Kisara smirks widely, "so Tsukuba was defeated by that freshman Kendo prodigy huh?" She spins on her heel launching a high kick that destroys a cement brick. Excitement burns in her eyes for the first time in a long time. "I guess there is some good potential this year."

"Do you want me to send them?" asks Shiratori.

"Go ahead, I want to see this Uzumaki kid's full potential," smirks Kisara.

School

"Huh? Tsukuba-sempai was defeated?!"

Kenichi stares at the article with wide eyes. An evil laughter makes him turns his head to see Nijiima carrying around a load of papers. Nijiima gives a devious smirk. "It looks like you won't have to worry about Tsukuba any longer. Uzumaki wiped the floor with him."

"Naruto?" blinks Miu.

"The blonde kid we met the other day," answers Nijiima. Miu's eyes widen in realization. A hard expression soon settles on her face. It seems she was right after all. That boy is highly trained and dangerous. To be able to defeat a fighter like Tsukuba is not something an amateur would be capable of.

Kenichi doesn't understand it at all. "Why did Tsukuba and Naruto fight?"

Nijiima sighs at Kenichi's small brain. "Tsukuba works for Ragnarok. Ragnarok is always seeking strong people to add to its ranks." Kenichi nods following Nijiima. "A rising prodigy in the Kendo Club is going to catch Ragnarok's attention. Tsukuba went to fight Uzumaki and was beat like a drum." Laughter erupts from Nijiima. "I witnessed the entire fight. It was magnificent how ruthlessly Uzumaki destroyed Tsukuba."

"Well, as long as Naruto isn't hurt," says Kenichi.

"It gets even better," smirks Nijiima. "The Technique Trio have been sent after Uzumaki. Koga the Kicker, Ukita the Thrower, and Takeda the Puncher are the strongest trio in Kisara's gang. Uzumaki doesn't stand a chance!"

"I have to warn Naruto."

"Kenichi!"

Miu frowns as Kenichi runs off. She doesn't fully trust this Uzumaki Naruto. Mainly because he is somehow able to evade her senses. What type of training did he get put through to move around so discreetly?

Break

Makoto shifts nervously. It is infuriating that she can't think of a single thing to say to him. He is sitting right next to her and she isn't able to form words. All she keeps doing is blushing and wondering how handsome he is under that mask. A dreamy sigh comes from the girl. She bets that he has the face of a god. Hearts appear in her eyes.

"Naruto!"

She is snapped from her thoughts as some obnoxious boy comes running into the classroom. Her eyes narrow in anger. 'Who is he? How does he know Naruto-kun?'

Naruto blinks a couple times waking up from his nap. Interesting, he fell asleep at school before classes even begun. School is so boring that he is falling asleep the moment he takes a seat at a desk. He turns his head when his name is yelled a second time. "Yo," responds Naruto.

Kenichi frantically grabs the table. "Naruto, they are coming for you."

"I see."

"You need to run away!"

"Why?"

"Because they are really strong and delinquents!"

"What are we talking about?"

A groan comes from Kenichi. "It is Ragnarok's Technique Trio." Naruto stares blankly. "Do you remember beating up Tsukuba?" A nod comes from the former ninja. "Well, Ragnarok is now aiming to beat you up for that. The Technique Trio is a strong group of fighters that are going to be looking for you," explains Kenichi.

"Ah ok…I get it now," nods Naruto. "Thank you for the heads up."

Kenichi face faults. He jumps to his feet. "Aren't you worried?"

"No…not really."

"B-b-but they are delinquents."

Naruto gives a shrug. "I have met scarier people than a bunch of delinquents." He turns his head to stare out the window. "Besides, I long ago made a promise to myself that I wouldn't run away anymore. I did enough running when I was younger, I am tired of it."

Kenichi gains a curious look. There is a sadness and loneliness in Naruto's eyes when he speaks about his past. A yawn comes from Naruto breaking the somber moment. "I just don't want to see a friend of mine get hurt," frowns Kenichi.

Naruto's eyes widen. "Friend?"

"Yeah, we are friends," smiles Kenichi. He shifts nervously. "Right?"

Naruto schools his emotions, but inwardly his mind is racing a mile a second. No one has ever referred to him as a friend. A comrade, sometimes, but most of the time he is referred to as a demon, monster, or freak. Never a friend. "You don't even know me that well," he replies.

A sheepish smile appears on Kenichi's face. "I know, but a friend is someone you feel comfortable around and trust right? I mean, I don't know much about Miu either but she is a friend of mine."

"I see." Naruto feels warmth at being referred to as a friend. Truthfully, he always wanted to know what it is like to have family and friends. Growing up an orphan and an outcast, he never had either. Kenichi seems to be willing to be his friend. Perhaps he can try friendship out for the first time. He gives a nod. "Yes, we are friends."

Kenichi smiles happily. "Funny, I never had any friends while in elementary school and I already got two at high school in just a couple weeks."

Understanding is in Naruto's eyes. "It is the same for me."

"You can count on me to help you out with Ragnarok," says Kenichi with legs shaking. "A friend is always there for another friend. At least, that is what I believe."

"Aren't you scared of delinquents?"

Kenichi laughs nervously, "Well I can always help with homework?" Naruto's lips twitch in amusement.

"Shirahama! This is not your homeroom! Get lost!" shouts the teacher.

"Ah! Yes sir." Kenichi bows respectively. "Later Naruto!"

Naruto waves. "Later." Shirahama Kenichi is an interesting person. He turns his head to stare at the clouds. Still, he likes Kenichi. School is not so bad after all. For the first time in his life, he managed to make a friend.

Break

Ukita slams his opponent down onto the ground. A groan comes from the boy before passing out cold. He turns to look at Takeda who already defeated his five opponents. The bigger boy frowns noticing the way that Takeda avoided from doing any serious damage. Takeda chews on a blade of grass with a bored expression not in the least bit interested on what is happening around him. "I can't believe that Kisara is sending us to deal with some freshman," scowls Ukita.

Takeda gives a shrug. "Word on the street is that this freshman is a prodigy. It might prove to be interesting."

"Yeah right," replies Ukita. "Tsukuba is a weakling. I never liked the fool."

A smile forms on Takeda's face. "Well, since he lost you won't have to ever see him again." Takeda chuckles in amusement. "Maybe when we find this Uzumaki Naruto, you can thank him." Ukita gives an annoyed expression. The former lightweight professional boxer turns around. "No more playing around Koga, it is time to go." Ukita's eyes narrow on Takeda's back. How did such a person ever become a part of Ragnarok?

Break

'I swear the masters do this to make fun of me.'

Kenichi sighs as he begins to swing his arms back and forth. Sakaki-sensei was trying to teach him the proper way to perform Karate punches, but as usual it was taking him awhile to get used to it. Master Ma took over his training and told him that extends his arms all the way up into the air, giving a shake, and swinging them back and forth will help him punch better. It is supposed to be a Chinese exercise designed to help loosen his muscles. He was told to keep doing this all the way around the block. Much to his embarrassment people are laughing and pointing at him. "Hi," smiles Miu.

"Miu?" blinks Kenichi. "What are you doing?"

Miu swings her arms mimicking his movements perfectly. "I know you don't know this area too well so I thought I would join you." She gives him a pretty smile that lights up her face.

'Miu is the best,' blushes Kenichi with a stupid grin.

The two continue to walk around the block performing the exercise. Just as they are on their way back to Ryozanpaku, a group of delinquents decide to interrupt them. "What are you two doing?" Kenichi and Miu turn to see a short kid a year or two younger than them followed by seven delinquents. The kid immediately locks eyes onto Miu. His eyes stare at her large breasts, pretty face, and round butt. "Whoa! Look at those tits! Your girlfriend has large breasts!"

"Hey!" Miu throws up her hands over her breasts. "They are not large!"

"My name is Koga, Koga the Kicker from Ragnarok. Why don't you leave behind this weakling and hang with me?" smirks the kid.

Miu's eyes narrow in anger. "No thanks, I much rather hang with Kenichi." Kenichi gives a stupid grin at her saying she wants to be with him.

Koga laughs, "ok boys, take care of the girl while I beat up her boyfriend." The delinquents surround Miu. Kenichi is about to go help her, but a kick hits him in the face. He stumbles backwards. "You don't have time to worry about her."

"Why are you doing this? Leave us alone," glares Kenichi.

"Man, I hate guys like you." Koga frowns. "Wait, did she call you Kenichi? Shirahama Kenichi?"

"Um yeah, do I know you?"

"Hahaha, you are the weakling that got beat up by Tsukuba. Oh man, this is too much," laughs Koga. Kenichi's eyes narrow. Koga smirks as he leaps forward launching a barrage of kicks. Kenichi manages to dodge the first two, but a third and fourth kick score direct hits. "Come on, if you don't fight me your girlfriend is going to get hurt."

Kenichi winces, 'I made a promise to get stronger to protect Miu.' He springs forward throwing several punches. Koga easily dodges the punches and delivers a kick to Kenichi's face.

"Way too slow."

'I can't hit him.' Kenichi winces in pain. A sudden idea strikes him. He raises his arms up. 'If I swing my arms in a smooth motion I can turn it into a sharp punch.'

"What are you doing?" frowns Koga. "I don't have time for this." He launches a kick at the same time Kenichi swings his arm. A sharp pain fills Koga as he is hit in the jaw.

'I got him,' thinks Kenichi.

Koga smirks, "you think that weak…" The sentence is never finished as Koga falls backwards body unable to stay standing. His vision begins to swim. "What the hell? Did he really hit me that hard?" Koga grits his teeth. "Guys…" Fear fills Koga. Kenichi turns his head and sweat drops.

Miu slams the last delinquent to the ground. She stands up not looking the least bit tired. "Did you finish with that kid yet?" Kenichi flushes in embarrassment. It still amazes him how strong she is.

"Beast!" Koga screams like a girl before running away.

"Beast!?" Miu starts to cry crocodile tears. "He called me a beast!"

Kenichi waves his arms. "You are not a beast." Miu continues to cry.

Break

A cracking sound fills the air. Koga slumps to the ground barely able to remain conscious. Takeda and Ukita look on not feeling a shred of compassion for the third member of their team. Neither of them likes Koga because he is an obnoxious brat. Kisara stares down at Koga with anger burning in her eyes. Koga gulps fearing for his life. "Idiot, how dare you go around losing and making us look weak," glares Kisara.

Takeda decides to speak up. "I guess this mean that Shirahama is not a weakling like we thought." The boxer gains a curious look. "How did he lose against Tsukuba if he can beat Koga?" It isn't like he considers Koga to be strong, but Koga is definitely stronger than Tsukuba.

"I suppose that is true," grumbles Kisara. It looks like Shirahama Kenichi got much stronger to be able to defeat Koga. Tsukuba is not even in the same league as Koga. She is going to have to reevaluate her opinion on Shirahama. The question is who does she target first, Shirahama Kenichi or Uzumaki Naruto? A smirk appears on her face at the possibility of facing two strong opponents. If they manage to defeat the Technique Trio, she might even go out of her way to fight them personally.

"Let me handle the sword prodigy." Everyone turns around to see a muscular young man enter into the room. Takeda and Ukita's eyes narrow in annoyance. Shiratori frowns not liking the way the young man strolls into Kisara's base with such arrogance. "I'll see if he is strong or not," smirks the thug.

Kisara smirks, "whatever, do what you want Shinnosuke." She turns to Ukita and Takeda. "You two handle Shirahama."

Shinnosuke smirks, 'keep talking big Kisara.' He leaves the room with a confident smirk.

Break

Shinnosuke leans against the wall surrounding Koryou High School. As usual, there are three other delinquents with him including the two that have been with him since the very beginning. It has been a long time since he stood on school grounds. He quit going to school several years ago to chase his dream of creating the strongest gang of fighters. It is for that dream that he is on school grounds right now. There is a strong fighter that he is going to get to join his gang. Only strong fighters are allowed to join his gang. Kisara is the one that will let any old weakling join her. A woman can never understand a man's dream of freedom.

"Boss, there he is."

"Yeah, the one with blonde hair and a face mask."

A wide smirk appears on Shinnosuke's face. He pushes off the wall and waits in the middle of the sidewalk. 'The kid is a bit on the scrawny side, but as long as he is strong who cares,' smirks Shinnosuke.

Naruto stares at the group that is blocking his path. It seems that the muscular one with the trench coat is the leader. "Are you Uzumaki Naruto?" smirks Shinnosuke.

"Yes."

"I want you to come with me. We need to talk man to man." Shinnosuke turns expecting Naruto to follow. "I promise it is not a trap."

"No thanks." Shinnosuke freezes spinning around with angry expression. "I have no desire to talk with people I don't know," replies Naruto.

Shinnosuke chuckles in amusement. "The name is Shinnosuke Tsuji. I am an executive member of Ragnarok."

"I'll rephrase my earlier statement. I have no desire to speak to you because I don't care who you are," says Naruto.

A tick appears above Shinnosuke's right eye. "You are pretty cocky. Looks like even a scrawny shit like you can get a bit arrogant from the praise of being a prodigy," taunts Shinnosuke. Naruto gives a bored expression not rising to the bait. Gritting, Shinnosuke thought for sure that his taunting would elicit a reaction. It looks like he is going to have to be more direct. He starts to smirk in anticipation. Good, he hates having to talk anyway. "I came here to offer you a deal. Join my gang and Ragnarok will no longer bother you. I want strong people with me so that we can rise to top!"

The former ninja stares up at the clouds. "I really have no desire to join any group. The threat of Ragnarok doesn't bother me in the least. I have no problem beating up on anyone that wishes to challenge me," states Naruto.

Shinnosuke tosses away his trench coat revealing a muscular body with not a single ounce of fat. He punches his fists together with a wide smirk. "Guess I got no choice, I'll kick your ass and force you to join my gang."

Naruto remains calm betraying no emotions. He sighs inwardly. 'Troublesome.' All he wanted to do is go home to train.

"Don't get distracted!" Shinnosuke runs forward at decent speeds. Naruto sidesteps several punches before breaking inside Shinnosuke's guard and delivers a straight right punch. Pain fills Shinnosuke. The delinquent slides backwards several feet. 'He managed to stay on his feet. This one is far stronger than the last person I fought,' thinks Naruto.

A wide smirk appears on Shinnosuke's face. "That is what I am talking about." He stands up shaking off the punch. "You got some fight in you after all. Show me more!" Shinnosuke launches forward going for an elbow to the face. Naruto prepares to dodge the elbow. The smirk on Shinnosuke's face widens as Naruto falls for the feint and he raises his foot preparing to step down on Naruto's foot. Much to his shock, Naruto's foot easily dodges the stomp and lifts up into a knee that buries into Shinnosuke's gut.

"Boss!"

"Are you ok?!"

Shinnosuke falls to his knees coughing up blood. "Nice…one," he smirks. Naruto has a slightly impressed look. Though he is holding back in his power, it is impressive that the older boy is still conscious. Shinnosuke stands up on wobbling legs. "No more playing around!" He charges forward.

"Leaf Gale."

A spinning rear kick sweeps Shinnosuke's legs out from under him. The momentum from such a strong kick launches Shinnosuke face first into the wall surrounding the high school. Naruto turns around completely using the momentum to get back to his original spot. "You…" Shinnosuke stands up through sheer force of will. Blood pours down his face. His nose is broken adding to the blood covering his face. He stumbles reaching out towards Naruto. "I…" Shinnosuke's eyes roll up into his head and he collapses forward no longer among the conscious.

"Boss!"

Naruto stares down at Shinnosuke. 'A brawler like how I used to be.' Shinnosuke relies on instinct and highly trained battle reflexes to defeat his opponents. It is a good tactic when used against opponents with little fighting experience. Against other fighters with large amounts of battle experience, it is a useless style. He learned that while training in the ANBU. A lesson that Shinnosuke learned today against him. Turning around, he faces the remaining delinquents that back up in fear. "Later," says Naruto walking past the delinquents. Something tells him that he will meet up with Shinnosuke Tsuji again. Shinnosuke Tsuji doesn't seem like the type of person to accept defeat from anybody.

Nijiima slinks in the shadows typing furiously into his PDA. It was amazing. Uzumaki Naruto is even stronger than he imagined. Shinnosuke Tsuji is an executive member of Ragnarok on the same level as Nanjou Kisara. He couldn't even land a single blow on Uzumaki. Shinnosuke was ripped apart by Naruto. It was like watching a child trying to take on a grown adult. The best part is that Naruto managed to defeat Shinnosuke without using Kendo. This means that Uzumaki Naruto is not only a prodigy when it comes to Kendo, but an expert at hand-to-hand combat.

'How strong are you truly?' smirks Nijiima. The alien plans to find out all the secrets that Uzumaki Naruto is hiding.