Hayato takes a sip from his tea. He places the cup gently on the mats and looks up at his fellow masters. The Elder looks straight at Shigure. "Are you sure about taking him on as a disciple? I sense that he has a pure heart like Kenichi, but he was raised in a far different manner." Hayato strokes his beard. "Killing to him is as common as breathing. I fear that it will be difficult for him to accept our ways."

Sakaki decides to speak up. A rare occurrence since the Karate Master tends to sit back enjoying a drink and accepting whatever decision is made by the others. "The kid is a ninja right? Are we sure that he is not with another group or clan?"

"I didn't notice any symbol or mark that would suggest he is part of a bigger organization, but it is something to keep an eye on," says Akisame.

"I say we give him a chance," smiles Kensei. "Kenichi is growing, but I am afraid that his foolish principles will never truly allow him to learn Shigure's style. I agree with her taking on a disciple to pass down her techniques." Shigure gives a grateful nod to Kensei. It is one of the rare times that she will ever get along with him.

Apachai smiles brightly. "Naruto has good heart. Apachai think Naruto should stay."

"I will…train him well. Teach him that killing is not the only path," says Shigure with a firm look.

Akisame gains a small smile. "Kenichi-kun could use a sparring partner. I believe this arrangement will work."

"It is settled then." Hayato gives a nod to Shigure. "We shall gladly welcome Naruto to Ryozanpaku."

Ryozanpaku

Kenichi pants heavily. "I told you. The masters are devils in disguise."

"It…wasn't so bad." Kenichi sits up staring at Naruto in disbelief. Naruto's vest, shirt, and pants have multiple rips and tears. The cuts on his body are small and shallow. Most of the cuts are already healed up due to his regenerative abilities. One of the benefits of having a demon inside his body is that he gained inhuman healing capabilities. The demon may no longer be in him, but his body memorized the proper way to mold chakra to heal wounds. It doesn't take much chakra to heal minor wounds like shallow cuts. Naruto stands up. He turns his head to look at Kenichi. Honestly, he received much worse training methods while in the ANBU. Shigure cut him up all over, but she did it to help him improve. The teachers he had in the ANBU cut, stabbed, and tortured him for their own amusement. He is more than happy to go through hell with Shigure in order to grow stronger.

"You are…lucky to be trained by such masters."

A smile appears on Kenichi's face. "I know."

Naruto lifts his head to look at Shigure. She is sitting on the roof. He gives a small wave. "Later…sensei."

Shigure gains a small smile. Tochumaru waves. "Chu!" Naruto gives a second wave to Tochumaru.

Next Day – School

"Bastard! How come you didn't come visit me!?"

Naruto raises his arm blocking a kick. "I…didn't know you were injured." Kisara scowls delivering a flurry of kicks. He dodges them all with ease. She winces in pain forcing her to stop the assault. "I think…you need to stop."

Kisara glares at Naruto. "Shut up!"

"Stop attacking Naruto-kun!" Matoko comes walking forward with a glare. "Who do you think you are to attack Naruto-kun like that?!"

A tick appears above the red head's eyes. "Who do you think you are talking too?!" Matoko and Kisara glare at each other. Lightning sparks between the two girls.

Matoko narrows her eyes. "I am Naruto-kun's friend." A victorious smirk is on the Kendo girl's face.

"Friend?" Kisara grits her teeth. She points an angry finger at Naruto. "Naruto, tell this chick to get lost before I kick her ass." The red head blinks as she points at an empty spot.

"Huh? Where did Naruto-kun go?"

Both girls begin to look around. Matoko and Kisara glare at each other. "This all your fault!" they shout at each other.

Naruto watches the two girls from afar. There is no way he is getting involved between those two. He has never seen Matoko act so aggressive. Kisara is angry at him as always. How was he supposed to know that she was in the hospital? No one told him that Odin attacked her. It does make him very angry that Kisara was hurt by Odin. He wants to find Odin and pummel the boy for harming her. Strange, he doesn't remember ever feeling such an intense feeling of rage except when using the demon's power. Kisara and Matoko go back to arguing with one another. 'I better go…before they find me,' thinks Naruto. He will worry about his feelings towards Kisara being hurt at another time.

P.E. Class

Tanimoto watches as Uzumaki runs ahead of the other students. How is it possible that someone that strong is so far under the radar? That organization is always keeping an eye out for strong disciples and masters to recruit. Uzumaki Naruto should be at the top of the list. Yet somehow a powerful disciple like Uzumaki is undiscovered even by the fast resources of that organization. Is it possible that it is a coincidence or is Uzumaki that good at hiding from others?

'What secrets is Uzumaki hiding?' Tanimoto's eyes narrow. 'How do I measure up to him?'

Roof

"I never thought I would see you hiding from someone," smirks Takeda.

Naruto lies on the ground next to Takeda. "I…am not hiding." He refuses to meet Takeda's eyes. "I am…watching the clouds."

Takeda bursts out laughing. "Yeah, whatever you say."

A dark ominous feeling fills Naruto. He turns his head to see Kisara glaring at him. Naruto groans inwardly. He forgot that Kisara knows where he likes to hang out during lunch time and when he decides to skip classes. Takeda sits up throwing up a wave. "Hey Kisara, good to see you back."

Kisara stomps over taking a seat next to Naruto. "Thanks." Naruto sits up. "Who was that girl earlier? She is annoying." A smirk appears on Takeda's face. It looks like someone is having girl problems. He is going to stick around to hear this.

"That was…Matoko-san. She is…a friend that I met in Kendo Club."

"I don't like her."

"Ok…"

The red head folds her arms across her chest. "Are we going to spar after school?" Kisara looks away with a light blush. "Freya-nee wants to join us as well."

Naruto leans back against the fence. "I can't…" Kisara's eyes narrow. A hint of hurt and betrayal is in her eyes. "I am training…at Ryozanpaku after school."

Takeda's eyes widen. "Hey, that is where Kenichi-kun trains!" Curiosity burns in Kisara's eyes.

"Yes…Shigure-sensei has taken me on as a…disciple." He gives an apologetic look. "I am…sorry."

A scowl comes from the girl. Pulling down her hat, she refuses to meet his eyes. "Whatever. I don't care." Naruto can tell that Kisara is lying. He feels bad knowing that she is upset with him. The former ninja doesn't like to see Kisara like that. "How about…we spar this weekend?" asks Naruto.

Kisara shrugs. "I don't care." Naruto sighs. "Just make sure you show up or I'll leave. Got it?!" He looks at her in surprise before smiling. A nod comes from the weapon user.

Takeda bursts out laugh. Kisara's eyes narrow into cat-like slits. He throws up his hands. "Nothing! I just thought of something funny is all."

"Don't make me kick your face in!"

Naruto watches in amusement as Kisara gets into another fight.

Kendo Club

Hanzo frowns, "I don't understand."

Naruto bows respectfully. "I apologize…but I will no longer be able to stay with the Kendo Club." Hanzo folds his arms across his chest. "I have…become a disciple to a master. I will be dedicating my time…to her teachings."

A sigh comes from the third year student. Hanzo reaches over placing a hand on Naruto's shoulder. "I am sad to hear this. You are one of the finest students to ever grace the Kendo Club. We shall miss you."

"Thank you…for understanding."

Hanzo strikes a good guy pose. "Yosh! Our paths will cross again one day!"

A little while later, Naruto leaves the club. He will miss the Kendo Club. There were many nice people in the club and he learned a great deal. It is time to head to Ryozanpaku. Shigure-sensei will be mad if he is late. "Naruto-kun!" Matoko runs towards her crush. A hurt look is on her face. "Why? Why are you leaving the Kendo Club?"

"I have decided to learn…under a new master."

Matoko lowers her head. "I see."

"Don't worry…" She looks up at him curiously. "I will always make time…for my friends."

The girl pouts cutely. "Friends huh?" He nods. She rolls her eyes, but a pretty smile lights up her face. "Good. I won't forgive you if you break your word."

Naruto surprises Matoko by giving an eye smile. "Never." He turns around and throws up a wave. "We should…hang out like we did before."

A blush heats her face. "Definitely!" Matoko pumps her fist into the air. He basically asked her out on a date! 'Take that you red headed bimbo!' she smirks.

Ryozanpaku

Honoka sits across from Apachai. The little girl is barely paying attention to the game. A blush heats her cheeks as she stares at the newcomer in Ryozanpaku. "Honoka?" blinks Apachai. Her entire face is red. She is fixated upon Naruto who is standing across from Shigure. Naruto is bare chested revealing a muscular chest and six-pack abs. A few cuts adorn his body courtesy of Shigure. It is the reason he is bare chest since Shigure destroyed his clothes including his pants. The pants he was wearing are now tattered shorts. Apachai reaches over to poke Honoka. "Apa. Is anybody home?"

"Huh!?" Honoka blinks. She turns to look at Apachai. "Oh sorry, it is my turn!" The poor little girl sneaks another glance at the boy. He is even cooler looking than the pretty boy. Pretty is the nickname she gave to Tanimoto. "Hey Apachai, who is that guy?"

Apachai turns his head. "Oh, that is Naruto! He is Shigure's new disciple."

"New disciple? I thought my brother was the disciple here. Are you guys replacing him?!"

Apachai bursts out laughing. "Kenichi is not being replaced. Naruto is Shigure's disciple. Kenichi still disciple to Ryozanpaku!" Honoka tilts her head not really understanding. As long as her brother is still a disciple here it isn't so bad. Plus, the new boy is super hot! That mask he is wearing makes him look so cool and mysterious.

Naruto tosses a barrage of shuriken at Shigure. Not a single one comes close to hitting her. He takes a step back, but a powerful slash sends him flying backwards. Flipping, he stabs a kunai into the ground stopping his backwards momentum. Cold steel touches against his throat. "You…are dead." Shigure stands behind him.

Ocean blue eyes stare down at the cut across his chest. 'Even with the dull side of her sword…she is able…to cut me.' Naruto relaxes surrendering the spar. This is his tenth lost in a row. He smiles behind his mask. It doesn't matter that he is losing because with each fight he is growing stronger and faster.

Kensei watches as Naruto stands back up. 'Incredible, he possesses an incredible amount of natural talent.' It is impressive to see one so young with so much talent in the martial arts. Not only that, but Naruto's never give up attitude and strong will even surpasses Kenichi. Naruto has not complained once about the training. Instead, he keeps getting back up silently demanding to continue. Kensei wishes that Kenichi would complain less and train more. A chuckle comes from the Chinese master, Naruto and Kenichi are special. He looks forward to see their continued growth.

Shigure sheathes her sword. "No more…sparing. It is time…to work on unsheathing."

"Yes…sensei." Naruto was hoping for some more difficult training.

A few minutes later, Naruto is decked out in ancient samurai armor that covers his entire body. Naruto groans before falling to a knee. He struggles to remained in a kneeled position. Shigure stands over him without a shred of compassion. "This…armor weighs…300 pounds." His eyes widen. 300 pounds of pure steel weighing him down, no wonder he is unable to move a single muscle. The most that he ever strapped onto his body is 100 pounds, 50 pounds per a limb. "Once you are able…to stand. I want you to…unsheathe and sheath 300 times each. Than…we will work on overhead slashes."

Naruto regrets asking for thinking about more difficult training. Kenichi is right. The masters at Ryozanpaku are insane.

Shigure turns around. "I…am hungry." A snack sounds good. She walks away leaving Naruto who is still trying to stand up.

Ryozanpaku

"A new outfit!"

Kenichi looks down at his new clothes. Everything fits comfortably. He gives a few practice punches and a high kick. "It seems a bit mismatched though."

Miu smiles in amusement. "A Karate/Jujitsu Dougi, Mauy Thai bandages, Kung Fu pants, and a chainmail. Each piece represents a different study of martial arts that you are learning."

"Oh yeah, it is perfect," smirks Kenichi.

"I better go start on dinner." Miu walks by Kenichi. "Oh, will you see if Naruto is going to stay this time?"

"Sure."

A grumble comes from Kenichi's stomach. All that training made him hungry too. He walks down the hallway heading towards Shigure's room. On the way, he comes upon a strange sight. Kenichi blinks tilting his head in curiosity. Apachai is kneeling in front of Sakaki's room and trying to peek inside. "Um, what are you doing?"

Apachai puts a finger over his mouth. "Shoosh."

The door begins to open. In a movement too fast for Kenichi to follow, Apachai vanishes around the corner. Two men wearing expensive suits exit the room. Kenichi's curiosity is aroused even further. 'Who are they?'

"Huh?" Sakaki comes out and peers down the hallway to where Apachai is peeking. "What the hell are you doing?"

"Did they bring gifts?"

Sakaki sweat drops. "No."

Kenichi steps forward. "Who were they?"

"Sleuths."

"Sleuths? Detectives?" Kenichi gasps. "Police?" He runs forward grabbing Sakaki bythe shirt and begins to yell like a maniac. "W-w-what did you do?! We still have time! Give yourself up! Give yourself up."

"You idiot! I didn't do anything!" yells Sakaki.

Kensei reveals his hiding spot. "They would need more than two detectives to take down Sakaki. They would have to call in the army and tanks."

A yawn comes from the Karate Master. "I need a beer." He begins to head towards the kitchen.

"What did they want?" Kenichi hurries to catch up to his master.

"It was a job request?" A confused look is on Ryozanpaku disciple's face. "Didn't I tell you? They come around once in awhile with dangerous jobs that can't be publicized for diplomatic reasons and such."

Kenichi thinks back on it. "Now that you mention it…" He does remember Sakaki complaining that he hadn't had any jobs recently.

"I don't have a steady income like Ma and Akisame. So I take on high level jobs and earn a lot in one go!" smirks Sakaki.

"It sounds really dangerous," gulps Kenichi.

In the shadows, a certain jujitsu masters gains a smile. Akisame nods. This is the perfect opportunity to introduce Kenichi to the underworld of the martial arts society. It can be the push that Kenichi needs to getting prepared for Yami.

Evening

Kenichi screams like a girl. "No! I don't want to go!"

Naruto exits the dojo in time to see Sakaki drive off in a motorcycle with Kenichi tied up in the passage car. The disciple shakes his head not wanting to know what that is about. He turns around prepared to leave, but a certain big breasts master blocks his path. "To…morrow?"

"Yes…" Naruto walks past her and throws up a wave. "Goodnight…sensei." Shigure waves. He doesn't plan on heading home. Tonight, he is going to work more on water-walking at a pool near his apartment. Water walking is vastly more difficult than tree climbing. The constant change in the flow of the water means he needs to constantly change the consistency of chakra he channels to his feet. With his low chakra reserves and damaged coils, it is proving to be more difficult than the first time around.

Pausing, that reminds him. He wanted to ask Shigure-sensei about that strange power Odin revealed during their fight. It could not have been chakra. The people in this world do not possess chakra from what he observed. Odin used a power that was more raw and uncontrolled. What was that power? Do all high level martial artists have it? Naruto reaches out with his senses. He can sense a similar power from the masters, but it is contained very well. Tomorrow, he will ask Shigure-sensei about it.

Next Day – School

"Aren't you going to ask where Kenichi is?"

Naruto turns his head to look at Miu. "No…not really." Miu sweat drops.

The two are walking side by side down the hallway. Naruto and Miu share several classes together. Ever since he started to train at Ryozanpaku, the two have become a bit closer. It is not uncommon to see the two together. "Yesterday, Kenichi went with Sakaki to protect a rich and wealthy weapon's dealer, Gauche Wynne. An assassin was hired to kill Gauche-san. Kenichi got injured pretty badly during the fighting."

"Was the…client protected?"

Miu nods. "Yep, Sakaki defeated the assassin, but I heard he escaped from custody shortly afterwards." A hard look appears in the girl's eyes. "I managed to speak to the assassin for a bit. He mentioned something about Yami. A dark organization that declared war on Ryozanpaku. I think it might be the reason that the masters have been acting so strangely."

'Yami…' That is word for darkness. Naruto gains a pensive expression. A powerful organization that operates in the shadows. It seems no matter what world a person is in, there are always people that want to try to conquer/control the world. He has no desire to get involved in Ryozanpaku's battle with Yami. All he wants to do is train and become stronger.

"I am sure grandpa and the others can handle it," smiles Miu. Naruto can see past her false smile. She is extremely worried.

"The masters…are strong. It will take a great deal…to be them," reassures Naruto.

"You're right!" Miu feels so much better. "Thanks Naruto-san."

Naruto nods. "You're…welcome."