Chapter 39

Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, Ninja Gaiden or DOA

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

It's taken forever to update all my core stories! Finally I've updated Dragon's Maw as planned. At last we're going to wrap Ninja Gaiden III this chapter. There are several references to Ninja Gaiden III: Razor's Edge so if you aren't familiar with the game a couple of the battles might be confusing. That being said; here is chapter 39. Enjoy!

Last time:

Blue Sea Beach Hotel

Naruto and his wives got in late that night. Zack decided to leave them to it and Tina had bid them a good night after inviting them to spar sometime. Kimiko went to bed as soon as they got back to the hotel. Naruto was followed back to his bedroom by Maya. She whispered, "Naruto-kun…."

Naruto turned around and they kissed deeply. "What is it Maya-chan?"

"I love what your clone did for me last night but he didn't take me all the way." said Maya blushing. "Make me your wife tonight Naruto-kun. I love you."

The blonde smiled before he created five shadow clones for his other wives. They vanished in body flickers and Naruto and Maya kissed each other passionately. "I'll do anything your heart desires Maya-chan…."

Naruto and Maya spent their first night together in passion as husband and wife. For the first time in her life Maya felt complete as she fell asleep in her husband's arms. Uzumaki Maya was finally where she belonged….

North Island Naval Air Station, San Diego, U.S.A.

The Uzumaki Clan had spent a total of seven days in San Deigo waiting for their C-21A Learjet to be repaired and now they were down at the flight line boarding. If things hadn't been so urgent it would have made for a truly nice vacation as Naruto and all his wives (particularly Maya) enjoyed their stay very much having fun together. As a group they were in a stellar mood but they had to put their game faces back on for the trip home.

The flight back to Japan took 11 hours and during that time they were receiving broadcasts of Tokyo being attacked by some sort of giant woman with a sword. They were listening to both military and civilian channels and most of the video feeds they were monitoring were horrific. The Uzumaki's recognized the Dragon Blade immediately but couldn't figure out how the legendary blade could possibly be so enormous in size or could be wielded by someone other than Ryu. The scattered messages got worse as they drew closer to Japan. Kimiko tried to get a landing at Narita Airport in Tokyo but all military air traffic that was non-essential was being directed towards Misawa Air Base. On the positive side Kimiko was able to contact her friend Mizuki McCloud who was traveling with Hyabusa Ryu at the time.

Kimiko was on the radio. "This is agent Subaru Kimiko calling Agent Mizuki McCloud; update us on your situation Mizuki-chan."

The radio crackled, "This is McCloud. Subaru, the giant attacking Tokyo is the LOA's 'Goddess' you relayed information on from Em Nenhum Island. They experimented on….on my Canna. Hayabusa and I are en route to save her."

The diminutive JSDF Agent was shocked. "The Goddess is Canna-chan?! How can that be?"

Mizuki sounded distraught. "I don't know how they did it. Somehow she has Hayabusa's Dragon Sword but it is huge. The situation is out of control in Tokyo. We're going in by chopper and our ETA is an hour. What's your status?"

"Our ETA is an hour to Misawa and an additional hour from Misawa to Tokyo." said Kimiko.

"You can't go direct to Narita?" asked Mizuki. "That would save a lot of time."

"We haven't got the clearance as 'Essential Military Personnel' so we've been re-routed to Misawa." explained Kimiko. "I've already contacted Misawa to have a helicopter on standby. We will get to Tokyo as soon as possible Mizuki-chan."

….

Misawa Air Base, Aomori Prefecture, Japan

An hour later Kimiko and the Uzumaki Clan transferred from the Learjet to a transport helicopter with a half hour stopover to answer the call of nature. An hour later they were entering Tokyo airspace and the buffeting was too great to continue. "End of the line." said Kimiko. You'll have to dive in here."

Naruto nodded. "Let's go ladies." The Uzumaki Clan dived out of the chopper in pairs with Hinata and her byakugan on point.

They quickly landed and Hinata made ANBU hand signs to the others. [Dozens of LOA soldiers ahead of us. Spread out; seek and destroy]. The Uzumaki Clan soon got to work doing what ninjas do best: Eliminating their targets before the enemy was even aware they were there….

….

Tokyo, Minato Ward

With Ryu….

Ryu found himself in yet another situation he never thought possible. After talking briefly with old man Muramasa; Ryu had joined Mizuki for an easy drive towards the location of the Goddess. 'So much for that idea….' thought the Hayabusa heir dourly. Now he was picking off jet pack equipped LOA members and helicopters with his bow as Mizuki raced them down the road amidst a hail of enemy fire. Eventually their luck (and the road) ran out. Ryu grabbed Mizuki and leapt clear of the demolished vehicle just as it careened off the end of the roadway. Though he was hurting badly bad they proceeded on foot anyway….

….

With the Uzumakis….

"Well, the LOA Soldiers were to be expected but these genetic freaks were a surprise." said Naruto as he looked at the sea of blood around him. As he looked around he saw his wives in the shadows. All of them were practically invisible to the naked eye. They had all slain their targets as well. The blonde ninja saw a man battling a winged creature that looked like a demon. Naruto body flickered behind it and cut it in half using the wind enhanced edge of the Kusanagi. Naruto smiled under his mask. "And how are you on this fine evening Jô-sama? I was just out for a stroll and I saw you."

Jô sweat dropped. "Only you would be making jokes at a time like this Naruto." The Hayabusa patriarch gave a smile. "It's good to see you my young friend. It seems you've gotten stronger since we saw each other last."

Naruto made a hand signal and his wives appeared around them in body flickers. "My wives have grown much stronger as well."

Momji said, "It is good to see you Jô-sama. Please tell us how we can help."

Kimiko came trotting up and said, "I got a hold of Mizuki-chan on the phone. She says that she and Hayabusa are in Shinjuku. It's not that far."

Naruto looked at Maya who pointed forward and slightly to her right. "Shinjuku is that way; due north. I know Tokyo like the back of my hand."

Kasumi asked, "Jô-sama, how is Ryu-sama?"

"He's still suffering from the Grip of Murder." said the Haybusa Clan Head. "I don't know how much longer he can last."

Naruto and his wives eyes glanced towards each other in as silent conversation. Hinata said, "You are the fastest over distances Naruto-kun. We'll catch up."

The blonde ninja nodded and vanished before their eyes. "Damn it!" said Kimiko. "I wish I could do that…."

….

With Naruto….

Naruto was in Sage mode so he could sense where Ryu was located. As he travelled along the blonde ninja ran into a menagerie of bizarre and mutated creations of the LOA. 'I don't even see human soldiers anymore. It's all monsters and wreckage.' he thought to himself. It wasn't long before Naruto found the trail of bodies Ryu left behind as Naruto cleaved his own trail of destruction through dozens of enemies. 'Is this ever going to end?' he wondered. Using wrecked buildings and passages as stepping stones to follow Ryu's path, Naruto poured on the speed to help his friend….

….

Tokyo, Shinjuku Ward

With Ryu….

"Cliff you're insane!" shouted Mizuki. Cliff Higgins had just announced that he had transformed Canna into LOA's 'Goddess of the new world' to Mizuki and Ryu.

Cliff rambled on, "Oh dear oh dear. I will be Adam, and she, my Eve. The new Eden will be all ours. And you two will be dead."

Ryu struggled through the pain of his curse and said, "You will be the one to die." He then cried out in agony from the Grip of Murder.

"In the state you're in? I think not." replied Cliff in a dismissive tone. He started laughing like a maniac and transformed into a grotesque four armed creature. "Behold the new form of mankind! The old flesh shall be exterminated!" he bellowed out laughing.

The injured Ryu and the mutated Cliff were soon locked in a vicious battle. Ryu slashed off Cliff's extra arms more than once but the monster kept regenerating them. The blade of the Archfiend did colossal damage but the monstrous scientist just kept coming back for more. Finally; Ryu was running out of steam and Cliff landed a brutal hit knocking Ryu to the ground. Mizuki cried out to Ryu and ran to him. The deformed scientist fired a ball of mystic energy that knocked Mizuki back with a near miss….

A small futon rasengan shot through the air from above and sent Cliff tumbling back with a massive hole in his shoulder. As Ryu looked up; Cliff stumbled only to find himself run through the heart by the Kusanagi. Naruto's glowing sage eyes narrowed as he ripped the blade from Cliff in a shower of gore. The rasengan did horrendous damage but the Kusanagi wound was one hundred percent fatal.

Ryu got back up slowly and Mizuki sprang to her feet. The insane LOA scientist croaked out, "If you do nothing, the world will die. If you kill the Goddess, Canna will die." Cliff tried to say something more before he expired but all he did was cough up blood as he crumpled to the ground and disintegrated.

Naruto stood there looking at the pair of red framed eyeglasses that were left behind. It was all that testified Cliff Higgins ever existed. Looking over his shoulder Naruto said, "Sorry I interfered Ryu. You looked like you needed a bit of backup."

Mizuki saw Naruto's glowing sage eyes and gasped slightly.

Ryu simply said. "Uzumaki Naruto; I thank you. I don't mind at all."**

Mizuki stared at Naruto for a moment and said, "….You're Ryu's friend Uzumaki….? You're blonde and….somehow I thought you'd be taller…."

Naruto sweat dropped. Then he heard Ryu grunt in pain and sensed the Grip of Murder on his friend. "Damn it Ryu; you're a mess. Look at the shape you are in."

"I have to get moving Naruto." said Ryu. "Canna needs my help."

Naruto was still focused on the Grip of Murder. Naruto thought to himself, 'This power….it reminds me of Mōryō.' "Just sit tight and wait for the girls to get here. I may have a solution to that curse." said the blonde. Seeing Ryu's stare of utter disbelief Naruto said; "Trust me." After waiting for what seemed like an eternity to Ryu (it was only five minutes in reality), the blonde said; "They're here."

Mizuki was shocked when Hinata arrived from nowhere in a body flicker and the rest of Naruto's lovely wives arrived a second later. Kimiko was with them (somehow the disgruntled Aoi had been saddled with carrying her). Hinata stood up and said, "We're here Naruto-kun. Let's look over Ryu-sama."

"Let Maya-chan examine him." said Naruto. "I believe she can remove the Grip of Murder with her pink chakra."

Maya looked surprised but came forward and kneeled beside Ryu. She flared her chakra and said, "This evil….it is familiar."

"I think it's a similar energy to what Shion and I fought that you've had visions about." said Naruto.

Maya nodded and her lavender eyes lit up with power much to Mizuki and Kimiko's shock. Maya placed her softly glowing hands on Ryu's distorted arm and increased her chakra. The curse seemed to quiver and tried to retreat away from her hands and deeper into Ryu's body. Maya growled, "It's stubborn." She got up and moved behind Ryu while placing her hands on Ryu's shoulders. "Hold on a moment Ryu-sama." said Maya. She focused for a moment and then a torrent of pink chakra rushed through her body and out into Ryu's. The Grip of Murder seemed to quail before it retreated down Ryu's arm and disintegrated before everyone's eyes. Maya continued for another minute before she released her power and said tiredly, "It's gone now Ryu-sama."

Naruto caught Maya as she ran out of energy and helped her sit down. "You did very well Maya-chan. I'm very proud of you." said Naruto. Maya smiled behind her mask and squeezed Naruto's hand gently.

Hinata finished examining Ryu with her byakugan and said, "You are one hundred percent curse free Ryu-sama. She gently squeezed Maya's shoulder and said, "That was excellent work Maya-chan. Just how we practiced."

Ryu was taken aback as he examined his healthy, curse free arm in amazement. "I had no idea you had so much power Maya-san; thank you. I am in the debt of the Uzumaki Clan once again."

Maya said, "Think nothing of it. I am glad to have helped Ryu-sama."

….

Ryu hopped back up feeling energized being freed of the Grip of Murder. "Now to save Canna." His eyes gleamed with determination. "Will you help me Naruto?"

Naruto looked out into the distance at the massive form of the Goddess causing mass destruction and mayhem. He asked, "I assume you have a plan?"

The Hayabusa heir stared blankly at Naruto for a moment and Naruto sweat dropped. "I'm making this up as I'm going along." said Ryu.

Hinata looked at the Goddess with her byakugan and said, "There is some form of barrier up around the Goddess. I don't know what weapons could penetrate it though. A Rasenshuriken might be able to blow it down or punch a hole in it."

Naruto said. "Maya-chan, Aoi-chan; stay here since you are both tired."

"I'll watch over them and the two JSDF agents." said Momiji. Hinata, Ayane and Kasumi are better suited to frontal assaults."

Seeing everyone was in agreement Naruto said, "Lead the way Ryu."

Ryu immediately took off with the four Uzumakis trailing behind him….

….

The jaunt over to the edge of the barrier had been a trial for Ryu and the Uzumakis. For every enemy they cut down it seemed that ten more sprang up in their place. Finally getting to the barrier Kasumi said, "This has been as bad as fighting the fiends! At least it seems to be clear up here though." She struck the barrier with her wakizashi Shrouded Moon and it seemed to bounce back with the barrier becoming visible to the naked eye and showing hexagonal patterns.

Hinata saw the Goddess in the distance with her byakugan. "The Goddess's forehead seems to be the focal point of her power. I estimate if the child is anywhere it's there. The main body is uniform mass it seems."

Naruto struck the shield with a wind enhance slash from the Kusanagi. It seemed to scratch the surface but the damage was immediately repaired. Naruto growled, "This barrier regenerates faster than the Kusanagi can cut through it."

Ayane's red eyes widened. "What about my Raikiri? If it can cut a bolt of lightning…."

"That's true." said Kasumi. "That jutsu is pure cutting power."

The Uzumakis all nodded to each other and Ryu said, "What is this Raikiri you're talking about?"

Ayane smiled ferally and said, "Watch and learn Ryu-sama."

"If it does punch through then the hole may repair itself." said Hinata. "Get ready to run through."

"Ayane-chan is usually worn out after using the Raikiri." said Naruto. "One of us should stay here with her."

"I will." said Kasumi. "I'm still in fighting trim."

Naruto looked at Hinata. "Hinata-chan…? You've been using your byakugan constantly. Stay here with Kasumi-chan and Ayane-chan."

Hinata nodded disappointedly. "It's probably for the best Naruto-kun."

"Let's go then!" said Ayane. Ryu and Naruto got in ready positions and Ryu's green eyes widened when Ayane started her jutsu that looked as if she had a bolt of lightning in her hand. She roared, "RAIKIRI!" and charged the barrier. The Raikiri punched through and blew a hole about twenty feet across that rapidly started to close. Naruto and the surprised Ryu shot through and Kasumi and Hinata pulled Ayane back so the barrier wouldn't close on her.

Naruto cheered from inside the barrier. "You did it Ayane-chan! You girls just sit tight while Ryu and I take care of the Goddess."

"You make it sound so simple Naruto-kun." said Hinata with humor in her voice.

"Both of you be careful." said Kasumi.

"We'll see you soon my himes." said Naruto as he darted off after Ryu.

….

Ryu and Naruto raced along and Ryu said, "When did Ayane gain such tremendous power?" He sounded shocked.

Naruto grinned under his mask. "All of my vixens have been working hard Ryu. My wives are truly formidable kunoichis."

"And Maya-san?" asked Ryu with a raised eyebrow.

"She is now my wife too." said Naruto in a pleased voice.

Ryu shook his head. "You're insane Uzumaki." Naruto just laughed.

….

With Momiji….

The two JSDF Agents and Maya were sitting and Momiji and Aoi we in the guard position. Most of the enemies in the area had been exterminated and they were taking a breather. Kimiko was talking to Mizuki. "Once we get our breath back we'll start moving again Mizuki-chan. I know somehow Canna-chan is going to be alright."

Mizuki said, "I just wish I was there with Ryu helping my little girl. Canna wants Ryu to be her Daddy."

Momiji raised an eyebrow and Kimiko said, "That's so cute. Maybe little Canna wants to be a ninja too."

Aoi hand signed to Momiji, [I'm glad Kureha isn't here. She might have a fit or worse; decide Ryu-sama needs a harem].

[I really don't want to think about it]. signed Momiji.

Maya snorted to cover her laughter at the silent conversation….

….

With Hinata….

"Well, it's official." groused Ayane. "Sitting here waiting while Naruto-kun is off fighting really sucks."

"We're all running on fumes Ayane-chan." said Kasumi. We have to have faith in Naruto-kun and Ryu-sama."

Ayane pouted, "I know; I just hate sitting and waiting. Can you see them Hinata-chan?"

Hinata replied, "They're almost there but I'm low on chakra. I think I'm just going to have to check every so many minutes." she sighed. "I hope Naruto-kun is careful….of course, he took on Shukaku alone so he should be safe with Ryu."

"Who's Shukaku?" asked Ayane.

"It's a long story…." said Hinata.

Kasumi smiled softly. "When our dear husband gets back we'll have to ask him about it."

They heard an enormous thumping sound that jarred the three kunoichis out of their discussion. Seeing the Goddess was repeatedly beating the roof of a building, Kasumi said. "Is the Goddess trying to hit something?!"

"….It's Naruto-kun and Ryu, no doubt." answered Hinata.

….

With Ryu and Naruto….

'I have hand it to Ryu; this situation is insane!' thought Naruto as he avoided yet another wild swing from the Goddess. 'Here I thought my luck was bad.'

Naruto slashed the arm of the Goddess causing her to cry out again. Ryu had done major damage to her body but the injuries healed up seamlessly despite all the damage. Both ninjas repeatedly struck at her forehead as Hinata had advised and it gradually was cracking. In the mean time the Goddess was trying to crush the pair like cockroaches as they fought off a horde of lesser enemies that kept appearing.

Finally, the Goddess got upset and started swing the massive Dragon Blade at them. Both Naruto and Ryu managed to parry the tremendous blade but Ryu was disarmed in the process. The alarm bells went off in Naruto's head as the Goddess rebounded to take another swing….That was when the purified Dragon Blade shrank and fell into Ryu's grasp.

'Thank the gods! A lucky break at last!' thought Naruto. "Ryu; I'm going to knock her down and pin her. You strike the forehead then!" yelled Naruto over the noise.

Ryu's eyes widened. "Naruto, how do you intend to-"

"TAILED BEAST MODE!" yelled Naruto as the Towering form of Kurama came into existence. "Now to get to work!" said the massive nine tails as he leapt upon the startled Goddess. The crash when she fell to the ground shook the earth and she cried out. Kuruma turned to the Dragon Ninja and said, "Now, Ryu!"

Ryu flew in like a comet and using the Dragon Blade he split the head of the Goddess revealing the tiny form of Mizuki's daughter Canna. Ryu dived and caught the child before she could hit the ground and the body of the massive Goddess disintegrated along with the numerous monsters of the LOA….

Kurama said, "That was a rush. It isn't everyday you get to fight a Goddess."

"No kidding." replied Naruto. He hopped off Kurama's nose and the bijuu went back into the seal on Naruto's stomach. "Is she okay Ryu?" asked the Uzumaki Clan head.

Ryu let out a sigh. "She's okay. Canna is sleeping like a baby."

"Hopefully she won't remember any of this nightmare." said Naruto looking around at the mass of destruction.

"So why didn't you turn into that giant form before?" asked Ryu with a raised eyebrow.

"She had a giant Dragon Blade before and I was concerned about getting cut in half." explained Naruto with a shrug.

Ryu just sweat dropped.

….

With Hinata….

Momiji's group caught up with Hinata's group where the barrier once stood. "The battle is over." said Hinata. "Let's go down there." 'Damn I'm tired.'

"What about my Canna?" asked Mizuki.

Hinata focused her byakugan. "Ryu-sama has her. It looks like she's resting."

The tired group of kunoichis soon led the two JSDF Agents down to where Ryu and Naruto were sitting. Mizuki immediately rushed to Ryu who gave Canna to her. "Canna my baby!" said Mizuki through her tears.

Canna blinked as she awoke, "Mommy? Where's Ryu?"

"He's-" When Mizuki looked up all the ninjas had vanished. "He's watching over us, just like he promised."

Kimiko just shrugged. 'Ninjas move in strange ways.' "Everything is okay now Canna-chan."

Canna grasped her green and yellow paper shuriken and smiled.

"It's a new day Canna." said Mizuki with a smile and a hug. "Let's make the best of it."

….

Hayabusa Village

Hours later, Ryu and the Uzumaki Clan made it home. Ryu's Father Jô made it back before them and was quietly awaiting his son's return along with Kureha. Kureha sensed that Ryu was safe while praying to the Dragon Gods at the Dragon Shrine but she was still worried about the awful curse that had been on him. A few moments later they heard the villagers welcoming Ryu and the Uzumakis home. Kureha instantly shot off to see her lover and Jô followed at a more sedate pace. Kureha soon was locked in a passionate kiss with Ryu and then immediately started checking his fully healed arm. "Ryu-kun, the Grip of Murder…."

Ryu smiled and said, "It's completely gone Kureha-chan. Uzumaki Maya purified it."

Kureha looked at her sister Momiji who nodded in confirmation. "Everything is okay Kureha nee-chan. Hinata-chan even checked with her byakugan. Maya-chan did a wonderful job."

Kureha turned to Maya and bowed deeply. "I will forever be I debt to you Uzumaki Maya. Thank you for saving my Ryu."

Maya looked embarrassed and said. "There is no need to bow. It was the least I could do; you and Momiji-chan saved me from the fiend's blood remember?"

Kureha then hugged Maya and whispered, "Thank you." through her tears of happiness.

….

One week later….

….

Tokyo, the Office of Ishigami Ken, Secretary of Defense

Ishigami Ken was rather exhausted. It had been a week since the 'Goddess' incident and the government still hadn't figured out how to explain that to the public. The gray haired man thought ruefully, 'I'm getting to old for this. At least Mizuki and Canna-chan are okay.' There was (as expected) a massive stack of papers on his desk awaiting him when he entered his office. On top of this stack was a very thick blue folder. His special Agents had color coded folders -and blue meant priority. Sighing, he opened it up and read:

CLASSIFIED LEVEL 3

To: The attention of Secretary of Defense, Ishigami Ken

Re: Uzumaki Ninja Clan summery report

From: JSDF Agent Subaru Kimiko

Sir:

The JSDF units from all branches would benefit greatly from ninja training. The prowess of the Uzumaki Clan during the Em Nenhum Operation was far beyond what our special ops units are capable of. They demonstrated abilities ranging from paranormal to superhuman. These include:

-Walking on vertical and liquid surfaces as if they were walking on a normal, horizontal surface.

-The ability to teleport over short distances.

-Perfect telescopic and night vision in one case (See Page 43).

-Superhuman speed, strength and endurance.

-Advanced energy manipulation; in one case leveling over a mile of forest (See Page 156).

-The ability to create illusions and disguise themselves at will.

-The ability to repair damaged tissues and heal wounds.

All of the above was done without the aid of specialized equipment or technology. This agent's assessment is we need to work further with the Uzumaki Clan and arrange for them to train our own people if possible.

Full report (397 Pages) attached.

-JSDF Special Operations Agent Subaru Kimiko

"Oh lord." thought Ishigami out loud. "Knowing Kimiko-chan she either writes next to nothing and dismisses it or writes a novel to support her arguments. But 397 pages? This poor old man needs a break!"

….

DOATEC Tritower Headquarters

Victor Donovan was sitting at his desk in his office. Across from him sat the former LOA Scientist Lovelace. One a large view screen there was the blurred image of the Goddess falling to a nine tailed fox apparently made of energy. Victor sipped his wine. "In essence, LOA's 'Goddess' was defeated as a result of two ninjas; Hayabusa Ryu and Naruto Uzumaki. The LOA still exists but is fragmented into decentralized parts worldwide. What do you make of this Miss Lovelace? My lead scientist believes that the horrific losses incurred; both in personnel and costs has made Project Zeta a poor investment for DOATEC. While I highly respect Miss Lisa Hamilton's opinion I would like to hear yours as well. I understand you wish to pursue the path of….eugenics?"

Lovelace nodded. "I'm forced to agree with Miss Hamilton that Project Zeta was a failure for both DOATEC and the LOA which is defunct for all intents and purposes. We pursued things using both alchemy and science and both methods were found wanting. We need to capture Uzumaki Naruto's DNA the same way he was created; natural evolution. You've stated that you plan to capture DNA through the upcoming Dead or Alive Tournament that Fame Douglas is planning. If we fertilize the appropriate chosen egg cells with Uzumaki's sperm we could grow an army within two decades. If we use DOATEC's cloning methods to force them to mature rapidly that time could be cut in half!"

"So you believe combining his cells in a test tube could yield the results we desire?" asked Donovan.

"Yes." said Lovelace with her blue eyes gleaming. "We need not only to create the strongest fighters but the most intelligent as well. We won't just be creating super soldiers but rather super humans!"

"It seems we are on the same page Lovelace." said Victor. "We could create an army that is virtually unstoppable. The DOATEC Executive Committee is going to start screening for the strongest fighters soon. There is no reason we couldn't include a test of intellect as well. Fame Douglas would probably support the idea. When we start screening I want you to start looking for suitable candidates to be egg donors. Test tube subjects might cost a bit but they are unlikely to destroy the facilities they are in."

"What about Lisa Hamilton?" asked Lovelace.

Donovan looked puzzled and asked, "What of her? Her skills and talents lend themselves to projects other than this."

"I meant her genes." said Lovelace. "The LOA already had a list of suitable females and she was in the top ten percent."

Victor rubbed his chin in thought. "Does this data of the LOA's list still exist?"

Lovelace shook her head. "It was destroyed along with the Em Nenhum and Abismo Island facilities. There is next to no chance of it still existing."

"Well, put Miss Hamilton on your list to profile then." said Victor. "I know she will be entering the DOA Tournament."

"As you wish sir." said Lovelace.

Donovan smiled. "I look forward to seeing the results of your work Miss Lovelace. Welcome to DOATEC."

….

POSTSCRIPT:

**In this version Theodore (AKA the Masked Regent) is dead and stays that way. It's a change from game canon but Theodore coming back to life for no apparent reason after Ryu killed him before Canna's eyes never quite worked for me.

Well, it's a tad short for me but it was also a good stopping point. Ninja Gaiden 3 is finished and now it's time to set the stage for DOA1. Look for one or two short story arcs before then while I set up all the puzzle pieces for DOA. There will be quite a few plot changes to DOA as various characters interact. Also, there will be other things going on besides the tournament (like fiends running loose). See you next time. Blue out. 8/29/16