Disclaimer: I do not own Power Rangers, Saban does. I own all characters, events, and places not found in Ninja Storm.

AN: I am very sorry about the long delay in getting the next chapter uploaded. I hope to get chapters uploaded more quickly than this.

AN 1: This fic takes place after Boxing Bopp A Roo.

Chapter 2: Enter the Green Ranger

Forest Ninja Academy-Angel Grove

Deep in the forests of Angel Grove stood the Forest Ninja Academy, a training grounds to teach members of Forest Ninja clans the secrets and powers of the ancient Forest Ninja. Within the grounds, 17-year-old Forest Ninja Yuriko Oshiro is seen practicing a kata. The Oshiro clan was one of the most powerful of the Forest Ninja clans, although ironically her younger cousin Kai was not known for his combat skills.

"I can't exactly talk, though," Yuriko thought to herself. "He's always been much better with tracking, understanding the pain of vegetation and healing it than I."

Yuriko hoped that her cousin would be ready for his Ranger duties. It was known throughout their clan that Kai would become the next Green Mystic Force Forest Ranger, following in his father's footsteps.

Sensei Yumi, the head teacher of the Academy, stood in silent watch of one of her favorite pupils. The kind and gentle Forest Ninja like all of the Oshiro clan members. Yes, that even counted when Yuriko's cousin Kai, who was currently in Japan in deep training for his eventual Ranger duties, decided to create mischief. Kai never pulled any stunts that were malicious, so the trainees decided to let it go, even though they didn't approve.

As Yuriko was working through her kata, Sensei Yumi thought of how far she had come since being summoned from Japan. Yuriko was never a bad fighter, but she had still improved significantly. She just hoped Yuriko was ready for what the young Forest Ninja was about to embark upon. She silently strode up to her pupil, and got her attention. Yuriko quickly bowed to the head Sensei, who returned the gesture.

"Yuriko, I'm afraid I have some most troubling news. A former Sky Ninja who now goes by the name of Lothor has attacked the other Academies. The Academies' students and teachers have been captured and now only 5 students from the Wind and Thunder Academies remain. They have managed to escape Lothor's clutches, and are opposing his plans for global domination."

Yuriko frowned. "This is distressing, Sensei, but what does that have to do with me? To do what this 'Lothor' has done would require a substantial army. How can anyone go up against that without having an army themselves?"

Sensei sighed. She knew the next part was going to be difficult, and that Yuriko would understandably have great concerns. "With this," the elder Shinobi stated as she produced a beautiful ornately designed cherry blossom chest with the symbol of the Forest Academy engraved into it, and leaves adorning the sides. Sensei Yumi opened the chest to reveal a strange device that had a wristband.

"This is the Forest Ninja Ranger morpher. You activate it by saying, 'Forest Storm, Ranger Form.'"

Yuriko's eyes became saucers. "Morpher? Sensei, I can't be a Power Ranger. I'm not ready, and there are others who would be better suited," she started rambling on. Sensei Yumi raised her hand, cutting off the shy Ninja's rant.

"Yuriko, I do believe you're ready. You simply need to believe in yourself, because I do."

Yuriko looked at her clan's friend, and saw she genuinely believed in her. Yuriko sighed, knowing she could never live with herself if she let Sensei Yumi down. But she still didn't feel worthy, although she reluctantly reached out for the morpher and strapped it onto her wrist, accepting her destiny.

Sensei Yumi put her hand on her pupil's shoulder. "I know you have great doubts, but please try to see the inner strength that I saw when I first met you. You have a great power that has yet to be tapped. You can do this, but you don't have to do it alone. Just remember that you are now a part of a team. Listen to your fellow Rangers, and let them help guide you. And who knows what you might find along the way? Many Rangers have found their soul mates on their teams," Yumi finished with a kind smile adorning her face.

Yuriko took a deep breath. She could do this. Sensei believed in her, and she would not let one of her clan's oldest friends down. "Where do I have to go," the shy Forest Ninja asked.

Sensei Yumi smiled widely, knowing her pupil had agreed to accept the Power and the responsibility. "The Wind Ninja Academy is located in Blue Bay Harbor. I am a friend of Sensei Watanabe, the head teacher of the Wind Academy. You will find him to be strict, yet fair and wise. Listen to him as he helps guide you along your journey. I have arranged for you to stay at the Wind Academy's student dorms, which had surprisingly survived the assault. The other Rangers live there. Call this number," she said as she produced a small piece of paper, "and one of the students who survived and wasn't taken will pick you up to take you to the Academy. You should only take the essentials, such as your electronics and clothes for a week. Your parents have set up checking and savings accounts for you and have put in several thousand dollars. Use it wisely."

Yuriko nodded and set out to pack a suitcase. When she finished packing, Sensei Yumi drove her to the bus station so she could take the Greyhound to Blue Bay. She then gave the young Forest Ninja the ATM card for her accounts and wished her luck. She hugged Sensei, and waited for the bus after Sensei Yumi pulled out to head back to the Academy. After she got a small salad and a bottle of water, the bus to Blue Bay pulled up and Yuriko got on. She was still nervous but had promised Sensei she would do her best. She got on her bus and it pulled off, taking Yuriko to her destiny.