Chapter 22: The Boys of Gokudō Part 1

Author's Note: Sorry I have been gone so long, guys. my computer broke and I needed to purchase a new one. Combined with several other personal problems occuring, I have not been writing as much as I'd like. However, I have 2 new chapters for you all with a third on the way. I have not dropped this series, nor do I intend to anytime soon. I know this isn't the most compelling story, but writing is a process and I will continue to update already existing chapters as I go on.

Suzuki stopped cold. His dark red hair standing on end as he walked into his boss's office, his lightly tanned face going a tad pale.

Unlike the elite room with its vintage furniture and rustic atmosphere, the boss's room was lined with frames of Gokudō Academy pictures and articles of their past endeavors. Various weapons also decorated the walls; knives, shurikens, kunai, axes and guns, all relics of the boss's past.

While the rest of his body froze still, Suzuki's eyes trembled at the site of a dismembered pinky on the boss's desk right beside his golden name plate, embroidered "Kenshi Yamauchi". Across from his desk, the black yoroi of a shinobi grunt could be seen, holding his hand as the tears squeezed from his eyes.

Kenshi leaned back in his chair. The boss blew a puff of smoke from his lips, "So, you've chosen your pinky over your armband. Why?"

"Because, Oyabun. Removing my armband would be cutting off a part of me that would hurt more than losing a pinky." The grunt said through tears. Suzuki found his hand gripping his own armband. An armband of the school which depicted a dragon and a koi fish, their tails forming the shape of a diamond up the middle until their heads met at the bottom.

Kenshi then lifted one leg over the other as he leaned back in his chair, his dark gold pompadour hairstyle curling just over his forehead like a hunter's skin hat. "Be honest with me here. Why do you weep?"

"It would be a lie if I said it didn't hurt, my Oyabun." The grunt whimpered. "But I weep mostly for the wrongs I have committed. Against our comrades. Against the academy. Against my own growth. So please, i beg your forgiveness as I have begged for theirs."

Suzuki watched Kenshi adjust the white under-collar of his black suit before getting up from his seat. A tall man, Kenshi towered over most folks at approximately 6 ft./1.8 Meters. After tossing his cigarette and taking a few steps over to the grunt, he wrapped his arm around the grunt in a loving manner, saying "you have been forgiven, brother."

After a seemingly sentimental moment, Kenshi then dismissed the grunt, who walked past Suzuki with a slight bow, Kenshi then calling his fellow Elite ninja over. "Suzu, my brother. Come in. I assume your mission was successful? I am sorry you had to see that. But Yubitsume is still the Gokudō way." As Kenshi leaned on his desk, Suzuki must have reeked of worry as Kenshi practically smelt it. "That's not what troubles you, is it? Perhaps I should have sent Murasame in your place for the mission if you found it too difficult."

Suzuki gulped, "No, it wasn't difficult! At least… not the task itself." Kenshi sat back down in his chair, relaxing and imploring Suzuki to continue. "My mission was successful… but I… forgive me, Kenshi. But my last mission didn't feel like the Gokudō way."

"Oh, Suzuki. The man was a swindler, wife beater, and harassed his own daughter. We have done society a favor."

"I agree very much, but a drive-by shooting?! We could have just as easily sent one of the grunts to assassinate him! Now both the town and the police are on alert." Suzuki looked Kenshi directly in the eyes as he watched the latter adjust the collar of his white suit jacket.

"The Gokudō way is changing, Suzu. For too long our school hid in the shadows even by shinobi standards. But now we are finally in position to be making our mark on the shinobi world… no. Japan. We will show this country what happens to those that society has tossed to the curb like the weekly trash. And we will be a beacon of hope to those who have been spat on. The corrupt and the mighty shall fall and the weak and forgotten shall rise up to take their place."

Suzuki's eyes began to drift. "I guess I just have to get used to it."

"Are you being honest?" Kenshi leaned forward and Suzuki felt an uneasy pressure as though his vulnerability was a bubble and Kenshi's words were needles.

Suzuki dropped his head, "Well… there is that other thing."

"You're worried about your sister. What she might think of you once we continue down this path."

"And for her safety. I'm sure I just have to get used to this path, Kenshi, but…"

Kenshi cut him off. "Remind me again, Suzuki. You said she was 9 when you all got separated. Yozakura, was it?"

Suzuki nodded, "I remember her the best since she always took care of us after mom and dad died. Even though I would sometimes help out, being the second oldest, that didn't stop her from putting even my needs ahead of hers. She was truly wonderful."

"It's been 8 years since then. Next time you see her, you can show her just how much you've grown." A slight smile grew across Kenshi's mouth. "When I first laid eyes on you, I passed you off as grunt fodder. But I knew even a rock could become a diamond. Now look at you. From an awkward baseball boy who couldn't flirt to save his life to a charming, young elite of the Gokudō Boys Academy. You've come a long way, Suzuki. And don't worry… we aren't gonna cause anarchy and randomly target civilians. Gokudō Academy still follows a code. And while that code may change, it will never be abandoned."

Suzuki got up; his resolve reinforced. "You're right, Kenshi. We'll show the world just what we're made of. And this time, I'll take care of her."

Suzuki felt his hand being taken by his boss in a firm grip. "That's the spirit, my brother. Now, I must check on our guest... to make sure Murasame doesn't do anything too brash."

Ikaruga had analyzed the room top to bottom several times over. The room's gleaming golden ceiling and floor which almost reflected Ikaruga's figure, it's velvety carpet walls that showcased the Gokudō Academy symbol, the fine leather cushioned couch with curved mahogany arms, and the fancy, jade chabudai table were meant to give a feeling of comfort. But Ikaruga refused to let herself fall into such a trap as she looked around for a weak point in the room, but to no avail. Ikaruga slumped down into the couch, her eyes beginning to wander when the door to the room opened as Kenshi walked in. Ikaruga guessed he was just slightly older than Daidoji.

"So, you're Ikaruga. Murasame's said much about you. Don't waste your time trying to escape. This room's designed to prevent it; in case you had any ideas. How you doing? Hope they didn't treat you too roughly. It's not the Gokudō way." Ikaruga simply glanced a look at him before closing her eyes in silence. "Ah, where are my manners? My name is Kenshi Yamauchi; head of the elites at the Gokudō Academy for Boys. Can I get you anything?"

With a turned head, Ikaruga shot a light glare at the Gokudō boss. "So you go to such great lengths as to capture me and yet you show such hospitality? Yes, if you would be so kind, I would like to have answers. Just what is it you want with me and what have you done to my brother?"

"I suppose we owe you that much." Kenshi sat down on the couch across from Ikaruga, the latter noticing a large, gold dragon ring on his finger as he folded his hands together. "Your brother attempted to start a riot in Gokudō territory when we found him one night. I have to say, for being adopted, I see much resemblance between you two."

"And that means?" Ikaruga folded one leg over the other as she looked Kenshi in the eyes.

Kenshi ran a hand through the bottom of his pompadour hairdo. "Most people are terrified when they talk to me. Not to sound arrogant, but my name carries quite a bit of weight in these parts. But you show no fear. And despite the position he was in, neither did your brother. The poor guy looked like he had been through hell and back. He stunk, hadn't eaten in days, one of the biggest emotional messes I'd seen in a long time. I could have snapped my fingers and he would have been like dust in the wind. But he didn't care. This was a young man whom life had spit on so much that he welcomed death. And I admire qualities like that in a person. Fearlessness of that caliber has great potential."

"But that doesn't make any sense. Murasame found his calling, he's one of the best businessmen I've ever seen! And you're telling me he just ran away!?" Ikaruga now looked straight at Kenshi, her shoulders tensely pushing her hands to her knees.

"Being good at something does not necessarily mean that you enjoy it, miss Ikaruga. Believe me." Kenshi's voice trailed on the last two words before he looked around the room. "Don't tell me he came in here and took that sword off you. Hien, was it?"

"Would he do anything else?" Ikaruga scoffed, turning her head in slight shame.

"Ah yes. He has always went on and on about that sword for a time. For a while it seemed he forgot about it but seeing you must have triggered a nerve." Kenshi then got up, inviting Ikaruga to come follow him to which she hesitantly complied, still not wanting to trust him.

"You still never answered my other question. What is it you Gokudō shinobi want with me?"

"Oh, I'm afraid there's been a misunderstanding in that regard. With the exception of perhaps Murasame, the Gokudō Boys Academy wants nothing from the class rep of Hanzo. Well, maybe some of them have a few… base desires." Kenshi eyed her up very briefly to which Ikaruga took a step back, letting out a surprised 'ah' and turning away as though he were visually undressing her. "But don't worry. I will not allow such a thing to happen. As Oyabun of Gokudō Academy, you have my word. Anyone who tries to touch you otherwise will lose fingers."

"If you don't have a personal grudge then why have you kidnapped me!?" Ikaruga's frustration began to seep out.

"That's between you and Sir Ryoto Tairō. We are simply carrying out a job that was tasked to us."

Ikaruga's eyes widened as she placed a hand on her chest. "Tairō!? But they're business partners of Phoenix Corporation! I know his niece! Why would they order a kidnapping?!"

"That's between You. And. Tairō." Kenshi stated plainly before continuing through a set of double doors. Ikaruga followed the Gokudō boss into a small gymnasium made almost entirely of wood. While far from run down, and still very functional as a gym, it's age was showing with its fading, painted basketball lines and dusty scoreboard.

In the center they found Murasame taking practice swings at some wooden mannequins with Hien. "You look better with the chain and sickle, Murasame." Kenshi greeted.

"Kenshi, my Oyabun." Murasame gave a slight bow. "Why is she here?"

Before Kenshi could answer, Ikaruga took a step forward. "I would like you to return my sword, brother."

"You hold your tongue in the presence of Oyabun Yamauchi, sister!" Murasame barked back.

"At ease, Murasame. But yes, I do wish to know what happened. It's not nice to take sissy's toys, Same boy." Kenshi's voice gradually trailed into a slightly playful and almost sarcastic tone.

"Kenshi. You know how much this means to me. The weight of my family's heirloom and honor being taken from me by a foreign blood tramp to the point where even now the blasted bird, Hien, will not show itself to me!" Murasame's words sliced at Ikaruga's heart, her head dropping as looming shadows of guilt beat her with heartache. While she kept a mostly straight face outside, an emotional tornado battered her internally until all that remained was scattered confusion.

Kenshi casually leaned up against one of the training dummies, taking out a cigarette. "I thought Hien was the sword."

Murasame quickly walked over, pulling out a lighter, kindling the boss's cigarette for him. "You're not wrong, but the sword is called Hien after the spirit of the phoenix, which lives inside and can be summoned by its user. However, old texts say that Hien chooses its wielder and will only appear for those it so desires. Meaning she has already taken my birthright from me!" Murasame pointed angrily at his adopted sister. "Even if that stupid bird won't show it's face to me, I won't let you steal my birthright any longer!"

Ikaruga's sorrow slowly burned into a low-key anger. "How many times must we go over this same scenario, Murasame!? Father entrusted Hien to me because you… well… weren't exactly-..."

"Yeah go ahead and say it! I was weak! Incompetent! Incapable of being a proper shinobi. Looking back on it, perhaps I was a little ignorant to my own mediocrity, but no more! During the time I was absent my training intensified! After much pain, I went back to win the regional chain and sickle tournaments three times! Tell you what. If my Oyabun permits it… why don't we settle this once and for all? If I win, Hien is mine." Murasame placed Hien on the ground, pulling out his Kusarigama.

"How about we make this interesting? If I win, I keep Hien AND let me go free." Ikaruga and Murasame both looked over towards Kenshi, who leaned up from the mannequin, blowing a small puff of smoke.

"No. I'm afraid I cannot risk such a wager. Especially since our business is to our client. However, I can tell this Hien business has very personal flames that haven't been fully doused just yet. Therefore, I permit this match for ownership of the phoenix blade. Help me out would you, Murasame?" Kenshi began flipping the training dummies underneath to reveal floorboards. Murasame quickly helped out, clearing the gymnasium for the match.

"Prepare, sister! This is the last time you steal my birthright!" Murasame called out as Ikaruga gripped Hien's hilt. Just focus Ikaruga. It'll be over shortly. Shortly… Ikaruga tried to glare Murasame's direction, but every time she made eye contact, her heart stung, wanting to cry out. Kenshi raised an arm before swinging it down in a chopping manner. "begin!"

Jumping backwards, Ikaruga sent several blue energy waves at Murasame, who swung the sickle part of his Kusarigama, quickly blocking the waves. Hoping to end it quickly, Ikaruga dashed forward when Murasame dashed for her as well. Flashing past him, she unleashed a flurry of slashing, blue energy waves behind her. While it cut up his black Gokudō school uniform some, revealing some new tattoos on his arms, Ikaruga was shocked to see Murasame still standing.

Murasame grunted but smirked, "My turn." throwing the sickle at Ikaruga, who used Hien to entangle his chained weapon. When will you learn, Murasame? Suddenly, Ikaruga took a blow to the lower jaw from the iron weight end of the Kusarigama. As Ikaruga lost her balance, Murasame then tugged hard on the tangled sickle, forcing his sister to drop her blade.

Ikaruga fell on her rear, to which Murasame quickly followed up, binding Ikaruga's left leg with the weighted end of the chain. Falling on her back, Ikaruga felt the hard wood against her body as Murasame reeled her in. Regaining composure, the Hanzo ninja grabbed Hien as she was dragged closer, swinging at Murasame and forcing him to let her go as he blocked her blade with his sickle. Ikaruga got up, pushing her brother into a blade lock as he used both hands on the sickle end.

"Didn't expect that, did you, little sister?!" Ikaruga remained silent, "Do you remember the whispers of them all? Family… immediate, intermediate, extended. All whispering behind my back their concerns for the family business that Mr. Houou's son couldn't carry on the legacy. That he was too weak, that he could have been trained harder. Of course, you wouldn't. Once father brought you on the scene, they all rejoiced. Praising little Ikaruga who would be the savior the family business!"

Noticing his other hand had slid down the chain and began swinging the weighted end, Ikaruga yelled, shoving Murasame backwards. "No matter what they said, I never wanted this to happen, Murasame!" Ikaruga dashed forward but leapt backwards as Murasame swung the full Kusarigama in a wide arc. "You might not have been the best shinobi, but unlike them I NEVER THOUGHT YOU WERE INCOMPETENT! LET THAT SINK IN!" Conflicted tears of rage leaked from Ikaruga as she performed a ducking slide under Murasame's spinning chain, elbowing him in the stomach.

Murasame just barely blocked her strikes with his chain as Ikaruga pushed him back slowly, not giving him room to go on the offensive. Suddenly her strike was parried as a dark green turtle with glowing blue eyes appeared in front of Murasame, it's shell acting like a shield. "A turtle?!" The moment she recoiled, Murasame retracted his sickle end, slashing Ikaruga across the side before striking her right knee with the weighted end. Ikaruga fell down, yelping in pain, holding her side.

"That's right, sister. I even found my animal guardian. I was hoping to save Kamera here for a last resort, but it's good to see you've kept up your training." Murasame scratched under the turtle's chin as it made a happy cat-like smile :3 "If you had gotten too rusty, I couldn't show you how strong I've become."

"You've become stronger for sure. But you still have growing to do." Using her sword, Ikaruga forced herself to one knee, "shinobi transformation." A gleaming light engulfed Ikaruga's rack and nether regions as her outfit was stripped from her. Her wounds somewhat healing as her regal shinobi attire donned upon her.

"Hmph. Still not convinced, sister?! Fine! I'll show you what I'm made of!" But just as Murasame was finishing, Ikaruga dashed around him, disorienting him and making his head spin. Before he could react, she dashed past him once more, unleashing her first ninja art, knocking Murasame into the air before a giant flurry of slicing blue energy waves pummeled him. Barely leaving him in boxers and tearing up his sleeves, exposing his body, more muscular and tattoo-ridden than last Ikaruga knew. A couple of scars across his back and one on his upper arm, tattoos of Cherry Blossoms formed a raging current on his back as a turtle swam through them.

All scratched up and bleeding in some spots, Murasame struggled to his feet. "Ya know something the former Oyabun taught us all? That the one who wins is not the one who the loses. But how many times you can get back up from losing. Well I've spent my time for so long at the bottom of the roster. No longer will I trip over myself as the joke character!"

"Joke character?" Kenshi raised an eyebrow. Ikaruga's eyes trembled halfway between proud at Murasame's resolve and saddened by what drove him to that point.

Murasame shinobi transformed into his open, white shirt and long, matching pants and largely healing his own wounds. "Now the real battle begins." He said.

Ikaruga closed her eyes momentarily as a blue flame lit up her blade. "Come to me, Hien! Oukaensen!"

"Secret Ninja Art, Tough Shell... Kamera! Lend me your strength!" Murasame gained a similar blue glow in his eyes to his turtle as Ikaruga's blue phoenix charged straight forward. "Hien. COME ON YA STUPID BIRD! AAUGH!"

Murasame took the full blast from the phoenix, getting knocked back against the wall and tearing up his outfit once again. Ikaruga gasped as he got back up, however, resisting a solid portion of the phoenix's attack. Murasame slowly lumbered towards his sister, eyes still beaming a bright blue glow, "You've never seen anything like this, have you, sister? Defensive ninja arts are a forgotten treasure."

"Perhaps. But now you've left yourself open!" Ikaruga rushed Murasame and the two began to clash and parry, Ikaruga managing to land more hits, as Murasame's defensive trade-off significantly hindered his movement. Once the effect wore off, Ikaruga kicked Murasame backwards before leaping into the air, aiming for a follow-up attack as he regained balance.

Underestimating his reflexes, a sudden chain restrained Ikaruga's arms around her sides, squeezing her into a bind. "Secret Ninja Art, Hook Combo!" Ikaruga found herself rushing towards her brother only to have the breath knocked out of her as his knee dug into her stomach. Striking her in the back of the head with a hand, Murasame yanked on the chain, spinning Ikaruga out just in time to send her flying with a body shove. Ikaruga dropped Hien as she rolled over several times, now barely conscious.

Now panting, his muscles starting to as he took a few steps forward, Murasame began to swing the weighted end of his Kusarigama when Kenshi stood up, raising his right hand. "That's enough. This match is over."

Murasame walked over slowly, picking up Hien. Ikaruga's body trembled as she caught her breath, struggling to get up. "It is a shame what happened to father. If only he could see me now. I can't imagine how speechless he'd be." Murasame smirked with triumph, running his hand along the side of the blade.

"Impressive display, Murasame." Kenshi walked down from his spot, applauding lightly, "You've become so proficient with a weapon that difficult that honestly, I couldn't imagine you with any other."

"Oh. You… think so, my Oyabun?" Murasame looked slightly confused.

"I do, Murasame. So why don't you give little sister back her sword? You've already got a weapon worthy of a Gokudō shinobi."

"Kenshi, please. This is more than just a weapon. This is my heir. My birthright. The sword of my family who-..."

"Who never gave much of a shit for you in the first place, correct? So tell me, Murasame. Why keep something from someone you know hasn't treated you properly?"

Murasame began to stammer, "B-because, my Oyabun. Er… Kenshi my brother. Have we not been over this a thousand times that it is a highly personal-..."

"Just KEEP IT ALREADY!" looking over with a start, Murasame and Kenshi saw Ikaruga sitting on her heels. Her head dropped, not letting them see her eyes. "If that's all that matters to you then you haven't grown at all, so just take it! I don't even want it anymore!" Droplets hit the ground where Ikaruga sat as she sobbed softly.

Murasame's mouth gaped, dumbfounded and speechless. "S… sister?"

"SHUT UP! I don't care if you lock me up again, just you and that stupid sword get out of my sight!" Ikaruga refused to look at Murasame as she pulled herself to her feet.

Kenshi lightly patted her shoulder to which she started walking back out with him. "Murasame… family isn't always bound in blood." Kenshi called out before he and Ikaruga left Murasame in silence.