Ninja Legends 1

by CelestialGaze

What if you were part of the most hated clan in Japan? What if your parents were the most famous killers in your village? And what if...you never knew. Atari was adopted by the Lachapta family when he was born and lives to find his brother.

3. Chapter 3

Chapter 2

The Announcement

Atari and Ren placed their books in the designated areas and took their place in line with the other students. They stood straighter than soldiers, each with a look of seriousness. Master Genjin stood straight, even at his old and withered age. He pushed up his specks and fiddled with his grey beard as the Hokage entered the room. He delivered an important message:

"Only today, your schedules will be changed. We are starting the Chunin exam. They will consist of one-on-one matches between ninja. One will emerge victorious and move onto the next round. Only the people in the semifinals will graduate out of this school and become Chunin. However, the matches will continue after that to determine the school champion. This ninja will receive a medal, graduation certificate, and an automatic placement in the mission rankings. You all have trained hard, so I expect close matches. The matches are as follows:

Match 1- Hikaru Yamahu

Orchi Sahuna

Match 2- Nejeka Henara

Raouni Henara

Match 3- Ren Washinta

Tamari Genshin

Match 4- Kie Nappa

Saka Rahoman

Match 5- Atari Lachapta

Waya Toa

Match 6- Numa Restapla

Yoh Katta

Match 7- Kriet Uni

Eruka Seni

After telling the students their times, the Hokage led them to the gym. This gym was a fighting arena, with a balcony for spectators. Stairs were on both sides and it was against the north wall. The first match was Hikaru and Orchi. Hikaru looked confident as he proceeded down the stairs towards Master Garu, who was going to be refereeing this match. Orchi had a gleam of darkness and hatred in his eyes. When he heard his name he smirked and jumped form the balcony. He walked slowly, and right before he stopped to face Hikaru, he flashed a dark look at Atari that sent chills down his spine. It was as if Orchi was silently chuckling at Atari for something he didn't know. Orchi had heartless eyes, and when he spoke, he hissed like a snake. He had long, straight and sleek black hair that just added to the darkness and mystery already around him. He also wore a glove on his left hand, and it was cut so that his fingertips showed. However, just like Atari, he never said much, but preferred to just nod his head. Orchi took off his robe to reveal a curse mark just like Atari's, and on the same spot. At the moment he saw the curse mark, Atari's own curse mark began to throb with unstoppable pain. He placed his hand on it, but it only began to burn. When he looked at his palm, it was black and scorched form the burning curse mark. Atari quickly slipped on a glove just like Orchi's. The pain never lessened, but only got worse. He wore baggy pants and a sleeveless shirt that was torn at the shoulders. Around his waist were white bandages. Many layers and you could see a faint sign that blood was on the bandages behind them. They must have been replaced several times.

Must have gotten a serious injury in a fight thought Atari, because battle scars reigned on most of his arms. His arms were nothing but muscles. After flashing the dark glance again at Atari, Orchi turned his back on the other students and faced Hikaru. Master Genjin explained the rules.

"This is supposed to symbolize a real ninja battle; therefore, there are no set boundaries except staying in the gym. You will fight until one of you dies or admits defeat. However, since this is not a real battle, I will interfere when a true winner has been determined, to prevent unnecessary bloodshed. Now, take your positions please, and start on my mark…ready…fight!"

Master Genjin dropped his hand Hikaru sprang into action. That was odd. Thought Atari It's almost like he's known I've had the curse mark all along, and I've never told anyone…even Ren. And he has a curse mark too. He knew when I saw his curse mark, because he flashed another look at me. It's like we're connected…

Chapter 3

Hikaru VS Orchi

With amazing speed, Hikaru flipped threw the air only to have Orchi dodge his attack with ease. Moving his fingers to create hand signs, Orchi summoned a bunch of green, glittering snakes and he commanded them with his hand. They wrapped themselves around Hikaru's ankles and swiftly brought him down on his stomach. Orchi placed his foot on Hikaru's back only to provoke Hikaru to bounce away from the snakes and create the hand signs for the Fireball Jutsu. Putting two fingers out in front of his lips, Hikaru took in a deep breath and blew out millions of flames shaped like talking tongues. The flames scorched the snakes and despite his quickness, Orchi was scorched across the front of his bandages. However, Orchi was flying right at Hikaru. With the flexibility of a shadow, Orchi elbowed Hikaru's neck and grabbed his shoulders. In a hand stand position, Orchi bounced over Hikaru and began his dive. Hikaru dove out of reach just in time. However, the impact caused the ground to rumble, and cast Hikaru off balance. Creating hand signs once again, Orchi began to relax. The rumbling did not harm him, and he made Hikaru look mental. Suddenly, a giant cobra blasted threw the ground like shattering glass. Hikaru was standing just on the tip of its giant, glistening tongue. As the snake opened his mouth, Orchi propelled himself of the ground, swirling threw the air with two scrolls. Twirling them around wildly, Orchi made more hand signs. Hikaru was overcome by the snake and gracefully flipped off of its tongue just as a boulder, summoned by Orchi's jutsu, crashed down destroying the snake. Hissing softly, Orchi sprinted toward Hikaru. Hikaru nearly dodged the blow that would have been inflicted due to Orchi's glowing palm. Orchi turned around and again, used the two scrolls to summon many, many shuriken witch he threw at Hikaru with blazing speed. Hikaru began doing hand springs around the room, flipping wildly, to dodge everything thrown by Orchi. Soon, Hikaru grew tired and landing off balance. Just then Orchi stopped throwing shuriken and launched himself at the exhausted Hikaru. He flew like a bullet, and dragged Hikaru to the ground. When the dust cleared, Only Orchi stood, with dark, flaring eyes that resembled that of a snake. Hikaru lay on the ground, torn, bleeding, battered, and beaten.

Master Garu stepped forward and announced with laziness:

"This match is over. The winner of the first match is Orchi Sahuna. Orchi, you can proceed to the balcony to observe the other matches."

Genjin coughed and a pair of nurses rushed in with a stretcher. They lifted the limp body of Hikaru and carried him out. Atari became suddenly shaken and nervous. What if I'm next? That match turned out pretty bad…what if the same thing happens to me! While he thought this, the next match was posted.

As the next two combatants proceeded down the steps on opposite sides of the balcony, Orchi flashed another chilling look at Atari. Orchi hissed softly and disappeared out of the gym. I don't like the feeling of this. That Orchi guy scares me. And he's strong too. What if I'm up against him if I make it to the next round? Will I survive? And what of Ren? What if Orchi destroys him next? I won't let Orchi hurt Ren, even if it means not becoming a Chunin. Ren is my friend and I promise not to let anything happen to him.

Chapter 4

Nejeka VS Raouni

As the two combatants faced each other, you could see tempers flaring up between them. A student named Kriet ran up to the railing. A look of fear was in his eyes.

"Oh no…" Kriet muttered weakly, his knuckles turning white as he clenched the railing.

"What's so oh no about this match," asked Ren.

"You don't know? You're more stupid than you look Ren." Kriet glared at Ren.

"Well what is so bad about these two?" Ren repeated his question, with growing anxiety.

"These two combatants aren't just opponents…they're cousins." Kriet sighed.

An awkward silence seemed to echo throughout the room.

"Cousins? So they're relatives, big deal," Ren compiled backwards, resting his hands behind his head.

"And they're in the same clan…the Gengaru Clan. The thing is, Raouni's father was born first, putting Raouni's rank in the clan one step higher than Nejeka's. And since Raouni is higher than Nejeka, naturally, Nejeka became jealous. His jealousy drove him to train until he collapsed every day. Nejeka's life goal is to prove that he is stronger and better than Raouni. And he wants to achieve this because…Raouni is the heir to their clan. They are part of the same family, and Nejeka thinks he should be the heir instead of Raouni. Why it is so important to him, I don't know, but it is his goal. And now…Nejeka gets his chance to prove himself. He is against Raouni. However, Raouni is a coward, and runs from danger, while Nejeka stands and fights. This match will be promising for both of them. But the thing that worries me is that Nejeka has a dark nature. If he ruled the Gengaru clan, who knows what could happen. Hmm…but Nejeka was sworn not to bring the issue of their clan into the fight. Nejeka is the one we must not let win this competition. If he makes it to the next round and defeats Raouni, his father, Captain of the Gengaru Guard, will be here to watch. And if he wins, he might appoint Nejeka as heir to the Gengaru clan instead of Raouni. Then we would have a dark future."

This talk made Atari think about the clan he belonged to…the Amachi clan. Unlike the Gengaru, the Amachi were nearly wiped out a few years ago. The reason for the "Amachi wipe out" is unknown, but the Amachi clan has since rebuilt themselves. However, they are still the smallest in numbers. But the few Amachi that survived the wipe out are extremely powerful, and Atari happened to be one of them. But in his eyes, he was no more powerful than Nejeka, or Ren, or even Raouni.

Another thought suddenly occurred to him.

And the ones who survived the wipe out…had a curse mark implanted on them, and Orchi had one too!

A chill ran up Atari's spine as he thought about Orchi.

Genjin raised his hand as Nejeka and Raouni faced each other.

"So you are choosing not to run?" Nejeka smirked.

"Cousin Nejeka, I'm going to change and prove to you that I to, am one to be feared," replied Raouni with a sparkling confidence.

"Then your fate is sealed…" Nejeka sighed clasping his hands together in front of his chest. Raouni got into the same position as Master Genjin's hand dropped, signaling the start of the fight.

The cousins charged at each other with identical speed and precision. Their hands clashed, neither one of them willing to let the other succeed with a successful hit. Bouncing out of his combat stance, Raouni rotated in the air and pushed his heel against Nejeka's shoulder. Pushing off, Raouni danced threw the air into a perfect landing. After Nejeka regained his balance, they both made blurry hand signs. In unison they both used the Fireball Jutsu and the gym erupted in hungry flames. After the flames were extinguished, Raouni and Nejeka were hand in hand, pushed with little force. Nejeka then pounced forward and pushed Raouni backward.

"Come on Raouni! That was just a scratch! You can't let Nejeka win." Cheered Ren intensely.

"A scratch is all it would take," muttered Kriet.

"What do you mean?" Ren asked, withdrawing his built up energy.

"Unlike the ninjutsu that Restapla and I specialize in, which is all about bruises and broken bones, the Gengaru clan specialize in "Hefari" or "Gentle Fist." They are trained to propel their chakra into an enemy's body, and if they hit tiny points call "tennjutsu" they will halt the enemy's flow of chakra. This halt puts stress on the internal organs over time as the enemy continues to fight, and eventually breaks down. So they destroy the enemy from the inside. They're 361 tennjutsu on the body, and only if they are hit precisely does the chakra flow stop.

That is just what the Gengaru are specializing in. However, not every clan specializes in Hefari. Restapla and I are part of the Yekaky clan. Unlike the Gengaru, we specialize in "Token" or "Furious Fist". We are focused on building up our chakra and putting it to use in our attacks, which is why we cannot perform jutsus. One clan…the Amachi, do not specialize in anything. The Amachi are the most powerful clan, but are the smallest. They do both Hefari and Token, which makes them very powerful."

"Oh, so at one point…one of them will break down," recited Ren. "I just hope it isn't Raouni who breaks down first."

Chapter 5

A Small Change

Raouni stood and faced Nejeka. Both of them were breathing heavily. However, Nejeka was the first to move again. Raouni could hear Ren's obsessive cheering in the background. I will not run, I will not run, and I will not run." Raouni thought that over and over as his legs trembled. Without thinking, he charged in toward Nejeka. However, Nejeka just pushed him back with ease. After hearing another cheer from Ren, Raouni charged again, with more force. Using a technique he had learned when sparing with Atari, he rotated around Nejeka and kicked him from the back. Nejeka stumbled forward. When Raouni attempted it again, Nejeka had learned and blocked it with his wrist. He pulled Raouni in and pushed him back outwards. I can't win, he's to strong. Raouni thought desperately. However, Nejeka sprinted with an elf's speed and kicked Raouni backwards, sending flashes of color in his eyes. Maybe I should run…or quit while I still can stand. Thinking fast, Raouni avoided Nejeka's next attempt to stack him by flipping over.

As he whirled around, a sudden throb erupted with immense force in his heart. He clutched his chest, struggling not to scream. The pain grew stronger and stronger, engulfing everything inside him into an erupting volcano of pain. Raouni coughed a few times, trying to reclaim his breath. His legs trembled with sudden soreness. After a few coughs, even his throat throbbed. Every beat his heart made hurt. Raouni's eyes began watering. And in front of him, Nejeka smirked with his usual half smile.

"I warned you to run while you still could. And this is what happens when you don't listen to the wiser one, the older one." Nejeka smirked again and cracked his knuckles. He was amused by Raouni's suffering.

Raouni coughed again, and this time, blood spilled out of his mouth, covering his chin and dripping into a puddle on the floor. "I guess I'll have to finish it now." Nejeka smirked, delighted. He charged in with blazing speed and his palm struck where Raouni's hand covered. Blood exploded from Raouni's mouth, and he collapsed forward onto the gym floor.

The gym was silent. Ren was breathless. Kriet sighed again.

"See what I mean Ren? Raouni was destroyed from the inside."

"No…not Raouni…don't tell me that just happened to Raouni." Ren developed a lump in his throat that caused his throat to throb.

A memory engulfed Ren as he remembered Raouni when they first met, close friends just like him and Atari…but Raouni was a coward, always running from her mistakes and hiding from danger. Raouni was shy and friendly, and they had looked out for each other. But after a mission that Raouni had ran from, he would always be hard on himself, like Atari. Raouni would train harder than anyone after a mission, just to prove, more to himself, that he wasn't all that much of a coward. Nejeka always teased Raouni after he failed…not like he did any better on certain occasions. He made Raouni look horrible and feel terrible. And Raouni would always counter Nejeka's comments with:

"I'll change someday Nejeka, and then I'll take you down, because that's what a Gengaru clan member does."

Watching Raouni lay there…no hope, no purpose, and defeated, made Ren bubble with anger. Breaking the mourning silence, he shouted down:

"COME ON RAOUNI! YOU CAN'T LET THIS NEJEKA GUY BEAT YOU THAT EASILY! GET UP AND FIGHT! I KNOW YOU CAN BEAT HIM! REMEMBER WHAT YOU TOLD HIM YEARS AGO! "I'LL CHANGE SOMEDAY AND THEN I'LL TAKE YOU DOWN", THIS IS YOUR CHANCE! DON'T LET IT SLIP AWAY LIKE A COWARD! YOU CAN BEAT HIM! COME ON RAOUNI!"

"Give it up fool," Nejeka smirked confidently. "Raouni is done. That is the difference between the guard and the heir. The guard stands and fights, while the heir runs. I would not run, even if I was the heir. Raouni however, is a failure and could never stand and fight. Look at him now."

As Ren fell silent, ever so slowly, Raouni crept up from the ground. Blood covered his chin, and even his clothes were blood stained. As Raouni began to stand, he muttered with the little strength he had:

"I never…go back…on my word."

He lifted his head to reveal determination of the fearful sort. He glared at Nejeka and began to limp forward weakly.

"Wait Kriet," Ren signaled for him to return. Kriet abruptly asked:

"What?"

"What about Raouni's hits he had on Nejeka…he hasn't broken down yet."

"It's probably because Raouni's hits were to weak to halt Nejeka's chakra. Or Nejeka is using his chakra from the time Raouni was down to heal his wounds before they could make a difference."

Raouni snapped his palm forward but Nejeka clutched his wrist. He poked two of his fingers under his arm. Shock entered Raouni's awe stricken face. Nejeka then pulled back Raouni's sleeve to reveal many tiny little dots the size of pin points.

"You mean…from the beginning…when I kicked you…you hit my…tennjutsu?"

"Precisely," Nejeka replied confidently, throwing Raouni backward. Raouni flew gracefully threw the air and then landed on the floor. Struggling again, Raouni slowly stood up again.

"This is why I should be the heir. I am stronger, I am smarter, and I am braver than you. The guard triumphs over the heir, the one he is sworn to protect. DIE RAOUNI!"

Nejeka sprinted towards Raouni. Raouni looked prepared to receive the final blow. He thought to himself: Ren…thank you for your encouragement. And maybe…I managed to change…just a little bit. He had no will to fight anymore…however, he would not run. Just before Nejeka struck the final blow to Raouni's heart, Genjin blocked his way. Master Genjin placed his hand on Nejeka's forehead, stopping his motion.

"You promised not to bring your clan into this fight Nejeka. Therefore you are hereby-."

Raouni coughed and collapsed on the floor, blood spilling everywhere. The medical corps came rushing in with a stretcher as Ren and Atari jumped down from the balcony. Atari glared at Nejeka as they surrounded Raouni.

"Raouni are you alright? Come on you did great, not just anyone can stand up to Nejeka and do as well as you did." Ren encouraged.

"Raouni…" Atari mumbled.

Raouni was taken out on the stretcher and Atari and Ren went back up to the balcony. Nejeka was released and master Genjin declared Nejeka the winner.

Anger bubbled inside Atari. That dishonoring snob. How dare he insult Raouni like he is some sort of weakling? I swear on Raouni's bloodshed, that I will make it to the next round and defeat Nejeka. I vow to win!

Chapter 6

Windy Fans

The next match was ready to start, after Raouni's blood was cleaned up off the floor. Nejeka strutted up the stairs and was greeted by sheer silence. Everyone glared at him except Kriet. Kriet smiled and they exchanged high fives, but then Nejeka disappeared to another area of the balcony. Atari flashed a look at Ren.

"You're next Ren, good luck." Atari smiled at him and Ren gave him confident thumbs up.

"Don't worry Atari; I'll be up here in no time, with a victory on my shoulders! And I'll have fun doing it." Ren replied smiling as he hopped over the railing and landed silently on the gym floor. Tamari proceeded down the stairs slowly.

"I have to fight you? This is such a drag." Tamari complained.

"I'd like to see you try to beat me." Sneered Ren confidently. Atari clutched the railing so hard that his knuckles turned white. Don't get to confident Ren. Tamari is a master of fan fighting, so close combat is a bad idea. Master Genjin dropped his hand to start the match.

"A confident little punk aren't you?" Tamari smirked and drew out two of her four fans. On shimmered blue and the other glowed red. "I'll make it quick and painless."

"I will make it short, but I can't promise it'll be painless." Ren drew two shurikan.

Whipping the fans in odd directions, Tamari began focusing her chakra. Ren sat and waited. When the fans began to glow a bright radiant yellow, Ren jumped into the air, and like a flexible shadow, began to spin around firing shurikan from many angles. With ease, Tamari whipped all the shurikan away, only to fire them back at Ren. The shurikan scratched him u god, and set him sprawling threw the air. After the dust cleared. There was no body. Tamari began to search the area. Atari smirked as he witnessed Ren using his chakra to suspend himself up on the ceiling. When Ren believed Tamari's guard was down enough, he launched himself at Tamari's from behind. Amazingly, Tamari whipped a fan right across Ren's cheek. Ren rolled a few times before laying motionless on the ground. Ren got up with a pain shrilling up his right arm. Atari watched helplessly as Tamari whipped Ren around like a beaten dog.

"Come on Ren…you have to beat her." Atari whispered.

"Did you say something?" Kriet wondered flashing Atari a curious look.

"Um…no-it was nothing." Sputtered Atari anxiously watching Ren get severely beaten up.

After a while of waiting, Ren finally began making hand signs and flashing a series of kicks, punches and rolls at Tamari. Her fans seemed to block every attack. But as Ren flipped over Tamari and attempted a kick witch was blocked, He jabbed a shurikan into her fan. The paper-like material split apart to allow the cold metal to slip in. Ren finally had discovered the secret to al of Tamari's blocking. She uses her fans to create a wind tunnel, and that blocks all my attacks. Ren did the same to the other fan; however, Tamari slashed at Ren's stomach and caused blood to spill out. Tamari dropped her two ruined fans and strutted toward Ren. Ren clutched his injured stomach and launched himself at her, holding a kunine knife in the other hand. They clashed weapons and continued to slash at each other, neither of them giving in to the power of the other. Ren ducked down and wrapped his ankle around Tamari's and caused her to fall on her back. He then flipped over her making hand signs.

"Fireball Jutsu!" Shouted Ren as he flipped again over Tamari. When he was level with her body, he blew out the hungry flames that billowed to the ground. Tamari flipped up and kicked his mouth, having squirts of blood appear at his chin and lips. "Is that all you got? I expected more from someone like you." Ren taunted. His taunting succeeded and he drove Tamari in to the ground with a "Furious Fist" jutsu. As Ren slid to a stop. Tamari popped up from the ground and fired three glowing shurikan at Ren. He used his momentum to carry himself over the flying shurikan and fired three kunine of his own. The kunine pierced Tamari's shoulder and she clutched it as blood spewed out onto her clothes. Ren took no rest and he bounced off the ground and flew at Tamari with extraordinary speed. His foot made a loud thwack against her back and she stumbled forward, trying to catch her breath. Ren attempted this again, but only to have himself flying threw the air getting pounded by many fists. Ren quickly recovered from this and used all of his previously built up chakra to make quick hand signs that appeared a blur to Tamari. "Ancient Art of Summoning…sick 'hem boys!" And all at once, as if they appeared out of the very shadows Tamari created, came many ninja dogs.

These dogs were especially trained to sniff out enemies and drugs within one's belongings. They could also become a valuable ally to the ninja who summoned them in battle. The dogs pounced on Tamari, dragging her down to the ground, barking, biting, ripping, tearing, until she was nothing but a motionless heap on the gym floor. The dogs disappeared into the shadows and Tamari still lay motionless.

Blood covered her and even the area around her was soaked in gleaming blood. Master Genjin cleared his throat and was going to announce Ren the winner when Tamari crept up from the ground. Ren suddenly had a change of heart…as he pictured Raouni creeping up slowly from the ground when he had versed Nejeka. Ren felt cold and heartless, and a little bit more and more like Nejeka. Ren ran over and helped Tamari to her feet. With as much heartlessness as Nejeka, Tamari ungratefully accepted his help, but after she could support herself alone…WHACK! She slapped Ren across the face, sending him sprawling threw the air and flat on his stomach.

"I'm sorry, but I couldn't help but take advantage of your foolishness. You should know never to let your heart overcome your duties." Tamari smirked with a demon nature surrounding her. Ren crept up, only to get beat more severely then before. Doing slower hand signs this time, Ren released one final jutsu.

"I learned…this one…from Atari. Multiple Shurikan Jutsu!" Ren weakly hopped and began firing tons of glowing shurikan at Tamari. They spun around her, as if taunting her to come at them. Finally they backtracked and went directly inward. Dust clouded Tamari's bloody figure. You could here the clashes of kunine against shurikan, and at the same time, here scratches of shurikan piercing the flesh. After all the shurikan had vanished, Tamari and Ren both lay as bloody heaps on the gym floor. Master Genjin stepped forward and declared with a lazy voice:

"To determine the winner of the match, the first one to stand and raise their hand wins. If no one does it within a minute both combatants lose. Begin!"

40 seconds ticked by and both of them were building up enough chakra to stand. Tamari was the first to move. Ren observed in dismay. Tamari took about another 10 seconds off the clock trying to stand, and when she weakly began to raise her hand…her chakra ran out. She collapsed again never to move for a while. This was Ren's last chance.

"Come on Ren!" Cheered Atari from the balcony.

Ren crept up from the floor…10 seconds left. He stumbled trying to regain his balance…5 seconds left. And after finally determining that he had no chakra left, he threw his hand weakly into the air…1 second left. He collapsed into the same position as Tamari. Master Genjin stepped forward again and declared Ren the winner upon raising his hand before the time ran out, before Tamari, and before he collapsed.

The medical corps came in with two stretchers and they lifted both Ren and Tamari into them. Ren arms lay limply out of the stretcher and when he passed Atari he gave a weak thumb up. Atari smiled.

Kie blushed at Atari as he glanced at her. He waved supporting and she thought she would faint. He's looking at me. Atari is really looking at me. He's supporting and waving at me too! I just hope I win…and maybe I can ask him out afterward.

Chapter 7

Love Conquers All

Kie shyly approached Master Genjin but glared at Saka. Kriet finally had guts enough to explain this to Atari, who looked totally confused.

"She hasn't told you or anyone else…but she has a crush on you. She is constantly distracted in class by it, and did you notice how she blushed at you when you glanced at her? However, you have more than Kie who like you. Saka and Kie where friends when they were little. But as soon as they both saw you, they became bitter rivals. Don't you see? They both have a crush on you Atari! Don't tell me you still can't see it."

"Now that you mention it…I can," replied Atari with a sudden awkwardness. Love…not an idea but a presence yet a noun.

Down below on the battlefield, Kie and Saka were facing each other exchanging harsh glares.

"I won't let you take Atari from me," growled Kie.

"What made you think he would want you?" Sneered Saka.

"I don't know," replied Kie.

"Let's battle for keeps then, winner gets three days to get Atari…and the loser cannot see or speak to him for three days. Once the three days are up though, it's fair play for both of us." Saka challenged with a smirk of confidence.

"Deal, but no crying when I win," Kie and Saka shook hands on their proposal and finally began battling. At first, both fighters just fired kunine and shurikan at each other, each blocking the other's blows. However, finally Kie gave up on throwing and threw herself threw the air. She began building up her chakra as he flipped and landed. She made blurry hand signs and charged in, to make sure her jutsu hit directly. "Falcon Punch Jutsu!" Kie's fist glowed red and she made a direct jab into Saka's stomach. "LIKE I SAID BEFORE, I WILL NOT LET YOU TAKE ATARI FROM ME!" Saka flew limply threw the air and Kie went underneath her, propelling Saka even farther upward in the air. Finally Saka decided not to get pushed around and rolled to the side while Kie flew in front of her. Although they were both suspended in the air, Saka managed to whip Kie around like a rag doll. Kie was thrown into the ground, having the ground rumble with disturbance as she made painful contact with it. Saka, although also battered and bruised, landed perfectly and dusted herself off with a sure confidence. She smirked as the dust cleared and reveal Kie lying on the ground, seeming with no will left to fight. However, Kie was not to be done that easily. Her muscles ached dreadfully, but not enough to keep her out of this fight.

"Why don't you just give up now and spare yourself the humiliation. And not only are you losing…but you're losing in front of Atari!"

I'll never give up, especially to you Saka, because the one I've admired for so long, being inspired by watching his fights countless times…is finally watching me, thought Kie as she struggled to maintain her balance. She flashed a reassuring glance at Atari, whom was completely calm and silent. He is going to be a great ninja someday, because he follows the Ninja Code completely. He never shows emotion, unless he is alone with Ren, that lucky boy, always able to hang out with such a sweet, cute boy like Atari. Even now, he isn't taking sides…yet. I hope he cheers when I win.

Saka began charging in again. "What a bad time to let your mind wander in daydreaming about Atari!" Kie was batted around again, receiving blows almost to her tennjutsu. Atari slightly flinched every time Saka came dangerously close to hitting Kie's tennjutsu. I really, really don't want to have to see another turnout like Raouni's. Kie sensed Atari's worry and quickly threw Saka into the nearby gym mat. Saka then was throw and punched severely in the cheeks whole she was pinned to a straw training dummy. Saka fell to her knees, coughing blood. Kie, like Ren, pictured Raouni, doing the same. Even though Kie had never been close to Raouni as Ren had, she still felt companionate towards his turnout. However, Kie was not so desperate to run to Saka's aid, as she was her rival.

'Who's the loser now? Why don't you give up?"

"Because…I'm stronger than you!" Saka bounced off the ground and made blurry hand signs. "This battle ends now!" A white ghostly figure spilled out of Saka's mouth and her body collapsed on the ground. Kie was paralyzed with fear and the figure dipped itself into her mouth. Kie collapsed and the student and Master Genjin waited silently.

No…not this jutsu, thought Atari, his eyes wide with cold terror. Not the Spirit Possession Jutsu.

Chapter 8

A Spiritual Interference

Both bodies lay motionless for what seemed like an eternity. Atari's throat had an iron lump causing his neck to become red and throb with anxiousness. Still, neither bodies moved, but Master Genjin made no notion to stop the match. Kriet gulped and as if it was their cue, both bodies began to stand, moving at identical, slow speeds. Atari's eyes got wide with horror and amazement. Kie's hand raised first, while Saka's stumbled around with dizziness. Atari finally realized the cold, unbearable truth. Saka had transferred her spirit over into Kie's body, making Kie's spirit transfer over to Saka's. However, Kie is dizzy because she is getting used to the new body and systems, while Saka is completely confident in Kie's body. So now before them, was Saka commanding Kie's body to raise her hand and forfeit the match!

"I, Kie Nappa, announce in front of all of you gathered here, hereby declare that I-"

"Don't say it Kie! Use Saka's body to knock her spirit out of your body. You can't forfeit this match. No, you can't lose to Saka! I don't know why you guys are making such a grudge out of this, but you don't want to be remembered as the one that lost to her rival via forfeit! Come on Kie! You're stronger than this!" Atari shouted with a force strong enough to propel a mountain across the Pacific Ocean. Saka's body finally stopped stumbling around and stood with a confident firmness.

"You're right Atari! I CAN do this!" Kie shouted and drove Saka's elbow into her own gut.

The attack drove Saka to the floor coughing. Instead of attacking again, that same ghostly figure spilled out of Kie's body and Kie gracefully departed from Saka's. Both bodies collapsed again. That's it Kie…fight your heart out. And whatever you do don't forfeit. Thought Atari smiling.

"Do you have some feelings for Kie Atari?" Asked Kriet.

"Huh? Me? Heck no! I just can't stand watching someone lose by forfeiting." Replied Atari with a sureness so Kriet would understand he was not lying.

"Oh, because you never speak that loud unless it's important." Kriet stated matter of factly.

By that time, both bodies with their correct spirits had risen. Kie glared at Saka as she appeared tired from the use of all that chakra in one shot. Saka swayed from side to side as if she was drunk. Kie strode up and placed her first to fingers on Saka's forehead to stop her from rocking. Saka just stared into space. Kie smirked and lightly tipped Saka backward. With no chakra, or will to fight, Saka willingly fell backwards, landing with a slap on the gym floor. Her eyes shut slowly, and Master Genjin declared Kie the winner. Kie smirked at Saka's body. She had her correct spirit, and she appeared as if sleeping. The medics rushed her out so the matches could continue. But before she departed fully, Kie whispered:

"Atari's mine…and he saw what I did to you."

The other combatants cheered, except Atari. He just stared down at her thinking: Good job Kie. I knew you could do it. Kie then proceeded up the stairs and had the guts to stand next to him. Kriet nudged Atari and he turned to face her. "Hi Atari, did you see my match? Did you think I did well? What do you think of Saka?" Atari tuned her out as she spit a bunch of pointless questions. But when she finished he answered:

"Yeah…you did well." Kie smiled brightly and blushed again.

"Thanks for the support I needed it. If you hadn't said anything I would have lost terribly. You know when I was fighting,-"Atari tuned her out again except for her last sentence which was: "I was wondering…you know, if you were free and everything…if…me and you…I mean…you and I would like to…you know…um…go to the woods together? I'll pack dinner for both of us. And I know of a great picnic spot we can eat at. It's right near the river, and maybe you can share some of your combat secrets with me. You know, the ones you tell Ren and your other friends. And maybe you can teach me a few jutsus after we eat." Atari thought for a while before answering.

"Yeah…sure…I'll come."

"Thanks, I'll meet you outside of the training grounds, and don't worry, I'll tell Haro and Garu about our little date." Kie skipped away happily thinking: I did it! I asked him out! And he said yes! Won't Saka just burst into jealousy once she finds out about this? And maybe, he'll ask me to be his girlfriend.

Meanwhile, Atari whipped his sweaty brow and thought to himself: Date? I just agreed to a date? We're just having dinner and training together, that's not a date. A date would be to the ramen or soba shop, not to the woods. I know why Kriet says she likes me, and I now know it's true. Women, I still don't fully understand them.

Chapter 9

Waya, a Boy of Mystery

Atari gulp and clutched his sword, witch was still tied to his back. He checked and made sure he had his weapons before untying his backpack and handing it to a delighted and peppy Kie, whom wished him good luck and leaned in attempting to kiss him. Atari proceeded down the stairs before she could plant a wet one on his cheek. I'm against Waya; ok…I'm versing a guy whom I've never seen his real face!

And that was true, because Waya was part of the Jenko clan, or the "Masked Warriors," a mask was placed on his face when he was born. Not even his parents have ever seen his real face. He is forbidden to ever take it off, even in his sleep. So Atari was to verse someone whose face has never been seen, but only the surface of his mask. Nervousness gripped him with tightness that shortened his breaths as he walked down the balcony stairs. I can't lose, I just can't lose. If I lose now, I'll fail the Chunin exam. I won't let that happen.

He faced Waya, or at least what could be seen of Waya's face, which was two eye slits that were so small, only his black pupil could be seen. Neither combatant said anything. Atari heard Kie's cheering in the background. She yelled "go Atari" in a loud and clear voice. After her match, it seemed she had grown bolder. He thought this because before her match, she had merely blushed and walked down the stairs, while now she would cease to stop talking to him. Master Genjin looked at both of them and signaled the start of the match.

Waya wasted no time getting in three secure hand signs. However, his Fireball Jutsu was a waste of chakra as Atari flipped threw the air more graceful and elegant than a flexible shadow. He landed perfectly and dodged another Fireball Jutsu that was fired again. However, as Atari approached the ground, he whipped around another 180 degrees and fired three glowing shurikan of his own. Two of the shurikan were blocked while the third just cut open his sleeve. His skin was pure white. That was another factor no one had ever seen from Waya, or anyone in the Jenko clan. They covered their whole bodies, but their priority was covering their face. A small river of blood trickled down Waya's arm, but he paid it no regard. Building up more chakra, Waya released a Rapid Fire Jutsu, in which the attacker spins around faster than the speed of sound and fires shurikan 1 in 0.2 second. Shurikan constantly followed Atari, just like Kie always followed him. He was always just one breadth of a second away from getting cut by the cold blades. Finally Waya stopped, and stumbled around. Atari took this moment to his advantage and charged in with a kunine grippe din his hand. However, Waya was dizzy, not drunk, and Waya was quick enough to grab a kunine of his own and block Atari's attack. Their kunine stayed connected for a moment before the two bounced backwards and skidded across the gym floor. They paused before charging in once again, swiping, slashing, clocking, and cutting at each other. They seemed to move identically, because each attack was the same, and always had no effect on the opponent's body. After almost 5 minutes of kunine action, both combatants bounced back once again and took a few deep breaths to calm down their nerves. They threw their kunine knives aside and Atari immediately thought about his next move. I should try aiming for his weak spot…but what is his weak spot? In History class we did go over how the Jenko clan believes their mask is their source of power. Maybe I should attack the mask! Waya darted in towards Atari and jabbed his elbow into his ribs. Atari fell backwards and coughed a little. Waya stood in front of him and taunted him. Atari stood up and darted in and they exchanged punches and strikes. This time, Atari landed a direct strike with the palm of his hand on the bottom of Waya's chin. Blood squirted onto the gym floor and dripped from the bottom of the mask. Atari charge din again and drew five shurikan, they all pierced Waya's delicate skin directly, and then with the shurikan distracting him, Atari landed a full fledged spinning roundhouse kick striking Way's left cheek. Atari skidded to a stop. Waya did not look amused by this. He was relaxed, and almost over confident that he would emerge victorious in the match. I will not let that happen Waya, I'm sorry you had to face me so soon, thought Atari as they exchanged another handful of kicks, punches, blocks and occasion flying kunine and shurikan. After another 15 minutes of firing attacks, both combatants were torn and bloody, and both had fought hard. They both breathed deeply and relaxed, but never took their eyes off each other. Another exciting exclamation of "go Atari" echoed throughout the gym during the time in which they rested.

This kid is well rounded in every aspect. Even my Amachi techniques do not faze him. This kid, Waya, is from the Jenko clan, and they study an art called Ritachi, which uses illusions to fool their opponent. I'm 100 filled with Amachi blood, and they study all three arts to the smallest detail. So why hasn't he used any Ritachi jutsus? He has no definite battle strategy. Waya is truly a boy of mystery.