Chapter 11

Heading Out

After having his final moments with Mitsurugi, Hayate instantly remembered what Mitsurugi requested of him one night.

Flashback

"Mitsurugi-sama. You almost died back there!"

"Yea, I know, I know. The Oboro posses a truely great ninja."

"Ah, Hotsuma Oboro."

Mitsusugi slumped down bleeding on the floor.

"Ugh, Hayate. I don't know if I can make it though."

"Don't say that sensei."

"If I should die, please burn my body. I don't want what happened in the Oboro family today. To be resurrected and used as a mindless puppet."

"I won't do that master...because you are NOT dying here today."

End Flashback

"well...looks like I got to do one last thing for sensei."

Hayate planted flames around Mitsurugi and incinerated his body and he gradually turned to ash. He then headed to the exit and looked back one last time at his burning master.

"I promise you."

Hayate instantly left the pagoda behind him in flames and smoke and headed for the harbor filled with thoughts for his next course of action. Instantly, a man clad in black appeared in front of Hayate. Armed with a flaming red sword straped on his back, kunai arm guards on his arm, a flowing long crimson scarf, and a fearsome headband with four glowing azure spots, the man stood adamantly in Hayate's way.

"Long time no see."

"Just who the hell are you?"

"Don't you remember the Oboro massacre you and your master helped in? I have been secretly watching you."

"Hotsuma Oboro."

"Hai. At your service." Hotsuma said as he unsheathed his sword.

"What are you looking for? A fight?"

"Exactly the opposite. I want no confrontation whatsoever. Only to extend an olive bracnch like the westerners say."

"Olive branch?"

"Peace my old rival. I saw what you did. Killing your master and facing down Nightmare's Japanese army."

" What of it?"

"I wish to travel with you because I know where Nightmare was heading for. Besides, if it weren't for me, you would have died back there."

"I beat Mitsurugi on my own!"

"Actually no. The final blow would have turned out differently. Trust me."

Hotsuma extended his arms and revealed a missing kunai from his arm.

"So?"

"You don't understand? Well one kunai is missing because I threw it at Mitsurugi's Damascus sword knocking it slightly to the side. Away from your little head."

"Well whatever. My master is dead and gone and I'm holding Nightmare responsible."

"Okay. Calm yourself. I am here to help you. As a ninja of the Oboro clan, I gather much information and apparantly Nightmare has a major stronghold in the distant European castle. Some place called Germany."

"Well, If this is true, lead the way. I will follow you but do not lie."

"I have no intention to do so my friend."

"I am not your friend."

Hotsuma huffed and snarled.

"By the way, why are you helping me?"

"I am helping you solely because I need you. You and I share a common goal. Nightmare stole something from me..."

Hotsuma unsheathed his sword and showed it to Hayate. It instantly glew blood red.

"What is this red glow?"

"It is Akujiki. A legendary sword that could cut though anything. However, the second sword, Raijiki, has been absorbed by Soul Edge. that sword is a family heirloom and is the last surviving artifact of the Oboro. Now are we going to continue standing and talking? Or are you coming with me? I could just easily leave you behind."

"Fine, I'll travel with you."

"Excellent. I have a rendevouez with an associate of mine who can help us get to Europe. He waits in the harbour."

The ninja and samurai headed to the harbour and met another ninja.

"Hayate this is Nijin. He is one of the survivors of the Oboro massacre. He is guiding us to Europe on his ship."

"So this is the legendary pupil of Mitsurugi? You opposed us in the Oboro massacre right? Well, whats passed has passed I guess."

"Yes hello Nijin-san. Quite a big boat here hm?"

" Yes I know. We raided it from an English man and took one of them captive. I hear there is much wealth to be had in this European region of the world."

"Enough small talk you two. Time to set sail." Hotsuma announced.

Hayate, Hotsuma and Nijin sailed off into the ocean as they all looked back at Japan. They looked forlornly at the harbor they were leaving and turned their head foreward.