Chapter 4
It's Showtime
At the MIkagura Shrine, Kagura, her attendant, Naraku, and all three Mikagura Sisters, Renka, Hanabi, and Kafuru, who were still suspicious of the invitation to the Shinovi Masters Tournament, and the battle with the strongest yoma in existence. Of course, the yoma slayer, despite her childlike appearance, agreed to participate. The dark haired girl then summoned a dark aura, and several red lights appeared over her. Now, Kagura decided to do the same, and she took on the form of a young woman, wearing a black school uniform.
"Now then, who are you?" she asked.
"Fubuki. It's a pleasure," replied the girl.
"Likewise, I'm sure. Please don't disappoint me," smirked Kagura.
Their battle soon took place, but Kagura had managed to destroy Fubuki's coat, revealing that she was covered in bandages, top to bottom.
"Impressive," she said, until her garments shattered into nothing.
The Mikagura sisters were surprised, despite Kagura's compliments about Fubuki's abilities. She wanted some more answers from Fubuki, but her silence meant otherwise. However, Senkou and Gekkou arrived with good news, as well as let her know that they would be taking her with them.
"If you want to know, then enter the Shinovi Masters, and perhaps you'll find the answer to that question. I'll be waiting, Kagura," Fubuki said quietly, then they all vanished.
Kagura was wondering what she meant by that, until she decided to go as well, but at the same time was curious about Sora, after what Asuka and the others had told her about him. Somewhere in a bowling ally, Sora, along with most of Team Crimson, looked at the unconscious Homura, after Sephiroth had sent them plummeting down below.
"I'm sorry, guys. Homura and I tried to snap Asuka out of her trance, but Sephiroth caught us off guard," he said to them.
"Don't be, Sora. But Haruka thinks that she'll be okay," assured Mirai.
"Mirai is right, so don't be upset about it. We're just gonna have to wait for her to wake up," agreed Haruka.
"Right," Sora sighed quietly.
"But why would Sephiroth attack the both of you?" asked Yomi.
"To try and make Asuka believe that vengeance will get her exactly what she wants, Yomi. As for Homura's wounds, they were also caused by the One-Winged Angel, just like with Rei during our scuffle with one of the phages called Sailor Director. It's probably best if we wait until she recovers enough to join the tournament," he explained to her.
But Homura awoke with a start.
"SEPHIROTH!" she shouted, but grabbed at her arm.
"How could he? Why would Sephiroth do this?" Homura asked in dismay.
"You guys stay put. I'll see if I can find Asuka," Sora said to them, and he raced off.
That night, he found down the steps of the Mikagura shrine, but also noticed Sephiroth nearby.
"If you wish to save your friends, forsake justice, embrace vengeance, and you will save them from death itself, Asuka. That is your destiny," Sephiroth whispered into her ear.
"How dare he," seethed Sora, and he ran off, just as the One-Winged Angel vanished.
The next day, he arrived at Gessen, and found Yozakura in the library, but decided not to bug her. He then arrived at the classroom to find Shiki, Minori, and Murakumi training through aerobics, including a reluctant Yumi. Sora decided to not disturb them, and leaned against the wall with his eyes closed, and his arms over his chest. However, the snow kunoichi decided to ask Shiki about the training, and its purpose, which she revealed was through weight loss.
"I'm afraid Shiki may be right, Yumi. It's actually important for everyone to be fit and ready for that Shinovi Masters Tournament. See, after a great deal of intensive training with Asta, even though Noelle would often berate us for being loud and obnoxious, and calling us a bunch of stupid inbred idiots, staying fit is actually a good way to b ready for whatever comes next," he explained.
Before he could press on, they were interrupted by Yozakura who handed them the Gessen Newsletter, and began looking through the pictures in that book of the various tournaments. But they soon saw Senkou and Gekkou, which surprised them.
"We need to find out why they're part of that school, guys. But first, Shiki, don't even think of making me wear a monkey suit," Sora said to them.
"Don't you mean a tuxedo, Sora?" she asked.
"Yeah, c'mon, Sora. You'd look great in a tuxedo," added Minori.
"Actually, I'll just stick to these clothes that were left to me by my father, who left me after I was born," he replied, pulling out a black suit with a black tie, black shirt, and black dress shoes.
That night, Yumi looked at the picture of herself and her friends with her grandfather, while Sora slept on the floor away from her. She remembered all the training she'd gone through, along with another who was around her age, before learning that he had passed away, but was happy to have two very lovely granddaughters like them, as well as his belief in the moon, being a light in the darkness. However, Sora slowly awoke, and looked at the picture.
"I know that look, Sora. It's just like my grandfather's before he passed away," she said to him.
"Looking at this picture, I can actually see a happy family," Sora replied quietly.
However, in another bedroom, Fubuki slowly snuck in, and looked at another picture.
"I'm home. Sorry it's so late," she said quietly, so as not to disturb anyone.
The next morning, after breakfast, Sora and the Gessen girls arrived at the middle school branch of that school. Minori and the others were a bit surprised, but of course, Sora was able to get dressed in his suit. However, most of the girls in that school soon saw Yumi and began taking pictures of her, but Sora folded his arms over his chest, as if he were like a strict teacher.
"Okay, people, let's break it up. I'm glad you've met the top student of Gessen, but if you'll excuse us," he said, and led them away.
Yumi was a bit surprised, but she decided it was best to go undercover. They tried the teacher look, but then went with the middle school look, while Sora kept the suit on.
"This should be a cinch, guys. Remember, don't start a ruckus, or these students in Gessen Middle School could get badly hurt, or worse. Besides, this is an undercover mission. If any students greet you, greet them back, answer any questions they have, otherwise, ask one of the teachers if they have any advice for them. Let's move out, but proceed with extreme caution," Sora said to the Gessen team.
"Okay, you got it, Sora," replied Yumi.
"Alright, start searching around, top to bottom," he told them, and they all set off.
Of course, Yumi and her companions did start at the gym area, but going undercover proved to be a little more difficult than they realized. However, Shiki, Minori, and Murakumo did find the snack room, and discovered that they had some desserts with them, despite what was going on. Sometimes, Sora would probably eat something like a strawberry sundae, even as he continued his search, although the four of them did try their best to let him know that he shouldn't overwork himself. However, at the same time, Asuka was still thinking about her friends, and some of the good and bad times they had with each other, before everything spiraled out of control.
"Sephiroth! I know that you're listening in! I know what you want to say! That I was not there for my friends when they needed me most. That's it, isn't it?" she called.
"I see. So you finally realize the truth," Sephiroth said when he appeared before her.
"Yeah, but what you are trying tos ay is that you want to confuse me, right? But, even making me see the happy memories won't make me change my mind. I remember it all. The pain you've caused me, the brutal onslaught by Senkou, Gekkou, and Nuno, and the trauma of making me believe in vengeance!" remarked Asuka.
"Oh, is that so? You cannot believe in justice… the sword and the shield… and you cannot feel love for Sora… How could there be any meaning in the memory of such a foolish child, descended from Hanzo? What I am showing you is reality. What you remember, that is the illusion," explained the One-Winged Angel.
Asuka tried hard not to listen to the voices in her head, but she started to realize that they belonged to her friends, even as she glared angrily at Sephiroth.
"Do you understand what I'm saying?" he asked her.
"I don't want to understand you, but I do have a question. Why…why are you doing this?" she replied.
This made the one winged angel chuckle at her, as a cruel smile formed on his lips.
"I wish to return you to your old self. The one who allowed us to attack Ikaruga, Hibari, Yagyu, and Katsuragi that day… Who would have ever thought that Master Kurokage, the old man who once believed that evil was like a plague, had to be expunged from this world? Your grandfather would die of a broken heart if he found out," grinned Sephiroth.
"Kurokage!? What does he have to do with what happened before!?" Asuka snapped angrily at him.
"Almost a few months ago… you and Yumi came into contact with each other, but both your different views on justice nearly led to the both of you fighting each other to the death, until Kurokage stopped the both of you after his change of heart before he died from a fatal illness, Geostigma. But due to his passing, the last remnants of Mother within him, made his soul impure, and his heart couldn't return to Kingdom Hearts. He too was experimented on, but even though his repentance in his previous actions tried to purify him, he was banished to the depths of Pandemonium. That is the true reality of this world, now that you're fighting against the yoma hordes that want to destroy everything," explained the One-Winged Angel.
"Asuka… Don't listen to Sephiroth… Cover your ears! Close your eyes!" Ikaruga's voice said in her head.
"What are you talking about, Ikaruga? I'm not affected by it. There's no way I'd ever listen to Sephiiroth," Asuka told herself.
"You're wrong. Grandfather Kurokage being an experiment of the Jenova Project from back then is a lie. Don't you remember how he stopped our senseless fight to the death back then, and how we became friends after you told me everything you know about Sora?" Yumi's voice asked.
"Heh heh heh heh heh… Yumi… Why would someone like you be so concerned by what I'm actually telling Asuka? However, what if I decided to show everyone you cherish what's really in your heart?" Sephiroth asked quietly.
Asuka grew even angrier at Sephiroth, as she watched him turn his back on her, his chuckle growing even more darker.
"You don't look well," he added, then suddenly vanished in a whoosh of darkness.
"Sora? Could Sephiroth actually be right? I mean, what if what he's telling me is true, and it scares you to death? Even though I care about everyone, I'd always love you. Besides, no matter how much confusion I have in my heart, I won't listen to anything that Sephiroth believes is the truth. Although I'm still upset by how everyone I hold dear is not by my side, I still have to help them, even though everything's messed up. I'll always be the same Asuka, no matter how hard I try to be true to myself, even though I've started to think that the sword, the shield, and justice are nothing to me now. But, I…I was happy to see the both of you, and even introduced you to Yumi, who was surprised to meet you, remember? That was the moment you became friends with her. And Yumi's honored to have someone who's very much like I was. I'm Asuka, Granddaughter of Hanzo. Even though I've started to lose hope in myself, that's the truth of who I am. I'm just scared about what will happen if you attend the Shinovi Masters, so I'd rather not allow you to duke it out in this tournament, as Katsu would say," Asuka said quietly.
"You know that it's not like that, Asuka…" came Sora's voice.
"What's not? I'm the same Asuka you fell in love with, aren't I?" she questioned the mental image of Sora.
"It is nothing like what you believe at all, Asuka. I may not find the right words to say. That's why there's still time… Time to grant Sora the chance to help you make a true difference for everyone," said Master Eraqus who appeared to her in spectral form.
"Asuka… you have no one to blame but yourself for your failures. The ability to change one's appearance, voice, and words, is thanks to the will of Jenova. Deep in your heart, Jenova has merged with the memories of all you cherish, and made you the immoral rogue. And out of the memories of your friends… perhaps someone like you could've just been a part of them," grinned Sephiroth, as he appeared before her again.
"Asuka, don't even think such negative thoughts," came Ruby's voice.
"Heh heh heh heh heh heh… Think, Asuka! Asuka? Heh heh heh heh heh heh heh heh… Oh, my apologies. You have truly opened yourself to the darkness," cackled the One-Winged Angel.
"Shut up, Sephiroth!" Asuka said bitterly.
"You still don't know the truth, do you? Very well, then…" he remarked.
He started laughing menacingly at her, even with his back towards her.
"Do you remember that picture you and your friends took before your first encounter with Senkou and Gekkou, whom my son and I were aiding of our own volition? I'm fairly certain that Sora would remember it too. Am I correct?" Sephiroth asked.
But then he slowly walked past her, even with his back still towards her.
"But there's no possible way that you'd ever know. Now. let's find out what really happened to that picture," he added ominously.
He walked up to the desk, and picked it up.
"Oh, could this be it? Would you be willing to take a look at it? It did turn out quite well," he said cruelly.
"Asuka…Don't…" Hanzo's voice said.
"I… I just hope they are in the picture. Even if they're not there with me, I know for a fact that this is only an illusion that Sephiroth has conjured, Grandpa," Asuka murmured, then she turned and looked at the picture before her in Sephiroth's hands.
Finally, without hesitation, she stepped up and looked at the picture. She saw everyone together. Herself, Ikaruga, Yagyu, Hibari, and Katsuragi, all in that classroom, then she turned away.
"As I figured. This picture is real enough. The truth still remains in my memory. Before I found out that my friends were taken, and before I declared that nothing mattered but vengeance, I went Christmas shopping with Yumi. But then I hurt her, after saying that I desired the opposite of justice. But then I was told something that made me not want to have anyone at the Shinovi Masters. So what did I do? Oh yeah… Sora tried to convince me to not dwell on what was making me like this. That was being Immoral like James Ironwood was. Because I was really searching for what I believed to be the truth path of the shinobi. Path of the Shinobi? Shinobi? What exactly is a Shinobi? Why did those four attack my friends? Why…why couldn't I save them!? I'm…I'm… That's right… I didn't have to worry about it, because of Daidouji trying to…" Asuka said quietly.
"Asuka, are you alright?" asked Eraqus's spirit.
"Yeah, I'm gonna be fine, Master Eraqus. But now, I must go, and not let anyone else die," she declared, and marched away.
But as she did, the darkness slowly started to take hold of her heart.
"Right now, all that matters is that I find those responsible for hurting my friends, and make sure they suffer," she declared darkly.
In the middle school library, Sora, Yozakura, and Yumi had found them, and Nuno as well.
"We should tail them, cautiously," he whispered to them.
They observed them from behind the corners, and listened in. It turned out they were part of the student council. At the same time, other students joined their friends in the cafeteria. Both girls were happy to sit with Shiki, Minori, and Murakumo, as well as answer whatever questions they had about Senkou and Gekkou, despite the fact that they had to remain undercover, as well as not blow it completely. Sadly, their answer was not what they expected about them, but they were still adamant on finding out what they were doing. Back in the hallways, Sora and the others watched the twins pass through a doorway. They followed them, they saw that they were gone. There was no sign of them at all.
"Great. Where'd they go?" Sora asked.
"Where else do you think, Sora? I knew that you'd find out where they'd go," a voice said from behind them.
They all turned and looked to see Sephiroth standing between both Senko and Gekkou with his arms over his chest.
"If this is about the tournament, we'll send you more information by arrow, so you can stop creeping around like a couple of rats," smirked the kunoichi with the gold hair barrette.
"As a student of Gessen Academy and your pier, why is participating in this tournament so crucial?" Yumi asked.
"Not to mention that you attacked some of mine and Asuka's friends and took them prisoner, as well as broke her morality, making her believe that vengeance means more than justice, even though you want us all to fight each other in a tournament to see who will be crowned champion and strongest shinobi in all the world," added Sora.
"Oh, how can you actually say that about us, Sora? You really are naive," remarked Gekkou.
"I'll make you regret saying that, Gekkou!" he snapped.
"If you so much as hurt my sister, then I will gladly rip your heart out of your chest," warned Senkou.
(Play Warrior by Axel Rudi Pell for this deadly three on two clash between Sora, Yozakura, Yumi, Senkou, and Gekkou)
"Just a lonely hunter
Always searching for another prey
Or another rival
He's a cold assassin in a modern
Time of senseless hate
It's all about survival
Vicious and cold, with a
Passion to rule and control
In for the kill, with a hunger to
Take your mind and soul
Don't let go
Get it out, reign of the warrior
Get it out, it's the reign of the warrior
Enter in to battle, more casualties
Lie just ahead
'cause you fight 'til the end
Malicious contentment, on the
Front line of no man's land
Hunt you down again
Vicious and cold, with a
Passion to rule and control
In for the kill, with a hunger to
Take your mind and soul
Don't let go
Get it out, reign of the warrior
Get it out, it's the reign of the warrior
Get it out, the fight of the warrior
Get it out, it's the fight of the warrior
Vicious and cold, with a
Passion to rule and control
In for the kill, with a hunger to
Take your mind and soul
Don't let go
[Guitar Solo[
Vicious and cold, with a
Passion to rule and control
In for the kill, with a hunger to
Take your mind and soul
Don't let go
Get it out, reign of the warrior
Get it out, it's the reign of the warrior
Get it out, the fight of the warrior
Get it out, it's the fight of the warrior
Get it out (Reign of the warrior), reign of the warrior (Search for another prey)
Get it out (Get it out), it's the reign of the warrior
Get it out (Fight of the warrior), the fight of the warrior (Fight to the bitter end)
Get it out (Get it out), it's the fight of the warrior
Warrior
Warrior
Warrior"
Suddenly, Yumi stopped them, as she feared that this battle would lead to trouble for everyone else.
"Is that what you call justice?" questioned Senkou.
"Well it sounds like an annoying cliche to me," quipped Gekkou.
"Shut up!" barked Sora, pointing his Keyblade at them.
"Sora, please, you need to calm down. But still, you know that they are indeed strong. Power and virtue must be in equal shares," Yumi said to him.
"Such foolishness, Yumi. All they believe in is the Justice of Jenova," remarked Sephiroth.
"Jenova is not justice! Do you honestly believe that all things should die for her sake!?" she questioned him.
"Yes, exactly," scoffed Gekkou.
"All those different beliefs in justice, it's like you really want to start a war between all shinobi, and the people who are unwilling to fight for themselves, and others. As for Yumi's grandfather, he took her in out of the kindness of his heart, because he hated seeing her all alone without friends and family at her side," Sora explained to them.
"Spare me your prattle, Sora. Yumi was a fool to give up his teachings about true justice, which is to erase all darkness in all worlds," snipped Senkou.
"Those two would have expected you to be something like your late grandfather, Yumi. How is it that his grandchild would even think of choosing to give up his selfless actions, to ensure that all evil is forever expunged from every part of the realm of light? You have betrayed his beliefs, and that makes you a traitor to all that we view for the good of all things. Kurokage's beliefs made these young ladies actually revere him, and worship him as something you'd call a God of Justice. They will ensure that they finish what he started long ago, by destroying all that is pure evil, just as we will destroy everything that we view as evil, in the name of my grandmother, Jenova," added Nuno.
Then without warning, they disappeared into a corridor of darkness, leaving everyone worried. However, Sora, swung his Keyblade furiously in all directions again.
"Where are you? Don't you dare hide from us! Show yourselves!" he shouted.
"Sora, stop! They're gone now!" cried Minori, as she wrapped her arms around him.
"Sora?" Shiki asked after resting her hand on his shoulder, as he slumped forward.
"What are they thinking? Why would Senkou and Gekkou agree to help Sephiroth believe in Jenova's justice?" Sora asked venomously.
"Sora, please, don't let what they said get to you. You don't want to end up isolating yourself and seek revenge for what happened to your friends," assured Yozakura.
At Hebijo, Suzune watched all of her students training fiercely with each other to be ready for the tournament ahead. But even as she did so, something was slowly starting to make her feel uneasy about the tournament, while the rest of her companions had left for the Kekai dome for a top secret operation. Suddenly, they received a message from Senkou and Gekkou, which turned out to be instructions regarding the Shinovi Masters. Back in the city, Asuka swooped down on her glider, hoping that she still had plenty of time to save those she feared would be in danger.
"The grandchild of Hanzo approaches, Father," Martini said into her phone.
"Well done, Martini. Have the rest of your siblings be ready to welcome them with open arms. In time, the child born from one of my sons and Fubuki will ensure that they finish what we have begun," replied Sephiroth, from the other line.
The next day, everyone arrived at the arena, each dressed in the colors of their respective schools. Sora was surprised at first, but Yumi did tell him that they would represent the tournament. Luckily, he changed into a set of clothes that seemed more form fitting than most, but hopefully would be durable enough to keep him strong.
"Looks like this is it. Let's all do our best in this tournament, and rescue mine and Asuka's friends together, regardless of our differences," Sora said to them.
Of course, Miyabi and her team took this opportunity to introduce themselves to Sora, even though he was aware of them.
"Hey there," he greeted them.
Before they could press on, Senkou and Gekkou then began their speech of who would be crowned strongest ninja, and reigning champion. All the other kunoichi from many schools, despite blending in, were now watching it on television, as well as on their mobile devices. Finally, stepping out of the shadows came Fubuki, whom Yumi could sense was very familiar to her.
"Hello, I am Fubuki. The one who is hosting this tournament. And the reason you are all here, is because you are all powerful warriors. You should feel honored that you've been chosen for this competition. I had my pick of so many fighters," she said.
"Yumi, what is it?" Sora asked.
"That girl, I"ve seen her before," Yumi replied.
Asuka watched from her perch, as Fubuki declared the tournament would now begin.