Author's note: Heya, this is my first DOA based fanfic. None of the characters belong to me, except for my created originals. The story begins somewhere between the beginning and the midpoint of DOA3, and continues from there. There may be spoilers present if one has not played through the DOA games. Also, quotes and phrases in Japanese will be followed by a translation in this format: "*"

i.e. "Ikuze!" *"Let's go!"

Well then, read on!

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Shinobi: The Iron Code Chapter 1: The Beginning

"Wake up.....hey, get up!!"

"Uhh....whaa....?"

"The tournament starts in an hour! You're going to be late!"

Young Ren Hokunaki turned over, forcing himself to raise his head to look at the alarm clock on his nearby desk. He had set it the night before to wake him at 7 a.m.

"9:54....why didn't this stupid thing go off!?"

Ren's grandfather came to the door, peeking into the room.

"Well, it doesn't matter now...."

Ren climbed out of bed, dashing to the bathroom for a quick shower. He dressed, then pratically flew down the stairs into the kitchen. Oh great, it was already 10:19. Would they still be able to make it before the tournament started? His grandfather followed him.

"Want some breakfast before we go?"

Ren shook his head quickly, at the same time opening the refridgerator and grabbing a carton of orange juice.

"No time."

The Japanese-American guzzled the juice for a few moments, then tossing it back into the fridge. He went over to a nearby mirror, making sure everything was straight. His baggy black denim jeans and red shirt looked like they could use some ironing. Oh well, he'd be wearing a gi anyway during the tournament. He quickly ran a hand through his short, curly/spiky black hair, his dark brown eyes full of anticipation. He made sure his black fingerless gloves were strapped on tight, the laces of his gym shoes tied. He went into the nearby closet to grab his black duffle bag, and slung the strap over his shoulder. Finally, it was time to go. He went to the door, calling to his grandfather.

"Ok, let's go."

A few minutes later, they were in the car, on their way to the tournament site, Ren's dojo. The streets of Los Angeles were unusually quiet. Not many motorists out today. Good. They could get there quicker. The 16 year old Ren glanced anxiously at the clock on the dashboard of his grandfather's old car. 10:41. They were just barely going to make it. Finally, they pulled into the parking lot, and walked inside. Ren walked at a brisk pace, headed for the changing room. He encountered a few of the other students on the way. A couple boys Ren was friends with.

"Ren....you're just now getting here!? You better hurry up!"

"Yeah, most of the other students are here already! The tournament's gonna start in a couple minutes!"

Ren nodded, then walked off, finally reaching the changing room, while his grandfather went on to find a seat in the audience. Ren hurriedly changed into his white gi, tossing his other clothes into the bag. Finally ready, he walked out, into the main hall of the dojo, where the other students were sitting. His Sensei, Mr. Sharpe, gave him a quick, stern look as Ren took his seat. So, this was it. The National Martial Arts Tournament. Students of many different forms of martial arts were gathering here, for a test of skill. Sensei Sharpe made sure everyone was present, and then the tournament began. 3 large mats were brought out. Ren glanced at the girl next to him, Jessica. She smiled at him, her dark brown hair in a ponytail, light hazel colored eyes bright.

"Wow....there's a lot of people here, Ren. I hope we can do well!"

Ren smirked. He was confident.

"Jess.....don't worry! Our Kenpo can take anything they throw at us!"

"Hm..."

They both faced forward to watch as students were called up to face each other. Ren took notice of the many different styles on display. The whole experience was exciting. Ren smiled as he heard Jessica's name called.

"You're up. Knock that guy out!"

"Ok!"

Jessica rose, somewhat timidly, walking to the leftmost ring. A boy about her size followed behind, as they both took their places and stances on the mat. Ren studied the boy's stance.

"Looks like Tae Kwon Do...."

The fight began. The boy lashed out with rapid side kicks, but Jessica dodged to the side catching one of his legs and countering with an elbow to his gut. She quickly followed up with a jump kick before he could even react. He was floored. Jessica smiled, hands on hips. The first round was hers. The boy rose, seemingly angry at himself for falling so quickly. He took his stance, as the second round began. Jessica came at him with two quick punches aimed for the nose, which the boy blocked. He attacked with a quick side kick, hitting Jessica near the hip. She stepped over awkwardly seeing the boy  bring his leg forward for an attempted high kick. She spun, ducking low with a sweep. The boy was suprised, and fell to the mat again. The fight was over. Jessica bowed, then took her seat next to Ren, grin on her face.

"Good job! The poor sap didn't know what hit him!"

Jessica laughed. Ren's name was called.

"Good luck Ren!"

The Japanese-American walked to the rightmost mat, looking for his opponent. It was a skinny boy, but slightly taller than him. No problem. They bowed to each other, Ren taking his left-handed stance as the boy dropped into stance. the fight began. The boy obviously used a form of Jeet Kun Do. He attacked Ren with a series of quick jabs. Ren ducked under some, blocked others. He countered by grabbing the boy's outstretched arm, and flipping him over the shoulder, hard onto the mat. The point was his. Second round. Ren attacked with a quick kick to the head, the boy blocked with his arm, punching Ren with his free hand. Ren staggered back, avoiding a powerful high kick. Ren dashed forward, but was kept at bay by the boy's quick jabs. Ren then devised a plan on the fly, running forward. He ducked under the oncoming quick punches, focusing his strength into his right hand. He yelled, fiercely unleashing with a power punch, aimed at the chest. It connected cleanly, flooring the boy about 2 dash steps away. Fight over. Ren bowed, taking his seat.

"Heh, I told you. They can't face up to us!"

The tournament wore on, as more fighters were eliminated. It had come down to the semi-finals. Two boys fought, the winner would move on the the finals. The larger, more burly boy won by submission. Ren was called up. He'd have to fight someone, the winner would face the large boy in the finals.....but who would it be? Ren looked at his Sensei as he walked to the mat.

"Jessica."

Jessica rose, coming to the mat to take her stance. Ren cocked his eyebrow abit, but fell into stance. Jessica was firm, her eyes focused.

"Don't hold back, ok?"

"Ok."

Their fight began. Ren took a step back, cautious as to what Jessica would do. She lunged at him, a mid-ranged punch. Ren blocked it, kicking at Jessica's shins. She hopped back, nearly stumbling. Ren didn't let up, following after her with a kick to the gut. Jessica dodged this to the side, but Ren had anticipated this, turning on his heel to transform the front kick into a low roundhouse. This hit Jessica in the rib, sending her to the mat. The point was his. Second round. Ren tried another mid kick, Jessica dodging to the side, but grabbing the leg and forcing it to the ground, forcing Ren to turn his back and lose balance. She took this advantage to lash out with two quick punches and a forceful kick, all pinpointed to one spot on his back. Ren took these, falling forward to the mat. Jessica won the round. Final round. Ren came forth with a high palm strike, Jessica caught him by the wrist, sinking a fist into his gut. Ren winced on the fist's impact, but smirked. With Jessica still holding his left arm which had attack with the palm, he grabbed Jessica's arm, the fist still in his gut. He then rolled backward, using momentum to flip Jessica over him, to land flat on her back on the mat. The fight was over. Ren won. Both fighters rose, and bowed to each other. Ren would be going to the finals. They both walked to the side of the hall together, Ren going to take a short break before the final match.

"Jess.....that was a good fight! You were amazing back there! If I hadn't flipped you, you probably would be in the finals right now."

Jessica smiled.

"You did good yourself. You're an incredible fighter. I hope you win it!"

Ren scratched at his hair, seeing his Grandfather wave to him from the stands. Only one more match to go. He spotted the boy he would be up against across the room, staring at him intently. Ren smirked. He would enjoy the finals.