The start of the third arc of the story begins. It's gonna begin with a bang too. We're gonna pick the newest Kagura to assume command. These chapters were fun to write so I hope you enjoy them.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of Senran Kagura's characters. But I do own the story.

Warning: Just some swearing and clothing humor. Everything is pretty typical, nothing violent.

Chapter 33 - The Next Kagura

I woke up the next morning with the sky still dark with a highlighted orange hue. I wondered why my alarm went off so early but then I remembered. Asuka and Homura wanted to see me. So I did all of my morning rituals and headed out to the Grand Council offices. When I arrived at their offices, I saw this huge building that left an unsettling feeling in the pit of my stomach. I entered the building and saw the receptionist as she rifled through a massive stack of documents. She looked at me, blinked, then scowled. I probably stuck out like a sore thumb.

Suddenly she spoke up, "Hey, kid! This isn't a playground! Get lost!"

I placed a hand on my hip. Did no one give her the memo that I was supposed to arrive, "I'm not five, ya know? I'm a fully grown woman. I'm 18 and I'm expected here."

The receptionist rolled her dark red eyes, "Listen, if you don't have a reason for being here, then I suggest you leave. This is a busy place, after all, and we don't have time for pranks or jokes."

I looked around the empty reception room; emphasis on "empty." Busy where? I walked up to her desk, "I do have a reason for being here. I'm here to see Asuka Hanzo and Homura Kitamura."

The receptionist just stared at me, "Suuurrreeee, and I'm the next Kagura."

I crossed my arms, "I'm being serious. They invited me themselves."

She suddenly picked up a book, "Go home, kid."

"Would you quit calling me a kid?" I pounded my fist on her desk, making her jump. "Tell them that Renka Mikagura is here to see them and you're making me late for our appointment!"

She looked straight at me and frowned, "You know, impersonating another Kunoichi is illegal."

I looked at her confused, "Impersonating? Who am I impersonating?"

Her red eyes fixated in a glare, "You're impersonating Renka Mikagura, the Kohana Tournament winner."

I blinked, 'Was she being serious? Did she not watch the Tournament? How does she not know what I look like?'

"Soji, what was that pounding just now?" Asuka's voice flooded the room and I turned on my heels. Asuka! She was walking! I looked down at her legs and saw that one of them was a prosthetic, and relief flooded over me. She could still walk after all of that damage.

The receptionist, Soji, looked up at Asuka, "Nothing. Just dealing with this trouble maker impersonating another Shinobi!"

Asuka looked at me and I waved at her. She tilted her head and looked back at Soji, "Who was Renka impersonating, Soji?"

Soji gasped, "Wait, Renka!? This is Renka Mikagura!?"

Asuka nodded, "Yes she is. Didn't you watch the Tournament, Soji? You were supposed to watch it so you knew the face of the winner."

Soji's jaw dropped, and I gave the receptionist a smirk as Asuka motioned for me, "Renka, I was wondering what was keeping you."

As I was heading upstairs I heard Soji breaking something. Asuka looked downstairs as she was heading up with me, "Soji, clean that up. And stop breaking stuff."

Asuka led me through the hallways and we arrived at her office. We both went in and both sat down on leather seats. Asuka looked over something, then looked at me, "Renka, I want you to sit in on our meeting to decide the next Kagura."

I visibly flinched, "Excuse me? You want me to do what now!?"

Asuka giggled at my reaction, "You're so cute, Renka, I wish I had that kind of energy. I want you to sit in on our meeting to decide the next Kagura. I want you to see how all this works. You might be taking my place one day."

I just rubbed the back of my head awkwardly, "I'm honored, I truly am. But are you sure a beginner like me is welcome?"

Asuka nodded, "Just don't worry too much. I'll vouch for you. You need the experience anyway, even if you don't say anything, watching something in-person is more valuable than any book you could read about your new position."

I smiled, "Thank you, Asuka."

Asuka took me out of her office, "Follow me, Renka."

We went through the halls and arrived at an elevator without any of that cheesy mall music you would hear in these metal boxes. We got in and went straight to the top floor. Asuka then led me through a long hallway of high walls and bright lights. We arrived at a dressing room, and when we opened the door, I saw Homura and she smiled.

She clapped her hands in delight and waved me over eagerly. "Good, you brought her! Asuka, go get dressed! I'll show Renka to the main meeting room!"

Asuka nodded, "Right." She went inside.

Homura's smile was infectious and I couldn't help but return the gesture, "So glad you could join us, Renka. Let me show you to the meeting room. They're just about to start."

I nodded, "Yes, Miss Kitamura."

Asuka took off her shirt and her breasts shamelessly displayed for anyone to see. I cleared my throat, "I think we better leave before Asuka undresses anymore with a stranger here."

Homura laughed, "Oh, don't worry about that. Asuka undresses regardless of who's around, within reason. Girls should be comfortable around other girls, after all."

Asuka made a sour face, "Don't say things like that, Homura-Chan! You make me sound like a pervert!"

Homura threw her head back into a cackle, "Come on, Renka. Let's go."

Homura started down the hallway and I followed her right away. We went around a few corners and arrived at an ornate door with elaborate carvings. "We'll be in the meeting room shortly. It's about to begin." Homura said as she waited for the doors to open.

I looked to the door, then to Homura. "What's gonna happen, exactly?"

Homura crossed her arms across her chest, "When all of the Grand Council Women are ready, the door will open, and we'll all sit and our meeting will begin. We will then discuss who will take Mistress Sayuri's place as the 31st Kagura. I just really hope that it isn't going to be Miyabi."

I sighed, "Is Miyabi really as bad as everyone says? I saw her at the funeral. She looked like she didn't even care to be there."

Homura shook her head, "She was, was she? She was only there to maintain her image, but yes, she is as bad as everyone says. I've known Miyabi for a long time, and when she doesn't get her away, she resorts to violence to get her way. I've seen first-hand how she operates. She's dangerous, Renka."

I swallowed harshly, "What will she do as Kagura?"

Homura sighed, "Probably start a war. I wouldn't be surprised if she attacked a diplomat because negotiations don't go her way. She plans on taking her so-called Shinobi barrier global. If any of them deny her proposal, then I wouldn't be surprised if she would kill them and plunge our world into another war. "

I felt my stomach drop to the lowest parts of my body, "Sh-She'd really will plunge our world into a war?"

Homura just blew a stream of air at her bangs. "It's Miyabi. I wouldn't be surprised. The point of the matter is, Miyabi must never become the next Kagura."

I nodded, "Right."

After a bit, the door opened and Homura started walking, "Stick close!"

I quickly followed Homura, "Right!"

As we walked out, I saw Asuka walking out along with the white-haired woman from the funeral, Miyabi. Also that pale-skinned girl with gray hair from the funeral. 'She must be Yumi Hara then', I thought to myself.

As we all sat down, the white-haired girl, Miyabi, looked at me. "Who brought a child here?" Her voice was like biting into ice with eyes like a snake watching its prey. Every instinct within me told me to run.

Homura cleared her throat, resting a hand on my bristling shoulder. "She isn't a child, Miyabi. She's of age and the winner of the Kohana Tournament that Asuka and I watched over a week ago."

I stared at Miyabi, 'Miyabi Hirata, huh? Her voice is pretty imposing. Would she really start another war?'

The gray-haired woman looked at me with owlish eyes, "So, she's Renka Mikagura. The one with the Violet Lightning?"

Homura nodded, "Yes, the one and the same. She's the leader of this year's Elite class."

The gray-haired woman looked at me, "Hello, Renka. I'm Yumi Hara, Grand Councilwoman of Gessen House. It's a pleasure to meet you." She dipped her head in the slightest bow of greeting

I smiled and waved, "Likewise."

Miyabi pounded her hand onto the table, "Don't introduce yourself, Hara! She's still in school! As far as I'm concerned, she's still in her training diapers!"

I opened my mouth to fight back when the doors swung open and a man strutted in., "Enough formalities and petty squabbles! Let's get this whole thing underway! Today's meeting is to pick the 31st Kagura!"

Everyone stood as he made his little speech and went quiet. Homura whispered to me, "This man is the one that rules the whole country. Donald Amada, the Prime Minister."

As he sat, everyone sat with him. "As we all know, Sayuri Hanzo died over a week ago. She had held her position of Kagura for nearly 60 years. So, it's been a while since we've last had to choose a Kagura. In fact, my grandfather, Horace, had chosen Sayuri Hanzo all those years ago."

Homura said, "At least she was a great Kagura. I think the question on all of our minds is who is going to succeed her."

Donald sat back, "Correct! If any of you lovely ladies have a recommendation, now's the time to say it. Choose who will be our 31st Kagura!"

The air suddenly grew tense as my heartbeat started pounding. I looked at all of the Grand Councilwomen. Asuka, Yumi, and Homura were all watching Miyabi. It seemed we all had the same worry about Miyabi. It also seemed like our worst fears were coming true, as Miyabi raised her hand and cleared her throat. "Well, if no one else is gonna make a recommendation then I guess I'll…"

Homura pounded her hands into the table catching everyone off guard, "I nominate Asuka Hanzo for Kagura!"

All heads shot to Homura, and I even heard Asuka say, "Eh?"

Donald smiled, "Ah, the granddaughter of Sayuri Hanzo? I see! I wouldn't mind her taking over in her grandmother's stead!"

Asuka's head shot over to look at Donald, "Eh!? Mr. Amada, you can't be serious!?"

Donald smiled, "Well, you are very strong, Asuka. Don't count yourself out. You'd make a fine Kagura."

Suddenly, Miyabi slammed down with her hands on the table.

I'm tempted to ask someone what this table was made from to not have dents from everyone hitting it.

Miyabi frowned. "Mr. Amada, with all due respect, Asuka wouldn't make a good Kagura! She's still far too green! Plus, her own grandmother was far too relaxed. She let the enemy sneak into our country and attack our tournament last week! Who knows what we would get with Asuka at the helm! The destruction of our entire country!? We need someone who can take charge! Someone that inspires the people! Someone who can invoke change and has even changed history as we know it!"

Asuka shot up, "How dare you, Miyabi! My grandma didn't let them in!"

Miyabi scoffed, "Then explain how Mistress Sayuri had received several threats against her life from Crimson Shadows! She knew that an attempt would be made on her life! Why didn't she tighten security!? Block any Shinobi from crossing the borders until this whole thing blew over?"

Homura spoke next, "We weren't going to block foreign Shinobi from entering our country! Especially with the Kohana Tournament coming up! But that doesn't mean she let them in."

Miyabi scoffed, "Well, she might as well have."

Asuka spoke, "Miyabi, No one could've predicted what the Crimson Shadows were doing. They've been quiet for years."

Donald spoke up next, "Well, while I agree with Asuka that no one could've predicted what the Crimson Shadows would've done, I also agree with Miyabi. Sayuri Hanzo, while well respected, became too lax with the current peace. Miyabi's right. We need someone who has an incredible track record that will inspire the people and bring them hope!"

Miyabi smirked and sat back in her seat, "I agree with you one hundred percent, Mr. Amada!"

Prime Minister Donald looked at the three, "Are we all in agreement, Ladies?"

All three of them nodded. Asuka and Homura looked defeated. I couldn't believe that this was happening. Why would this guy play into Miyabi's hands?

Donald grinned widely and full of teeth, "All right! By the power vested in me!"

I could hear my heartbeat pounding in my chest and I felt sick to my stomach as I waited for Miyabi's name to be called as the next Kagura.

"I now name, Homura Kitamura, as the 31st Kagura!"

I felt my heart shoot up into my throat after. I think all of us stared in shock at first. Homura was the first to say something, she shot up, "WHAT!?"

Miyabi was the next to speak, "Mr. Amada, with all due respect, when I said someone who'll spark change, I meant me!"

Prime Minister Donald looked at Miyabi, "Miyabi, while I agree that your track record is impressive. I'd have to say that Homura's track record is even more impressive. With how she not only inspired a bunch of students and banned them together and made them the Crimson Squad House. Even after that, she got the house to be recognized as an official New World Academy House. She's done all that you said. Take charge, inspire people, invoke change, and even changed history as we know it! There's no better candidate than Homura to be the 31st Kagura!"

Miyabi looked away, utterly defeated by her own logic. The Prime Minister smiled as if completely unaware of what he's done, "If there's nothing else then Homura Kitamura, step forward please!"

Homura cried out, "WAIT, SIR! YOU CAN'T BE SERIOUS, CAN YOU!?"

The Prime Minister repeated, "Homura Kitamura, step forward please."

Homura's mouth dropped open, but she obeyed nonetheless. The Prime Minister held out a book, "Place your hand on this book of Shinobi Principles, please."

Homura placed her hand on the book, "This cannot be happening!"

The Prime Minister raised his right hand, "Now raise your right hand and repeat after me. I, Homura Kitamura, insert shinobi rank here. Do solemnly swear to uphold the principles of the Shinobi with honor, trust, integrity, and respect! I will become an honorable and just Kagura! I will protect and serve the people, as the 31st Kagura!"

Homura's eyes widened as she realized that this was happening, "I, Homura Kitamura of the Hinin Shinobi rank, do solemnly swear to uphold the principles of the Shinobi with honor, trust, integrity, and respect. I will become an honorable and just Kagura. I will protect and serve the people, as the 31st Kagura."

We watched in silence as the Prime Minister took out a box and extracted a ring that had the Kanji "Kagura" on it. The Prime Minister held out his hand, "Please give me your right hand, Homura."

Homura gave her hand and Mr. Amada put his palm against hers and slipped the ring onto her ring finger. The Prime Minister smiled, "Congratulations, Kagura Homura!"

Homura was frozen in shock. Mr. Amada laughed and then snapped his fingers. The receptionist from earlier, Soji, came in, "Yes sir, Prime Minister Amada sir!"

The Prime Minister pointed to Homura, "Take Homura here, her girlfriend, and guest to the outfitting station. Take Homura's measurements and send them to me, and I'll order her official Kagura uniform!"

Soji's mouth dropped, "Official Kagura Uniform!? She was just named Kagura!? Her of all people!?"

Donald frowned, "Quit stating the obvious and make yourself useful, Soji. Chop chop!"

Soji just looked at the ground as the Prime Minister left. Homura saw how tense Soji was, "Listen, Soji…"

"Stop!" Soji interrupted. "I don't want pity! Least of all from you! Follow me!"

We all followed Soji to the outfitting station. Homura was then pushed into the measuring station, while both Asuka and I sat down. Asuka rubbed her injured leg, "It's finally time I get to take the weight off of my prosthetic. I was advised not to walk on it till it was fully healed, but I knew the meeting was today."

Soji yanked off Homura's shirt, "S-Soji! What're you doing!? Stop!"

Soji then took hold of the bandages that were wrapped around Homura's chest, "This way please!" Soji then took out measuring tape and wrapped it around Homura's breasts.

I smiled at Asuka, "At least your career as a Shinobi didn't end with losing your leg."

Asuka smiled, "True."

Soji wrote something down, "Bust 34 Inches!"

Homura screamed, "DON'T ANNOUNCE IT!"

Soji then, much to Homura's protest, yanked off the rest of her clothes till poor Homura stood there in her unmentionables.

As Soji got to work, I tried to look away for Homura's sake, "How're you feeling? Are you gonna be okay, Asuka?"

Asuka nodded, "I just wish Grandpa was here. He disappeared when I was in Shinobi school and we haven't heard from him since!"

Soji read aloud, "Waist 22 inches!"

I heard Homura cry out, "STOP IT!"

I just ignored those two, "He just vanished?"

Asuka nodded, "Yeah, Grandma searched for months after he vanished and she never found him. She eventually gave up looking because she still had her duties as Kagura. My Grandma did tell me one thing about her investigation though. All of the evidence she found was like he just up and vanished off the face of the earth."

Soji read, "Hips 33 inches!"

Homura cried out, "NO!"

Soji looked to Asuka, "What's Homura's cup size?"

Asuka unhesitatingly spoke, "E."

Homura cried out, "ASUKA, NOT YOU TOO!"

I spoke up, "Why do you need to know her cup size anyway?"

Soji continued writing, "She has to wear special undergarments with the robes too."

I nodded in confirmation, "I see." Well… I'm not too sure what all of those measurements mean, but I guess for a Kunoichi, that sounds healthy enough. Her numbers are bigger than mine, after all.

Homura cried out, "YOU'RE HAVING FUN WITH THIS AREN'T YOU!?"

Soji looked up at her, "You may put your clothes back on, Kagura Homura."

Homura started sobbing and Asuka sighed, "I still wish he was here. He always knew what to say to cheer me up."

Homura got dressed and finally came over, "You mean when he wasn't being a lecherous old perv."

Asuka sighed, "Yeah, I know. He loved girls' bodies just as much as any man would, but he was still my grandfather and I loved him."

This time it was Homura's turn to sigh, "I know Asuka. I know."

I said, "There is something I don't get, however."

Asuka looked at me, and Homura crossed her arms, "Go for it!"

I crossed my own arms, "Well, according to what Miyabi said, there may have been warnings as to the impending attack on Sayuri a week ago. Was any of this true?"

Asuka looked down and Homura cringed, "Well, she wasn't lying, unfortunately. A lot of evidence came in that the Crimson Shadows were gonna try and assassinate Mistress Sayuri. She deduced that it was gonna be at the Kohana Tournament and wanted to put an end to them herself at that Tournament."

I felt my anger rise, "What if any of us had died!? Myself, Kat, and Minori? We were all in danger! Didn't she think about that!?"

Asuka and Homura remained silent. Suddenly I heard a phone ringing and Soji flinched, "Hold on, that's me! I gotta take this!"

Asuka smiled, "Go ahead."

Soji turned around and opened her phone, "Hello? Soji Inoue here." Soji walked straight out after that.

Asuka just giggled, "It was funny to see Miyabi so speechless. I don't think I've ever seen her like that before."

Homura chuckled next, "That's cause I poked a hole in her pride by becoming Kagura."

Asuka smirked, "Even though you didn't want to become Kagura?"

Homura sighed, "It's not that I don't want to become Kagura. It's just that if you told me this morning that I was gonna become Kagura, I would've laughed at you. I thought you were gonna become Kagura, Asuka."

Asuka made a mad face, "You mean you tried to make me Kagura!"

Homura didn't look our way, "You were better than Miyabi becoming Kagura. That's what I kept telling myself."

I rubbed my head awkwardly, "I think I speak for all of us when I say that the Prime Minister sure threw us for one hell of a loop."

Both Asuka and Homura agreed. Asuka clapped her hands together, "Let's go see your new office, sweetheart!"

Both Homura and I nodded, but no sooner than we made that decision, did Soji come through the door, "Kagura Homura! The results of the Kohana Tournament are here!"

I felt a big smile creep up on my face as I saw Homura put her hands on her hips, "Bout time! I've been waiting to see who passed."

Soji scoffed, "Lady Homura! When you speak, please try to use full words. A lady of your station shouldn't dirty her tongue with slang!"

Homura chuckled, "Come on, Soji. I ain't Yumi. I'm no good with all that bullshit."

Soji gasped, "Lady Homura! Please watch your mouth!"

Homura crossed her arms and pouted. Asuka laughed. "Awww, you know what happens when you make that pouty face, Homura-Chan!"

Homura opened one of her eyes, "You wouldn't dare! In front of others!?"

Asuka then tackled Homura, and Soji cried out, "Lady Homura!"

I heard the two rolling around and arguing and I sighed. I shrugged, "This could take a while."

Chapter End

The new Kagura has been decided. Next time we'll find out who's gonna be on the Elite Team with Renka! Until next time, Ayame out!