- Chapter 83 -

The Ultimate Ninja

On a rooftop at night, a strangely-attired man materialized out of thin air. After a minute, he pooled water from a fountain in his hand, using it to create a scrying mirror.

"Show me the one I seek," he told the mirror.

An image rippled and slowly materialized, revealing Leo's face.

"Hamato Leonardo… it's been a long time," the man said with a smile. "Let's see which of us is stronger."

In the lair, Kagome, April, and Casey came down with a bucket of popcorn and numerous snacks. In the living room, the Turtles and Hisako were already seated in preparation.

"Who's ready for Movie Night?" Kagome asked in a singsong voice.

"I am!" Mikey cheered.

"Whose turn was it to pick the movie?" Donnie questioned.

"I got it," Casey replied, holding up a DVD. " Rio Gato . A kickass Western I used to watch with my dad."

"You realize that translates to River Cat, right?" Hisako asked.

"So what? It's still a great movie."

Hisako shrugged. "Alright, let's see what you got."

"You'll like it," Casey said as he slid the movie into the DVD player. "It's about a young gunslinger, seeking fame by taking down a respected sheriff. It's epic and action-packed."

"Right up my alley!" Raph declared.

Everyone sat down to enjoy the film and soon ended up engrossed in it. Hisako snagged a handful of popcorn from Leo's bucket, eyes on the screen. The film ended happily, with the old sheriff faster on the draw and taking down the young gunslinger. As the credits rolled, everyone kicked back to discuss the movie.

"Not too shabby, Casey," Hisako remarked. "Not too shabby at all."

"Gotta admit, that was pretty good," Raph agreed.

"What can I say?" Casey said. "My dad had good taste in movies."

Mikey fished around for more popcorn, only to come up empty. "Speaking of taste, I'm still hungry."

"Still?" Karai asked, raising an eyebrow. "You ate most of the popcorn."

"Mikey's stomach is basically a black hole, Karai," Vee pointed out.

"Eh, let's go get some ice cream," Kagome offered. "I'm buying."

"Woo!" Mikey cheered. "You da ninja, Kagome!"

"Ice cream?" Donnie questioned. "In December?"

"Hey, the tummy wants what the tummy wants," Mikey remarked.

Later, in an alleyway, the group enjoyed their frozen treats while continuing to discuss the film.

"I gotta say," Kagome began, taking a bite of her strawberry banana chocolate parfait, "I expected the other guy to win in that movie. He was in his prime. More skilled and energetic."

"Not exactly," said Leo, licking a strawberry cone. "The older sheriff was way more experienced."

"Agreed," said Donnie, taking a bite from a cookie dough ice cream cup. "There's an old saying. 'Old age and treachery beats youth and enthusiasm.'"

"He might've won because he fought for honor and integrity, while the younger guy fought for a selfish cause," Vee mused, licking a Neapolitan cone before shrugging. "At least, that's what Dad would say. Maybe they just wanted a happy ending."

"Maybe," Raph said, biting into an ice cream sandwich.

"Either way, it was a good flick," Hisako said, putting a spoonful of double chocolate fudge sundae in her mouth.

They finished their ice cream and were about to go home.

"So, next time is Hisako's turn to pick the movie," Leo said. "Can't wait to-"

He suddenly stopped, stiffening. Everyone turned to him.

"What is it?" April asked.

Leo spun around, catching a kunai thrown at the back of his head. The kunai had a green tassel attached, one the Turtles and Kagome recognized. All six froze up.

"Is that what I think it is?" Kagome asked.

"Looks like," said Leo.

"Never thought we'd receive one of these," Raph remarked.

However, not everyone was on the same page. Both Karai and Hisako stared at the knife, wondering what made it so special

"Okay, I'll bite," Hisako let out. "What's going on?"

"Yeah, we've had kunai knives thrown at us before," Karai pointed out. "Why is this one different?"

"You have indeed become a skilled warrior... Hamato Leonardo." A figure emerged from the shadows, wearing a red demon mask and dark blue armor with gold trim. "Just as I thought you would."

Leo was surprised by the figure before him but maintained his composure. "Why are you here?"

"I have come to challenge you to a duel of honor!"

Karai blinked, confused. "Who's this clown?"

"Clown?" the figure sounded offended, raising the clawed glove on his right hand. "Watch your tongue, girl. I am Ue, the Ultimate Ninja!"

"Ultimate Ninja?" Casey chuckled a bit. "Are you serious?"

"Very serious," Raph confirmed. "We met him a few years ago. He's the son of a big head honcho of-"

"Enough!" Ue cut him off sharply. "I did not come all this way to share stories, but to test my prowess against one of the greatest warriors of this realm."

Leo blinked before pointing to himself. "Me?"

"You defeated General Krang. A feat not many can claim."

Leo shrugged. "I didn't do so alone. I had help from a lot of people just as brave and heroic as me."

"I have no doubt, but it is you that I choose to battle. Do you accept?"

Leo flipped the kunai back handle first, offering it back. "I do."

"Now I know how Woody felt in Toy Story 4," April deadpanned as Ue took the knife back. "You expect us to just sit back and watch this?"

"Yes," a new voice cut in bluntly.

A puddle of water began to shimmer, lifting off the ground to become a semi-translucent man wearing a blue haori, white hakama, and a kabuki-style mask. In his hands, he held a wooden paddle with two strings dangling from either side.

"What in the world…" Karai let out.

"Gyoji!" Mikey exclaimed. "You nearly made me wet my shell, dude."

"Apologies, Michelangelo."

"Uh, what the heck, dude?" Casey let out.

"Will someone care to explain what the hell is going on?" Hisako demanded. "Who are these people? How do you know them? And why does this guy wanna fight Leo?!"

Kagome held up a finger. "Will you excuse us for a minute?"

Ue seemed annoyed but just nodded, allowing Kagome and the Turtles to take the others aside.

"Long story short, Krang isn't the first interdimensional being we've encountered," Kagome explained.

"Ue is the first," Vee added. "Gyoji is a multiversal referee for fights like this."

"He will ensure that this is a fair and just battle," Leo included. "And frankly, I can't turn this down."

"Why not?" Karai asked. " What's the worst that could happen?"

"You mean aside from bringing shame to the Hamato name? I've been officially challenged to a duel by Ue. That's what the kunai was about. If I refuse the duel, what will that say about the Hamatos?"

That gave everyone pause.

"I am waiting for your answer, Leonardo," Ue told him. "And I am far from a patient man."

Leo turned to him. "I accept your challenge on one condition. My family has a full observance."

"Very well. Gyoji, fetch Hamato Yoshi and Kasumi Lee."

Gyoji then melted into a puddle, disappearing.

"Okay," April remarked. "That's more than a little creepy."

Kasumi had just finished another day at work and was having tea with Splinter at the lair when Gyoji appeared before them. Both were surprised but shook it off.

"Hamato Yoshi and Kasumi Lee." Gyoji bowed in greeting. "Your presence is requested by Hamato Leonardo."

The two ninja masters exchanged looks, then nodded.

"Take us to him," Kasumi said.

Gyoji nodded, then shook his paddle. The two were engulfed in water and disappeared.

Splinter and Kasumi reappeared in the alley, along with Gyoji.

"So glad you could join us for observance of this duel," Ue greeted.

"Ue?" Splinter let out. "Duel?"

"With me," Leo clarified.

"A challenge?" Splinter asked. "For what purpose do you challenge my son?"

"I merely wish to test my skills and his, Hamato Yoshi," Ue explained. "From the first time I saw your son, six years ago, I could see his potential. Then, I heard about how your children bested the likes of General Krang. I knew that he had truly grown into the powerful warrior I had always believed he would."

"Dad, you can't be happy with this," Karai insisted. "There's no way!"

"Yeah!" Casey added. "This guy's just trying to pick a fight!"

"I'm afraid you have no real choice," Ue told them. "If Leonardo refuses the match... your lives are forfeit."

Everyone stiffened at that.

"Are you kidding me?" April demanded. "You're gonna kill us all if Leo doesn't agree to this stupid fight?!"

Hisako's eyes narrowed, but she remained silent.

"He knows the terms, and he's already accepted," Ue retorted. "Turning the match down now would be the ultimate dishonor."

The two faced one another at that, Leo drawing his swords.

"Challenge accepted," Gyoji announced. "The battle will continue until surrender or fatal blow. Duelists, prepare yourselves."

Gyoji waved his paddle and a puddle of water appeared below Leo. He began sinking into it, remaining calm as the same happened to Ue-Sama.

"What's happening?!" April demanded.

"They are being transported to the battlefield," Gyoji explained.

"Then how are we supposed to watch the fight, dumbass?!" Casey shouted.

As the two vanished completely, Gyoji created a large water mirror, the group gathering around it. "Like so."

The group all gathered around the mirror, as an image coalesced within it…

Leo found himself in Central Park. He walked around, eyes open and ready for anything.

"Central Park, nice choice," he said aloud. "Wide open space. And lots of places to hide-" He whirled around just in time to block an attack from Ue-Sama. "-and jump out."

"Your reflexes are sharp," Ue-Sama remarked. "Let's see if you can say the same for your blades."

They drew their swords, circling each other. They remained as such for a few moments, then Ue-Sama charged. Leo brought up one blade to block, the other going in for a side swipe. Ue-Sama dodged, then planted a foot in Leo's gut, kicking him back. Leo slid back but remained on his feet.

"It's weird," he remarked. "I've spent so long getting kicked around by robots, demons, aliens, and vampires… that a normal kick just feels off."

"Quite the eventful life you lead," Ue-Sama mused.

"What can I say? At least I'm never bored."

In the alley, the group watched through the mirror as Leo and Ue-Sama continued to clash. As Leo kicked Ue-Sama to the edge of a bridge, he flipped off, landing on the roof of a passing truck. Leo ran to the other side of the bridge and landed on it as well, allowing their fight to resume.

"This guy's good," Karai said aloud.

"Insanely good," April agreed. "I'm starting to see why he's called the Ultimate Ninja."

Hisako just silently watched, observing Ue with a calculating eye.

"I'm... a bit worried, guys," April went on. "Gyoji specifically said the fight ends by either surrender or 'fatal blow.' Leo could actually-"

"Stopping you right there," Mikey cut in. "Ue's good, but so's Leo."

"Agreed," said Raph. "No way Leo's losing."

"But-" Casey began.

" Shut up and watch, " Hisako hissed, mist curling around Casey, and turning his eyes green almost instantly.

"Shutting up and watching," he said in a dull monotone.

Gyoji glanced over at Hisako. "An esper?"

"You could say that," Hisako replied.

-X-

Leo was put on the defensive, blocking and dodging Ue-Sama's attacks while both kept their balance on the speeding truck. Ue-Sama drew several shuriken, throwing them one by one at the blue turtle. Leo blocked them one by one, then charged in, swiping down. Ue-Sama jumped back, causing Leo to jam his katanas into the roof of the truck. After struggling to pull them out, Leo gave in and stood up, getting into a karate stance.

"Hand to hand. The basis of all combat," Ue-Sama remarked. "Only a fool trusts his life to a weapon."

The Ultimate Ninja stowed his weapons, getting into a fighting stance of his own. "Your move, Leonardo."

Leo charged, balling up his fist, and Ue-Sama did the same. They began blocking each other's blows, entering an erratically choreographed dance. Occasionally, a blow would land, but neither party would acknowledge or react.

"Just what I expected from the son of Hamato Yoshi!" Ue-Sama declared.

"You're not half-bad yourself!" Leo replied.

At that moment, they looked to see the truck headed for an overpass and they both gasped.

"Oh, crap!" Leo shouted.

He threw out his Turtle Line, Ue-Sama using his grappling hook, and they yanked themselves to safety, landing on the truck to continue the fight. As they continued to trade blows, the truck drove toward the Brooklyn Bridge.

-X-

In the alley, the group continued to watch the fight.

"Your son is indeed a skilled warrior, Hamato Yoshi," Gyoji mused.

"I could not agree more," Splinter said.

"He's one of the best fighters I know," Karai agreed. "He can pull this off, I know it."

"Look, they're getting off the truck!" Donnie cut in, pointing at the mirror.

They watched as Leo and Ue-Sama jumped off the truck, climbing up to a slab of pavement near the top of the bridge and facing off with each other there.

-X-

Leo and Ue faced one another, panting slightly.

"Looks like this is the end of the line," Leo remarked. "Ready to surrender yet?"

"Are you?" Ue retorted.

"Nope."

"Then there's your answer."

And with that, the fight continued. Leo landed a quick one-two punch, knocking Ue back. After regaining his feet, Ue pulled out a tekko-kagi glove, tossing Leo his personal swords.

"Let us end this fight properly," he said.

Leo caught the katanas, smiling. "Let's."

The two clashed for a bit longer, sparks flying as their blades clashed. Eventually, one of Leo's strikes shattered Ue's tekko-kagi before he swept his legs out from under him. As his opponent's back hit the ground, Leo held one of the swords to his neck.

"Do you yield?" he asked.

After a minute, Ue smiled, bowing his head respectfully. "I do. Well done, Leonardo."

Leo returned the smile, then dropped his hands and offered him a hand up. Ue-Sama took the hand and pulled himself up as Gyoji appeared.

"Hamato Leonardo is the victor!" he declared.

The rest of the group appeared as well, all of them rushing to congratulate Leo.

"Well done, my son," Splinter said with a smile.

Raph pulled Leo into a noogie. "Knew you could do it."

"Never doubted you for a second!" Vee agreed.

"It seems I still have more work to do before I can truly call myself the Ultimate Ninja," Ue-Sama mused.

"You'll get there one day," Leo assured him. "Just don't let your ambitions get in the way of what's really important." As he spoke, his siblings and friends gathered around him. "Protecting those you care about."

"Hold it, hold it," April cut in. "Leo, why are you acting like this guy didn't just try to fight you to the death?!"

"Because he didn't," Hisako chimed in. "Ue is a childhood friend."

"Yeah!" Mikey agreed. "All of those claims of us dying were just an act. He was playing the heel."

"That was all fake?" Karai asked. "Then… you were messing with us the whole time?"

"Forgive me for being a bit theatrical after not seeing my dear friends in six years," Ue replied.

"Right," Leo turned to the four still not in the know. "With that out of the way, time for the full story. Ue and Gyoji hail from the Battle Nexus."

"The what now?" Casey asked.

"The Battle Nexus is a big nexus of dimensions," Donnie explained. "It connects a lot of different worlds, including ours. Basically, it's the center of the multiverse."

" That's why the idea of aliens from another dimension didn't freak you out," Hisako said in realization.

"It's also home to the Battle Nexus Tournament," Leo added. "A competition held every three years where the mightiest warriors from numerous galaxies come together and battle to become the champion of the multiverse."

"Splinter and Mom both fought in it, and they took us with them the year before we found you," Kagome included.

Hisako did some quick math in her head. "If it's held every three years, then why didn't we go to the last one? By my calculations, one would have occurred when we were twelve."

"Because you'd just gotten out of physical therapy, and Dad and Kasumi knew taking a psychic with PTSD and no social skills to a big multidimensional gathering was just asking for trouble," Vee answered.

Hisako winced, giving a nod. "Yeah, that makes sense."

"Father and I were very disappointed when you turned down our invitations," Ue went on. "Hopefully this year, you will all be in attendance. Especially since all of you are now of age to compete."

"We will be, Ue," Kasumi said. "I assure you of that."

"I will make sure to inform my father of your new daughters as well," Ue assured. "What are your names?"

"Hamato Karai, or Miwa," Karai replied.

Ue's eyes went wide. "Your lost daughter?"

Splinter nodded. "Oroku Saki had taken her that night. We only recently got her back."

"And I'm beyond grateful to be with my true family," Karai said.

"Indeed," Ue turned to Hisako.

"Hamato Hisako. No blood connections, unless mutagen counts."

Ue chuckled. "Family doesn't end in blood."

Hisako smiled. "Don't I know it?" She leaned into Splinter, who happily wrapped his arms around her.

"My father will be pleased to learn his old friend's family had grown, and I wish you all well," Ue said. "One more thing."

Gyoji nodded and waved his paddle. Leo's katanas appeared before him and he picked them up with a smile.

"I look forward to seeing you all in the Battle Nexus," Ue went on. "Along with the latest additions to your family."

Gyoji waved his paddle again and he and Ue disappeared.

"Well," said Hisako, "that was fun."

"C'mon, guys," Leo said. "Let's go home."

As they reappeared in the Battle Nexus, Ue-Sama broke away from Gyoji and went out into the hills. It wasn't long before he was met with a tall hooded figure, who he had been expecting to see.

"I checked out the Hamato family," he informed the figure. "They are indeed skilled warriors, as we predicted."

"And what has become of them?" the figure asked. "Why did they not come to the last battle?"

"Another child came into their lives," Ue-Sama replied. "She was weak and sickly at the time. Kasumi and Yoshi had to care for her."

The figure let out a growl. "Will she keep them from attending this year?"

"No," Ue-Sama assured. "She's healthy and is a ninja like the other children. They will be coming."

"Good," the figure said, chuckling evilly. "This time, our plan will not be delayed. Soon, ultimate power will be ours."

Ue-Sama looked uncertain and conflicted, but nonetheless answered, "Yes."

Author's Note:

Yeah, my version of the Ultimate Ninja is much more sympathetic. He's not a cheating d-bag, for one.

And I've set up the Battle Nexus arc as well. Joy!

Voice cast for this chapter:

* Ue - Ray Chase (Noctis Lucis Caelum from Final Fantasy XV, Dr. Genus from One-Punch Man, Iwabe Yuino from Boruto, Donquixote Rosinante from One Piece, Guile in Street Fighter 6, Roy from Fire Emblem)

Please R&R. Until next time!