Ogata heads up towards the ballroom with an amused smile. A whole cruise ship being used to move four passengers. One of the many perks of being part of a worldwide organization that operates almost the entire underworld. He pushes open the door entering the ballroom. At the far end of the room sitting alone is a man drinking a very expensive bottle of wine. "Ah, welcome to Japan, Tenmon-dono. I am Ogata Isshinsai, let me hand you this before you enter the country." Ogata gives a humorous smile before a flick of the wrist sends a card flying at the Chinese master.

The card flies through the air striking the wine bottle. "So you're Kensei-dono. It's an honor to see you." Tenmon pours wine into the glass. He places the bottle down upon the table and removes the card. "This is a license to kill card isn't it?" smiles the Chinese Master.

"Don't say anything that might hurt your reputation. It is just a passport one of Yami's that is."

Tenmon decides to get a bit more serious. "Not that I have a problem with testing out a new candidate for Yomi, but why am I being sent?" Ogata smiles with a knowing look. He knew that Tenmon would ask this question. "The armed division should be handling this."

Ogata pushes a strand of hair from his face. "Normally, I would agree with you. I witnessed his fighting abilities first hand, but the target is skilled in unarmed combat as well. We want you to test which area he has more talent in."

"Very well, I shall see what this boy is truly made of," smirks Tenmon.

Ryozanpaku

"No weapons!"

Kenichi hides behind Miu. Miu sweat drops at his behavior. There are times when Kenichi acts like a complete wimp. Naruto stands holding a katana. "Sensei…?"

Akisame walks over taking Naruto's sword and replacing it with a bokken. "Kenichi has an unfounded fear of weapons." The weapon using disciple scratches the back of his head in confusion. He grew up around weapons all his life. It is a fear that he can't understand. "Ok, now you will be able to spar."

A shove from behind sends Kenichi stumbling forward. "Get in there already!" grunts Sakaki.

Naruto gets into a stance. Kenichi takes a deep breath. 'I have to keep my mind calm and focus on my Seikuken.' Ryozanpaku's disciple gets into his stance putting up his Seikuken.

'The training with the Elder truly produced high results. Kenichi's Seikuken is prefect,' thinks Akisame. Kensei, Shigure, Apachai, and Sakaki notice it as well.

'Wow, Kenichi's Seikuken is amazing,' smiles Miu.

Naruto turns his head to the side making Kenichi look in the same direction. In a blur, six blows strike Kenichi all over his body and a final blow smashes Kenichi in the face. The masters shake their heads in disappointment. Shigure puffs out her chest. She points at herself with a proud smile. "Great…?"

Kensei waves dismissively. "Yes, yes you are a great teacher."

"What happened?" Kenichi mumbles into the mats. "I had my Seikuken up."

A sigh comes from Akisame. "The Seikuken works by controlling the air space around your body. By observing your opponent's movements so you can use the Seikuken to anticipate and defend against attacks." Kenichi weakly rises up. "However, the moment you decided to follow Naruto's movements you lost concentration for a moment and he used it to break your Seikuken."

"In other words, don't observe wasteful movements," reiterates Kensei. "Don't worry about what he is looking at, focus on the fight."

Kenichi gets back into his stance. "So it was a trick." He finds that to be a bit dirty. Calming his mind, he puts up his Seikuken. Naruto's eyes begin to dart around. Kenichi resists the urge to follow Naruto's eye movements. Suddenly, Naruto focuses completely on Kenichi. In a blur, Naruto comes in with a flurry of thrusts. Reacting on pure instinct, Kenichi blocks all the attacks. It happens much too fast for Kenichi to follow, but soon pain fills Ryozanpaku's disciple when a low kick strikes him in the legs. His legs are swept out from under him. A downward slash strikes Kenichi in the side slamming him down into the mats.

Miu groans. "Kenichi-san, Naruto is able to attack with more than his sword."

"The Seikuken…is weak to lower body…attacks." Naruto places the bokken on his shoulder. "It…is not the first time…I have faced the Seikuken."

"Right, I forgot you fought Ryuuto," groans Kenichi. He doesn't know what is worse, getting beat up by Miu or getting beat up by Naruto. Neither of them are good at holding back.

Akisame strokes his mustache. 'Naruto-kun has already analyzed the Seikuken and knows how to trick it. The Seikuken is a technique based on observation. Kenichi-kun has a perfect Seikuken, but he trusts his eyes too much. Naruto-kun has been trained to deceive which he is using to slip through Kenichi's Seikuken.' It reminds the jujutsu master of when Kenichi fought Tanimoto that second time at the church. Tanimoto was able to put Kenichi on the ropes with feints. Kenichi is better at dealing with feints now, but Naruto's speed far surpasses Tanimoto making it harder for Kenichi to react in time.

"Keep going!" shouts Sakaki. "Get some fight in you!"

Shigure cheers too. "Naruto…kill him."

Miu waves her arms, "No killing!"

The rest of the hour passed with Kenichi building a new relationship with the mats.

Noon

Naruto is out in the courtyard practicing his overhead slashes. He is doing this while wearing the 300 pound samurai armor. Miu needed to restock on supplies so took Kenichi with her. He is now doing his own training while Shigure-sensei is out on a trip. She wouldn't tell him where she is going and he didn't pry into her business. Shigure-sensei told him to continue his training so that is what he is doing. It is a pity because he wanted to ask her a question. As if someone is reading his mind, a voice interrupts his thoughts. "Something on your mind?"

Pausing, he turns around to see Akisame walking towards him. Naruto lowers the sword. "Yes…I had a question concerning what happened…with my fight against Odin."

Akisame walks over to the patio and sits down with his legs under him. "Perhaps I can help." He gestures for Naruto ask the question.

Naruto takes a seat on the ground in the same position. "During my fight…Odin suddenly gained a tremendous power boost…the power was tangible and reminded me of something I faced in the past."

"You are referring to his ki." Akisame strokes his mustache.

"What do you mean by…ki?" asks Naruto.

"There are many different translations to the term ki. To give it a technical term would be doing it an injustice. I think the best way to describe ki is to say that it is developed in individuals who undergo intense physical and spiritual training. You don't necessarily need to be trained intensely in both to access ki, but a high level of training in either will develop ki." Naruto nods understanding a bit. The philosophical jujutsu master continues with the explanation. "There are two types of fighters in the martial arts world. Those that fight using the ki of Sei and those that fight using the ki of Dou. A Sei martial artist fights not with anger or power, but with talent, skills, and wit. In order to master Sei, it requires a state of calmness and sense of clarity."

The weapon's disciple understands. "Kenichi and I would be classified as Sei type fighters."

A smile forms on Akisame's face. "Correct. A Dou martial artist on the other hand uses anger and power to make their ki explode outward. Many Dou martial artists use brute strength and instincts when fighting."

"Berserker…is a Dou style fighter." Naruto's frown is hidden behind his mask. "Towards the end of our fight…Odin used a technique…and he seemed to be using Sei and Dou at the same time."

Akisame nods. "A rare few individuals are able to access both Dou and Sei. Odin utilized a dangerous technique that channeled both ki at the same time. I am sure you noticed that it gave him an incredible boost of power, but it came at a high cost. Had you not beat him so quickly after he used the technique, Odin's body would have begun to deteriorate."

The weapon disciple gains a look of understanding. It is not like chakra at all. To be able to use chakra one must train physically and spiritually. Plus, one needs to have chakra coils to produce the chakra. He imagines that his body is alien compared to the people of this world. "So, is it possible for me to learn to…use Seikuken then?" asks Naruto.

The jujutsu master chuckles. "You already use it to some degree. Though it is not at the same level as Odin or Kenichi, you are adept at reading your opponent's movements and body language giving you the basic principles of Seikuken." Akisame smiles in amusement. "I am sure with enough training you can develop your own Seikuken."

A smile is hidden behind Naruto's mask. If he can find a way to make his own Seikuken maybe he can also find a way to use Dou techniques as well. The technique that Odin used may do serious damage to people of this world, but Naruto has a feeling that he can handle it. He used to be able to handle incredible amounts of demonic chakra being pumped through his body. Surely he can handle a mixture of ki. Or perhaps he can develop his own technique and uses chakra instead of ki? Excitement burns in his eyes.

'I suddenly feel like he is going to try something reckless,' thinks Akisame.

Shinpaku Alliance

Ukita leans back in his chair. "What the hell are we doing here?"

"Nijiima wanted to talk to us about something," shrugs Takeda.

"He better hurry up. I could be training," grumbles Kisara.

A singing makes the other three sigh in annoyance. "My Demon King wouldn't call us here for no reason." Siegfried twirls around before taking a seat to scribble away in his notebook. A new melody came to him.

The captains of the Shinpaku Alliance are sitting in a dark room with several metal chairs. Behind them is a projector which is producing the only light in the room. A squeaking sound signals the arrival of Nijiima who enters the room in a grandiose manner. The alien wears a red cloak with a gold platted shoulder emblem. Nijiima walks up to the front like a king residing over his subjects. "Where is Kenichi?"

Takeda shrugs. "He never showed up. I bet is probably out with honey."

Nijiima gains an annoyed look. Kenichi is becoming much too lax as of lately. "Matsui!" The flag bearer runs over to the projector turning it on. Images appear on the white wall. "Since Ragnarok's defeat, many new teams have been popping up. These teams are in constant fights with each other creating a civil war." Matsui switches to the next screen. "However, the team known as Yomi seems to be defeating most of the other teams."

"I've heard the rumors." Siegfried begins to speak up with an unusual amount of seriousness. "It's just like if they want to test the strength of a member. I've heard that many of these teams are destroyed by a single individual."

"That's right…when it comes to Yomi even I have little information. But I have succeeding in gaining knowledge about just one thing." Nijiima raises his arms up and begins to cackle. "They are avoiding us. I say that this Yomi is scared to face the Shinpaku Alliance!"

A bored expression is on Kisara's face. "Or they are saving the best for last."

The alien puts on a false smile. "There is no proof of that." Nijiima was thinking along the same thoughts, but he will never admit it aloud.

"If you put it that way, the person who defeated Ragnarok's leader will be targeted."

Kisara's eyes widen. "Naruto…"

Nijiima came to the same conclusion. Uzumaki Naruto is going to become the number one target of Yomi. It is merely a matter of time before Yomi tries to strike down Naruto-kun. The alien begins to gain an evil smirk. Perhaps if he is able to gain information on Yomi and give it to Naruto-kun, he might be able to gain Naruto-kun's allegiance. He begins to laugh smile like an evil genius who came up with a successful plan to take over the world. 'Time to go investigate this mysterious Yomi,' thinks Nijiima.

Higurashi Weapon Shop

A ringing sound makes Hibiki lift up his head. "Well, well, it has been a long time since I saw you brat."

"I have…been focusing on my training." Naruto enters the shop walking straight over toward the swords. He begins to look at all the swords. Shigure-sensei's room contains almost all the weapons that are in the store in it and she told him that he may take any of them he desires to train with. At this point he knows that she has no ulterior motives, but a part of him doesn't feel right taking something so expensive for free. Shigure-sensei is already teaching him so much that it wouldn't be right for him to keep on taking from her. The least he can do is come to training with his own weapons like a proper disciple.

Hibiki notices Naruto testing the other swords. "Got tired of using a katana?"

Naruto draws a short sword. "I…am trying to find a weapon…that suits me."

"That is not an easy task. Most weapons are a representation of death since the purpose of a weapon is to kill. Those that delve into learning a weapon need to embrace this fact and find a weapon that suits their killing instinct." Hibiki raises an eyebrow. "The question is what your preferred style of killing is?"

The disciple turns to face Hibiki. "So you believe…that a weapon is purely meant for killing."

The blacksmith bursts out laughing. "Weapons are made for one purpose and one purpose only. A fool deludes himself into believing that a weapon is made to protect or save others."

"I see…" Naruto wishes that he could come up with a good argument against those claims. In all honesty, it was exactly the same speech he received many times while in the ANBU. Ninja are weapons. Weapons are meant to be used to kill the enemies of the village. A good weapon can wipe out all enemies and a weak weapon shatters becoming ashes to the wind. He sheathes the sword.

"I teach you…what you choose to do with that power…is your decision," says Shigure.

Naruto places the sword back on the rack. "I am afraid…that I will no longer be able to shop here." Hibiki raises an eyebrow. The disciple bows respectfully. "Have…a good day."

Hibiki gains a small smile. 'Good decision, but Yami will test that resolve. Good luck brat.'

Nighttime – Alley

Nijiima and Matsui hide in the shadows. The two are hoping to get more information on Yomi. Nijiima received a tip that the Devil's Hand gang is going to be hit next. Devil's Hand is a small group of thugs that goes around committing small acts of vandalism and stealing. All seven of the members are gathered in the alley waiting to face down the Yomi member.

A shadow is cast over the group. All of them turn to see a single person. It is a girl dressed up in a full red bodysuit with helmet, kneepads, elbow pads, groin pads, and shoulder pads. The girl also has on gloves, goggles, and boots making her appear like a skater.

"Who the fuck are you?"

"Don't tell me this is the person from Yomi."

"Must be some type of joke," scowls the leader. "Get lost or we are going to mess you up." The girl responds with a taunting smile. This serves to further aggravate the gang. "Oh you think that is funny? Take her down!"

It can hardly be called a fight. What happened next is a one-sided massacre. Nijiima and Matsui barely even see the girl move. She moves with such speed and ferocity that makes both boys pray that she doesn't notice them. Her high speed movements cause sparks to fly everywhere blinding several of thugs making them easier to take down. "So that is the one codenamed Spark." Nijiima stands up walking forward.

"Sit wait! She will see you!"

"There is no need to worry." Nijiima stares down at the thugs that are barely breathing. "She is already gone."

Matsui's eyes widen. Terror fills him. 'It has only been a couple seconds! She defeated them all that fast?!' He begins to doubt that the Shinpaku Alliance can beat Yomi.

Ryozanpaku

All the masters of Ryozanpaku are gathered together. Shigure, who recently returned from her trip, sits among them between Akisame and Apachai. Sakaki and Kensei sit opposite of the three masters. Hayato sits at the head of the gathered masters. It is rare for the masters to meet with such an oppressive atmosphere. Surprisingly, this is the second meeting in a few days. Once again, the topic concerns a certain disciple.

Hayato places down his cup of tea. "Yami is moving." Straight to the point with no messing around. Ryozanpaku is known for its direct bluntness so this is no surprise. "Ogata Isshinsai, who calls himself Kensei, has declared war on us. It seems he joined forces with Yami. All of you should also be aware he was the man who was intended to be the number one disciple of Ryozanpaku before Kenichi. This is a little bit troublesome."

Sakaki gains an excited smirk. "Geez, this is beginning to look like more than a little quarrel."

"That Ogata…despite the implicit understanding between us and Yami," says Akisame.

"If they come here in full force I predict that 'our history's strongest disciple' will be in danger," states Kensei.

Apachai's eyes widen. "Apa! What?!"

"Hmm, I am sure that they know about Kenichi, but I somehow feel he won't be there main target. At least not at the moment." Hayato strokes his beard. "Naruto-kun is the one that defeated Ogata's disciple. I am sure that he is the one that Yami will have eyes on."

Shigure's eyes narrow. "No…one…will touch my disciple except me."

Akisame agrees with the assessment. "I agree, Naruto-kun will be targeted by Yami. Weapon users are rare in the martial arts world these days and his talent will not be overlooked." The philosophical jujutsu master becomes pensive. "I hate to say this, but this works to our advantage."

"Huh?" Sakaki tilts his head in confusion. "Not sure what you mean."

"Kenichi is not ready to face the dangers that come with Yami targeting us, but Naruto on the other hand just might be," explains Kensei. "Naruto's background and fighting experience will put him on the same level as the disciples in Yami."

"My disciple…is strong…he will survive any attack," nods Shigure.

Sakaki finally gets it. "So while they are targeting the masked brat, we use this time to get Kenichi up to par. Not a bad idea."

Hayato nods, "we will need to keep an eye on Naruto-kun in case he needs our help. Yami cannot be trusted to abide by certain traditions."

"I believe that is covered," smiles Akisame.

Warehouse

Tochumaru happily munches on a sandwich. The mouse sits in the rafts watching the sparring match down below.

In the middle of the warehouse, three individuals are having an intense sparring match. Freya twirls around her staff deflecting several shuriken, but is unprepared when a kick from behind strikes her in the back. Kisara smirks but it doesn't last long when she is evading at high speeds to avoid a sword slash. A feint causes her to bite and leaves her wide open to a kick to the chest. Naruto raises his sword above his head to block a downward staff strike. He twirls around aiming a kick at Freya's stomach, but she bats it away with her staff and aims a thrust at his face.

The Valkyries watch the three-way battle in awe. It has been an hour since the three started to spar with each other. None of the girls have ever witnessed such an intense spar. Naruto, Kisara, and Freya are displaying martial arts abilities on a whole other level compared to their own abilities. What surprises all the girls that despite it being a three-way spar, Freya and Kisara are being forced to work together in order to take on Naruto and he is able to hold off their combined attacks with little difficulty.

Naruto stabs his sword into the ground and lifts his body up doing a split kick hitting Freya and Kisara at the same time. Both girls are knocked into opposite directions. Freya hits the ground groaning. Kisara curses angrily as she rolls a couple feet. "Damn," curses the red head completely exhausted. Another loss goes down in the books.

"I don't think I can go any longer," states Freya. She rises into a sitting position. "It is your victory."

"Bastard," pants Kisara. "I'll get you next time."

He sits down cross legged in the middle of the wooden floor. Naruto is panting, but not on the same scale as the other two. This was an extremely good work out that allowed him to test out a couple new techniques. Kisara is even stronger than he remembers. It is incredible how quickly she learns and grows. Freya is stronger too. Beating them is not an easy feat despite the way it looks. "A…good match."

"Freya-sama!"

"Kisara!"

The Valkyries rush over to the two girls giving them a bottle of water and towels to wipe off the sweat. A couple girls in pink and red sailor uniforms walk over to Naruto. "Would you like some water?" asks the one in red.

"I have a spare towel," blushes the one in pink.

Naruto nods. "Thank…you." He takes the water bottle and towel. Wiping his face and arms, he places the towel on the ground next to the water bottle. The girls pout because they were hoping to see his face.

Freya gains a devious gleam. "Naruto-san, you should drink the water. It is good to stay hydrated especially after an intense sparring match."

"Yeah, it is good." Kisara narrows her eyes. 'Come on, remove that mask!'

The weapon disciple stands up. An object falls down from above landing on his shoulder. Naruto reaches up to rub Tochumaru's head. "I am…good."

Kisara grumbles. 'Bastard.'

Naruto sheathes the sword on his back. "You aren't entirely comfortable with a katana." Freya gives him a knowing look. "Are you still looking for a weapon that suits you?"

"Yes…"

'What the hell? He is this strong with a weapon that he doesn't like?' Kisara stares at Naruto. 'It has only been a week since he started to train under a master and he is so much stronger. How strong will he grow with a weapon that he likes?'

"Why did you start with a katana?" asks Freya.

"It was the first sword…I ever really knew anything about…which is why I joined the Kendo Club. I…am training with other weapons…but I have yet to find one that truly suits me…according to my sensei," he answers.

Freya nods in understanding. "It was the same for my Valkyries. I am sure you will find a weapon that best suits you in time." He hopes so. It isn't that he doesn't like to use a katana, but he does admit that he would like to find a weapon more suited to his style. Even after he does find the weapon that best suits him, he is still going to keep practicing with a katana and many other weapons. He wants to master every single weapon there is to become a true weapon master.

"I better go…later Freya-san…Kisara-san." Naruto gives a wave before walking towards the exit.

"Same time next weekend!" shouts Kisara.

A smile appears on Freya's face. "He is an interesting person."

The red head scowls, "more like annoying."

Next Day – School

"The Kendo Club isn't as much fun with you gone," smiles Matoko.

Naruto leans back against the fence. He is staring up at the clouds. The boy never gets a chance to make a comment to her statement. A much more aggressive voice speaks up. "Clubs are stupid. I don't waste my time on them," states Kisara.

Matoko narrows her eyes. "I don't remember asking you."

"You got a problem with me?" glares Kisara.

Sparks begin to fly between the two girls. Naruto suddenly feels the need to get out from between the two girls. It is strange, but Kisara seems to be hanging around him a great deal lately. He doesn't mind, but the last time she did this it was when she thought that Berserker and Odin were after him. Strange, is she worried about his safety again? Why would she be worried about him?

"Hello Naruto-kun, I knew you would be here." Matoko and Kisara turn to see the creepy alien walking towards them. Nijiima walks over to Naruto ignoring the two girls. "I have a message from an old friend for you."

"You…do?"

Nijiima throws a note card at Naruto. "Thor wants to have a friendly spar with you. On that note card is the address to his place. I believe he wanted you to meet him after school today at the Sumo Stables."

Thor, the former Seventh Fist of Ragnarok, wants to spar with him. He remembers Thor being a strong opponent, but lacked speed and flexibility. Shigure-sensei might get mad at him but it is a risk he will have to take. Lately he has been neglecting his taijutsu and sparring against Thor will be a good chance to work on it. No weapons this time, a straight up taijutsu match with Thor. It should prove to be a good challenge. "I will…be there," says Naruto.

Nijiima types away in his PDA. "I will make sure to send him a text to let him know." The alien plans on being at the Sumo Stables as well to watch the spar. It will be a good chance to see how much stronger Naruto has grown under the tutelage of that scary woman with the sword.

"Oh, it looks like everyone is here." Miu and Kenichi come onto the roof. "Naruto-san, are you skipping class again?" Miu gives him a knowing look.

Matoko sweat drops. "Skipping? I thought you were on a lunch period like me." Naruto scratches the back of his head. The girl gives him a light glare. "You shouldn't skip Naruto-kun."

Naruto points at Kisara. "She…is skipping too."

"Don't point me out!" Kisara yells angrily. Laughter comes from the group. "Oh yeah, well he is skipping training to go spar with Thor!"

Kenichi gulps, "I wouldn't do that. The masters are always extra hard on me when I skip training."

"And you skip out a lot," nods Miu. Kenichi face faults.

"I…really want to spar with Thor. I am sure…Shigure-sensei won't mind."

Miu gives a reassuring smile. "I will make sure to explain it all to Shigure." Naruto nods in gratitude.

"Well I am starving." Kenichi plops down. He opens up his lunch and sweat drops. "Chu." Tochumaru lies inside with a large belly. All the food that Miu made is gone. "Not again," groans Ryozanpaku's disciple.

Tochumaru leaps out the lunch box. He runs up Naruto's body onto his shoulder. Naruto rubs the mouse's head. Miu pats Kenichi on the back trying to comfort the distraught boy. "Chu," Tochumaru falls asleep with a content smile.

City

"This should be enough supplies."

"I also…got the groceries."

Akisame and Shigure walk down the sidewalk heading back towards Ryozanpaku. The two went out to gather supplies for the Bone Clinic and Acupuncture Clinic. Akisame planned on going alone, but Shigure wanted to come along as well. Since he had an extra hand, he was able to get the groceries as well. Miu will be happy to learn she doesn't have to make a trip to the store. Unfortunately, it also means that Ryozanpaku's funds are back to being nonexistent. Ryozanpaku is considered to be the strongest group of martial artists in the world, but when it comes to money it is at the bottom of the totem pole.

Shigure turns her head. "Naruto…?" Akisame looks down the street to see Naruto walking with a girl with red hair. Like Shigure, Naruto has a sword sheathed on his back with the hilt sticking out over his right shoulder. "Is he…skipping training?" She reaches inside her kimono pulling out a weighted chain.

"I am sure he has a reason. Why don't we follow him?" The philosophical jujutsu master becomes pensive. "I believe that girl is the one he spars with from time to time."

"Ah…yes I recognize her…"

"Come."

The two masters vanish into thin air.

Sumo Stables

Kisara feels someone staring at her. She turns her head to see Naruto looking at her curiously. A light blush dusts her cheeks. "What do you want?!"

Naruto shrugs. "I…am curious to why you are…following me so much."

"What?! I can't spend time with a friend!" Her head turns away to hide the blush that is burning her cheeks. There is no way she is going to tell him that she is protecting him in case Yomi attacks. Unlike with Berserker and Odin, she is going to be able to help him this time.

"I…never…"

"Then shut up!" He decides not to ask any more questions. The weapon disciple sighs inwardly. Naruto doesn't think he is ever going to understand Kisara. Kisara interrupts his thoughts. "The Sumo Stable is up ahead."

The Sumo Stables is where the Pit used to be located. Thor ended his underground fighting ring in order to start a respectable dojo. He allows anyone that wishes to test their skills to come spar at the Sumo Stables, but there are rules and no gambling is allowed. Ever since leaving Ragnarok Thor became a respectable martial artist.

A familiar aroma fills the air. Naruto pauses to sniff the air. His eyes narrow, recognizing that smell in an instant and he takes off at high speeds. Kisara gasps at Naruto's sudden burst of speed. "Naruto!" She chases after him.

Naruto enters into the Sumo Stables. A dozen fighters lie on the ground with bad injuries. He ignores the downed fighters and stares at the one responsible. Leaning back, he avoids a high speed kick. The offending foot passed an inch from his face. His arm reaches out grabbing the wrist of the fighter and slams a right palm into his attacker's chest. Distance is created between the two. He takes a moment to observe the…girl. Blood covers parts of her uniform. Ocean blue eyes dart around. 'No one…is dead,' checks Naruto.

"Naruto!" Kisara comes running up next to him. "What the hell? Did she do all that?"

"Her name is Spark." Kisara and Naruto turn their heads. Nijiima comes up behind them. "She is the one that has been going around taking down several gangs over the past week. She is with Yomi."

Kisara's eyes narrow. "Yomi."

Spark gives a taunting smile. "I have no business with any of you. I am searching for the one known as Uzumaki Naruto. I heard he is friends with the one in charge of this place."

Naruto goes to step forward, but Kisara beats him to it. A smirk appears on the red head's face. She crouches into a fighting stance. "If it is a girl, I will be the one to take you on." He doesn't get a chance to stop Kisara. Kisara runs forward launching a straight forward kick. Spark ducks under it and launches her arm straight up like a sharp blade that goes up under Kisara's shirt slashing it wide open. Embarrassment fills Kisara as her black sports bra is revealed to the world. She throws her arms up over her chest.

A smirk appears on Spark's face. She reaches up comparing breast sizes. "You bitch!" Kisara launches a barrage of high speed kicks. Spark jumps into the air causing Kisara to smirk. "Wrong move." The Tae Kwon Do user leaps into the air performing a spin kick with her knees raised and swings one of her legs downward. Spark blocks the first kick, but is unable to block the second kick that comes around striking her in the face. "Double Tornado Kick!" The Yomi disciple hits the ground hard. "I don't know anything about this group of martial artists that are trained by masters, but the one who will win is the strongest woman." Kisara gives Spark the finger.

"Kisara…the fight is not…over."

Naruto watches as Spark stands up showing no sign of injury. Kisara's attack should have done more damage. His eyes narrow upon Spark's helmet and pads. Spark's armor reduced the impact from the ground. 'Also…the way she landed…she is used to hitting the ground.' Spark is not an average martial artist. She has been trained thoroughly.

Kisara tenses knowing that a warning from Naruto is not something that she can ignore. Spark begins to stumble forward. Spark's movements become erratic and hard to follow. She twists her body around at high speeds delivering a backhand across Kisara's face. 'Shit, I couldn't read her movements.' Kisara almost falls to the ground. Quickly, Kisara tried to score several more kicks, but Spark rolls under the kicks sweeping out Kisara's leg. Falling backwards, Kisara bends all the way back using her hands to steady her body and flip over without receiving any injury.

The two girls begin to launch attacks at each other. Spark rolls all over the place launching kicks and punches from low altitudes. Kisara is barely able to keep up taking a few blows before going for a leg sweep forcing Spark to jump back.

Nijiima's eyes narrow. 'How is Kisara able to keep up with someone from Yomi? Where did she get this strength?'

Roof

Akisame is impressed. "All those spars are paying off." Sparring is the best way to build muscle that a martial artist needs. Kisara doesn't have a master to train her in the basics, but she does have a great sparring partner in Naruto. In the olden times most martial artists almost never did any strength training due to the constant sparring. Of course, such a dangerous method often leads to many accidents and few disciples ended up graduating. The many spars that Kisara did with Naruto are showing amazing results. She is holding her own against a disciple from Yomi.

"Look…" Shigure is staring off into the distance.

"Yes, I noticed as well." The jujutsu master keeps watching the disciples fight. "As long as he doesn't interfere we will stay back as well."

Kisara vs. Spark

"Hammer Kick!"

Spark rolls around the downward kick. Kisara slams her foot down upon the cement and spins around in time to block against a flurry of punches. Both girls are refusing to back down from each other. The attacks continue to fly. A kick breaks through burying deep into Kisara's gut and at the same time a fist strikes her face. "Chokuro!" Spark smirks after landing her attack.

Kisara stumbles backwards falling to a knee. "Bitch." Anger fills Kisara. No way is she going to lose to this girl. With newfound speed, Kisara launches a barrage of kicks from every angle. Spark ducks down low and begins to counter the attacks. A sudden idea fills the red head. She avoids a kick and spins around coming low with a double kick. Spark jumps over the kick, but Kisara comes all the way around launching a straight up kick striking Spark in the chest. "Fushu!" Blood sprays from Spark's mouth.

'She modified my…Leaf Whirlwind.' Naruto smiles behind his mask. Kisara is so much like him. She is able to learn by watching others.

"Lucky, I was aiming for your face," smirks Kisara.

Humor no longer fills Spark. She glares at Kisara. "You are good, but this fight is already over." Spark gets into a low stance.

Kisara narrows her eyes. "I was going to say the same to you."

"Fool, the reason you can't win is because our resolutions are different. Martial Arts is a hobby to people like you. However, to me and my family it is a way to earn money and food." Spark prepares to launch her attack. "I am one of Yami's empty-handed group's training engine, Yomi. In these three years since I came to Japan I've trained for battle in Yomi and it was all for my family back in China." Kisara is unable to track Spark's movements and takes several direct hits. "My mission is to kill Uzumaki Naruto. When I accomplish this mission I will accomplish a goal worth mentioning to Yami's leaders. One who does martial arts as a hobby can never defeat me!" The final blow is about to be struck, but to Spark's shock her kicks strike air. "What?!"

A short distance away, Naruto holds Kisara bridal style in his arms. "N-Naruto," blushes Kisara with a stutter.

Naruto stares at Spark. "Kisara-san…please let me…finish this fight."

"Hey this…" The red head falls silent upon seeing the seriousness in Naruto's eyes. Reluctantly, she leaps from his arms. Kisara turns away with a scowl. "Fine, but you owe me one."

"Thank…you."

Spark's eyes narrow. "Who are you?"

Naruto steps forward. "I am…Uzumaki Naruto." Spark's eyes narrow. He reaches over his shoulder grabbing the hilt of his sword. In a smooth motion, he draws the sword making Kisara and Nijiima gain curious looks.

'That is not a katana,' think Kisara/Nijiima.

"A wakizashi, you truly are Uzumaki Naruto." Spark gets into a low stance. "I heard you liked to use a katana."

He crouches down low raise the sword parallel to the ground. "A wakizashi is the newest weapon that I am learning. It is more suited for close quarters combat. I like it more than a katana to be honest." Naruto thinks back on that day in Ryozanpaku.

Shigure-sensei immediately tossed a new weapon to him. It is smaller than a katana and seems to be more close combat oriented. "It is…a wakizashi," says Shigure. Naruto unsheathes the newest sword given to him in a smooth, fast motion

Akisame as always is around to explain the history and purpose of the weapon. "The wakizashi dates as far back as the 15th and 16th century. It was originally used as a backup or auxiliary sword. The wakizashi was used in close quarters fighting, to behead a defeated opponent, and sometimes to commit seppuku. It is one of several short swords that samurai used alongside their main weapon of choice. The term wakizashi did not originally specify swords of any official blade length and was an abbreviation of "wakizashi no katana" (sword thrust at one's side). It was not until the Edo period in 1638 when the rulers of Japan tried to regulate the types of swords and the social groups which were allowed to wear them that the lengths of katana and wakizashi were officially set."

'He is like…a walking encyclopedia,' thinks Naruto. He gives the wakizashi a few test swings. The sword feels good. It doesn't have the reach of a katana, but much lighter and flexible.

Shigure holds her own wakizashi and crouches down into a stance. "When fighting with…a shorter sword…you need to adopt a more defensive stance." Naruto mimics her stance. "A wakizashi lacks the reach of a katana…but is able to produce a more solid defense when used…properly."

"I see," smirks Nijiima. "The Sumo Stable is an enclosed area limiting the range of Naruto-kun's movements. Using a wakizashi will give him full mobility."

Spark moves at high speeds. "It won't help!" Naruto reverses the grip on his wakizashi and begins to block all her attacks using the dull side of the sword. "Choukarou!" A strike to the chest and face come at Naruto. He blocked the blow to his chest with the wakizashi and used his other hand to block the one to his face. "Leaf Gale!" Spinning around, he aims a rear leg kick to sweep out her legs, but Spark bends all the way backwards. "Ransaiwa!" Naruto winces from the blow to the chest, but her attack doesn't end there. She grabs his legs and tosses him towards the ground. He shows his flexibility by twisting around to use his hands as a spring to prevent from being slammed.

"Even against a weapon user, my attacks don't lose their flow. If your surrender I will make your death quick."

"You…have never taken a…life." Spark's eyes widen. Naruto stares at her knowingly. "I know what it is like…to fight for my village and people…I understand." He stares up at the clouds above. "But…you are wrong about this being a hobby. I am learning to use weapons…to gain strength for my own…reasons."

Spark grits her teeth in anger. "There is no better reason to fight than for one's family!" She gets into her drunken stance.

Naruto responds by getting into a stance as well. "I fight for my own…beliefs." Spark cries out in anger charging towards Naruto. He locks onto several points on her body. In a burst of speed, he flips forward at high speeds. Spark is frozen when he vanishes in pure speed. Naruto reappears behind her. "Kosaka Style: Flying Blaze Three-Step Cut."

"You missed…" Spark never finishes her sentence. Her helmet falls to the ground split cleanly in half. An X-shaped cut splits Spark's uniform at the front revealing her near flat chest. Ignoring her modesty and logical thought that states he could have killed her in that attack, she prepares to turn around to continue the fight, but the feel of cold steel on her throat causes her to pause.

"It…is over," says Naruto. Spark grits her teeth.

"I won't lose!" Spark cuts her neck turning around to attack. A blow to the stomach fills her body with pain. Naruto removes his fist from her stomach allowing the girl to collapse to the ground barely able to stay conscious. "Why? Kill…me."

Naruto sheathes the sword on his back. "If you…want to help your family…find a better way." He starts to walk away from the girl. "An organization that thrives on murder…and death…is not one that can be trusted." Those are words from experience. Spark lowers her head thinking deeply on his words. It is strange, but she feels a kinship with this strange boy. He speaks like he knows exactly what it is like to live in the shadows. He seems to understand what it means to fight for one's family and home. The corners of her lips twitch up into a smile. Even she has pride as a martial artist, this fight is her complete loss.

The weapon disciple senses it at the last moment. A missile comes down from above slamming down into the ground. An explosion fills the Sumo Stable. "Father," whispers Spark.

A tall man with white hair combed over resembling a mushroom towers over Naruto. "I never thought a battle between disciples would turn out like this." Li Tenmon's eyes begin to glow with power. "Uzumaki Naruto, you will be coming back to Yami with me!"

It is a threat that the Chinese Master never gets a chance to make good on. Li Tenmon jumps back to avoid a barrage of shuriken. Shigure lands in front of Naruto. Her sword is pointing straight at Li Tenmon. "Naruto…belongs to me." Naruto sweat drops. Why does she always refer to him as a possession?

"A master should not interfere in a disciple's fight." Li Tenmon glances back to find Akisame behind him with a friendly smile. "At the very least, Yami should respect that tradition."

The Chinese Master grits his teeth. As confident as he is in his power and abilities, he knows that taking on two masters from the legendary Ryozanpaku is a fight he can't win. Li Tenmon picks up his daughter and turns to look at Naruto. "Another time." The man leaps away.

Nijiima types away furiously on his PDA. The information he gained from this fight was an absolute goldmine.

Kisara winces in pain. "Those injuries need to be treated," says Akisame. The red head doesn't hear the jujutsu master. Her emerald eyes are locked onto a big breasted sword wielding woman that is standing next to Naruto.

Naruto feels a shiver go down his spine. He turns around to see Kisara glaring at him. "Kisara…?"

"Is that your sensei?" grits the girl.

Shigure puffs out her chest. "Yes…this is Shigure-sensei," introduces Naruto.

"Hey Naruto-kun." Nijiima slides up next to Naruto. "There are two things that Kisara hates. It is women with big breasts and those who use weapons."

"I…use weapons…"

"Are these…big?" Shigure lifts up her breasts making them bounce. Nijiima gains a nose bleed.

Naruto nods. "Yes…very much so." Unlike Nijiima, he is better at controlling his emotions. The mask also hides a light blush.

"Bastard!" Kisara is about to attack Naruto, but a chop to the back of the neck knocks her out.

Akisame picks up the girl. "I think it is best we head back to Ryozanpaku."