Chapter 5
Sneak Attack: Hanzo Academy
Somewhere in another part of the world, several girls of many different ages and fighting styles, to hone their craft at becoming master killers, no matter their appearance. As they trained, Homura and Mirai were walking through the deserted part of the training ground, but the younger girl in the same dark colored uniform with a longer skirt wanted to know what the meeting was about, just as one of the students landed with a crash.
"Impudent wretch. Face your demise, and become a part of my father's power," a blonde young man said to her.
His hair was a bit more combed out and smooth, but his dark blue-green eyes were filled with malice. His clothes consisted of a red jacket, brown paints, tan boots, and he had a sword on his side, known as the Essence Shard, that was gifted to him by his own father, Sephiroth. It looked very much like the wing that appeared on Sephiroth's right side, while the center was connected by what looked to be an angel's halo.
"I sense the boy who killed Vassago, my own brother," he stated darkly, just as Sephiroth appeared, killed the girl with a powerful swipe of Masamune, and absorbed her life essence into his being, granting him even more power.
"Yes. But, we must be patient for now, my son. For now, tell the other students to double their training, and take no breaks," he said cooly.
Then he turned sharply.
"What's your assessment, Homura and Mirai?" the One-Winged Angel asked them.
Let's just say that we'll have our chance after our meeting," assured Homura, who dodged several shuriken thrown by one of the other students.
Nuno then held his hand out, then several red threads appeared and wrapped around her from head to foot, until she was completely covered all over.
"Every rule broken must have consequences. You must face them, girl," he glowered, then did the same thing his father did, making his life force become part of his own, and absorbing the student's power. He opened a dark corridor, then after removing his garments, he joined the three other girls who met the Hanzo team, Yomi, Hikage, and Haruka. The blonde complained about the rich, and their disregard for the poor, which sickened her to no end.
"Don't trouble yourself, my dear Yomi. I'm aware of how nothing matters about how people were born rich or a commoner, and yet I share your sentiment. Still though, even if the prices are raised higher and higher, which you find despicable, but the path you walk defines who you are. Trust me when I say, that the blood of the rich will be spilled, and their souls a part of Father's power, granting him even greater power, to fulfill the memetic destiny of Grandmother Jenova," he assured her.
"Oh, thank you, Nuno. You know how to comfort a poor girl's heart," cooed Yomi, as she cuddled him, and shared a kiss with him.
What she didn't know was that Nuno was more heartless and cruel.
"Hikage and Haruka, when Yomi and I have finished, we'll join you for the meeting," Nuno said to the others.
"Gladly, Nuno," replied Haruka.
"Sure, do as you wish, but keep your lovey-dovey business out of my sight," sighed Hikage, as they left quietly.
Moments after they finished sharing their love for each other, Yomi and Nuno marched to the chamber where they met with the woman in dark armor.
"There's only one reason I've called you together. Brand new orders have come down from our allies," she said.
"From Sephiroth?" wondered Homura.
"Yes, Homura. We are to infiltrate Hanzo Academy at dawn. Get some rest, and prepare to move out as per Master Dogen's orders," replied Nuno.
Inside the training room, Hibari was running as far and as fast as she could, swinging and flailing her arms about, as she struck at Yagyu's umbrella, as her friend tried to encourage her. Poor Hibari stumbled back, but landed safely in Sora's arms.
"Like Yagyu said, you're doing great. Believe me. You can't give up. Not now. But, I know for a fact that these Hebijo girls aren't going to let us have a day off, if we're not careful. I promise, no matter what happens, I'll be there-to help. That's something everyone can agree on. And I know that Kiriya would be proud of that fact. Now, let's double our training, so that we can help you understand the strength of your own heart," he said.
Kiriya nodded in agreement with Sora's words, as he watched them double their training, but he was still troubled by how the Hebijo girls had come to cause trouble, even as they praised each other. Asuka was surprised by how Katsuragi was taking her training even more seriously, but both Sora and Ikaruga continued to spar in their clash of blades, as they promised to fight for the family they held dear to them. But from outside, Hikage, Yomi, and Haruka stood watching, disguised as Hanzo students, just as Sephiroth joined them. It made the blonde grow increasingly angry at what she saw.
"Patience, Yomi. Nuno will be more than a match for Sora, when they meet in battle. I've sent him on a personal errand of mine, to inform my avatars, Kadaj, Yazoo, and Loz, to have the other students of Hebijo participate in a ritual back at Hebijo. Only then, will these hollow puppets become more powerful than any of us," he assured her.
"Sephiroth's right. We'll do what we can to them soon, though I'm gravely disappointed at not doing anything to them," agreed Haruka, as she licked her lips.
Homura and Mirai soon walked through the corridors, past several other students so that they could find their base of operations, as she explained the situation, which Mirai found a bit odd, and a bit irritating. But, orders were orders, and they had to follow them to the letter. However, Mirai didn't care about what would come next, so long as she dealt with those who's hearts were filled with good. But at the same time, inside Hebijo, the violet haired woman, informed Master Dogen of the situation, that her students had infiltrated Hanzo, who knew that they were good at infiltration, but was unsure if they'd reach the hidden training facilities, and the super secret, Ninja Art Scroll that they had with them.
"Are you absolutely certain, that's where the scroll can be found?" he questioned her.
"Listen, don't worry about it too much. After that, Mother's destiny will be complete, after we turn the people into willing vessels of her will, through Sephiroth of course," assured Kadaj.
"If we risked exposing ourselves completely, whilst trying to work in the shadows, then we'd most certainly be compromised, and an all out war will begin with extremely severe casualties. You can trust that, Dogen," agreed Yazoo.
"Good. I have high expectations, Suzune," Dogen said from behind the veil.
Back in the training room, Kiriya was now teaching his students about ninjutsu being an extension of one's mind, as well as the body, with true skill revealing itself. Most of them listened, but sometimes Asuka and Hibari needed a few reminders, while Katsuragi slacked off, and was told to head to the hall. Unknown to them, the five girls of Hebijo saw one of the older buildings, and hoped that they'd find their target in that place. Mirai could detect the strong sense of light coming from within, which seemed to make her recoil in disgust. Katsuragi, despite her behavior, was now tethered to the ceiling by a coil of strong rope. Her mind then searched through memories of the past, such as when her parents left her, following a failed mission, in which the punishment was death. They had left her with a note, telling her to make sure that she grew stronger, so that they would not put her in jeopardy, thanks to her willingness to prove that they were innocent, and that she would become better than they were. Sora stepped out into the hall, and with his Keyblade Magic, he saw that she was indeed in pain.
"Katsuragi, you and I are more alike than you realize. I had a father who left me when I was born, when my mother told me on my sixth birthday. So if anything, I can understand what it's like to have a scar on your heart," he murmured aloud.
Despite what she heard, Katsuragi decided to let the others know about what Sora had quietly told her. Somewhere in a shoe-locker entrance, the five kunoichi in disguise had now begun formulating their plan, despite their unsure belief in how to deal with them. Clever Haruka had a plan in mind, just as the alarm sounded. This in turn caused everyone to react at once. They knew now that their adversaries had arrived. Looking through the periscope, Kiriya saw what appeared to be regular students, and went to investigate, despite Asuka's confusion. As he left, he told Katsuragi, who asked what was going on, to return to class, as her punishment was up, which made her happy. The delinquents turned and faced him, but although he defeated them, and told them that he would have them sent to the office, they fell over. Kiriya knew now, they were indeed replicas. The distraction had worked in favor of Homura and her teammates, and they soon began unleashing a Shinobi Kekkai to entrap all the girls, one by one, just as Yagyu raced off. With Ikaruga's careful deduction, she explained that they were entrapped in a web of darkness, by five people who were on the opposing side, until she said that one was a puppet master. A thought like that terrified Hibari, just as Sora came to their side.
"Don't worry. I'm here, because I promised Yagyu that I'd protect you as well," Sora assured her.
Asuka knew as well, that it was indeed the Hebijo girls that were the cause of the dimensional barrier. Katsuragi also realized that they were trying to separate them from their sensei. They began searching about the building, hoping to find their foes inside the training hall, even though they were aware of Hibari assuring Sora about how they'd never be alone. At Ikaruga's orders, the girls soon changed into their shinobi outfits. Sora stood in awe, but he shook his head quickly and composed himself.
"Like Katsu said, guys, let's rise to the challenge, but be careful!" he said to them.
Nodding to his words, despite Ikaruga's warnings, Katsuragi charged head first, until…
"And now it's time to get this party started," Haruka chuckled wickedly.
"Replicas!" cried Sora.
Katsuragi took one down, with a mighty kick. Then the others decided to do the same, as well. But as they did, they were soon separated from each other, and transported to separate dimensions.
"Asuka! Yagyu! Hibari! Katsuragi! Ikaruga!" called Sora.
"Don't despair, Sora. They'll be alright. I promise you that," assured Eraqus, as he appeared in spectral form.
"You upper class people are so predictable," snickered Yomi, who had Ikaruga in her kekkai once again.
Ikaruga tried to tell her to free her so that she could reunite with everyone else, but Yomi had other ideas in mind, even though she'd inform her about their plans. Changing into her other outfit, both swordswomen engaged in a deadly clash of blades, even though Yomi would employ dirty tactics to attain victory. In another Kekkai, Yagyu had to find Hibari fast, until she came face to face with Mirai once again, who changed into her cat-like garments, and fired at her with her gunbrella. Katsuragi on the other hand, soon came face to face with Hikage, who had some biting words of her own. The blonde was pleased to see her new adversary, and they soon engaged each other in a fierce clash of knives and kicks, no matter how many obstacles stood in their way. Looking around with concern, Asuka wondered where she was, until she saw the girl, Homura once again, disguised as a Hanzo student. She was relieved to see her again, but became confused, then later horrified by the revelation the tanned kunoichi explained to her. She soon drew her sword, leaving Asuka no choice but to draw her own blades, and the fight was on, as Homura swung her blades furiously at her, cutting her transformed garments to ribbons, forcing her to unleash her full power. Infuriated at how she had been deceived, Asuka knew that she had to best her foe in battle, without any blood staining her swords. With a mighty kick, she knocked the blade out of Homura's hand, only to hear her laugh maniacally, just as another presence appeared, dressed in a black coat exposing his chest, and carrying a menacing katana.
"Good to see you, Asuka," the man said.
"So, you're Sephiroth, aren't you?" Asuka asked in shock.
Sephiroth chuckled, then motioned for Homura to continue the duel, while he stood back and watched with his arms over his chest. The sight of Homura using several swords at once shocked her. At the same time, Hibari began to feel a strange presence about her, and saw Haruka, who greeted her. Now she knew who it was that had saved her from falling over, only to realize that it was indeed the master of puppets herself.
"There's no reason to be afraid. Come on over here, little bunny rabbit," she called to her.
"Or would you rather, I carve your heart out with my blade, Essence Shard, gifted to me by my own father, Sephiroth, dear Hibari?" asked Nuno, who appeared behind her.
That other voice frightened Hibari even further, when she sensed a new form of bloodlust, as Haruka changed into her own outfit. Yagyu knew that even though Hibari was trapped and alone, she knew that she had to help her, but understood Sora's willingness to be by her side, just as Mirai caught up, and tried to get her attention, only for another to appear beside her.
"Come now, Mirai. I believe I should be the one to convince her," he said.
"Alright, fine, just do as you wish, Akechi! It's not like I have anything better to do!" quipped the young girl.
Nodding at her words, Akechi changed into Black Mask.
"Seeing as you're in a hurry to help someone you cherish, how about we give you all the time you need to try and truly best Mirai, if you can, before the girl who reminds you of someone you cherish, drowns in her blood?" he suggested, then howled with wicked laughter.
Without any choice, Yagyu agreed to face Mirai in battle, causing her opponent to see that Akechi was far more terrible than before, which made her smile admirably at him.
"Akechi, you are so cool," she murmured quietly.
Meanwhile, Suzune was changed out of her dark armor, as she remembered how she told Dogen that their mission was to lay down the groundwork of capturing the scroll, thanks to her training the elite five in their skills, even as she was told that the Yin scroll and the Yang scroll, were once one scroll, and that combining them would be their ultimate destiny to realize his vision of a perfect world, free of light and darkness. As she showered, Suzune knew that the man was truly vile and more evil than anything else, because she sensed something was off about him.
