Chapter 1 – Abduction

March 9th, Kyushu Island, Mizayaki Prefecture, Japan…

The sun began to set along the horizons of the mountains. Kunitmitsu returned to her hut after gathering more food for her child. This time she stole the food from a rich man's home from a nearby city. She was sure that her trail couldn't be trace down by ordinary people. Yet, something didn't feel right. The baby couldn't be heard playing or crying once Kunimitsu stepped inside. She carefully put down the bags full of food, unsheathing her weapon, to investigate the baby's room. With haste, Kunimitsu opens the door and sees someone rocking the baby to sleep. It appeared to be someone from the Manji Clan. Kunimitsu wasn't sure of this, but she had to know.

Kunitmsu: "What are you doing here? Who are you?"

Intruder: "Just keeping an eye on your baby. Since you're never around to know what's he's doing."

Kunimitsu: "Put him down now! Or I will cut your neck in half! Do you hear me?"

Intruder: "I don't think so, and besides I've made up my mind that this baby belongs to me now."

Kunimitsu angrily runs, but the intruder just set up a smoke bomb trap. The bombs are set off, so Kunimitsu couldn't advance any further. The intruder exits the room from the window. She struggled to breathe, but Kunimitsu got out of there in a hurry. The smoke finally cleared the area, and Kunimitsu was surrounded outside by the intruder and her cronies. What surprised Kunimitsu, was that these men were ninjas from the Manji Clan. Now why were they here?

Kunimitsu: "Manji scum! Let go of my boy or else!"

Intruder: "Why don't you take a hike before my boys skewer you to death! Kill her!"

Manji ninja: "Yes Zukumimefu."

The Manji warriors went into formation to strike Kunimitsu with one of their main attacks, the Yama Hoppo. All four ninja connected in rapid pace upon Kunimitsu's body. Her reactions were not fast enough, as she was cut in several areas throughout her legs and arms. She back flipped towards the hut to recover once more. Their techniques improved tremendously, she thought. The Manji were usually not the best ninja when it came to team attacks. But these ninjas were serious, and disciplined. It was a strange experience to be a part of, but Kunimitsu's time was getting wasted here. So she reached behind her pouch to spray her poison mist. The ninjas didn't know what Kunimitsu was stalling for so they all attempted the Yama Hoppo once again. However, that did not work this time.

A mist quickly poured out from Kunimitsu's breath covering the area of the hut. The ninjas who attacked were suddenly suffocating under their masks. It was too late. Their body temperature would elevate up to the boiling point, and it would be enough to kill them all. Kunimitsu leaped high onto the tree canopy and avoided the poisonous spread. Her injuries were minor, but they would have to wait, because her son was in serious trouble.

Kunimitsu (Pursuing her trail.): "I'll torture that woman slowly for taking my son. He's mine!"

3 hours later, Kagoshima, Japan…

After traveling some 70 kilometers pursuing the mysterious ninja's trail, Kunimitsu finally reached the city of Kagoshima. It was her first time in this city since she lived on the other side of the island. That would not stop her from finding her son, so she continued her pursuit into the central business district. In one of the alleyways she found a sock, with looked like it belonged to her little boy. However, Kunimitsu felt an ominous presence. From her backside she turns around before getting knocked over by a laser blast. The pain felt like getting hit by a baseball. Kunimitsu rose back on her she was obviously tired and still battered from her earlier fight. When she gazed at the being that shot at her, she couldn't believe her eyes. The figure was not human, but an android, and a familiar one at that.

Kunimitsu: "It can't be! Prototype Jack!"

Of course, Prototype Jack wasn't made for communicating audio, but he was commanded to eliminate Kunimitsu on sight. His chest opened up to shoot missiles upon the kunoichi. This was bad because Kunimitsu was still stunned by the laser blast. She was unable to move because of her weakened legs.

Kunimitsu (losing strength): "Damn. I can't move away!"

Out of nowhere a projectile blast hits the wall on the left side of the alleyway. The debris topples Prototype Jack before he could even get out of the way. The android was unable to move due the weight of the debris. Before Kunimitsu knew it, she was picked up and carried away. The person throws a grenade from behind as he jumps out of the alleyway before it exploded.

Man: "That outta take care of him!"

Kunimitsu saw a glimpse of the man's face. She knew this man from the last King of Iron Fist Tournament, but she lost consciousness while being carried.

7 hours later, on Sakurajima Island…

Kunimitsu finally wakes up from passing out earlier. Her mask still on her face, but she noticed there were bandages around her arms and legs. Her spandex outfit was gone, so a nightgown covered her body. Before she could get up the door opens, revealing daylight. A woman opens the door, carrying food. The woman was surprised to see the patient wake up, but it was good sign that Kunimitsu was okay.

Woman: "Good morning. I didn't think you would get up so soon. But I did make you some food to eat. Hope you like toast and orange juice."

Kunimitsu: "What? Where am I?"

Woman: "Here you go." (Places the food tray over Kunimitsu's bed.) "I'll tell Lars that you are up ok."

Kunimitsu: "Lars? This is…"

Woman: "A temporary hideout for our forces, the Paladins. Wait right there ok?"

Kunimitsu just sat there, still in confusion. But she was more worried about her baby than anything else. Did she really have time to waste sitting around? Kunimitsu insisted on getting out of bed to escape. If Lars did save her life, she was grateful for it, but she needed to continue searching. With just the nightgown on, Kunimitsu cracked open the door. Making sure the coast was clear, she swiftly leaves out the cottage. There were several tents and fighter jets along the rocky beach coastline. This must have been their camp along the island. A boat would be most suitable for a quiet getaway. After some searching, Kunimitsu did finally find a boat near a small dock. She was just about to climb abroad until a familiar voice surprised her.

Lars: "You're leaving without saying thanks?"

Kunimitsu (shrieks.): "Lars?"

She turns around to see Lars just above the cliff overlooking the dock. He calmly leaps in the air and lands on the dock in a smooth fashion. After fixing his weird hairstyle, he looks at Kunimitsu in relief and begins to talk with her.

Lars: "I had a feeling you would run off. So I tracked you down myself." (Smiles.)

Kunimitsu: "I have no time to waste. My son was kidnapped by some Manji scum. So if you will excuse me…"

Lars (Surprised.): "A son? Wait, you're a mother?"

Kunimitsu: "Yes I am."

Lars: "Who is the father?"

Kunimitsu (irritated.): "I'm not telling you! Nobody should know!"

Lars: "Ok, but you should know my team is tracking down the Manji Clan. They've broken many crimes against humanity over the past year. We can help find your son, so don't be so feisty with me."

Kunimitsu: "Don't get the wrong idea pal. I owe you for saving my life, but my feelings tell me to look for my son by myself. Thanks for the offer, but I'm not a team player." (Drifts off on the boat.)

Lars (Disappointed.): "Kunimitsu."

The leader of the Paladins helplessly watches a good lead on the Manji Clan float away on the small boat back to Kagoshima. Did this woman always acted in such a selfish manner, Lars thought. No wonder she gave Raven fits. Speaking of Raven, perhaps he could be of good use in the chase down of the Manji Clan criminals. Lars still had Raven's wristcom number, so it wouldn't hurt to talk with him about the investigation.

Meanwhile near a subway station in Kagoshima…

The thief of Kunimitsu's son was a new recruit in the Manji Clan who quickly rose up in the ranks as a jonin. Her codename was Zukumimefu (or Zuku). She happened to join the clan right after the death of Yoshimitsu the 16th. Zuku's experience as an assassin caught the attention of the next Manji Clan leader, Yoshimitsu the 17th. It didn't take long for Zuku to learn the basics of the Manji style and moving up in the command chain. Her outfit shared some similarities with Kunimitsu's spandex outfit, except she wore a sika deer mask with gold and black lines outlying the facial patterns. Her hair was dyed gold only at the tip ends to match her mask colors. Not the most menacing look for a thief, but she was still hot none the less. Zuku was about to deliver the goods (meaning the baby) over to a group of Spetnaz soldiers who awaited her arrival at the station.

Spetnaz soldier 1: "Did you get the child as promised?"

Zukumimefu: "Hai. Here he is safe and sound. You boys better not damage him until I make it to Russia. You got that?" (Exchanges the baby to the soldiers.)

Spentaz soldier 1: "Of course. We will tend to this boy's health until you and your leader arrive at our base in 9 days. Here is your payment."

Zukumimefu (takes the money.): "Wonderful. Alright, take care of my friend. I will see you all in Russia on the 18th."

Spentaz soldier 2: "Yes you will."

The soldiers left for the next train bound for Fukuoka. From there they would rendezvous back to their home country. The Manji Clan completed their last contract with the Spetnaz army to deliver the final child for preparations of their latest experiment involving the resurrection of an old fabled legend.

For the next chapter, Lars meets up with Raven to tell him about Kunimitsu. Kunimitsu recovers from her wounds while tracking down her son once again. The Spetnaz soldiers have the baby at their camp in Siberia for further testing. Then Zafina finds out more about why Dragunov is kidnapping babies. Stay tuned. Some music to set the mood.

Kuroko No Basket – Misdirection

Ninja Scroll TV – Ninja Femme Fatale

Onimusha 3 – Sakai Village

Death Note – Yotsuba Group