Chapter 10
Waya's Secrets Are Revealed!
After a few minutes of recovery, the combatants faced each other again. Waya placed his hands together and made hand signs in an order Atari had never seen.
"This has been a good fight Atari, and you are a worthy opponent. No one has ever pushed me this far as to use my secret technique. This battle ends with this jutsu; Human Reflection Jutsu!" Waya went on his knees and summoned a lot of mist to cover the gym floor. The mist became thicker and thicker and Atari soon lost sight of Waya. He looked around him franticly. Don't panic Atari, use your head. Summon your chakra to sense his presence. As Atari thought this, he heard noises as if something was being assembled. He looked around and only saw mist, layers upon layers of thick, choking mist. Atari soon began to choke from the lack of air this mist provided. However, he soon found that the mist was clearing.
He looked around him to see nothing changed…but Waya had disappeared. He could see Kie clutching the rail to tight that her knuckles turned white as his had when Ren had fought. After a few choking moments of awkward and nerve wrecking silence, Atari was summoned off the ground. It took him a few seconds to realize he was being pulled by none other than Waya. He made a stretch and rotated just enough so that he kicked Waya's head, which tore his grip off him. But instead of falling, Atari still flew for another two seconds, only slower. Waya just shattered into millions of little wood chips. Waya used a Replacement Jutsu, Atari realized this too late as the front of his shirt was torn as a blurry black figure ripped across him. Atari was hovering in place as one black figure turned to two, and two turned to four and so on. Soon, Atari was being massacred by tons of black figures. They moved so fast they seemed to bounce. As Atari was being battered and bruised, he noticed many icy mirrors planted around him. He finally solved Waya's little jutsu. His jutsu placed many mirrors around me, so that he could drag me up into the air and then batter me around. So that means, he is just bouncing off the mirrors, he's not summoning these black figures. They are all Waya moving at extremely fast speeds! Now, after realizing this, he soon devised a plan to get him out of Waya's jutsu.
Using the propulsion of Waya's attacks, Atari flipped himself so that he was facing the ground. Although the was still hit hard, Waya's attacks kept him afloat, so his plan could carry out successfully. When a black figure passed underneath him, Atari jabbed his heel into the figure's neck. Atari was not totally right, because Waya had used another replacement jutsu. As the first figure shattered into woo chips, a second figure passed above him. Atari stretched into a split and kicked the second figure which also shattered into wood chips. A third passed behind him and Atari grabbed onto it. It flew him straight into the mirror and Atari fell to the floor. He coughed as Waya hit the floor beside him. Waya bounced up again and reached for Atari's neck. He thought fast; Waya's gone mad! He's not just trying to win…he's trying to kill me! As his cold fingers clutched Atari's neck, a sudden throb erupted in his neck. No…not now…please not now. The curse mark is eating my chakra! Growing desperate not just to win but to survive, Atari gathered all of his chakra and delivered a powerful punch to Waya's mask. Waya's grip was dropped and Atari fell to the ground, clutching his neck as the throbbing grew stronger, and stronger. However, despite the severe pain, Atari kept watch on Waya as he stumbled backwards…the mask shattered!
Waya's face was young and lush. It was pure white, from never being exposed to the sun. His eyes were amber brown, and his hair was cut to fit the mask shape in the front. However, he had a deep scar running down his temple. Blood trickled down his face. Atari was stunned and silent although he would have screamed form all the throbbing the curse mark produced. Even Kie was silent and stunned her mouth wide open like everyone else. Waya slowly drew a spare mask, identical to the first, out of his pocket and placed it on top of his young face that flourished with radiance. He soon looked exactly as he had before. Fragments of the first mask were scattered throughout the gym floor. "That was quite a punch Atari, I'll give you that. But you will pay for dishonoring me. How dare you reveal my face when it is forbidden?"
Atari struggled to maintain consciousness as the pain seemed to engulf his mind. No…I will not let it win this time…not again.
Chapter 11
Fighting Himself: Atari Struggles With His Curse Mark
Thought Atari as Waya darted in for the kill with more strength and determination than before. Waya grabbed Atari's shirt and dragged him up into the air as Waya was being propelled by his build up chakra in the soles of his feet. On the way up, Atari noticed tiny curse marks growing on his skin.
When this had happened before, Atari was only 4 or 5 years old, and was just learning simple jutsus and fighting techniques. According to his teachers and fellow students, he had become spotted with black marks. His eyes had turned red, and he could no longer control his actions. He basically became possessed by the curse mark, although it gave him power that was of the charts. It seemed to eat away at him and finally receded, leaving him lying as a collapsed heap on the floor. From that day on, Atari vowed never to let the curse mark overcome him again, because he had almost strangled Ren in his madness.
As the tiny curse marks began to cover his skin, Atari felt his own mind slipping away. It was as if another mind was coming in as a substitute for his own, but he had no idea who's or what's mind it was and what it intended to do while it was in control of his body. However, the pain was draining his chakra and making his resistance weak. Thinking only about the curse mark at the time, Atari flipped out of Waya's grip and kicked his left cheek as he had before on the ground screaming:
"I WILL NOT JUST SIT BACK AND LET IT CONSUME ME!"
Atari forced the substitute mind out and bulged up all his remaining chakra to focus on exterminating the curse marks…and amazingly, one by one, they began going back to the original curse mark. Using the last of his energy, Atari clutched Waya's shoulders and plunged his back into the gym floor, sending cracks all over the place where he landed, creating a crater. Using that force, Atari strained his muscles tot heir maximum limit and propelled himself off Waya, sending himself skidding across the floor. Atari lay dazed for a moment, but Master Genjin could see clearly that he was conscious. He felt Waya's head and declared:
"I can tell without even looking…this match is clearly over. Atari Lachapta is the winner and will proceed to the semifinal matches."
Although Atari was completely drained of all his energy, he cracked a while and gave weak thumbs up to Kie, who blushed again and cheered loudly. Once assured where he was to be taken for recovery from the curse mark and the match, Atari smiled again and slowly shut his eyes. It did not happen again…Ren would have been proud. I CAN defeat the curse mark with enough chakra and will power. A lesson learned.
Chapter 12
Yoh VS Numa
The next two combatants proceeded down the stairs. Atari viewed the match from his wheelchair, as his body was still torn up on the inside from the curse mark. Kie had volunteered to push him around after the exam had concluded. Kie hugged him again and congratulated him on a well fought match.
"Um…thanks Kie. You fought well too," Atari replied, completely consumed in the match that was about to commence. Kie blushed again and thought joyfully: He complemented me! Wow, and to think I was worried about him. Actually, I was seriously scared for him when the curse mark began acting up. But I knew he'd come out on top. And who knew Waya had such a lush face? But he's not nearly as cute as Atari.
Numa drew a pendulum and began swing it. Yoh laughed hysterically, and sneered as he untied his sword's sheath.
"A pendulum? That's all you got? Hypnosis doesn't work on me or any other ninja here because we learned to fight it. So building up chakra and sending it to the pendulum is pointless. I don't even need to draw my sword to defeat you."
Numa finally stopped swinging the pendulum and whipped it forward. It wrapped itself around Yoh's wrist and he reeled him in. As soon as Yoh was close enough, Numa released a powerful punch that sent twin rivers of blood dripping from Yoh's nose. Numa attempted this attack a second time, but Yoh grabbed the pendulum and instead reeled Numa in. He whirled the pendulum around in continuous circles above his head. Numa became unsightly dizzy and finally surrendered by letting go of the pendulum. Numa swirled around on the floor and laid their dizzy to the point of throwing up. Yoh threw back his pendulum and kicked his side. Numa finally recollected himself and swerved in between Yoh's legs. He stretched off the ground and attempted to kick Yoh in his backside. Yoh anticipated this, and blocked it with his forearm. He then propelled himself over Numa to his other side. Numa spun around and redirected his attack. He successfully knocked Yoh backwards. Numa flipped over Yoh and again struck his back, making his neck snap back wards. Numa then placed his hand over Yoh's face and tossed him to his other side. Yoh landed flat on his face. Yoh pushed up into a headstand and began spinning on his head. Numa was hit constantly because of Yoh's extreme speed. Atari was surprised that Yoh did not become dizzy. After a while of spinning and striking, Yoh bounced over Numa and assaulted him from the other side. Numa blocked one of his attacks and whirled him around in a circle before sending him flying into the gym mat. Yoh stumbled as he stood up, but made hand signs nonetheless. He released a powerful Rapid Fire Jutsu and Yoh blocked everything that was thrown with the sheath of his sword.
"Why don't you draw your blade?" Asked Numa, pausing to catch his breath.
"I guess I will now, you are stronger than I anticipated, considering that you don't train as hard as Atari, Nejeka, Raouni, Ren, or any other punk here," replied Yoh slowly drawing his silver blade.
Atari cringed at the thought of Yoh comparing him with Nejeka. Kie placed her hand softly on his shoulder.
"You are not a punk Atari, Yoh has always been like this. He thinks he's better than everyone. If he makes it the second round and faces you…promise me…you'll put him in his place."
"Um…I guess I can try, he is a little full of himself," replied Atari. This short conversation had pleased Kie as he observed, because she blushed for the hundredth time that day. Kie thought while observing Yoh and Numa: He's talking a little more to me. I think I'm warming up to him. Pretty soon, we'll be the best of friends, and after that, we can be girlfriend and boyfriend, and then the only step left is marriage! Wow, and just think of how jealous Saka will be when she hears that we're together forever!
The silver blade suddenly sent shock into Numa's head. All he felt was cold, choking fear. He trembled at thoughts of death at the hand of that sword. Yoh observed this and smirked.
"Now you may understand why I prefer never to draw this blade. It is called the "Tichi", or "Cursed Sword" because it seems to automatically send fear into the heart and mind of the opponent or opponents. The fear seems to either paralyze them, or deprives them of their will to fight and they surrender. No one has ever not been effected by the sword's curse, and no one ever will, at least while I am its master."
Atari cringed again, but thankfully Kie did not notice. He thought about Yoh's words: My sword is called the Sakabato. And it means "Reverse Blade". I do not know why though. And my sword does not have any curse with it. Hmmm…
This fear was choking Numa, just as Yoh had said. Numa drew a kunine and for the first time, thought about committing suicide. But as his hands trembled on the kunine, Yoh charged forward and slashed a huge, gapping hold in Numa's chest. The pain doubled every time Numa took a breath. If it goes on like this I'll go insane! I have to…no I shouldn't…But it's not lessening…what should I do? Yoh attacked Numa's back this time and caused another gapping hole to appear in Numa's back. Numa fell forward onto his knees and coughed blood onto the floor. Despite his immense pain, Numa stood up, his hands still trembling on the kunine. Yoh took a step forward again, and Numa, still trembling, took a step in the opposite direction. Numa's eyes grew wide as he pictured Yoh as a black figure, with deadly red eyes. His sword gleamed a ferocious, old black, darker than the rest of his body. Flames erupted in Yoh's eyes, and Numa completely blanked out.
His trembling stopped immediately, and he fell backwards as his eyes slowly closed. He appeared as if he was sleeping. Yoh withdrew his sword once again and tauntingly walked over to Numa. He placed two fingers on his forehead. Then Yoh stood up and waited for Master Genjin.
"Yoh Katta is the winner," declared Master Genjin. Numa was taken out on a stretcher. Numa appeared to have very little physical damage, except for the two gapping holes in his chest and back. Atari assumed that most of the battle was not done physically, but Yoh had messed with Numa's mind to the point of insanity; a cheap way of fighting.
Atari cringed as Yoh passed them. How can he just mess with someone's mind openly, with no consideration of the damage he is causing? He is just like Orchi, he fights to hurt, and doesn't care how it's done as long as it is done well. Yoh took his place beside Nejeka. Kie glared at Yoh and Nejeka before turning back to Atari, placing her hand gently on his shoulder.
"Now you have to avenge both Raouni and Numa."
"Hmmm…" Atari answered with uncertainty.
"The first round of the Chunin Exams is nearing its end," Master Genjin announced as he was answered with complete dark silence. "And now…for the last match of the first round, Kriet and Eruka!"
Chapter 13
Kriet VS Eruka
Kriet glanced at Atari, like he was asking for a substitute. Atari slightly shook his head, as he had still not gained any of his energy back.
"The medics said that I have to take it easy for the next week, so I'm sorry I can't fight this one for you."
Kriet nodded, unsure of him.
"It's ok Atari, you fought your battle, so it's only fair that I should fight mine, but I just don't know if I'll win."
"You'll be fine," assured Atari.
Kriet gulped down his fear and proceeded down the stairs. He faced Eruka with uncertainty and a false sense of confidence. I can do this…I got to do this…I can do this. Kriet thought that constantly until Master Genjin dropped his hand.
Charging in at full speed, Kriet and Eruka exchanged strikes and punches, each being blocked by the other one. Finally, Eruka jabbed his elbow into Kriet's chest, causing him to stumble backwards. Giving no mercy at all, Eruka dived in and swept his feet out from under him. Eruka then slid under Kriet and kicked his back, sending him flying upward. Kriet flipped threw the air, completely in control, and charged in throwing shurikan randomly. Eruka sprang around the gym, dodging everything Kriet threw. However, Kriet was not perfect. All at once, Eruka made hand signs and threw a rapid fire of jutsus at Kriet. Rocks pummeled him, fire scorched him, and wind whipped him around viciously. Kriet was finally slammed onto the floor and blood dripped from his mouth as he bounced up form the ground. His glasses cracked, and his blonde hair, although in a ponytail, flew around randomly. Kriet lay on his back exhausted, but not beaten. As Eruka charged in, glaring with his dark blue eyes and drawing kunine from his green vest with many pockets. Kriet summon enough chakra to slide off the ground, and have his foot make solid contact with Eruka's chin. Eruka went flying threw the air as Kriet began to stand. After feeling comfortable with his balance, Kriet pulled his fingertip-less gloves on tighter and made quick hand signs.
"Multiple Ninja Clone Jutsu," shouted Kriet with enough force to silence the roughest storms. About another three dozen figures of Kriet appeared out of the blue and surrounded Eruka, as he flipped threw the air without control. The army of clones all sprang into action in unison, kicking and punching Eruka from all different sides. Eruka could not find witch one was the true Kriet until he was struck in the gut. At that moment, Eruka wrapped around Kriet and stabbed his back wit three kunine blades.
"Eat this Kriet," sneered Eruka as Kriet's many clones disappeared. Kriet whipped around with extreme speed and precision, and nailed Eruka in the temple with his heel. Eruka fell to the side and Kriet grabbed his vest, and began bringing him down as fast as Atari had done. Kriet flipped to the side in the last minute, and in the process slammed Eruka into the ground. Eruka's black sweatpants, dripped with blood, and his vest was torn up. His face was pale, and his brown hair was taken out of the ponytail. Kriet skidded across the floor, like Atari and sat up, because unlike Atari, he had no curse mark that almost overtook his body. Dazed, Kriet looked around before looking at Eruka again. Master Genjin took one look at Eruka and declared Kriet the winner. Kriet managed a smile and looked up at Atari, whom smiled back. As they maintained eyes contact for those few moments, Kriet thought:
Thank you Atari…if you had not taught me your Pride of Lions technique, then this match might have turned out badly. I owe you my life Atari.
Although he was still dazed, Kriet stumbled up the stairs while Eruka was being taken out. He stood next to Atari and whispered:
"Thank you for teaching me Atari." Atari look up at him surprised.
"Oh, um…you're welcome Kriet," Atari answered attempting to smile back at him.
"Yeah, if you hadn't taught me that technique, I might not be here right now," replied Kriet looking down as Eruka was still being taken out. Atari stared at Eruka thinking about the match:
Kriet is right, if he hadn't used my technique, he probably would have lost, because Eruka had had the upper hand the whole time. What a way to turn the tables. Great job Kriet!
Master Genjin took a step forward and coughed lazily before announcing:
"The first round of the Chunin Exam is hereby concluded! The second round will commence in the school's outdoor battle yard in exactly 30 days. If you are not attended for by the time of your match, you lose and the other person will advance to the semifinals. Take this time to train hard, for the next round's fights will be even harder and the first. Oh, and before I forget, your parents will be there to observe you and your friends' matches, and so will the Hokages of all the neighboring villages."
The ninja clapped for one another, except Atari because he was to weak. Kriet patted him on the shoulder and said cheerfully:
"See you at the quarterfinals Atari, and bring your best game, because I won't go easy on you."
Atari nodded and Kie pushed him out in the gym and into the medical center of the school. He wanted to see Ren, if Ren was ok enough to see him.
Chapter 14
The Beginning of the Same Journey
There Atari witnessed all the pain and suffering every one of the losers had gone through. It was a painful and regretful experience. Raouni had a mask over his mouth, bandages around his heart, and a monitor recording everything from heart beat to heart rate, to blood pressure and muscle strength. Numa was just laying a bed with bandages covering the holes that Yoh had enforced in him. Hikaru was covered in bandages and one cast on his back. It looks like Orchi was more ruthless than I thought, because he broke Hikaru's back in the process of beating him. Tamari was winded and was bandages with many wires than were color coded and pasted onto different parts of her body. Atari observed that instead of a body monitor Tamari was being given chakra from a black box that recorded her chakra level in green numbers that were rising ever so slowly. Saka was covered in blood stained bandages and her eyes were wide open however, she was unconscious. And then Atari passed Waya, whom he stared at for quite some time. His mask was off! And his face was young, lush and radiant from never being exposed to the sun; his black hair fell loosely over his forehead. His lips where closed, and many bandages covered his body. His mask lay on a table beside his bed. Atari then passed Eruka, whom was bloody like all the others, and had not been attended to yet.
The last bed was where Ren lay. He was not unconscious, but he was bandaged covered. When he saw Atari he flashed a weak smile and gave another weak thumb up, showing Atari how bloody his fingertip-less gloves had gotten.
"Did…you…lose Atari?" asked Ren weakly.
"No he won and he agreed to go out to woods with me tonight, after Haro comes home," exclaimed Kie cheerfully blushing at Atari. Atari and Ren exchanged looks before Ren continued to talk slowly and softly.
"I heard about Waya…and I saw him being imported in here, his mask was…off."
"Yeah…I kind of…shattered it in desperation," answered Atari.
"I don't…blame you…he looks…strong," Ren smiled weakly. "I'll probably be better….by tomorrow…then I can start training…for the second round. Do you know…who you are against next?"
"No," answered Atari sadly. Atari looked at his watch and said goodbye to Ren, and gave Kie the signal to push him out of the medical center. As they exited the school, Master Genjin was gathering all the winners together. Kie and Atari joined Nejeka, Kriet, and Yoh. Orchi was no where to be seen.
"To help your training go along smoothly, I made a group of Jonin that will oversee and train you. The one you are paired with is from your clan, and studies your art. For example, Nejeka will be with Master Tracy, because he studies Hefari like Nejeka does. Ren will be with Master Joe, Yoh will be with Master Nick, Kie will be with Master Mary, Orchi will be with Master Richard, Kriet will be with Master Harry, and Atari will be with his um…he'll be with Garu. DISMISSED," announced Master Genjin as the young ninja immediately paired with their masters, except Atari and Kie. Instead, Master Mary came over to Kie and shook her hand. She had a soft smooth voice, and long fluent white hair. If it wasn't for the white hair, Atari would have thought she was in her early twenties.
"Hello Kie Nappa and Atari Lachapta. I am Master Mary, from America. I understand that I am to train you, and that you are also needed to push around Atari, as he will be out of commission for a few days, so I am excusing you from your training for 1 week, but you will have to work extremely hard in order to maintain a healthy bit of strength and growth."
Master Mary now trotted away, having her kimono swaying behind her gracefully. Kie pushed Atari to the training ground, where he goes everyday after school.
"I'll go to the meat packaging hut and tell Haro to pick you up, because I have to pack for our little date for tonight ok? I'll come to pick you up later. Bye Atari," Kie blushed and waved goodbye. Atari stayed against the wall of the training ground, because it was a closed area. I made it to the second round. Maybe I really CAN become a Chunin. And then I can go on missions, and maybe find Yuchi someday! But until then, I have to work on recovering. It's like beginning the same journey again.
Atari observed little kids flipping over sticks, throwing shurikan at stumps, playing dodge ball while blindfolded, jumping into hoops and landing with one foot, small group duels with stick swords, older ninja punching straw dummies, and many girls practiced healing jutsus and making flower arrangements. The most entertaining were the oldest boys, around 16 or 17 years of age, as they summoned chakra and used it to levitate and throw object lie pebbles and sticks. The elderly ninja meditated in a corner, making a constant mmmm sound. Each group was directed by a master dressed in a shinobi shozoku much like Atari's. Feeling bored and useless, Atari began trying to summon chakra to lift a pebble in front of him, but his weak organs were too exhausted to allow any chakra to flow through them.
After hours of observing other ninja train, Haro finally emerged through the training ground door. She wore a green velvet kimono, different from her usual brown, muddy, and torn one. She always put her black hair in a bun with chopsticks going through. She relayed what Kie had told her to make sure that she got it right. Atari nodded slightly and Haro pushed him home. Atari stayed at the table while Haro cleaned the house.
"So Atari, I hear you are dating Kie?" Haro gave Atari the eye.
"No. We're not dating at all. We're just…um…hanging out for a while tonight," answered Atari.
"Well, she considers it a date ok? So don't bust her spirit. She really likes you," warned Haro looking at him sternly as she passed him a canister similar to the bamboo ones he had strung to his belt. "Just in case you don't like her cooking." Atari placed the canister in one of his many pockets. Just then there was a knock on their paper door. "Here she is."
Chapter 15
A Mysterious Puddle
Go change into a better suit please." Haro opened the door to reveal Kie, who stood with a fancy kimono of purple velvet and gold lining. Her long and shiny brown hair was up in a fashionable bun like Haro, and she blushed and smiled as she held a picnic basket. Atari smelled freshly made ramen. Probably made differently than Haro or the nearby ramen shop makes it. Haro led her into their kitchen and pushed Atari into his bedroom. Atari changed out of his shinobi shozoku and changed into what used to be Yuchi's fancy kimono. This kimono was a dark blue with a black sash. Although he regretted this, he used all of his will power to fore himself to leave the Sakabato behind. But he did pack a few kunine and shurikan in a side pocket of his kimono, just in case someone tries to crash their picnic. After he was changed, he had Haro come in and push him out. Kie gasped and her cheeks blushed out of control.
"Oh my gosh Atari! You look so hansom in that kimono! I mean…you look fine Atari. Shall we go now?"
Haro nodded and pushed Atari over to her. Haro waved until they were out of site, Kie pushing Atari along the road until it vanished into dirt covered path.
Succulent green leaves bordered the pathways, glistening with rain drops. As they continued down the paths, the trees got taller and denser as the sun began fading away over the horizon. But suddenly, Atari noticed a puddle or two in the path that they maneuvered around. But it hasn't rained in weeks. Thought Atari. Hmmmm…
Chapter 16
Atari's Past is Revealed
The roaring of the river was heard a few feet from the puddle. Kie said nothing on their trip, but gazed at the sunset. After clearing threw a few berry bushes, they could see their picnic spot. It was a beautiful gorge. The ground was covered with soft, lush moss that spotted with delicate white flowers that blossomed brightly. A small picnic table was set up on a small patch of flat land overlooking the river that ran another 3 kilometers down to Honamochi. The water was pure so much as it had polished the stones on the bottom glittering as the last rays of day rested upon them. Salmon and bass swam up and down the river like rush hour traffic, stopping sometimes to look at the new residents of the picnic area. Surrounding the area were tall hemlock trees ages of years old. Above the table was a canopy of branches, with many birds of tropical colors resting on them. As Kie pushed Atari to the end of the table, the birds began to sing in harmony with one another. It was a soothing sound, ringing threw the trees and forest. Kie placed down the picnic blanket on top of the table and then placed a bowl of ramen in front of Atari.
"Haro told me you love ramen, so I made some fresh just for you," Kie blushed as she took out her own plate filled with grilled salmon, millet, and what looked like yogurt. Before she dug in she asked: "Can your arms move yet?" Atari stared into the ramen and answered:
"Yes, but to a certain extant."
"Ok then."
Atari slowly moved his shaking hands toward the chopsticks that lay before him. He had not moved his arms since 1:00PM that day, after his match with Waya. He sipped the broth and licked his lips. This is good! This soup was made with the perfection of a ninja's jutsu. Amazing! After a few slow sips of broth, he used his chopsticks to gobble up the noodles, trying his best to not make noise. "Do you like it?" She asked.
"Um…yes…very much thank you," replied Atari flashing a half smile.
Wow, he likes my cooking! Look at him eating it like there's nothing like it in the world. I'm so glad Saka doesn't get this chance to watch him eat like that. He'd probably throw her food up immediately. He licks his lips after everything. Next time, I'll make ramen for both of us…that way, we'll be eating matching dishes! Hmmmm…
Atari suddenly stopped eating with the noodles hanging half way out of his mouth. He had noticed that although Kie's cooking was delicious, she had stopped eating her plateful of food in order to observe him eating. Feeling stalked, he quickly sipped up the noodles and began working with the millet in hi soup. Sensing his uncomfort, Kie suddenly sprang up and began eating her millet and salmon. Their meal was eaten in practical silence, except for the soft chirping of the birds and soft slurping of noodles and other substances.
After they had finished, Kie went and scrubbed the bowls clean in the river. She then returned and placed them carefully in the basket.
"So Atari…what's next?" Kie asked paying close attention to his every movement.
"Um…I don't know," Answered Atari, fingering the canister Haro had given him. It felt good to move his arms and fingers again.
"Can you…um…teach me some of your tricks?" Kie finally spit out her question she had held inside for so long.
"Tricks? What tricks? I use no tricks," Atari finally answered.
"Um…the ones you used in your match like the Pride of Lions technique that you taught Ren and Kriet," Kie finally asked.
"Oh that…that was something…Garu had taught me. He said it…um…uses a lot of chakra," answered Atari.
"Oh, then how come you have a curse mark? And why is it identical to Orchi's?"
Atari cringed again at the thought of that heartless monster.
"It's like a birthmark…but it has a mind of its own, that I don't control." answered Atari running his fingers over the black curse mark.
"Oh, so that's why when you were fighting, it looked like you almost were going to get possessed again," asked Kie staring into his eyes intently.
"Um…Ren told you I guess…about what happened," Atari sighed sadly at the thought of what terrible fate he almost bestowed upon his best friend.
"Yes…and the marks were appearing again, but you fought it off with sheer will power! That was amazing; I always knew you were an awesome fighter at heart Atari!"
"No…I'm no fighter…I'm an avenger," said Atari looking up at Kie to see her reaction to this terrible truth. Kie gasped with her eyes wide with terror. "My purpose here is to find my brother…my adoptive brother…Yuchi." It took Kie a moment to realize what he was saying.
"Why is it similar to Orchi's?" She finally asked.
"It's a symbol so to speak, of my clan. Everyone in my clan has it," answered Atari.
"Tell me about your clan Atari. I never heard much about the Amachi, besides the fact that they are extremely strong because they study Hefari, and Token, with a mix of their own art," Kie listened in closely to catch every word spoken by him.
"Yes…they do study Hefari and Token, and their mixed art is called "Vito". Vito is the art that requires jutsus," answered Atari. He had studied the Amachi with his beginning teachers because he had to learn as much as he could because he was one of the little Amachi clan members there were left in the world. "They became to strong for the other clans, and the other clans had gotten jealous of the Amachi's power. So the closest neighboring clans; the Gengaru and Jenko, formed an alliance and spread laws that said to kill any Amachi ever seen. Almost every Amachi was killed, except those who were strong and wise. They fled and built a village far away from the other clans, and began forging their numbers. However, they are still the clan with the lowest numbers. During the time of killing, curse marks were placed on all the Amachi by their Hokage so they would remember their suffering from other clans. But his jutsu went wrong and the curse marks are not just marks, they are evil. They act up and deplete your chakra, until you have none left. Then they take over your body and mind and make you do hurtful and dreadful things. Like killing a close friend, or burning down a village. No one has ever been able to take down the curse mark until today, because I survived its deathly grasp. Do you understand now? I think Orchi might be part of my clan!" Kie analyzed everything he had said closely. But she could not find herself to believe that Orchi and Atari were in a way, related. She compared Orchi's ugly, grim face with Atari's hansom, cute face. Orchi's dark nature, with Atari's silent, but kind nature. It could not be possible could it?
Atari began to instruct Kie in the Multiple Clone Jutsu. Kie stood in front of him and did slow moving hand signs. "No Kie, faster," Atari was a stern, but rewarding master. But after about an hour of practicing, the birds silenced and the wind howled threw the trees. Atari used his keen sense of hearing to hear a sudden whoosh through the trees.
"What's wrong Atari? Are you cold," asked Kie running to his side.
"No…we have an uninvited guest," Atari told her with a tinge of fear in his voice.
Chapter 17
The First Sign of Yuchi
Atari shook in desperation. If something happens to Kie, Haro and Kie's mother will never forgive me. An eerie whisper flooded threw the woods as a voice echoed;
"So Atari Lachapta…you figured me out. You're a smart lad, and I'd hate to do this, but you are an Amachi nonetheless."
The trees howled again and out of the sudden darkness flew three ninja. They wore blue shinobi shozokus.
"Hmmmm…you guys are predictable," sighed Atari softly.
"Predictable? How so Atari Lachapta," asked the tallest ninja standing tall.
"Because I knew you guys were following us," Atari confessed as Kie looked at him unbelievingly. "How can their be puddles on the trail when it hasn't rained in weeks? You guys used a transformation jutsu to disguise yourselves as water." Kie nodded, faking the fact that she had been fooled by their cunning idea.
"You're smarter than you look Atari, but how can you fight after your disaster during the Chunin exam?" Atari's eyes grew wide. "Our little friend Orchi told us all about your match, and the fact that you can't fight at all, let alone walk." That little rat! He was spying on me! Thought Atari listening as they explained how Orchi had told them that Kie had asked him out to here, so they knew where to ambush him. Atari look to his right to find that Kie was gripping his shoulder tightly, looking down with tiny tears falling onto her hand.
"I'm sorry Atari…really I am," Kie whispered, pushing back sobs of terror.
"It's ok Kie…they would have found me anyway. Use the techniques I taught you and fight them. I'll try to help without overexerting myself so much that I need to stay out of commission any more than a week," instructed Atari as Kie loosened her grip and followed his orders.
The three blue ninja got into fighting stances of all three fighting styles. The leader, Atari noticed, had used a Vito fighting stance. He might be Amachi too…then why does he want to kill me, a fellow Amachi clan member? Kie charged forward and made hand signs. She blew the first short ninja away into a tree by using a fast flaming Fireball Jutsu. Many branches snapped and covered his unconscious body. Kie then scanned the area for the second short ninja. Atari heard him land behind him and wheeled around in his wheelchair, knocking him backwards and yelling. Kie whipped around, only to have the leading ninja jump on top of her and pin her down. Atari attempted to summon chakra, but found it an ineffective maneuver. He instead pulled the wheelchair up and flipped over the short ninja. Without hesitation, he spun forward and began whacking the ninja with the wheelchair. Kie finally summoned the strength to throw the tall ninja into a tree, even if he just bounced off. Kie then made hand signs and shouted:
"Multiple Clone Jutsu!"
About three dozen more figures of Kie appear out of the blue and they all charged in, destroying the second ninja just as the first.
"All right Kie! You mastered the Multiple Clone Jutsu," cheered Atari raising his fist high in encouragement. Kie flashed him smile thinking: He's cheering for me! He's encouraging me! And he's doing it even though he really did the work! He's such an honorable boy, and that's one of the many reasons I love him.
The tall ninja sprang towards Kie and held her hands behind her back. He drew a kunine with the other hand and threatened:
"Take one step closer and your little girlfriend here gets it!"
"She's…not my girlfriend," Atari responded confidently.
Kie hung her head low in discouragement. That's because this is your first date Kie…don't give up. You and him will become friends, and then he can say you are his girlfriend after he asks you. He will in time, just not now, after only one.
Atari hung his head low in defeat and finally muttered:
"I give up. Kill me here and leave Kie alone."
Kie gasped as the ninja laughed grimly and let her go. She stood there in shock as she watched him trot towards her soon-to-be boyfriend. You can't end your relationship now she thought, but her body refused to move, and only stare in shock as the tall ninja lifted the kunine above Atari's low head.
"DIE ATARI LACHAPTA!" And the kunine was jabbed hard into his skull. A sudden pang of pain struck Kie as she tumbled to her knees and cried:
"NOOOOOOOOOO! ATARI!"
The ninja withdrew the water covered kunine without looking at it. Kie looked up, mourning for Atari's death. Wait a sec…that's water coated. If he stabbed Atari's skull, shouldn't it be blood coated?
The ninja walked back behind Kie and watched her, slumped comfortably against a tree. Kie finally got the strength, although between sobs, to run over to Atari's lifeless body and carry him out of the wheelchair. He was light. She laid him down and felt his forehead. His skin was deathly cold. Kie suddenly lost control, and fell over his body and sobbed terribly. Tears poured out like never ending rivers of sadness and mourning. "Why did you have to die Atari? Why? We could have been a great couple!" She thought while saying this: He died because he did not want anything to happen to you. He died for you…Atari Lachapta…the wandering swordsman…died for you. "I want to die too! Then I can join him and me can live happily together, and get married and have kids up in the clouds. No mourning, no sadness, no fighting, no war, and no rivalry between clans and alliances," she glared at the tall ninja who smiled a dark smile similar to Orchi's. She knelt down again, getting Atari's suit all soaked with tears. She felt his heart and leaned down to feel his breath. None. Again she cried over his body, before becoming desperate. She sat up and wiped her eyes. She stared at his pale and cold face, eyes closed as if sleeping. She finally made up her mind and began leaning in. Right before their lips were about to touch, her warm lively ones against his cold and lifeless ones, the tall ninja howled in pain.
Kie sprang up, and looked around hurriedly, making sure no one almost saw what she had almost done. He stumbled to his knees to behold a kunine knife jabbed sternly in his back. Kie looked around to find Atari sitting behind him in his wheelchair, smiling confidently. Kie flashed a wide smile and looked at the clone that she had almost kissed. The lifeless body shattered into many droplets of water as the ninja coughed blood onto the ground. Kie gasped with surprise and wonder at his amazing, last minute move. So that's why the knife was water coated. It was a Water Clone Jutsu! Atari, you are truly amazing. The ninja got up and glared at him.
"THAT'S IT, YOU AMACHI SLUG! IN WARNED YOU TO GIVE UP OR YOUR GIRLFRIEND GETS IT, AND I WASN'T LYING!" The ninja a swiftly pulled out the kunine that Atari had jabbed into his back and threw it at Kie, who was too dazed with amazement to react. Atari was quick on his wheels, and peddled beside Kie. He muttered to her softly:
"And I warned him to leave you out of it."
Right as the kunine was to pierce Kie's heart; Atari lunged in front of her, grasped the handle of the kunine with lion's speed, and tossed it in the opposite direction with double the precision. Having no energy, and not being able to gain any, Atari merely collapsed on the ground, huffing from the stress it put on his supposed-to-be-resting organs. The kunine pierced the ninja's heart and he howled in pain. Kie pulled Atari to his knees as blood erupted from the ninja's chest. A constant yelling could be heard. Kie held Atari so that he did not collapse again because he had no energy in his legs. The ninja continued to scream, his glare bloody and hateful at Atari.
"Lachapta…I'll get you…for this," he screamed as he stumbled forward towards them. Kie swiftly placed Atari in his wheelchair, and stood beside him, ready to defend Atari at all costs. He just saved my life…twice…in one day, Kie thought. The ninja finally collapsed in front of Atari and placed his hand on his knee. "I know…your…brother," he sighed, struggling to breath as his last breaths came to him.
"Yuchi? He's still here?" Atari gasped and leaned forward as to here his last whispers closely.
"Yes…Yuchi Lachapta…a grand fighter, he is…looking for you."
"Why me? Haro told me he wasn't around when she and Garu adopted me. They said he disappeared that same night…saying he dishonored them or something."
"Yes…he…Yuchi…he wants to…" and at that moment, the ninja shut his eyes and his head fell forward. After a few seconds, agony gripped Atari; he bent down and shook the ninja's lifeless head screaming:
"WHERE IS MY BROTHER!!!? WHY DOES HE WANT ME? YUCHI!"
Sobs filled his breaths as Atari backed up, trying to regain control of himself. Kie looked over and placed her hand on his shoulder.
"Atari, I'm sorry…about Yuchi…you'll find him for sure someday, when you are a strong Jonin or maybe even the Hokage!"
"No…I might be a Jonin…but never Hokage…never. Like I said before Kie…I am no fighter…I am an avenger," Atari sobbed again and cursed through the woods. Kie withdrew the bloody kunine from the ninja's heart and handed it to Atari. He gripped it tightly. His fist shaking with a mix of frustration and anger and hatred, Atari and Kie buried the three ninja far from the picnic area, so that no one had to know what had happened that night.
At the tall ninja's grave, Atari felt tears come to his eyes as he still gripped the kunine. Kie inscribed: The First Sign on the dirt. Atari pushed back his tears.
I almost had done it. I had almost found where Yuchi was. He was my brother in anything but blood. I had the first sign…now I'll find the rest, graduate form here as a Jonin, and find him. My next stop would be to force Orchi to spill out all the dirty secrets. What does Yuchi have to do with this? Why are these blue ninja after me? Are you an Amachi clan member? If so, why are you sending these so called "assassins" to kill me? Why are you spying for them? Where is Yuchi? Does he work for you? Why are you guys doing this? If Yuchi does work for you, then why? Why did he leave the night I was found?
Atari finally decided that the second sign was to be Orchi. I will find him during the Chunin exams next month and force him to tell me. And if I don't, I have to win, so that I can finally verse him, beat him, and then have him tell me. Yuchi I will find you. With his mind made up and the last tears dripping down his face, Atari held the blood gleaming kunine high, and jabbed it into the ground in front of the inscription as if he was stabbing all the hatred and anger from his own emotions and avenging those who needed vengeance. He wept for Raouni, for Ren, for Hikaru, for Tamari, for Waya, for Saka even, for Yoh, for Numa, for Kriet, and for Eruka. He even wept for Kie a little bit.
After the burial was done and Atari felt whole and well again, Kie packed up their picnic in a timely manner. Kie pushed Atari out of the woods quickly, paying close attention this time for puddles even though it was dark. Kie finally stopped and lit a lantern before continuing.
"Atari," asked Kie.
"Yes Kie," replied Atari.
"Thank you…for saving my life…twice," Kie smiled and blushed for the hundredth time that day.
"Um…you're welcome, it was nothing," Atari replied looking blankly ahead.
"Um…I was wondering…after the exams are all done…if we could maybe do this again some time?" Kie finally spit out her dying question.
"Um…I guess so…" answered Atari only half paying attention.
Kie felt a surge of accomplishment flood her inside. Yes! He said yes again! Number 2 is coming up. Yes, yes, yes! This brings us one step closer to being a couple! I asked him out twice and he said yes both times! All right!
Atari arrived at home a little bit after 11:00 PM, and they had left at 7:00PM. Haro rolled out of bed to push him inside his room.
"So…how did it go?" Haro yawned lazily as he rolled into bed.
"Um…all right I guess," replied Atari as he relayed everything that had occurred that night.
"Oh…Yuchi…I haven't seen him in so long I almost forget that I have another son beside you and the one I had lost that night," Haro hugged him. "You did excellent fighting, keeping comrades out of danger like that, I'm very proud of you Atari, even if you had to kill someone in the process. I'll post your situation to the Council of Guards for Honamochi, and I'm sure they won't punish you for killing because you did it in self defense…and in a wheelchair too! Killing is not acceptable in this village, but out there, outside these walls, their will be some missions where you will be forced or instructed to assassinate or kill. It is not your fault. "
"Thank you Haro," Atari sighed and drifted off to a troubled sleep.
Chapter 18
Training Begins for Atari
Atari continued to recover for the next six days. During this time, his dormant organs began to warm up and were ready to begin the intense training Garu had planned for him.
Honestly, Garu had not wont he Chunin exam when he was younger either. He had come to the semifinals and lost against a boy named Hugh. Garu had continued to train and passed the Chunin exam, but his family had to pay an outrageously large sum of yen in order to get him into the mission rankings. After he had heard that Atari had won his first match and he was selected as his trainer for the next month, Garu was pumped up again. He could train the next school champion! That was a great honor for the father of the family, even if he and Haro were not part of the Amachi clan as Atari was. Garu, Haro, and Yuchi were called "neutral" because they did not have background of any clan. Yuchi had lost in the finals of the Chunin exam, so this third chance was a revival of Garu's fighting spirit.
After the medics examined Atari once again, they reported that his body was completely healed of the curse mark's damage. Garu took Atari and Haro out for ramen that night. Garu could tell that Atari enjoyed not being plastered to that wheelchair, and his body being so weak it was not able to move or produce chakra.
But after that night of celebration, Atari began training hard with Garu every morning and night, because Garu had to work in their family's rice fields during the afternoon. He gave Atari exercises to practice while he worked. Garu would munch on a little bi of the harvested rice and watch as Atari would throw shurikan with perfect speed and precision, flip more graceful than a flexible shadow, and connect one combat technique after another as smooth as a dance. After the first three days of training, Garu smiled in approval as Atari showed him his stuff. Sometimes, Garu and Atari would spare for fun, Atari showing Garu some of his new trucks in combat. A week passed soon enough, and Atari seemed all pump and caught up with the time he had missed while he had recovered. Even the curse mark seemed at ret while he trained, for he never had another episode. One day, Garu trotted out into the fields to observe Atari when he spotted Atari's sword lying in the shadows of a tree. Atari had taken it off so that he could fit on the weights that he used for training. These weights would weight Atari's body down, so that in the match when they were taken off, he would have double the speed he used to have. Garu picked up the sword and stared at its black sheath, and excellently crafted handle. Garu did not dare remove the sheath, for he knew that below it was a weapon of death and destruction. Garu signaled for Atari to come over and he handed Atari the sword.
"I think it's time we start using that blade of yours," Garu instructed smiling. Atari removed his chest and back weights so he could tie on his sword. Garu then began instructing him: "Now Atari, draw the blade and hold it in front of you right side up. Then use your wrist and hand positions to swing the blade. Now merely swing the blade will do you no good. You must focus and swing with precision, just like throwing shurikan. Now, block these rocks as I throw them at you."
Atari did surprisingly excellent during that exercise, only letting two rocks slid by his blade. Garu then blindfolded him saying: 'A ninja must not trust his eyes; they can deceive him, so use your mind and hears to block the rocks. Stretch out with your feelings." Atari this time blocked every rock perfectly. Garu removed the blindfold and nodded in approval. "You are talented with that blade Atari, how long have you been using it?" Atari withdrew the sword while answering:
"It was will me when I was found. It was with the shinobi shozoku that was under me in the basket. So I guess you could say I've been using it since I was born."
Garu continued having Atari use his sword to block, block multiple objects, slash correctly, attack from angles, fight close range, and attack to injure, not kill. Garu had told Atari that the sword is a tool of protection and spirit, not a weapon of destruction and murder. The day soon ended with Atari fully mastering the power of his sword. Atari had become so connected with the blade that he vowed never to leave the house without it. Days upon days passed, with Atari training in every aspect of ninjutsu, including Garu teaching him a few new jutsus that he had learned. Atari mastered these quickly, and soon Garu had taught Atari everything he had known.
Atari had seen Kie every morning, because she always showed up to se him. Atari came to expect it. Kie blushed at him every day and gave him a peach from her mother's garden.
"It's to keep you healthy while you train, I hope you aren't against me or Ren next," Kie smiled and blushed again, feeling embarrassed.
"I hope I'm not…I'd hate to have to defeat you guys so soon. I'd rather…um…fight you guys in the semifinals, because then…no matter what the outcome, we'd still get to graduate and maybe go on missions together as a 3-man team," replied Atari sipping his beverage. Kie's eyes lit up at the thought of being on Atari's team. I'd get to fight side by side with him! Like being his sidekick and we'd get to spend so much time together! Oh my gosh, my heart is beating faster and faster at the thought of it. Atari gulped down his breakfast and proceeded out into the backyard to train.
He was practicing jumping from each tree using his momentum to help him stick to the trunk before moving to the next one. Kie sat under a tree and watched him train. His moves were absolutely perfect and he moved about exercises quickly, reviewing lessons over and over again. He ran at the largest tree, ran up it, and back flipped off while throwing shurikan at targets to his right and left. He never missed and always threw wit perfect precision every time. After a time he decided to cool down by practicing his chakra control. He did this by slowly walking up the tree without using his hands. He had propelled chakra to the soles of his feet and had sustained a specific chakra level while walking up the tree. He did it slow, precise and perfect. He continued these three exercises multiple times that day, until Kie ah to leave and Garu came to observe. Garu and Atari sparred, and for the first time, Atari won by flipping Garu into a tree. Garu smiled and Atari reviewed all his sword techniques. He was mastering every attack, jab, stab, block, and swipe that Garu taught him.
Quickly a month had passed, with Atari's new abilities at the ready. He proceeded to school the next day confident in his new abilities. He now carried his sword on his back as he had done before, and he had always known how to fight using it, but now he knew even better. H met up with Ren and they discussed that month's training. However, as Atari scanned the crowd of visitors from the other villages, he could not find Orchi. I'll get him at his match, thought Atari as he witnessed Master Genjin unrolling the new scroll of matches. He then turned it around for the crowd to behold.
Match 1- Orchi Sahuna
Kriet Uni
Match 2- Atari Lachapta
Nejeka Henara
Match 3- Kie Nappa
Yoh Katta
Match 4- Ren Washinta
Sub
"Again, I except close matches form all of you, and their will be a "sub" for Ren because of some mishaps that happened the day the first round ended," Master Genjin announced looking at Atari and Kie when he spoke the last part. "Now, let the quarterfinals begin!"
Atari looked around and observed the clapping crowd. The fights were to be held in a ring and the stands held the specters, except at the top witch was covered with a roof made of paper. The eight Hokages from the other villages observed the matches from up there, with two Jonin body guarding them. As Atari and the other combatants took their seats at a bench, Ren and Atari both noticed that there were more and more guards form the Jenko clan surround the arena in different posts. They were recognized because they, like Waya, wore masks to cover their faces. Atari whispered to Ren quickly, trying to avoid drawing attention:
"The Jenko clan guards are here."
"Why are they here? I something big going to happen," asked Ren looking around and nodding his head in agreement.
"I don't know…but they seem to be looking at me constantly," replied Atari glancing around.
"Maybe they heard about the incident…in the woods with Kie?" Ren said offering an answer.
"Maybe…but those ninja were trying to kill me, and one knew about Yuchi," Atari replied again filling Ren in with the details that had occurred that night.
"Very good observing Atari, how can there be puddles if it hasn't rained in weeks?" Ren compliment optimistically, like always.
A whistle was blown for silence and Master Genjin signaled for the first two combatants; Orchi and Kriet. Kriet cracked his knuckles aggressively and Atari scanned the grounds again for Orchi…with no success. Kriet stood facing no one for what seemed like forever, but finally, Orchi entered the arena, followed by what looked like an army of those blue ninja that Atari had killed that night. The blue ninja stayed in the tunnel as Orchi proceeded out. His smirk and strides were filled wit engulfing darkness. He laughed that soft evil laugh before Master Genjin dropped his hand.
Chapter 19
A Dark Jutsu
Orchi sprinted forward and jabbed Kriet backwards at the start. Kriet coughed, but as Orchi attempted this again, he jumped higher into the air by propelling himself with chakra. Orchi followed, but Kriet suddenly dropped threw the air until he was below Orchi. He then made hand signs and fired a K.O. kick that propelled Orchi even higher. Kriet then followed with a bunch of punches and strikes, including one to the heart. Orchi did not seem phased by this. Orchi simply rolled to the side, grabbed Kriet by the shoulders, and began the descent into the ground. Kriet freed himself at the last minute and both of them slammed into the ground. As the dust cleared, both people's fists were interlocked. Both fighters looked determined. The built up chakra shot both of them backwards, but Kriet maintained his balance, unlike Orchi. Kriet fired tons upon tons of shurikan, but Orchi simply moved to the opposite side to dodge them. Atari noticed Kriet was all scratched up and Orchi did not even have a bruise. Orchi made hand signs and suddenly sunk into the ground. Kriet looked around frantically, but to no avail. Orchi appeared out of the ground and burned Kriet severely with a Fireball Jutsu.
"I'll make this fun for you. Behold my ultimate jutsu! Dark Void Jutsu!" Orchi smirked and raised his hands and built up chakra as Kriet stood still, stunned with amazement and wonder. Kie read form her book Master Mary had given her:
"Chakra is an invisible energy, used to perform jutsus." Kie looked up as a blend of black and dark purple chakra swirled into a ball, levitated above Orchi's up stretched palms. "But wait…that chakra is visible! Um…oh…it says here in my book that is chakra is built up enough, it can become so powerful it can resist invisibility and be seen."
Kriet heard this and stared wide eyed with terror at the ball of chakra before him. Orchi just smiled, showing his true dark nature. The ball got larger, and larger, until Orchi levitated it above the whole arena! Kriet felt weak and defenseless against this jutsu. Orchi then laughed evilly and jumped into the air, and threw the ball toward Kriet. Kriet just stared at it before Ren shouted:
"RUN KRIET RUN! Get out of the way fast!"
Kriet suddenly got to his senses and began running in the opposite direction. The ball was flying at a very extreme speed and Kriet was just to slow. The ball did not hit Kriet; it engulfed him into its void of darkness. Orchi then stalked forward, building chakra in his fists and also walked into the ball, witch lay motionless on the ground, except for the swirling blend of black and purple. Atari stared, horrified as the arena was silent with anticipation. Yoh, Kie, and Nejeka all bet on Orchi coming out, but Atari and Ren bet on Kriet silently. The silence drove the crowd crazy, but none showed it. Meanwhile…the real fight was happening inside the ball of chakra...
Chapter 20
Forever Imprisoned in Darkness
Kriet stayed against the wall and watched in horror as Orchi entered. Orchi laughed loudly this time and raised his chakra-built up fists.
"Now it's just you and me…no specters, no other enemies…and no friends to cheer you on. Welcome to the Void of Darkness, this match ends here," Orchi smirked and his eyes revealed pure evil and darkness. Orchi's palms glowed white as thick black smoke surrounded the rest of his hands. After getting into an attacking stance, Orchi plowed forward with "demon speed." Kriet was faster this time and propelled himself up against the round roof of the ball. He stuck there by doing the same chakra control exercise Atari practiced. Orchi bounced off one side and followed Kriet wherever he crawled.
However, his chakra was used up in time and Kriet dropped to the ground. He was startled by Orchi who placed his palm on Kriet's forehead as he flew over, sending shock waves of pain, hatred, and suffering threw Kriet's head. Just like Atari and his curse mark, Kriet fell his mind slipping away as he fell backwards. His energy was depleted, and his mind went dormant as his eyes closed and he landed flat on his back. Orchi landed perfectly and he withdrew the ball of chakra sot he crowd could see. Master Genjin felt Kriet's forehead and asked softly:
"What did you do to him?"
"Nothing to harsh sir, I just imprisoned his mind forever in darkness!" Orchi laughed evilly again as the medics escaped with Kriet on a stretcher as the blue ninja's filed in with lit torches. Master Genjin called for the other Jonin, and what looked like fast moving pellets pummeled down from the sky and surrounded Orchi. Orchi snapped his fingers and a big battle arose between the blue ninja and the Jonin of Honamochi. Atari and the other combatants hoped over the bench and joined the fight. However, Atari heard a shriek or terror coming from their Hokage. Atari blasted himself up to the top floor as two blue ninja held kunine to the Hokage's neck. Atari had dealt with this before and witnessed both Jonin dead on the floor. The other Hokage had escaped. Atari flipped over the ninja as the Hokage shouted:
"No Atari, you're strong, but don't end your life like this! You're too young to die today!" Atari summoned a lot of chakra and released a deadly Multiple Shurikan Jutsu that killed both blue ninja. Atari helped the stunned Hokage up and out to safety with other Jonin before returning to the battle in the arena.
The battle raged on with neither side willing to lose. Atari killed three blue ninja before finally spotting Orchi. Orchi easily wiped four Jonin off their feet and made a break for the winner's bracket bench. When he sat down, Atari jumped on him. They rolled around exchanging punches. Orchi asked Atari with an evil tinge of darkness in his voice:
"This battle will end soon enough Atari, and then the matches will continue once again, no need to fight me."
"Where's my brother Orchi? Where is Yuchi Lachapta? The blue ninja you sent a month ago told me you knew where to find him," answered Atari grabbing Orchi's slimy neck.
"He is…SOMEWHERE," answered Orchi kicking Atari backwards only to get trampled by many feet. Atari last saw Orchi breaking for the bench again, but as he sat down, he called all the blue ninja off. Those ninja still standing disappeared and the bloody bodies of dead ninja were removed. Atari glared at Orchi. Orchi smiled a toothy grin. Atari and the other combatants sat down as the next match was ready to commence. Atari only had to get back up as his name appeared on the screen. He faced Nejeka as he spoke:
"I said this before; I swore on Raouni's bloodshed…I vow to win!"
"What a promising vow...made only to be broken," sneered Nejeka.
Meanwhile…The other Hokage had returned and taken their seats to watch this match. The Hokage next to Honamochi's Hokage stared in shock at Nejeka's growth. My son…has grown up greatly, in mind and spirit. If he wins this match…I will make him the heir to the Gengaru clan. After all, he did defeat Raouni.