Chapter 21

"The Dance of Dragons"

Koryou - Japan

It was getting colder now as December rolled in. Honoka gingerly re-adjusted her black faux fur jacket - as she gazed out onto the city from the top of a building. Koryou was a beautiful little town - the only problem in the past was it's gang related issues, and the unwillingness of the local authorities to help clean it up. More often then not, people tended to ignore the trouble-causing delinquents - even the often over matched police. It was a joke.

With Ragnarok sinking further and further, the gangs were beginning to act more independently - and didn't that annoy her. She hated delinquents but acknowledged that people would be people, no matter what she tried, they would never go away. And not all of them were bad, she learned from experience. Many were simply misunderstood, treated badly, or even outcasts.

But none of that excused violence. Honoka dealt with violence using violence - the lessons were better learned that way.

"Why are you here, alone?"

Honoka tilted her head a smidge and acknowledged her friend, Miu Furinji. "Contemplating life."

The older girl giggled. "You must have the whole weight of the world on your shoulders."

"Mostly, I'm just hungry and cannot decide what I want. Sushi? Too expensive. Chinese? I don't feel like making the long trip. Ramen? No way, I want a proper meal."

Miu shook her head with sympathetic exasperation and walked forward until she stood side by side with the smaller girl. She then sat on the edge of the rails and put an arm around her.

"How about a home-cooked meal? Just rice, eggs, maybe some beef tenderloins. Soy sauce. Come on." She smiled. "Kenichi is preparing for a mountain trip with my Grandfather. He'll be leaving in a few days. We would love to have you over before that."

"That sounds nice." Honoka peaked. "Well, how about we get off this roof and back to street level?"

Miu nodded and they both jumped from the side of the building, going side-to-side between buildings before reaching the bottom. The two emerged from the alley and began making way back to the dojo.

"I have a question." Miu scratched her chin. "You're always out and about. You never seem to be at home. Don't your parents worry a lot for you? I'm sorry if it's a personal question. You don't have to answer."

"It's okay." Honoka waved off the concern. "My father worries mostly, but my mother is more then happy to let me just roam around. She trusts me. I do see how it may be a concern though. Young girls like me shouldn't always be going to Yokohama, or going out and playing vigilante at night. Must be strange."

"I just wonder how you have time to do it all?" Miu mused. "I barely have enough time in the day to prepare dinner for everyone."

Honoka giggled. "Well, I hardly have to prepare dinner. I usually shoot my mother a text when I know I'll be home late. Like I said, she trusts me. If they were less trusting, I doubt Kenichi would have had such an easy time becoming a home-disciple. He barely spends time at home."

"I do feel bad about that sometimes." Miu confessed.

"You don't have to be. Ken is a growing boy. He can make these decisions and my mother and father are lenient." Honoka explained - but her eye glinted. "It's not really worth mentioning. I have every intention of making sure they retire early in a nice home on a hill, somewhere that is warm and safe."

"You do a lot of work on the side for the Phoenix Alliance, Kensei-san mentioned."

Honoka confirmed that with a nod. He had been told by Uncle Hakubi, most likely. Although, it has been a while since she'd done a task for them. Before, she was paid quite well for bringing in Mafia perps. Mostly, it was for training. But the money was also a great plus.

"Uncle Hakubi hasn't had many jobs for me as of late." Honoka replied. "Probably for the best. It's been quite busy around here."

"Yes, the taking down of Ragnarok."

Honoka contemplated telling her about Konoha. "Something to talk about over dinner."

"How have you been, Miu? My brother has gotten himself into a lot of trouble lately. I'm sorry if that has been an inconvenience to you."

"Are kidding? It's been a blast!" She shone in delight. "I haven't had so much fun in ages. And I've been making a lot of friends. Takeda-kun, Ukita-kun, Niijima-san-" Honoka almost gagged at the thought of being friends with that alien. "-and you, of course."

Honoka only smiled. "Let's get some teriyaki beef sticks before we head home." Miu's eyes shone with stars.

"Yes! That sounds delicious."

It did not take long to find a proper stand to acquire the ingredients and goods. Along the way, something familiar caught Honoka's eye. "Isn't that Ken?" He was limping towards them. Honoka snorted. "He looks like he just finished the Spartan Race."

"The what?" Miu shook her head. "Never mind. Let's go see what's up."

They approached him. He looked absolutely exhausted.

"Are you ok, Kenichi? We're picking up stuff for dinner. Wanna tag along?"

"Yes, of course! Man, I'm exhausted from training." Kenichi whined comically. "Sometimes, it feels like I don't make much progress at all!"

Honoka internally sighed. She could sympathize. Sometimes, she also felt the same of herself. It was like a wall that was difficult to climb. But she generally kept that opinion to herself. "That's not true, Ken'. You wouldn't have been able to defeat as many Ragnarok Fists as you have if you didn't make progress."

"Still..." Honoka merely let him stew mentally. Some things should be overcome alone. "He'll find his way."

As they made their way to the dojo, they came upon an unusual sight. As always, the locals were trying to ignore the large gathering, although it was a strange one. It was Nanjo Kisara, she called herself and many of her goons. They were surrounded by Valkyries.

"What on earth..." Kenichi immediately went to check up on what was going on. Honoka spared a glance at Miu who was already hot on his shoulders. She sighed, "Guess I'll go take a look. Haven't been to keen on Valks lately."

When she reached the group, the conversation began to get louder.

"Where is Fenrir, Valkyrie?"

"I'm telling you, I have no idea. Let my men leave, Reo! They have nothing to do with this." Kisara hissed. "I'm the Eighth Fist! You think I'll let you get away with attacking my men in broad daylight!"

"Freya-sama has approved of our actions. Don't get so high and mighty because you were made a fist, Kisara! You were the one to recommend Fenrir, and now he's disappeared completely. As custom, we must unleash the deserter's lynching on him as punishment!"

Kisara laughed at the foolish notion. And a bit away, Honoka also hid an amused smile. These girls wouldn't have stood a chance against Kakashi. "So he's left the city. He really did desert Konoha."

"Well, I don't know where he is." Kisara answered in truth. "You should leave before I kick all of your asses. And don't think I can't do it!"

"What's going on here!?" Kenichi shouted. He came upon the sight of three or so thugs being held captive by the Valkyries.

"Infighting within a gang as large as Ragnarok?" Honoka thought dryly. "How cliche."

"Shirahama." Kisara breathed as he made his way though the group. "None of your business! Now move along. This is Ragnarok business!"

"This is my business now that I'm here! Stop fighting in the streets!"

"Consorting with the enemy, Kisara!? This is low even for you." The lead Valkyrie hissed, reaching for her bo staff. The rest followed her lead. It was quite a diverse array of weapons that were drawn. "We'll teach you a lesson!"

Honoka took this moment to step in between both groups, catching the eyes of everyone else there. There was a stunned silence as she was recognized by the Valkyries. Mostly, the reaction was fear and anger. "They heard about that encounter by the river." It wasn't her proudest moment, no. But they had been the ones picking that fight.

"You..." The leader spat. "You have some nerve."

"Funny, I was just thinking the same." Honoka replied in a dry tone. "Why don't you rats scurry off? No need to start a fight in the middle of the street."

"Too late for that." Kisara snarked from behind her before turning back to the large Valkyrie battalion. "Is this how Ragnarok treats their friends? Well fuck them then! Consider this my resignation!"

"You're making the biggest mistake of your life!"

"No. You are." Kisara replied tightly as she looked at her injured men. Her underlings. "You are."

Honoka gave the head Valkyrie a searching gaze. She sighed moments later. The girl then turned to Kisara and her groups. "They're just trying to intimidate us. Take your men and go. We're in the middle of town - let's not start any trouble."

The red-head gritted her teeth but nodded. "Let's get outta here." She directed her underlings, who all nodded. They also gave Honoka a grateful nod. The youngest girl merely shrugged, it wasn't she who they should have been thanking. It should have been her brother.

Kenichi nodded at her and Miu grabbed both of their shoulders. The group then turned their backs and left - leaving a steaming group of embarrassed Valkyries in their wake.

"How dare they look down on us..." The head Valkyrie, Usami Reo, seethed. She was Freya-sama's second in command and she wasn't even acknowledged as a threat. "We'll show them what the Valkyries can do! And that girl will pay for what she did to Haruka!"

Outskirts of Nepal

They had made camp at a tactically high vantage point. Hanabi, who had acquired some furs in a nearby village, sat beside the campfire with a bowl of noodles in her hands. She sat as close to the fire as she could in an attempt to stave off the cold. Naruto sat beside her with his own bowl.

"A few more days until we reach our destination." Naruto murmured. Hanabi nodded. "Slug Sect is situated in Nepal. Their leader is a wanderer but she generally stays close to Kathmandu, the capital city."

"Why there?" She asked, nursing her wound from her previous battle with Huang Mai. "Do you have contacts there?"

"Senju Tsunade." Naruto answered. "She has expressed a desire to meet with me. I'm guessing you know of her?"

"Of course." Hanabi nodded shortly beneath her furs. "Lady Tsunade is a famous healer."

"She is also the Grand Master of Slug Sect, a famous troupe of world-class healers. They use medical techniques both ancient and modern - some even say their abilities lie within the mystic." Naruto breathed out cold air as he spoke. The topic had easily caught the girl's interest. He grinned at the shine of curiosity in her eyes. "The truth of the matter is, Senju Tsunade's techniques are all related to the body's natural energies. And her study of ki is absolutely unsurpassed - she is the foremost expert in the history of the world. At least, in my opinion."

"I was not aware of this." Hanabi's tone conveyed only awe. "Why is she not more famous?"

"She is. But not in the way that gains her glory." Naruto spoke with respect. "She cares only for healing, her mission is strictly humanitarian. Tsunade has dedicated much of her life to it - and has passed on her knowledge to many others she has deemed worthy."

"You really respect her." Hanabi observed. "Do you know her? Personally, I mean."

He mentally wilted but it did not show on his face.

"In a way." And without a single hint of pride, he continued. "To my everlasting shame, I observed her techniques and implemented them into my martial arts. I cannot say I studied under her, but as I observed her work, I picked up enough to invent the Sky Dragon's Steps. Channeling Ki in such a way is not of the norm, I'm sure you've noticed."

"Indeed." The dark-haired girl nodded. Nobody she had ever fought used Ki in the same matter that they did. "I always wondered how you came up with such a thing."

"I was inspired by her. She is somebody we should all look to for guidance." Naruto sighed. "I was such a fool. Creating a technique used for battle, inspired from a technique that is used to save lives."

But that was in the past now. Regrets haunted him - but he would never allow it to consume him.

She gave him a hard look. "What's wrong?" He asked her.

Hanabi turned slightly to him and rested her hand upon his.

"You're too hard on yourself, Master." She said with a sad smile, eyes brim with a hint of adoration and more with respect. "I worried about you when I was travelling. You are a good man, with a good heart. Hina..." Her voice shook ever so slightly. "She would have been proud of you. No matter what. She loved you. All she ever talked about was making you happy."

Naruto blinked and then let out a small chuckle. She also grinned at him - watching as he scratched the side of his head.

"They say a good teacher instructs his students well." He said mildly. "But a great teacher is able to learn from the students just as much."

"There is some truth to that." Hanabi agreed with a wave of the hand. Although, the plural in his sentence struck her as odd. "As a reward, why don't you teach me that technique?" Her tone was sly and mostly joking. The woman doubted he would fall for it. She had attempted many times in her youth to convince him to teach her his greatest skill - there was little chance he would succumb now.

But his pause gave her hope.

"You have improved over the years." Naruto acknowledged in truth. Defeating Huang Mai was no easy task - she was a Master that was fairly renown, albeit mostly in the Chinese realm. He spent a few moments in silence, as if contemplating. Hanabi didn't want to ruin her chances by interrupting him. Her patience paid off.

"We'll spar." She stiffened. "I'd like to evaluate to see if you are truly prepared to learn one of Ultimate Techniques of Cloud Dragon Fist."

And for the first time in years, she shivered in excitement.

It was good to be reunited with her Master.

Anhui Province - China - ?

He kept his scarf close to his face snug. Somebody was following him - and it was not someone without skill. Kakashi slowed his breathing and walked into the packed crowd of the city in an attempt to blend in. He gripped the retractable pole inside the long pocket of his winter leather jacket loosely - prepared for any confrontation if necessary.

"They couldn't have found me so quickly...?"

Konoha had not taken lightly to his desertion. And he did not care to face the consequences of it - albeit he knew that now was as good a time as any to leave. With their eyes focused on Uzumaki Naruto, Kakashi knew the Hokage could care less about agents going rogue. Oh, he did care, but just not at the moment. The Black Ops Director, Shimura Danzo, may be a slight obstacle - but Kakashi was not considered a prodigy without reason. He knew the man's MO like the back of his hand and he knew everyone on Black Ops. Very few would be able to track him down.

And yet.

Orochimaru had helped him immensely by providing numerous false trails for Konoha's hunters. They had been seen at the diner that day - and the 'plane ticket' had been properly disposed of in the trash not long after. He was a sly one, that man. Kakashi didn't know what information he had given the Serpent Whip Master that day, but if it bought him a way out of this cursed organization, then he was content to remain ignorant.

Konoha tried to make a great show of strength but Kakashi knew the truth of it. They would never be the same. Not after Uzumaki Naruto ripped out their hearts. Not after the tragedy that befell the Hyuuga Clan. "They had been great. But all it takes is one mistake. One miscalculation. It is as they say - the taller the tower, the greater the fall."

The tail was still there. Kakashi simply could not shake him or her off - and it was beginning to irritate him. He checked his watch. "The train should be leaving soon. If I break into a full sprint now, I can make it just as the doors close."

And so he did.

He jumped over numerous obstacles, made several shows of fancy acrobatics - dipping and diving between food stalls, people and buildings alike - all to make the train just at the very last second. Despite what people would say about him, Kakashi knew that his timing was impeccable. And just as the doors were about to close, he slipped right through the cracks - and the bullet train sped out the station without a second to hesitate.

"That should have done it." Relieved, the silver-haired teen then took out an orange book for perusal, sitting down on an empty bench.

"You know..." Kakashi stiffened immediately - the book now still in his fingers. "You're much slower then you look."

Laying down cockily above him on the steel plate meant to carry luggage was another teenager older then him. He was tall, with long light blue hair that was nearly silver like Kakashi's own, tied in a ponytail. The teen sported a blue jacket that was open at his chest, with a red left sleeve and blue sports pants. The most noticable feature of this boy was clearly, however, the left bird tattoo beneath his left red eye - while his right eye was an icy blue.

"I had time to pick up a quick lunch before beating you here." The smugness could not be ignored from his tone. And more to Kakashi's irritation, the teen threw a few sticks of what had to formerly be kabobs at his feet.

"Suparna." Kakashi breathed, recognizing the voice. "It was you who was tailing me back there?"

"Of course. What, did you think I was someone else?"

Kakashi didn't want to risk insulting him by mentioning his suspicions that it was Konoha.

"Still reading that trash?" Shou rolled his eyes. He rose from where he was and plopped down next to Kakashi. "You ought to find yourself a girl."

"..."

"Ah, ignoring me. Like that will make the truth go away. I'm far more persistent and annoying then anyone you have ever come across."

"..." Kakashi acknowledged this with a nod, making Shou palm his face.

"You weren't-" He shook his head. "Never mind. Anyway, I came on business. Yomi has been made aware that you are now a free agent!"

"I didn't leave Konoha to serve Yomi."

"You won't be serving an-y-bo-dy." He elongated the word. "Only yourself. Our goal is to spread our way of thinking to the world. We do that by...obnoxiously, and tactlessly, being ourselves! All. The. Time."

Kakashi resisted the urge to release a loud sigh.

Shou Kanou, the leader of Yomi, was not a person to be trifled with. An expert-level warrior who could undoubtedly beat numerous Masters (under the right circumstances) out there if he put in the effort. Kakashi knew him from the job - having ran numerous operations whenever Yami and Konoha had joint business to take care of. For the most part, Yami had the advantage over the former great clan.

He was strong. There was no denying it.

But he was also annoying. And weird.

"We can provide protection from Konoha." Kakashi snorted at the proposal. He could care less about them. "...we have cookies?" Shou weakly followed up with a wave of the hand.

"Not a fan."

"Fine, fine." Shou shrugged. "It's a shame. The decision to acquire you was brought up by Enshin and Kajima. They think you would be a good investment."

"And what do you think, leader-san?" Kakashi asked cheekily.

"Tch." The teen scoffed and flicked his head to the side, crossing his long legs. "I could care less. My evaluation of you from before is still true. You. Are. Slow."

Kakashi's eye twitched but he did not rise to the taunt.

"And without a hint of grace." A smile then played upon his lips. "Why, Kakashi-kun, could it be that you are without the guidance of a true Master?"

The boy did not make to deny that claim. Shou hummed a bit as the train began to slow down. He then stood up and opened a window, letting in large caches of wind.

"Consider this then. We may not have an open active spot on Yomi, but a it's still nice to have a few friends here and there." Shou flipped a small coin at the boy who caught it without looking up. "If you're interested. That's an emblem of invitation. Yomi is interested in your service, Hatake Kakashi, the third of his name. The Kuremisago did not forget."

He then smoothly left via vaulting from window and took a free fall off the rails. Kakashi gripped the coin tightly in his palm. "If guys like him are going to Koryou soon..." He thought of the girl who he suffered his first ever defeat to. "What will you do exactly?"

Icy Plateau - Mount Everest

It was like dream, she had decided. Travelling the world as a renowned Master, respected for your own strength and reputation. Jobs had poured in for her from organizations left and right - eager to acquire the skills of a former ANBU Captain. She would gain in strength as time went on as well. Hoping one day to meet her Master once again, and to show her that they were now equals.

It had been a dream.

Hanabi breathed tiredly upon one knee as she re-evaluated the 'spar' so far. They had been fighting for almost one hour and she had yet to even breach his initial defenses. In the hundreds of strikes she had launched, zero had been made clean. It seemed almost as if after all these years, nothing had changed. Luckily, her own experience stopped her from making this mental mistake.

"When fighting someone stronger, faster and smarter, you must be more unpredictable." Hanabi had remembered his words well. It was one of his first lessons.

He stood calmly with his back turned to her. She realized he was not doing it with disrespect - but rather, it was a statement. He was giving her an opening to attack but she wasn't stupid enough to take the bait.

"You're not bad in terms of technique and execution of tactics." He mused. "But I see you've been slacking off on conditioning. Only one hour into the fight and you are fatigued. Rarely will there ever be breaks in battle - but I'm sure you already know this, former ANBU Captain."

Hanabi had been a rising member of the Hunter Division, the best since Hyuuga Neji himself, but she certainly did not feel like that now.

"If you will not attack me..." Naruto began darkly. "Then I suppose I must come to you."

He was fast. Faster then anyone she had ever done battle with. At times, she felt as if she was defending multiple simultaneous attacks from varying directions and awkward angles. Hanabi was hard-pressed to block, much less dodge, but for now she was just glad that he was allowing her to play up her style. To assess, and then to execute counters.

"You are trying to match my rhythm." Naruto assessed. "Alright, how will you handle this then?"

"There!" Hanabi almost couldn't believe it - but she had finally telegraphed his attack. "A hooking palm thrust, coming from my left side." She made quick jump-step into his left side and threw an elbow aimed at his shoulder area. "The timing! Its-"

But before anything could land, she felt a shiver run up her spine. The attack she had telegraphed had never came, and her elbow strike was held rigid by his open palm. Before she could make escape, he twisted her arm behind her and held it with his own. "Not a bad attempt."

"What...what happened?"

"That, student, is my equivalent to fencing's counter-riposte." He replied dryly. "You can match your opponent's rhythm to your heart's content, Hanabi, but never become swallowed up by it. Lest you will fall into this sort of trap. The more you follow my rhythm, the more predictable you become."

"I see." She breathed.

"Alright well, stand." And so she did after he released the hold. "You did well."

"But..." She knew it was coming judging from his wry look. Disappointment filled her. "Not good enough." She finished for him.

He shook his head.

"In time, I will give it to you." He promised and warmth filled her heart again. "Just not now. Come, let us continue to Kathmandu. I grow weary of this climate."

She nodded and made to follow him.

"You know, Honoka reminds me of you."

"Honoka?" She blinked. "Who's that?"

Naruto only smiled warmly.

"Your kohai."

END

Not much plot progression here. Just introducing Shou who will be a major player. A small look into student/master training and some world building. I'm sure you must have expected a longer bout between Naruto and Hanabi. But I'm an honest person. I introduced the fight and ended it in the same chapter. The two are simply not on the same level. Period. No need to second guess anything.

I do my best to respect power-scaling. I'm not perfect but I do respect the process and I actively try to maintain it's integrity - especially if it's my own.

Holidays are approaching so I'm not sure how the schedule will be effected. So if I don't update before New Years, I want to wish all of you a nice holidays. I want to express how happy that I am that you are all sticking around, and still reading this fic. It's a source of entertainment for me to write. I hope it remains a source of entertainment for you all to read.

Happy Holidays.

- EnP