Later that night,

Yoshi and Saki were running around Miyamoto's dojo, trying to find a way in. They stopped at a cracked opened window and looked inside. A boy with familiar short grayish-whitish hair and blue eyes was sitting on the ground with a bowl of soup in his hands. He wore a blue kimono.

"There is Usagi. Let us go in-" Saki was about to open the window wider to go in but Yoshi stopped him. "Wait! Who is that?" Saki looked to where Yoshi was pointing and saw that Usagi was sitting next to a woman who looked deathly pale.

She had long black hair, square bangs, and ember eyes. She wore a white kimono. "That must be Usagi's mother, Miyamoto Ame." Saki whispered and Yoshi frowned. "This is the first time I've even seen her face. Why?"

The two went quiet so they could listen and find out what's going on. Usagi offered his mother the bowl of soup with a smile. "For you, Mother." He tried to offer but Ame pushed it back. "No. You eat it. I know you have not been able to eat all day..."

Usagi put the bowl down and looked at her seriously. "You need your strength." Ame chuckled. "You are so much like your father. Always so worried." Usagi smiled a little, but it did not last very long. "Money has been very tight. Father has been trying to bring as many students as he can, but it just does not seem enough. I tried looking for a job as well, but no one will hire me...I'm scared that we will not be able to afford your treatment and that you will..." Usagi trailed off, unable to finish the sentence.

Ame cupped his cheek. "Oh, my brave boy. I am so sorry that you have to carry a heavy burden on your shoulders. I do not want you to worry about me, ok? Go be a child and make new friends." Usagi sniffed. "How can I? When you might leave me?"

Outside, Saki sighed. "We should wait until after he is done-" Saki got cut off when Yoshi started climbing through the window. "Yoshi?! Wait! What are you doing?!"

Yoshi ignored him and climbed in. He cleared his throat to get Usagi's attention. Usagi wiped his tears and looked at Yoshi angrily before standing up. "Hamato Yoshi?! The hell are you doing here?!"

Yoshi shrugged and smirked. "Well, I was hoping that I would be able to egg you and maybe throw some punches but...I see you have your hands full." He said the last sentence while sadly looking at Ame who had passed out before Yoshi even came in. Usagi growled. "Can you just leave?! I have enough going on as it is!"

"I know, I heard..." Yoshi admitted and Usagi's glare hardened. "You were spying on me?! I should-!"

"What's wrong with her?" Yoshi asked Usagi who looked angrier by the minute. "That's none of your business! Just go, now!"

"Come on! Maybe I can help! I am the son of a legendary ninja clan, you know?" Usagi glared at him a moment longer before sighing. "She has a rare illness and the only cure is a flower called the ghost orchid but it has long been instinct. So, tell me Hamato, how can you help my mother?"

Yoshi stood silent and Usagi scoffed before turning away from him. "See? I knew you couldn't-"

"Ghost orchid, you say?" Usagi turned back to him to see a confident smile on his face. "I think I know where to find one..."

...

Later, at Kuzunoha's home,

"You want us to rob from the witch's house?!" Usagi shouted as he, Saki, and Yoshi stood at the front gates. "Yup!"

"Are you insane?! What if we get caught?!" Usagi continued to shout and Yoshi rolled his eyes. "Look, baby, do you want to help your mother or not?" Usagi went silent before looking back at the gate that led to Kuzunoha's home and at Yoshi curiously. "Why are you even helping me? After all that I-"

"Because I would do the same for my mom." Yoshi said before he started climbing up the gate. He turned around and offered his hand to Usagi. "So, we'll call it a truce for now, k?"

Usagi stared at Yoshi with amazement as he took his hand. Yoshi pulled him up and helped him get on the other side then offered his hand to Saki who slapped it away. "I can do it on my own." Yoshi shrugged. "Suit yourself."

Yoshi then hopped off the gate as Saki climbed up and jumped down next to him. "So, what now?" Usagi whispered and Yoshi grinned. "Just follow my lead."

...

Inside Kuzunoha's small temple,

Yoshi, Saki, and Usagi were all jumping across the beams looking for anything that looked like a flower. After a few moments Yoshi stopped and grinned. "Pss, pss."

Saki and Usagi turned when he called them and quickly went to him. Yoshi smiled and pointed down at a glass case which held a ghostly white flower with a black stem inside. "That it?" He whispered and Usagi's eyes widened. "Yeah..." It took his brain a moment to process that he might actually be able to save his mother before looking back at Yoshi, anxiously. "How do we get it? Break the glass?"

Saki rolled his eyes as Yoshi scowled at him. "No, stupid! That will wake Kuzunoha up! We'll get caught before we get the chance to make the cure!"

"So, what do we do?" Usagi asked and Yoshi looked at him with a mischievous glint in his eye. "Watch and learn." Yoshi then pulled out his grappling hook, tying it around his waist and the beam before slowly going down.

"I am surprised you are ok with this? This is way out of your league." Saki muttered to Usagi who frowned at him. "Maybe but I will do anything for my mother." Saki rolled his eyes again. "Well, you and Yoshi sure have that in common."

Usagi raised a brow. "Are you saying that you wouldn't do the same for your mother?" Saki frowned. "Did I say that?" Usagi said nothing and looked back towards Yoshi to see him above the case. Yoshi then pulled out a knife and began cutting a circle around it. He carefully got rid of the glass then reached in and grabbed the flower but before he could pull it out-

"Well, well, well, what do we have here?" The boys all tensed as they looked to see Kitsune, coming out of her room with an amused smile. "Couple of thieves?"

"Not her..." Saki groaned. "Who she?" Usagi asked. "Kitsune. Kuzunoha's daughter." He answered and Usagi looked at him worriedly then whipped his head at Yoshi to see Kitsune getting in his face. "I knew you had a daring spirit, Yoyo but this seems like you are asking for death."

"Don't. Tell on us." Yoshi growled seriously while glaring at her, but she was unfazed. "Why. Should I not?" She mocked. "Because Miyamoto Usagi's mother is dying, and this ghost orchid is the only way to save her."

"Miyamoto Usagi?" Kitsune said while looking up at the boy who flinch slightly. He heard hundreds of stories about Kuzunoha, some about her being a demon and others about her being a powerful dangerous witch, long story short, none of the stories were good. "Is that not the same Miyamoto Usagi who bullies you two and Masato?"

"Please, don't let her have my soul." Usagi said shakily to Saki who rolled his eyes. "Yes." Yoshi responded to Kitsune. "And you are helping him?"

"Yes! Can we leave now or what?!" Yoshi snapped annoyed and Kitsune hummed in thought. "What do I get?"

"WHAT?!"

"What do I get?" Kitsune repeated. "Are you serious?! Someone's life is on the line, and you want something?!"

"Well, if I am going to let you take my mother's ghost orchard, the only ghost orchard left in existence that she was saving for emergency, then I must get something out of it. After all, if you do not face punishment, I surely will." Kitsune explained, clearly and Yoshi sighed. "Fine! What do you want?!"

Kitsune hummed coyly then grinned deviously. "I want Saki to go one a date with me." Yoshi grinned as well and laughed slightly. "Deal!"

"What?!" Saki shouted at his brother who looked up at him. "Suck it up and pull me up!" He ordered and with an angry growl and a murderous glare at his brother, Saki pulled Yoshi up as Kitsune waved at Saki. "Bye, bye, sweetie."

Once Yoshi was on the beam, Saki held back the urge to push him off. "I hate you." Yoshi smirked at him. "No, you don't."

"You sold me to Kitsune." Saki said while they all begun to leave. "It's one date, Saki."

"At least she's pretty." Usagi muttered as he looked at her over his shoulder which she responded by giving a dangerous look that made him move faster. "H-Hey! Don't leave me guys!"

...

At the Miyamoto's dojo,

All three teens were anxiously running to the dojo when they were suddenly stopped by Ue as he stepped out, looking furious. Ue was a tall muscular man with the same unique grayish-whitish hair and blue eyes as his son. He also wore a blue kimono. "Miyamoto Usagi, where have you been?! I have been worried sick-!"

"Father, we got the cure!" Usagi interrupted while grabbing the flower from Yoshi and showing it to his father. Ue was at a loss for words as he stared at the white flower in shock. "H-How did-!"

"We'll explain later but right now you need to make the cure for your wife!" Yoshi shouted, snapping Ue out of his shock. Ue snatched the flower from his son and ran back in the dojo, the three teenagers not far behind.

...

Later,

Ue held up his wife's head as he slowly poured the medicine in her mouth while the three teenagers watched anxiously and Usagi said a little prayer under his breath. Once the medicine was all in her system, Ue laid his wife back down and looked her over. Color was already returning to her face and her breath sounded like it was getting stronger. Ue grinned in full relief as tears gathered in his eyes and he turned to his son.

"She is going to be ok, Usagi. You saved your mother!" Usagi smiled but shook his head. "It wasn't me, Father. Yoshi did it." Ue turned to Yoshi. "Thank you so much, Hamato Yoshi!" He said while bowing and Yoshi blushed slightly. "U-Uh, you're welcome."

Usagi then hugged him. "Thank you, Yoshi! I'm sorry for how I treated you before, but I promise to treat you better from now on, I really owe you!" Yoshi blushed even more and pushed Usagi back. "Ok, ok, enough."

Ue then looked at the teens curiously. "How on earth did you three find the flower?" Both Yoshi and Usagi glanced at each other nervously, Yoshi looked at Saki for help but his brother just shrugged. They then smiled sheepishly at Ue. "Well..um.." Usagi started. "It's kinda a long story." Yoshi finished and Saki just shook his head at them

Suddenly, the door burst open and two angry looking parents walked in. Yuuta and Atsuko. "Hamato Yoshi, what have I told you?! Did I not tell you not to come here and start trouble with Mr. Miyamoto's family?!" Yuuta immediately scolded and Atsuko was crossing her arms at Saki. "And what are you doing here?!"

Before either boy could say anything, Usagi spoke up. "They were only helping me save my sick mother!" Yuuta and Atsuko looked at him. "See, she's been really sick, that's why Father has been stealing students from you and why I have been terrible to your family. But thanks to Yoshi who helped me find a Ghost orchid, my mother has been cured."

Yoshi stilled at what Usagi said and nervously looked up at his father who looked even more furious. "A Ghost orchid?! The only Ghost orchid around here is at Kuzunoha's temple!" He then glared at his son. "Yoshi, did you steal from Kuzunoha?!!!"

Yoshi looked at Usagi slightly annoyed and Usagi slapped himself on the forehead for making such a stupid mistake. Seeing no point in lying now, Yoshi scowled at his father and said, "Yes but it was for a good cause! Mrs. Miyamoto would have died if we didn't take that flower!" Atsuko grabbed her husband's shoulder. "Yuuta, it does sound like Yoshi had a good reason for doing what he did."

"That's not the problem here, Atsuko! He should have told us instead of making such a reckless stunt. Not only that, but he dragged his brother into this! There is no telling what they could have found there!" Yoshi glared at his dad slightly at the last part, annoyed that he is blaming Yoshi for Saki's own choice while Saki just looked confused. 'What they could have found there?'

"Mr. Hamato if I may." A voice said and Yuuta looked at Ue. "If not for your son and his recklessness, my Ame probably would have been dead by morning. I know his actions were not right but his heart was in the right place. You should be proud of your boy. You raised a kind and noble son."

Yoshi blushed bright red and quickly looked down to hide it while Yuuta stayed silent. He looked at Ame. Yuuta only saw the woman once when Ue and his family first moved here, the poor woman couldn't even walk because she was so weak. Now, however, she looks to be getting better. Yuuta looked back at Yoshi who still had his head down before sighing. "Yoshi, though I do not approve of your choices I must say that I am proud that you put your anger towards Ue and Usagi aside to help Ame."

Yoshi looked at Yuuta in surprise. He couldn't remember the last time his father ever said he was proud of him. Saki was conflicted, on one hand he was glad that they didn't have to worry about the Miyamotos anymore but on the other...his plan failed.

"Does...that mean I'm not in trouble?" Yoshi had the nerve to ask, and Yuuta opened his mouth to reply but was interrupted by his wife. "Yes! And I think that today makes up for yesterday's stunt, don't you think Yu?" Atsuko said while looking at her husband and wrapping an arm around Yoshi's shoulders. Yuuta looked at her then at Yoshi. "Fine. You are not in trouble, and you are ungrounded."

Yoshi grinned while Saki scowled but he stayed silent as the others talked. Yoshi then turned to Usagi. "So, you want to be a ninja right?" Usagi blinked in surprise. "Wha-! How did you-"

"You think you're the only one who can spy? Unlike you though, I am aware of my surroundings and know when someone is doing it." Usagi blushed, embarrassed that he has been caught. He has been spying on Yoshi and his brother for some time now because since he was little, he has always wanted to become a ninja, but they didn't have money to afford lessons. So, Usagi thought he could learn by secretly watching, turns out it was not that secret. "How long have you known?"

"Since you moved here." Usagi groaned as Yoshi smirked. "Wanna join our clan?"

"What?" Both Yuuta and Usagi said. "If you want to be a ninja then you should join us. I know you practice from watching us but that's not enough and I doubt your dad can teach you anything about being a ninja- er- No offense Mr. Miyamoto." Ue waved it off. "None taken. I know my dojo is only good for teaching basic fight training but anything ninja is out of my talents."

Usagi looked down. "I would like to join your clan, Yoshi but I can't afford-"

"It will be free of charge. You are my friend now, afterall, right?" Usagi's head snapped up. 'Friends?' Yuuta cleared his throat and went over to his son. "Yoshi, I am not sure that-"

"Come on, Pop! He has potential! Let him join!" Yoshi begged and Yuuta stared at the two boys for a moment. "I will need to test his skills before I can decide to make him a member. If he does well then, he may join but if he fails-"

"He won't." Yoshi said firmly before smiling at Usagi. "Like I said, he's been practicing ever since he moved here." Usagi blushed more and scratched the back of his neck awkwardly.

...

Next day,

Yuuta, Atsuko, Yoshi, Saki, and Ue were all watching Usagi as he spared against another boy. Yuuta watched Usagi closely, he's sloppy and undisciplined but Yoshi was right, he does have potential.

"Yame!" Yuuta yelled and the two boys immediately stopped. Usagi went over to Yuuta with anxious but hopeful eyes. "Usagi, your skills need much improvement but you show a lot of dedication. Therefore, I will allow you to be a student in my clan." Usagi's eyes widened in disbelief and he looked at Yoshi who was smiling at him. As Usagi stared at Yoshi, he made a promise to himself. He promised to be loyal and always stick by his side, no matter what. He owed Yoshi his mother's life and possibly his future as a ninja. He will always be grateful to Yoshi, respect him, and never turn his back on him.

Usagi then looked back at Yuuta. "I would be honored." Ue smiled at Yuuta in gratitude. "Thank you so much, Master Yuuta." He said, happy that his son's dream was coming true and Yuuta nodded then stared at his eldest son thoughtfully.

...

Few Months later,

It was summer and Shen was finally able to see her friends again, but she was shocked when Yoshi and Saki told her everything about how they saved Usagi's mother. "I can not believe you guys did all that." Shen said while eating lunch with both Yoshi and Saki on the porch. Yoshi grinned. "Wish you could have been here to see it."

"Sorry, Shen, we know how much you hate being left out." Saki said and Shen waved them off. "It is fine. I am just happy you guys made peace with Usagi and was able to save his mother."

"Hellooo!" A voice sang and both Yoshi and Saki groaned while Shen grinned. "Sue!" The two shared a hug then pulled away smiling. "I have missed you." Kitsune chuckled. "I have missed you too." She then sat between Yoshi and Saki. "What are we having for lunch today, boys?"

"Do you care to join us, Sue?" Shen asked, sitting back down. "Oh, I would love to!" Kitsune said while grinning at Shen then fluttering her eyes at Yoshi. "You do not mind, do you Yoyo?" Yoshi growled. "I thought you were only dating Saki."

"Oh, I am, later but I just wanted to say hello to my friends." Kitsune said and Yoshi became more irritated when she snatched some of his chips. "Don't you have chores to do or something?"

Kitsune huffed and turned away from him. "You are so rude. No wonder you do not have a girlfriend yet. I feel so sorry for you." Yoshi glared at her and held his sandwich in the air, preparing to throw it at her. "Say that again!" Shen jumped forward and grabbed his arm. "Yoshi, no!"

"It is alright, Shen..." Kitsune gave him a taunting look. "He will only miss." Yoshi's face turned red with anger as Shen kept him from throwing but Kitsune paid them no mind as she turned her attention to Saki. "Oooh, Saki-san, you seem to be getting more muscles every day." She said before she started touching his arm. "You know I love a man with muscle, I would love to see you use them in action one of these days."

"I am in no mood for your games, Kitsune." Saki responded dryly and Kitsune pouted. "You boys are no fun." She then grabbed the back of Saki's hair, pulling it slightly and Saki opened his mouth to yell at her but stopped when she whispered in his ear, "I know it was you who 'mistakenly' woke up my mother's little watch guard. You did not expect that it would wake me up instead of her, did you?"

Saki tensed and Kitsune chuckled. "Do not worry, I will keep your secret...for a price."

Just then, Usagi showed up and the teens looked at him. "Uh...is there room for one more?" He asked and Yoshi smiled before patting a seat next to him. "Sure." Usagi smiled in return as he sat next to Yoshi. Kistune leaned over Saki's shoulder, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Hmm, fresh meat."

She then leaped over Saki and landed on Usagi's lap, almost making him jump out of his skin. Kitsune gave him a kind friendly smile and leaned in. "Hello, my name is Kitsune but you may call me Sue."

Usagi tried to lean away from her. "U-Uh, Hi, I'm Miyamoto Usagi." Kitsune giggled. "Oh, I know who you are. I have heard all about you. That was very brave thing you did last night, stealing from my mother, most would not even come near the gates. I appreciate a man who carries bravery."

"Ignore her. She's just trying to mess with you." Yoshi told him as he glared at Kitsune. "Sue, get off of him. You are making him comfortable." Shen said. Kitsune responded by hugging him, making him stiff. "I am only welcoming him. Besides, he does not mind, do you?"

Usagi gulped. "I-I, uh-"

"Kitsune, get off of him or I will tell your mother you are slacking on your chores again." Saki warned and Kitsune shrugged then got off of Usagi before going back to sit next to Saki, leaning on his shoulder and giving him a cute look. "Did I make you jealous?"

"Shouldn't have said anything." Yoshi muttered to his brother who looked like he wanted to hit himself. Shen turned her attention to Usagi. "I am sorry about my friend. That is just her way of showing that she likes you, she is harmless, I promise."

"For now I am." Kitsune said with a wicked smile and cold eyes, making a chill go down his spine. "I-It's fine." He then cleared his throat and looked at Yoshi. "Anyway, I know I have said this a hundred times but thank you, Yoshi, really. You did not have to do what you did and I definitely did not deserve it after how I treated all of you...I really owe you."

"It's no big deal." Yoshi said, not really knowing what to say and Usagi looked at him like he was insane "You saved my mother and helped me get into the Hamato Clan! That's a huge deal for me! Seriously, whatever you need just ask me and I'll be there!" Yoshi just nodded in response, feeling awkward as Shen reached her hand out to Usagi and offered him a smile. "Sorry for not introducing myself before, my name is Tang Shen and I hope we can become friends as well."

Usagi smiled and shook her hand. "Miyamoto Usagi and I would like to be your friend."

"You can be my friend as well if you want?" Kitsune asked while sending him a wink and Usagi smiled nervously. "Sure but just friends, ok?"

"Fine by me, darling." Kitsune said and that was probably the first genuine thing she has said. Yes, Usagi was sure he would get along fine with Shen, Yoshi and maybe Kitsune but he wasn't too sure about Saki. Usagi did not miss the glare he threw at Yoshi behind his back when Yuuta unpunished him after he saved his mother. It almost looked like he was jealous but why would Saki be jealous of that?

Usagi shrugged it off, however. Afterall, he might be wrong. For all he knew it was just a weird brother thing. He wouldn't know since he is an only child but maybe Yoshi can become like his brother...he wouldn't mind that at all.