Arena: Stands

Kakashi, Byakuya, Toshiro, and Momo watched at Daichi walked to the middle of the arena. They then turned their attention to his opponent. A girl with medium length brown hair and matching eyes. Her attire consisted of heavy, purple armor and a short sword at her side.

Momo turned to Kakashi. "Mr. Shinobi, what do you think Cousin Daichi's chances are of winning?"

Toshiro grunted at his younger sister's question but stayed quiet upon remembering what happened to him that morning.

"I'd say there's nothing to worry about. As I understand it, these exams are vastly different from our Chunin Exams in that they forbade Samurai from using their unique Chakra. In a contest of blades, I don't see Daichi having any difficulty." Kakashi stated.

"I only sent out that mission because he is the last hope the Ryu House has." Byakuya stated. "What exactly makes you certain he can compete?"

"He can do more than compete." Kakashi stated assuredly. "Daichi has trained for years in swordsmanship and has received training from Zabuza Momochi. A former Seven Swordsman of the Mist. Frankly, it's a mistake to underestimate him."

Arena Floor

A Samurai in pure black robes said, "You may begin when ready."

Inoue bowed to Daichi. "Please do not hold back against me."

"Finally, another person who doesn't outright insult me." Daichi drew his blades. "I don't hold back unless I'm training someone."

The girl drew her sword and the two of them squared off. Daichi made the first move slashing his blades at the girl who was genuinely surprised by his speed and just managed to block. Daichi wasn't about to let up.

He threw his blades into the air before spinning and kicking Inoue. The Samurai stumbled back and Daichi swept her feet sending Inoue to the ground. The Fusion member then caught his blades and pointed them at the girl's chest.

"Daichi Ryu wins." The Samurai in black robes announced. "He will go on to face Akira Koga at the end of the week."

Daichi sheathed his blades and held out his hands to Inoue.

The Samurai took the help without hesitation before bowing to the Fusion member. "Thank you for that fight Daichi Ryu. I now see many areas I must work on to become a better Samurai. I hope that we may one day meet in combat again."

Daichi smiled. "I'll look forward to it."

Arena: Stands

"Wow, Cousin Daichi was so cool." Momo happily stated. "Did you see that father?"

"I did." Byakuya addressed Kakashi. "It seems you were right in your assessment of your student. He does indeed know how to handle a blade."

"Swordsmanship is in his blood." Kakashi stated. "Hisashi and Hagane were both excellent Shinobi that few could match when it came to the blade."

"It wasn't that impressive." Toshiro commented a little jealous.

Byakuya's Study, Some Time Later…

Byakuya entered his office to find Daichi waiting for him. The Lord took his seat across from the Chunin. He had a feeling as to what this talk would involve, but he decided to let the young Shinobi say what he wanted.

Daichi clenched his fist. "I only have one thing to ask. Why did none of you ever answer my grandfather or father's letters?"

"We never opened the letters." Byakuya calmly stated. "It's been a long-standing law of my now dead grandfather and father that the two halves of the family remain separate. In truth, it would have stayed that way had we not needed you for this exam."

"My grandfather went through proper protocol for leaving, correct?" Daichi angrily asked.

Byakuya nodded. "I won't deny that."

Daichi stood up. "Looks like I got the confirmation I wanted. The entire Ryu House is filled with petty individuals. My grandfather attempted to contact you and mend fences. My father wanted to know this side of the family.

They say blood's thicker than water, but you must wonder about that when things like this happen. Well, you got your wish. After I finish my mission, you'll never see me again. In fact, why should I continue to discomfort you and Toshiro?

I'll get a room at a local inn." Daichi walked to the door. "Oh yeah. Do a better job raising your son. Teach him that it's not right to judge people because of who they are. If he speaks the way he did to me to the wrong Shinobi, he could die."

The fusion member then opened the door and stormed out of the office.

Hallway

Daichi had just finished packing his things and walked out the bedroom when he found his Sensei leaning against the railing reading his book.

Kakashi held up his hand. "Go on ahead and get a room at the inn. The mission doesn't force you to stay here. Just remain on guard."

Daichi gave his Sensei a genuine smile. "Thanks Sensei."

He then walked down the stairs.

Front Door

Daichi was about to leave when he sighed and turned to find Momo standing behind him. He wasn't mad at her. She was the only one of the three who hadn't caused him to feel anger.

"Cousin Daichi, where are you going?" Momo asked with a frown.

Daichi walked over to the young Samurai and patted her head. "I decided it would be good if I spent some time in the capital. I've never been to the Land of Iron and figured this would be my chance to see the sights."

Momo looked down at her feet. "Will I still be able to see you?"

Daichi chuckled. "You can come and visit me at the training field."

Momo brightened up. "I'll make sure to bring you lunch every day."

Daichi nodded. "Don't think you have to bring me food."

The Chunin walked out of the house.

Land of iron: Alleyway, Night…

A 7 ft tall, muscularly defined man with short red hair and hazel eyes entered the alleyway. His attire consisted of black robes with blood red trim and a scythe crest on the back. At his side, he carried a red blade inside a red sheathe.

The man spoke into the alleyway. "What is the best time to meet if it is not day?"

"You meet when night has fallen." The green hair Shinobi replied before appearing. "I wasn't expecting the high and mighty Lord Koga to contact a lowly Shinobi once more. What do you want Mizaku?"

"You know what I want Aoi." Mizaku firmly stated. "I only need to know how much it's going to cost?"

Aoi smiled. "S rank fee."

"That's 5 times what you asked for the 1st job." Mizaku angrily declared.

"It's for a good reason. I may like to play with my opponents, but this time I'll have to be on my toes. This job could have me confronting Kakashi Hatake. I remember him quite well from my time in the Hidden Leaf." Aoi explained.

"You'll get your money after the job is completed." Mizaku relented.

Aoi smiled. "Consider it done."

Aoi vanished and Mizaku left the alleyway. Both we were unaware of a certain silver haired Jonin who'd followed Lord Koga. He vanished from the alleyway.

Woods Near Ryu Training Ground, 2 Days Later…

3 Rain Genin, the same ones Team Seven handedly dealt with in the Forest of Death during the Chunin Exams, waited patiently for Aoi's signal.

"Is it almost time?" One of the Genin asked.

"Not yet. We must…" The Genin began.

He stopped once he heard a grunt that came from the right. The remaining two Genin turned but saw no trace of their comrade other than that Genin's footprints in the snow. The Genin heard his last comrade grunt and quickly turned to his left only to see nothing. He was alone.

The remaining Genin was spooked until he was knocked out by a chop to his neck. Kakashi caught the body and tied the Shinobi up like the other two. Once he was done, the Jonin looked out at the training ground ready to jump in if Daichi couldn't handle himself.

Ryu Training Grounds

Daichi was practicing against one of the dummies when he heard Momo. "Hey Cousin Daichi, I brought you lunch."

The Fusion member smiled until he saw Toshiro was with her. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm here to make sure my sister's going to be alright." Toshiro replied.

"I should have figured that'd be your response. Go on and say something. I've been wanting to teach you a lesson." Daichi angrily stated.

"What's stopping you?" Toshiro angrily asked. "Attack me right now. In fact, why don't you kill me. Kill me like your kind killed our mother!"

"Toshiro that's not Cousin Daichi's fault." Momo proclaimed.

Daichi paused for a moment before becoming furious and grabbing Toshiro by the collar of his robe. "So, that's what this is all about. A Shinobi kills your mother and you suddenly hate all of us. By your logic, I should hate all Shinobi because one killed my mother.

He punched Toshiro sending the Samurai to the ground. "All you're doing is take the easy road by blaming every ninja for the actions of one. That will never allow you to become stronger. You're holding yourself…" Daichi turned around and drew his real blades "Lion's Will: 25%."

The Chakra flared up around him as he blocked a shower of Senbon.

"Y-You protected me. Why?" Toshiro asked shocked.

"What's the point of becoming stronger if you're not going to use your power to protect people. At least, that's how I view my training." Daichi stated determined. "Now, take your sister and leave."

Toshiro looked at his feet. "Maybe… I've been wrong." He then nodded and grabbed his sister's hand. "You heard him Momo. Daichi will take care of this ninja."

"O-Okay big brother." As they were running, she turned to the Fusion member. "Be careful Cousin Daichi."

The two Samurai in training took off. Aoi tried to force the same situation as he had before by going after them; however, Daichi was much quicker on the up take as he got in the way slashing at the Shinobi and leaving him with a cut across the chest. The Rain Shinobi jumped back.

The Fusion member stood firm. "I'm your opponent Rain Shinobi."

Aoi smiled. "Interesting. You far outclass that Samurai in training."

Daichi carefully looked over Aoi. "Let's see… yep you're a perfect match for Aoi Rokusho. Missing Nin of the Leaf Village. That must mean that blade in your possession is The Sword of the Thunder God."

Aoi smirked. "You know of me. I'm flattered."

"You shouldn't be. Any ninja who's read the Leaf Bingo Book knows of you. Now, I'm going to reclaim that sword you've stolen. While I'm at it, I'll be taking you back to the Leaf." Daichi stated.

"That's funny." Aoi laughed. "Listen, you may be a Chunin, but I'm a Jonin. My skills far outclass anything you got." He drew the sword. "You're welcome to try. Who knows, you may even provide some entertainment."

Daichi charged Aoi, and the Jonin thrust the sword forward catching Daichi inside an electrical cage. The Rain Shinobi then lifted the Chunin into the air. A moment later Daichi dispelled reveling himself to be a shadow clone.

"What?!" Aoi shouted in shock.

The Fusion member appeared behind Aoi holding a fully formed Rasengan. "You may call yourself a Jonin, but you've relied on that blade far too often. As a result, your other skills have deteriorated."

Daichi used the dragon blade to cut Aoi's umbrella off his back. "Now let's end this!" Aoi angrily whirled around the slash into Daichi only to be met with the blue sphere straight to the gut. "Rasengan."

Aoi was sent spiraling into a tree which cracked and fell to the ground. The Rain Jonin was down for the count. Daichi picked up the umbrella and made his way over to Aoi. Along the way, he saw the sword on the ground and pocketed it. Once he reached Aoi's body, he took out some wire and tied the Jonin before slinging him over his shoulder

With Kakashi

"Impressive strategy. He poured three fourths of his Chakra into one shadow clone knowing that Aoi would most likely attack him at the training ground. Once Aoi was distracted, Daichi took him down with the Rasengan.

"You are growing into a fine ninja." The Leaf Jonin stood. "I suppose I should get back to the house before he shows up." He looked at the three Rain Genin. "I should do something with them as well"

Kakashi created three shadow clones and had them take the ninja in the direction of the Hidden Rain Village before jumping into the trees and making his way back to the house.

Ryu Residence

Daichi walked in to find a now happy and relieved Momo. "You're okay Cousin Daichi!" She noticed the unconscious Rain Shinobi. "You even managed to defeat that ninja!"

"Of course." Daichi smiled. "If I lost to this sorry excuse for a Shinobi, I couldn't call myself a Chunin."

Kakashi walked around the corner. "I'll take him back to the Leaf." He took the body from Daichi and slung him over his shoulder. "I'll leave the completion of this mission to you."

Daichi knew that it was best if Aoi was taken back to the Leaf Village as soon as possible. "Right Sensei." He then remembered the sword. "Oh yeah, you also need to take this back to the village."

He took out the Sword of the Thunder God only to find that it had changed. The handle was dark blue, there was a sun crest on the side, and the bottom had a golden seal visible to all.

"Sensei, what happened to the sword?" Daichi inquired

"It appears the sword has chosen you to be its next wielder." Kakashi replied.

Daichi looked at the Jonin. "Really?"

"It's your blade now." Kakashi stated giving his student an eye smile.

"Shouldn't you still take it back to the village?" Daichi asked.

"The 2nd Hokage's wish was for that blade to be given to its next owner besides it can't be used by anyone else now, so there's really no point in me taking it." Kakashi explained.

Daichi put the sword away. "Very well." He then lifted the umbrella he took from Aoi and put it on his shoulder. "I'll keep this umbrella as a nice trophy as well."

"Right, well I best head out now." Kakashi stated before leaving.

"Well, I'm heading back to the inn." Daichi stated.

"Wait Cousin Daichi!" Momo shouted. "Can't you stay?"

"Well... ah…" Daichi didn't know what to say.

Toshiro appeared causing both Momo and Daichi to look at him. "Why don't you stick around?" He rubbed the back of his head embarrassed. "It would mean a lot to Momo if you did."

"Oh alright." Daichi smirked. "I'll stick around since 'Momo' wants me to."

"What are you implying?" Toshiro asked angrily.

"Only that you're warming up to me." Daichi replied.

Toshiro scoffed. "Yeah right."

He stormed off.

Daichi chuckled. "I should go and speak with Byakuya."

"After you're done, can you help me train?" Momo asked.

"Sure." Daichi stated before walking up the stairs.

Arena Stands, End of the Week…

Byakuya left his children with Renji and sat beside Mizaku Koga. "What do you want Ryu?"

Byakuya took out a scroll and Mizaku immediately recognized it. "You know exactly what I want. You sent a shinobi to attack my son, and you had him attack my nephew. I do not take kindly to these attacks against my family Koga."

Koga was contemplating weather or not to draw his sword, but before he could make a move, three Samurai, in light sky-blue armor, appeared. They all pointed their swords at the Lord, and he knew he was beat.

Byakuya stood up and took out a second scroll that he opened. "It is my duty to inform you that your house has been stripped of all status with every sub house under you now split up between the three remaining houses.

In addition, Lord Mifune has ordered that you receive the death penalty for your abhorrent actions. As the wounded party it will be my job carry out the sentence." He put the scroll away and addressed his guards. "Take him away."

Arena Floor

Daichi now faced Akira Koga. "I hope you're ready Shinobi because I'm going to kill you."

"I don't think so Akira." Daichi calmly stated.

The referee relayed the news to everyone. "Attention everyone." The crowd and the two contestants immediately looked at the Samurai. "It has come to my attention that Lord Mizaku Koga has been stripped of his status. As such, The Ryu House wins the Promotion Exams."

Akira was shocked until she looked at Daichi becoming furious. "It was you!" She drew her blade. "You framed my father, so you wouldn't have to fight me!"

"Your father broke a law when he hired a ninja to kill off not one but two Ryu's." Daichi calmly stated.

"You lie! My father hated Shinobi as much as anyone in the Koga House!" Akira shouted before swinging at Daichi.

The Fusion member avoided her blade and held his hand out to the referee who was attempting to intervene. "I will subdue her."

The referee nodded. "As you wish Lord Ryu."

"Draw your blade!" Akira angrily shouted.

"There is no need to draw what isn't needed." Daichi explained.

Akira shouted, "Draw it now!"

She lunged at Daichi who stepped to the side. "Anger in a fight can be good, but pure rage is a hindrance. At this point, a Genin fresh from the academy could beat you."

Akira yelled as she slashed at Daichi like a mad woman. The Chunin avoided every strike until he got in close. His arm glowed with wild blue Charka. He grabbed Akira's arm and pulled her in close before striking her in the stomach.

"Lion's Devastation!" Daichi declared.

Akira's armor cracked. "Damn it." She held her sword out which began to glow an earthy brown. "Mark my words Daichi Ryu. I will kill you one day no matter what it takes. What you've done will be avenged."

Akira slammed her blade into the ground as Daichi rushed forward only to be forced to dodge as a wave of earth came at him. Once the earth subsided, everyone could see a clean hole in the ground. Akira Koga was gone.

Outskirts of the Capital, Night…

Akira was panting as she now stood atop a hill looking back at her home.

"In the world of the Shinobi, it is common to do whatever it takes to succeed." A male voice stated. "Looks like the Ryu House took that to heart. Perhaps your newly acquired need for revenge is enough to override your prejudice."

Akira turned to face the former Mist Shinobi Kuma.

"Who are you Shinobi?" Akira asked.

"I am with Akatsuki and we can provide you the power needed to get your revenge." Kuma held out his hand. "All you must do is swear your blade to our cause. If not, I can leave you here. It is your choice. He who I serve has no need for those unwilling."

"You can really grant me strength?" Akira asked.

"The group I belong to is filled with S ranked Shinobi." Kuma replied. "We have means of growing in power."

Akira took a knee before him. "I swear my blade to the Akatsuki and will carry out any order given."

"Then we must leave now." Kuma stated.

Byakuya's Office, The Next Day…

Daichi was dressed in his traveling cloak. His pack and souvenir umbrella were on his back.

"So, no word's come in about Akira?" Daichi asked.

"Unfortunately, not." Byakuya said, "She seems to have vanished."

"I suppose it doesn't matter. In this line work, people tend to make many enemies." Daichi moved to the door.

"Wait Daichi." The Chunin turned to face Byakuya. "I must apologize. You've proven that you're honorable. In fact, you're more honorable than some Samurai I know. If you wish to contact us, we will not ignore you."

Daichi smiled. "I'll keep that in mind."

He walked out.

Down the Hall

Daichi saw Toshiro and Momo waiting to see him off.

Momo happily said, "Take care of yourself Cousin Daichi, and come visit us whenever you can."

"Just make sure you grow stronger." Toshiro looked to the left. "Next time we meet; I want to fight you."

"Train all you want Toshiro because it's never going to be enough." Daichi held out his fist. "We cool?"

"We'll see." Toshiro looked at the fist before bumping it with a nod. "Yeah, we cool."

Daichi walked down the stairs. "I'll keep in touch, but my place is with my home." He opened the door before looking back at a family had reconnected with. "If you ever need me, just write." He nodded. "I'll come running."

He waved before leaving and beginning his journey home.

Flame Wolfe: I'm going to be honest, the Samurai never really sold me as a force that Shinobi should respect as much as they seem to, so I figured bringing in some Bleach like abilities would do something to elevate them to a higher status. If I was going to do that, I might as well bring in a few Bleach characters while I'm at it. As for the Dragon Contract, I have an idea for that which I should have used in the original.