Yo!! Lack of motivation during winter break and school caused me to sorta fall behind in my stories. To my fans, I'm sorry. I've just about found a swing for this semester, and I'm hoping I can update at least once or twice a month.

Chapter 50: Prelude to a Storm. Kenji vs. Buster!!

(Some time before)

"Kenji is quite a powerhouse when it comes to Taijutsu. I doubt you could win in a straight fight." Buster glared at the nin across from him. "I should know. I have gotten my ass kicked by him enough times to know his attack pattern is like. Trust me." He said. Buster looked a little hesitant, but he didn't question any further.

Buster was anticipating that Kenji would throw the first punch, but he stood in his stance, waiting. Buster smirked, as he slowly approached at a slow movement. Once he was just outside Kenji's movement range, Kenji charged, fist cocked ready to beat some ass.

"Kenji's punches are sort of one dimensional." The mysterious man said, and Buster looked confused. "1-D? How so?" "They are either straight, or sideways or downward. No creativity to them at all. His punches are predictable as cold in the winter."

Kenji tried a straight jab, but Buster blocked it, and got a clean hit on Kenji's jaw. Kenji faltered, but tried an overhead chop, which Buster sidestepped, and countered yet again. Kenji recovered just in time for a Right Hook to land on his jaw, sending him sprawling to the ground. He landed on his back, and laid there. (Ng. American Boxing is the Taijutsu he uses?) Kenji thought to himself, as he spit out blood when he got to his feet.

"One of Kenji's trademark moves is an attack from midair. Half of his moves are based solely off that mindset. If you can prevent him from getting any kind of aerial ground, then you will cut off about a third of his attack moves."

Kenji charged, and hopped into the air, preparing an attack from the air. He spun, and tried a roundhouse kick, which Buster blocked. He then hopped back, and before he knew it, Buster was hopping off the ground, a flying uppercut got him dead in the gut.

He flew into the air, and landed on his back. "Ken-kun!!!" Fuuka screams in fear, as Kenji groaned, and sat up. "Bastard hits like a truck." Kenji muttered, as he got to one knee before standing up.

"This is the next thing, and the second most important. Kenji loves kicks. This makes up about ¾ of his move list. But that is what makes it dangerous." Buster smirked. "So he likes his feet. Big deal." Buster said. "It is a big deal. His kicks alone are damn near impossible to read properly without some kind of intuition like the Sharingan from Konoha." Buster's eyes narrowed in disbelief.

"Time to step it up to Round Two." Kenji said out loud, and charged. Buster saw him twist, going into a kick. Instincfully, he brought his hand up to guard, but Kenji's kick fell short, and he used that momentum to bring his other foot around, and kick Buster dead in his face.

Buster spun in mid air, before he landed on the ground, and jumped to his feet. Buster then brought his fist up to block a flying kick, but Kenji used that fist as leverage to turn his body, and kick Buster with his other foot. He then used the kick to float in the air, and axe kicked Buster in his right shoulder, which caused him to face plant big time.

Kenji flipped in mid air, before he landed on the ground, back into his stance. Buster scoffed angrily, as he got to his feet. "Ken-kun! Be carful!!" Fuuka screamed, and Kenji smirked. "I won't lose to scum like him anytime soon." Kenji said confidently. (This little bastard is so full of himself.) Buster thought to himself.

"You think just because you can work your feet a little means you can beat me?" Buster asked, as he charged. Kenji merely began to hop around, and he kicked Buster dead in the face, as he flew back. Buster recovered in mid-air, and threw a punch, and his right glove shot off his fist.

(What!?) Kenji thought, as the chakra laced glove pounded straight into his jaw, causing him to slide back. He then ducked his head back, as the chakra fist shot into the air. "Ken-kun!!!" Fuuka screamed, and Kenji rubbed his sore jaw. "Some attack." Kenji mumbled.

"You think it's over? Feel my Rocket Punch!!!" Buster screamed, as he cocked his left fist back, and punched, sending his other glove flying. Kenji managed to see this one coming, and slid out of the way, right into Buster, who moved anticipating his dodge.

Kenji's eyes were wide right before a left hook connected with his jaw, sending him flying into the tree next to Fuuka. "Ken-kun!!!" Fuuka screamed. Kenji groaned in pain. "See? This is the extent of your power?" Buster asked. "How can you be the kind of person who is the strongest in Kajimaru Shinobi if this is all you got?" Buster asked.

"How can you protect that pathetic girl with that kind of power?" Kenji felt his blood run cold, and Fuuka looked at Kenji with terror. She then turned to Buster, who held a cocky and arrogant smirk. "Please, take what you said back." Fuuka pleaded.

"Tch. I don't listen to those who are too weak and pathetic to even-" Kenji only had half a second to dodge the fireball that shot right by his head. He would have said that Kenji broke the rule, but there was no hand seals used in that last attack. Kenji's fireball was in the form of a fist. Buster looked to Kenji, feeling the severe amount of chakra pulsing off him.

"And the most important thing you should know. If you cause this to happen, you would best to run away." The man said, and Buster scoffed. "I don't run from fights." Buster said. "That kind of foolish arrogance will cause him to kill you."

Buster stood awed as Kenji stood to his feet, fire pulsing off of him in waves.

"Should you ever make Kenji mad, and I mean mad, he will become a whole new person."

Kenji clenched his fist, as it was enveloped in a fireball. His green hair was covering his eyes, and Buster could feel the killing intent that was being directed at him.

"His untapped dormant power will be awakened, and his strength will become that of the Kage Level."

Kenji then slowly began to sneer, as his hair slowly drifted from his eyes. What Buster saw made his blood run cold. Kenji's eyes weren't their normal orange. They were now a cold chilling red. And they held the same fire that his body was launching off.

"And you will face the power of a demon."

Buster could feel the power coming off of him, and it was astounding. (This can't be! What-Who is this person!? It's almost demonic!!) Kenji's hair then turned a bright Fire Red, and he roared, which shot a dome of fire around him, burning the grass and trees around him to a crisp. The bright blue sky had turned a violent black. Storm Clouds were approaching.

"For at that point, his emotions no longer control it. The fierce power of the Fire Phoenix, one of the Legendary Phoenixes of Lore."

"I must say, boy. It's been years since I've been able to get free. Now, thanks for shattering the restraint he held. Your prize: The worst ass kicking you ever felt." Kenji said, but his voice held traces of some kind of demonic entity. Kenji then smirked, as he flashed right behind Buster, giving him a searing hot right hook. It hit him dead in the face, and he could feel the flames from the attack.

"You talked a ton of shit for someone who knew of the oncoming power Kenji has. Now you get to see it-" Kenji started, before he clutched his head, growling. "Not yet, boy! I don't care if you vowed to never use my powers, he is a threat to our existence!" The demon said, and chakra began to form a cloak around him.

"Good. Now, boy. Prepare yourself!!" Kenji screamed, as fire surrounded him, blinding everyone around. When the flames died down, Kenji stood there, in a white vest and pants with fire trailing along the pant legs and the short sleeves. "Now that I have free reign, you will feel the power of eternal hell." Kenji said, as the flames then surrounded his fists and feet.

"In case you do do something stupid like start a fight against the Fire Phoenix, you should be aware of it's power. Each Phoenix has their own element and trait. The Fire Phoenix's trait is Chakra Enhanced Fists and Feet. Think Tsunade's super human strength, but without the serious chakra control, and fire enhanced."

Buster could feel the power that was eminating from Kenji, and he didn't want to even think of the things that the boy was about to do with them. "You ready, human? I think you will enjoy the tons of pain that I inflict on you." Kenji said, as he began to walk towards Buster, each step leaving a small crater. Kenji then disappeard. Buster's eyes widened, and he lost track of Kenji. Kenji then reappeared in front of Buster, right fist blazing.

"Blazing Upper!!" Kenji said, as he launched his fist into Buster's jaw. The attack left a fiery trail, and he jumped into the air, sending Buster flying backwards. Buster hit the trees quite hard, and slid to the ground. "That all you got, human? That wasn't even strong enough for a warm up." Kenji said.

At this point, Fuuka was trying her hardest to reach for her kunai and free herself before Kenji went out of control. (You said you had control over that monster!!) She screamed mentally.

Flashback: A few years ago.

11 year old Fuuka sat next to a tree, fear radiating off her. Kenji's demon had gotten lose out of rage when he came face too face with the person who had made her what she is.

A scared girl who couldn't face guys.

Kenji's hair was red, and so were his eyes, but he managed to retain his demon's powers for a short time. In his soul mind was the scenery of a volcano. "So you managed to control me before you killed the girl." The fire phoenix, obscured by a red glow due to it's immense power, said.

"What the hell!?" Kenji screamed, angrily. "You managed to tame this beast. I must say I am quite amazed." The phoenix said. "So what does that mean?" Kenji asked. "That means you have earned the right to use my full powers without losing yourself." The phoenix said, as a bright red toy gun appeared in Kenji's hand.

"What's this?" Kenji asked. "That is your Evoker. With this, all you have to do is shoot yourself, and my powers will merge with yours." The phoenix said. Kenji looked to the gun, and saw the name Sparkx. "Sparx. That's your name, isn't it?" Kenji asked. "Yep. That's me! Got it memorized?" He taunted, before the Soul Mind disappeared.

When he came to, he realized that the man who was attempting to have his way with Fuuka was dead. "Did I do that?" Kenji muttered to himself. He then saw various craters and areas where the land was scorched.

"That is your power, Kenji. It gives you more access to flames than you originally had." Sparx said, and Kenji nodded. "Fuuka-chan, are you-" Kenji stopped moving towards her when he saw her move away from him, fear on her feature.

"She might be scared of the sheer power and demonic energy you have." Sparx said with a tone of mockery towards Kenji. Kenji remained silent. He then lowered his head, as his hair, which turned back to forest green, covered his eyes.

"I see. That is the expected reaction, and I don't blame you." Kenji said. He then started to walk away. He put his hands into his pocket, and felt the toy gun. "It isn't her fault. It's mine for using this monster's power." Kenji said to himself. "I won't use this kind of evil, even if I have control over it." Kenji said.

"Do you mean it?" Kenji looked behind him, and saw Fuuka there, a wary and scared loook on her face. "Of course!! I can become the strongest ever without something evil!" Kenji said. Fuuka smiled slightly, and ran into Kenji, embracing him.

"Don't think that you can just not worry about me. If your emotions overload, then I will let myself free again." Sparx reminded. (I don't need your power!) Kenji said. "Now you may not, but in due time, you will need it. With great power comes great responsibility. Don't forget that…" Sparx said, as Kenji felt his presence disappear.

End.

Fuuka finally gotten herself freed from the ropes, as Kenji began to stalk towards Buster. "This forest will run red with your blood." Kenji said, as he left small craters with each step.

Before he could get within range, he felt someone grasping him from behind. He was about to use some flames to blast them off, but he was quieted by a voice. "You promised!!" Kenji's eyes widened. "That girl?" (Fuuka!!!) Both had different reactions.

"You promised you didn't need his help!! You promised that you had control over that thing!!!" Fuuka said, as she cried into his back. Kenji's eyes softened, and his eyes changed from red to the bright orange they always were. "I didn't lose myself. Sparx was just looking out for my life. We are connected like that, you know…" Kenji muttered, before his cloths returned to normal, and he chuckled.

"Boy am I tired." He said, as he fell backwards. Fuuka slowly let him down, and rested his head on her lap. "So, little firefly is out of gas. This is the time to finish this." Buster stood to his feet, smirking. He then ran his right fist into his left, and smirked an evil smirk. He ran at Kenji, but hopped back when Fuuka tossed three kunai into his direction.

"What's this? The girl with Guy-phobia is going to stand up to me? Isn't that something?" Buster taunted, but his eyes widened when Fuuka's dark eyes held his with determination. "If you wish to kill him, you go through me!!" She said, as chakra flared through her hands. "We'll see, won't we?" He said, as he charged.

He tried a straight up punch, but she ducked, and tried to run her hand into his chest. He slid away, and elbowed her, sending her flying. She slid backwards before she flipped to her feet. "See? You can't do-" Buster stopped when he felt his body stop responding to his brain. "You shouldn't be so sure of yourself to underestimate your opponents. My attack has left your muscles unresponsive." Fuuka said. Buster scowled at her, and she smirked.

"You leave Ken-kun alone." She said in a dead calm. Buster merely chuckled, as his mind was working. (When I try to move my right arm, my left foot wiggles. When I move my left leg, my right hand moves. Here goes.) Kenji then stood, and smirked at the surprised look Fuuka had.

"You think so surely of yourself." He said. "Don't worry your pretty head. He will live for today at least." Buster said, as he disappeared. Fuuka sighed in relief, and ran over to Kenji, who was still on his back. "Ken-kun! Ken-kun!!" She screamed. Kenji groaned, before he chuckled.

"If I'm not dead, that means you conquered your fear of men for me…" Kenji said, as he chuckled. "Ken-kun!!!" She screamed, and before neither one knew what happened, her lips had crashed onto his. She pulled away, dark crimson blush across her face, while Kenji took a few seconds to let what happen sink in, before he could make any kind of comment. Fuuka didn't say anything, as water began to fall from the sky. First it was a small drizzle, then it began to rain.

"Hn. Think you can help me get you over somewhere where the rain won't get you sick?" Kenji asked, and Fuuka smiled. She dragged him up, and they sat under some trees, where it wasn't too wet. Fuuka was silent, as Kenji stared out into space. "So, you aren't afraid of men anymore?" Kenji asked awkwardly. "Not sure, but the moment your life was in danger, I knew I couldn't stand by and watch." Fuuka replied, and Kenji chuckle. "I see. That's quite a powerful reason to overcome fear." Kenji said, and Fuuka looked at him, confused.

"What do you mean?" She asked. "You let your fear of my death cause you to fight on my behalf, even against your fears." Kenji said, smiling. Fuuka smiled also, and rested her hands in his. "I guess this whole outing wasn't so meaningless." Kenji said. "I earned something quite valuable." He said, and he closed his eyes, while Fuuka rested her head on his shoulder. He always liked the rain.

(Elsewhere)

Koji was about to step out and take a quick walk to check nature out, but he stopped when he saw the downpour. "Che. I take a nap for 2 hours, and there's a downpour. Figure." Koji muttered to himself, as he summoned a Shadow Clone.

"What's up, boss?" He asked. Koji pointed to the rain, and the clone sighed. He brought his hands up, and transformed into an umbrella. He picked the umbrella up, and began to walk in the rain. "I can't help but think that something bad is on it's way. Like the heavens is crying for me…" Koji looked to the sky, and sighed.

He was about to continue, but he saw Sakura, sitting on a bench that was under a small hut. "Hey. You stuck out in the rain?" Sakura raised her eyes, and Koji smirked. "What does it look like?" Sakura asked, glaring playfully. "I don't know. You may like sitting out in the cold rain." Koji shot back playfully, as he approached the hut. Sakura stood, and walked under the umbrella when Koji got over there. Koji began to walk towards the girl's dorm, taking Sakura there.

"So, why are you out in the rain?" Koji asked. "Thinking about things." She said, and Koji smirked. "Things? Like what?" Koji asked. "Like what made me decide to become a ninja." Sakura said. Koji looked to the road, and let her continue. "At first, I wanted to because Sasuke was a ninja, but after a while I wanted to become useful to my friends." Sakura said. "Do you regret your choice?" Koji asked.

"No. I regret some of the things I did, but I don't regret being a ninja." Sakura said. "What regrets?" Koji asked. "Like when I was mean to Naruto." Sakura said, looking down. "I wouldn't worry much about it. People like Naruto tend to be very forgiving when the ones who wronged them are sincere. He probably forgave you a long time ago." Koji said, as they approached the girl's dorm.

Koji stopped once the building began to provide protection from the rain. He nodded and began to head back, before Sakura ran behind him, and embraced him from behind. "I would also regret it if you were to disappear before I could do this." Sakura said, and Koji smirked.

"I see. Well, don't worry. If something were to cause me to leave, I would return. That's a promise I won't break." Koji said, and Sakura nodded into his back. She let go, and before she turned to go inside, Koji quickly pecked her on the cheek. "Ja ne!" He said, smiling, as he disappeared. Sakura held her hand to the cheek Koji kissed, and smiled, but couldn't will away the blush she had painted on her face.

(Unknown)

"So it's time. The plan is to be implemented." T.K said, as the other two nodded. "I head to Sand, Blade heads to Koji, and you head to Sound." Sidestep said. "We are not allowed to fail. Sound must fall, along with Orochimaru." Blade said.

"Sand shouldn't be expecting an attack." T.K said. "And Koji will die by Blade's hand." Sidestep said. "The mission begins now." T.K said, and they all disappeared. The next day, the wheels of destiny would begin to turn.

ShadowRonin: Originally, I had no clue as to if I should give the Phoenixes names, but since I've given the Phoenix of Fire a name, it's only natural the other 7 elements get one as well. I also originally wasn't going to have any other phoenixes, but Sparx came into existence, and that was that.

Next Chapter: The wheels are in motion, and the fight is on. Koji always looked to settle things with Association 15, and a chain of events will lead to the dramatic climax of this arc in:

Chapter 51: Outbreak of a Storm!!

Side Note: This story is going to have more OCs later that will play some small and medium sized roles, and to remember them all, along with the current ones, I'm going to start a OC Character Bio once I finish this Arc. It's mostly for me because I can be scatterbrained…