Ignisha: Chapter 6!
Six Paths in Mahora
Episode Six: First Night! And Trouble Already? What the Hell!
The four (including Chamo) all turned hearing the scream within the changing room. "That scream just now!"
"Wasn't that...?"
"Ojou-sama! Could it be, they're already making a move to capture Konoka-ojou-sama!" Setsuna wondered out loud, running towards the room. "...'Ojou-sama'...?" The three males wondered confusingly.
"Ojou-sama!"
"Ah, matte kudasai, Setsuna-san!" Negi yelled, running after the girl as Nagato silently stood. "Hmm... So I was right, Sakurazaki and Konoe do have a past together..." He though, silently following.
The four reached the changing room and forced the door open. "Ojou-sama!"
"Konoka-san, are you alright!"
Setsuna paused with a stupefied expression as Negi face-faulted. Nagato sweat-dropped as he watched what looked like monkeys trying to strip Konoka and Asuna. "Iyaaaan~!"
"Wh, Negi! What's up with these monkeys!" Asuna screamed. Nagato managed to look away in time as the monkeys managed to take off Konoka's panties and bra. "Ahh! Se-chan, Negi-kun, Nagato-senpai, minaide~ (Don't look)!" Konoka pleaded, hiding her flustered face as Nagato palmed his face.
"N-n-n-nani wo...!"
"Th-these damn monkeys... What the hell do you think you're doing to Ojou-sama!" Setsuna demanded, showing her Nodachi as Negi shocked. "Ah, Setsuna-san!"
"Sa-sakurazaki-san! WH-what is that! I-is that a real sword!"
"You can't cut up the poor monkeys!" Negi tried to stop the swordswoman. "Wh-what are you doing, Negi-sensei! They're only low-level shikigami! If you hit them, they'll turn back into paper!" Setsuna tried to explain as the monkeys somehow stripped the two, making them fall on top of another. Nagato went over and plucked several monkeys off of Asuna as he went over to help Konoka next. "Ah, thank you Senpai..."
"UHYAAAAH!" Negi yelled in surprise as he saw something... disturbing that would probably mark him for life. "Only a ten yr-old, and he already saw his first one... how sad..." Nagato sweat-dropped.
Meanwhile, Nagato got in front of the monkeys that held Konoka on top of them. The monkeys stopped as Nagato plucked one of them. Staring at the monkey with his Rinnegan, Nagato asked, "And just where do you think you're going with my soon-to-be student...?"Nagato asked with a sickly evil sound in his voice as the monkey felt fear beyond its imagination before being dispelled quickly by its own fear. Nagato sighed before slowly picking the monkeys off of Konoka as Setsuna helped, roaring, "Shinmei-Ryuu Ougi!"
Nagato barely dodged as Setsuna sliced every single monkey he plucked. "Hyakuretsuouka Zan! (Hundred Burning Sakura Petal Slash)"
Nagato then noticed a figure hiding before sending a Fuusenbon (Wind Senbon) towards the figure. The figure shocked as something invisible almost punctured her like a needle and retreated without a second thought. "Tch, missed... Guess that's what happens when you were just reincarnated with all your abilities..." Nagato thought as the toad hopped back on his head.
"How long are you gonna stay there?" He asked as the toad croaked out.
Nagato silently watched as the four children got together, Konoka thanking the Shinemi-Ryuu user. Setsuna, embarrassed, dropped Konoka onto the gorund and ran off. He frowned.
"Ahh, Se-chan!"
"What the heck was that about...?" Asuna wondered out loud. "K-konoka-san! Just who is Setsuna-san! She called you 'Ojou-sama' and all!"
"Konoka, did something happen between you and Sakurazaki-san?" Asuna asked as Konoka hesitantly nodded. "Un... I never really did talk to you about it, did I, Asuna?" Konoka asked. Nagato listened as Konoka started talking about her past and how she and Setsuna first met. The two were best friends and did everything together. But then, an accident happen when Konoka almost drowned and Setsuna tried to save her, but in the end, were saved by adults instead. It was then that Setsuna resolved to get stronger and the two have been distant ever since.
"Eheh, it's like... I did something wrong... But Se-chan wouldn't talk to me the same as before..." Konoka said, wiping the tears from her eyes.
"Konoka..."
"Konoka-san..."
"Konoka-san looked really sad, didn't she...?"
"Hmm, yeah... That kind of face is the kind you barely see on Konoka, ever..." Asuna said. "Ah, speaking of which, Konoka did seem kinda depressed when we arrived at Kyoto..." She said, "She didn't say anything to me either... I thought we were closer than that..."
"Friends, no matter how close they are, each will always have a secret they would rather keep a secret, even to each other..." Nagato finally replied, shocking the three (including Chamo) of his present. "Uwah! Nagato-san, how long were you there!"
"The whole time, why?" Nagato asked.
"I-... I barely even heard him with us! Was he always this silent!" Asuna wondered, seeing a toad on his head. "Errm, Nagato-senpai, there's a toad-..."
"I know, Kagurazaka, I know..." Nagato sighed. "More importantly, Negi-san, what do you think about Sakurazaki. Do you believe she is on your side or not?" He asked as Negi suddenly remembered performing Magic in front of the red-head. "Errmm... uh, um, I'm... not sure, b-but...! I-it appears that she's on our side... B-but I think it'll be best to ask her in person...!"
Nagato nodded. "Very well then, she should be at the main lobby if you need her..." Nagato said above his shoulders. "Meanwhile, if you need me, I'm off to bed..." He said, walking off.
"That was... weird..." Asuna admitted. "Even if Sakurazaki Setsuna says she's on our side, that Nagato guy's still suspicious...!" Chamo said.
"Hmm... Ah, there's Setsuna-san!" Negi said as the three walked up to Setsuna. "What are you doing, Setsuna-san?"
"I'm placing down tags to prevent Shikigami from entering..." Setsuna answered. "Ah, that means that Setsuna-san can use Japanese Magic, yes?" Setsuna nodded. "Hai, it comes along with my sword techniques..."
"I get it! You're like a Mage Knight!" Chamo yelled out.
"Yet another person who isn't surprised about talking ermines..." Asuna thought as Setsuna finally took notice of her. "Ah, N-negi-sensei, is it alright to say this in front of Kagurazaka-san?" She asked. "H-hai, it's alright...!"
"I'm already deep-necked in this..." Asuna reassured the swordswoman.
"If that's so..." Setsuna said. "In any case, the enemy is interfering even further, if this continues, Konoka-ojou-sama will be endangered and placed within the fire range. We must devise a countermeasure of some sort..." The girl stared at Negi. "Negi-sensei, I heard that you are the most talented Western Mage. Can you think of anything? It seems that the enemy is increasing in confidence because our countermeasures are ineffective..."
"S-sumimasen! Auuu, I'm not exactly a fully pledged Mage yet!"
"Ja, you really are on our side then!" Chamo affirmed as Setsuna nodded. "Hai, I've been saying that for a while..."
"Then, what do you think of that Nagato guy?"
"Uzumaki-senpai?" Setsuna asked, a surprised look on her face. "Yeah! I mean, isn't it coincidence that our class goes on a trip and he suddenly appears out of nowhere!" Chamo declared. "Errmm... I suppose... I don't know anyone by the surname Uzumaki, so I cannot be sure..." Setsuna said.
"In any case, don't you have somethin' to say, you damn ermine?" Asuna asked as Chamo shocked. "Err... I-I'm sorry, Swordswoman-ane-san! I totally doubted you!"
"B-boku mo, Setsuna-san! I'll do my best to cooperate, so please explain more about the enemy?" Negi apologized.
"Well, our enemies are probably Onmyou (Yin and Yang) Charm users, a division of the Kansai Magic Association. That's how they are able to use Shikigami it is said that long ago, the Charm users were the one who founded the Japanese system of independent Magic using their 'Onmyou-Dou'. They were vulnerable when they are chanting their spells, Negi-sensei, similar to you Western Mages." She explained. "And so, just like Western Mages have their 'Partners', the higher-class Charm users use powerful warrior spirits called 'Zenki' and 'Goki' to protect themselves. As long as they stay in battle, for all practical purposes, our spells nor swords will reach them."
"Z-zenki and Goki is it...?"
"Goki...?" Asuna thought, thinking up a cockroach.
"Furthermore, the Kansai Magical Association holds a deep tie with us Shinmei-Ryuu users..." Setsuna continued. "The Shinmei-Ryuu were originally an organization who protected the capital from demons, and I can say without exaggeration that they were a powerful force... With the Charm users fighting alongside, they make a powerful team."
"Uwawawah, that sounds really bad!" Asuna yelped.
"Well, that sort of thing doesn't happen very much in this time and age..." Setsuna reassured the red head. "T-then these people from the Shinmei-Ryuu are our enemies as well!" Negi asked.
"Hai. Because I left the west for east, they would probably look at me as traitor... But I wanted to protect Ojou-sama, so I didn't have much choice..." Setsuna said, smiling. "As long as I am able to protect Ojou-sama, I am satisfied..."
"Setsuna-san..."
Asuna smiled. "Alright! I get it now, Sakurazaki-san!" She yelled, patting the girl on the back. "So you don't hate Konoka at all! I'm glad! That's all I need to know, really!"
"Wah?"
"A friend of a friend is a friend, right! I'll help out too!"
"Kagurazaka-san..."
"Alright! It's decided then!" Negi said, the three making a team cheer. "The 3-A Guardian Angels have been formed! We'll protect Class 3-A from the Kansai Magical Association!"
"What kind of a name is that?"
"Alright, we have the strength of a hundred men, now that Asuna-san and Setsuna-san are helping!" Negi thought with confidence. "Now all I have to worry about it sending the letter to the Leader..." Turning around, he headed for the entrance. "The enemy might be back tonight! I'll go on patrol outside!"
"Ah, hold on Negi!"
"Daijoubudesu, let's go protect the others..." Setsuna said as the two headed for the hallways. As the duo passed by, they never noticed one of the flower pots disappearing in a puff of smoke.
(Nagato and Negi's room)
Nagato was sipping on tea when he felt a rush of memories rushing in. Opening his eyes as he placed his tea down, he sighed. "Charm users and Shinmei-Ryuu, eh...?" He mumbled a bit. "Plus, they have a bit of knowledge for Onmyouton (Yin-Yang Release)... that could be a problem..." He said to himself. "Let's see, I can still use Rinnegan, but just how much of my abilities can I use? Fuuton will not be a problem, along with the other Elemental Jutsu, but what about the Six Paths...?" The red head sighed before standing up to check on the students.
As he walked out, he bumped into Setsuna. "Ah, Sakurazaki..."
"U-uzumaki-senpai!"
"What are you doing this late at night?" He asked as Setsuna started to sweat a little. "This aura...! It's unlike anything I've ever sensed before! It's as if... Uzumaki-senpai is peering into my soul and examinating it...!" Suddenly, another sense of energy entered her field. "This aura!"
"E-excuse me, Senpai!" The Shinmei-Ryuu user said, turning around and rushing past Chizuru and Natsumi. Nagato raised a brow before following, telling the other two to go to sleep.
Nagato rushed, even with his tired and worn out legs, into Group 5's room, where he was met with a struggling Yue, a questioning Setsuna and a confused Asuna. "What's going on?" He asked as the three looked at him.
"Um, Konoka's inside the bathroom and won't come out?" Asuna asked in confusion.
"It's already been more than 10 minutes!" Yue protested as Nagato narrowed his eyes, walking towards the door to the toilet. "Ah, Senpai...!"
Nagato closed his eyes and opened them to reveal his Rinnegan. Gazing at the door, his eyes suddenly widened. "Can it be!" Grabbing the door, he forcibly opened it, breaking the locks and hinges as Asuna and Setsuna shocked. "S-senpai, what are you-...!"
The two froze as the "occupied" room was actually unoccupied, with a tag on the toilet repeating itself over and over.
"Damn it! We've been tricked!" Setsuna yelled, surprisingly not waking the other occupants in the room. "Wh-what should we do!" Asuna asked.
"DO WHATEVER THE HELL YOU WANT! JUST LET ME USE THE TOILET!" Yue screamed, kicking the three out.
Nagato picked himself up and brushed himself as he watched Asuna seemingly talk to herself. From the looks of it, it seemed it was Negi as she kept shouting his name, take out her cell, and call the boy in question. Sighing, he looked out the window before seeing something. Squinting, he made out a huge monkey holding someone crashing into the roofs. Hearing the door closing, he turned to see Yue sighing in relief.
Shaking his head, the red head ran out the door, before suddenly losing his balance and crashing into the wall, shocking the blue headed drinker. "Senpai, you ok?"
"H-hai, I'm ok..." Nagato replied, holding his injured nose. Gathering Chakra and using Wind Chakra to help himself up, Nagato then ran off, before telling Yue, "Go back to sleep, I have some business to take care of!"
Yue watched her senior run before shrugging, happy to have used the toilet.
Nagato ran, seeing the three people he's supposed to look after in front of him. Looking further, he could see the monkey rushing to get away. Frowning, he focused on hiw Wind Chakra to run faster. Just as he entered the train station, the door closed on him, which result him crashing again. "Ugh, I keep crashing to things..." He muttered in annoyance. "Guess even my Chakra control has gone off after getting resurrected..." He wondered, watching the train about to move.
Using Chakra, he ran up the walls and onto the roof, rushing towards the car the trio was in. Running, he was suddenly splashed in the face. "What the?" Looking forward, he saw streams of water flowing out of the car. Frowning, he looked down to see his charges drowning. "Now how did that happen?" He wondered as he ran further. He then lowered his head towards the windows and drew in breath.
"Fuuton: Douryokufuuatsu (Wind Style: Powered Wind Pressure)"
He then blew out, breaking all the windows just as Setsuna used her Zankuusen technique, finishing off the door. Water poured out as the occupants within the train gasped for breathe. Nagato immediately used Touton Jutsu (Transparent Escape Techniwue) to become invisible in order to prevent confusion as Setsuna glared at the monkey. Nagato frowned as he heard the monkey, or rather, the woman saying "Konoka-ojou-sama" before running away.
"So even those within the Kansai Association hold Konoe with high regards... why...?" He wondered, following his three charges. Running, he listened to Setsuna explaining how those within the Kansai Association disapproved with Konoka moving towards the East. There was a probable chance that they want to use Konoka's untapped power to gain complete control over Kansai Association. At this, Nagato frowned. "Seems to me that Konoe is similar to a Jinchuuriki, holding power that's powerful enough to dominate an entire association..."
Nagato silently hid as he watched the three faced their capture. "Isn't that the same woman from the train...?" He wondered.
"I won't let you!" Setsuna roared, obviously having heard something that pissed her off. "Charm-san, Charm-san! Facilitate my escape!" The woman yelled, throwing a charm. "A tag?"
"Chew on this! Daisan no Maryoku: Kyouto 'Dai' no Moji (Third Charm Technique: Kyoto 'Dai' Character)! Burn!" She yelled as a huge fire shaped as the Japanese Kanji "Dai" burned. Setsuna cried at the pure temperature as Asuna grabbed her out of harms' way. "Hohoho, these flames will repel any person... And this, is goodbye...!" The woman, known as Chigusa, decalred.
Nagato sighed as he began making handseals, thinking back at his discussion with the headmaster.
(FLASHBACK)
"Now, Nagato-kun, I understand that you have these 'special powers'... care to explain?" Konoe asked.
"Hai. The energy my people and I use are called Chakra. It is basically the combination of using our mental energy, or spiritual energy, with our body energy, or physical energy. It is basic training to learn how to control these two types of energy and merge them. With Chakra, we are able to do extraordinary things and even things that are considered inhumane." Nagato explained. "We are also able to use five elements, each part of the Gogyou. There are other elements by combining two or more of the Gogyou to create sub-elements as well as the three major Chakra."
"Three major Chakra?"
Nagato nodded. "While there are elemental Chakra and Jutsu, there are also non-elemental types, those of which uses the Inton and Youton Jutsu."
Konoe nodded, taking it in. "You mentioned this, 'Inton' before... Do you mind elaborating?"
"Inton Ninjutsu are Jutsu that requires our Spiritual Energy, in other words, our imagination, to create the Jutsu. It basically is used to create something out of nothing." Nagato explained. "Very interesting... and the other?"
"Youton is the pure opposite of Inton, using the Physical Energy of our Chakra, giving life to a form and gives vitality. Unlike the Inton, Youton are able to physically attack, while Inton uses the imagination of the user." Nagato took a deep breath. "Putting them together creates the Onmyouton, the strongest Chakra. Using it, you can do unbelievable feats such as faking your death, creating the world as you want it to be, and giving life back to those who are dead..." Nagato said, shocking Konoe.
"I see... having you as an ally will greatly help us... Though I would have to ask you not to use any of your 'Jutsu' during the trip, unless it's a dire situation." Konoe asked as Nagato nodded, knowing that he'll have to keep himself secretive for the time being.
(FLASHBACK END)
"And since this is a dire situation..." Nagato thought, puffing his cheeks as water filled up. "Suiton: Mizurappa! (Water Style: Violent Water Wave)" A large pressurized water spewed from his mouth as it washed away all the flames just as Negi was about to blow out the fire.
"What the!"
"Where did that water come from!" Asuna asked as she turned to Negi. "Th-that wasn't me!"
"It wasn't from Negi-sensei, it came from an outside source...!" Setsuna thought, looking at the direction the water came from only to find no one there. "A-anyway, I won't let you get away!" Negi yelled, bringing out Asuna's Pactio card. "As Konoka's teacher and friend, I will stop you!"
Ignisha: And to the next chapter!