Chapter 31
Stalkers
The woods were quiet. Everything was quiet. Only the breeze disturbed the still leaves on the trees bordering their pathway. Atari was focusing on his surroundings, looking fro any potential spies along the way. Meanwhile, Kie kept pestering him with her "gift" of nonstop talking. Ren at one point threatened to take her out right there on the spot. Atari talked him out of it, but regretted having not let Ren do it. Tashi Sensei led the group, and the communication builder kept babbling on about how the ninja in his time were better than they are today. Atari had anger boiling inside him at his remarks about how the Menjin never existed and the Amachi are stupid fools. Ren at one point told him about Atari's heritage and that only made the builder continue more. This was truly un-enjoyable for all three Chunin. However, they always had the feeling they were being followed and watched like specimens of a mad scientist.
A kunine suddenly whipped past Atari cheek and he barely dodged it. Another was fired from the other side, but this time Atari clutched its handle, as he had done with the blue ninja at the picnic. He fired it and a black ninja tumbled down from the tree. Tashi praised Atari for his alertness, and had Kie finished the ninja off after he had confessed that he was indeed, Geiff's little minion.
The builder merely scoffed at him and they continued on their way. However, as the harbor came into view as they reached the top of a hill, three black ninja flipped down from out of nowhere.
"Where do you think you are going?" They hissed all taking attacking stances. Atari, Ren, and Kie bolted to guard the builder. Atari in the front, Kie and Ren on both his sides. The ninja finally assaulted them. Tashi Sensei blocked all their shurikan with his bare hand! Without hesitation, He sprinted forward and took out all three with one Multiple Shurikan Jutsu. The ninja lay dead on the ground and Tashi glared that the builder.
"Why did you lie to us," he demanded drawing and pointing a kunine at the builder's neck.
"Because…because we could not afford…an A or B ranked mission," confessed the builder and Tashi lowered his blade.
"You never stated in your mission description that their would be ninja, hunting you down and attempting to kill you. This is indeed an A or B ranked mission at the least," Tashi seemed very, very angry at the builder and refused to withdraw his blade completely.
"Have mercy kind ninja," pleaded the builder. Tashi's cold eyes of anger turned to soft eyes of kindness.
"We'll finish this mission, but you owe us double the price of an A ranked mission eh?" Proposed Tashi withdrawing his blade finally.
"Yeah, sure, whatever you say," promised the builder as the five of them continued once more.
Now that there are ninja going after him, the next set will not be Chunin, but they will be Jonin, concluded Tashi with a glimpse of fear in his thoughts.
Chapter 32
Another Enemy
The five travelers continued down the path to harbor, and after pleading their case had the fishermen take them across the ocean toward Andrez. However, the builder insisted that he build a communication device with this land and began working on his device. The Chunin took this time to train and learn new jutsus form each other. They stayed at the harbor until the next morning, when the builder had finally finished.
"I will build on in Andrez and we will communicate to the ends of this earth," promised the builder as he waved to the fishermen still on the shore. Then the boat vanished into a choking mist.
Tashi growled at the builder in disgust. The builder lowered his head and confessed:
"Ok, I guess I better tell you…why you needed to escort me back to Andrez. First, a rich man named Geiff sent assassins to kill our current leader. Then he himself took over Andrez with al his wealth and power. He promise dour people good fortune, but instead, lied and increased the rice taxes by 50. Our people are starving and are dying from starvation, because we have a heartless leader. His many squads of assassins will kill anyone who opposes him. He cut off our communications with other lands, by destroying our bridges and outlawing boats. Fishermen had to fish from the shore. Our ninja were all slaughtered in a courageous rebellion attack on Geiff. Now, he heard about me, and has sent his assassins to eliminate me, and the rest of our people's hopes for freedom. If I can complete my communication device in Andrez, witch is already in the process of being made in hiding, and then I can communicate with other lands and assemble a powerful alliance with other villages like Honamochi and finally destroy Geiff and his terrible ways. His true love is money, and nothing else. So, as you can see, kind ninjas, we are poor and could not afford an A or B ranked mission because our very salaries are ripped from our grasp by this evil man."
By the time he had finished his story, they had landed on the shore of Andrez. Tashi paid the fishermen and they departed. They were crossing a higher bridge that stretched across two mountains. The mist was heavy, but the towns below were distinct. Atari could make out children running and ninja flipped throughout the town. However, an unusual clinging of mist stuck to everyone…and a cold, shrilling voice echoed through the mist saying:
"So…Orchi was right…you guys are weaker than I thought." Atari noticed that Tashi seemed to recognize the voice.
"Hydra Nazuma, the assassin in hiding," acknowledged Tashi Sensei.
"Hello Tashi, I see you've brought some mere Chunin brats with you," replied Hydra.
"Not just any brats, pure Chunin and a Menjin," commented Tashi.
"I have my own Chunin with me too Tashi, so let's finish this rivalry for old times sake," Hydra hissed evilly, like Orchi.
The mist cleared and the ninja could make out a tall man, probably about 6 feet tall, wearing a red shinobi shozoku with a curled dragon image on the front. On his back were two pairs of large nun chucks. Next to him stood a girl much like Waya, wearing a mask over her face. Atari thought, she must be from the Jenko clan, like Waya. She wore a blue velvet kimono packed with acupuncture needles and medical supplies. Beneath that lay many, many shurikan and kunine. Tashi signaled to Atari, Ren and Kie shouting:
"Don't forget the mission, young ninja! Protect the communication builder with your lives. I'll handle Hydra and his little friend."
Atari nodded to both of his teammates and they assembled around the builder. The mist began clouding again, but not enough to completely blind them. Clashes of kunine were heard as Atari could see Tashi Sensei and Hydra's silhouettes battling it out. After a few minutes Hydra gave his friend a signal and she sprinted forward with inhuman speed. Tashi and Hydra's battle froze. Atari stepped forward and blocked her kunine.
"Kendra, show no mercy! Destroy that little boy," ordered Hydra as the girl whirled around in a circle.
Atari focused his chakra and made a clone. The two ninja attacked Kendra from different angles and she was blown backwards. She made hand signs as well and created a lot of clones. Following each other, the clones circled around them. She ran so fast that it was impossible to tell the clones apart. Atari focused just as they all charged in for the kill. Atari propelled himself above them and drew a shurikan. Searching for a flow of chakra, he stabbed down into what he thought to be Kendra. The person backed away and he destroyed a mere water clone. Atari whipped around and blocked a fired shurikan and destroyed another clone. He dived and ducked, destroying one clone after another, creating a circle of water. Soon, only Kendra was left. Atari took a deep breath and waited. Atari signaled for Ren and Ren told Kie to stay put with the builder. Atari and Ren both charged at Kendra. Kendra merely threw them behind her and sprinted toward the builder. Atari got up and fired a kunine to Kie. Kie grabbed the knife and just barely brushed Kendra's skin. It was enough to draw off her attack. Atari and Ren breathed deeply. Kendra looked up at them and sprinted behind Hydra.
Tashi then charged forward. Hydra was quick on his feet, but Tashi managed to swipe him in half! However, the body merely exploded, revealing that it was indeed a water clone. Hydra appeared behind Tashi and made hand signs. "Water Cage Jutsu!" A sphere of water enclosed Tashi. Tashi just stared, bewildered and imprisoned. Atari and Ren stared stunned. Atari was about to charge in when Tashi commanded:
"Don't do it Atari! This battle was over the moment I got caught. Do as you are ordered and protect the communications builder! Hydra is using all of his chakra to keep me imprisoned, so you only have to worry about Kendra."
Atari and Ren looked back at the builder who shook his head.
"I guess it is my fault we are all in this mess to start with, so…don't worry about me! Do what you have to in order to save your sensei!"
Atari nodded and all three ninja charged forward. Hydra merely brushed them aside with his free hand. Atari signaled Ren and Ren made hand signs.
"Let's do this Atari! Double Shurikan Jutsu!"
Ren fired a large shurikan half his size at Hydra. Hydra merely caught the shurikan, but a second shurikan the same size soon followed. Unable to catch it, Ren thought he had made a hit, but Hydra jumped a tremendous height and dodged it. However, Hydra was in for a surprise…the shurikan exploded to reveal Atari spinning around to fire a kunine aimed for Hydra's head! Atari skidded on the ground, but soon bounced up. Surprised greatly by this combo of teamwork and excellent jutsu, Hydra released Tashi Sensei and Kendra jumped up to catch the kunine and flip over Hydra clumsily. Atari and Ren exchanged looks of victory and a thumb up before returning to the builder.
Driven insane from doing nothing while Ren got to work with Atari, Kie finally abandoned the builder, not thinking of the true mission before them. Kie charged Hydra head on and he slashed her wrist and drove her into the ground. Kie trembled as Hydra approached her. She thought with fear glistening in her eyes: I got to…get out of here! If I don't…he'll completely destroy me! But as she turned to get up and run, something stopped her. She looked at her bleeding wrist and trembled still. Wait…I'm Kie Nappa, and I know that if this were Atari, he would stand and fight to the death. And I will do the same. Kie stopped trembling only to turn around and see Hydra about to stab her with a kunine. She put up her hand to defend herself, but saw Atari's graceful body flying threw the air only to land a perfect and direct kick to Hydra's cheek. Atari landed in front of her and watched Hydra skid across the ground. Both ninja retreated to the builder immediately as Tashi charged at Hydra. Kendra blocked him before sprinting toward the builder.
"Let's take this elsewhere eh you Chunin," taunted Kendra as she fired many shurikan at the ninja. Kie blocked them all with her kunine and turned to ask Atari if she did well. Atari pointed as Kendra dodged past Kie and dragged both Atari and Ren backwards for a personal fight. Kie was about to join them until Tashi reminded her of her true mission; protect the builder at all costs. Meanwhile, the fight between Kendra and the two Chunin raged on in full.
Kendra was quick and swift, because all their attacks were dodged with ease. It did not look like a good outcome for Atari and Ren. After hours of combat, the two ninja were tired. Kendra however, had not used much energy to dodge their attacks, and was therefore, all fired up. She charged forward and blew Atari out of the way, leaving Ren a victim.
"Atari!"
"Let's finish this, with a Multiple Water Clone Jutsu!"
Kendra sprinted forward, and attempted to stab Ren with a kunine. Prepared for this, Ren drew a kunine of his own and they clashed blades, and held still, pushing for more room. Kendra smirked confidently: "It's over. I've gained two key advantages."
"Yeah? What are they," asked Ren holding his own.
"First, you are completely alone, and second, I've disabled one of your hands, leaving you with one free hand to defend yourself with," concluded Kendra smartly.
They spun around whipping shurikan at each other, and Kendra had been right…Ren was alone…and with one hand disabled; Kendra had cleanly ripped him apart. Even with their hands clashed…and Ren being as tired and beaten as he was…this was no exam, it was real. Therefore, this was a real fight, witch meant real death. Kendra sensed this, and decided to make hand signs…with one hand! This was truly amazing, since both Atari and Ren were taught that hand signs were to be made with both hands. She blew him back with a Fireball Jutsu. Ren struggled to stand and maintain his balance. Kendra then made hand signs again and summoned a dozen clones, all with her chakra evenly disputed amongst them. They surrounded Ren, and he looked around in fear. Kendra and her clones began ruthlessly firing shurikan and kunine at Ren. They flew so fast, that Ren was levitated in the air. He was being beaten up terribly, and Atari was no where to be seen. Kendra finally stopped firing, although she did not dismiss her clones either. Ren collapsed to his hands and knees, breathing deeply. He bled all over, and his clothes were ripped up. Kendra just stood and stared, unwilling to help him. Just as all the clones lifted more shurikan to start a rapid fire again, a blur flipped through the air and landed in front of Ren. Ren smiled weakly at the body. It was Atari, and he was ready to fight to protect his friend. He stared coldly at Kendra. He used a jutsu to sense the real being out of the midst of clones.
"How dare you! You can't expect to pick on one of my friends and get away with it," he scoffed and took an attacking stance of his own. Kendra seemed to nod back in fear as Atari's boiling anger finally was released. He charged forward and the clones all disappeared in a heap of dust. Kendra was taken back and slammed into the ground by a series of punches. Atari bounced back and waited for her to rise again. When she did he sprinted forward, but she flipped over him and summoned clones again that surrounded Atari. They began a rapid fire of the same weapons they had fired at Ren. Atari was ripped up terribly and he bled just as much as Ren. Atari, however, was stronger than Ren, and was not struggling like he had.
"You are strong and a mighty ninja, I'll give you that," complimented Kendra as her clones drew weapons again and prepared to fire.
"Keep it," Atari growled.
Kendra thought quickly. I can't destroy him head on…so I must lure him in…by destroying his partner!
Her clones fired the weapons not at Atari, but at Ren's still body. Atari thought of Ren's position and sprinted to help. He managed to block most of the weapons, with his body and weapons of his own, but finally clutched Ren's body and jumped out of range. He put Ren down and glared at Kendra. Ren finally struggled to get up again. Kendra fired at Atari and as he was being beat up Ren struggled to gain more chakra. After his chakra level was at least normal, he charged into battle, destroying all of the clones in flashes of spilling water. Kendra stopped firing and looked, stunned, at this daring maneuver. Atari stood weakly and observed with startling praise. Ren finally finished and was completely wiped of his energy. He coughed blood and bent over to catch his breath, Atari rushed to his side. Kendra waited not and fired a kunine at Ren. Atari had paid not attention to this, and because of that, the kunine hit its target…Ren's heart! Ren screamed in agony and collapsed backward onto the ground. His chest bled terribly as he coughed up blood again and again. Kendra just stood and watched. Atari rushed to his side and knelt down beside him.
"Dang…I guess I wasn't strong enough," coughed Ren.
"Are you all right?" Asked Atari.
"Yeah…but I…can't…keep fighting," muttered Ren, his voice getting weaker and quieter with every passing second.
"You should rest, I'll handle Kendra," concluded Atari.
"No…I won't make…it…I remember…I promised Raouni…that I'd be at his match when he finally destroys Nejeka…but in my condition…I think I'll…"
Ren's eyes got wide with pain and terror as his shaking hand lifted up toward Atari. "Please…as my last wish…please…destroy…Kendra." Then his hand dropped lifelessly, and his breathing became softer. Even his eyes, although they seemed perfectly fine, slowly closed. Atari lifted him up and hugged him, tears running to his eyes. His arms shook with anger as he embraced him. Kendra just watched, showing no emotion behind that mask.
"Is this the first time you've ever seen a comrade die in battle? Get used to this…it is the way of the shinobi," she warned backing up closer to the mist. Atari suddenly growled like a beast as he slowly released Ren. His eyes were red and his curse mark was acting up again. He showed no resistance this time, and glared at Kendra with a bloody gaze.
"I'M GONNA KILL YOU!" He vowed as he sprinted forward relentlessly.
Kendra trembled for the first time and raised her kunine for protection. Atari was going to show no mercy…and truly kill her.
Chapter 33
Kendra's Bloody Tale
Atari growled loudly as he sprinted toward Kendra. He kicked her in the mask directly, and the mask shattered in half! It revealed a face as white as Waya's from not being exposed to the sun. She had blood dripping down her face with cuts all over. She stared at him, not denying that he indeed, would kill her. Atari began punching her randomly, sending her in all directions. He moved with inhuman speed, faster than hers. Once she was completely beaten to Atari's expectations, he charged in for the kill.
However, he suddenly stopped as his fist was two inches form her face. He trembled, holding back his built up anger.
"You're holding back…why don't you do it? Aren't you going to fulfill your vow, or was it just empty words, with no meaning at all? Maybe he didn't mean as much to you as you claim." Kendra said.
Atari's anger was awakened again and he punched Kendra backward. She stumbled, but fell on her face from loss of balance. She got up slowly and stood, ready for the next punch. Atari held back again. Kendra sighed as she imagined Hydra, fighting Tashi Sensei.
Tashi and Hydra were evenly matched, each using their Jonin skills to hopefully outwit the other. Hydra sighed and took an unusual stance. He announced the jutsu and more mist surrounded them. Tashi lost sight of Hydra.
"All I want is the builder Tashi," proposed Hydra whispering like a demon.
"I won't have that," Tashi said confidently.
Tashi backed toward the builder and made hand signs. "Let's finish this Hydra, once and for all!"
"Oh, come on Tashi, I want this to be fun, I want to enjoy eliminating you," teased Hydra in his slick, demon like voice. "But you're right, let's finish this!"
Tashi looked around frantically and shouted at once:
"Hya!"
Tashi sensed Hydra behind him and whipped around, only to kick him directly and send him flying to the side. Up from the ground came millions of snakes that wrapped themselves around Hydra's body. They held him still. Tashi laughed quietly as he saw Hydra struggling to get free.
"What is so funny," Hydra growled angrily.
"How can you be so confident in your ninja abilities, when they are used to serve a creep like Geiff? However, in order to serve someone, you must have a future…and you have none!" Tashi insulted.
"You're right…YOU HAVE NONE!" Hydra insulted back growling with anger.
"This builder has a dream, and his dream is the hope to all of Andrez. I won't have you take his dream away like you don't care," Tashi confirmed.
"You're right…I don't care," Hydra shouted.
"I've heard enough Hydra, I'm going to finish you off right now."
"Bring it, your little Chunin friends are at Kendra's mercy, they are breathing their last breaths as we speak!"
Tashi made hand signs and began building up chakra.
"Die here Hydra Nazuma, rot in hell!" Tashi released a beam of blue light that destroyed the snakes and blew Hydra back. He rolled on the ground and lay dead. Tashi relaxed and went back to help Kie and the builder.
Kendra's face had an expression of sudden agony. She dodged Atari's punch and flipped over him.
"How can you just give up like that? There are other ways to be a strong ninja than being triumphant in battle," Atari shouted.
"My purpose for living has been killed. So please Atari, draw your blade…and kill me." Replied Kendra stepping forward like a possessed zombie. Atari backed up, trembling.
"What is your purpose?" Asked Atari.
"When I was young, I lived on a farm. I had a mother and a father, and I was happy then. My mother had a secret, a special trait of a hated clan…a curse mark imbedded in her skin. For years, my mother was successful in hiding her secret, and thought she would live a normal life. But her Vito fighting techniques were passed down to me, and one day, when I showed her this, she punished me, but my father had been watching from the hillside.
From then on, our happy time ended, and my father killed my mother, and almost killed me. I managed to escape and lay in the snow of winter for days until I was myself again. My home was gone, my family was gone, and I felt something else had been taken from me. My purpose for living was gone as well. Without a purpose I was mere existence.
I wandered the streets for days searching for my purpose, but found none…until a tall man named Hydra Nazuma found me on the bridge. He promised to take me and take care of me, only if I would submit to his will in all things. I became a weapon at his side, and was used as he saw fit. I was again happy, and I had…a new purpose. He had a dream, to assassinate the Amachi clan, and I live to make his dream a reality."
Atari's eyes got wide with terror.
"How can you care about someone like that? He treats you like a slave, and he is a worthless swordsman who dos not know the meaning of the word honor!"
"Kill me, so that I may join my master."
Atari noticed that Kendra was no longer asking, she was pleading for him to kill her.
"I just want to say…at one point we might have been friends."
And he charged in for the kill.
Chapter 34
The Backstabber and the Way of the Servant
Hydra, ever so slowly, made his way to his feet. His whole body ached and shook with pain. Tashi watched him without a scratch. Hydra growled angrily at the thought of being beat.
"Tell me Hydra, how did it feel to graduate at age 8?"
"The graduation exam was different, only the rules changed; you had to kill other students. He was your friend, and suddenly, it is either him or you. I ran in, I was not even a ninja, and killed hundreds of people. My name was quickly known throughout Andrez, and even in Honamochi. And it felt…SO GOOD!" Hydra was about to charge in at Tashi, but found a crowd of about 400 people with knifes, spears, and pitchforks behind him. Tashi turned around to see a float being carried forward by four slaves. It was lowered and a tall man dressed in royal attire stepped forward. He glared at Hydra and Tashi, and then smiled evilly.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't my good henchman Hydra Nazuma, taking on his arch rival Tashi Sensei. I've come to officially eliminate the builder personally. I have an army behind me, so don't try and destroy me. You are a waste of skin, so they will take care of you," Geiff smirked.
"How could you? You said if I killed the builder you'd pay me 1,000,000,000 yen to pay for another gang of my own," growled Hydra.
"Oh well, I lied, so die Hydra, and go down in hell where you belong," smirked Geiff taping his cane against the ground three times. The army raised their pitchforks angrily. Hydra was driven insane from built up anger. The veins glowed blue on his forehead and he charged forward. Tashi moved out of the way and Hydra headed directly for Geiff.
"You heartless slug!"
"You demon!"
The army charged forward and began stabbing tons of spears and pitchforks into Hydra's back. Hydra's eyes got cold with hatred. Kie moved the builder to safety and watched with Tashi Sensei.
Meanwhile, as Atari was just about to stab Kendra with a kunine win the heart, she grabbed his wrist and threw him to the side.
"Sorry Atari, change of plans," she said and dashed threw the mist. Atari did not waste another second and chased after her. Atari witnessed a crowd of blurry figures stabbing Hydra with spears and pitchforks. He heard Hydra shout at Geiff:
"If I'm going down, then I'm defiantly not going alone. I'll take you with me!"
Hydra dashed forward and ignored the pain of the many metal points imbedded in his back and was truly going to kill Geiff. Kendra stood mortified. Geiff called the army off and they stood facing each other. Hydra growled angrily. Geiff smirked evilly.
"I'll take you down myself you demon!"
Geiff drew the sword that hung on his belt and charged forward at Hydra. Kendra did not hesitate and bolted in front of Hydra.
"Kendra," whispered Atari feeling mortified.
Geiff stabbed forward and his blade slid threw Kendra's heart. Her trembling hands clutched the blade as blood dripped down. Atari ran up to Tashi Sensei and told Kie the bad news about Ren after she was done hugging him to death. Kie sighed sadly but continued to celebrate on the fact that it was Atari that was alive out of both of them. Kendra trembled with the blade securely submerged in her heart. Hydra showed no emotion, even if you could not see his mouth.
"Hy…dra," muttered Kendra.
Hydra sighed whispering to her:
"Well done Kendra, well done."
Geiff withdrew the blade from her.
She stood for a second, then slowly closed her eyes and fell forward. She laid flat on the ground for a long, silent, period of time. Tashi dashed to Kendra's side and rolled her onto her back. She had scratches from her battle with Atari and Ren, and a huge, gapping hole from where the blade had been stabbed. It had a blotch of blood surrounding her heart, and he heard no breathing and no heart beat. Her skin was cold and she looked lifeless. Geiff wasted not time in taking a detour to kill Tashi first. He jabbed down at Tashi's back and Tashi lifted Kendra's corpse and lunged backwards.
"Not bad, for having a corpse in your arms," scoffed Geiff turning his attention back to Hydra. Atari stood trembling for a period of time. Kendra…you…gave your life for your master…and now he looks like…he doesn't…care one bit! Atari's anger got the better of him again and he shouted at Hydra:
"How can you just stand there? Kendra gave her life for you!"
Hydra glared at him:
"How would you know? Kendra was a servant of my will, and nothing more."
However, Atari noticed that Hydra's eyes had begun to fill with tears at the sound of his words. Hydra finally admitted openly: "Atari…you are nothing like your father. You have heart, and you care for others. Your words cut deeper than any blade ever could."
Atari growled as Tashi finally but Kendra's body down again. Tashi was about to charge in for Geiff but Hydra read his mind and told him:
"Tashi, please…let me kill him…for Kendra."
Tashi was still tempted, but he knew how much Hydra strived for revenge and he backed up and rejoined Atari and Kie. Tashi warned Kie and the builder:
"Kie…go find Ren's corpse, and bring him here. I will give him a proper burial. Atari can watch this, because he is indeed Honamochi's finest ninja currently. You should lead the builder out of danger, and Ren should be lying far enough away so that you guys will not be hurt."
Kie nodded reluctantly and she and the builder bolted away. Tashi observed as Hydra built up chakra. Geiff pointed his blood stained blade at him.
"What I did to your servant, I can do to you as well."
"I'd like to see you try it," growled Hydra charging forward with inhuman speed.
"What? Only a true demon can run like that," muttered Geiff backing up with anticipated fear.
Hydra untied his zukin and revealed a scared mouth and chin, probably from other battles.
"Oh, so you thought there was nothing human under here?"
"Get away from me Hydra, go down to hell!"
"Oh yes…down where there are demons of all shapes and sizes…and I bet one looks just like you!"
Hydra looked at Atari and asked:
"Atari, give me your kunine."
Atari hesitated, but soon threw Hydra a kunine that he caught in his mouth with grace. He charged forward and anyone that stepped forward was slashed by the kunine. Hydra lashed his neck like a dragon and one by one the army fell until only fifteen remained. The strain from his running, and the lack of blood severely hurt Hydra. However as he struggled to breath, he did not give up. He lashed forward again and only Geiff was left. He backed up until he swayed backwards on the edge of the bridge. He stared, horrified at Hydra going in for the kill.
"I'M GONNA KILL YOU!"
Geiff's eyes got wide and he stood petrified. Just as Hydra came up on him, his back hunched over with weapons stuck in it, and his arms lagging down with no energy, he coughed up blood, dropping the kunine. Geiff just stood still as blood spilled out of Hydra's mouth. Thinking he was finished, Geiff tried to sneak around, but Hydra growled loudly: "Don't move." Geiff froze and Hydra weakly picked up the kunine in his mouth again. He tried charging in again, but he was reaching his physical limit. He was very weak by the time he reached Geiff, but he used his last ounce of strength to slash Geiff's chest and throw him off the bridge's edge. Atari ran up to the side and watched as Geiff, the dreadful leader, fall to his doom in the Andrez River. They last saw him get swept along by the rough current. Hydra twitched a smile and dropped the blood stained kunine. Atari quickly retrieved the knife. Hydra breathed deeply and turned around. The fifteen leftover citizens trembled and shouted in unison:
"Hooray! Geiff is dead! Our Hokage can return now. Let's go take down Geiff's ninja army!"
Atari watched as Hydra coughed up blood again and collapsed to his knees as the people disappeared down the bridge. Atari was still processing all that had happened recently to help him. Geiff is dead…and the people of Andrez…are free.
Chapter 35
What Happened?
The view of the sky was blurry. He winced at the pain that his body created and heard crying. A sudden weight was on his stomach. Ouch…what happened? What happened to that Kendra girl? What of Atari? He struggled against the pain and twitched his eyes open only to see a blurry figure of Kie bent over him, tears running down her cheeks.
"Why did he have to die," she kept crying to the sky. The builder was back a ways watching, and trying to comfort her.
"Um…Kie, it's kind of hard for me to breath when you are laying on me," he finally managed to utter out. Kie wiped her eyes and smiled; completely overjoyed.
"Ren! Atari was so worried about you, so Tashi sent us to get your corpse. But you're not dead! I'm so relieved, Atari would never be the same without you," exclaimed Kie as Ren stood up, a little unbalanced.
"What happened to Kendra? Did Atari kill her?"
"Um…not quite. You see, Geiff appeared, and-"
"Geiff? Their leader showed up? Did Hydra kill him," asked Ren impatiently.
"He and Hydra were going at it, but when he was about to stab Hydra, Kendra jumped in front and she…" Kie fell silent, and hung her head low in a depressed manner.
"So Kendra…saved Hydra's life? Why would she do that? Is she…dead," asked Ren firing questions one after another.
"Yes Ren, Kendra is dead, and yes, she did save Hydra's life. But why, I don't know the details, but Atari does. Hydra mentioned something about Kendra being his servant, but I don't know if that has anything to do with it," replied Kie sadly.
"Let's go find Atari and Tashi Sensei," exclaimed Ren dashing down the bridge, refusing to wait for Kie and the builder. However he got tired and waited for them to catch up. He then started asking questions again:
"Did Hydra kill Geiff?" Kie thought about this answer carefully:
"Yeah, but Geiff had brought an army of people carrying daggers, torches, pitchforks, and spears. He had about four hundred people, and when Hydra attacked soon after Kendra's death, he was stabbed with a lot of the weapons. He lost a lot of blood, and was running out of energy. Basically, his body had hit its limit. He used his last ounce of strength to knock Geiff off the bridge and into the raging river. So yes, he killed Geiff."
Ren and Kie reached the area of the bridge where Tashi Sensei hugged him in regards to him still being alive. Ren ran up to Atari and they exchanged joyful hugs.
Chapter 36
A Demon and an Angel
They had completely forgotten that Hydra was still on his knees coughing blood. Atari filled Ren in on all the details and Ren engulfed them. He gulped down the tears at the reality of Kendra's dark and depressing past. They finally turned their attention back to Hydra. However, he coughed and sniffed. Atari noticed that on the ground were tiny drops of clear liquid. Tears! Hydra was crying, probably over Kendra, considering that he occasionally looked up at her corpse. Tashi walked up and patted Hydra on the back. Hydra finally stopped crying and looked up at Tashi, with pity and a begging notion about him. It was so different compared to how he was so heartless before. Hydra used his rash voice to speak to Tashi alone.
"Tashi…please take me…to her."
Tashi nodded answering him:
"I will."
With Atari and Ren's help, he lifted Hydra and carried him to Kendra. On their way, Hydra muttered to Atari:
"You are a talented ninja. You are Yuchi's brother." Atari's eyes grew wide with surprise at the mention of Yuchi's name.
"You knew him?"
"I worked beside him in many missions."
"Really? Where is he," asked Atari growing more curious and curious every second.
"You might not want to see him, because…" Hydra fell silent looking at the sky and taking in ore pain.
"Why," pestered Atari.
"Well…if you value your life…you would not want to find him," answered Hydra as Kendra's corpse came into view.
"I want to find my brother," confirmed Atari.
"All right then…he is…at Corasant," confessed Hydra as they finally reached Kendra.
He was laid down beside her, on his back. Although it pained him, he reached over and clutched her cold, stiff, lifeless hand. Tears poured down his cheeks again and he began speaking his final words:
"Kendra…my loyal servant…the weapon always by my side…that was used as I saw fit…I never thought I'd say this to anyone but…I love you, you were like a daughter to me, and one I'll always remember. I wish I could go to where you are headed, up into the clouds to sit on a throne of your own, but I probably won't be seeing you. You deserve to be there. I will at least be buried beside you so that we can be next to each other to the grave, eve if our spirits do not meet. I love…you…Kendra."
He struggled to say those last few words before is body finally gave up, and for one last move, he trembled to lean over and planted his lips on her boney cheek. He leaned back again and looked up at Tashi. "Can you bury me…next to her?" Tashi nodded and Hydra smiled as his eyes slowly closed, to never open again. His grip on her hand lessened, but did not part. Kendra's words flashed through Atari's mind as he stared at their lifeless bodies: Is this the first time you've ever seen a comrade die in battle? It is the way of the shinobi.
As all five of them stood and stared at their graves that overlooked the town of Andrez with a beautiful sunset, Atari vowed for Kendra and if taken that way, maybe he vowed for Hydra too. I will avenge you both, and I will find Yuchi. Corasant…I wonder where that is. And why would he be there? I will find out soon enough. I promise you Kendra…and Hydra. Please…rest in peace. Certain sentences of Hydra's last words flashed in both Tashi and Atari's mind. As Tashi fixed Hydra's sword and a pile of flowers as Kendra and Hydra's tombstone, he presented some last words of peace for Hydra.
"You might meet Kendra in heaven Hydra…who's to say."
Chapter 37
A Smiling Departure
With Geiff dead, Andrez was an independent country again, but al the wealth that it once had was wasted at the hands of Geiff's ninjas. After helping establish a communication device with Honamochi and a few other lands, the builder retreated to his humble home, with Atari, Kie, Ren, and Tashi Sensei as his guests. A new leader was elected named Limina Yoshi, and he promised not to rule as Geiff did. Geiff's rule became known as the Dark Age of Andrez for all of time. Atari helped the citizens rebuild their once profound country back to its previous state. It took weeks, but in their spare time, the young Chunin spent it with Tashi Sensei in the woods sparring and training, for when they returned, there was to be another mission for them.
Tashi often left them to sit and stare at the graves of Hydra and Kendra. Atari felt it to painful to go back and stare at the innocent grave of Kendra, and the guilty grave of Hydra. Was Kendra right? Was what we had seen the way of the shinobi? If it is, then I will carve my own path in ninja history. The way of Atari Lachapta! Atari had thought this often during training sessions.
A new palace was constructed, and the Hall of Heroes was remade more fine than ever. It was finer than Honamochi's; Atari was willing to admit that. It was lined with a white wall of shining marble and was lined with portraits of past rulers and brave ninja that had fought and some had given their lives. Important people that had visited were also recorded and Atari soon spotted his father's name among that list. Tashi had Atari's name listed on that list although Atari did not feel it to be appropriate. Squad names were carved in illuminating gold and the portraits were painted with the finest paints able to be made from the lushest of berries and minerals. Tashi one took the squad their to behold…a most divine honor bestowed to them at their young age…three portraits painted fresh and labeled in newly smelted gold. They were labeled Ren Washinta, Kie Nappa, and Atari Menjin. Atari gulped at the sight of his real last name. However, he thought it not a time to argue that factor. They all stared wide eyed at the honor they had just set their eyes on. In the Jonin section, three halls down from the Squad section, was none other than Reggie Menjin and Tashi Duni next to each other. Atari stared at the portrait of his father with a questioning suspicion. He asked Tashi Sensei after an awkward moment of silence:
"Tashi Sensei, why is my father's portrait in the Hall of Heroes? According to all the history books and other Jonin that had known he claimed that he was evil, cruel, heartless, an avenger, and a killer." Tashi looked down and sighed with sadness:
"Your father…was my classmate Atari. So it is fortunate that you are my student. I will fill you in on those details when time tells me so, but until then…your father was always an avenger at heart, much like you are. However, he was not a killer until three years before the war between Japan and China, also called the Revolution if you have not already been taught in your history lesson. Until that time, he was always dark, and preferred not to say much, but to me, he was a valuable friend. We learned jutsus together, and we completed many missions together, one of witch was to assassinate Genson, and we failed miserably in doing. Later, Genson's son was named Geiff. After that failed mission, we had seen many of our friends die, and Reggie vowed to not let one die not avenged. He trained harder than normal, and learned unnatural talents and skills. Every time one of his comrades died, soon did an enemy. Another mission took place here, but instead o an assassination; it was a simple mission; to steal a document form an enemy stronghold. Andrez was not independent at this time. This document held the key to ensuring that al least half of Genson's ninja army would be destroyed. We managed to steal it, and as predicted, our plan worked. Because of our achievement, Genson was assassinated soon after, and because we had made it all possible, our portraits were placed in the Hall of Heroes."
Atari nodded as the information sunk inside his head. After gazing at other portraits and statues of rulers, the squad departed and went back to helping with the construction. Atari's jutsus were much needed at this time and he was always tired by the end of each day. Limina often observed him with a smile.
Once the construction was finally done, all of Andrez held a festival in honor of the squad that had freed them. It was not as good as Night of Ninja, as Atari had concluded quickly, but indeed, it was entertaining.
The next morning, Andrez revealed to the squad a final parting gift. A humongous monument was built without their knowing right behind the sign that inscribed "Welcome to Andrez; Land of the Sea." It was made by a master craftsman by the looks, not one chink out of place or made messily. In front were statues about 9 feet tall. On the right was Ren, whom appeared to be looking off to the side with his fists clenched and a kunine in one of them, and his hair appearing to be blown back. In the middle was Kie, with her knees bent, spread shoulder-width apart, her hair pulled back in a headband, and with one hand clutched around a kunine, the butt of the knife was pressed against her other flat palm. She appeared determined and ready for anything. Last on the left was Atari, looking straight like a sly fox, ready to strike its prey at any moment. The Sakabato was made visible across his back from the back and his shinobi shozoku appeared to be blowing the wind. As a fictional detail, a hawk sat on his right shoulder, perched perfectly like a servant. His fists were clenched, and he stood straight up, and Atari thought he showed some resemblance of his father's portrait in that statue. Behind all three of them was none other than Tashi Sensei, appearing all relaxed and carefree. His eyes were carved at a glare however so he was in no way relaxed. His clothes appeared to be blowing in the wind, and he looked like he was confident in his students in front of him. Inscribed below the monument were these words:
The true heroes of Andrez. They freed us from the evil Geiff's reign and destroyed the much feared assassin Hydra Nazuma, therefore ending the Dark Age. Staring from the right moving on back are Ren Washinta, Kie Nappa, Atari Menjin, and Sensei Tashi Duni. They will be remembered forever, no matter what befalls them after this. Best wishes to them in future missions. May fortune befall you and the stars watch over you.
The four of them bowed to the country of Andrez; witch was no more than about 8,000 people, because Geiff had ordered that all children be killed at birth, or so they heard. The builder ran up with a child by his side. This boy showed bright eyes of innocence, with a green snow cape, and a dirty farmer's uniform.
"This boy is my grandson, he would like to see Atari," said the builder sternly, placing his hands on the boy. Atari stepped forward and the boy ran up to him. The boy was stunned speechless.
"You are Atari Lachapta! I read all about your clan in my history lessons! I heard you are the best ninja in your home village! You must be very strong then. I hope one day I can grow up to be a strong ninja like you someday, and go on missions, fight bad guys, and save other countries like you did!"
Atari knelt down and put his hand on the kid's shoulder, chuckling:
"Your funny kid, I like you. To be a ninja, there's more than being strong in combat. You have to have heart, and I think you've already got that. Use your head always, and kunine, shurikan, swords, and anything else like that are tools. And if you truly care about something, protect it, with both arms. Be brave, and maybe, we'll be doing missions together someday."
Atari smiled and reached into his pack. He pulled out a kunine he had created once in his bedroom back in Honamochi that was made from gold, and had rubies, sapphires, and little bits of topaz fashioned into the handle. It was a true work of art. He handed it to the kid and he smiled with glee. He clutched it like it was his new prized possession.
"Is this for me," he wondered in disbelief, with tears of joy forming in his eyes. He kept muttering "no, no, I promised myself I wouldn't cry anymore."
"Yes, take it as a gift for good fortune for both you and your family, but don't worry. When you're happy, it's ok to cry, really it is," replied Atari smiling. Atari stood up and faced the builder.
"You have made a world of a difference to my grandson. He will treasure that gift forever," commented the builder smiling. Hey bowed and the squad departed.
As they departed for the dock, the builder cupped his hands on the grandson's shoulders, as he stared off at the squad waving back.
"Grandpa, that bridge that they fought on…I am going to name it," the grandson concluded sternly, much like his grandfather.
"Then what will you name it Ken?" The builder asked smiling down.
"I will name it The Atari Bridge, because Atari fought there," replied the grandson smiling.
"Then that will be its name boy, The Atari Bridge," confirmed the builder as the fishermen began paddling the quad of brave ninja away from Andrez. Ken thought he caught a glimpse of Atari looking back and winking, giving him a thumb up. Ken rubbed his eyes only to see the last fishermen disappear in the mist, far out in the distance.
Chapter 38
Back Into the Swing of Things
Atari, Ren, and Kie were greeted with smiles from their familiar villagers. Atari shared his tales with the children of the village, his family. Garu did not seem phased at the mention of Hydra's name. He just sighed, and puffed on his pipe muttering:
"That good for nothing rat, I hope he goes to hell. As for that Kendra girl, she was most unfortunate…especially to wind up with Hydra, the twisted demon himself."
Atari could not help but feel a pang of sympathy for both Kendra and Hydra. The subject was soon dropped and Atari slopped off to bed after having some homemade (and very much missed) ramen made by Haro.
The next morning Tashi appeared at the door with a new mission scroll for Atari and his squad. Thankfully, with only one night to recover, this was not an out of town mission. Because of the little mishap with the rankings, the Jonin responsible for the ranking of missions were told of the mishap and were instructed to correct it. But, fortunate for those Jonin, everything turned out ok anyway. Atari and his squad met in the morning and shared a loaf of bread before proceeding to the elderly woman's house where they were to pluck all the weeds from her garden.
Kie was so impressed by Atari's precision, that she hurried in hopes to impress him with her speed. However, in her carelessness, she plucked all the flowers as well. The woman was very angry and chased Kie around the garden for an hour, whacking her with her cane as punishment.
These simple missions continued to carry on throughout the day, pausing only for lunch, then diner, and occasional training sessions with Tashi Sensei. Tashi assured them that not everyday would be this busy, and tat they would have plenty of free time to relax and recover. That time happened about a week later, but those "free days" only lasted about 4 days, but that was enough for Atari.
It had been about 2 weeks and 4 days since they had returned from their first "miss ranked" mission. Another mission was delivered ranked C. The simple missions of gardening and babysitting, in witch they had engaged for a long time was all ranked D. Now was a change of pace for them.
Chapter 39
A Secret Plot
They were to patrol the village from the hours of 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, only stopping to halt and question those who looked suspicious or did not belong as citizens of the village.
Honamochi never asked any other village to perform missions in their village, so it was impossible that foreigners should be wandering the village without paying the visitors entrance fee at the gates. If you paid the entrance fee and were a visitor you would get stamped, so if you did not pay, no stamp was imbedded on you. Therefore, trespassers were easy enough to spot. The majority of visitors showed their stamp openly, so they did not have to worry about being stopped by a patrol guard. Atari and the squad assembled themselves for that mission at 11:45 AM. They were given maps of their routes they patrolled before they were released.
Atari trotted along the dirt paths of the village, not having to stop one person for any reason. He yawned with boredom and stared at his sandals. He noticed they were falling apart, but as he bent down to fix them, the sound of padded sandals reached his ears. They twitched, and he jumped to his feet. He saw two people. One had a straw gasket tied to his back, a black cloak, and red face paint on, while the other had a similar black cloak with the symbol for justice written in red on the back. He wore a hat that consumed of a headband wrapped around his skull tightly, and a cloth draped over covering half of his face. His eyes were outlined with black paint. Atari bounced into a Vito fighting stance and listened to their conversation, for they did not notice he was there.
"Orchi will be pleased sir," whispered the one with the gasket.
"Yes, soon we will finish our assignment and then Orchi will dominate the finishing touch on our plan," muttered the other one.
"Brother Two Face, we have an uninvited guest," hissed the one with the gasket pointing to Atari.
"I believe we do," glared Two Face.
Atari's stomach ached. He shouted putting out his hand.
"Halt! What is this plan you are talking about? And where and what is Orchi planning to do?"
"Orchi is going to declare war on Honamochi, and there isn't anything you can do about it," smirked the one with the gasket crossing his arms smartly.
"Ghost Face! Now he knows, we have to kill him now," Two Face slapped the back of Ghost Face's head. Atari snapped out three smoke bombs and dashed in the opposite direction. He heard a pop, and he saw a blurry net coming up on him fast. He jumped into the air and rolled to the side to se the net engulf an innocent citizen. Atari skidded to a stop on a building's angled roof. Atari gripped the window panes for dear life and felt his curse mark begin to throb again. Breathing deeply he slowly began to relax thinking:
Orchi is going to declare war! I must warn the Hokage at once, before Orchi strikes. However, if I were to defeat one of these trespassing ninja, I could have them tell me where Corasant is. What should I do? Should I fight for my personal gain, or for the town's pride and honor?
His thought process was cut short as a kunine rested against his throat.
"Hem, you never stood a chance kid," Ghost Face smirked as he rounded the corner of the roof, using his chakra to help him stick to the straw rooftop. Atari's curse mark began throbbing stronger, enforcing a serious eruption of pain in his neck. He saw the tiny marks appearing on his skin again and he brushed past the kunine to the edge of the roof. Driven off balance by the engulfing pain, he finally fell of the rooftop, Ghost Face peering downward as he fell.
Atari thought quickly and tried doing two things at once. He fought back the pain from he curse mark, and drew out a hooked rope as well form his pocket. He threw the hook and it grabbed a window pain of a higher building. He tucked in his "curse mark infected" arm into his stomach and clutched the rope to break his fall. He began to swing over a large crowd that had gathered in the road to shop form nearby shop stands selling fruit, jewelry, and items from other villages. Atari did wonder why they were not shopping in the more popular market place in the center of the village, but it didn't matter. All he tried to do was not attract attention to his situation. However, even that was not to be for Atari. He swung above the road and crowd of people successfully, but looked up to see Two Face appearing on the other side. His kunine gleamed of metal and he cut the rope. Atari screamed as he fell on an angle. He fell through a curtain that shaded a stand and rammed his shoulder into the table, knocking it over and tumbling into the house behind it to finish. Coughing a small amount of blood from the curse mark, Atari stood up and looked around. He devised a plan to both protect Honamochi and gain the information he needed in order to find Yuchi. Atari heard rustling and whipped around t find Two Face diving on top of him. Atari placed his feet securely on Two Face's stomach and flipped him backwards into the wall. Without wasting a second, Atari dashed out the door, apologizing to the shop stand owner as he passed by. The owner did not take lightly to this and shook his fist shouting:
"You dirty Amachi slug! Look at you; you're probably turning into a demon right now!"
Atari looked down to see that the curse mark was indeed engulfing his body at a rapid rate. He continued down the road and whipped around corners, hoping to not exactly outrun the intruders, but to at least keep a healthy distance from them. He hopped over little kids and occasionally ducked behind shop stands, but made care not to knock another one over. He was becoming more and more possessed by the curse mark every second. He attempted to subdue the pain as he reached the Hokage's temple. He saw the Hokage teaching little kids about 4, 5, or maybe 6 year olds about some historical event or person. Atari dashed in and the Hokage halted the lesson. After seeing Atari in his state, the Hokage was about to rush him to the medical center, but redeemed himself to listen as Atari puffed out the story in small breaths. His eyes were wide. Just then, Atari screamed and his eyes turned blood shot red. His breaths turned into growls and the curse marks appeared more vivid on his skin. The Hokage summoned two Jonin to go and assemble a few other squads of Chunin and Jonin to send a message Honamochi's alliances.
"We will not fall at the hands of that dreadful boy Orchi," confirmed the Hokage turning his attention back to Atari, whom was collapsed on the ground shaking from the pain the curs mark caused him. He muttered short growls from under his breath. Atari shook as he stood and both Two Face and Ghost Face emerged from around the corner. They stopped short at the sign of pure hatred on Atari's face. Before the Hokage could step in, Atari lunged at the two ninja. Although they attempted to stab and kill him, Atari was inhumanly quick from the power the curse mark gave him. He snapped the kunine out of their hands with the flick of his wrist and made quick, blurry hand signs. Using a lot of chakra, he shouted:
"Multiple Shurikan Jutsu!"
He bounced into the air and spun around rapidly. The shurikan blew the ninja back and pinned them against the wall. Atari landed and without hesitation, was charging in for the kill. However, the red glare in his eyes flashed away as Atari came back to himself again. He dropped the kunine he carried and held his throbbing head as the curse marks receded. The Hokage ran up and stared at the ninja.
"What are you," they wondered in unison.
"A Menjin," the Hokage answered placing both his hands on Atari's shoulders from behind.
Atari cringed at that thought and walked forward to the scared ninja pinned against the wall.
"Pardon me Hokage sir, but these ninja have some information I require," said Atari as he faced Ghost Face.
Ghost Face trembled back against the wall. Atari calmly grabbed the collar of his cloak and acted suddenly kind towards them, but as if he had split personalities, he became furious and slammed Ghost Face against the wall many times, shaking his head back and forth.
"Where is the town of Corasant? Where is Orchi? Answer me," shouted Atari angrily. After Ghost Face reclaimed a comfortable frame of mind he still refused to answer. Atari picked up the kunine he had dropped and pointed it angrily at Ghost Face. "Well, where is it? Where is Corasant?" Ghost Face trembled, still resisting.
"It's…it's…" Ghost Face struggled to answer.
"Ghost Face, even in the face of danger hold your tongue. We will not disappoint our master," shouted Two Face, and Atari quickly snapped a shurikan than just nicked his cheek and started a small trickle of blood flow.
"Where is Corasant?" Asked Atari pressing the kunine against Ghost Face's neck, the more gullible one.
Scared by this factor, and the cold look in Atari's eyes, he shouted while wriggling to free himself:
"Corasant is north of here, past the Igna mountain range. Orchi is residing there until he has gathered enough soldiers to march down to Honamochi and destroy it. He has an apprentice too, much stronger than even he is, or his father. That boy's name is Yuchi…I think. He is right now residing with Orchi in Corasant. Now please, let me go in peace."
Atari smiled like he had won a final victory. Yes, I've done it! I finally have found Yuchi's location! Now, all I need to do is train harder than ever to become a Jonin, then, I will grab Ren and we're off to find Yuchi and stop a war from occurring. Two squads of Jonin appeared and unhooked the ninja. They were unwilling to fight it out so they just tied them up and dragged them away to the prison. Atari apologized for his curse mark and departed from the Hokage.
Atari met up with Ren, Kie and Tashi Sensei after their patrols were done. Tashi brought them into the woods with tall trees with solid bark. Tashi explained their assignment.
"You are going to climb this tree," he instructed.
"Tashi Sensei, wouldn't that be a little too easy," asked Kie blushing at Atari.
"One rule; no hands," confirmed Tashi chuckling.
The young ninja's eyes got wide. "Can anyone tell me what you use to climb trees even if you can not use your hands?" Atari raised his hand slightly, hoping not to get called on, but being there was only three of them there, he had no choice.
"You project chakra to the souls of your feet and sustain it while walking up the tree. If you use not enough chakra, you'll fall off, and if you use too much, you'll break the bark of the tree and sink in. You need to sustain an even amount of chakra as you move," answered Atari with a little bit of confidence.
Tashi Sensei chuckled again and tossed kunine in front of each of them instructing:
"Now go to a tree and try it yourselves. When you are about to fall off, slash the bark with the kunine and try again, attempting to beat your record."
The ninja assembled themselves and all began on Tashi's mark. Atari had made it the highest at first, all because of Garu's training. Then Ren beat him, and then Kie beat Ren always blushing and congratulating Atari after he beat his previous mark. The day went on like this until Tashi finally dismissed them. Atari was famished, parched, and absolutely exhausted from the day's activities. He made himself some of his own cooked salmon that was brought home from Haro after she arrived from her work. He told her about his mission and she sighed and shook her head.
"You did the right thing Atari, you told the Hokage. We are the ones with the most power here, so he out of everyone could be able to do something about Ghost Face and Two Face," Haro encouraged patting him on the back. Atari sighed and drooped into his room. He plopped on his bed thinking solemnly: I hope the Hokage is wise and protects this village. I will not encourage a decision made that will lead us to war…especially against Yuchi.
Chapter 40
The First Clue
Atari met with Ren and Kie the next morning and they walked together to meet Tashi Sensei at the woods where they had trained yesterday. Atari informed Ren and Kie of Two Face and Ghost Face and waited to hear their response to the incident:
"I'm too young to give my life up for war," complained Ren managing to amuse Atari with his optimism. Kie gasped her face white with fear. No, that means I might loose him. I will not let war steal my boyfriend form me. I will protect him with everything I've got until we are living our happy life together with two kids and a healthy farm. We can leave this war and killing behind and be happy. Kie blushed and stuttered as she told Atari:
"If it comes to t-t-that…please…just don't…d-d-die."
Kie could no longer contain herself. She collapsed at Atari's feet and cried. She kept crying and wept for what seemed like hours. Ren seemed surprised, and Atari seemed stunned by her disregard to one of the many rules in the Ninja Code; never show your personal emotions on a situation under any circumstance. Atari bent down and help the shaking Kie to her feet. Still sobbing slightly she muttered under her breath so only he could hear: "After today's training…if you are ok, could you come to a ramen shop with me? That way we can't be ambushed by those blue ninja." Atari felt a slight glimpse of sympathy for her as he answered:
"Yeah…sure." Kie was herself again and she chirped as she skipped ahead cheerfully at her accomplishment.
"You just agreed to go out with Kie," realized Ren.
"Yeah well, I didn't want to hurt her feelings," replied Atari shrugging indifferent about the decision.
"True, Kriet was right, she really does like you," said Ren questionably.
"I guess," answered Atari as they continued to vanish into the woods. As they passed the last two birch trees until the training area was in sight.
Up in a nearby tree, their position was recorded. Perched on a branch like a hawk, a blue ninja sat, recording Atari and Ren's position. He muttered to his black hawk perched on his shoulder:
"Yuchi's little Amachi slug, named Atari Lachapta, formally Atari Menjin, son of Reggie Menjin. Orchi ordered that I lead them to Corasant. I will have to fetch my little assassin squad to take a beating from this boy. This little kid is going to get a reunion he….or Honamochi…will never forget." With grace of a waterfall, the ninja leaped into the air and began leaping from the trees and suddenly breaking through the canopy, only to land perfectly and whistle softly. Three blue ninja arose slowly from the brush. One leapt forward and landed in front of him, bowed and shook his hand.
"Did you find the boy," hissed the blue ninja glaring hard at him.
"Yes Lieutenant Conin, I've found our little target," replied the ninja, his hawk chirping in approval.
"Does he seem to have a weak point, Orchi would love to know if his main target has a known weak point," asked the blue ninja.
"Well, he does have some girl always hanging around him. Her name is Kie Nappa, and I think I know that for sure she at least has some affection for him," replied the ninja as thy bowed to each other.
"Good, I'll send the assassination squad out to gather more information, you are dismissed," commanded the blue ninja as he and three other blue ninja leaped into the treetops and disappeared out of sight. The ninja with a hawk sighed and pulled out locket that had hung around his neck.
"Celia, I promise…once Orchi is finished with his plan, and Honamochi is destroyed, he will give me the money we need and then he will free you. Stay safe Celia, if we ever hope to live a happy life away from these ninja, then you must understand that leaving you as Orchi's captive slave is a way for me to save you. Orchi said nothing will harm you, as long as I serve him until his plan is complete. I am doing this for you Celia, for both of us."
He closed the locket and placed it back under his kimono and paced around the clearing, having images of Celia flash in his head.
Celia was this ninja's girlfriend. They were actually engaged, but they had defied tradition to do so. He did not ask for Celia's father's blessing in order for them to get married, so they went off and her father soon called Orchi, whom he had been friends with his family for some time. Celia always called him Tai. Orchi had soon found them and they were captured by the blue ninja. Tai was soon forced against his will to sign a contract and swear loyalty to Orchi until his plan was complete. Celia had refused to swear to Orchi, whom she referred to as a "heartless snake" and was taken to the gallows to be killed. Tai begged for Orchi's mercy and with sympathy, Orchi commanded that Celia be kept as a captive in their prison in Corasant, where she would work as a slave for him while Tai served as his loyal ninja. Tai agreed to this and Celia was taken away.
Tai wept a few tears of sadness and longing to feel her arms wrap around him, and to hear her sweet, sweet voice ring through his ears, and to sense the soft, wet plant of her lips to his. After finishing his little episode, Tai became dark and loyal again, and departed from the clearing, his hawk obediently staying on his shoulder.
The day's training was tiring like always, and they were not dismissed until dark. Tashi Sensei enjoyed watching them struggle and work until they almost fainted. He always had a book in his hand titled "A Hidden Paradise: Feudal Japan". As he read, he occasionally looked up to watch them train, but preferred to say nothing and allow them to coach themselves. They encouraged and complimented each other on a job well done at the end. Tashi finally dismissed them and Atari held back on his temptation to leap into the trees like Ren and depart to the training grounds, but held tight as Kie caught up with him. Annoyed by this, they walked together through the woods and into Honamochi. A ramen shop was soon spotted and Kie gripped Atari's wrist tightly as she led him into the shop.
A waiter quickly sat them at a table for just the two of them. Kie sat silently for the first time that day and waited for the waiter to ask them for drinks. Atari ordered a small glass of Paper Tiger and Kie giggled gleefully as she ordered some of the same drink. She said she was going to order sake at first, but the waiter refused to serve an alcoholic drink to someone under the age of eighteen. Their drinks came rather quickly without Kie having much of an opportunity to start a conversation with Atari. Once the ramen arrived and the waiter departed out of sight, Kie finally started the conversation.
"So Atari…do you like Saka?"
"Um…no, I don't talk to her that much," replied Atari sipping his drink and using his chopsticks to feed the noodles into his mouth politely. Kie smiled like she had just won a victory over Saka. I knew he liked me she thought blushing.
"Do you by chance, want to go out again next week?"
"Um…it depends, Saka asked me to go with her to the training grounds for the Moon Dumpling Festival next week, so I'm busy sorry," replied Atari finishing his soup. Kie's gleeful expression evaporated and was replaced by pure disappointment and anger towards Saka. Atari backed up slightly as hopes to not set off her fuse and cause havoc. Who does she think she is, going off and stealing my soon-to-be boyfriend! Kie thought angrily. Kie finished her Paper Tiger and ordered a second one for both of them. Atari desperately wanted to leave, but stayed to not be impolite to Kie. Kie smiled and nudged his glass over to him. He sipped it and they made eye contact for the first time. Kie glittered with gleefulness and they soon finished their meals. However, as they got up to leave, the waiter came rushing towards them. He handed them their check and Atari paid with his allowance. They proceeded towards the door, but a smoke bomb burst through all the windows and exploded, blinding everyone there.
Atari looked behind him to find that Kie had disappeared. A kunine suddenly whisked by his chin, barely missing and he heard Kie scream. He stood up to find the smoke slowly clearing away. A blue ninja darted at him. Atari drew a kunine and after slashing the ninja's chest, he flipped him out of the broken window. Atari soon spotted Kie, a buff arm wrapped around her neck in a headlock. She screamed for his help, but Atari was busy taking care of little blue ninja. He never took his eye off her though. The ninja holding her was tall and large with muscles bulging out everywhere. He wore a black long coat and a dark zukin over his mouth. A bandana covered the top of his head and a hawk was perched on his shoulder. Atari darted forward to rescue Kie when the ninja pinned him against the wall using kunine. Temporarily captured, Atari ripped out of them and picked them up only to toss them at the ninja. One nicked his arm and a small line of blood trickled onto the floor. Kie was released and coughed to reclaim her breath. Atari darted forward with a kunine in his hand. He pinned the ninja to the wall similarly with shurikan, but he did not give him time to get out. He ran up to his neck and pressed the cold blade against his hard neck.
"State your purpose," commanded Atari.
"I am Tai, loyal servant of Orchi Sahuna. Please let me plead my case before I die," begged the ninja. Atari felt a slight pang of sympathy and let the ninja fall to his knees coughing before him. Atari never let the blade cease in pointing at his neck should he make a dashing escape effort.
"Plead your case quickly, and I will ask you some questions," commanded Atari sternly, glaring at him hardly.
"Ok, ok, I am Tai, and I am Orchi's loyal servant for the time being. My girlfriend, actually we're engaged now, named Celia, is his captive. He threatened to kill her, but he spared her on one condition; I would be his loyal servant ninja until his plan was completed. Until then, Celia would be unharmed but would be his captive slave. I was ordered to capture Kie Nappa, whom was recorded as the weak point for the strong ninja Atari Lachapta. I must obey Orchi or Celia will die, and we'll never be married. Now, ask away victorious and honorable ninja, but please understand how much Celia means to me."
"I understand your position, and for that your life will be spared this once. Before I continue with my questions, I want you to know if we ever meet again I will kill you without mercy. Now then, you claimed you work for Orchi Sahuna. Where can I find a map to Corasant? I want to find Yuchi, my brother," asked Atari feeling more and more like he was being to sympathetic and neglecting his duties as a Chunin.
"Oh, you are Atari. Well, the map might be hard to obtain, but if you insist, it is…in a stronghold that is heavily guarded just north of Honamochi. It has many, many soldiers guarding it 24/7. It is locked in a chest. The key to the chest is around the last Jonin's neck," said Tai and Atari released him away. Atari walked over to Kie as she reclaimed her balance.
"I found out some information we might need, but I need your help," instructed Atari smiling at his accomplishment. Kie's eyes lit up: He needs my help! This is my chance to prove to him that I am worthy of being his girlfriend.
"Oh yes Atari, of course I'll help you, what do you want me to do?"
"I need you to ask Tashi Sensei when the Jonin exams will be starting, I'll fill you in on the details of this after they are finished," instructed Atari as they exited the ramen shop. As thy parted Kie sighed and felt absolutely terrible. All he needs me to do is asked Tashi Sensei when the exams are? He could have asked Ren to do that, but a mission is a mission, no matter how easy. I will not let him down! After cheering herself up with those words, she proceeded proudly into her house and plopped down on her bed.
Meanwhile, Atari was smiling happily from the information he had just excavated from Tai. This stronghold will be difficult, but it's just one more step closer to finding and reuniting me with Yuchi. Here I come.