Chapter 21
A Failure Stands Tall
Atari took his new fighting stance Garu had taught him. Nejeka took his normal stance. Atari thought quickly: Close combat is a bad idea, so I should attack him from a distance. Token would only damage him a little bit, so I should use…Hefari like he does. Nejeka charged in with superior sped to that of Ren or Raouni's. Atari just got out of the way by the time Nejeka's palm nearly battered his rib cage. Atari rolled threw the air and pressed his palm against Nejeka's spine. Nejeka cough a little, but did not seem phased. "I guess you've learned more Hefari, but wait…an Amachi knows all three already!" Nejeka taunted haughtily. Atari contained his anger at the thought of Nejeka taunting his clan. Ren cheered from the bench as Atari was thoughtless as he sprang toward Nejeka. They exchanged strikes to each other's organs. The chakra blasted them both backwards, and Atari fell on his back. Nejeka took this to full advantage and leaped into the air gracefully. He slammed his heel into Atari's stomach and bounced away. Atari bounced up and flipped into Nejeka's shoulder. Nejeka stumbled backwards and Atari made hand signs.
"Water Clone Jutsu; River of Pain," he shouted as about three dozen water clones arose from the ground. Nejeka was surrounded. Without hesitation, Nejeka flipped threw the air and destroyed two water clones.
"The more you hide in the back, the more clearer victory becomes," Nejeka said slyly.
"And…How do you figure that?" Asked Atari questionably confused.
"If I attack the real you, he clones are automatically destroyed, leaving only one of you. The more the real you stay out of the fight, the clearer it is to decide witch one is real and witch ones are mere clones," answered Nejeka matter of factly.
He easily destroyed three more clones, and sprinted towards Atari. Atari was lofted into the air and battered around by Nejeka's fists before he was slammed abruptly into the dirt. Nejeka smile din victory as the dust cleared away to reveal…a puddle of water! Nejeka scratched his scalp in confusion. Wait…how could this be? I clearly saw that this one was staying out of the fight the most! He used deception, I should have thought before I struck. Nejeka was kicked in the back of the head and as he stumbled forward, Atari dived in pressing his palm into Nejeka's back. This stress caused Nejeka to cough up blood. Atari flipped off him and threw two shurikan precisely. Nejeka rolled out of the way and drew his sword. Atari, feeling extra comfortable, drew his as well. "The Sakabato…a famous and deadly blade," recited Nejeka as if he memorized it from a book.
"How do you know its name," Asked Atari as they began clashing swords.
"You do not know about the legacy of the Sakabato?" Asked Nejeka sneering as a flash of silver just missed his nose.
"Let me tell you…that blade is deadly and famous. Many men's blood was shed on that blade, because it was owned by…Reggie Menjin. He was a famous ninja in Japan. Have you ever heard of the Revolution? It was a grand war between China and Japan. Japan won of course, because we received thousands of Chinese citizens as slaves. However, during the war, one ninja stood out among the others. He was Reggie, and he owned the Sakabato. He was a grand fighter, with a signature jutsu called the "Nine Tongues of Death." However, he was an avenger, and he was the tool that ensured Japan's victory over China. He slain over 50,000 men and soldiers during the war. And the war only lasted about 10 years. They say he slain 500 men each week after that. He was a full fledged killer. His sword was known all over Japan and China as the "sword that killed over a million people." Like I had said, many men died on the end of that blade. And if the rumors are true, your true name is not Atari Lachapta…it is indeed…Atari Menjin. You are the son of that very killer. Your shinobi shozoku and blade that were found with you was his. He gave you his shinobi shozoku and the Sakabato. Maybe that is why you are an avenger too. Think about it."
During that whole story, they had clashed swords enough hat they both just stood staring at each other, inhaling deep breaths. Atari clutched his sword. I knew this sword was famous…but not for killing. I have heard of Reggie, and I am his son! That is this sword's dark past, of killing and sorrow. I make another vow for all those lives my father took. I will change this sword into a tool of good doing, instead of a weapon used for evil purposes. This is not Reggie Menjin's Sakabato; it is Atari Lachapta's Sakabato. It is a whole new life, with a whole new avenger! Atari propelled himself at Nejeka and they slashed swords again. By a split second difference, Atari slashed open Nejeka's arm. Without hesitation, he then switched the direction of the momentum and cut Nejeka's wrist on the other hand gripping his sword. The sword flipped threw the air with no direction like a silver graceful serpent. Atari flipped over Nejeka as he howled in pain. Atari gripped both swords and crossed them in Nejeka's direction. According to Nejeka, the very image of Reggie was reflected in Atari's black eyes. Nejeka stared in horror.
Meanwhile, up near the Hokage, Raouni had been released and was watching the match form afar. Go Atari…change the Sakabato while it is in your hands. And destroy Nejeka too. He can not be heir; he would take over and destroy Japan! Then we would have civil war. Come on Atari, you can't let Nejeka win!
Atari asked nicely once:
"Back down now, and I won't hurt you more than I have."
Nejeka just stared, clutching his wrist. Atari asked again…and again, until he was driven mad form impatience. "EAT YOUR OWN WORDS NEJEKA! ONCE A FAILURE, ALWAYS A FAILURE!" Nejeka, like Raouni, accepted the end and nodded his head saying:
"This failure stands tall."
Atari kept the swords crossed and the swords cut Nejeka's waist as they threw him backwards. Nejeka seemed dazed, and Master Genjin declared Atari the winner of the match exaggerating the words as he announced:
"Atari Lachapta is the winner of the second match was will proceed to the semifinals to graduate."
Atari bowed politely and took a seat on the opposite side of the bench from Orchi. Orchi hissed as Atari came closer:
"Great fight Atari Menjin."
Atari glared at him and said:
"My name is Atari Lachapta now, and even if I went by Menjin, I'd be a different type of Menjin."
Atari took his place on the bench and observed as Kie and Yoh walked toward Master Genjin to begin their match.
Chapter 22
Eye of the Devil
Yoh sighed in boredom at Kie and shook his head in despair.
"Such…a disappointment," Yoh sighed as he decided not to draw the sword just yet.
Kie's eyes got wide with terror as her eyes fell upon the sheath of Yoh' cursed blade. I should fight this like a normal battle, but when I get the chance, I should destroy the sword strapped to his back. Master Genjin started the fight and Kie flipped over Yoh. She landed and threw a shurikan at Yoh. Acting as if it was foreseen, Yoh stepped to the side and dodged the shurikan with ease. However, Suddenly, Kie's figure exploded into nothing, and the petite shurikan exploded to reveal the real Kie! Atari nodded in approval as she whipped a kunine at Yoh. It scratched his arm and it began to bleed. Yoh looked calm and collected as Kie charged in unprepared. Yoh grabbed her fists and threw her over him only to roll and kick her backwards in the stomach. Kie tumbled backwards and began making hand signs again. However, she did not have enough chakra. She trembled with weakness and Yoh sprinted forward. He launched her into the air and began kicking her madly. Kie blocked a lot of the attacks, but many hit her as well. Atari could sense she was tired and beat, only five minutes into the match! Kie fell to the ground and laid there hopelessly. Ren stood up again and cheered loudly. That seemed to encourage her and she stood up. Drawing chakra, she spit out a massive Fireball Jutsu that Yoh did not anticipate. Burned almost to a crisp, Yoh did not give up. Kie and Yoh exchanged multiple blows to the face and stomach, but Kie seemed unbeatable. They both were beat badly.
"Am I a disappointment now?" Asked Kie huffing to catch her breath.
"No…just a pesky annoyance," replied Yoh as they both made multiple hand signs. Yoh copied Kie and fired a Fireball Jutsu. Kie jumped into the air and used the very jutsu Atari had taught her in the woods.
"Multiple Shurikan Jutsu!" Announced Kie triumphantly as she spun in circles firing shurikan in every direction. Atari clapped silently. Yoh was battered left and right by the flying metal weapons. Yoh bled a gallon of blood before Kie finally stopped due to dizziness. "Are you done yet," asked Kie catching her breath.
"No…I'm just getting started," replied Yoh threatening to draw the sword.
Kie sprang into action out of desperation. She flipped over Yoh throwing shurikan and attempted to kick the sword's sheath. She landed imperfectly and Yoh whipped around with a kunine that he jabbed into her arm. Kie withdrew the shurikan out to her flesh and threw it back at Yoh who stepped to the side. Kie tried again to flip threw the air over Yoh. Yoh watched and jumped backwards, doing half a back flip. He kicked Kie directly in the back and she exploded into nothing. Yoh looked around to find Kie coming from behind him. He whipped around to face her and kicked her again, only to have it explode into nothing like before. Another Kie appeared behind him and slammed him into the dirt. Kie bounced back and as Yoh began to get up; she charged in and stabbed three kunine into his arms and back. Yoh howled in pain. Without hesitation, Kie rolled over him and threw shurikan not at his back, but at the sword. The shurikan just bounced off. "You think you can just destroy my sword? You fool! This sword is not an ordinary blade. Like the Sakabato, my sword is made of the strongest and finest metals. You can not just merely destroy it like that." Yoh turned around only to have Kie flip back over him and attempt to kick him in the side. Her kick was blocked by his arm and he blew her back. Kie trembled as he began to untie his headband. "I hoped not to ever use this…but I'd like to see what it can do." He removed the green headband to reveal…a third eye on his forehead! "This is the Eye of the Devil. It can paralyze anything. And if they make eye contact, the victim turns into a…demon. Kie crawled back as Yoh pulled back his jet black hair. His red eyes were more distinct, and then he ripped off his black cloak and white sash. Underneath was a scar cutting his chest in half. His black pants molded to his legs by themselves and Kie seemed paralyzed with fear. He walked toward her and tied the bandages around his wrists and hands tighter. Kie crawled back until she reached against the wall. Yoh smiled.
"Get…get away from me!" Kie warned drawing a shaking kunine.
"Are you a little scared? Or is it just the sensation of the devil," asked Yoh sarcastically.
Yoh touched two of his fingers to his temples and shouted loudly: "Dawn of Sunset; Eye of Devil Jutsu!"
A bright light began glittering from Yoh's third eye. It began to get wider, and the dark pupil got darker. Kie drew enough courage and strength to whip the kunine that was in her head at Yoh's head. With inhumanly quick speed, Yoh sidestepped and smiled, revealing shiny, pearly white fangs. The eye began to glow green as Yoh's skin began to grow a darker shade of red.
"What are you?!" Shouted Kie as she shook violently looking into Yoh's eyes. She paid attention to make sure that she never made eye contact with the third eye.
"I am what you will become soon enough," replied Yoh, his voice seeming deeper and steadier than normal Yoh.
"He's possessed by his third eye," Kie shouted, hoping Master Genjin would intervene. He did not, but stared in horror at the truth. As Yoh reached toward her with both arms, revealing red ruby sharp nails and red scaly skin, Kie jumped to her feet and rolled threw his legs. She released a shurikan into him as she did this. Yoh howled in pain and Kie stood up again. She reluctantly charged forward drawing another kunine. Yoh whipped around, more dangerously than ever. Kie flipped over him and jabbed the kunine into his shoulder. He howled again, and instead of blood, bled green fluid. Kie dove underneath him and swept his feet out form under him. He fell back wards and she flew under him, only to perform the same jutsu Atari had. Yoh landed on the round, battered and defeated. Kie stood trembling, ready in case this thing wasn't finished.
Master Genjin took a few steps forward, and with a shaking hand declared Kie the winner. Kie's feared evaporated into the mere past and she jumped and cheered. She observed Yoh as his normal skin tone slowly and reluctantly returned, his clothes returning, the fangs decreasing, his eyes becoming normal, and the third eye closing. Master Genjin then tied the headband back onto Yoh's forehead. He was back to normal. The crowd was speechless as Kie cheered once again. She took her seat next to Atari. He moved to the side slightly, as to maintain personal space between them. "Did you see that Atari? Did you see me? Was I good? I finally mastered that jutsu you taught me. How did it look?" Atari took a few minutes to completely comprehend the multitude of questions Kie posed to him.
"Um…yeah…I guess you did well," he finally replied, turning to watch the next match after the "normal" Yoh was remove don a stretcher. Kie's eyes brightened as she thought:
He complimented me, he thought I did well! Yes, I am one step closer to becoming Chunin and possibly fighting by his side. That would be so exciting. I can see it now…An ambush, me and Atari back to back, then springing into action; kicking, punching, throwing kunine and shurikan, propelling mighty jutsus. We would make such a great team. We would be #1. Saka would always be second best, and to think, after all this is done, I'll finally have the boyfriend of my dreams!
As she dreamt this, her facial expressions were so wild that it was as if she was speaking out loud her thoughts. Atari shook his head sadly.
She wishes we could be boyfriend and girlfriend, but I will only be here for a short while. I will become a Jonin, then leave Honamochi behind and search for Yuchi. I hope we're not on the same squad together. I'd rather be with Orchi and Nejeka than with her. It's not that I hate her; she's just plain annoying with her nonstop talking. I hope Ren is on my squad though.
After these thoughts were completely thought out, Master Genjin dropped his hand for the next match…Ren and a mystery fighter.
Chapter 23
No Opponent, No Fight; Squads Are Revealed!
Ren waited nervously as Master Genjin's hand levitated above him. In front of him stood nothing. No opponent, no sparring dummy, no nothing. Ren's nerves were on wits end when Master Genjin finally dropped his hand. Ren took a position and looked at him confused. He had no opponent, how could they fight? Master Genjin smiled at Ren before announcing:
"No opponent, no fight, so Ren Washinta moves on to the semifinals automatically! Now, to post your squads! These are the team mates you will be training with no matter if you graduated or not. Depending on if you graduated, that will decide your training exercises. If your teammates did not graduate, then once your whole squad does graduate, you will be put into the mission rankings once your squad is tested, ranked, and every squad member has paid the registration fee and other expenses. "
On the screen flickered the squad members and sensei with each one:
Squad 1- Yoh, Orchi, Eruka, - Sensei Fogu
Squad 2- Kriet, Hikaru, Kie- Sensei Kaze
Squad 3- Ren, Atari, Saka- Tashi Sensei
Squad 4- Numa, Tamari, Nejeka- Sensei Quin
Squad 5- Raouni, Waya, Zeak- Sensei Dye
The fighters stood speechless; some excited, some indifferent, some mortified, some disappointed. Kie was one of the mortified. She stood, mouth open wide, at the names; Ren, Atari, and Saka. How can this be?!? She wondered this as she observed the names in her squad. Kriet and Hikaru were with her.
And some guy named Zeak was with Raouni and Waya. Who was Zeak? The only Zeak she knew was the Zeak that lived 1 house down from Atari, and he was too young to become a Chunin. He was only a genin, being home schooled by his mother. But that was also two years ago, and maybe he improved enough to skip.
Anger boiled inside her at the thought of Atari being with Saka instead of her. I have to change this…mistake! I should be with Atari, not Saka. She devised a cunning plan for that very night. She did not even think twice about the possibility of getting caught. As long as I'm with Atari, I don't care what else happens.
Chapter 24
I'm No Thief or Spy
Atari and Ren celebrated that night.
"To the future Chunin…Atari and Ren!" Cheered Ren as him and Atari clinked glasses.
"Here's to a squad that's Kie-free," cheered Atari as they took a sip of their flavored water and clinked again.
"Yeah, did you see her face when she discovered that she wasn't with you? Priceless I tell you, priceless!"
"I think there was more to it than that," replied Atari drawing serious again.
"What could be more mortifying than not being with your crush?" Asked Ren sipping his drink.
"Oh…I don't know…maybe…not being with your crush…and having your crush being with your rival," replied Atari as Ren and he cracked up at the coincidence.
"Oh yeah, I forgot we are with Saka, while Kie is stuck with Kriet and Hikaru, no offense to those guys, because I've got nothing but respect for them," laughed Ren.
Kie watched from her bedroom window at Atari's house. It was lit up brightly, as Haro had planned for Ren to sleepover at Atari's as a celebration for their excellent performances. Kie watched as she saw their silhouettes move, outlined by the light from the crackling kitchen fire. She could defiantly tell them apart, because Atari's was the one that did not move much. Kie sighed in depression at the days events. She was proud of herself and Atari for passing, but the fact that they were not in the same squad upset her greatly. Suddenly, her timepiece hummed its alarm. She shut it off and cracked her knuckles. It was time to put the plan into action.
She would not let Saka have Atari, no matter what. She fitted on her kimono and tip toed out the door. She shut the paper door tightly and quietly, as not to wake her parents. She did not take her straw sandals, as she feared they would create too much noise. She took the lantern from the house and proceeded down the path, looking frantically as not to be seen by anyone. It was a chilly night. When Kie passed Atari's house, although she had only walked about 100 yards, the brisk wind had made her toes numb on the hard ground, her kimono stiff, and her skin to sprout goose bumps. She shivered and was almost about to knock on the door and ask to be warmed by their tempting fire just for a minute. She denied herself that warmth and continued down the path until she reached the Hokage's Temple.
It was a large tower, both tall and wide, with many hallways. Somehow, Kie had to find her way to the Chunin Records Room, where she would find the list for her year and erase Saka's name from Atari's squad, and replace it with her own. Shivering terribly and numb to the bone, she slowly and quietly opened the large wooden doors with the symbol of Honamochi on both of them and crept inside.
Once inside, Kie took a moment to warm her, and analyze her surroundings. She knew there were many Jonin patrolling the temple 24/7, but she did not see any. She walked slowly into the temple after dowsing the lantern and leaving it by the door to grab on her way out. The forks and hallways were lit with torches that, even though it was not the Buddhists temple, it gave it that feel. Kie crept along the walls of each hallway she traveled, keeping a close watch on everything.
Suddenly, the torches ahead of her blew out, and Kie was left in complete darkness. Unable to see, she continued at a slower pace, but still tripped on a stone and tumble down a stairway. Once she landed on the bottom, she stood up dazed, unsure of her location in the monstrous temple. She had wandered into the Buddhists sanctuary part of the Hokage's temple. She felt it appropriate to bow before the altar and offer a prayer. She prayed for Atari, for herself, Ren, and concerns on her mind before rising. The statue of the Buddha gleamed handsomely and she bowed once again before leaving. She left a tree of grapes as an offering on one of the golden platters to the left of the statue. The candles, one on each side of the altar, lit her path until she reached the top of the stairs.
Once there, Kie crept backwards until the torches were lit again. Kie crept along more forks and hallways so much she swore under her breath that she went threw the same hall twice. She read the signs on the hallways and doors, although they were difficult to read because of the lack of light. She followed a sign that read "Chunin," down to a sign that read "Chunin Squads," finally to a door labeled "Chunin Squad Records".
Breathing deeply for a moment, Kie pushed the door open and tip toed inside. She forgot to shut the door, but thought it didn't matter, for she was only to switch a few names and be gone. She fingered threw the records of past Chunin, dating all the way back to when the First Hokage was a Chunin! She recognized her father and mother's names along with Ren's parents and Raouni's, Kriet's and Nejeka's, Numa's, Waya's, Eruka's, Hikaru's, Saka's, but not Orchi's. All that was written for Atari was his father's name; Reggie Menjin. Nejeka had been correct about Atari's heritage; Atari's father was indeed Reggie Menjin, the avenger from the Revolution. Pictures were alongside the names. Kie gazed a long time at Reggie; his young and radiant face, much like Atari's, Lean body, black shinobi shozoku that now Atari wore, and the Sakabato on his back. Kie could see why Atari was his son, for they had much resemblance of each other. Kie guessed that those pictures were taken around when Reggie was the same age as Atari. Atari's mother's name was no where to be found. Kie finally refocused and began flipping through the records for their year once again.
She finally found her objective and drew a writing utensil and scratched out Saka's name violently. After her name was completely erased so that no trace of it remained, Kie began to write hers. K, i, e, N, a, p, p, cold metal was pressed against Kie's neck. A chilling voice spoke out from behind her in the shadows:
"Who are you, a thief or a spy? What are you doing with this year's Chunin list?"
Kie gulped and replied, her voice shaking:
"I am n-n-no thief or s-s-spy, I am…"
"Then what are you girl? You don't look like a familiar servant or slave of the Hokage, what is your business here," interrupted the guard that pressed the kunine harder against her throat.
"I…am simply organizing the records sir," replied Kie quickly.
"Hmmmm…suspicious, but believable, I'll be back to check on your progress in about five minutes, and you better be done or it's the whip for you!" The guard released Kie from his grip and him and his partner trotted outside slamming the door behind them. Kie heard the jingling of the lock as she realized they had trapped her inside. Ok…now I have to be quick and get out of here, without getting caught…if only Atari were here, he would know how to get out. Kie finished switching the two names and began thinking about how to escape her prison. She looked out the window and discovered that an overlooking balcony, probably from the Hokage's bedroom, was not far below where she was being held prisoner.
She quickly untied her kimono sash and tied it around her waist and onto the latch on the paper frame. After determining that her plan had worked, she leaped forward and tore the window open. She heard curious comments fading as she descended onto the balcony. As she reached the floor, her sash ripped and she landed flat on her back. Hearing the trampling of guards down the stairs coming her way, she dealt through the pain and descended again, she was comfortably on the ground. Guards bordered the balcony she had previously descended from and stared down at her. At once, the guards drew their bows and began shooting arrows constantly at her. An arrow just missed her side and pierced her kimono, tearing the delicate silk fabric. Kie began to climb the fence as she had been taught. She hopped over the top and landed perfectly on the opposite side. She did not hesitate, but took off running through the Hokage's many gardens filled with nocturnal flowers. She dashed through the gates and disappeared down the pathway, only to stop and hide behind a house as she heard guards patrolling the village looking for her. She tied o her rain hood and hunched over to disguise herself as an old elder. She crept back to the temple for a split second only to snatch her lantern that she had abandoned.
She returned to her house, gasping for breath. She hung the lantern back up on the hook outside her door and crept back inside and into her room. She changed out of her kimono and into her sleeping outfit and nursed the injuries on her arms and legs she had received from the fall and descending. After all the blood was cleaned up she noticed that her mother would ask in the morning about her torn sash and pierced kimono. Her mother was very observant and would also ask about her dirty feet. Kie quickly washed them and spent the next few hours sewing patches onto her kimono and extending her sash to reach its full length. After her tiring night was completed, Kie took one last look at Atari's now darkened home and collapsed on her bed dreaming of missions her and Atari would complete together, now that they were on the same squad.
Chapter 25
The Rose of Disappointment
With only three days of spare training time, Garu put Atari through some serious harsh conditions. He had him walk on hot coals, stand in snow produced from the ice house in town, do a hand stand for 2 hours supported by nothing but chakra, practice sword fighting with his eyes closed, harvest rice with his hands tied behind his back, get himself untied by bending himself in awkward shapes while being completely bound and suspended upside down, and stay in a painful position for hours upon hours of silence. Garu worked Atari hard, from dawn to dusk, allowing him to get only two hours of sleep each night. Raouni would sometimes come over and watch him train, cheering him on from the sides. Ren showed up from time to time to say hello and spar, just in chase they were against each other.
"No matter what happens, I'll still be your friend," promised Ren one night after sparing.
"Me too," promised Atari, praying that it did not have to come to that ever.
"At least we both graduate no matter what, and we're in the same squad," replied Ren optimistically. Atari shook his head thinking: There goes Ren again, another optimistic comment.
"Yeah…I guess that's good," Atari said gulping down his water and dumping half of it down his kimono.
"Well, I better get going, the semifinals are tomorrow…and you might get your shot at Orchi," said Ren waving as he disappeared out of sight down the path.
Atari lay on his back, his body aching from the previous days' exercises. Maybe I will face Orchi…then I'll make him pay for what he did to both Hikaru and Kriet. Then I'll force him to reveal Yuchi's location to me. If it goes well, I might leave this village early and find him.
Atari breathed a heavy sigh and got up, his body aching in protest. Atari walked on inside and plopped onto his bed, only to have his bedroom door knocked upon by Haro, indicating that Kie was here to see him. Atari rolled his eyes and rolled out of bed again. He didn't bother fixing his hair as he did out of habit usually. Kie stood at the door smiling brightly at him. She held a rose in her hand. She blushed at him and offered the flower. He accepted the offer and stared at it confused thinking; what's the occasion? Kie smiled and proudly said:
"It is a wish for a good match tomorrow, and that we'll be successful on many of our missions together." Atari's eyes got wide. Wait, I thought Saka was in our group. Atari posed this question to Kie and she showed him a copy of the records she had obtained when she had gone to switch the names. Atari's eyes got wide as his eyes saw that Kie was in their group, and that Saka was with Hikaru and Kriet. Atari shook his head in disbelief.
Kie smiled as he dashed down the street to Ren, whom lived three houses down. He waved to Zeak when he passed him. He knocked on Ren's door and found Ren answering in his sleeping kimono. Ren yawned:
"I thought we called it a night Atari, we have a big day tomorrow."
Atari showed Ren the paper and his eyes got wide with disbelief. His sapphire eyes looked like they would burst. Ren pulled at his red messed up hair as he almost screamed. Atari nodded sadly and they both cursed at the mishap. "I know this isn't nice…but I hope she dies fighting a genin or something on our first mission. Then we could be a pair," Ren smiled evilly at the thought.
"Sadly, that would be nice," agreed Atari as he stuffed the paper back into his sash. They said goodnight again and Atari walked home. Kie had waited for him and he returned their paper. Kie was smiling the whole time. Atari looked at her and she cheered gleefully:
"Goodnight Atari, fight well tomorrow, I'll be rooting for you, even if you are against me."
Atari shut the door and went back onto his bed. He had nightmares of him and Ren fighting a Jonin and about to kill him, when Kie comes up and hugs Atari, causing Atari to dropt he kunine, the Jonin to get up, and kill them all. Please don't have me verse her…please not her…please…
Chapter 26
There is A Light In This Darkness
Atari woke the next morning screaming from another nightmare. Haro had been at his bedside all night, washing his forehead every time he had screamed. Although it took some convincing, he finally dashed out the door with the Sakabato on his back and toward the grounds where the semifinals were to be held.
"He is acting odder with every passing day," Haro exclaimed waving as Atari disappeared down the road. Garu placed his worn hand on her shoulder.
"Although it has been years Haro, you must remember…he is of Menjin blood, not ours. He is an Amachi. And that blood has a dark and bloody history behind it and the Sakabato," replied Garu.
"I never knew…that we would house such a boy when the Hokage had given him to me," confessed Haro.
"Ah…he will face many challenges with his heritage. First, he's an Amachi, second, Nejeka was right, he is not Atari Lachapta…he is indeed…Atari Menjin, son of the deadly Reggie Menjin, and third, he is the new master of the Sakabato,"
"He will choose his path," confirmed Haro.
"I hope he chooses the right one," Garu sighed as he and his wife glided into the house and shut the door.
Atari met up with Ren as the matches were posted:
Match 1- Ren Washinta
Kie Nappa
Match 2- Atari Lachapta
Orchi Sahuna
Atari spotted Orchi already on the bench waiting and smiling a dark grin. Master Genjin took his place and Ren and Atari exchanged a high five before him and Kie faced each other. Kie winked and bushed at Atari and he just gave her a thumb up.
Master Genjin dropped his hand and the crowd roared. This time, Raouni was shouting "go Ren" as Ren had done for him. Nejeka just smirked, Kriet wasn't anywhere to be seen, Orchi said nothing, Hikaru cheered for Kie, Saka cheered for Ren, Tamari cheered for Kie, Waya wasn't anywhere around either, Eruka and Numa cheered for Kie, and Atari cheered for Ren quietly. Both combatants sprang into action in unison. They flipped over each other and Ren was the first to launch an attack. He fired a kunine and whipped a punch at close range that was powered by chakra. Kie was blown backwards by this blow. Kie wiped her lip and charged forward. Kie and Ren collided with punches. Finally, Kie managed to shove her knee into Ren's stomach, causing blood to spill out of his mouth as he sprawled backward. Ren stood up quickly, only to get struck up into the air by Kie. Trying to imitate Atari's Pride of Lions technique, she bounced off the ground with her foot leading the way. However, Ren rolled around and caught her foot. Throwing her around, Ren tossed her into the ground like tossed salad. He then dove down and jabbed his heel into her stomach. Blood erupted out of her nose and mouth when Ren landed. Making simultaneous hand signs, they both fired a powerful Multiple Shurikan Jutsu that knocked both of them backward. Kie flipped back and bounced off the wall to take down Ren again. Ren was battered against the wall by Kie nonstop punches, until he finally managed to pushed himself up and "donkey kick" her away. This time, Ren charged in making hand signs. He used his signature jutsu that everyone knew him by:
"Groundhog Burrowing Jutsu!"
The ground rumbled and Kie looked around frantically. As she did this, Ren charged in and managed to bat her around for a few moments until dozens of tiny groundhogs burrowed their way to the surface of the fighting ground. Ren commanded them with his hand gestures and they assaulted in unison. Kie was bit and scratched by dozens of groundhogs. Ren occasionally chimed in by blowing her back into the massacre of groundhogs by using a Hurricane Jutsu. After the groundhogs receded, Kie lay on the ground with no will to fight. But she did manage to get up muttering:
"I…won't…let down…Atari."
Atari heard this and a look of shock were pasted on his face for a split second. Ren charged forward again, but Kie grabbed his wrists and swung him around in a circle before letting him go flying into the wall. Kie breathed heavily at the lack of energy. Ren struggled to stand, and he charged in again. Kie drew a kunine and when Ren was in arms distance, they both chucked the kunine at each other. Both were hit in the chest by the cold knife. Kie screamed in pain and Ren merely fell to the ground. Both were deadly still.
Ren was slowly pushing himself to his knees but Master Genjin eased him down again after taking one look at Kie. Kie's eyes were wide open, and she looked like she was staring in horror at something in the distance. Her skin was cold, but she was breathing. Master Genjin removed the kunine from Kie's chest and Kie was imported out. Ren was lifted up and placed on the finalist bench. Atari rubbed his eyes. Now it's my turn. I must avenge Hikaru…and discover Yuchi's location. If I win, I'll verse Ren next. Oh well, a sacrifice must be made in order for me to reach my goal. We will always be friends, no matter what happens.
Chapter 26
Another Amachi
Atari faced Orchi. The crowd was silent. Atari could see his curse mark slightly, as Orchi could see his. Ren gave him a weak thumb up. Atari nodded and Master Genjin dropped his hand. Orchi hissed coldly and his tongue slithered out and appeared to be three times the length of a normal humans tongue. Atari gulp as he quickly chucked a shurikan without thinking. Orchi's dark eyes flashed of fire and he charged forward, dodging the shurikan with ease. As flexible as a shadow, Orchi flipped over Atari and attempted to stab his shoulder. Atari whipped around and just missed his head as he attempted a spinning back kick. Atari continued to spin and tried a roundhouse kick when Orchi's neck was on its way up. A secure hit sent Orchi sprawling to the side.
A chilling sensation ran up Atari's spine and ran into the curse mark. Atari sensed that Orchi felt the same sensation. His curse mark must be clashing with mine. But wait…the curse mark is a birthright to the survivors of my clan. Could Orchi…? He did not have time to think that over as Orchi charged in and jabbed Atari backwards with the butt of his kunine. Atari coughed, but performed a perfect back hand spring to break his fall. Underneath him Orchi sprinted and bounced upward. He kicked Atari in the back, but as he turned around to grab his foot as Re had done, Orchi was not underneath him.
"Hello Atari," taunted Orchi as he appeared above Atari with inhuman speed and securely jabbed his heel into Atari's back again. Atari slammed into the ground. "Is that all the last Menjin has? I bet Yuchi could have at least given me something to worry about." Atari heard this taunt and stumbled upright. He breathed heavily before his eyes glowed red with anger.
"Where is Yuchi!?"
Atari sprinted forward and tried to punch Orchi, but his attack was blocked and returned, witch sent him sprawling backward. Atari made quick hand signs and blew Orchi backward. Each successful attack either Orchi or Atari landed on one another sent a chilling sensation threw their spines to their curse marks.
The Hokage removed his pipe form his mouth as he observed this. It is true. Atari has met another of his kind…another Amachi that is.
Chapter 27
A Brotherhood Reaction
The fighting continued between the two, both sides being battered and bruised. However, Orchi gained a small upper hand as he drew his sword and began slashing Atari. Ren cheered loudly, encouraging Atari to draw his own sword. Atari finally did draw it reluctantly. The swords twirled around between them, each landing small scratches on the other. However, after many agonizing minutes of violent sword clashing, the swords met and both Atari and Orchi stood pressing more pressure into the other's blade. The blade's vibrated with an unusual force. The crowd was silent as they wondered what this phenomenon might be. A small throb erupted in Atari's neck, and he saw the same happened to Orchi. It can't be…not again, thought Atari. It throbbed on for moments that lasted an eternity, but it showed no sign of trying to possess him. The swords glowed two different colors. Atari's Sakabato showed a glowing tinge of blue on the blade and Orchi glowed a tinge of red. The throbbing continued and the glowing grew brighter and brighter. Orchi muttered despite the pain:
"This is…what happens…when two blood brothers…clash blades."
"What," asked Atari.
"We are…the same…we are both…Amachi clan members," replied Orchi as his eyes began turning red.
"So that is why…we both have curse marks," confirmed Atari, it all becoming clear.
"Yes, we are blood brothers. We are from the same clan, yet…we are so different," said Orchi. Atari could feel the built up chakra between both his curse mark and blade with Orchi's set. Finally, both of them could not muster enough strength to push any farther, and the chakra exploded, pushing them both backwards and sending them sprawling on the floor. Atari crawled to his sword quickly and grabbed the not hot handle. He stood up and charged forward. Orchi meanwhile, gained his senses and as he reached for his own blade, Atari slashed downward and cut his wrist. Orchi howled in pain, and the scream shuddered throughout the crowd.
Now driven by anger, Orchi rolled over and clutched his sword with his other hand. Since Orchi now had one hand disabled, Atari had the advantage. Atari slashed down toward Orchi's back to finish him off. Orchi reacted faster this time and blocked Atari's slash. The chakra began building up again. This time Atari was thrown backward. He flipped through the air and he landed securely. Orchi sprinted forward, tucking his injured wrist underneath his arm. He slashed cut at Atari, and he used his techniques Garu had taught him to sidestep and block each of Orchi's assaults. Orchi did manage to successfully cut Atari's side, but Atari avenged that injury by cutting up Orchi's other wrist, causing his sword to flip out of his hand. As Orchi howled in pain, Atari flipped over him with extreme speed as he grabbed the blade out of thin air. He whipped around crossing the blades as he had been taught, having Orchi's neck in the middle.
Orchi's expression pleaded for mercy. Atari showed no sign of giving any.
He asked in a cold tone:
"Where…is…Yuchi." Orchi's eyes got wide and he was about to reply before he vanished in a puff of smoke. He used a teleportation jutsu to get away, thought Atari, using his manners as he stabbed Orchi's sword into the ground, as he had done for the two blue ninja and their kunine. Master Genjin nodded at Atari and the sword was quickly collected by one of Orchi's many minions.
Atari was declared the winner and Atari then stared at Ren, and Ren staring at him. It was going to happen at one point…Atari and Ren were to face each other. Ren nodded and smiled. They exchanged high fives and congratulated each other.
"It's finally going to happen," Ren said sighing deeply once they were alone outside the grounds.
"Yeah…" Atari confessed that he did not want to hurt Ren, and Ren agreed to that.
"We'll still be friends no matter what, and anyway…we're on the same squad," Ren confirmed smiling brightly.
"Yeah, but what if you can't pay the expenses?" Asked Atari concerned.
"Don't worry, just bring your best game and may the better ninja win," Ren replied optimistically. They gave each other thumbs up and departed for their training that they were to pursue for the next three days. Atari trained hard at the grounds until Haro showed up to take him home and fix dinner. This will be a hard match, concluded Atari as he gulped down his chicken fried rice. Garu expected Atari to clearly wipe Ren off his feet from the start. Atari agreed, but in his heart he felt that going against a friend was one of the worst feelings he could ever have.
Chapter 28
Friend or Foe?
The next three days passed with Atari training just as hard as he ever had, but was constantly distracted by the fact that although he and Ren would still and always be friends, he was now his temporary enemy. It was either him or Ren, an undeniable truth. Garu showed no mercy in having Atari improve his chakra control, and Kie sometimes would pop in to observe his training. He often marveled at his skills and offered complete support. However, although she was being positive, Atari found her a nuisance. After Atari finished an exercise he would breathe and proceeds to the next one. As he caught his breath, Kie always encouraged him to destroy Ren. Atari said he would try, but he would never go through with it. He made a silent vow one night to defeat Ren, not destroy him. He witnessed Ren a few moments practicing a new jutsu. Atari quickly memorized the hand signs and words, therefore limiting Ren's element of surprise for when they would fight. It was a painful and dreadful three days, in witch Atari would remember to this day.
On the last night, Atari and Garu sparred with every aspect. Garu was holding nothing back, and Atari utterly defeated him. Atari pointed his sword at Garu's chin on the last match and was declared the winner. Garu nodded in approval and smiled for the first time in months.
"You are ready to embrace the true way of the shinobi…my son," Garu let his head drop to his chest and Atari withdrew his blade. Atari smiled as they wrapped their arms around each other and went inside to some of Haro's fresh homemade ramen.
The next day was silent with anxiousness. Atari woke up and said nothing as he grabbed a piece of bread, dressed into his shinobi shozoku, strapped on the Sakabato, and departed for the grounds. Garu promised to be there when it started, and Haro took time off to be there. Atari gulped and started down the path, Kie wanting to follow him. Kie wished him luck and took her seat next to Numa. Neither Kriet nor Orchi were present. Atari took deep breaths and spotted Garu and Haro in the much larger crowd. Master Genjin coughed and nodded to both Atari and Ren. Ren smiled optimistically and the two of them shook hands.
"Regardless of what happens here Atari, you're still my best friend," Ren smiled again and gave a thumb up.
"Same to you," agreed Atari smiling.
Master Genjin coughed and the crowd grew quiet.
"Ladies and Gentlemen! The finals of the Chunin exam are about to commence! The combatants for this morning are Atari Lachapta and Ren Washinta."
Atari and Ren walked out to Master Genjin and bowed to the crowd. The audience roared with enthusiasm and support for both fighters. Atari saw Kie literally going wild for him and Garu and Haro clapping softly and smiling. Once the crowd grew quiet Master Genjin dropped his hand. "Begin!"
Ren charged forward clutching a kunine tightly. Atari merely flipped in place and pushed both his feet into Ren's shoulders. Stopping his motion, Atari then back flipped off and chucked a fast spinning shurikan that Ren dodged with ease. Without hesitation, Ren fired an identical kunine at Atari's head. Atari sidestepped to the side as he had been taught and began building up chakra. Ren made careless hand signs and fired a weak Fireball Jutsu at Atari. Atari put it out with a Waterfall Jutsu and capitalized by landing a successful kick in Ren's chest. Ren fired more shurikan as he spun around wildly. Atari dodged these no problem. With almost no effort, Atari flipped over all the flying weapons and slashed Ren's back with a kunine. Ren screamed and dropped a smoke screen bomb on the floor. Atari was surrounded by darkness. Still clutching the kunine, Atari tried to sense Ren's chakra. Ren had used a Speed Jutsu to manipulate his speed so that he could move at the speed of light for flashes of time. Therefore, Atari could not sense his chakra. Atari was being battered and slashed by both shurikan and kunine. Finally, with a split second of rest, Atari did a two-part technique. He propelled himself above the smoke by building up chakra in his feet while making hand signs for a Multiple Shurikan Jutsu. Once above the smoke Ren bounced up off the ground and began kicking Atari. Atari crossed and moved his arms so that he received no damage. This put extra strain on Ren's body. Atari grabbed both of Ren's feet, swirled around in a circle, and whipped Ren into the ground. Ren released another smoke bomb as Atari reached the ground. As if it was foreseen, Atari released the jutsu and the shurikan whipped around in a cycle. Ren was found and was battered. After Atari had stopped spinning, Ren had charged in with a powerful punch. Atari sprawled on his back. Ren jumped in front of him and punched downward, aiming for his face. Thinking quickly, Atari drew a kunine and stabbed it into the ground. He then whipped his body around and clamped his feet in between Ren's ankles. Atari then withdrew the kunine and snapped his feet forward. Because of their position, Ren toppled backward and Atari grabbed his arm. Atari kicked his heel into Ren's chest and bounced up. Ren fired a shurikan that slashed Atari's arm. A small volcano of pain erupted as the blood trickled onto the ground. Atari rolled in the air to the side and slid to a stop.
However, his balance was off and he fell backwards onto the ground. Without thinking, Atari propelled himself upward and kicked Ren's chin upward with both feet. Atari had his feet slide down to his chest and stick using chakra before pushing him backward into the ground. Ren toppled up again, but only to smack his face against the ground. Atari slid to a successful stop as Ren struggled to stand. Atari suddenly felt horrible. How can I do this to a friend? He thought as Ren stood weakly and turned to face him again. I'm beating him in full, and he can't go on, yet he will not quit. Ren raised his head and looked at Atari, still smiling optimistically. Atari did not want to hurt him any more than he had, and he had only done the basics that Garu had taught him. But, in case Ren still wanted more, as he always did, Atari got into another fighting stance. Ren blinked weakly and smiled before…oh so weakly, he raised his hand that had spots of dried blood on it.
Atari stared wide eyed and stunned. Ren had surrendered….given up…forfeited! It was such a surprise that Atari could not blink, but only stare at the upraised hand. Master Genjin waited, but Ren did not want to continue. After a few moments of still silence, the crowd roared in approval at Atari's victory. A sense of false pride filled Atari. He had won! He saw Haro standing and cheering so hard she turned pink, and Garu shedding tears of joy. Atari waved at the crowd and winked at Kie, just to see her faint flat on her face. Ren then collapsed to his knees. Atari dashed up to his side, as a friend should. Helping Ren to his feet, Atari said quietly:
"Why did you do it? You never quit, that was your nindo, your ninja way."
"I couldn't…go through with it…you had me beat Atari…and I had had enough," replied Ren smiling. "I had…given it everything I had…and you…still beat me…just like in sparring."
Atari smiled as he supported Ren. Master Genjin had all the graduate students line up to receive their certificates of graduation, all framed and ready to be hung on the wall. Kie was carried by Nejeka and Hikaru. Master Genjin announced their name and the crowd roared in support as he presented tem with their certificate. Kie woke up at the right time and smiled at Atari. Nejeka accepted his with a cold tone, Kie jumped up and down in joy while her eyes lingered and danced around Atari. Ren smiled weakly as he gripped his with his hand that had dried blood.
When the time came to unroll Atari's rewards, the crowd was silent and the gong tolled three times, ringing throughout the grounds.
"Ladies and gentlemen! The Chunin exams are hereby completed (the crowd roared with approval and delight)! After the matches have all commenced, the winners decided, the village champion is…Atari Lachapta (Garu began to cry in joy)!!! He is hereby awarded with a medal of honor, a certificate of graduation, and an official payment into the mission rankings."
The crowd roared again extra loud and Atari was directed up onto a podium. He wore his medal with pride and was supposed to offer a speech. He was no public speaker, and preferred to stay quiet in all conditions, following the Ninja Code, but here he made an exception. Coughing to clear his throat he began…
Chapter 29
A Night of Ninja
"I understand that I am not the crowd favorite, but I do have to say…that all these ninja here before you, and maybe even some that are not here, will make a difference in both inside this village and out on missions. The names that will be spoken for generations to come by both children and adults are the ninja here before you now. Nejeka, Raouni, Kriet, Ren, myself, Numa, Yoh, Eruka, Zeak, Kie, Tamari, Waya, Saka, all these names will go down in history and even childhood games will be named after them. These ninja stand up and fight for what they think and believe. They persevere for their goals, whatever they may be. They all have hearts of pure gold, and souls that are as clean as glass. This village can be proud to have such ninja as Chunin. Honamochi, the village with splendid Chunin!
And after today, maybe years from today, they will be Jonin and some may be dead. But they will always be remembered for their traits they brought to this village, no matter what clan they originated from. Gengaru, Jenko, Amachi, even neutral, they all bring something important to this village. These names will never fade, and as long as they are protecting this village, honor and prosperity will befall us. We will become more powerful and rich if anything and the Fourth Hokage will be able to look down from heaven and say that he made a good choice by giving his life for this village those many years ago.
And I know that Nejeka was correct, by stating that I am indeed, a Menjin, son of Reggie Menjin, and the new master of the Sakabato, but I am not like my birth father. I am Atari Lachapta, adopted son of Haro and Gaur Lachapta, and the adopted brother of Yuchi! This village is special, because it has variety. I bet, even the emperor of Japan would fear this village and its many fighting techniques and styles. Honamochi is and will always be, the home to the best ninja fighting forces in all of Japan!"
The crowd was silent for a few moments as Atari stepped down from the podium. Atari witnessed tears flood everyone's eyes as they clapped for him. Master Genjin then introduced the Hokage for some words.
"Thank you my people. It is my duty as Hokage, to congratulate this year's set of Chunin ninja here before you. As a celebration, I will be assembling a huge festival in their honor. I need all the Jonin and men from every family to report to me immediately to prepare for the festivities."
The Jonin quickly assembled into a line like soldiers prepared for battle. Slowly, the men from every family poured down also. Atari recognized many of the fathers. After whispering instructions to each oft hem, the Jonin vanished with a Teleportation Jutsu and the men merely depart via the tunnel. The Hokage then turned to the now Chunin and dismissed them.
Atari help Ren limp home and Atari bandaged all his wounds. They decided to dress up for the festival, so Atari got back into his fancy shinobi shozoku and like Ren, packed a few kunine just in case. After the incident with Kie, Atari never left the house without a kunine or two. Ren began to actually walk on his own, saying that although Atari had clearly beaten him, he did not use "long lasting pain" on him, so he quickly recovered.
Haro and Atari met up with Ren and his family as they entered the town square. Paper lanterns with the symbols of victory, celebration, completeness, and everyone's name on it were lit and hung throughout the village. They glowed red, blue, or green. Torches were also lit. Food tables were placed throughout the square, but left the middle square open for the entertainment that would be presented later that evening. Ramen cooked, sushi heated, fish were flipped and cut, and rice were battered around into rice cakes. Atari and Ren left Haro and Ren's parents and immediately raced to the food tables. Ren and Atari helped themselves to ramen, sushi, and lots of chicken fried rice. They sat down comfortably with their legs crossed and munched on their rice while the Hokage appeared in the center of the checkered square. "Now, he have your entertainment for tonight, the Baker Band presenting: A Night of Ninja. Enjoy the show."
As the Hokage left the stage, smoke erupted on the stage with flashes of light, probably caused from colored explosives. After the smoke faded, three black figures came into view, a drum beating loudly in the distance. After the final strike, the moonlight hit the figures revealing three ninja in three different fighting style stances.
The first one on the left was Nejeka's father in a Hefari stance, in the middle was a mysterious figure in a Vito stance, and to the right was Kriet's father in a Token stance. The drum rolled again as Atari noticed more distinct features appearing on the performers. Each wore deerskin pants with fringes up the legs, with moccasins. None of them wore shirts, but revealed pure white skin. They were painted with red war paint with stripes on their chest going down, and two stripes on their cheeks. To top it off, they wore a war bonnet with red tipped feathers standing up on their heads. They also had a blue v on their foreheads. The drum beat again, louder each time. The smoke finally faded and all there ninja bounced into another stance, then another, then another. The ninja on the right sidestepped to the side and the middle ninja completed three front handsprings finishing with a swift front flip landing on his knees facing Atari. He showed resemblance…of Orchi. Atari assumed he was Orchi's brother because he seemed way too young to be his father and when he turned around sneered in disgust at the thought of Orchi running in the face of defeat from their match. He knelt there for a moment then back flipped as the other two performers crisscrossed with burning torches that they twirled around flawlessly. Stabbing them up into the air, they spun around crossing each other for a second time and continued that pattern as the middle performer spun in circles like a ballerina. Then out of nowhere, three other men jumped out from behind them. These men wore blue bonnets and blue streamers flowed out form their arms. Again, they too wore deerskin pants and a blue vest with the symbols for love, peace, and prosperity. These actors spun in circles and pranced around the stage while the red performers danced on the inside with the fire. The one drum was accompanied by many drums beating a simultaneous beat in unison with each other. The performers continued their patterns until the drum beat stopped. Then they froze in place for a moment, but then an eerie melody followed. Out of the ground, flew up more ninja in the normal black shinobi shozokus, all carrying kunine in attack position. The other actors, both blue and red, coward into one corner, shivering in fear, while the black ninjas approached them slowly. Kunine rained from the sky and landed at the foot of the cowering ninja. Suddenly filled with courage, the ninja drew a kunine and charged in. A planned fight, as Atari observed commenced with many black, blue, and red ninja falling to present the seen of death. At the end however, Garu prodded out from behind the stage wearing a long cape that lagged a good ten feet behind him, a long feathered war bonnet and a brilliantly bright vest covered with shiny fish scales. He put his hand on a black ninja's forehead and shook his head. He stood still for a minute. Then he drew a kunine and threatened to stab a dead body, but instead, wrote the symbols for all three clans. In front of the a red ninja, he wrote Gengaru, in front of a blue ninja, he wrote Jenko, and in front of the black ninja he wrote Amachi. Following the completion of Amachi, three taller ninja from all three clans, dressed in their respective costumes walked out from the corners. A puff of smoke erupted again, and when it vanished all of the once dead ninja were alive again, all in a line, the Hokage in the middle. All of them were dressed in the black shinobi shozoku and on Garu's mark, held up a sign that read: We are Honamochi. The audience clapped and the performers bowed.
While Atari finished his sushi and paid close attention to who he believed to be Orchi's father, he spotted a dark figure in the back, at the border of their festival grounds. Half of him was lit by a paper lantern. Atari quickly finished hi dinner and told Ren he would be gone for a while. Drawing a kunine he dashed after the figure. He was led away from the festivities and was surrounded by complete darkness.
"Now…we will have our match," hissed a voice. Two huge yellow eyes appeared out of the darkness and a loud hissing was heard. Atari looked up to see a humongous snake almost as tall as the trees. Atop the snake's head, was none other than…Orchi himself.
Chapter 30
A New Mission
Atari charged forward and ran up the snake by using chakra to help him stick to its skin. He flipped and landed on its nose in front of Orchi. He charged forward and they fought on the snake's head, clashing kunine for what seemed like hours. Atari managed to see Orchi's injured wrist. It was bandaged from the hand to the shoulder. I must have cut deeper than I thought, thought Atari. After a few more clashes of kunine, they paused with their weapons connected.
"How dare you call yourself an Amachi, you heartless snake," Atari scoffed.
"A snake? I like the ssssound of that. Why don't you sssstick around to see how sssnake like I can be," asked Orchi as his tongue split and coils appeared on his skin. Flaps that of a cobra flapped out from his neck. Orchi's eyes became slits and were the color of hatred and blood. Fangs grew, and slowly, Atari observed to see that slowly, in conclusion, he was turning into a snake. He also sensed that it took a large amount of chakra because he did it in slow doses at a time. Gripped by a deadly fear, Atari quickly stabbed his kunine into the underbelly and listened as Orchi hissed in pain and he jumped down form the giant snake's head. Just before Atari reentered the festival, he heard Orchi hiss loudly: "Yuchi will get you!"
Atari was again driven by curiosity to go back and find out exactly where Yuchi was, but resisted and preceded into the celebration. He had entered just when the Hokage had announced that the last dance was to be a slow dance. Atari gulped and quickly scanned for Kie, hoping she would not find him. However, he was soon tapped on the shoulder by Kie and asked to dance. Atari paused to think and thought he had nothing better to do and soon saw Ren dancing with Saka, so he accepted the offer. Kie leaned against him and rested her head on his chest. Atari felt deeply disturbed but did not let it show. After the song had ended he said goodbye and goodnight to Kie and she nearly fainted again. He and Ren joined up again and the two of them walked to Ren's house together. After talking for about a few minutes, Ren disappeared inside and Atari entered his own house and immediately went to bed after having a freshly baked cake in witch Haro surprised him with. Garu came home exhausted and the two of them clapped for his performance. After feasting on some cake, Atari went immediately to bed.
The next day a Jonin knocked on their door. Haro answered sleepily and reported to Atari that it was for him. Atari stumbled to the door and the Jonin handed him a scroll.
"It is your first mission, please gather the other two members of your squad and meet your Jonin at the town square."
They bowed and the Jonin disappeared. Unrolling the scroll he read:
Ranking: C
The three new Chunin Kie Nappa, Atari Lachapta, and Ren Washinta are to be assembled with Tashi Sensei for the mission described below. Missions are ranked A, B, C, and D. D and C are completed by Chunin, and A and B are completed by Jonin. A is most difficult, and D is least difficult. Because of the performance they exhibited during the exams, they are given a C mission to start. Ren and Kie will have to pay the expenses, as seeing that Atari won the competition. The mission is described below:
The Chunin Kie Nappa, Atari Lachapta, and Ren Washinta, accompanied by Tashi Sensei will all be bodyguards for a traveler. He is a master at building communication devices, and the village you will escort him to a village that is called Andrez. You will be traveling from Honamochi to a harbor and from there be taken across the ocean to he island in witch Andrez is located. They are in financial trouble and are having issues with their leader. His name is Geiff, but I'm sure the communication builder will tell you all about their situation. Protect him, because their will be spies marketing his position to Geiff and he must not be told the purpose of the communication builder. Destroy the spies on sight. He will tell you the details. Good luck!
Atari rolled up the scroll and ate a quick breakfast, packed food in his backpack and tied the Sakabato onto his back. After dressing in his shinobi shozoku, he departed after saying goodbye to Haro and Garu. Atari gathered Ren first, and then Kie, although he would have much rather have left her. Ren collected the money needed and all three of them met their sensei. He was young, wearing long black baggy pants, a red headband tied in the back, and a fringed sleeveless thin white shirt. He saluted and bowed to them as Ren and Kie paid the debt. However, as he took a look at Atari, his eyes got wide with fear. He eyed the Sakabato's sheath like he was analyzing a deadly, yet familiar shotgun. He asked Atari quietly asked Atari what he took to be his true name. Atari answered Atari Menjin and Tashi Sensei backed up with surprise.
"I've heard much about you Atari. You are the boy with a dark, bloody, and twisted heritage. You are part of the Amachi, and you are of Menjin blood," recited Tashi as if he had read it in a book.
"How do you know all that?" Asked Atari as Ren and Kie returned wearing their own shinobi shozokus, both black like Atari's.
"Surprisingly, you have been since the news got out…of Reggie Menjin marrying a lady named Yoshi and having a son in witch Yoshi died, but you are well known Atari. And now that you are a Chunin and you won the competition, the whole idea of the Menjin blood still flowing through one of Reggie's descendants, his son nonetheless, is truly mind boggling," replied Tashi.
After bowing to the Hokage and the communications builder was presented to them. He wore a straw hat, however he was plump. He wore a backpack stuffed with supplies out last you a year out in the woods. Ren whispered to Atari:
"He must be a retired sumo wrestler."
Atari contained the laughter built up inside. The builder looked at the Chunin and scoffed:
"You hired these little brats?"
Not just any ninja, but a Menjin as well," answered Tashi pointing to Atari.
"Ah, Menjin…it's all a bag of blood if you ask me," replied the builder.
"Um…sensei, I would prefer being called Atari Lachapta," posed Atari finally.
"Ok, well, we better be off," signaled Tashi as the five of them exited the front gates of Honamochi.