Many years ago, deep in the forests of Japan.
It was in the dead of winter, snow falling lightly to the ground, a thick blanket covering the grass and other foliage.
A man crouched several meters away from a sika deer. It had yet to notice his presence, and he prefered it to stay that way. The man was bundled in his hypothermic gi, keeping the cold away while offering maximum comfort.
On his face was a golden mask, with a hood pulled over it. His outfit was primarily black, with gold on his chest. Strapped to his back were two small swords. On his ankle was a knife. He drew the knife slowly.
Hanzo Hasashi had not been hunting in a while. His obligations to the clan prevented it, so he took the chance whenever he could. He took a few steps forward, but a branch snapped behind him. He froze, but it was too late. The deer was escaping.
His shoulders fell as he turned to look who ruined his hunting. A man in a cleanly pressed suit wrapped in a thick winter coat was approaching him. Hanzo's eyes narrowed in suspicion before getting to his feet.
The man in the suit held out a hand before stating, "General Hasashi-san. I'm from the Lin-."
"I know where you're from," Hanzo replied. He took his mask off and pulled down his hood, letting his shoulder length hair fall out. "What do you want?"
The man seemed taken aback by the interruption, but continued nonetheless. "I'm here on behalf of our Grandmaster."
Hanzo huffed in amusement. "What does he want?"
"To talk," the man replied. "About peace."
"Peace?" Hanzo shook his head and put his knife away. "We were having talks of peace between the two Grandmasters, were we not?"
"Grandmaster Oniro wishes to speak with you directly, Hasashi-san," the man added with a smile.
"Why me? I'm not the Grandmaster."
"No, you are not, but we feel as though you have a more… insightful outlook on life." The man coughed. "We think you would be much better at the negotiations than your Grandmaster. You want peace. So do we."
Hanzo thought for a minute. He hardly trusted the Lin Kuei. They were notorious for backstabbing and lying. But if this was a way to make peace, even if he was just walking into a trap. But he would be ready.
"I will speak to my Grandmaster about it," Hanzo replied. He placed his mask back on and threw up his hood.
"We gladly await your response, General Hasashi. I assume you know how to contact us?"
"I do." He motioned with his head for the man to go away. "Now leave."
"As you wish." The man left Hanzo.
The general of the Shirai Ryu stood there alone. Something about this did not seem right. But peace had to be made. No matter the cost. And if he had to risk walking right into a trap, then so be it.
"The Lin Kuei approached you?"
Hanzo nodded. Sitting in front of him was the Grandmaster, scratching his chin. He let out a loud sigh. "You should not trust them."
"I don't," Hanzo affirmed. "But the peace talks aren't going anywhere any time soon. This might be our only chance to maintain some sort of truce. It has to be done."
The Grandmaster cracked his knuckles and leaned back in his chair. "Oniro has something planned. I shall increase the guard post on the Shirai Ryu strongholds. I want snipers posted, as well as infantry hidden. If the Lin Kuei wish to start a war, we will give them one."
Hanzo nodded. "And what if there is a trap awaiting? Killing any Lin Kuei could instigate a war."
"I am afraid we are already at war," the Grandmaster sighed out. He rubbed his forehead. "You will be free to take lethal action. Strike fast and hard. Like a scorpion." He leaned forward. "But only as a last resort. Understand?"
Hanzo nodded. "Besides, I doubt the Yakuza would want a war in their backyard."
The Grandmaster chuckled. "That is also true. Now, go. Prepare your things. The meeting will be tomorrow."
"I assume the Shirai Ryu will be fine without me for the rest of the night?"
"Of course." The Grandmaster nodded. "Go home and rest. Spend the night with your family."
Hanzo bowed before leaving.
By the time he got home, it was already dark. Hanzo cursed himself as he walked through the front door of his home. He made sure to not make any noise as he walk through his living room. At this point everyone was most likely asleep.
He walked over to a cabinet and opened in. There were only a few hooks there, which Hanzo began placing his gear onto. Once his uniform and weapons were put away, he stood in front of them. He was shirtless, his chiseled chest glistening with sweat. He could smell himself, and it was not pretty. That was the price for being active all day. It was also because of the stress. His whole body ached at the thought of having to converse with that bastard, Oniro.
A part of him hoped it was Bi-Han they sent.
They might be able to get something accomplished then.
He stretched his shoulder out before making his way towards his room. He was looking forward to just resting with his wife. But first he had to make sure of one thing.
Walking near his son's door, he saw the television was still on and playing weird cartoons. Jubei called them "anime". Hanzo would never be able to understand what was going on. But he had a smile on his face and leaned his head against the doorframe.
He felt an arm wrap around his broad chest and almost jumped. Thankfully, it was just his wife. Kana stood beside him and leaned on his shoulder.
Hanzo said, "You let him keep the television on."
"He wanted to see you," Kana sighed. "He thought his cartoons would keep him awake."
"My father would have killed me if I left the television on."
"Your father would not have let you have the t.v. in your room to begin with."
Hanzo nodded in triumph. "Exactly." He walked in and turned the t.v. off. He sat on the edge of his son's bed. He rubbed the bridge of his nose.
Kana sat beside him and asked, "What's wrong?"
"The Lin Kuei," Hanzo replied, sighing deeply. "They seek an audience with me tomorrow. I do not trust them."
"Hanzo, look at me," Kana commanded, grabbing his face and turning it towards him. "It will be fine. The Shirai Ryu will protect us. We will still be here when get back."
"I know," Hanzo agreed. "It's just… I don't know. Most of me fears I'm walking into a trap."
"You can handle it," Kana assured him, rubbing his bicep. "Now, let's get to bed and not wake up Jubei."
"Why would we need to worry about waking him up?" Hanzo asked with a knowing smirk on his face. His face was only inches from hers.
Kana winked and said, "How about you come to our room and find out?" She gave him a quick kiss before scurrying out of their son's room.
Hanzo smiled. Right now, any worry about tomorrow was gone. He was just thankful for his family.
A/N: Okay, in case this confuses you, I've decided to retcon Scorpion's origin as told in MK: Rebirth. After this there will be a second part, detailing how Hanzo turned into Scorpion.