Author Note: Thanks for the feedback on the last chapter, apparently most thought it wasn't so bad. But I'm afraid this chapter is going to be dull. So if you could tolerate a bad chapter the rest will be much better.
Chapter 8: The Tournament of the True Warrior
"So what happens now Sensei?" Ron asked the next morning.
It was early four a.m. the following day; Ron, Rufus, Kim and Yori all standing in front of Sensei awaiting his instructions.
"Today we make our approach to the hidden valley of the Itonami idol."
"That's where the idol was found?"
"Correct, it is also where the tournament is being held."
"We're going already? I don't think I'm ready."
"Be at rest Ron Stoppable, you are more then prepared to face the challenges that await you."
"Yeah Ron, I've seen you. Your skills are spankin'." Kim encouraged.
"Agreed… this spankin' is a good thing right?" Yori added.
Kim nodded.
"Okay, if you're all sure. Let's go."
"Before we leave we must determine who is to go."
"What?"
"In the tournament each school is permitted to admit two students each, each student may bring someone for personal support."
"Well I'm taking Kim, no contest." Ron replied instantly but tweaked at an afterthought. "But what about Rufus?"
Rufus looked a little hurt as he hopped to the ground and prepared to walk away. Ron was hoping for a loop hole but doubted that there was one.
"I shall take Rufus-san." Yori insisted.
Rufus sparked up with delight as he scurried up her leg to her face to hug her.
"Booyah." Ron optimistic spirit returned.
"Excellent. Let us be off."
The five individuals received a helicopter ride for a large amount of the journey but was brought to an early end as they landed in a field.
"This is the secret valley?" Kim questioned not seeing anything that stood out.
"From here we walk." Sensei answered as he led the way down the field.
"Why do we walk?"
"Because the location of the valley must remain a secret to the rest of the world." Yori answered.
The expedition led on for several hours, Kim was getting tired of hauling her bag the way. Ron took it from her adding more to his haul with little problem; he found that it added to training.
"We have arrived." Sensei announced as they walked into a cavern.
"I thought it was a valley?"
Still following the group came to a dead end where a brutish man stood silently.
"I am grand master Sensei of Yamanuchi, my students and I have come to participate in the masurao shinsei taikai." Sensei faced the man as he held out a pendant for the man to see.
The man eyed the pendant closely and analyzed each member of the group closely before stepping back and pushing a section of the cave wall in. The section folded in to start a rumbling that slowly opened a massive section of the wall. The teens and rodent stood amazed as the passage unveiled before them. After the movement stopped Sensei continued on while the four continued to stare for a moment before following.
"Check… it… out!" Ron said slowly as he walked out of the cavern and into the light.
They we overlooking a valley that seemed to be an untouched spot of heaven, a gentle waterfall falling down the cliff running into a gentle lake, a light forest that lead deeper into the enveloped land. In the middle of the pasture was a large fortress.
"Impressive." Kim cooed as she soaked in the sight.
As the group made their way down the slope to the fortification Sensei explained that the tournament would start the following morning and the remainder of the day should be spent knowing the grounds.
"Doesn't seem to very many people." Kim observed as they walked around.
"I guess there aren't very many secret ninja schools around." Ron agreed.
"We are very lucky to be here during such an important event." Yori basked in glow.
Continuing the tour, the group came to the sparing ground where several combatants were practicing. All demonstrated excellent abilities but only one grabbed Ron's attention.
"Who's that?" Ron asked Sensei pointing to a lone figure.
The warrior was tall with trim muscle form, thin dark hair that reached down to his shoulders, golden yellow eyes and rock hard persona. The guy couldn't be older then twenty-three as he fought multiple enemies at once. This strapping man sent each opponent plummeting to the ground like an avalanche; his attacks were brute, harsh and worst of all drawn out.
"You best not converse with that man, of all the fighters participating he is the most to be wary of." Sensei said strictly as they watched him ridicule his fallen victims.
"But who is he?" Ron repeated.
"His name is Katsuro Matsuki of ." Sensei answered continuing his strict tone. "Ron Stoppable, when I said there were those who have lost the true belief in the purpose of the idol I spoke highly of the Matsuki family."
The man known as Katsuro walked up to an elderly man and bowed respectively and proudly, the man acknowledged him with in strong support and pride.
"The man he bows to is his father Nibori Matsuki. Nibori's reputation is not of the best quality, he forced his son into the tournament only to possess the idol."
"But why?"
"Not now." Sensei brought the conversation to a halt as the two approached them.
"If it isn't the grand master Sensei of Yamanuchi." Nibori said arrogantly. "It's been far too long."
"Hello again, Nibori." Sensei spoke truly as he bowed.
"I see that your students have just gotten a taste of what's in store for them later." Nibori looked unsightly at the young fighters.
"Your son seems well prepared, where is your other student?" Sensei continued honorably.
"He is elsewhere, like it matters I really do not need any other; Katsuro surpasses any other student here... but I see that the rules have been bent to allow you to have three fighters."
"She's a guest."
"No amount of support will help you."
There was a brief pause of silent debate before Nibori gave a quick overbearing sneer before he turned to walk away, his son following behind. The Yamanuchi group continued as they had.
"Conceited much?" Kim rolled her eyes as she spoke.
"He hasn't changed." Sensei said.
Ron found the grounds to be much like Yamanuchi so familiarizing himself with the area was easy, battle arena in the center of the grounds, sparing circles a little ways off, there was a private residence for each school in a general building as well as an area for eating, consultation, etc. The afternoon slinked away as Ron and Yori learned all the rules of the tournament and the organization of each round. Four schools, eight students, three rounds over a three day period.
"Stoppable-san, we should practice in the sparing rings." Yori said afterwards.
"Huh? Oh, actually, I'm kinda sore, how bout Kim? Kim's an even better fighter to practice with." Ron said.
"Me?" Kim raised an eyebrow.
"It would be appreciated." Yori added.
Kim hesitated but folded as she headed with Yori to the circles.
Ron wasn't actually sore but rather had a question he needed answered as he went in search of Sensei. He found the old mentor in the private area of Yamanuchi; he sat on the veranda drinking tea.
"Sensei?"
"Ron Stoppable, you come with questions?"
"Yes. I want to know more about the Matsuki family."
As Ron sat to face Sensei he was given a deep look.
"Why Matsuki and none of your other opponents?"
"I guess it's because he seems to be the most dangerous."
"How right you are."
Sensei stopped for a moment as if he was deciding on whether or not to tell Ron the information he sought.
"Ron Stoppable, Nibori Matsuki is and always has been a brute and dishonorable warrior."
"Why?"
"Such answers are harder to find. But he always believed in prolonging the defeat of his opponents, and causing as much pain and misery before he ended the battle. As you can see he has passed this trait to his son."
"Katsuro."
"Katsuro idolizes his father like no one else. He has longed for acceptance from him for many long years, but Nibori has always had a nasty habit of spitting on those beneath him. It appears now that Katsuro's only chance of acceptance is to win the idol."
"Why does he want it so bad?"
"Even though he would deny it, there is one thing Nibori Matsuki is afraid of… death. He believes the Itonami will grant him everlasting life."
"Is that possible?"
"A legend says it to be true, but even if it is no man should ever use it for personal gain."
Ron's questions had been answered, so he thanking he mentor he rose to leave but was stopped.
"Ron Stoppable, I advise you not to approach Katsuro anymore then you have to. No good has ever come from confronting a member of the Matsuki."
"I will honor your wishes Sensei."
Ron didn't take Sensei's words to heart. His training had told him not to shun those we do not even know. Believing acquaintanceship could be made Ron felt the need to talk to Katsuro. He found him performing full work on punching stall.
"Hello, Katsuro." Ron said as he came into his view.
Katsuro stopped his attacks to look at Ron but said nothing for a moment.
"You're the student from Yamanuchi."
"That's right."
Katsuro continued his strikes like Ron wasn't there. Ron felt a little out of your depth but was determined to make amends for any tension that existed between their mentors.
"You seem well prepared." Ron complimented honestly as he watched him.
Katsuro didn't react.
"If your fighting is that good I can only imagine how strong your spiritual abilities are."
"Ridiculous." Katsuro spat still boxing.
"I'm sorry?"
"There is no such thing as spiritual powers."
"… I think you're mistaken."
"No, the only mistake is that you were foolish enough to let that old senile man you call a master fill your head with nonsense."
Ron was in awe. He would never have believed someone with such surprising talents to be so close minded.
"Combat comes from the body alone, nothing else matters." Katsuro added.
Ron wished to enlighten the man but knew that it wouldn't make things better but worse. Instead Ron felt that a question could solve the problem.
"May I ask why you are in tournament?"
"I think it's obvious, to win the idol."
"But why does it matter?"
"It power belongs in the possession of my father."
"But he will misuse it."
Katsuro stopped his practice entirely and looked darkly at Ron.
"You dare insult my father?"
"No, I'm just concerned that you are doing this to get acceptance from him that you don't need."
"My father is the greatest warrior who ever lived, I'd be lucky to become half of what he is. And you think you can disgrace me by judging him."
Ron could feel the boundless anger in Katsuro's tone.
"No… I…"
"Don't expect mercy in the ring, you'll get no such pleasure."
Katsuro finished his statement by punching the stall right of the stand it was set on. He walked off strongly leaving Ron with a sense of regret. It didn't take a genius to know that a spark had been ignited between Ron and Katsuro, a dangerous spark that would not have the best result.
The next day brought the first round of the tournament. Ron was in the arena circle standing in front of his first opponent.
"First round of the masurao shinsei taikai. Ron Stoppable of Yamanuchi against Shiro Aruki of Butal Gekko Face your opponent."
Both combatants bowed to each other and entered fighting stance.
"Begin!"
Ron and Shiro clashed into battle. Their blows met hard against one another. As the fight wore on Ron couldn't find a pattern in his opponent's style but could easily exploit his bad defensive skills. With the battle continuing Ron finally delivered the final attack leaving him the victor.
"Winner, Ron Stoppable."
Ron bowed respectively to Shiro who seemed a bit depressed but returned the compliment.
"That was Spankin' Ron." Kim smiled as they left the arena.
"I guess that wasn't so bad." Ron concurred.
"Are you going to go train with Yori?"
A couple short hours later brought the second round of the tournament. Ron wasn't in this one but he observed the fight with full attention.
"Ron what are you doing here?" Kim asked after she found him.
"Training."
"Uh? Okay." Kim said confused. "Shouldn't you be practicing with Yori?"
"Yori needs to rest up for her fight, especially when she faces Katsuro."
Kim saw Ron's point.
The victor was named and the round ended. This brought the next round up shortly after. It was Yori against Katsuro, and Ron was front row ready to give Yori his full support. The call was made and the battle began.
"Begin!"
Ron was blown away by the directness of Katsuro's aggression. Almost instantly he was all over Yori with mind blowing attacks that caught Yori off guard. She managed to stand her ground by blocking but her counters hit nothing but air.
"Come on Yori." Ron shouted in his mind, not wanting to distract her.
Yori's attacks would occasionally land but when they did Katsuro didn't even flinch. Ron couldn't believe it Yori was one of the best in his eyes and now it seemed like she was against a god. Ron focused hard on Katsuro, thought he was strong, powerful and durable it seemed that he moved in similar attacks. Committing them to memory Ron returned his attention to his friend. With her strength giving out and her resilience dropping it became obvious Yori wasn't going to win this fight.
Katsuro initiated a final sequence. Side brushing her arms apart he open palm thrust into her chest sending her stumbling to meet his jump kick to her side. Following up he brought his knee up as he brought her head down making for a hard second contact. Yori fell to the ground unable to continue. Katsuro did not appear finished as he moved in to pick her up.
"HEY LEAVE HER ALONE!" Ron stood up shouting at him.
Katsuro paused as he glanced over at Ron not intimidated. He continued like Ron had said nothing. Luckily the referee moved in to stop Katsuro announcing the round was over and Katsuro was the winner.
Katsuro shrugged off the victory and left the arena while Ron and Kim ran to Yori's side.
"Yori! You okay?"
"I'll be fine Stoppable-san."
Ron and Kim helped Yori off the ground and headed for the Yamanuchi grounds. As they walked Ron couldn't help but glare back at Katsuro who was slick smile of satisfaction on his face. Part of Ron wanted to walk over there and smack it clean off but he didn't.
After bringing Yori to the grounds to rest Ron was searching for something to distract him from his frustration, he needed something to divert him so he wouldn't go charging for Katsuro.
"Excuse me?" A voice asked from his left.
Ron turned to see a young girl that couldn't be much older then Ron.
"You are Ron Stoppable right?"
"Yes."
"It is an honor to meet you." The young girl bowed. "I am Kasumi Raki."
"Hello."
"Would you be so kind as to join me for a meal?"
Ron flinched with surprise. He started to wonder if this girl was crushing on him.
"Sorry but I'm spoken for." Ron found himself speak his mind.
"Oh, no nothing like that, I just feel the need to get to know you better."
Ron was confused but it seemed that somebody was giving Ron what he had been looking for.
"Okay."
As the two ate Ron soon found out that Kasumi was also in the tournament and had the same belief in conversing with others as Ron once had.
"It's funny; I had the same idea as you… well until I tried to talk with Katsuro."
"Katsuro? I've heard of him, everyone avoids him and his father."
"Trust me, I know why."
Ron wanted to get his mind off of the character.
"So are you still in the run?"
"Yes, I am."
"Who do you face tomorrow?"
"You."
"Me?"
"That's right; I like to think that just because we must fight doesn't mean that there was to be conflict between us."
"I am so glad to here you say that, it's like we're the only ones here who think so."
Ron had enjoyed his conversation with Kasumi, it continued throughout the remainder of the day. As it went Ron was beginning to be a little disheartened because a friendship was forming and it would only last another day, but at least it would last. Afterwards Ron once again felt at peace as he headed for bed. It was already dark and lanterns had been lit as he approached the doors when he heard an unpleasant noise. It was the sound of struggle and anguish, Ron followed the clamor recognizing the two voices.
"Leave me alone!" Yori's voice snapped in vain.
"I believe I am entitled to a reward." The despicable sound of Katsuro was heard.
Ron finally saw them in view as he rounded the corner of the building. The two were huddled in the darkness behind the building where no eyes could see. Katsuro had Yori tightly by the wrist and the other hand by her throat. Ron knew what was happening and his anger returned with full power.
"Get your hands off!" Yori tried to shout but her voiced was lowered by Katsuro's tight grip.
Katsuro gave Yori a quick but hard slap to her face.
"You are in no position to give orders."
Katsuro went to hit her again but his hand was stopped by Ron block.
"Back off!" Ron spoke forcefully as he threw Katsuro's hand to make him step back.
As Ron stepped between Yori and Katsuro he glared darkly at the vile rogue.
"You again." Katsuro spoke with irritation. "I thought I told you to mind yourself."
Ron didn't say anything in response he just moved in to express his thoughts physically.
"Stoppable-san stop." Yori grabbed Ron's shoulder. "Fighting is prohibited outside the tournament."
Katsuro paused momentarily as he heard this statement.
"Wait… Stoppable? Ron Stoppable? As in the 'great master of Tie Shing Pek Kwar?" Katsuro spoke apathetically.
Analyzing his appearance once again Katsuro spat.
"I'm not impressed. A runt like you wielding the most powerful weapon…Ha."
Just then a beacon of light came in view as Sensei walked up to them. Katsuro saw the need to leave but not before shooting Ron an insulting look.
"See you in the ring, amateur."
Sensei watched the rogue walk away then returned his gaze to the two. He could tell what just happened but he decided not to continue such a delicate situation.
"Come along, you both need your rest."
Before following Yori threw her arms around Ron and hugged him tightly almost in tears.
"Thank you Stoppable-san."
Ron held her close to comfort her.
"It's okay Yori, its okay."
The second fight came quickly as the announcement was made and the command was given. Kasumi and Ron met in swift combat. Inside Ron was happy to fight against Kasumi; she seemed to share his same perspective on means of fighting, if he had to lose to someone he'd be glad it was to her. He even found himself delving into light conversation with her.
"Good form." He complimented as he blocked her advance.
"Thanks, not so bad yourself."
The longer it went on the more it seemed to be a friendly practice round between the two. But finally the battle ended as Kasumi fell and admitted gracious defeat.
"Winner, Ron Stoppable."
"Sorry…" Ron felt the need to apologize.
"Don't, there is no shame losing to you." Kasumi bowed proudly.
Ron received his praise and enjoyed the remaining afternoon. Not wanting to miss out on a good opportunity Ron attended the next round to see his competition. It was Katsuro against a man named Hikaru that had to be near the same age. The two fought with amazing skill but like before Katsuro dominated with brute superiority. Even though he saw it coming Ron was still surprised when Katsuro stood above the fallen warrior, the last round of tournament would be between him and Ron.
"So not the drama Ron, you can take him." Kim tried to promote her friend's spirit.
"Possible-san is right, you can do it."
"Come on Yori, you couldn't beat him, what makes you think I can?"
"You are a better fighter then me Stoppable-san, and we all believe in you."
His friends' words fell on half believing ears. Walking away from them Ron was soon joined by Sensei.
"I sense you are experiencing inner turmoil."
"Sensei, I don't know if I can do this, I don't want to let you down."
"Ron Stoppable, you do not have to prove yourself to me.
"But, what if I lose?"
"You have completed your training, stood your ground in battle and fought honorable in this tournament, you have already succeeded."
Ron understood Sensei's implication but still was left empty.
"Sensei… do you think I can beat Katsuro."
"I will not lie to you Ron Stoppable, Katsuro is a fast and powerful adversary but unlike you he does not have a pure heart or the balance."
Ron let out a sigh; once again Sensei had managed to dance around giving a straight answer.
"Thank you Sensei."
The sun was setting on the horizon as Ron walked through the halls of the building. His concern was starting to exceed his maintenance of peace. He saw Katsuro's harsh battling skills, even Yori, one of the best fighters he'd ever seen couldn't stand her ground against him. His powerful persona did more then just intimidate.
Walking gradually Ron heard the sharp clashing of metal inside a room. Knowing weapons weren't allowed in combat Ron peeked through the half open crack to see what was the source of the noise. The room was the private area for the School and inside was Katsuro standing in the middle of the room blindfolded.
He was deflecting ninja stars being thrown at him by other men with his elegant katana. Moving his blade rhythmically and steadily like it was no task at all. After the last star was thrown Katsuro side flipped out of path of a falling sand bag. He slashed at it like it was a target, several others followed and each one fell victim in a battle pattern that Ron could only believe he would see in an action movie. Taking a breath of satisfaction Katsuro pulled off his blindfold and cracked his neck.
"This is my meditation." Katsuro spoke out loud. "Entering a different plain is fairytale talk; the only escape is the feel of a weapon in one hand and the demise of life in the other."
Katsuro then without warning threw a star over his shoulder the sharp projectile landing by the frame of the door. This made Ron flinch protectively. Still not looking back Katsuro finished powerfully.
"You're lucky they don't allow weapons in the tournament Stoppable. Cause if they did you'd be dead before you could even realize the mistake you made."
Hearing these words Ron took off down the hall. Ron's nerve racking returned even worse. Having your presents being known to a blindfolded warrior doesn't make things any better. His worries continued like a pestilence in his mind, even with the encouraging words of his friends and mentor. The unrelenting went on deep into the night as Ron tried to rest for the final battle the following day. Ron lay in his quarters tossing and turning on his futon unable to sleep. The tension and pressure of the last round was bearing down on him. Ron sat up with a groan as he rubbed his tired eyes. Suddenly he heard a familiar noise.
"BeepBeep Beep Beep" his kimmunicator rang.
Ron jerked in surprise and quickly covered the speaker not wanting to wake the other people near him. He wondered who would be calling so late, why would Kim call him? She was right next door. And wouldn't Wade call Kim? Quickly putting on his shoes Ron took the kimmunicator outside of the building and sat on a bench in the garden. Ron hit the monitor and saw an unexpected face. It was Joan staring back at him from her computer monitor, Ron then remembered that he asked Wade to hook up a direct connected between the two so they could talk.
Joan's happy face went distraught as she spoke. "Oh man, what time is it there?"
"2 A.M." Ron answered.
"Oh God, time difference, I'm so sorry, I'll call back later…" Joan went to sign off.
"Wait! It's okay. I couldn't sleep anyway." Ron smiled.
"Why not?"
"I guess I'm just a little nervous, the last round of the tournament is tomorrow, and I'm feeling the pressure."
"Don't. You can do it, I know you can." Joan abruptly gasped. "What happened to you?"
Ron could tell she was talking about the bruise on his temple from his training with Yori. He didn't feel the need to tell her about Yori, because she was part of Yamanuchi and he didn't want to ignite unneeded envy.
"Let's just say my sparring partner was a little rough on me."
Joan kissed the tips of her fingers then lightly pressed it to the monitor.
"Feel better?"
"Much. But enough about me, what about you, how are things back home?"
"Nothing. It's dead here without you."
"Don't say that. Seriously, how's the team?"
"Well, we won the game against Upperton."
"Congrats."
The couples' conversation continued on a little longer into the night.
"You better get some sleep or you'll be too tired to fight." Joan advised.
"I guess your right; I think I'll be home in three days okay?"
"Thinking of you."
"Right back atcha."
Ron signed off and basked in the afterglow of the conversation, once again he felt new strength and above all else the urge to sleep. As he got up and headed for the quarters Ron didn't know that he was being observed from the darkness, someone had been watching him with a half formed smile.
The hour of the final competition came quickly as Ron stood at the lines making his final preparations.
"You can do it Stoppable-san, we all know you can." Yori promoted resting a hand on his shoulder.
"Just keep your head in the game." Kim added.
"Thanks guys."
Ron made his way out of the lines and into the middle of the arena. The audience was watching him highly from the stands.
"You will not lose to him. You are a Matsuki."
"Yes father. You will have the power of the idol."
Katsuro emerged from the shaded covering towards the center of the grounds. He pulled off the top of his kimono portraying his muscular upper build. The two exchanged glances one of admission the other as intimidation.
"So begins the final match of The masurao shinsei taikai. Ron Stoppable of Yamanuchi against Katsuro Matsuki of . Face your opponent."
"With a name like Stoppable, it leaves little wonder to who's going to win." Katsuro snuffed as he bowed.
Ron said nothing as he returned the bow and prepared to engage.
"Begin!"
Katsuro lead in a belligerent attack, throwing attacks fast as lightening. Ron kept up a strong defense but that didn't mean that Ron didn't receive a great deal of punishment. The fight raged on showing the most advanced and elegant martial art combat anyone could ever see.
Although he was keeping a strong resistance Ron was failing in his attempts at attack, Katsuro either dodged it with ease or brushed the attacks off like they were nothing.
"Pathetic!" Katsuro scoffed as he grabbed Ron in a hold. "This is the great master of Tie Shing Pek Kwar? Ha, I shall end your dismal hopes."
Katsuro spun Ron out in front of him and dealt a harsh open palm blow directly to his chest. Ron could only stumble back and cough uncontrollably. But while he regained his breathing Ron knew exactly what his opponent was doing, and could easy exploit it. Katsuro went in to perform his finishing move sequence, as he went for the high kick but Ron was all to ready for it.
"Wha?" Katsuro mumbled as his attack failed.
"Not gonna work on me, Katsuro." Ron smiled.
Ron spun around Katsuro's extended fist, bringing a harsh blow to his adversaries' face followed by a triple side kick to his chest.
"Argh!" Katsuro blurted as he landed on the ground hard.
"I think you need some fresh material." Ron stood over him.
Katsuro bounded back up performing more attack patterns that Ron had seen and memorized from before, making his endeavor appear more and more in vain as Ron stayed two steps ahead of him. Ron didn't get overconfident, he continued to attack Katsuro, bringing him back to the ground, Ron hoped that Katsuro would admit defeat and not force him to perform a finishing move.
"You have lost." Ron said as he looked down at him.
"I'll never lose! My father will receive that idol, and you shall feel the taste of defeat at my hands!" Katsuro growled as he continued.
Ron sighed as he watched him; it was such a shame to see such determination and spirit from a warrior who only believed in the power of the body. Not wishing to continue Katsuro's humiliation Ron advanced with a powerful finisher. The grasshopper kick hit Katsuro's chest with such power that the pain dulled him to the next as the side spin to the face sent him crashing to the ground. Katsuro ordered his body to get up but he was unable to move, as the aching wound surged the count came down and the announcement was made.
"Winner of the match and the masurao shinsei taikai, Ron Stoppable of Yamanuchi!"
The audience cheered as Ron was handed the life idol. Yori, Kim and Rufus ran up to Ron congratulating him.
"Stoppable-san, we are so proud of you!" Yori commended as she hugged him.
"Not so tight, I'm a little tender." Ron said gently as he flinched.
"Sorry."
"Way to go Ron." Kim said holding his shoulder.
"Booyah!" Rufus cheered jumping in the air.
Ron smiled but went serious as he saw Sensei approach him slowly. Ron turned to face him and bowed before kneeling to him.
"Grand master Sensei, the itonami idol is yours."
"Rise Ron Stoppable, you kneel down to no one." Sensei said boldly.
Ron did as he heard standing back up.
"Come true warrior, we must celebrate." Sensei encouraged leading the group out of the arena.
As they walked away Katsuro was on all fours still feeling the aches of his wounds and the even worse pain of defeat. He saw a familiar shadow arise in front of him. His eyes slowly rose to see the sneering face of his father.
"Father… I'm sorry…I have failed you."
Katsuro got no acknowledgement as his father turned away like he was nothing and left the battle ground. The unsuccessful combatant remained motionless as remained alone in the empty arena, a powerful feeling swelling inside him, a feeling that would not go unnoticed.
After celebrating a victory and traveling back to the school Ron, Kim, Rufus, Yori and Sensei stood just outside the Yamanuchi boundaries preparing to say their farewells.
"Thank you again Ron Stoppable, once again you prove yourself to us." Sensei praised.
"No problem Sensei, I'm glad I could help you. It's nice to know that the life idol will be in the best of hands for another hundred years."
"For your success you have earned this." Sensei said handing Ron a small device.
"Uh cool." Ron said unsurely. "What is it?"
"This will allow you to call for assistance from our graduates whenever you are in need."
"But you guys are all the way here in Japan, I live in America."
"Our graduates are posted world wide, wherever you are in need they will be there to help."
"Let me get this straight." Kim said jumping in. "You're giving a ninja army at his disposal? Is that wise?"
"Have no fear Kim; Stoppable-san has learned much here he will not use this gift vain." Yori insured.
"If you are to catch your plane you must leave now." Sensei said.
"Goodbye Sensei." Kim and Ron said as they bowed.
"Goodbye Yori." Kim said bowing.
"Goodbye Possible-san."
Instead of bowing Ron gave Yori a soft hug.
"Goodbye Stoppable-san." Yori beamed.
"Check you later Yori."
"So do we get a lift to the airport?" Kim asked.
Yori was about to responded when Ron cut her off.
"Don't go there Kim, it'll be our honor to walk."
It had been a long time since Ron and Kim had a real plane ride home. Kim was watching the in-flight movie; Rufus' head was buried in his peanut bag while Ron was looking out the window peacefully. He beamed with a strong sense of accomplishment and pride. He was also anxiously awaiting the site of Middleton knowing that there would be someone waiting for him.
As the team walked off the deck and past the security scan Ron saw a familiar and happy individual. The second he was past the security Joan ran full blast to Ron tackling him with an embrace that nearly made him fall over.
"Miss me?" Ron asked blandly.
Joan gave him a look and gave him a playful slap before bringing his lips to hers. As they kissed Kim turned away, she didn't want to see it, she told herself that watching them like this brought back painful memories of her accident.