even with his injury, looked at Momo genuinely concerned. "Little sister, you're not hurt, right?" He coughed up some blood which caused her tears to fall tears; however, she nodded in the affirmative. "That's good."
Toshiro passed out. The Rain Shinobi jumped back before flower petals bombarded the ground where he stood cutting into the snow and well into the ground beneath.
Momo recognized these petals. "Father!"
She looked up as a tall man now stood in between them and the Shinobi. This man had long, sky blue hair kept in a ponytail, fair skin, and black irises. His attire consisted of light, sky blue armor with the moon crest on the back and a white scarf.
The flower petals returned to the Samurai's handle forming a seemingly standard blade. "You've attacked my children and injured my son. For that, you will die.
The ninja smirked. "It'd be fun going toe to toe with you Byakuya Ryu; however, I'm done here."
The ninja vanished in a swirl of leaves and Byakuya sheathed his blade. He then knelt at his son's side checking for a pulse.
"Father, is he going to be…" Momo began.
Byakuya picked Toshiro up and carefully put him on his back. "We must return home at once."
Momo attempted to look serious but it just came off as cute. "Right."
Ryu Residence, Some Time Later…
Byakuya entered his study followed by a young man with brown eyes and long crimson hair in a high ponytail. His upper body was covered in tribal tattoos, and his attire consists of black robes with white trim. A moon crest on the back of his robes.
"Lord Byakuya, how is Toshiro?" The young man asked concerned.
"We'll get to that Renji." Byakuya stated before sternly looking at the young man. "What I want to know is why Toshiro was out there alone. Last I checked, you were tasked with training him."
"I have yet to write a report, but the Abarai house was attacked by three other Rain Shinobi. One of my men came to me, and I had to leave Toshiro." He shook his head. "I should have seen the obvious and taken Toshiro home first."
Byakuya sighed. "Toshiro will make a full recovery, so consider this a warning."
Renji looked at Byakuya. "What about the Promotion Exam?"
Byakuya shook his head. "Toshiro won't have recovered in time and Momo has six months before she's ready to compete at those levels. Three if we pushed her." He looked at Renji. "Are the Samurai in your house ready?"
"My daughter is the oldest child of the Abarai House, yet she's still a full year from being ready to compete." Renji shook his head. "Seems as though the Ryu house won't be on top until the next Promotion Exam in two years."
"I know someone who is eligible to compete." Byakuya sighed. "Renji, send a message to the Village Hidden in the Leaves. We have a mission for one of their Shinobi."
Konoha: Fusion Clan Home, Backyard…
Udon and Daichi faced each other with practice swords. Udon swung his sword in a downward arc, but the Fusion member blocked each slash. Every time he got the chance, Daichi pushed the student around the backyards with well timed, controlled strikes.
Daichi eventually sheathed his blade. "That's enough." Udon sheathed his own blade and the Fusion member smiled. "You're coming along nicely Udon, but you're hesitating. Makes you far too easy to read and predict."
"What do you mean Boss?" Udon asked.
Daichi said, "I mean, it's good to think, but you got to do it on the fly. You start a movement and immediately move onto what you need to do next. It would also be good to work on a more relaxed yet firm stance. Let your moves flow. Your blade is an extension of yourself."
Udon nodded in understanding. "What should I do for homework?"
"200 times in and out of your stance, 300 sword strikes with your right hand, and double that in your left." Daichi nodded. "You're opting for one sword, so being able to swap hands in battle may buy you a few, crucial seconds."
Udon wrote that down in his notebook before closing it. "Thanks boss." He then jumped over the fence. "See you next time for more training.
Daichi smiled and was just about to walk in when Kakashi jumped into the backyard. "Hey Daichi, Lady Tsunade is requesting the two of us for a mission."
"Right, Kakashi Sensei." Daichi nodded. "Let's go."
The Mission Room
Kakashi and Daichi arrived in the room to find Tsunade and Shizune waiting for them.
"Hey Lady Tsunade, may I ask why the rest to Team Seven isn't here?" Daichi inquired.
Tsunade nodded. "I have a different mission in mind for those three and figured you two will be more than enough for this mission which specifically ask for you Daichi. It's a B rank; however, I'm not going to force you to accept it."
"A mission that ask for me?" Daichi inquired. "What is it Lady Tsunade?"
"It was a mission issued by Lord Byakuya Ryu." Daichi recognized the name but remained quiet. "It's almost time for the Promotion Exams, and his son was set to compete until a Hidden Rain Shinobi attacked. He requests that you compete since you are a Ryu."
Daichi nodded seriously. "I'll take the mission Lady Tsunade."
The Slug Yonnin nodded. "You two are to leave in an hour."
Daichi walked to the door. "I'll meet you at the gate Kakashi Sensei.
Kakashi watched as the Chunin left. "Well, it's a good thing I got assigned to the mission."
Flashback, Many Years Ago…
A young man with medium length sky blue hair and dark blue eyes stood at the door of a rather nice house. It was painted with sky blue colors with complimentary colors. His attire differed from the black robbed, with sky blue trim, men and woman depicted in paintings.
He wore dark blue pants with gold lines down the side and a dark blue, long sleeved shirt. A sun crest was imprinted on the back of his attire, and he wore dark blue greaves with shin guards. A sheathed blade was at his side. He now put on a dark blue cloak with gold trim.
The young man opened the door when a younger voice spoke to him. "If you leave, you can never return Hisashi."
Hisashi turned to look at a man two years younger than him. Other than that, they looked identical. Same hair and eyes, yet their clothes were different. This younger man wore the black robe with sky blue trim and had the moon crest imprinted on the back.
Hisashi gave the young man a sad smile. "I know Shiha. Tell mom and dad I love them." He opened the door. "I love you to little brother. I hope you live a good, long life."
Shiha watched as his older brother closed the door and a tear slid down his cheek. "You too big brother."
Present: Fusion Clan Home
Daichi walked into his room and looked at one of the many pictures he'd decided to place on his dresser. It was a picture of his father, when he was younger, and who he could confirm to be his grandfather.
"So, after all this time, one of us is returning to the Land of Iron." Daichi sighed. "I wonder what you two would say."
He then got to work packing and putting on his new sheathe which contained the Dragon Blade and a Katana. He put on a white traveling cloak and slung his traveling pack onto his back. Before leaving the room, he took a deep breath.
Land of Iron: Capital
It was snowing as Daichi and Kakashi entered the capital. Daichi looked around and saw that the people wore various types of clothing. Those that didn't seem like Samurai wore long sleeves and pants of various colors. Those that were samurai wore robes or armor with crest.
"So, this is where my grandfather was born." Daichi looked around. "I don't know how he handled snow or cold like this, but I guess the people of this land are used to it."
Daichi had barely spoken during the journey, and every time he had, it wasn't with any kind of happiness. Kakashi knew exactly why and wanted to help his student since he knew this was something the Fusion member had to face.
Kakashi spoke up. "Let's go meet Lord Ryu."
Daichi nodded. "Yes Sensei."
Ryu Residence
Kakashi knocked and Momo opened the door before yelling back into the house. "Daddy, cousin Daichi is here!"
Byakuya walked up to the door seemingly uninterested. "Come in and we will discuss the mission."
Kakashi nodded. "Right."
Byakuya's Study Office
Kakashi and Daichi took a seat across from Byakuya.
"There isn't much I need to tell you." Byakuya stated. "The Promotion Exam begins tomorrow. You are planned to fight two matches even if you were to lose tomorrow's match. It is our hope that you win both. The second will be conducted at the end of the week.
Both matches will be against Samurai, and you will be representing the Ryu House as well as all houses underneath us. Of course, we have conformation of four Rain Shinobi that might still be lurking around. You two will have to protect yourselves."
"Understood." Kakashi stated.
Daichi said, "Since I'm here, you already know I'm going to compete; however, I will not change my gear or attire. What you see now is what I will wearing in combat." Daichi stated.
Byakuya placed his head on his hand. "Any reason why?"
"The obvious reason is that this is a combat orientated mission. I'm a ninja whose focus is speed over power. Your armor or robes would only impede my movements, and I doubt you want me to lose because I wasn't fast enough.
In addition, what I'm wearing is filled with memories and experiences. My short sword and arm guards are items I earned through actions or training. My family's crest is the only crest I will fight under."
"I can respect these wishes." Byakuya stood. "Please, allow me to show you to your rooms."
Both Shinobi stood, but Daichi wasn't done. "Byakuya Ryu, I would like to speak with you, in private, after the match tomorrow. I have something I must ask you."
"Understood." Byakuya stated.
Ryu Family Kitchen, Early Morning…
Daichi had spent a lot of time thinking about things last night. The two Ryus he'd meet didn't seem like bad people. In fact, they seemed like good people. There was just one thing that was causing him to hesitate.
"If they are good people, how come none of them attempted to contact my grandfather, father, or me? Granted, I never tried to contact them, but I guess I never saw a point in trying. Mom said both grandfather and father tried, yet they never heard a thing." Daichi thought.
"Cousin Daichi, you can cook?" Momo asked curiously as she walked in.
Daichi had in fact been cooking pancakes. "Yeah, I can cook."
"It smells wonderful." Momo stated.
Daichi sighed while rubbing the back of his head. "Would you some pancakes?"
"Yes please!" The girl happily replied.
Daichi made the hand signs. "Shadow Clone Jutsu."
The clone immediately started to mix more batter for pancakes.
"That's so cool!" Momo was in awe. "That must be Ninjutsu, right?"
Daichi flipped the pancakes before answering. "That's right. I usually use them for combat, but they're great for helping with household chores."
Momo was about to speak again until Toshiro slowly entered the room.
She immediately smiled at him. "Big brother Toshiro!"
Toshiro patted his sister's head and smiled back at her. "Good morning Momo."
Daichi addressed his clone. "Better make enough to feed them all."
"So, you're Daichi Ryu?" Toshiro spat.
"You know, I'm not that ninja that attacked you." Daichi calmly stated.
Toshiro said, "I know; however, you're still a ninja."
Daichi glanced at him. "What are you implying?"
"Only that people like you can never be trusted. Personally, I'll never understand your grandfather's choice to leave the life of a Samura. He disgraced and weakened our family by his actions." Toshiro remarked.
Daichi placed his hand on his clone's shoulder. "Stop making the batter and get started with clean up."
Daichi put the pancakes he'd made onto a plate before setting it in front of Momo. He then walked over to Toshiro and punched him in the face. The Samurai was caught completely off guard and sent straight to the floor.
"Let's get one thing straight." Daichi leaked killer intent. "I will not let you say anything bad about my family. I'm proud of where I come from, and I'm not talking about this land you call home. My grandfather gave his life to save Lady Tsunade.
My father gave his life trying to stop the Nine Tailed Fox while my mother used her skills to protect me. They have more honor than you're displaying by talking ill of the dead. If you ever say anything like that in my presence again, I will not hesitate to beat you down."
Daichi left the house to cool down leaving a terrified Toshiro behind. Momo was only slightly affected since none of her cousin's anger was directed at her.
Arena: Waiting Room
Daichi sat alone in the waiting room while the first match was fought. He wasn't certain, but he could guess Byakuya was keeping everyone clear of him because of the earlier incident with Toshiro. With little else to do, he was looking over his blades
His mind kept thinking about what Toshiro said which only made him furious. "I know he got attacked by a Shinobi, but that does not excuse what he said about my grandfather. I mean, you can't judge a person by what they choose to do. He went about it within the laws of the land."
Daichi was snapped out of his thoughts by the appearance of the winner of the 1st round. It was girl around his age with short, dirty blond hair and hazel eyes. Her attire consisted of heavy, blood red armor with the crest of a scythe on the back. A sword was sheathed at her side.
She had a look of disgust on her face as she looked at Daichi, but before she could speak, the Fusion member stood. "Save it. I've heard enough insults about Shinobi." He walked to the door. "I don't feel like being insulted by another Samurai."
"You're acting like you're any different from other Shinobi." The girl spoke anyways. "You're all just weapons to be sold to the highest bidder."
Daichi clenched his fist. "You want to know the only difference between Shinobi and Samurai. It's a tittle. We are all people. People are capable of maliciousness and virtue. No one is born evil. There is no such thing as good or evil. It's all perception."
At that moment, a voice spoke. "We need Daichi Ryu and Inoue Jinta to the arena floor."
Daichi walked away with the girl speaking after him. "You better win your match Shinobi because I want to kill you with my blade!"