AN: Special Thanks goes to Story's Shadow for writing this chapter since I struggled massively with this one. A special shoutout will go to whoever guesses correctly which scene in animation this chapter was modeled after, hint: it was in the year 2003. Unto the show.

-Imperious' Fortress, Training grounds, A Few Hours Later-

Stalker stood before someone, hidden in the shadows across the dojo. Only their glowing eyes, one red and one yellow, were seen.

"To serve the emperor, you must be prepared for all matters. Your weapons and will must be sharp and strong."

Stalker unsheathed his blade in a swift, flawless motion. He then held it in both hands. The glowing eyes narrowed. Hissing came from the shadows and the sudden gleam of blades before a shape moved from out of the shadows. The rattling of a chain and a swirling sound came from the shadows.

Stalker stood his ground. The glint of a blade was caught from the side of his eye. He raised his blade, catching the blade of one kusarigama. The samurai held his sword against the strain of the blade as its owner tried to pull it back into the shadows. Stalker held his ground firm.

"Adapt."

Suddenly from the shadows, a moving arc in the chains rushed towards Stalker. It released it blade from the katana. The cloaked figure in the shadows rushed out in almost blur of speed. In either hand was a kusariagama, swirling in circles at either side of its wielder at high speeds.

"Using your speed to your advantage, work with that, create new ways of attacking with your superior speed."

Stalker watches as the individual runs circles around him, swiftly throwing out the blades with accurate aim. The samurai parries each strike with his katana, sending the blade of the kusarigamas back. But Stalker's opponent swiftly pulled the blades back each time. But then they rushed forward, striking in diagonal arcs with the blades.

The samurai grunted as he stepped back, quickly blocked the strikes as he moved his blade at the right moment.

"Good. Now press you're advantage!"

The unknown combatant hissed as they seemed to glide along the floor, striking out by throwing the chained blade and switched to slashing towards Stalker.

The samurai jumped back, skidding along the floor. His opponent raced forward, throwing both chained blades out. Stalker rushed forward, dodging each strike. He lunged with his katana, just feet from his foe. But all his blade struck was air, his foe having moved his body in a c form to the samurai's side.

"Yes, your agility is also serving you well. Your natural gifts help you evade your foe's attacks. Keep it up!"

Stalker quick kicked out with one foot, but his opponent moved around that strike as well. They quickly struck back with one of their blades, but Stalker's katana was thrown up to block the attack. Both grunted as they pressed their blades against one another. They then pulled their blades back then faced one another then bowed. Stalker sheathed his katana and the other combatant hung his kusarigamas at their hips.

Stalker walked forward and put a hand on his opponent's shoulder.

"Well done. There's still more training to do, but you're improving."

His opponent's response came with a hiss.

"Thank you, Sensei. I will do my best."

"I have no doubt. The emperor is most wise, selecting you to serve him is proof of that. Your natural talent, gifts, and now your training are showing your strength as a warrior."

The being removed their cloak, revealing a serpentine head covered in red and black scales that resembled a mamushi snake.

"You honor me."

The serpent smiled, hissing as his tongue flicked out.

To Be Continued...