Pressing On

Shika Ninja Clan Compound, Morotsuka, Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan…

It was a wild week for the newly ranked Jonin ninja. Urenna managed to escape by defeating an infamous criminal and his gang. Urenna, all by herself, took down the gang and had its leader arrested. It was a risky mission for any ninja, let alone a young one, to face such a daunting task. Yet, Urenna did what was required to pass her Jonin exam. Her master, Crow, could not have been more proud with his first student. By the time Urenna returned to Japan with Crow, she had a quite the story to tell Omani when she arrived at the compound along with Santi and the new baby the clan adopted.

Omani (Entering the compound with the baby in the carriage.): "Guys! Are you there?"

Urenna: "Omani? Is that you?"

Omani: "Hai! Urenna! You guys made it back I see! Where is Hide?"

Urenna (Entering the great room.): "Master and Santi went to clean up the temple, but they will be back. Master said I could relax for the rest for the day."

Omani: "Oh I see. But did you pass your exam?"

Urenna (With a smile): "I sure did! But it got really crazy I will admit."

Omani: "Let me place sleepy head over here." (Lays the carriage on top of the rocking chair.) "Let's sit together on the sofa and you can tell me all about your test."

Urenna: "Hai."

Urenna tells her story to Omani…

Omani: "Unbelievable! I can't believe you managed to do all of that by yourself! But Hide still could have helped you during that time."

Urenna: "I couldn't call him at the time. I left my radio in the hovercraft. So I had to escape and take Sinista's guys out before they could do me in."

Omani: "I still would not want you to risk your life over criminals at your young age. The future of the clan depends on you Urenna."

Urenna: "I know. Say, what was your Jonin exam like then?"

Omani: "Nowhere near as dangerous as yours. But I did have to save someone's life from danger. The person I helped needed an antidote but it was held by a corrupt doctor and the hired soldiers who protected him. Of course, I did not engage the military soldiers, but I was able to disguise myself and steal the antidote from the doctor's office. Then I gave the person who was a young girl the cure and she was back on her feet in no time. That's how I passed my test."

Urenna: "So no beating up bad guys?"

Omani: "You could, but the whole point of my mission was to save a life, not to take down a criminal. I only did that in my last exam, which I worked together with Hide a few years later. There we took out some Yakuza hiding in Saipan. That mission was fun I have to admit."

Urenna: "Oh."

Omani: "At any rate, I am happy that you are back. I will stay here and prepare dinner. You get your much needed rest alright."

Urenna (Yawning.): "Okay."

Omani: "I will wake you up when dinner is ready."

Urenna went back to her bedroom so she could sleep once more. Omani prepared dinner as Hide and Santi returned to the compound cave about 90 minutes later. Omani spoke to Hide about Urenna's exam. Although it was an unusual test, Hide was confident that Urenna could arrest Sinista. He simply did not think Urenna would get captured that easily. For that reason alone, Urenna would need further training. Hide encouraged Omani to aid him in teaching Urenna better approaches in espionage.

More time passes, 5 years later…

Now at 21 years old, Urenna remained at the Jonin level in her development as a ninja. During that time, Urenna learned nearly every lesson given to her by both Hide and Omani in disguises, espionage, and impersonating other people. She also trained Santi and even the young boy who went by the name Brice in their development as ninja. It was a tough job for Urenna to keep the boys in line. Sometimes they would neglect training by horseplay or pretending to be sick. So they would have to clean up the compound or even study more reading material overnight. Both Urenna and Omani would check on their progress.

However, during the last 5 years, Hide's work as a secret agent was busier than ever. He would still drop in Kyushu to check on his students, but not as often. Urenna duly followed her master's wishes in co-op missions and keeping the Shika Clan compound secure. One day, training the boys in combat went about as usual outside the temple area. Hide arrived late in the afternoon to watch them all train. When the young ninja were done, he had an announcement to tell them all. Especially Urenna.

Hide: "That's enough!"

The boys: "Master!"

Urenna (turning around.): "Master, I did not know you were coming today!"

Hide: "It's alright. I need to tell you all of this. Come inside the temple with me."

All students:" Hai!"

Inside the temple…

Hide: "Now that I have your attention, I have been pondering on whether or not I would do this. Urenna, I especially would like your input on this here letter. Take it and see for yourself." (Hands out the letter.)

Urenna (Takes and reads the letter invitation.): "Wow! It's a challenge!"

Santi: "A challenge?"

Urenna: "Not just any challenge. A special tournament hosted by the Five Elders."

Santi: "Ehh…who are the Five Elders?"

Urenna: "A special group of Kung Fu Masters in China. They oversee all martial art activity within the country. I hear they are very skilled in combat. Master are you planning to accept this?"

Hide: "Maybe but I want your take on it first before I tell Omani the same thing."

Urenna: "You should do it. The world needs to know that ninjitsu is not dead."

Hide: "So you say yes?"

Urenna (Nodding.): "Do it master."

Santi: "Yeah do it!"

Hide: "Hmmm…alright then. Let's head back. I will ask Omani about this once we eat dinner."

Hide and his students went back to the compound as the sun set within the horizon of Morotsuka's mountains. Omani was back from school teaching and brought dinner home this time, courtesy of the Ishidas. Hide relayed the message given to him from the letter for Omani. Though she was concerned for Hide in these fights, Omani did not want Hide to be mad at her if she rejected the idea of participating in this contest. So she said yes to him.

With the blessing of his clan, Hide would write a letter back to the Five Elders accepting the terms for participation in the tournament. Then he got a call, it was his commanding officer, Kari. Apparently she received a tip on Cain, who most thought he completely disappeared from the Earth. Since everyone was in bed, Hide decided to answer the call in his office/room.

Hide: "Crow here."

Kari: "Crow, I know you are enjoying time with your family, but you won't believe this."

Crow: "Why? What's the trouble?"

Kari: "Remember Cain? Our sources tells us he's been spotted in Russia speaking with members of the Dragunov family in Saint Petersburg."

Crow (Rising up from his chair): "Cain! That bastard! And you say he's with the Dragunov family?"

Kari: "Yeah I know. The Dragunovs are a tough bunch. Especially Bogdan Dragunov, the head of the family. There is a possibility that he will be in the Wan He Tournament hosted by the Five Elders."

Crow: "Oh really? The Five Elders gave me an invitation to come fight as well."

Kari: "What? Did you accept?"

Crow: "I did."

Kari: "Good Crow! Perhaps you can make Bogdan talk at some point during the tournament. Remember, do not do anything too rash by attacking him outside the fighting area. You could be banned by the Elders in their schools for good."

Crow: "I'll keep that in mind. If he's housing that murderer, then I will arrest him right after the tournament without question."

Kari: "Like I said, do not do anything rash. Bogdan is as tough as they come Crow. That is all I have for you. If you are really fighting in the tournament, I wish you luck."

Crow: "Gee thanks."

Kari: "Kari out."

Call ends…

Although Hide did not expect anyone to be up, Urenna was just outside his door listening to the conversation. Urenna was up in the middle of the early night because she could not sleep. So she was leaving the kitchen part of the cave to find a little snack to eat until Hide's voice grew louder in his room. While listening in, Hide said "Cain" while speaking to someone. That man. She heard of his name before. He was the one that helped spark the civil war in her homeland of Nigeria. Urenna remember that day as a child losing her parents and older brother. Her fists clenched. Apparently, someone strong knew about Cain and would be present in the tournament in China just like Hide. Urenna tried walking away after hearing enough, but then Hide knew she was up and quickly opened the door.

Hide: "Urenna? Why are you up at this time?"

Urenna (Scared): "Master. I'm so sorry! I…I could not sleep."

Hide: "So what is the matter? Tell me."

Urenna: "Master…it's. Well." (Lowering her eyes.)

Hide: "If this is about Cain. Then do not worry yourself. I will find out where he is."

Urenna: "Master you cannot do it alone. Let me help."

Hide (Folding his arms, thinking.): "Hmmm."

Urenna: "Master?"

Hide: "There are rules that must be followed in this tournament. You will need to hone your skills in spying if I take you to China with me. You have much improved since your last exam. Perhaps this tournament can be your final test before I make you my official successor."

Urenna: "Really? You mean it?"

Hide: "I do. I will not be able to fully spy while fighting at the same time. These men competing are some of the best fighters in the world. If you can find out anything about Cain or something on the Russian General name Bogdan. Then I will pass you for your succession title of the Shika style by giving you a codename."

Urenna: "Arigato Sense! I will not let you down."

Urenna got so excited over this opportunity that she hugged Hide around his waist with joy. Hide was caught off guard, but he patted her on the back. Then Hide told his student to go get some rest. In the morning, he would need to tell the boys that they must keep the compound safe and for Omani to check up on them. Hide and Urenna would both leave at that time heading for Southern China.