- Chapter 110 -

The Big Brawl, Part 1

On the night of the full moon, Splinter and Kasumi had gathered the clan for a special initiation. April knelt before them while the others stood off to the side, Splinter holding a tanto and Kasumi a folded-up outfit.

"April O'Neil," Splinter began, holding up the tanto, "this tanto represents the dragon: strong, fierce, intelligent. A dragon not only relies on its physical strength but its keen intellect as well. Be at one in spirit and body. Be like the dragon."

April bowed to them, and with that, Kasumi offered her the outfit, a yellow jumpsuit with the Hamato Clan crest on the back in black, while Splinter offered the tanto.

"April, it is with great pride that we declare you a full-fledged kunoichi of the Hamato Clan," Kasumi said with a smile.

April took the tanto, smiling happily as she did. "Arigato, sensei."

With the ceremony over, everyone was congratulating April, hugging her and smiling

"Well done, April," Seiko said.

"One of us now," Tai congratulated.

"You're gonna be a great kunoichi," Donnie patted her on the back.

April smiled. "Thanks, guys"

"You deserve it," Hisako shared a fist bump with her.

As everyone was talking and celebrating, the nearby water cooler began to shake, the water inside swirling and glowing. Eventually, Hana looked over, noticing it

"What in the world…?" she let out.

The spigot on the cooler was twitching. Curious, she leaned over, flipping it open. Immediately, the water came flowing out, though none of it hit the ground. Instead, it swirled in the air, taking the form of Gyoji. All eyes turned, seeing him.

"Hamato Clan," he greeted. "I have come to inquire as to your entry into the Battle Nexus Tournament. Ue-Sama informed me you signed up, but you have yet to appear for the preliminary battles.

"The Tournament?" Kasumi perked. "That's today?"

"Apologies, Gyoji," Splinter told him. "Things have been... hectic, to say the least."

"The Battle Nexus?!" Mikey gasped. "Oh God... did we miss it?!"

"Be at ease," Gyoji soothed. "It is merely getting started."

"You still attend the Battle Nexus?" Yukio questioned. "I wondered why I didn't receive an invitation until the last one."

Gyoji tilted his head, confused. "I informed you there was a cancellation, did I not?"

Yukio gave him a deadpan look. "You neglected to mention who canceled."

"We had to skip the last one to care for Hisako," Kasumi explained.

"If you are still attending, be ready. I will take your friends to the spectators' seats if they so desire."

"You kidding?" Tai grinned. "Of course, we're going."

"April, as a graduate, perhaps you would like to participate?" Splinter asked.

"Huh?" April shook her head. "Oh, no thank you. I think I'll just watch this year. Get a feel for what to expect."

Splinter nodded. "If you insist."

"Very well," said Gyoji. "Hamato Yoshi, Lee Kasumi, I trust you can find your own way?"

"Yes," Splinter confirmed.

"Then we will see you there."

Gyoji waved his paddle. The clan all vanished with him, leaving the Hamato/Lee family alone.

"How do we get there?" Hisako asked. "It won't involve something like that freaky cow head you mentioned on Magdomar, will it, Dad?"

"Of course not, Hisako," Splinter assured. "Cudley hasn't been used for that in years. He's more a spectator than anything nowadays."

"Then how?" Karai asked.

Kasumi smiled, holding up a piece of chalk. "We'll show you."

They went over to a wall in the dojo that was kept meticulously clean and blank. Kasumi and Splinter began drawing an ornate and complicated symbol on the wall before placing a bowl of water at the base.

"Now then…" Splinter began.

He and Kasumi closed their eyes and began reciting an arcane chant. The water began to glow, rising from the bowl and swirling around the now glowing symbols. This created a watery doorway for the Hamato Family to use.

"Come," said Kasumi. "It's time to go."

One by one, they all stepped through the portal.

The portal dumped them out at the beginning of a long cobblestone path that cut through a field of lush grass with small, majestic rock outcroppings. Ahead of them was a large cliff that had dual waterfalls falling on either side of it. The waterfalls parted to reveal a large stone statue carved into the rocks. The statue stood over what could only be described as a large island standing in the middle of the waterfall's pool. The island was dominated by a large city, one that seemed to have been plucked straight out of Feudal Japan. It was surrounded by a large, stone wall with an ornate gate opening at the end of a large bridge that connected the island to the mainland.

"Six years, and not much has changed," Leo mused.

"This place is amazing…" Hisako let out.

"You can say that again," Karai agreed.

"Indeed it is." Kasumi then cleared her throat, clapping her hands once. "Now then… good luck."

That got their attention.

"What do you mean by that, Kasumi?" Hisako questioned.

"You need to pass the preliminary round," Splinter informed them. "Which is gonna start right about…"

Just then, a watery portal opened and a group of skinny, stick-like creatures stepped through. They were gray with bird-like beaks and identical sickles in their hands. They bowed to the group as Hisako set Midnight down.

"This is gonna be fun," she remarked, drawing her tessen.

Splinter picked up Midnight as he and Kasumi stepped back to watch their kids prepare to face the creatures.

"So, who are these guys?" Karai questioned.

"If memory serves, these things are called Gom-Tai," Donnie explained.

"They're like Groot, only smaller and deadlier," Mikey added.

"Any tips on taking them down?" Hisako asked.

Kagome closed her eyes, racking her brain for any tips. "Get in close. The Gom-Tai aren't too good at close quarters. It's how Mom and Splinter took them down."

"Anything else?" Karai pressed.

"Yeah," Vee replied. "Watch out for their sickles."

Karai rolled her eyes at that. "I mean, duh, avoid the weapons. I was hoping for something more-"

"Enough chatter!" Mikey declared. "Let's do this!"

They jumped at the Gom-Tai, who swung at them with their weapons. Karai rushed to avoid a quick attack, watching the sickles cut through a large boulder like it was butter.

"Damn, those things are sharp," she remarked, bashing the offending Gom-Tai in the face with her tanto.

Kagome charged at one of the Gom-Tai, ducking a slice before grabbing its arm and throwing it over her shoulder. Raph grabbed his Gom-Tai around the stomach, flipping him over and burying his head into the mud, while Leo used his swords to trip up his, bashing it in the head with the hilt. Mikey ducked a slice before sweep-kicking his Gom-Tai's legs out from under it, while Donnie dodged around his, bashing it in the back with his staff. Hisako flipped over hers, roundhouse kicking it in the face. Karai ended up using her snake-like grace to dodge and weave around the blows before knocking it out with a powerful punch. To finish off, Vee grabbed her own Gom-Tai and suplexed it.

"Well…" she remarked as she vaulted to her feet, "I'd say that's a wrap."

All of them shared high fives as the Gom-Tai got to their feet, bowing to the teens. The octet all bowed in return.

"Congratulations," Splinter told them, smiling as he handed Midnight over to Hisako. "You all did wonderfully."

"That wasn't so bad," Karai remarked. "So, what do we do now?"

"Now, it's our turn," Kasumi replied, she and Splinter stepping forward. "Remember, you cannot interfere."

"Understood," Leo said, bowing his head slightly as he and his siblings stepped back. "And good luck."

"You guys can take whatever they throw at you!" Mikey declared.

"Well, guess there's nothin' left to do but kick back and watch Dad and Kasumi clean house," Raph decided, doing just that on a nearby rock.

"Been a while since I've seen them actually fight," Karai mused.

They all took a seat in the grass as Splinter and Kasumi stepped forward. Soon, two other figures appeared: a four-armed, blue-skinned giant with a long blonde beard and a very familiar Neutrino.

"General Stavros!" Kagome exclaimed.

"D'Jinn too!" Leo added.

"Oooh, this is gonna be good!" Mikey exclaimed.

Kasumi and Stavros circled each other, weapons at the ready.

"It would seem I am not the only one who has come to represent my clan," Stavros mused.

"So it would appear," Kasumi raised her sword. "Your move, General."

Stavros raised his own and they clashed.

"Guys?"

The Hamato teens perked, seeing Tara and Ximena nearby.

"Xi!" Kagome smiled. "Hi!"

"Surprised to see you here," Leo remarked. "You competing as well?"

"Sadly, no," Tara replied. "I am here as Ximena's bodyguard. General Stavros received an invite to the Battle Nexus and she insisted on coming to watch."

"It's an alien fighting tournament," Ximena grinned. "How could I turn it down? It's like something out of Space Heroes!"

Leo perked. "You're a Spacenik too?!"

That got exasperated sighs and groans from his siblings.

"You kidding? I grew up on it!" Ximena looked around, then leaned in. "I have the entire sequel series."

"Seriously?! I've looked everywhere for Next Generation!"

"Oh no…" Donnie sighed.

"How bad are we talking?" Karai questioned.

"Most of the tapes were put in a landfill because the show was deemed too disturbing for kids."

"They missed some," Ximena smirked. "My mom and I scoured junk fairs, trade shops, pawn shops, you name it until we got lucky at the last rental shop in the city. They paid us to take it off their hands."

"Gee, I wonder why?" Raph deadpanned.

"That's what I said!" Ximena remarked, seemingly missing Raph's sarcasm.

As Leo and Ximena continued to talk, the others turned back to Splinter and Kasumi's match. Kasumi clashed with Stavros, managing to hold her own and pressure the general.

"You are quite skilled," Stavros complimented. "It is clear your children have an excellent teacher."

"I do what I can," Kasumi replied.

"However, this is the first time I have had the chance to show my daughter what I can do." His eyes began to glow. "So I cannot lose so early."

"Well, let's be sure to give her a show to remember."

Their blades clashed, but now Stavros was pushing her back.

"Holy crap…" Mikey let out. "The General's winning?"

"It's not over yet!" Kagome insisted. "Get him, Mom!"

The fight was close, but Stavros channeled his power into his blade, cutting clean through Kasumi's. Before she could react, he rammed his palm into her torso, knocking her on her back. He held his blade before her face.

"Do you yield, Kasumi Lee?"

Kasumi was silent, then smiled before raising her hands. "I yield."

Stavros smiled, offering her a hand up. She took it, the two bowing respectfully.

"Dad!" Ximena ran forward, hugging him. "That was amazing!"

Meanwhile, several of the Hamato siblings were still taking it in.

"Did that really just happen?" Mikey questioned. "Kasumi lost… in the prelims?"

"It happens," Kasumi replied. "There's no shame in losing, Michelangelo. It simply means you get back up and try again. And occasionally, even a master will find someone stronger. Never forget this simple fact: no matter how good you are, there will always be someone better who comes along."

As she said that, D'Jinn went flying, hitting a tree.

"Guess Dad's still the better one here," Raph mused.

The Hamato kids immediately started applauding and cheering, Mikey whistling as well.

At that, Gyoji appeared.

"D'Jinn and Kasumi Lee are no longer able to battle," he declared. "The victors are Hamato Yoshi and General Stavros!"

"I look forward to seeing you all in the tournament," Stavros told them. "Ximena, come."

"Right behind you, Dad!"

Tara bowed to the Hamato/Lee family before following them away. D'Jinn stood up, bowing to Splinter. "Well fought, old friend."

"Same to you, D'Jinn," Splinter replied.

The Hamato siblings and Kagome ran down to hug their parental figures. D'Jinn laughed at the sight.

Your children have grown. Both in size and in numbers."

"Yes." Kasumi said. "This is Hisako and Miwa."

"You can call me Karai if you want," Karai added. "I don't really have a preference."

"It's a pleasure to meet you," Hisako included, bowing.

D'Jinn chuckled. "How time flies. It seems like only yesterday that Yoshi and Kasumi participated in the tournament and put Drako in his place."

Karai raised an eyebrow. "Who's Drako?"

"The former champion," Splinter replied. "Though he was dishonorable, used underhanded tactics and tricks to keep his position. Kasumi and I defeated him in a battle royale."

"Oh, come on," D'Jinn urged. "You're leaving out the good part."

"Good part?" Hisako asked.

"We're getting to that, D'Jinn," Kasumi told him before turning back to her kids. "Of course, Drako didn't take his defeat very well at all. He and a group of four assassins ambushed us after the match."

"I had injured my leg in the fight and was not at peak strength," Splinter added. "And these assassins used dishonorable tactics to tip the scales in their favor."

"It would have been curtains for us, had Miyamoto Usagi not seen the incident and jumped to our defense," Kasumi included.

"Usagi!" Leo exclaimed, grinning. "Oh man, I remember him."

"Isn't that the guy you had a crush on?" Raph asked.

Leo glared at him. "It wasn't like that!"

"Who's Usagi?" Karai questioned.

"A young warrior serving his master at the time," Splinter explained.

"We met him last time we were here," Leo added. "Usagi gave me some pointers on my swordplay."

"So why's he basically named 'rabbit'?" Hisako asked.

"Because that's what he is," Raph explained. "A samurai rabbit."

"A ronin, Raph," Leo corrected. "Samurais have masters. Last we heard, Usagi didn't have one."

"Yeah, like I said, crush," Raph remarked.

Leo scowled. "I do not have a crush on Usagi!"

"Both of you, knock it off!" Kagome snapped before turning to Splinter and Kasumi. "Anyway, what happened next?"

"With Usagi's help, we held Drako and his assassins off long enough for the Daimyo to intervene," Splinter continued. "He had grown tired of Drako's attitude and his underhanded tricks, and his attack on us was the last straw."

"He banished Drako from the Battle Nexus altogether, and forbade him from ever participating again," Kasumi added.

"And no one has heard from him since," D'Jinn concluded. "Needless to say, not one participant or spectator in the nexus was sorry to see him go."

"It was later we found out that he had remained in his spot for so long because he was being sponsored and backed by Big Mama," Splinter said.

Karai perked. "That creepy spider demon? Bet she was pissed."

"I think her trying to kill us down in the Hidden City says yeah," Vee said flatly.

"Indeed," said Kasumi. "She had started a betting pool over Drako, and didn't take too kindly to us costing her a source of funding."

"You did mention her wanting to take over the Battle Nexus," Karai recalled.

"Indeed. Of course, the Daimyo would never allow it."

After a minute, a tall figure wearing red robes and a golden mask appeared, alongside Ue.

"Whoa!" Hisako exclaimed. "Who's this guy?"

"That's the Daimyo himself, sis," Vee told her. "The big cheese of the Battle Nexus."

They all bowed as the Daimyo stepped forward. "Hamato Yoshi. Kasumi Lee. So glad you and your family could make it."

"As are we," Splinter answered. "Thank you for extending the invitation for our children. I am sorry we could not attend the previous tournament."

"It is no trouble," the Daimyo assured him. "From what I have seen, they have grown into capable fighters in their own right. And as for your absence, a father always puts his family first."

"Indeed." Splinter turned to his kids. "Please, allow me to introduce my daughters. This is Miwa, my long-lost child."

"Call me Karai."

"And this is Hisako, my young, psychic daughter."

"It's an honor to be here." Hisako bowed.

The Daimyo returned the bow as Ue came forward, smiling beneath his mask.

"Hamato Clan! So good to see you here!"

"Same to you, Ue-Sama," Leo replied. "Healing up since our last fight?"

"Indeed," Ue replied with a chuckle.

"Ooh, ooh!" Mikey piped up suddenly. "Did Hikari and her dad show up yet?"

"As a matter of fact, they did. Hikari passed the preliminary round not long before you arrived."

"Who's Hikari?" Karai questioned.

"Oh, you gotta meet her," Mikey insisted, bouncing on his toes. "C'mon, let's go find her!"

Leo turned to Splinter and Kasumi.

"Is that okay with you two?"

"Go ahead," Kasumi told them with a slight smile. They all cheered, then ran off.

-X-

"So who is this Hikari?" Hisako asked as they made their way toward the heart of the Nexus.

"Tokimiya Hikari," Leo explained. "We played with her while her dad, ours, and Kasumi fought in the tournament."

Karai perked. "Tokimiya Hikari? The heiress of the Ryu Apothecary? That Hikari?"

Leo blinked. "You know about her apothecary?"

"And she's a heiress?" Mikey asked. "I thought her mom was just an herbalist."

Karai nodded. "Yeah, I know about it. The Ryu Apothecary is one of the biggest pharmaceutical companies in Japan. People have compared their products to real-life panaceas."

"Wait, they're that big?" Vee asked.

"Huh," Mikey mused. "Never woulda thought."

"Yeah…" Karai rubbed the back of her neck. "The Foot targeted them for a heist once. I was tasked with befriending her, getting secrets."

"Hang on…" Leo said. "You're the Senaka o sasu meinu (1) she mentioned a few years back, aren't you?"

Karai winced. "Yeah, that'd be me."

"This is gonna be good," Vee smirked.

"Slap, punch, or doesn't remember?" Mikey asked

"Slap," Donnie insisted. "Her memory is impeccable and slaps are more humiliating."

Hisako shook her head. "Oh no, girls slap. So she's getting slapped."

Vee looked around, eventually seeing a familiar figure in the crowd.

"I think that's her!" she exclaimed.

"Hey, Hikari!" Kagome called out, waving her hand. "Over here!"

The girl heard them and turned to them, her face lighting up. She quickly approached them, and they got a good look at her. She was around their age, with long black hair, green eyes, and pale skin, and wore a yellow kimono with orange leaves on the sleeves and skirt, along with a red obi and matching headband.

"Hey!" she exclaimed. "You guys made it this time!"

She hugged the Turtles and Kagome in greeting, which they returned.

"Hikari, meet our sisters!" Mikey declared. "This is Hisako."

Hisako gave a small wave. "I love your kimono. It's adorable."

Hikari smiled. "Thank you. Mama and I sewed it ourselves."

"And this is- "

Hikari turned to Karai, her facial expression neutral. "Masamune Harmony. Or would you prefer Oroku Karai?"

Karai cringed. "It's... Hamato Karai."

"Funny story," Mikey said. "She was kidnapped as a baby by Shredder and raised as a weapon against her birth father."

Everyone gave him a weird look

"How is that funny?" Vee questioned.

"Okay, bad choice of words."

"I have no affiliation with the Shredder or the Foot Clan any longer, Hikari-san," Karai informed her. "I've seen the light. I don't expect forgiveness, but I'm sorry regardless."

She bowed. Hikari sighed.

"It was a long time ago," she began. "I've grown since then, and it's clear you have as well. I'm sorry for what you had to endure at the hands of the Shredder. If Leo and the others vouch for you, I forgive you. But first... raise your head."

Karai did so, and a loud smack sounded as Hikari's palm met her cheek, knocking her to the ground.

"Now we're even."

"Slap won." Mikey mused.

Karai sat up, rubbing her reddened cheek. "Yeah, I had that coming."

"You did," Hikari smiled before helping her up. "But now, we're friends. So, let's get you some ice for that."

-X-

After a quick stop at the concession stand, Hikari got an ice pack for Karai, holding it to her reddened cheek gently. Karai winced briefly before taking it herself.

"Just keep pressure on it," she told her before turning to the others. "So, you mind if I ask why you weren't here last time?"

All of them gestured to Hisako with a finger or thumb.

"Wanna hear another funny story?" Hisako asked. "I was found in a dumpster and have more trauma than a psychology textbook. Oh, and I'm a telepathic telekinetic."

"I see…" Hikari wisely decided to change the subject. "I was on my way to the Pavilion of Past Champions when I ran into you. Care to join me?"

"Sounds like fun to me," Karai remarked.

"It's amazing," Leo told her. "You'll love it."

-X-

The group went to the Pavilion of Past Champions, all of them looking over the statues of the past champions. Karai stopped in front of one statue in particular, depicting a man resembling Splinter's human form, and read the engraving.

"Hamato Yuta…" she read aloud. "Is this… my grandfather?"

"Indeed," Splinter's voice came in, he and Kasumi entering. "I thought you would come here."

"Master Yoshi! Miss Kasumi!" Hikari exclaimed, bowing respectfully. "Wonderful to see you again."

"Hello again, Hikari," Splinter greeted. "It's incredible. Every time I see you, I see more of Akiko."

"Is your father participating this year?" Kasumi asked. "Or will I have company in the stands?"

"You're not competing?"

"I met with a stronger opponent in the preliminary."

"I see." Hikari shook her head. "And no. Papa said it's my year, so he'll just be watching."

Karai pointed to the statue of Hamato Yuta. "Grandpa fought in this too?"

"Yes," Splinter confirmed. "It was a tradition in the Hamato Clan that the current head compete in the Battle Nexus."

"Same with my family," Hikari added, pointing to two statues depicting older men wearing kimonos and wielding a katana. "This is my father and grandfather, Tokimiya Ichiro and Hiro."

"Seems the Battle Nexus is a family affair," Karai mused, rubbing her arm. "Would I have come if things hadn't... gone the way they did?"

"I am certain you would have," Splinter assured. "And now, you are."

"Hey look! It's Yukio!" Mikey exclaimed. "He won too!"

Indeed, a statue of Yukio stood before them.

"Looks like he was the winner last time," Leo mused. "When Dad and Kasumi couldn't make it."

"I remember him," Hikari recalled. "He seemed kind. How do you know him?"

"He's part of our ninja clan," Raph explained. "They're actually here to watch us."

"Well…" Hikari blinked. "It seems a lot has happened since we last met."

Kagome turned to Hikari. "So Hikari, why exactly did you wanna come here first thing?"

"My papa and grandpa used to do the same. Before the tournament began in full, they'd come here to pay their respects to the past champions and meditate for luck."

"Mind if I join you?" Leo asked.

"Not at all," Hikari replied, smiling.

"You two have fun meditating," Mikey told them. "The rest of us still need to show Hisako and Karai around."

"Go ahead then," Leo replied. "I'll catch up later."

With that, the rest of the Hamato Clan took their leave, leaving Hikari and Leo alone. Hikari knelt before the statues of her father and grandfather, bowing her head in respect.

"Whether I win or lose... I'll make you two proud."

The two sat in meditation positions and closed their eyes, unaware of ninja assassins in dark costumes moving in the shadows. One hid behind a statue, aiming a crossbow directly at Leo's back…

Author's Note:

And thus, the Battle Nexus arc begins! I've been looking forward to this.

Hikari Tokimiya is adapted from my Kingdom Hearts 3: Darkest Storm fanfic, based on a "what if" RP I did with Kristen Verne a while back.

Voice cast for this chapter:

* Hikari- Jenny Yokobori (Kumiko Albertson from The Simpsons, Xiaomei from Edens Zero, Miki from Pokémon Evolutions, Dashi from Octonauts, Yoshino Somei from Spriggan 2022, Yoimiya from Genshin Impact, Pupil from Akudama Drive, Kuromi from Hello Kitty and Friends Supercute Adventures)

* D'Jinn- F.B. Owens (Traximus in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2003, Gol D. Roger in One Piece's 4Kids dub)

Please R&R. Until next time!