Chapter 6
Interlocking Shinobi Kekkai Barrier
Ever since Kirya had bested the replicas that were disguised as students, thanks to Haruka's handy work, he was unsure as to why the Hebijo students had managed to enter the facility with ease, just as Sora arrived at his side, his eyes filled with pure fear.
"I'm surprised they managed to slip past our own detection system. That's no simple feat, considering we have our own Shinobi sensing devices all over campus. I bet that someone who planned this attack is familiar with the way things work around here. Someone who is or was a good ninja," a voice said through the cat.
As it darted away, Sora looked worriedly at the building that was enshrouded by the dark barrier.
"Asuka, everyone, please be alright," he said.
"I know you're worried, Sora. I am too. But, we can't let ourselves be lost in fear of what happens to them," assured Kiriya.
Hikage and Katsuragi fought furiously with each other, even as they exchanged biting words, until the blonde used her attack she had been practicing. It managed to send her opponent flying back, but she stood up and cracked her neck from side to side, and their battle continued. Unfortunately, her outfit was destroyed once again, leaving nothing but her undergarments. But as Hikage turned to leave, after telling Katsuragi she'd never win, only to stop her with the blade of her knife in her face.
"It looks as though I already have," she said with a smirk.
But Katsuragi's stubborn nature urged her to keep walking forward, which surprised Hikage, as she said that this challenge made her want to fight her even more than she realized. Hikage tried to strike back, only to get hedbutted in the face.
"Bet that one hurt," she smirked.
Both combatants attacked again, and a massive explosion erupted between them, sending them flying back. Katsuragi was about to strike again, but she suddenly collapsed to the ground, making the greenette say that the fight was now over. In another barrier, Yomi thought that she had obliterated Ikaruga, only to realize that she had missed her completely, thanks to the empty shell technique, as she was struck by her overwhelming power. They continued their clash, regardless of the blonde swordswoman's hatred of her, giving her what she believed to be the edge. But Ikaruga refused to let those memories haunt her again, as she forced Yomi back. It shocked her, even as she was told that it was wrong to assume things about her, as well as refusing to let sadness cloud her judgment. She attacked again, her aim true, causing Yomi serious pain, as she blocked it. In another part of the barrier, Yagyu and Mirai fought furiously, despite the petite girl's furious quips about ignorance. Without a second thought, the kunoichi sent her opponent flying back, and she emerged next to Sora and Kiriya.
"Yagyu, are you okay?" they asked.
"Hibari. I need to go back," she replied, only to feel Sora's arms wrap around her.
After a brief explanation, Kiriya knew that she was right, even as she told him that she had to go and save Hibari, by going back into the barrier. This caused him to remember that his apprentice Rin had performed that technique, until he told her that any help would come, as long as they had the power to overcome the journey through it, so that they would be with them, but was considered forbidden, which confused his students.
"It takes great power to penetrate any barrier. Especially a Shinobi Kekkai. There's a risk of physical damage and even death," Kiriya said.
He remembered that Rin asked him about how Kekkai barriers were formed in the mind, as well as link minds to form even more powerful barriers, regardless of the danger, thanks to her use of puppet master techniques, and what caused the trouble from the beginning, which ultimately destroyed her. But he suddenly saw that Yagyu was about to march through the barrier, causing him to try and stop her, when she tried to connect with her heart, and force her way through the barrier, when suddenly…
"I'll help her," Sora stated firmly, causing Yagyu to turn in shock and surprise.
"But Sora, she's my responsibility!" she argued.
"I know that you care about her, Yagyu, and I know why you're hurting. It's because she reminds you of someone you cherish," he said firmly.
This made her reel in shock at what she heard.
"Nozomi," she murmured.
"I promised you, that if Hibari was ever in trouble, I'd always find a way to come to her aid, as long as I trace the connection we've made with our hearts. I'm her friend, just as she's yours, Yagyu. So, please, let me be the one to help Hibari, so that it can put your heart at ease," Sora explained to her.
"Sora's right, Yagyu. Let him help Hibari. That's what's in his heart, so let's cheer him on as he follows the connection to her," agreed Kiriya.
For the first time in her life, Yagyu smiled at him, then gave him a kiss for luck.
"Bring her back in one piece, Sora," she whispered.
Nodding at her words of encouragement, Sora looked deep within his heart, and began to trace his bond of friendship to Hibari. His eyes snapped open when he finally sensed her, along with another that he seemed unfamiliar with, and another that was called to her side, as she batted her aside, only to have some dark power redirected towards her.
"I've found her!" he cried out, his eyes filled with determination.
With his Keyblade in hand, he unleashed a beam of light from it's tip, which caused a clicking sound to be heard.
"I'll be back, Yagyu, and I'll make sure that Hibari's okay," he said, and burst through the barrier, thanks to the iron will of his Saiyan Soul.
Shocked and in awe, Haruka saw Sora had managed to land between her and Hibari, as he drank an elixir that healed his wounds, thanks to Mineru Wachi of the Goddess' Dormitory.
"I made it!" Sora said proudly.
"Sora, thank goodness!" Hibari said happily.
"Well, isn't this grand," Haruka said sarcastically, but she soon took note of the determination burning in his eyes.
Sora turned and faced the girl, who was in just a pink bikini, what remained of a lab coat, and whtie stockings.
"So, you're one of those evil ninjas who's responsible for separating me and Hibari from our friends," he said.
"That's right. My name is Haruka. And even though we're enemies, I've learned much about you from Homura, Sora. But I've also noticed that your face looks very handsome. Perhaps one day, instead of making you my puppet, I could make you the father of my children," Haruka replied flirtily.
Sora knew that name pretty well, but was surprised to know that the Haruka before him, shared the name of his friendly rival.
"Well, you're wrong, Haruka. Because even though Hibari, Katsuragi, Ikaruga, and Yagyu are my friends, my heart belongs to Hanzo's granddaughter, Asuka," Sora replied bravely.
"Sora, you really came to help me. You sensed that I was in trouble," sighed Hibari, drawing his attention to her.
"That's right, Hibari. And I'm glad I made it just in time. Now you can leave Haruka to me, so stay back and get some rest," he assured her.
Then he turned back to face Haruka, who could sense a strong feeling of respect burning within his heart.
"Although I'm a bit annoyed at how you entered my Kekkai unannounced, I want to know why you did it after all the pain you endured," she said.
"It's thanks to this weapon I have called a Keyblade, and the Magic of Friendship that connects my heart with the people I cherish, Haruka. And that's something you'll never understand, because your heart is nothing but darkness," replied Sora, as he got into a battle stance.
"Fine then. If you wish to be punished, then I'll gladly provide a challenge for you, and that puppet will be mine forever!" smirked Haruka, Throwing several daggers at him.
But Sora deflected them with his Keyblade, as Hibari watched them from a distance. Then she saw him charge at Haruka, who did the same thing, resulting in a fierce clash between light and darkness.
"I won't allow you to take them from me!" he said bravely, and he assumed his Shinobi Soul Drive form.
(Alright guys, it's time for the epic battle between Sora and Haruka, with Hibari standing on the sidelines, so play The Wild and the Young by Axel Rudi Pell, as I post the lyrics below for the first round)
"Sometimes I'm dreaming of the past
Making love in the summer while it lasts
But life ain't easy as it seemed
Much tougher and louder than I dreamed
I thought I was living in paradise
And those were the days of my life
The wild and the young
They never look back
The wild and the young
They don't know
The wild and the young
Just wanna have fun
All of their life still to go
The older they get they'll be wiser
Sometimes even up to compromise
The energy, the power, their will to survive
Don't feel for a job from 9 to 5
They think they are living in paradise
And these are the days of their lives
The wild and the young
They never look back
The wild and the young
They don't know
The wild and the young
Just wanna have fun
All of their life still to go
(Now comes the epic guitar solo by Axel himself as they fight it out, while also exchanging a bit of banter until Sora manages to defeat Haruka)
The wild and the young
They never look back
The wild and the young
They don't know
The wild and the young
Just wanna have fun
All of their life still to go
The wild and the young"
Haruka looked up at Sora, who's eyes still had that fiery determination, and slowly stood up, just as he returned to normal.
"I must admit, for someone who isn't a shinobi, you have that burning spirit of one who doesn't want anyone to die. I'm surprised your sensei never warned you about the physical dangers of forcing your way through barriers," she said.
"In my honest opinion, I may be afraid of losing my friends, but it's that same fear that gives me the strength to keep moving forward, no matter what the odds. I may have suffered some injuries when I came to save Hibari from you, because I promised a friend of mine that I'd protect her, and everyone else from those that wield the darkness. That's my ultimate destiny. And if you think you know everything about any of my other friends, you're dead wrong. One of them has a stubbornness that mirrors someone I love called Yang Xiao Long, Daughter of Raven Branwen and Taiyang Xiao Long. Giving up is something that only rookies are capable of. And even though another was born a commoner who was adopted by a family of wealthy people, and Hibari's friend lost someone called Nozomi, their hearts resonate with my own, which in turn gives me even greater strength, and I BELIEVE IN THEM!" Sora explained as he felt their hearts resonating with his own.
Then suddenly, Haruka noticed shining golden wings, complete with golden pony ears on his head, and a golden tail on his back. Sora had assumed his Divine Equestrian form!
(Round two is just about to begin, so play Run With The Wind, also by Axel Rudi Pell for the continuation, which will be more one sided than a fierce battle between warriors)
"I'll show you the strength of my bond with the girls I've come to cherish and consider to be my own family! As long as they believe in me, Evil will never win! You and your allies are going to pay for separating them from me, so that I'd feel alone, but I will never ever be truly alone, Haruka! Because my friends are my power!" he cried out, and he lunged at her without any hesitation.
"It can't be!" gasped Haruka, until she was struck by him again and suffered her most horrible beating yet.
"Your life was filled with anger, agony and pain
Continuing problems, always the same
The government is not your friend, all words full of lies
Collateral damages, no big surprise
On and on to a brighter future
Moving on to another strain
Run with the Wind
And leave it all behind
Run with the Wind
And find your right destiny
Run with the Wind
And get rid of it all
Run with the Wind
And try to free your souls
Free your soul, hm
On with the action, enough of broken dreams
Never surrender, by no means
No wonder why there were always fights out on the streets
Inequitable conceptions we don't need
On and on to a brighter future
Moving on to another strain
Run with the Wind
And leave it all behind
Run with the Wind
And find your right destiny
Run with the Wind
And get rid of it all
Run with the Wind
And try to free your soul
When will we find a solution
When will it come to an end
(Here comes an awesome guitar solo as Haruka tries to fight back, only for Sora to keep up the assault, regardless of all the anger he feels for letting the Hebijo girls separate him from the Hanzo students, but Hibari can see a tiny sliver of Yagyu's spirit within him as she watches Sora fight against her intimidating rival, and she starts cheering for the Keybearing Prince of Lucis)
Run with the Wind
And leave it all behind
Run with the Wind
And find your right destiny
Run with the Wind
And get rid of it all
Run with the Wind
And try to free your soul
Run with the Wind
And leave it all behind
Run with the Wind
And find your right destiny
Run with the Wind
And get rid of it all
Run with the Wind
And try to free your soul
Free your soul
And run with the Wind
Run with the Wind!"
Once again, Haruka was trounced by Sora in his Divine Equestrian Form.
"Had enough yet?" he asked.
"You wretch!" snapped Haruka.
"Ha! Tough talk for someone who uses replicas, meanwhile I'm still standing. Accept it, Haruka! You won't take what I cherish most!" Sora replied bravely.
"I've had enough of this, you fool. If I can't make you father my children, then I'll make sure Asuka doesn't become the mother of your children," she hissed.
This only caused Sora's darkness to slowly surround his body.
"Don't even think about it! Because if you do, then I'll see that you're reduced to dust in an instant by my Ultima Beam," he said in a dark voice, as his eyes slowly turned yellow, and his wings, pony ears and tail turned black.
"Sora, stop it!" cried Hibari, as she ran to his side.
"Let go of me, Hibari! She threatened Asuka, and she has to die for it!" he snapped angrily.
"This isn't the way, Sora! Don't you remember when you said that you didn't want Vanitas to break free so that he'd have everyone you cherish killed?" she asked as she hugged him.
This made Sora snap out of his rage induced trance, reverting him to normal.
"You're right, Hibari. I remember you and the others telling me that you'd still find a way to make sure I stayed true to the light," he replied.
He then turned and looked at Haruka.
"I'd suggest you and the others should leave now, Haruka. And know that if you ever do something terrible to any of my friends, you'll regret it most severely," Sora said to her.
"Seeing as I'm a woman of my word, I will gladly accept your terms, my dear Sora. In return, I may ask that this girl becomes my friend from this day forward," Haruka replied, handing her an earring.
Hibari was surprised at first, but she could sense that Sora was not just strong, but also brave like Yagyu, as she watched her leave, causing the kekkai to vanish. When she was gone, Hibari breathed a sigh of relief, as Sora looked angrily at where Haruka was.
"Sora, thank you," she said, and gave him a gentle hug.
"You're welcome, Hibari," he replied, and hugged her back.
They slowly parted away from each other.
"Listen, you stay here for now. I'm going to look for the others, so that I can make sure they're okay," Sora said to her.
"Okay, and be careful, Sora," replied Hibari, as she stood back.
Once he was alone, Sora concentrated with all his heart once again, and soon managed to trace his connection to Asuka, who was fighting Homura in her dimensional barrier, despite being desperate, as well as enduring whatever beatdown she suffered. But Asuka wouldn't give up that easily, and she managed to use one of her attacks to destroy Homura's outfit, revealing her undergarments as well, due to her endurance.
"Asuka, I'm on my way," he said, and he used his Keyblade once again, and burst through the barrier unhindered, stopping Homura from hurting Asuka, but also enduring one of her attacks, thanks to his buffing of his Saiyan Soul Drive form.
"What in the world!?" Homura asked in shock.
"Sora?" Asuka asked as well.
"This stops here, Homura! You may be powerful, but I won't let you hurt my GIRLFRIEND!" Sora said bravely, his body surrounded by light, thanks to the power of Sailor Moon's Silver Crystal flowing through him.
"This isn't what I expected," the tanned girl said with a look of surprise.
She tried to strike at him, but instead of hitting Sora, she struck what appeared to be an invisible forcefield.
"IMPOSSIBLE!" shouted Homura, and she charged at him again.
But once again, nothing happened, until she was blasted back by an energy burst.
"I can tell that you're strong, Homura. And even though I'm worried about the others, I know that they'll endure, because of my belief in them. All you care about is power, and your own selfish gains. That's the big difference between us, and personally, I don't give a crap about your own morals. I may trust in my own power, but it's thanks to all the people that are important to me. Because if I fail, then everyone else fails with me, thanks to our hearts being one," Sora explained to her.
"So you really believe that your friends are your power, huh Sora? I sensed it when you defeated Haruka in her kekkai," remarked Homura.
"It's time for me to teach you a lesson about a Keyblade Master, who may be training to be a ninja with Asuka and her friends, but has the true spirit of a Warrior of Light within his heart. Living life on your own is not the way of a warrior, and people who think like that will only gain nothing, but death alone," he said to her.
"How idiotic can you be, Sora? You've got no right to lecture me! Got it!?" she snapped.
"Maybe, but I'm about to say something that you should never forget. A warrior who fights alone, dies alone, and is no warrior at all. But a warrior who fights with friends at his/her side, will triumph over darkness. I may love Asuka, just because she's the granddaughter of a legend, but I refuse to let her or anyone else I cherish die by your blood-stained hands," Sora replied without flinching, as his other powers awakened once again.
"Very well, then I'll see to it that I cut your heart right out of your chest, and have it delivered to Hebijo as proof of your death, Sora," sneered Homura, and the two of them soon charged at each other.
(Here we go everybody, because this is the fight between two warriors who will surely become powerful rivals, so play Apocalypsis Noctis from Final Fantasy 15 for Empowered Sora vs Homura)
"Specie tua tantum carnem adme omnes habet cultum.
Ego sum qui mittit petras et gubernat omnes vitae.
Caelum, Terra, aversione.
Magna, Parvus, reversusque.
Fortis ductor, praecipio.
Quod ligabis lucem vocis."
Asuka stood in awe. She had never seen Sora fighting Homura like this, even with just one Keyblade against her six bladed fighting style.
Cum omnibus lucis plenus, Apocalypse finibus.
Victum unus qui comedit hic vitae omnia: tenebris.
Malum incarnatus surgit.
Adducentes secum mortem.
Para! Para! Para! Para!
Fortis Rex, Bellator, in manus gladio.
Bellum in virtute, victum quod hostibus.
Sora knew that while Homura was strong, he saw that her fighting style did remind him of his friend, Logan, the Wolverine of the X-men, whom he was an honorary member of, as they continued their clash of blades.
Magis mortem venit primum.
Quod est quidam venire.
Para omnes! Para omnes! Para omnes!
Nunc est tempus, haec est locus ubi nos obstandum, omne tandem ex nobis unum!
Omnes!
"Let's go, VALOR!" he shouted, and he summoned his other Keyblade, Starlight, to his hand, and now pressed the attack against his opponent.
Specie tua tantum carnem adme omnes habet cultum.
Ego sum qui mittit petras et gubernat omnes vitae.
Caelum, Terra, aversione.
Magna, Parvus, reversusque.
Fortis ductor, praecipio.
Quod ligabis lucem vocis.
"I won't lose! Not to you, or anyone else, Sora!" Homura cried out, as she powered up as well, and tried to cut him down with her blades.
Cum omnibus lucis plenus, Apocalypse finibus.
Victum unus qui comedit hic vitae omnia: tenebris.
Malum incarnatus surgit.
Adducentes secum mortem.
Para! Para! Para! Para!
Fortis Rex, Bellator, in manus gladio.
Bellum in virtute, victum quod hostibus.
Now they were truly at their maximum power, and continued the fight even as Asuka became worried.
'NO! I WON'T LET SORA DIE!" she cried, and rushed to his side, surprising Homura.
Magis mortem venit primum.
Quod est quidam venire.
Para omnes! Para omnes! Para omnes!
Nunc est tempus, haec est locus ubi nos obstandum, omne tandem ex nobis unum!
Omnes!"
Suddenly, they noticed something odd, as they stood facing each other in battle. Through Haruka they learned that the link was broken thanks to Mirai's defeat, and the barrier was beginning to collapse around them, and quickly suggested an immediate retreat, as she told Hibari that they'd meet again in the future. Homura saw that she was right, and had to begrudgingly agree with her.
"This may not be the end, Homura, but I will tell you this. Next time we see each other, you'd best be ready for our battle," Sora said to her.
"But Sora…" Asuka tried to say, only to be silenced when he raised his hand in front of her.
"I'll give you this, Sora. You really are strong. And I'd be more than happy to face you in battle again after you and your friends trained harder than before. But before I go, understand this. I don't want you to interfere in my next bout with Asuka," Homura replied, her eyes locked on his own.
Sora glared at Homura, unflinching at her words, as he watched her leave. Once the barrier was gone, everyone was soon reunited with each other, which made them feel at ease again.
"They may be gone for now, but I did promise Homura that the next time we meet, they'll be ready to face us again. In the meantime, we'd better double our training for the next time we see them again," Sora said to them.
"Also, I might not have brought this up, but I'm sure Yagyu is happy that Sora would choose to step up and protect me from that girl, Haruka. But, I'm also happy that he's okay, after he passed through the barrier mostly unscathed," added Hibari.
"Actually, I'm proud of him, Hibari. Even though keeping you safe is something I value most of all, I'm happy to share that burden with Sora, when he told me that your hearts are connected to each other by something he calls the Magic of Friendship. Especially since you remind me of my late sister, Nozomi," replied Yagyu.
Then Kiriya arrived with relief on his features, and noticed that even though Sora had suffered some minor injuries that he shrugged off, he gave him a proud smile.
"Well done, Sora. I can see now that for someone who's different from any of us, you truly are strong, thanks to this special power you have from the bonds you've forged with these girls, and the people you hold dear to your heart," he said.
Ikaruga and Katsuragi had to agree with him, but Asuka was the happiest of all. They all joined each other in a warm group hug, which filled Sora's heart with immense joy.
After returning home that night, and training for the day, Hibari decided to join Sora on the skyscraper where he shared sea salt ice cream with Asuka, the evening before, where they saw the beautiful sunset. However, the other girls decided to join him, as well, and they too had the same ice cream as they did.
"Even after what happened… I wonder what those Hebijo girls want," Sora said to them.
"Come on, you not only fought against someone who tried to hurt Hibari, but you also fought another to a stalemate. That's why we're your strength," assured Katsuragi.
"You even mentioned someone called Yang Xiao Long. Who is she?" Hibari asked curiously.
"She's someone who's also special to me, just as you're special to Yagyu. That's why no matter how many girls I've met, even if they share some of my strengths and follies, they become part of my family, or in other words, a harem. Harems are like family, even if there's more than one girl who fights for the attention of the same person they love, no matter their differences. One example is Tsukune Aono and his family, consisting of Moka Akashiya, Kurumu Kurono, Mizore Shirayuki, Yukari Sendo, Ginei Morioka, and Ruby Tojo. They're from another world that has a school called Yokai Academy, which helps students who are many different types of creatures form many different types of connections with people, but they all have a tiny trace of humanity in their hearts," explained Sora.
"Hey, Sora, I just want you to know that wherever you go, we'll always be in your heart, just as we're in Asuka's heart, no matter what," assured Katsuragi.
"Katsu's right, Sora. Even if we're far away, we'll never forget each other. No matter what happens, our hearts will always bring us together again," agreed Ikaruga.
"And that's a fact that'll stay with us forever. So no matter what happens, we'll always be with each other, in body and in spirit," finished Asuka.
Sora knew that quite well, thanks to what Master Eraqus had told him during the final battle with Galaxia, who was once Chaos' vessel, until she was killed after she was transformed into Omega.
"By the way, Katsuragi. I noticed that you also have a scar on your heart, which is very similar to my own," he noted towards the blonde.
"Oh, yeah. You didn't know. My parents failed a mission and were branded as traitors. The penalty for that failure was death, so they left a note behind telling me that no matter where they'd go, they would always be in my heart. That's why, despite what happened before, I started to hate them for it. I swore that I'd become better than them, and that no matter how far away they were, they would always be proud of me," she explained.
"Yeah, and like I said, I don't really talk much about my own father, ever since I learned he left me on the day I was born. But I wouldn't be who I am without him, that's a biological fact. The reason for that is because I hate letting people see me cry. But I learned that when I cry, it doesn't mean that I'm showing weakness, it's because I'm still human. People who declare that they will never cry again, means that they're trying to show no sign of weakness, and that they're immune to such feelings. That's why Sephiroth, the One-Winged Angel, one of my most hated enemies, struck down Nehelenia and killed her in cold blood, even when we tried to bring her back to the light, even if it was the now non-existent Vassago's doing," explained Sora.
"Sephiroth. From what I can tell, during my battle with Haruka, she was allied with someone called Nuno, and claims to be the son of both him, and someone called Nui. But if I ever met him, the smart thing I'd do is run for my life," replied Hibari.
"It's not as easy as you think, Hibari. Hatred and Despair from others is what makes Sephiroth strong. No matter where you run, no matter where you hide, he won't stop until everyone he hates lies dead at his feet, just so that he can absorb their power and their souls into himself, thus becoming even more powerful. He's like a living breathing parasite, who's heart is nothing more than pure darkness. That's why Yagyu and I can agree that we won't let him come near you, or anyone else for that matter. I won't forgive him for what he did to Nehelenia," he said.
"I'm sorry to hear that, Sora. But, I want you to know that when I first met Hibari, it was after my sister, Nozomi passed away in the hospital after a very serious car accident. I was all alone since then, until on a dark and cold rainy day, I met Hibari, before we became part of the enrollment ceremony. At first I thought she was my sister, back from the dead, but even though she was gone, I could see her spirit within her. I never forgot the day that she and I met each other. Also, Sora, I just want to say, thank you for saving Hibari's life in my stead. I know that in my heart, Nozomi would also be proud of you as well, even though she's not with us," replied Yagyu.
"Yagyu, if there's one thing I've learned from some friends of mine in San Fransokyo, it's this. The ones that love us, never truly leave us. And you can always find them in your heart. No matter what happens next, remember that Nozomi is right here," Sora assured her, as he placed his hand on his chest.
"Nozomi is here," the white haired kunoichi whispered to herself.
This made Asuka, Ikaruga, Katsuragi and Hibari happy to know that Sora really did understand how other people felt, even as his friends.
"Nozomi is here," Yagyu repeated again.
Then her uncovered eye suddenly lit up.
"You're right, Sora. I get that Hibari may remind me of my sister, due to the resemblance, but I see now that she's her own person. From now on, I will work hard to be something better than what I am. Even though her safety matters more than anything, and if I'm not there for her, I see that there are times when you act like a supportive older brother to her. And like Asuka said, even if we're apart, we're with each other in spirit," she explained.
The next day, Sora, Asuka, Katsuragi, Ikaruga, and Kiriya soon sat in the training room.
"None of this would have happened, if it weren't for my lapse in judgment. The responsibility is mine to bear," he said sadly.
"I don't believe that, Sensei. Even though those Hebijo girls managed to separate Asuka and the others from me, I was afraid that I'd lose myself to despair, giving Vanitas the advantage he needed to escape. But the spirit of Master Eraqus told me that they'd be alright, no matter how hurt they got. I'll admit that they're strong, and even though I've been training harder than the others did, I decided to have that crisis become my golden opportunity to make a difference, by performing an impossible feat. That's why I told Yagyu that I'd always find a way to save them, no matter the harsh reality of the situation. And yet, I'm worried that if they did succeed in hurting them, or worse died by their hands, then Vanitas would surely be unleashed," Interjected Sora.
"That's right. Sora's pain is our pain. And his strength is our strength," agreed Asuka.
"Then how about a futomaki roll to boost your strength?" Hanzo asked them.
Everyone was surprised to see Asuka's grandfather again, when he told them about the black cat that explained the situation, and he hurried to their side, despite his old age. Even through his perverted nature he saw how most of the girls would feast on the futomaki rolls, but noticed that Sora just scarfed them down without hesitation. Finally, Sora stood up.
"Master Hanzo, are you aware of how I chose to save Hibari's life from Haruka in Yagyu's stead?" he asked.
"Yes, Sora, and I'm also proud of you just as Kiriya is. Your conviction in not letting your friends die is what gives you the never ending drive to push forward, no matter how unfair the odds are against you. It's mostly thanks to that Keyblade that you were able to open the doorway through the barrier, and endured with all your heart,' Hanzo said to him.
"I'm also happy that he saved both my life as well as Hibari's, Grandpa. But, at the same time, I'm worried about why he told Homura, who's on the side of darkness, that they'd be ready for us when we next meet them," agreed Asuka.
Later that night, Hanzo and Kiriya had a meeting about Hebijo, and it's fierce yet tough training regimen, and that if any student suffered a grievous injury they would surely perish for it. Finally, Hanzo decided that whether they were ready or not, one of them would have to be the successor of the super secret ninja art scroll, despite the student's teacher having his doubts. The next day, Sora and the others sat on the roof of Hanzo Academy, sharing ice cream again.
"We have a new training assignment, and that's to see who will become the rightful successor of the super secret ninja art scroll. The one that's chosen, must ensure that it's kept safe from those on the side of darkness," Ikaruga said to him.
"Wait, a super secret ninja art scroll?" Sora asked in surprise.
"That's right, and the super part seems really hard to master. That's why it's a secret to all of us," replied Hibari.
"Then it looks like the one who completes the assignment will be the chosen keeper of it's secrets. But whoever becomes the chosen one, is gonna be one of the most difficult questions we'll ask ourselves," he sighed, as he collapsed onto his back.
"Don't worry, Sora. I'm sure that we'll do our best by working together," assured Asuka.
She carefully pulled him up by the front of his jacket, and their lips soon locked against each other.
"The one who proves themselves worthy, will be chosen by that scroll. As long as we work together, as one, we'll truly be able to overcome the darkness," she finished.
"She's right, Sora. We can do this. All of us. That's something we believe in. That's why we'll kick the darkness in it's ugly rear, together," agreed Katsuragi.
But at Hebijo, Suzune soon received the report from her students, who fought against Sora and the Hanzo girls, despite Mirai's defeat at the hands of Yagyu, as well as Sora beating Haruka, and dueling Homura to a stalemate. Suzune was curious about Sora, but she told her class that the duty was performed without question by any ninja, regardless of whether they were on the side of light or darkness. Afterwards, Homura soon thought back about her duel with Sora and Asuka, but was somewhat happy to have gained a powerful new rival in him, Mirai was enraged at being outfoxed by her opponent, Hikage was still sore about how she'd gotten headbutted by Katsuragi, Yomi seethed with fury about Ikaruga managing to defeat her in their rematch, but Haruka was hopeful in her second meeting with Hibari, thanks to her earring being in the girl's care, even though Sora had managed to fight her off. However, another girl who was well built and wore what looked like the clothes of a grunger, stood with her arms crossed, just as the black cat came to her side. Soon she would be ready to face off against the girls and their friend, to see who would be named the chosen one.
