Endless Road
"Faster! Come on! Move your legs, give more power to your arms! You! Throw your shuriken with more speed! And focus on your target! Oh, man! Can you do it better? The final exams will be held in two weeks! How can you pass it with skill like this?" Arashi yelled to his students while he train them at the dojo.
"Arashi? Can you be more patient to them? You trained them even harder than usually since last month!" Enki warned his best friend. Arashi had been trained his cadets hardly lately.
"Enki, this is for themselves! I'll be very ashamed if they are failed at the exams! And I've been train myself! I don't want to loose in front of Mikagami!"
"Which Mikagami? There is two Mikagami who will test us."
"Off course Mikagami Tokio, baka!"
"Why do you still call him Mikagami? He's your bro. . ."
"He is my WHAT??!!!" Arashi's face changed into a monster's form and made Enki shivered as he looked at the veins, which popped out into Arashi's forehead.
"Uhh. . . let's continue our practice. . ."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Finally the day comes,
It was held in the mountain slopes, which have huge massive forests, river, rocks, and else.
There are differences at each level. Genin and Chuunin's exams will be held together, but the exams for Jounin level are different. Every Jounin will be tested one by one. It means there is another special role for Ranki, Enki, Arashi and other Jounin.
Enki, since he's Enjutsushi after all, he doesn't need any madougu as weapon so he's not under obligation to take the last exam about madougu. And the rest of Hokage teens who must take the last exam are only Ranki and Arashi.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Arashi stepped to the first stage, which placed at the central of the massive forests. Groggily, he looks around the place, but can't find anything except trees. But suddenly he felt something rushed in the air and he jumped automatically. Three shurikens embedded at the ground. Quickly, Arashi turned his head and threw out a shuriken to the direction where the three shurikens come out.
A rushed sound came from a big tree which have massive leaves. Suddenly, someone popped out and show himself. With Arashi's shuriken at his hand.
"Ra. . .Raiha-sama!" Although Arashi is Raiha's son, but at formal situation he must call his father by 'sama'.
Raiha looking at him curiously. Then he spoke,
"I'll tell you about the rule, there is 1000 targets that I fixed here in radius about 2 kilometers square. All you must to do is to find them and broke them by your best ninjutsu techniques and weapons. It's free, but I'll hunt you all way long and I'll try to attack you by anywhere and anyhow, so you must be careful."
"You have 10 minutes to finish and it will start by 3 seconds from now!" after finished his sentences, Raiha's body change into a shadow and he left. Arashi's mind raced. 1000 targets! 10 minutes! And hunted!
Arashi run. Using his best speed he run carefully in between the trees. And his eyes quickly get busy to looking around to found the targets.
He drew his sword and broke three targets at five seconds. But it's only the beginning. Next, he spent out all of his shurikens to broke two hundreds targets, which hidden at the top of trees, using his kusarigama to broke another hundreds which settled under the bushes, and even using Mizugumo technique to walk in the water and broke the targets which fixed by Raiha under the river!!
"Ouch!!" Arashi shouted as his shoulder is bleeding because something sharp grazed him. His mind reel to panic. His father was there! Watching him from somewhere and attacking! Must get out of this place right now! Using Uzuragakure and Kannongakure together at the same time, Arashi runaway from his father and trying to find out the rest of the targets.
His face now is sweaty, with injured shoulder, Arashi try to find the rest of the targets. He ran blindly among the trees. But find none except the broken targets that he has done before.
'Geez, am I has been broke all of the targets?' his mind asked. His feet already tired and he almost run out of stamina. But finally he heard the long whistle from the distance. It means his time is over. Gathering the rest of his energy, he forced himself to go to the place where the whistle came.
Raiha had been waiting for him. And he smiled.
"Well, not very bad. From 1000 targets that I fixed at this forest, you've broke 991 from them. Good work. You pass my exam. Now you allowed go to the next stage. And one advice, eat more chocolates because you'll need more calories at the next exam." Raiha smiled to his son and gives him a bottle of disinfectant and wound to carry his injury. Arashi nodded.
"Arigatou, Raiha-sama!" then he stepped to the next stage.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Well, so you're the next cadet? Let's see how long your endurance!" Domon laughed when Arashi met him. Next time, Arashi must spent one hour under the water by using his sword's sheath to breath, and next two hour to do various kinds of ninja techniques, from Shichihode to Inchuyou.
After the tiredly exam, Arashi stepped hesitantly to the next stage. He prepared his Shinobi Gatana and walked towards the third stage.
He found a little dojo made by wood among the trees. In front of the door, he meets Hanabishi Yanagi sat there. It seems that she had been waiting for him.
"Hanabishi oku-sama, what are you doing here?" he asked politely. Yanagi smiled and stand up. Then walk towards him.
"You must be very tired, and your shoulder was injured. I'm here to heal every cadet which injured or too tired so they'll be able to continue the exams. But remember, there is no more heal after this." Yanagi explained and she healed Arashi in seconds.
"Doumo arigatou gozaimasu, Hanabishi oku-sama!" Arashi thanked her and he stepped inside the dojo. Encouraging himself, he took a very deep breath and facing the next examiner. Mikagami Tokiya.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
He was stood there. With the glimmer blade of his sword.
Arashi held his breathe as he looked at the sword at Tokiya's hand. Ensui. The water element. Shivered, he drew his katana from his back, and settled his trestle.
"So, Kirisawa Arashi. Show me your techniques!" Tokiya took the first act and attack him with amazingly speed. Arashi ward off his attack. And begin to offensive.
They spent more than 30 minutes in the sword-fight. Arashi remains to defense and made less attack. But finally Tokiya stopped the fight.
"Fine, you are the first cadet who was able to restrain my attack more than 30 minutes without get injured. You can go to the next stage." Tokiya turned and left.
Arashi blinked. Can't believe on his luck. He almost jumps cheerfully but he held it. All he can do is only to say, "Arigatou gozaimasu, Mikagami- sama!"
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The fourth stage is Neon's place. Arashi sighed. He stepped out from the forest and met her at a small cabin near the river. She commands him to sat down at the table next to her.
"Okay, Kirisawa Arashi, I'll give you some test about your ninja's knowledge. There is two kinds of test, first, oral examination, and second, written examination." Neon tells him the rules. Arashi just nodded.
"First question, who is Hanzou Hattori?"
"Emh, the number one person of Iga-clan. And Fujiko F. Fujio's character after Doraemon and Pur-Man. . ..."
"Next, who is Minnie Mouse's boyfriend?"
"Mickey Mouse."
"Third question, how many times Ringo Starr from The Beatles married?"
"Wha? Emh, uhh. . . maybe twice?"
"Fourth, who is the voice actor of Recca and Kurei?"
"Kousuke Okano and Okiayu Ryoutarou!" And as long as one hour Neon threw out various kinds of questions. Until Arashi dropped.
The other one is written exams.
"Okay, I'll dictate, and you write in Jindai!" Arashi nodded quickly and he prepared his paintbrush, paper and a bottle of ink.
"Ready? Chien tien ten I huei, wo u huei . . . Se sei cai al pien suo, ai wo yung pu pien. Ce wei ce I ci, a hua twan chang ye wo u yen. . ."
"Hey!!! It's Mandarin! You cheat!" Arashi pouted protest.
"Okay, Tum paas a ye yun mushkuraye. Tumne na jane ga, saphte dikhaye. . ."
"What is it means? It is Urdu?" Asked the confused Arashi.
"So what do you want?! Asereje?! You're such a spoil child!" Neon lost her patient. "Fine! This is the last chance, if you utter any protest, you fail!!!"
"Uhh. . . okay, do anything. . ." Arashi sighs in defeat.
"Hhh. . . I'm getting tired. Here, this is poetry in English. All you must to do is to translate it into Japanese, and write it at Jindai! Be careful, one letter written wrong, you failed!" Neon handed him a piece of paper. "Now I want to have some rest. To test more than 200 cadets makes me drop!" Then she disappeared to another room. One minute later, Arashi heard her snores.
Arashi read on the paper. A poetry was written on it. Only 20 lines. It has such an angst title, 'Silent Revenge'. "As long as it written on English, it's easy!" Arashi grinned. He works as fast as he can and waking Neon up 10 minutes later.
Sleepy, Neon read the re-written poetry lazily. Yawning, she waves her hand and said, "Okay, you pass . . . now go! I want to sleep again."
"Arigatou aunt Neon!" he jumped cheerfully and kissed Neon's cheek. One second later he dashed out of the cabin. Neon just shook her head but smiled at his act. And then continue her sleep.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Whistling, Arashi walk all way long. He open two packs of Mars Bars and chew it at once. Singing a little, until he reaches a big gate made from bamboo. Smirking. He entered the gate. Full of self-confidence.
Like his prediction before, Mikagami Tokio is waiting for him inside. He stood there. And smiling.
"Welcome Arashi! I congrats you! You are the first Jounin who had reach this place!" He smiled and lifted up both of his hands.
"Hountou ni? How about the others?"
"Most of them were failed at the third stage. Well, sword's ability test. My father always gives the different level of exams, which equals to each cadet's ability to make it fair. Okay, talking too much wasn't good either. Follow me!" He turned his body and walk to another chamber. Arashi just followed him.
Arashi blinked as he looked at what's on the place. Madougu. No, madougus!! There is many madougus spread there, hung at the wall, at the table, madougu anywhere! Arashi held his breath. All of the madougus that he ever knows, or he never knows, are there. He examined them carefully and tries to remind about madougu's knowledge that Kagerou oba-san had taught him.
Great. All madougus are there. He recognized Bakuju, Shikigami, Oboro, Magagumo, Mugen, Fukyo Waon, and another madougus, which originally has been destroyed. But it's still at the good condition. Arashi scanned another side. Kougon Anki, Kuchibashou, Katakugutsu, Idaten. . . and he gasped because Raijin and Fuujin are there too. His mind ran back to the scene when he met his father at the first stage.
Yeah, his father was brought it. But, how can . . . maybe his father is come here first to brought it and lend it to Tokio? But, no! it can't be. Ranki's turn is next to Arashi, so his father won't go anywhere because he must to give Ranki some test too.
But he can't found any right words to explain. He just stood there with confused look until Tokio made him back to reality.
"Awesome, isn't it? All of this madougus are the second one after the original madougus. It's not only a replica, but also have the same power as the original ones. This only a test, but it's not a little thing!" Tokio crossed his arms.
"Mi. . . I mean, Tokio . . . where and how did you gathered all of this madougu? You know, the creator of madougu is the ancestor of Hokage. They're all-dead. Who made all of these madougus?" Arashi looked at his brother. Suspicious.
"I made it." Tokio answered him easily.
"Wha?!" Arashi's jaw dropped. "But how?"
"You know Fumio Tatesako?" Arashi nodded. "Recca-sama no sensei. He taught me well about madougus. And Recca-sama lend me the Hokage's secret scrolls about madougu, how to make it, and kinds of it's basic material. I spent all night long to examined all of the scrolls and two weeks to make all of these madougus. But I'm not alone, uncle Kaoru helps me!" He closed his eyes and laughs a little.
"Okay. . . so what's the rule?" Arashi frowned his eyebrow.
"Choose one!" Tokio command him. Arashi scanned the room. And he found it. He took the madougu.
"I'll use this." He handed Raijin.
"Good." Tokio stepped out. Arashi followed him. At the outside,
"You have chosen Raijin, I believe you know how to use it. The rule is quite easy, Arashi. Use your madougu to attack me, if I got ONE bruise, you are the Senior Jounin and the madougu is yours. But you're under obligation to stop if I say to." He explained clearly.
"And what madougu that you'll use?" Tokio fumble his pocket.
"This." He showed Arashi the Ensui. Arashi winced his eyes.
"Well, Mikagami Tokiya use the same thing when I was in fight against him. So, your Ensui must be the replica of his!"
"Ehm, yeah, one of the Ensui is the replica. But there's something on your sentences that I know very exactly, was wrong." Tokio opened the water tap near to him and activate his Ensui.
"What?"
"As your information, I am the wielder of Ensui. My father no longer use it since I was 18 years old. The replica is the Ensui at my father's hand right now. This Ensui," he lifted his hand, "is the real Ensui." His eyes winced. Fully form Ensui now gloriously ready at his hand.
Arashi settle his trestle. Tokio did the same.
"Raijin!" Arashi begin to attack. The sounds of thunder rumbling in the distance. The sky darkened with the thunder black clouds. The thunders begin to strike. Tokio jumps anywhere to avoid the strikes easily.
"Mizunaru Hebi!" a form of water snake figured out from his Ensui. Blocked the thunder's strike. And the fight begins.
From the distance, the senior Hokage now is gather at the third stage to have some tea after all of them, except Neon, has done their business.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Raiha looked up to the dark sky above the fifth stage. He sighed a little and sipped his tea. "It seems that the fight is begin." Across his seat of the table, Tokiya, Kurei, Recca, Domon, and Kaoru sat in a rectangular position.
Tokiya looking at Raiha. "Well, it must be Arashi. Who else will use Raijin to fight except him?" Raiha laugh and nodded.
"But are you sure there's nothing will be happened?" Fuuko and Yanagi coming out from the kitchen. She brings a tray with a plate of Senbe and one pot of some fresh tea. "You know, actually I'm worrying about them. Their skill is very well, especially Tokio. With his skills and abilities, he was able to reach the Hokage level, right? I hope he's not being too hard against his brother. . . but I think he will never do such a cruel thing. Right, Tokiya?" Fuuko gazed at Tokiya.
"Depend. As long as he's not force Tokio to have a deadly fight. I hope he's wise enough to realized his limit, well, if he's a real enemy, Tokio will. . ."
Tokiya stopped as his eyes met glaring anger at Fuuko's wide eyes.
"Continue, Tokiya!!! What will he do?!" Fuuko's voice rose.
"It's better if I stop."
"No! Continue! I want to know!"
"Killed his enemy. No matter who, nobody can escape from him. Tokio. . ." Tokiya's words died at his lips because Fuuko slapped him hard at the face.
"What have you done?!" Fuuko shouted.
"Fuuko! Wait!" Raiha grab his wife's waist and hold her tightly so Fuuko unable to do anything except screamed.
"Tokiya! What have you done to my son!!! You made him a murderer! You darn Tokiya! I can't believe it! You let him to be a murderer! You. . .you. . . I thought you taught him well because he's looks perfect from the outside, but. . . You darn!!! My child isn't suppose to be a murderer! I should not let you take him away from me 16 years a go! You. . ." Fuuko screamed until Raiha cupped her mouth to make her quiet.
"Tokiya, I think you better tell us! Honestly, I'm worrying about my son too. Arashi is a fighter, he will never give up until the last drop of blood!" Raiha beg him.
"He's right. Tokiya, you better to tell us!" Recca asked him too. Tokiya take a deep breath and closed his eyes.
"Okay, I'm giving up. I'll tell you the complete story. It was begin from 11 years a go. When Tokio was 10. That was the first time I know that he was able to use Ensui. Now, please listen carefully."
~The Story~
Indonesia, 11 years ago. Tokiya and his son live at apartment. Sometimes Tokiya get busy with his business, but he never leaves his son for long. But one day there's something problem that he must done right on the time so he'll be late at home. He dialed his home but there's no answer. By instinct, he felt there's something strange.
He speeded up to finish the work and ran his car home as quick as possible. His mind speed to panic when he reach his apartment and heard from the security that there was at least five men come and entered his house without any permission.
His mind reel at real panicked when he saw the door of his house was open and dark inside. He battered the door with heavy blow and rushed in. He gasped when his feet treads the blood lying stagnant on the floor. His brain can only think about one.
"Tokio!!!" He screamed. Battered every door open to looking for his son, Tokiya felt his brain and eyes blurred when finally he found his son at the living room.
In between the darkness, Tokio stood there. Give his father a cold shoulder. With Ensui at his hand. The blade of it was covered by the blood.
"Tokio!" Tokio turned his body to face his father. His face was cold. Eyes darkened without any emotions. His cheek was dirty because of bloods. Tokiya hit the lamp's button. And he screamed in horror when he looked around the living room.
There are five dead body crumpled anywhere at the living room. Their body was full of bruises, mutilated, and separated into pieces. The smell of blood filled the air. Horrible.
"To. . .Tokio. . ." Tokiya's legs lost his strength to stand. Tokio looking at him. And suddenly, the blade of Ensui changed into water and dropped to the floor.
"Father? Is that you?" he asked with his child voice. Then he ran towards his father and hugs him tightly. "Father . . .I'm afraid!" then he started to cry. Shivered, Tokiya can do nothing except hold his son as tight as possible.
"Shh. . . it's alright! Are you hurt? It's okay. . ." Tokiya try to calm him. But his brain is still on the mixer. He was surprised, afraid, worry, and et cetera. Next, the neighbors were came because of Tokiya's scream and called the police.
When the police asked him as the eyewitness, nobody believe that Tokio is the murderer of the five robbers. They said that it was impossible for 10 years old boy to kill five adult men. Besides, there is no weapon left there to proof that a child did the mutilation. Bruises of their body caused by blade of sword and there is no sword found at Mikagami's house. And the case is over; the police faced the dead end.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Then Tokiya decided to move away. After that, he begins to think about Tokio's safety. Basic on Tokio's skill, he began to teach him The Hyoumon Ken.
But he no longer can took a deep breath of relax. When Tokio was 13, he's on the junior high school. One day, when Tokiya come to Tokio's school to pick him home, he realized that Tokio couldn't found anywhere. It was so strange because Tokio always tell him about his activities. So Tokiya decided to look for his son around the school.
Suddenly he heard a deadly screams from the hidden spot of the school's backwards. He rushed to the direction where the sounds came from. And once again he faced the horrible scenery.
The scene when Tokio changed into the cruel murderer once again. There are three molesters crumpled on the ground. Their body seems not in a right construction. And Tokio stood there. With his emotionless face.
Tokiya was insist his son to learn about some martial arts for self defense, but at this case, it seems that Tokio has been using his ability to kill with his bare hands.
That was the second time. Tokiya always searching for what's caused Tokio somehow changed into a murderer. The cold blood murderer. But he found nothing. Frustratingly, Tokiya pick his son to the psychiatry to find out what was happened to Tokio. The psychiatry almost giving up but he recommended Tokiya to met a hypnotic Ian. And from the hypnotician and the psychiatry, Tokiya finally found out what was happened to his only son. The reality.
~End Story~
"What was it Tokiya? Tell me what was happen to Tokio? What is the result?" Fuuko asked him impatiently. She already cried while Tokiya tells the story.
"I've told you before that Tokio isn't perfect. And this makes him imperfect. Well, he has MPD. Multiple Personality Disorder." Tokiya dropped his gaze to the floor. Everyone at the room gasped.
"You mean he is a schizophrenia?" Yanagi closed her mouth. Tokiya can do nothing except nodded.
"How. . .how can it be?" Fuuko bumped herself to the chair. Shocked.
"I. . . I don't know. I was drowned in frustration for at least 3 months after I heard the results. That was the worse condition for me after Mifuyu's death. But the hypnotician gave me some information to realized if his alter ego come out and take the handle of Tokio's body." Tokiya answered them weakly.
"Eh? What is the advice? Will it work?" Raiha asked him.
"Umh, under his consciousness, actually Tokio himself didn't want to let his alter ego to expropriate the control of his body. The 'other' Tokio only come out if there's anybody challenge him into the deadly fight." Tokiya took a fast breath.
"That's why Tokio always warn his enemy before, he will said to them to stop their attack if he asked them to. If he said 'stop' it means his enemy better to stop the attack. Tokio only said that word when his enemy has been injured, but still able to continue their life. And like what I've told you before, if his enemy still obstinate, his alter ego will come out and kill his enemy without care about anything more."
Everybody get silent.
"How can we know which one is Tokio and which one is his other personality? And what is the first sign to know that his alter ego is begin to come out and exchange place with Tokio?" Kurei broke the silence.
"Ah, actually it's quite easy. If you at the fight against him, his other personality will use 'Tsuranaru Hebi' as his attack. The highest technique at Hyoumon Ken. The real Tokio will never use that technique because Tsuranaru Hebi is the most dangerous way which could kill at one attack." Tokiya explained them.
"And if we 're not at the fight against him?" Kaoru added.
"Just looked at his eyes. It colours will change drastically if his other personality popped out." Tokiya took the teapot and poured some tea to his empty cup.
"Eh? How can it be? His eyes were belong to me, right? Light purple eyes as same as my eyes?" Fuuko interrupted. "If like that, what kind of colour it was?"
"Blue. Same as mine."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
At the fifth stage,
Arashi breathe heavily. His bruises obstruct him to move. His injured legs provide the obstacles for him to win the battle. His clothes already torned everywhere and stucked to his body because he was bleeding.
He forced himself to keep standing. Although his legs no longer have energy to support his weight. Across him, Tokio stand vigorously. Without any bruises, or injures. Even he's not gasping or sweaty.
"Okay Arashi. Stop it! You must to stop right now!" He commands him.
"No! I'll never give up until I pass this last exam!!" Arashi shouted.
"Once again, you're under obligation to stop, Kirisawa Arashi!" Tokio repeated his command with raised tone. Then he turned his body.
"No! I will never give up until I pass you and get my goal to be a Senior Jounin! I will pass you, even if I must pay it by the bloods!" Arashi yelled at him and lifted his hand, which hold Raijin, gathering the rest of his energy. Tokio's steps ended at his words. Without turning back his head, he speaking,
"Then, there is no use for you to live anymore. . ." he spoke in deadly voice.
"Wha?!" Arashi can't believe in his ears. Suddenly Tokio turned his body and drew his Ensui in front of him. Arashi can see clearly his blue eyes glared in anger. And the form of Ensui's blade changed into a big ice- snake.
"Tsuranaru Hebi!!!"
Tsuzuku
Kumusta ka na! I'm Diamond-Crest.
I want to say very much thanks for everyone who has been read and reviewed my story. I really appreciate it.
And I want to say sorry,
Because I've made all of you get disappointed after read my latest chapter of Endless Road, or my other fic Spellbinder.
I must to say sorry about my grammar, yeah, I'll never try to deny, my grammar is not good. Maybe because I was born and grew up at the country which English is very rarely at daily life. And I never took any course to learn more about English.
For everyone who reviewed Spellbinder, yes, I have myself disappointed with it.
Actually I have a beta reader (Sacramento256), but I lost contact with her since 3 months ago so I can't do anything more. (Sacramento256! Did you read this? Please contact me!!! Where are you?)
For Evil One: Meng yak arai? Tham mai meng fud yang nan? Meng ya khid wa ku mairuu! Meng khidwa meng pen khrai! Ya cong hong. Ai hia!
That's my original language . . . If you don't understand . . . go get Thai dictionary! Well, it's just my way to say kophunkha to you . . . ^___^ But be careful because there is some words similar with these words but it has different meaning.
And for everyone who understands, don't tell Evil One!
For babypink: Hai! Sore wa hontou ni omoshiroi deshoo! Demo. . .atashi no sutorii. . . kono goro wa amari yoku arimasen. . . sukoshi tsukarate iru. . . hix
For the other: Yes, I'll search for another beta, but I have no idea. . . Is there somebody who would like to be my beta?
And for everybody who really wants to read the next chapter of Spellbinder just mail me or review this segment, and I'll sent you the story. After all, I already said that I'd remove the story forever if I receive one flame. But if you want me to post it back on ffnet, please don't be too lazy to tell me. I already edit it and added the new story chapter. This time is not bad, I'll try to not make all of you disappoint anymore. Believe me. ^__^
Sampai Jumpa!
"Faster! Come on! Move your legs, give more power to your arms! You! Throw your shuriken with more speed! And focus on your target! Oh, man! Can you do it better? The final exams will be held in two weeks! How can you pass it with skill like this?" Arashi yelled to his students while he train them at the dojo.
"Arashi? Can you be more patient to them? You trained them even harder than usually since last month!" Enki warned his best friend. Arashi had been trained his cadets hardly lately.
"Enki, this is for themselves! I'll be very ashamed if they are failed at the exams! And I've been train myself! I don't want to loose in front of Mikagami!"
"Which Mikagami? There is two Mikagami who will test us."
"Off course Mikagami Tokio, baka!"
"Why do you still call him Mikagami? He's your bro. . ."
"He is my WHAT??!!!" Arashi's face changed into a monster's form and made Enki shivered as he looked at the veins, which popped out into Arashi's forehead.
"Uhh. . . let's continue our practice. . ."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Finally the day comes,
It was held in the mountain slopes, which have huge massive forests, river, rocks, and else.
There are differences at each level. Genin and Chuunin's exams will be held together, but the exams for Jounin level are different. Every Jounin will be tested one by one. It means there is another special role for Ranki, Enki, Arashi and other Jounin.
Enki, since he's Enjutsushi after all, he doesn't need any madougu as weapon so he's not under obligation to take the last exam about madougu. And the rest of Hokage teens who must take the last exam are only Ranki and Arashi.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Arashi stepped to the first stage, which placed at the central of the massive forests. Groggily, he looks around the place, but can't find anything except trees. But suddenly he felt something rushed in the air and he jumped automatically. Three shurikens embedded at the ground. Quickly, Arashi turned his head and threw out a shuriken to the direction where the three shurikens come out.
A rushed sound came from a big tree which have massive leaves. Suddenly, someone popped out and show himself. With Arashi's shuriken at his hand.
"Ra. . .Raiha-sama!" Although Arashi is Raiha's son, but at formal situation he must call his father by 'sama'.
Raiha looking at him curiously. Then he spoke,
"I'll tell you about the rule, there is 1000 targets that I fixed here in radius about 2 kilometers square. All you must to do is to find them and broke them by your best ninjutsu techniques and weapons. It's free, but I'll hunt you all way long and I'll try to attack you by anywhere and anyhow, so you must be careful."
"You have 10 minutes to finish and it will start by 3 seconds from now!" after finished his sentences, Raiha's body change into a shadow and he left. Arashi's mind raced. 1000 targets! 10 minutes! And hunted!
Arashi run. Using his best speed he run carefully in between the trees. And his eyes quickly get busy to looking around to found the targets.
He drew his sword and broke three targets at five seconds. But it's only the beginning. Next, he spent out all of his shurikens to broke two hundreds targets, which hidden at the top of trees, using his kusarigama to broke another hundreds which settled under the bushes, and even using Mizugumo technique to walk in the water and broke the targets which fixed by Raiha under the river!!
"Ouch!!" Arashi shouted as his shoulder is bleeding because something sharp grazed him. His mind reel to panic. His father was there! Watching him from somewhere and attacking! Must get out of this place right now! Using Uzuragakure and Kannongakure together at the same time, Arashi runaway from his father and trying to find out the rest of the targets.
His face now is sweaty, with injured shoulder, Arashi try to find the rest of the targets. He ran blindly among the trees. But find none except the broken targets that he has done before.
'Geez, am I has been broke all of the targets?' his mind asked. His feet already tired and he almost run out of stamina. But finally he heard the long whistle from the distance. It means his time is over. Gathering the rest of his energy, he forced himself to go to the place where the whistle came.
Raiha had been waiting for him. And he smiled.
"Well, not very bad. From 1000 targets that I fixed at this forest, you've broke 991 from them. Good work. You pass my exam. Now you allowed go to the next stage. And one advice, eat more chocolates because you'll need more calories at the next exam." Raiha smiled to his son and gives him a bottle of disinfectant and wound to carry his injury. Arashi nodded.
"Arigatou, Raiha-sama!" then he stepped to the next stage.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Well, so you're the next cadet? Let's see how long your endurance!" Domon laughed when Arashi met him. Next time, Arashi must spent one hour under the water by using his sword's sheath to breath, and next two hour to do various kinds of ninja techniques, from Shichihode to Inchuyou.
After the tiredly exam, Arashi stepped hesitantly to the next stage. He prepared his Shinobi Gatana and walked towards the third stage.
He found a little dojo made by wood among the trees. In front of the door, he meets Hanabishi Yanagi sat there. It seems that she had been waiting for him.
"Hanabishi oku-sama, what are you doing here?" he asked politely. Yanagi smiled and stand up. Then walk towards him.
"You must be very tired, and your shoulder was injured. I'm here to heal every cadet which injured or too tired so they'll be able to continue the exams. But remember, there is no more heal after this." Yanagi explained and she healed Arashi in seconds.
"Doumo arigatou gozaimasu, Hanabishi oku-sama!" Arashi thanked her and he stepped inside the dojo. Encouraging himself, he took a very deep breath and facing the next examiner. Mikagami Tokiya.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
He was stood there. With the glimmer blade of his sword.
Arashi held his breathe as he looked at the sword at Tokiya's hand. Ensui. The water element. Shivered, he drew his katana from his back, and settled his trestle.
"So, Kirisawa Arashi. Show me your techniques!" Tokiya took the first act and attack him with amazingly speed. Arashi ward off his attack. And begin to offensive.
They spent more than 30 minutes in the sword-fight. Arashi remains to defense and made less attack. But finally Tokiya stopped the fight.
"Fine, you are the first cadet who was able to restrain my attack more than 30 minutes without get injured. You can go to the next stage." Tokiya turned and left.
Arashi blinked. Can't believe on his luck. He almost jumps cheerfully but he held it. All he can do is only to say, "Arigatou gozaimasu, Mikagami- sama!"
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The fourth stage is Neon's place. Arashi sighed. He stepped out from the forest and met her at a small cabin near the river. She commands him to sat down at the table next to her.
"Okay, Kirisawa Arashi, I'll give you some test about your ninja's knowledge. There is two kinds of test, first, oral examination, and second, written examination." Neon tells him the rules. Arashi just nodded.
"First question, who is Hanzou Hattori?"
"Emh, the number one person of Iga-clan. And Fujiko F. Fujio's character after Doraemon and Pur-Man. . ..."
"Next, who is Minnie Mouse's boyfriend?"
"Mickey Mouse."
"Third question, how many times Ringo Starr from The Beatles married?"
"Wha? Emh, uhh. . . maybe twice?"
"Fourth, who is the voice actor of Recca and Kurei?"
"Kousuke Okano and Okiayu Ryoutarou!" And as long as one hour Neon threw out various kinds of questions. Until Arashi dropped.
The other one is written exams.
"Okay, I'll dictate, and you write in Jindai!" Arashi nodded quickly and he prepared his paintbrush, paper and a bottle of ink.
"Ready? Chien tien ten I huei, wo u huei . . . Se sei cai al pien suo, ai wo yung pu pien. Ce wei ce I ci, a hua twan chang ye wo u yen. . ."
"Hey!!! It's Mandarin! You cheat!" Arashi pouted protest.
"Okay, Tum paas a ye yun mushkuraye. Tumne na jane ga, saphte dikhaye. . ."
"What is it means? It is Urdu?" Asked the confused Arashi.
"So what do you want?! Asereje?! You're such a spoil child!" Neon lost her patient. "Fine! This is the last chance, if you utter any protest, you fail!!!"
"Uhh. . . okay, do anything. . ." Arashi sighs in defeat.
"Hhh. . . I'm getting tired. Here, this is poetry in English. All you must to do is to translate it into Japanese, and write it at Jindai! Be careful, one letter written wrong, you failed!" Neon handed him a piece of paper. "Now I want to have some rest. To test more than 200 cadets makes me drop!" Then she disappeared to another room. One minute later, Arashi heard her snores.
Arashi read on the paper. A poetry was written on it. Only 20 lines. It has such an angst title, 'Silent Revenge'. "As long as it written on English, it's easy!" Arashi grinned. He works as fast as he can and waking Neon up 10 minutes later.
Sleepy, Neon read the re-written poetry lazily. Yawning, she waves her hand and said, "Okay, you pass . . . now go! I want to sleep again."
"Arigatou aunt Neon!" he jumped cheerfully and kissed Neon's cheek. One second later he dashed out of the cabin. Neon just shook her head but smiled at his act. And then continue her sleep.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Whistling, Arashi walk all way long. He open two packs of Mars Bars and chew it at once. Singing a little, until he reaches a big gate made from bamboo. Smirking. He entered the gate. Full of self-confidence.
Like his prediction before, Mikagami Tokio is waiting for him inside. He stood there. And smiling.
"Welcome Arashi! I congrats you! You are the first Jounin who had reach this place!" He smiled and lifted up both of his hands.
"Hountou ni? How about the others?"
"Most of them were failed at the third stage. Well, sword's ability test. My father always gives the different level of exams, which equals to each cadet's ability to make it fair. Okay, talking too much wasn't good either. Follow me!" He turned his body and walk to another chamber. Arashi just followed him.
Arashi blinked as he looked at what's on the place. Madougu. No, madougus!! There is many madougus spread there, hung at the wall, at the table, madougu anywhere! Arashi held his breath. All of the madougus that he ever knows, or he never knows, are there. He examined them carefully and tries to remind about madougu's knowledge that Kagerou oba-san had taught him.
Great. All madougus are there. He recognized Bakuju, Shikigami, Oboro, Magagumo, Mugen, Fukyo Waon, and another madougus, which originally has been destroyed. But it's still at the good condition. Arashi scanned another side. Kougon Anki, Kuchibashou, Katakugutsu, Idaten. . . and he gasped because Raijin and Fuujin are there too. His mind ran back to the scene when he met his father at the first stage.
Yeah, his father was brought it. But, how can . . . maybe his father is come here first to brought it and lend it to Tokio? But, no! it can't be. Ranki's turn is next to Arashi, so his father won't go anywhere because he must to give Ranki some test too.
But he can't found any right words to explain. He just stood there with confused look until Tokio made him back to reality.
"Awesome, isn't it? All of this madougus are the second one after the original madougus. It's not only a replica, but also have the same power as the original ones. This only a test, but it's not a little thing!" Tokio crossed his arms.
"Mi. . . I mean, Tokio . . . where and how did you gathered all of this madougu? You know, the creator of madougu is the ancestor of Hokage. They're all-dead. Who made all of these madougus?" Arashi looked at his brother. Suspicious.
"I made it." Tokio answered him easily.
"Wha?!" Arashi's jaw dropped. "But how?"
"You know Fumio Tatesako?" Arashi nodded. "Recca-sama no sensei. He taught me well about madougus. And Recca-sama lend me the Hokage's secret scrolls about madougu, how to make it, and kinds of it's basic material. I spent all night long to examined all of the scrolls and two weeks to make all of these madougus. But I'm not alone, uncle Kaoru helps me!" He closed his eyes and laughs a little.
"Okay. . . so what's the rule?" Arashi frowned his eyebrow.
"Choose one!" Tokio command him. Arashi scanned the room. And he found it. He took the madougu.
"I'll use this." He handed Raijin.
"Good." Tokio stepped out. Arashi followed him. At the outside,
"You have chosen Raijin, I believe you know how to use it. The rule is quite easy, Arashi. Use your madougu to attack me, if I got ONE bruise, you are the Senior Jounin and the madougu is yours. But you're under obligation to stop if I say to." He explained clearly.
"And what madougu that you'll use?" Tokio fumble his pocket.
"This." He showed Arashi the Ensui. Arashi winced his eyes.
"Well, Mikagami Tokiya use the same thing when I was in fight against him. So, your Ensui must be the replica of his!"
"Ehm, yeah, one of the Ensui is the replica. But there's something on your sentences that I know very exactly, was wrong." Tokio opened the water tap near to him and activate his Ensui.
"What?"
"As your information, I am the wielder of Ensui. My father no longer use it since I was 18 years old. The replica is the Ensui at my father's hand right now. This Ensui," he lifted his hand, "is the real Ensui." His eyes winced. Fully form Ensui now gloriously ready at his hand.
Arashi settle his trestle. Tokio did the same.
"Raijin!" Arashi begin to attack. The sounds of thunder rumbling in the distance. The sky darkened with the thunder black clouds. The thunders begin to strike. Tokio jumps anywhere to avoid the strikes easily.
"Mizunaru Hebi!" a form of water snake figured out from his Ensui. Blocked the thunder's strike. And the fight begins.
From the distance, the senior Hokage now is gather at the third stage to have some tea after all of them, except Neon, has done their business.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Raiha looked up to the dark sky above the fifth stage. He sighed a little and sipped his tea. "It seems that the fight is begin." Across his seat of the table, Tokiya, Kurei, Recca, Domon, and Kaoru sat in a rectangular position.
Tokiya looking at Raiha. "Well, it must be Arashi. Who else will use Raijin to fight except him?" Raiha laugh and nodded.
"But are you sure there's nothing will be happened?" Fuuko and Yanagi coming out from the kitchen. She brings a tray with a plate of Senbe and one pot of some fresh tea. "You know, actually I'm worrying about them. Their skill is very well, especially Tokio. With his skills and abilities, he was able to reach the Hokage level, right? I hope he's not being too hard against his brother. . . but I think he will never do such a cruel thing. Right, Tokiya?" Fuuko gazed at Tokiya.
"Depend. As long as he's not force Tokio to have a deadly fight. I hope he's wise enough to realized his limit, well, if he's a real enemy, Tokio will. . ."
Tokiya stopped as his eyes met glaring anger at Fuuko's wide eyes.
"Continue, Tokiya!!! What will he do?!" Fuuko's voice rose.
"It's better if I stop."
"No! Continue! I want to know!"
"Killed his enemy. No matter who, nobody can escape from him. Tokio. . ." Tokiya's words died at his lips because Fuuko slapped him hard at the face.
"What have you done?!" Fuuko shouted.
"Fuuko! Wait!" Raiha grab his wife's waist and hold her tightly so Fuuko unable to do anything except screamed.
"Tokiya! What have you done to my son!!! You made him a murderer! You darn Tokiya! I can't believe it! You let him to be a murderer! You. . .you. . . I thought you taught him well because he's looks perfect from the outside, but. . . You darn!!! My child isn't suppose to be a murderer! I should not let you take him away from me 16 years a go! You. . ." Fuuko screamed until Raiha cupped her mouth to make her quiet.
"Tokiya, I think you better tell us! Honestly, I'm worrying about my son too. Arashi is a fighter, he will never give up until the last drop of blood!" Raiha beg him.
"He's right. Tokiya, you better to tell us!" Recca asked him too. Tokiya take a deep breath and closed his eyes.
"Okay, I'm giving up. I'll tell you the complete story. It was begin from 11 years a go. When Tokio was 10. That was the first time I know that he was able to use Ensui. Now, please listen carefully."
~The Story~
Indonesia, 11 years ago. Tokiya and his son live at apartment. Sometimes Tokiya get busy with his business, but he never leaves his son for long. But one day there's something problem that he must done right on the time so he'll be late at home. He dialed his home but there's no answer. By instinct, he felt there's something strange.
He speeded up to finish the work and ran his car home as quick as possible. His mind speed to panic when he reach his apartment and heard from the security that there was at least five men come and entered his house without any permission.
His mind reel at real panicked when he saw the door of his house was open and dark inside. He battered the door with heavy blow and rushed in. He gasped when his feet treads the blood lying stagnant on the floor. His brain can only think about one.
"Tokio!!!" He screamed. Battered every door open to looking for his son, Tokiya felt his brain and eyes blurred when finally he found his son at the living room.
In between the darkness, Tokio stood there. Give his father a cold shoulder. With Ensui at his hand. The blade of it was covered by the blood.
"Tokio!" Tokio turned his body to face his father. His face was cold. Eyes darkened without any emotions. His cheek was dirty because of bloods. Tokiya hit the lamp's button. And he screamed in horror when he looked around the living room.
There are five dead body crumpled anywhere at the living room. Their body was full of bruises, mutilated, and separated into pieces. The smell of blood filled the air. Horrible.
"To. . .Tokio. . ." Tokiya's legs lost his strength to stand. Tokio looking at him. And suddenly, the blade of Ensui changed into water and dropped to the floor.
"Father? Is that you?" he asked with his child voice. Then he ran towards his father and hugs him tightly. "Father . . .I'm afraid!" then he started to cry. Shivered, Tokiya can do nothing except hold his son as tight as possible.
"Shh. . . it's alright! Are you hurt? It's okay. . ." Tokiya try to calm him. But his brain is still on the mixer. He was surprised, afraid, worry, and et cetera. Next, the neighbors were came because of Tokiya's scream and called the police.
When the police asked him as the eyewitness, nobody believe that Tokio is the murderer of the five robbers. They said that it was impossible for 10 years old boy to kill five adult men. Besides, there is no weapon left there to proof that a child did the mutilation. Bruises of their body caused by blade of sword and there is no sword found at Mikagami's house. And the case is over; the police faced the dead end.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Then Tokiya decided to move away. After that, he begins to think about Tokio's safety. Basic on Tokio's skill, he began to teach him The Hyoumon Ken.
But he no longer can took a deep breath of relax. When Tokio was 13, he's on the junior high school. One day, when Tokiya come to Tokio's school to pick him home, he realized that Tokio couldn't found anywhere. It was so strange because Tokio always tell him about his activities. So Tokiya decided to look for his son around the school.
Suddenly he heard a deadly screams from the hidden spot of the school's backwards. He rushed to the direction where the sounds came from. And once again he faced the horrible scenery.
The scene when Tokio changed into the cruel murderer once again. There are three molesters crumpled on the ground. Their body seems not in a right construction. And Tokio stood there. With his emotionless face.
Tokiya was insist his son to learn about some martial arts for self defense, but at this case, it seems that Tokio has been using his ability to kill with his bare hands.
That was the second time. Tokiya always searching for what's caused Tokio somehow changed into a murderer. The cold blood murderer. But he found nothing. Frustratingly, Tokiya pick his son to the psychiatry to find out what was happened to Tokio. The psychiatry almost giving up but he recommended Tokiya to met a hypnotic Ian. And from the hypnotician and the psychiatry, Tokiya finally found out what was happened to his only son. The reality.
~End Story~
"What was it Tokiya? Tell me what was happen to Tokio? What is the result?" Fuuko asked him impatiently. She already cried while Tokiya tells the story.
"I've told you before that Tokio isn't perfect. And this makes him imperfect. Well, he has MPD. Multiple Personality Disorder." Tokiya dropped his gaze to the floor. Everyone at the room gasped.
"You mean he is a schizophrenia?" Yanagi closed her mouth. Tokiya can do nothing except nodded.
"How. . .how can it be?" Fuuko bumped herself to the chair. Shocked.
"I. . . I don't know. I was drowned in frustration for at least 3 months after I heard the results. That was the worse condition for me after Mifuyu's death. But the hypnotician gave me some information to realized if his alter ego come out and take the handle of Tokio's body." Tokiya answered them weakly.
"Eh? What is the advice? Will it work?" Raiha asked him.
"Umh, under his consciousness, actually Tokio himself didn't want to let his alter ego to expropriate the control of his body. The 'other' Tokio only come out if there's anybody challenge him into the deadly fight." Tokiya took a fast breath.
"That's why Tokio always warn his enemy before, he will said to them to stop their attack if he asked them to. If he said 'stop' it means his enemy better to stop the attack. Tokio only said that word when his enemy has been injured, but still able to continue their life. And like what I've told you before, if his enemy still obstinate, his alter ego will come out and kill his enemy without care about anything more."
Everybody get silent.
"How can we know which one is Tokio and which one is his other personality? And what is the first sign to know that his alter ego is begin to come out and exchange place with Tokio?" Kurei broke the silence.
"Ah, actually it's quite easy. If you at the fight against him, his other personality will use 'Tsuranaru Hebi' as his attack. The highest technique at Hyoumon Ken. The real Tokio will never use that technique because Tsuranaru Hebi is the most dangerous way which could kill at one attack." Tokiya explained them.
"And if we 're not at the fight against him?" Kaoru added.
"Just looked at his eyes. It colours will change drastically if his other personality popped out." Tokiya took the teapot and poured some tea to his empty cup.
"Eh? How can it be? His eyes were belong to me, right? Light purple eyes as same as my eyes?" Fuuko interrupted. "If like that, what kind of colour it was?"
"Blue. Same as mine."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
At the fifth stage,
Arashi breathe heavily. His bruises obstruct him to move. His injured legs provide the obstacles for him to win the battle. His clothes already torned everywhere and stucked to his body because he was bleeding.
He forced himself to keep standing. Although his legs no longer have energy to support his weight. Across him, Tokio stand vigorously. Without any bruises, or injures. Even he's not gasping or sweaty.
"Okay Arashi. Stop it! You must to stop right now!" He commands him.
"No! I'll never give up until I pass this last exam!!" Arashi shouted.
"Once again, you're under obligation to stop, Kirisawa Arashi!" Tokio repeated his command with raised tone. Then he turned his body.
"No! I will never give up until I pass you and get my goal to be a Senior Jounin! I will pass you, even if I must pay it by the bloods!" Arashi yelled at him and lifted his hand, which hold Raijin, gathering the rest of his energy. Tokio's steps ended at his words. Without turning back his head, he speaking,
"Then, there is no use for you to live anymore. . ." he spoke in deadly voice.
"Wha?!" Arashi can't believe in his ears. Suddenly Tokio turned his body and drew his Ensui in front of him. Arashi can see clearly his blue eyes glared in anger. And the form of Ensui's blade changed into a big ice- snake.
"Tsuranaru Hebi!!!"
Tsuzuku
Kumusta ka na! I'm Diamond-Crest.
I want to say very much thanks for everyone who has been read and reviewed my story. I really appreciate it.
And I want to say sorry,
Because I've made all of you get disappointed after read my latest chapter of Endless Road, or my other fic Spellbinder.
I must to say sorry about my grammar, yeah, I'll never try to deny, my grammar is not good. Maybe because I was born and grew up at the country which English is very rarely at daily life. And I never took any course to learn more about English.
For everyone who reviewed Spellbinder, yes, I have myself disappointed with it.
Actually I have a beta reader (Sacramento256), but I lost contact with her since 3 months ago so I can't do anything more. (Sacramento256! Did you read this? Please contact me!!! Where are you?)
For Evil One: Meng yak arai? Tham mai meng fud yang nan? Meng ya khid wa ku mairuu! Meng khidwa meng pen khrai! Ya cong hong. Ai hia!
That's my original language . . . If you don't understand . . . go get Thai dictionary! Well, it's just my way to say kophunkha to you . . . ^___^ But be careful because there is some words similar with these words but it has different meaning.
And for everyone who understands, don't tell Evil One!
For babypink: Hai! Sore wa hontou ni omoshiroi deshoo! Demo. . .atashi no sutorii. . . kono goro wa amari yoku arimasen. . . sukoshi tsukarate iru. . . hix
For the other: Yes, I'll search for another beta, but I have no idea. . . Is there somebody who would like to be my beta?
And for everybody who really wants to read the next chapter of Spellbinder just mail me or review this segment, and I'll sent you the story. After all, I already said that I'd remove the story forever if I receive one flame. But if you want me to post it back on ffnet, please don't be too lazy to tell me. I already edit it and added the new story chapter. This time is not bad, I'll try to not make all of you disappoint anymore. Believe me. ^__^
Sampai Jumpa!