Hey, everyone!
Welcome to chapter 10 of Senran Kagura: Shinobi Chronicles.
Hope you guys enjoy it!
"Speaking"
'Thinking'
*Sounds*
[Shinobi Driver]
Special Attacks
Inside Hanzo's Sushi Restaurant…
"I must say, your cooking has certainly improved since the last time I ate something that you made, Hanzo."
Mr. Chan says as he proved some of the sushi on the Legendary Ninja's menu.
The Chi Wizard was sitting by the counter while the owner of the establishment stood before him, on the other side.
"Of course! Who do you think I am!? I trained my cooking skills whenever I wasn't on a mission." Hanzo proudly states. "And my specialty is the futomaki rolls that I have been perfecting since our younger days."
"Right, though I wonder why futamaki rolls, huh?" The other elder dryly asks, having an idea of some perverted thoughts Hanzo had with his food specialty.
However, Hanzo's expression soon shifts into a serious one once Mr. Chan finishes eating.
"Alright, Chan. What do you want?"
The Chinese man adjusts his glasses and folds his arms before answering:
"I came to ask you a favor, Hanzo. If I remember it right, you still owe me for saving your life from that Dark Seirei all those years ago."
"Chan… What is it?" Hanzo inquiries, frowning at the Chi Wizard.
"It's about Yukio."
At this, the gears inside of the Legendary Ninja's head began to shift as the realization hit him.
"Of course, it had to be that, didn't it? So I can assume that you're the Chi Wizard that supports him? That would explain the ritual spell that you must have made the girls perform to rescue Asuka back then."
"Exactly. You should have known very well how I'm one of the few people capable of actually making a portal to Yami Shibai." Mr. Chan dryly remarks. "I would've thought that you would eventually track me since I have also been living here in Asakusa for a while. So, why not spare ourselves the trouble of arranging this meeting and get straight to the point?"
"Heh. Like always, you never mince your words, do you?" Hanzo remarks with an uneasy grin.
But then, the bearded elder looks intrigued at the other individual.
"So, what exactly is your connection with Kamui Yukio then? Are you the one taking care of him? Wait, did you perhaps have something to do with that boy's training or how he managed to obtain the Twilight Scroll?"
Mr. Chan merely raises his hand in response, silencing Hanzo, as he takes a sip of the tea that the sushi chef served him earlier along with the meal.
"I'm just helping Yukio with the matters related to the Seireis. I'm not actually his guardian or anything of the sort. Besides, I already have a pupil to look after." The Chinese answers, briefly wondering if I-Pin is taking proper care of their shop.
"You have an apprentice?" Hanzo asks back in surprise, curiosity showing on his face.
"Yes, but that's not what I came to talk about, yes? It's Yukio's situation. As for how I got to know him, a common 'acquaintance' of ours introduced him to me."
"A common acquaintance?" Hanzo parrots before his eyes widened in realization. "Wait…! Are you perhaps talking about…!?"
"Yes, that man. The one who introduced Yukio to me was none other than Jiren." Mr. Chan reveals with a serious expression while adjusting his glasses.
"Jiren…" Hanzo repeats the name, now having an expression of concern. "So he was the one that trained young Kamui into the ways of Ninjutsu?"
"..."
The Chi Wizard didn't answer the question, deciding to simply add more info for his revelations:
"That's not all. Jiren… There is a special reason he wanted to train Yukio."
"A reason? And what would it be?" Hanzo questions, having the feeling that he will learn something even more troublesome.
"Jiren… He… He believed that Yukio is the one that he has been looking for all these years… Yukio is the one… The 'Chosen One from the prophecy of long ago…"
"What!?"
Hanzo nearly lost his balance and would've fallen on the floor if it wasn't for Chan, who got a hold of the Legendary Ninja. He then helped the sushi shop owner to the seat next to his.
Once Hanzo finished processing what the other elder told him, he asks Chan:
"So, the reason you're aiding Yukio is because…"
As he trailed off, Mr. Chan simply nods to him in confirmation.
"Yes, I'm also fulfilling a promise I made to Jiren."
"I see."
"..."
"..."
"Then do you also believe that it's him? That Kamui Yukio is the answer?" Hanzo asks, narrowing his eyes in uncertainty.
"Only time will tell us what the future has in store for this world…" Mr. Chan replies cryptically before closing his eyes and getting into deep thought. "However, I believe that there are no coincidences or accidents in this world. Why else would the Twilight Scroll choose him?"
"...The favor you wanted from me. Is it because of it?"
"Yes, Yukio has a huge target painted on his back now that your group and the Hebijo Academy know his identity. You know how both Good and Evil Factions want him on their respective sides. And if that's not possible, then they will try to forcefully take the Twilight Scroll from him. No matter the cost." Chan speaks darkly.
Having finally gotten the gist of what the other man wanted, Hanzo looks warily at the Chi Wizard.
"You want to at least make sure that the Good Faction won't get in your group's way, don't you?"
"We are already busy dealing with the Serpent Society and whatever Dark Seireis they have under their command. We can't afford to get dragged into your fights between 'good' and 'evil'." The Chinese elder points out.
"You should know better that it's not as simple as you want, Chan. Things never are. I could at least make sure that Hanzo Academy will not get in the way, but the same can't be said about the other Shinobi Academies of my faction."
"Speaking of it, has word already gotten to the others? Like Gessen Academy?" Chan inquiries with a frown of his own.
Hanzo shook his head.
"No. Only we, of Hanzo Academy, know about Yukio being Kamen Rider Shinobi's true identity. Neither I nor Kiriya have reported yet about him to the rest of our faction."
This earned a look of relief from the Chi Wizard, though he couldn't help but ask in confusion:
"Why?"
"Just like you, I'm also starting to get interested in the boy, Chan. Especially after his fight against my granddaughter's squad. I want to personally see just what sort of ninja he is." Hanzo explained, rubbing his beard.
"Just because he hasn't picked a side doesn't mean that Yukio is dangerous. I do have some faith in him. I know he won't use the Twilight Scroll to unleash destruction upon the world." Chan countered.
"We shall see, won't we? That said… I believe I now have a proposition to offer to you and young Yukio then, Chan." The Legendary Ninja speaks as he grins at the other elder, a glint appearing in his eyes.
"..." Chan merely raises an eyebrow at what the veteran shinobi would suggest…
Narrator: Shinobi were once servants of the feudal lords that ruled Japan in the past, specializing in espionage, subversion, and assassination.
With the influx of western culture after the Meiji Restoration, the feudal system began to collapse, causing them to fade from public consciousness.
However, even in modern times the need for shinobi still exists. Their employers are primarily politicians and corporations. Most employ them merely as tools to satisfy their own greed.
As a result, shinobi are responsible for crimes throughout Japan, and the government moved to confront them. This spawned the creation of Good Shinobi schools to combat Evil Shinobi who break the law.
[In some sort of battlefield, we can see the Hanzo Ninja Academy students and the Hebijo Academy elite group preparing to fight each other, with Asuka and Homura leading their respective teams.]
Narrator: However, they are nothing compared to the forces of a greater danger on the loose in the form of the Serpent Society: an organization of dark ninjas that aim to take over the world with their ninjutsu.
[A battalion of Dustards appears from out of nowhere as it begins to attack both ninja teams, with Karasu leading them while Orochi is observing the fight from the distance, resting on a throne.
The dark forces quickly corner the shinobi girls, who now look injured and full of bruises.]
*Several shurikens being thrown*
*Boom!* *Boom!* *Boom!*
[When things were about to get worse, a new figure appears and uses many shurikens to destroy all the Dustards, leaving only Karasu, who avoids the attack at the last second.
Now everybody looks at the newcomer, who is standing on the top of a Japanese castle, with the light of the full moon illuminating him. It is revealed to be Kamen Rider Shinobi as he has his arms crossed and stares back at them.]
Insert Opening Theme: IZANAGI by Sakuramen and Hideya Tawada - Opening theme of Rider Time: Kamen Rider Shinobi
(Instrumental)
Narrator: The only one who can fight the Serpent Society on equal grounds is the legendary ninja… Kamen Rider Shinobi!
Higashi no sora wo
Akaku so mete
Kodo o hajimeta
Yumeutsutsu
(My heart began throbbing as the eastern sky grew red)
We see Yukio looking at the sky, clenching a fist as he adopts a serious expression.
Hikari ga shimesu
Shinjitsu e to
Haruka ayumitashite
(Walking on the path stretching out to the truth,
Revealed by the light shining between dream and reality)
The Rider walks through the busy streets of the city, passing through the Hanzo Ninja Academy students and the Hebijo Academy elite group. Asuka and Homura both stop to look back worriedly at him as he disappears.
ikuseiso wo o hete kawaranu
tayutau negai ni mi o kogashi
ima o motome tsudzukete
(Suffering as my wandering ideals persisted endlessly,
I desperately sought after the present.)
An injured six years old Yukio walks through an endless darkness, crying while also refusing to give up. He has the Twilight Ninja Scroll firmly in his hands.
The scene changes to show Junpei thinking sadly about his little brother, Touma, who seems to be in a hospital room while looking to be in a critical condition with several medical machines attached to him.
tokini kizutsuki tsukare hatete
utsumuita to shite mo hitomi ni wa
moyuru chishio ga tagiru
(Though at times I may fall with wounds or falter in my goals,
The boiling blood in my eyes will always rise up again.)
An army of Dustards is awaiting Yukio, all looking ready to kill him. Orochi and Karasu can be seen in the background, commanding them to attack the Rider.
At this, the two female ninja groups suddenly arrive to help him, with Asuka smiling at him while Homura sports a grin towards Yukio.
Hazeru!
(Blossom out!)
hitohira no omoi kakete
mugen ni saita chigiri wa kagayaku
(Even just the petals of your dreams
Can bring your dreams to fruition)
The wind blows strong for a moment as the petals of a cherry blossom fall around Yukio.
He then summons the Shinobi Driver on his waist and becomes Kamen Rider Shinobi!
He uses several combinations of fire, water, earth and wind techniques together with the shinobi girls as they easily keep destroying all the Dustards around them.
Asenu!
(Blossom out!)
chikai wa oozora o mai
yuukyuu no toki koete
(Those vows will soar across the sky for all eternity)
Karasu charges at them, creating a powerful energy slash against the group. This makes Shinobi, Asuka, and Homura combine their attacks to counter the attack of the dark shinobi.
Shinobi no michi e izanau~
(Calling for the way of the shinobi!)
The final scene shows Shinobi and Kasaru crossing blades with each other with a burning Japanese castle on the back while the rest of the scene is divided into two:
All ninja girls are on the left rooting for the Kamen Rider.
On the right, Orochi is imposing a dark aura while being accompanied by several Dustards.
An explosion of energy happens and the full title of the fanfic appears, with Kamen Rider Shinobi's Shuriken Starter behind the title:
[Senran Kagura: Shinobi Chronicles]
NinPow 10: Settling the score
Hanzo Academy - Infirmary
Nighttime…
A few hours after their duel against Yukio, the rest of the Hanzo Squad girls have regained consciousness.
While her teammates are resting on beds, sporting several bandages across their bodies, Asuka is currently the only one that was faring a bit better and was on her feet. All because she applied the ointment that the Kamen Rider gave her, becoming surprised to see how most of her own injuries have already quickly healed themselves as a result.
'I wonder if Yukio can give me more of this stuff later…?' The hazel-eyed brunette wonders as she secretly hopes to meet again with the young man as soon as possible.
But as for her friends…
"Damn! I can't believe we lost!" A frustrated Katsuragi cries, banging her fist against her body.
Kiriya and Asuka told the rest of the girls what happened after Hibari was knocked out.
And speaking of said pinkette…
"I… I couldn't even lay a single hit on him…" Hibari whimpered, tears falling from her eyes as she thought about how she felt totally helpless during the whole duel.
'Kamui…! He will pay for making Hibari cry!' Yagyu grits her teeth upon learning how the purple masked ninja casually 'dismissed' her friend with a single blow.
"Just how much was he holding back…? Is that the difference between our skills? How wide is the gap?" Ikaruga wondered as she remembered how Yukio was basically toying with her Hien and pride.
It was clear how these four(Hibari mostly going along with the others) wanted some payback against the silver-eyed ravenette in question.
"Girls, I… I don't want to fight Yukio again."
All the noise in the infirmary ceased as the others focused on the group's brunette.
"What the hell are you talking about, Asuka!?" Katsuragi demands from the 2nd Year student. "We have to go after that bastard and kick his ass!"
"Yes. While I wouldn't put it like how Katsuragi-san just said, we can't leave things like this." Ikaruga adds sternly.
"He made Hibari cry, he must pay for it…!" Yagyu contributes darkly.
"Asuka-chan… *Sniff!*" The still crying Hibari trailed off, still upset over her loss.
A dejected Asuka looks back at her companions.
"I… I'm sorry, everyone… But I just can't. Especially after hearing what he went through during the Serpent Tragedy."
At the reminder of what happened 10 years ago, everyone else became grim.
"But still…! He still has the Twilight Scroll, Asuka-san! Who knows what sort of things Kamui Yukio will do with its powers!" Ikaruga tried to argue.
"Then are you saying that you're going to kill Yukio?" The brunette questions back, silencing her older friend as hesitation briefly came over the long-haired girl and the others as well.
If not Asuka, are any of them truly ready to kill someone?
"Why are you even going that far to defend that bastard, Asuka?" Yagyu asks the red scarf kunoichi, glaring back at her hazel eyes.
"I… It's because I connected with him. I can understand Yukio a little better now. He is definitely not our enemy." Asuka speaks softly, but with a strong resolve coming over her. "I believe- No, I know he won't use the Twilight Scroll for evil. He is fighting for his own justice. That's who Yukio is."
"Asuka…" Katsuragi muttered, her rage towards Yukio slowly diminishing as the brunette kept talking.
"I can tell, deep inside, that he is a good person. He helped me back at Yami Shibai. He… Yukio is also my friend now. Just as much as any of you, everyone." Asuka tells them as she shows just how serious she is to her friends.
Her words made the other girls be taken aback as they processed everything that Asuka told them.
But before their talk can continue, Kiriya enters the room, interrupting the five of them.
"Regardless of whatever is up with Kamui Yukio's true intentions, you are all forbidden from going after him." The teacher orders his students.
"What!?"
"But why, Kiriya-sensei!?" Yagyu protests.
"Not only is the Kamen Rider currently more skilled than all of you, but you girls also need to rest and recover from the duel against him." He explains. "Do I make myself clear?"
"Hai, sensei." The five kunoichis comply in unison.
As he nods in satisfaction to their answer, Kiriya adds:
"That said, we will come up later with extra lessons to allow the five of you to gain more experience and become stronger. Today's duel also showed me that I still lack some aspects in regards to being a proper shinobi master." He says with a hint of disappointment towards himself.
Huh!?
The Hanzo Squad girls were shocked to hear that the ninja instructor thought that his training regimen needs some new adjustments if he wanted to make sure that his students truly improved.
"Kiriya-sensei, what are we going to do with Kamui Yukio? Are we really going to leave him alone from now on?" Ikaruga couldn't help but ask.
Since they lost the duel, the Hanzo Academy kunoichis felt an obligation to keep their end of the deal and not get in the Kamen Rider's way.
But would they really do it?
"Hanzo-sama will decide what we will do later in regards to Kamui Yukio's situation. For now, I just want the five of you to focus on your recovery." Kiriya tells them as he leaves the infirmary once he finished relaying everything he wanted to tell his students.
"Jii-chan… Yukio…"
Asuka suddenly wonders in concern, imagining the dreadful idea that her grandfather is perhaps going to fight her new friend next or something of the sort.
Later…
With Hanzo and Kiriya…
The two experienced shinobis met in a dark room, under the moonlight, in order to discuss their school's current predicaments.
"So even the girls' Secret Ninja Arts didn't do the job against the Kamen Rider, huh?"
"It seems that Kamui Yukio went through intensive training after the Serpent Tragedy." Kiriya reports to Hanzo as both looked serious at this news.
"Considering who apparently trained that kid into the ways of ninjutsu, I'm no longer surprised by how he managed to become strong enough to take on several opponents at the same time. I wouldn't be surprised either if Kamui still has more hidden skills in store." The elder comments.
"*Gasp!* You know who trained Kamui Yukio, Hanzo-sama?" A curious Kiriya asks as the elder simply nods to him, not elaborating any further.
To have someone like even the Legendary Ninja concerned makes Kiriya wonder just what sort of shinobi teacher Yukio had.
Just who exactly could fill this role?
But Kiriya decides to not press any further, having the feeling that there would be another opportunity to learn more.
"Well, considering how Kamui is one of the six survivors of the tragedy from 10 years ago, it would also explain why he's unusually powerful for someone of his age group." The black-suited instructor comments.
"Kiriya, I believe it's time we find a successor to the Super-Secret Ninja Arts." Hanzo finally announces with a firm expression. "Not only for our school to fight back against the Hebijo Academy, but possibly against the forces of the Serpent Society as well. Something tells me that they won't focus solely on Kamen Rider Shinobi for much longer."
"I see… Now that things escalated to this point, then perhaps only the Super-Secret Ninja Arts to give us an edge against our foes. Just as you said, Hanzo-sama." Kiriya agrees with his superior.
A few days later…
Afternoon
*Vroom!* *Vroom!*
Yukio was riding on his Shinobi Chaser through the streets of Asakusa, heading towards his next target.
Having properly healed himself of the damage he took from the duel against the Hanzo Squad's girls and getting some time to rest, the ninja Kamen Rider finally resumes his mission.
He was currently heading towards the next place that contains a powerful Seirei, having been given some intel by Junpei.
Or that would've been the case if the sky suddenly hadn't changed from blue to an eerie purple…
It seems that someone trapped him inside of a Shinobi Barrier, anticipating that Yukio would pass through that specific area.
And judging from the energy signature that he detected, the young man soon realizes that the ones behind this are none other than…
"So you finally decided to make your move… Homura."
Yukio halts the Shinobi Chaser as five feminine figures appear before him, all clad in their respective shinobi outfits.
The Rider removes his helmet and gets off his bike as he faces the quintet of girls.
"Kamui Yukio… It's time we finish what we started!" Homura says as she glares back at the ravenette, pointing one of her blades at him.
The rest of the Hebijo Squad's girls stood next to the tanned girl, with Homura being in the center of their group.
(Flashback)
At Hebijo Academy…
After being rescued from Yami Shibai, alongside Asuka and Yukio, Homura went back to Hebijo Academy with her teammates, having to give a full report of her time in the Realm of Darkness.
"I see." Suzune contemplates as Homura just finished telling her everything. "Yami Shibai - The Realm of Darkness. I have only heard rumors of it before. To think it would actually be that worse there…"
"What are we going to do now, Suzune-sensei?" Homura asks her teacher as she and her friends look back in anticipation towards the armored woman.
"After some thought, I have decided who will be your next target. We'll leave the Hanzo shinobis alone for the time being."
"Eh? But why!?" Mirai questions as she thinks about Yagyu, wanting to get some payback against the other eye patch girl.
In response, Suzune simply pulls out a file containing a profile picture of Yukio and some personal information about him, showing it to the five young kunoichis.
While her companions were simply intrigued by whoever this teenager was, Homura's expression quickly shifted upon seeing his face.
"Homura, is this him?" Suzune questions the tanned girl.
"Hai, sensei. That's him." She confirms with a nod.
"Excuse me, but who exactly is this person? Our next target?" Yomi inquiries, her expression being one of confusion.
What's the big deal about this young man?
"Who cares? Let's just get over with this." Hikage speaks in her usual emotionless tone.
"Although I have to say, he does look interesting. Something about him makes me want to turn him into a doll for my collection." Haruka comments with a hand on her cheek, a predatory glint comes over her eyes.
"Is he supposed to be some sort of big shot?" Mirai asks skeptically.
"He is Kamui Yukio - Kamen Rider Shinobi's true identity." Homura finally makes the reveal as the other four turn to her, gasping at the information.
"Eh!?"
Yomi widens her eyes while Haruka covers her mouth with her hand.
"So that's how he actually looks, huh?" Hikage comments, narrowing her eyes.
'Haruka-sama and the others told us that he's strong. But how much exactly?' Mirai wonders as she tries to think how she will fare in a battle against the purple ninja.
After all, she still isn't over the fact that she couldn't beat Yagyu either when the rest of her comrades could deal with the other Hanzo Academy's girls…
"Suzune-sensei, does that mean…" Homura trailed off as their instructor merely nodded.
"You must acquire the ninja scroll under Kamui Yukio's possession." The woman starts. "Eliminate him if necessary."
"Hai." The Hebijo girls comply as they now prepare themselves for their new mission.
'Kamui Yukio… It's about time we settle this!' Homura thinks as she imagines herself holding a katana and using it to slash her new and most dangerous target.
(Flashback ends)
"So, I take it that you know about everything now? I wonder what you want from me this time?" Yukio asks in an aloof manner, briefly pretending to have his guard lowered before the quintet of girls in front of him.
"Yeah. We have unfinished business to settle, Kamui. Remember?" Homura speaks as her gaze on the boy hardens. "We can do this the easy or the hard way. Your choice."
The Kamen Rider still looks unfazed at this:
"I have other priorities to handle today. I don't have the time to afford dealing with you lot."
"Well, too bad for you. You're not going anywhere." Yomi says, brandishing her large sword.
"But we don't have to let things end this way yet. No need to resort to violence." Haruka suddenly says as she looks mischievously at Yukio, earning confused looks from the others.
"Haruka-sama?" Mirai calls her senpai.
"Oh? This again with the idea of making me work for your group?" Yukio asks the pink bow girl.
"Our orders are to acquire the Twilight Ninja Art Scroll's powers. But that doesn't necessarily mean we have to eliminate you, Kamui Yukio. Frankly speaking, it would be wasteful to get rid of someone of your caliber. How about it? We can definitely provide you with the essential resources to aid your fight against the Serpent Society if you join us. There's a limit to what even you can do on your own. But with the Hebijo Academy, you will have many powerful people backing your goal." Haruka offers in a tempting manner while speaking with a smooth tone.
"..."
In silence, Homura observes how Yukio will react to the offer. She remembers Suzune-sensei also telling them about the possibility of recruiting the Kamen Rider into their ranks.
However, the tanned girl could likely already imagine that the answer he would give Haruka would be the same one that he previously gave them at the abandoned Shinto Temple.
If anything, this would simply give the Hebijo girls the 'excuse' to fight Yukio.
"None of you would make great 'companions'." The ravenette boy replies with a sneer. "And if I were to submit myself to any of you, then there wouldn't be any meaning for me to have become a shinobi in the first place." He finishes telling them as a sardonic smile forms across his face.
"I see. Then it's truly a shame that your answer remains the same. I thought your experience at Yami Shibai with Homura would have changed you a bit. But it was too much to assume this I suppose." Haruka comments while still smiling, placing a hand on her cheek.
Although Yukio could now also sense the dark intent behind the girl's sweet expression.
"But I wouldn't have it any other way now!" Homura cries as she charges toward the ninja Rider, a bloodthirsty aura appearing over her as she grins at her adversary.
*Slash!*
The tanned girl manages to slash Yukio's torso, drawing blood from the seemingly fatal wound as he simply looks back at her with wide eyes before dropping dead on the ground.
"She got him! As expected of Homura-san!" Mirai praised their leader.
However...
"No, something's off." Haruka comments with a serious expression.
*Poof!*
Smoke envelops the young man's body before it dissipates to reveal a human-sized wood log in Yukio's place.
"W-What!?" Mirai looks astounded by this while Homura simply clicks her tongue in annoyance.
'The Kawarimi no Jutsu(Body Replacement Technique), huh? So I still wasn't fast enough this time either!' She mentally berates herself.
*Poof!*
A smokescreen happens appears a few meters before the Hebijo girls as a smoke bomb goes off, announcing a certain someone's transformation.
"Henshin!"
[Dare ja?! Ore ja?! Ninja!]
*Poof!*
Kurogane Oogama assembles behind Yukio. It opens its mouth, bringing out pieces of armor that surrounded the teen's entire body, eventually slamming into him. The Seirei disappears after the process is done.
[Shinobi Kenzan!]
"What a pain. We couldn't prevent him from transforming…!" Hikage speaks as she glares at the masked Rider.
"Every second counts on the battlefield. Brute force is not enough! A ninja must be especially able to outsmart their foes, always being a step ahead of them!" Kamen Rider Shinobi tells them sternly.
"Don't you fucking dare lecture me!" Homura roars as she and her friends now all charge simultaneously towards their sole target.
*Click!*
"..." Shinobi calmly unsheathes his Shinobi Saber as his opponents get within his range.
"You don't know a damn thing about me, bastard!" Homura further adds with an angry expression.
"Soru(Shave)!" The Kamen Rider chants as he suddenly disappears from everyone's view, generating purple clouds of smoke that rise from the ground.
*Whoosh!*
Yomi tries to slam him down with her large sword. However, she fails at this, merely hitting the young man's last known spot and leaving a crater on it with her missed strike.
*Smack!*
"Huh?" The blonde looks confused.
"What? He disappeared?" Haruka questions, looking around for any possible clues
'Soru? What the heck was that!?' Homura wonders, never having heard of such a technique before.
But before the Hebijo girls could ponder any further…
*Whoosh!*
The purple Kamen Rider suddenly reappears behind Mirai, scaring the petite girl and alerting the others.
[Finish NinPow!]
It seems that this Soru ability allows the user to move at extremely high speeds in order to avoid attacks, as well as to attack at higher speeds and with greater power.
"Huh!?" The 1st Year kunoichi barely had time to turn around as the Kamen Rider was above her, ready to strike the little girl down.
Shinobi gathers a purple energy aura in his right fist before using it to punch the top of Mirai's head.
"NinPow: Rider Punch no Jutsu!"
*Bam!*
K.O.!
"Urgh!"
The result was instantaneous as the loli drops face fault on the ground, completely unconscious now.
"Mirai/-chan!" The other Hebijo girls cried in horror.
'1 down, four to go. One must always strike the weakest link of the chain first. After that, it's only a matter of time until everything else falls apart.' The purple ninja Rider strategizes as he proceeds to attack the next kunoichi, landing next to Mirai's body.
*Slash!*
Hmm!?
But he barely had time to act as a knife nearly stabbed his head, avoiding a deadly blow from Hikage at the last instant.
The greenette's fighting style mostly focuses on speed, mobility and delivering multiple swift continued hits. When she is pushed too far or really gets into the fight, she enters a berserk state where her emotions run wild, giving her a considerable boost to her speed, mobility and attack range.
Hikage uses her knives for both close-range combats and as projectiles, which may cause poisoning effects. Her combat expertise has been described as almost machine-like, using a fighting style that seems chaotic, despite being very deliberate, making her hard to read and follow.
Shinobi also noted that there was something different with the usually emotionless greenette.
'Her eyes… They are now filled with killing intent?' The young man takes notice as he keeps avoiding her sharp attacks.
Just then, Yomi appears before the occupied Kamen Rider Shinobi, preparing to slash his exposed back.
But before the blonde could fatally wound the Kamen Rider, Shinobi quickly grabs Hikage's wrist and makes an over-the-shoulder throw, tossing the greenette against Yomi.
*Bam!*
Both girls fall upon collision.
'Huh?' Hikage is confused as she lies on the top of Yomi, taking some time to register what just happened with them.
"Ouch… Hikage-san…" Yomi groaned in pain.
The masked ninja tries to exploit this opportunity to strike the pair of girls, attempting to bring the Shinobi Saber down on them.
*Smack!*
But a mechanical punch suddenly comes from the left side, interrupting Shinobi and making him crash against a nearby tree.
It is revealed that the one responsible for the blow was none other than Amano - Haruka's floating puppet. The pink bow girl utilizes her puppet, Amanō, for most of her attacks in her moves.
"Agh…" The lone warrior grunted as he rose one more time, intending to keep fighting.
Once more, the Hebijo girls tried to gang up on him, aiming to beat the Rider with their numbers.
"NinPow: Gamagaeru(Ninja Technique: Ninja Toad)!" Shinobi chants.
The masked ninja quickly performs several technique signs as purple Japanese Kanji briefly manifest around him.
*Poof!*
The Rider slams his right hand onto the floor, making a big cloud of purple smoke appear from beneath him. Out of the smoke comes a giant blue toad with blue and green eyes. As the toad lands, the Shinobi jumps into the air spinning incredibly fast in the cannonball position as he then kicks the air using the momentum of the fast-spinning they did.
The masked Shinobi then bounces side to side, hitting and kicking all the Hebijo girls with a green aura surrounding and trailing him as the toad roars before disappearing.
"Argh!" Homura cries in pain as her opponent injured her shoulder.
'Time to change tactics!' Shinobi thinks as he lands on the ground, pulling out the Honou Ride Shuriken before inserting it into the Shinobi Driver.
[Honou! NinPow: Flame!]
Fire is generated around the Kamen Rider as it takes the shape of Hinoarashi, who is now floating over him.
"Come forth, Hinoarashi!" Shinobi chants as he spins the Honou Ride Shuriken.
"Graurr!" Hinoarashi unleashes a loud roar as he becomes fire and envelopes Shinoby's body, transforming the purple Rider's armor into a new form.
The armor's color changes from purple to a strong red tone.
The kunai figures on the legs and the shuriken emblem on the chest were gone. Now replaced by symbols of flames respectively.
[Honou no Ninja! Flame Shinobi!] The Shinobi Driver announces.
"That form… You think fire will scare any of us!?" Homura questions their adversary as he starts to make taunting gestures towards their group.
"Want to find out?" He simply asks back to her.
The rest of the Hebijo girls were also aware of the Flame Shinobi's power:
Haruka and Yomi, alongside Homura, witnessed the masked ninja using its power to destroy the Karakuri Majin while Hikage and Mirai were informed of the form's fire abilities that the Honou Ride Shuriken granted its user.
Hikage tries to tackle Flame Shinobi down, once again attacking him viciously with her knives. The ninja Rider avoids her attacks as he slides to the side, making her only cut the tree behind him.
*Slash!*
'How annoying!' Shinobi thinks.
Yomi doesn't leave time for their target to regain his ground as she tries to slam him down with her blade.
"Hiden Ninpo: Sigmund!" The blonde chants as she lifts her large sword overhead and then charges energy into it.
Her sword then extends and becomes massive from its original size before tilting back and slamming it into the ground; thus releasing waves of intense pressure on any and all enemies.
This is a stationary attack, as well as linear. However, its range and power allow it to strike any enemies within close proximity of the attack.
But much to Yomi's surprise, Shinobi easily blocks her attack with his own blade in time, also using only one of his arms.
"What!?" She cries in disbelief.
The blonde also mastered a form of Wind Ninja Arts, enabling her to generate intense pressure with a swing of her sword.
Just how was he still managing to hold her back like that!?
As the two teenagers locked blades, it starts to look that Yomi was slowly pushing the Kamen Rider towards the ground, almost as if showing that her large weapon could easily destroy his Shinobi Saber.
*Pow!*
"Argh!"
But at the last instant, Flame Shinobi suddenly punches Yomi in the face with his left fist, surprising the Hebijo kunoichis.
"Did he just punch her!?" Even Homura was taken aback by the sheer display as they next saw the masked Rider kick Yomi's legs before headbutting his hard helmet against her skull.
*Crack!*
Ninja or not, just what kind of guy would beat girls like that without hesitation!?
"Ahhh!" Yomi cries in pain, her nose bleeding, as she lets go of her large sword and takes a few steps back, clenching her head in pain.
"Yomi! Run!" Homura suddenly orders as she throws three of her katanas at Shinobi while the Rider prepares to knock the blonde girl out.
*Slash!*
One of Homura's blades manages to hit Shinobi's shoulder, injuring him in the process, while the Rider easily catches the other two with his bare hands, inches from hitting his face.
But this is not enough to make him stop as he grabs Yomi from behind, placing his arms around her waist.
"NinPow: Naraku Otoshi(Hell Drop)!" Shinobi chants as he performs a suplex move on the blonde, causing an energy release around them that destroys part of their surroundings and makes the other Hebijo girls unable to get closer to them.
*Smack!*
"Yomi!" Homura cries for her teammate in genuine concern after seeing that the blonde was beaten, her now unconscious form before Kamen Rider Flame Shinobi.
"Hiden Ninpo: Bussashi(Shanking)!" Hikage cries.
While still retaining her usual emotionless expression, her eyes now seemed to be filled with a great amount of anger.
Hikage licks her main knife before she takes out multiple smaller knives and puts them in between her fingers and one in her mouth. Then, without warning, she dashes forward and unleashes a fierce barrage of slashes onto her enemies.
*Slash!* *Slash!*
"Argh!"
She manages to leave several cut marks across Kamen Rider Shinobi's armor, further injuring him as the masked boy cries in pain.
"Heh. Guess you're not so dead on the inside as you seem to claim, huh?" The Rider sarcastically comments on Hikage.
This seemed to be enough to make the green-haired girl's blood boil as she looked at the battered forms of Mirai and Yomi before gazing at her foe, a dark aura soon forming over her.
"I'm gonna kill you."
"Not today." Flame Shinobi quickly rebutted, avoiding attacks from Homura and Haruka before deciding to attack the greenette next.
[Finish NinPow: Flame!] The Shinobi Driver announced as the Kamen Rider spins the Honou Ride Shuriken.
"Katon(Fire Style): Hidaruma Bakunetsudan (Flaming Doll's Explosive Heat Shot)!" Shinobi chants.
The Rider first stomps on the ground, out of which fire emerges. Next, he jumps up in the air, spinning with fire forming around his body. At the top of his flight, Flame Shinobi comes down while spinning fast, producing a ball of fire. The fire becomes intense and the ball is launched towards Hikage, making a daruma-like face on the ball of fire.
The Finisher happened instantly, not allowing Hikage time to think about avoiding the incoming attack as the fiery daruma hits her at full force, blasting the greenette away and making her crash and destroy a few nearby statues before knocking her out as well.
As she stops and lays on the floor, the others notice how the injured Hikage had several scorch marks across her body.
"Hikage!" Homura cries as she rushes towards her companion, unaware that the Kamen Rider decided to target her next.
But before he could harm the tanned girl, Haruka gets between them, letting herself get injured in Homura's stead.
*Bam!*
"Ugh!" The pink bow girl winced in pain. But then she soon adopts a mischievous look. "Got you!"
"What?" The Rider looks confused at this.
The kunoichi doesn't waste this opportunity to retaliate as well, ordering her puppet Amano to restrain Shinobi before performing her Secret Ninja Art on Shinobi.
"Hiden Ninpo: DEATH×KISS!"
Haruka projects five hearts, any one of which can freeze, zap, burn, and poison all at once. The hearts travel in front of her and also have homing capabilities. If she's locked onto a target, the hearts will automatically lock on as well. Once ensnared, there is nothing the enemy can do as Haruka is free to attack them for the duration of time they are either frozen or stunned.
*Crash!* *Bam!*
The ninja Kamen Rider is blasted away as a result, several cracks now appearing over his damaged armor.
Homura, who was tending to the unconscious Hikage, looked at their exchange of blows with a surprised face.
'Did Haruka get him?' The tanned girl hopes that her senior managed to finish off their target for good this time.
But things don't always go as we hope, do they?
"Enshrouded by wind, the green gale!" Shinobi chants as he inserts the Kaze Ride Shuriken in the open slot of the Shinobi Driver.
[Kaze! NinPow: Wind!]
"That's-!" Homura realizes what the Rider was going to do next.
Green energy wind is generated around the Kamen Rider as it ends up taking the shape of Fujin Tornadus - Therian Forme, who is now flying over Shinobi.
"Come forth, Tornadus!" Shinobi chants as he spins the green Kaze Ride Shuriken.
"Kyaahhh!" The green bird Seirei screeches as it becomes a green tornado that envelops Shinobi's body, giving the purple masked ninja access to a new form once the whirlwind disperses itself.
The masked ninja's armor's color changes from his default purple into a green tone.
The Kunai figures in the legs and the shuriken emblem on the chest were gone, now replaced by wind symbols.
Lastly, there was a pair of mechanical wings-like wings called Scrambler on Kamen Rider Shinobi's back that allowed him to fly and launch feather-like energy projectiles.
[Kaze no Ninja! Wind Shinobi!] The Shinobi Driver announces.
"A green form… Must be from the Seirei he met at Yami Shibai…!" Haruka deduces this as she quickly orders her puppet Amano to strike the Rider again, throwing several punches at the Kamen Rider before attacking him once again with her Hiden Ninpo.
"Enough of this! It's my turn!" Wind Shinobi barks as he spins the Kaze Ride Shuriken, going for another Special Finisher.
[Finish NinPow: Wind!]
A dark green energy aura coats the masked ninja's legs before making his feet take the shape of a bird's sharp talons, replacing his ninja's armor boots.
Haruka grimaces at this, deciding to now try using Amano as a shield instead, having a dreadful feeling of what's coming next.
"Fuuton(Wind Style): Sky Slicer!" The ninja Kamen Rider chants.
In this attack, Wind Shinobi spins around quickly in a circle while standing on one hand, using his green form's speed to gain extra momentum and spin faster, and he then performs a Rider Kick with both legs to create a circle-shaped energy attack, which radiates outward horizontally.
The attack was powerful enough to cut through several trees in all directions. It can also be used to send an enormous mass of spiritual energy at the user's opponent, to inflict massive damage.
*Slash!*
The Sky Slicer attack easily cuts Amano into pieces as Haruka suffers several cuts all across her body, not having a proper way to defend herself.
"Agh!" She cries in pain as her pink bow falls off from the top of her head before she also drops on the ground eventually, joining her defeated friends.
"Haruka!" Homura cries, her voice now becoming filled with despair.
"You were five at the start. And yet, one by one, you fell by my hands." Shinobi tells the Hebijo Squad's leader while pointing the Shinobi Saber at her.
"Kamui…!" She growls at the young man, eyes filled with rage and hatred towards him.
How did things come to this?
Homura was still having a hard time understanding how the masked ninja could be still standing despite all the injuries that he has been receiving so far from the group of evil kunoichis.
"You're not the only one that has gone through a lot of hardships, you know?"
Huh?
These next words made Homura pause for a moment as she noticed how the air around her opponent changed a bit, with his hostility towards her diminishing a little.
"What do you mean?" She asks him back skeptically, and partly curious.
Would he speak some nonsense like Asuka?
"I know about your past, Homura. In a way, I also struggled a lot through life, just as you did."
These next words made the tanned girl freeze.
What?
What did he just say!?
"And I have also checked your friends' backgrounds as well." Shinobi further surprises her.
"You…!" Homura was at a loss for words.
What is she even supposed to say now in response to him!?
But at the same time, she sort of feels as if he is insulting her pride. It was almost as if Homura could tell that, underneath his mask, Yukio was apparently now looking at her and the rest of her friends with… Pity?
Huh!?
"Bastard… What do you think you know about me!? Do you think you're truly better than any of us, Kamui!? That you actually deserve to be better than me!?" She angrily demands from the young man, preparing to use her six katanas as a powerful crimson aura suddenly envelops her body.
The energy she was now releasing did surprise the Kamen Rider, just like when he fought Asuka.
There was also something special within Homura, but he wouldn't point it out right away…
"I never said that. Who deserves what is irrelevant. What matters is who has the greatest conviction to last until the end. Have you been taught that?" Shinobi simply asks the tanned girl.
"Rargh! Enough with this philosophical bullshit! I'm gonna defeat you and avenge my friends, Kamui!" Homura cries to him.
"Fine, let's put an end to this then!" The Kamen Rider agrees with her before pulling out the Mizu Ride Shuriken.
[Mizu! NinPow: Water!]
Water generated above the Kamen Rider as it soon took the shape of Gekkouga, now floating over him.
"Water, huh?" Homura wonders, narrowing her eyes and drawing her six katanas.
She had a suspicion that her target was going to use his elemental advantage against her given that she has a strong affinity with fire.
"Come, Gekkouga!" Shinobi shouted as he spun the Mizu Ride Shuriken.
"Ikuzo(let's go)!" Gekkouga exclaimed next as he became water and enveloped Shinobi's body, transforming the ninja Rider's armor to its dark blue mode.
Once the process was done, sacred water splashes from the Rider's body all over the area.
[Mizu no Ninja! Aqua Shinobi!]
"Hiden Ninpo: Sakigake(Charge)!" Homura chants.
Homura charges about the battlefield in a polygonal formation, boxing her enemy left and right with little chance of escape. This technique has both range and speed so execution for this attack's success is high.
[Finish NinPow: Water!]
"Suiton(Water Style): Mizu Shuriken!" Kamen Rider Shinobi chants as he prepares his final Finisher, gathering large amounts of sacred water to form a giant water shuriken above him.
"Haaa!" The two combatants cried as their attacks clashed with each other, causing a massive explosion within their surroundings as a result of this action.
*Boom!*
A while later…
After the explosion is subdued, an injured Homura can be seen laying on the ground of the devastated field.
"Damn it…!" She cries in frustration, biting her lips as she just lays there, injured and too tired to move.
*Tap!* *Tap!*
She then hears a set of footsteps as someone is getting closer to her, revealing to be none other than Yukio himself, now out of his transformation.
Like Homura, he was full of bruises and very exhausted. But unlike her, the young man could still walk.
The tanned girl also noticed that he was bleeding from the top of his head, an injury that was caused by her Hiden Ninpo during their final confrontation.
With a defiant expression until the end, Homura simply glares at Yukio before speaking:
"Just get over with this…!"
She saw that he is holding one of her katanas, suspecting that he just wants to get over with this as well and finally eliminate her.
"..."
Without saying a word, and while keeping an emotionless face, Yukio raises the sword and holds it in a reverse grip as if to prepare himself before stabbing Homura's face with her own weapon.
The tanned girl closes her eyes as she accepts her demise.
*Stab!*
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
H-Huh!?
In confusion, Homura opens her eyes as she notices, much to her own surprise, that Yukio actually used her sword to stab the ground, a few inches from her head.
"It's my win. We're done here." He calmly tells the tanned girl before searching for something in his pockets, the same type of medicine that he previously gave to Asuka.
"What are you doing, Kamui? Is that poison?" Homura questions as he places the ointment next to her face.
"This ointment will help heal your wounds faster." Yukio simply tells her as he begins to walk away, stumbling in the process. "Make sure to share it with your friends as well."
W-What!?
Did he seriously just decide to spare their lives!? After everything they did to try killing him?
Homura thinks in disbelief as she tries to process this.
'What… What a disgrace! To lose a duel without fighting to the death!' Homura thinks.
For her, there was nothing more humiliating than having an enemy show either pity or mercy towards her.
Just like in this situation…
It only seemed to make her distaste for Yukio grow.
"You sure about that!? Don't you want to finish me off!?" She asks the young man as this makes him stop, slightly glancing his head around to look at her beaten form.
Homura was now also trying to drag herself towards him, as if wanting to keep fighting until her last breath.
"I'm just going to keep coming after you, Kamui!"
"And I already told you before... The only ones that I wish to truly get rid off are the Serpent Society." Yukio calmly replies to Homura. "And even I can see… That killing you would only upset Asuka."
He speaks without a thought as he suddenly thinks about the hazel-eyed brunette in question, with a strange feeling coming over his chest. For some reason, the mere thought of her looking sad seemed to greatly upset him as well.
At the mention of the red scarf girl, Homura gasps as Yukio resumes walking away with his peace of mind given.
Frustrated, Homura looks at her fallen companions before slowly getting on her knees, next punching the ground in anger.
"I never wanted to hear those words from you of all people…" She says as she suddenly imagines Asuka looking at her with a disheartened expression while Yukio merely gives her a look of pity.
The final scene of the chapter shows Kamen Rider Shinobi's Honou Ride Shuriken, the Kaze Ride Shuriken and the Mizu Ride Shuriken side by side while the Twilight Scroll and the Shinobi Saber glow strongly behind these three items.
- Shinobi Chronicles -
NinPow 10: Settling the score
- End -
Author Notes:
Thank you for reading chapter 10 of Senran Kagura: Shinobi Chronicles!
If you guys have any ideas or suggestions that I could use for this story, you're free/welcome to share!
I was having a lot of time to finish writing this chapter because life has kept me very busy lately. With this chapter done, I will focus back on my Kamen Rider Drive X My Hero Academia fanfic.
Review Time!
Tyrone7: Not sure since I don't know when exactly I plan to introduce the other Kamen Riders into this story.
#2nd review: Ok, thanks for telling me.
Guest DCDGojira: Ok, thanks! I will try to make good use of your suggestions.
By the way, it's Clearwing Yuta. Not Yuto.
I'm not gonna answer some things in order to avoid giving spoilers.
Ok, I will try to later check out GokaiSilver3511's account and stories when I have some free time.
Wait, what? The kunai-themed Kamen Rider is female?
Yeah, I agree. ex555's ideas sound cool.
yogaratw607: No, I have never watched Edens Zero.
Not sure yet about giving each elemental Ride Shuriken a weapon and fighting style of their own.
Kiriya will have learned the lesson. As for the Hanzo girls, some of them might try to 'pester' Yukio/Shinobi again in the future.
7: What?
Nope: I'm confused. Are you talking about Kamen Rider Hattari being jealous that Kamen Rider Shinobi/Yukio will be a 'Harem Guy'? If so, that won't happen since I plan to stick to the Yukio x Asuka pairing route. Not the harem one.
#2nd review: Maybe, I will think about it.
BlazeBlade: I see. Yeah, I could use something like that.
Felipe1402XZA: Ok, thanks! By the way, are you a Brazilian? Your name sounds like one.
Drcaus: Yes, your ideas seem fine. I will try to make good use of your suggestions.
Not sure why you gave Voice Actors to the Riders, I don't see the point of this for my story.
R-EWF: Yeah, Kamen Rider Hattari will be another male OC. I couldn't think either of a better name for the Shinobi Saber.
silverstudent: Thanks! Yeah, I know. I admit I'm not really sure if I will be able to make use of ecchi scenes in this story.
ex555: Those ideas all sound awesome! Thanks, I will try to make use of some of them if possible.
Mha Idea: Ok. But I don't think I'm the most suited guy to make this sort of story.
Dsxsk idea: Once again, I don't think I'm fit for this challenge either. The problem with this one is that I have never watched Kimetsu no Yaiba/Demon Slayer, so I have no idea what its main plot is about. I also currently have no interest in making a new story anytime soon.
Farhan Nugraha: Here's the chapter.
nahariyanash: Yeah, it's been a while. How about you? Are you also still writing your stories? Hope you are doing well.
Let's see...
Well, I have seen your suggestions. There is some stuff you mentioned that I can certainly make use of.
As for the four unnamed Kamen Riders that appeared in the Kamen Rider Shinobi spin-off, I will make them appear later in this story. Some will become allies of Yukio/Shinobi's group while others will become rivals that will try to get Twilight Scroll from the protagonist.
Right, I will probably fix the issues with my Ultraman GeeDxD story later when I have some time.
Thanks and good luck to you as well! Hope you check my Kamen Rider Dark Drive x MHA story later in case you're interested.
CREED6: Of course, this will not be a harem story. Definitely going for the Asuka x OC route.
ShadowNinja: Thanks!
Spitfire 377: Here's the chapter! Hope you enjoyed it.
So, what do you guys think? Please give me some reviews if possible.
If you are interested, please go check my other stories.
Also, thanks to everybody that followed, favorited the story and gave reviews.
See You Next Time