Hello, welcome to the sixth chapter of Senran Kagura: Shinobi Chronicles.
Now, onto the story.
Enjoy
"Speaking"
'Thinking'
*Sounds*
[Shinobi Driver]
Special Attacks
After Asuka, Homura and Kamen Rider Shinobi are forcefully dragged away from their part of the Shinobi Barrier, the space around Hanzo Academy's old school building begins to warp and distort.
The Hanzo and Hebijo shinobi girls all notice this, taking it as a signal that their fight would have to be put on hold as they saw it as a signal that the Shinobi Barrier they were currently staying at wouldn't last for much longer…
Hanzo National Academy - Outside of the old school building
"Tch! I can't believe it! Not only the Hebijo Academy attacked us and escaped… But Asuka is also..." Katsuragi begins, looking down and clenching her fists in frustration.
She and the other good shinobi students regrouped outside of the old school building with Kiriya.
Thankfully, there were no more normal people around and they could use the moment to freely talk about everything that has transpired so far…
Each of the girls reported to their teacher what happened on their end against the evil Hebijo Academy shinobis.
"Asuka-chan..." Hibari mutters sadly, looking pained and concerned for her friend's well-being.
"Hibari… It's okay… She is strong..." Yagyu comforts the pinkette, gently patting her companion's shoulder in reassurance.
"Kiriya-sensei… What are we supposed to do now? We can't just stand here and do nothing. Asuka-san needs us. We have to help." Ikaruga says, looking determinedly at the black-suited gentleman.
"I have only heard certain tales where Dark Seireis drag people to another dimension, where people cannot reach through normal means. Not even shinobis." Kiriya explains his theory of what could have happened to their classmate, shocking the girls even more.
"*Gasp!* That cannot be..." Ikaruga says, horrified.
But Kiriya wasn't done explaining.
"I will have to consult Hanzo-sama about this to be completely sure. But don't worry, girls, I will not give up until I find that there is absolutely a guarantee that something can be done to save Asuka." Kiriya speaks firmly to his students, earning nods of relief and looks of understanding from Katsuragi, Ikaruga, Yagyu and Hibari as he somehow manages to pacify the four of them.
At the same time, none of them was aware that there was a small drone above them, having heard everything they talked about before it decides to fly away.
Narrator: Shinobi were once servants of the feudal lords that ruled Japan in the past, specializing in espionage, subversion, and assassination.
With the influx of western culture after the Meiji Restoration, the feudal system began to collapse, causing them to fade from public consciousness.
However, even in modern times the need for shinobi still exists. Their employers are primarily politicians and corporations. Most employ them merely as tools to satisfy their own greed.
As a result, shinobi are responsible for crimes throughout Japan, and the government moved to confront them. This spawned the creation of Good Shinobi schools to combat Evil Shinobi who break the law.
[In some sort of battlefield, we can see the Hanzo Ninja Academy students and the Hebijo Academy elite group preparing to fight each other, with Asuka and Homura leading their respective teams.]
Narrator: However, they are nothing compared to the forces of a greater danger on the loose in the form of the Serpent Society: an organization of dark ninjas that aim to take over the world with their ninjutsu.
[A battalion of Dustards appears from out of nowhere as it begins to attack both ninja teams, with Karasu leading them while Orochi is observing the fight from the distance, resting on a throne.
The dark forces quickly corner the shinobi girls, who now look injured and full of bruises.]
*Several shurikens being thrown*
*Boom!* *Boom!* *Boom!*
[When things were about to get worse, a new figure appears and uses many shurikens to destroy all the Dustards, leaving only Karasu, who avoids the attack at the last second.
Now everybody looks at the newcomer, who is standing on the top of a Japanese castle, with the light of the full moon illuminating him. It is revealed to be Kamen Rider Shinobi as he has his arms crossed and stares back at them.]
Insert Opening Theme: IZANAGI by Sakuramen and Hideya Tawada - Opening theme of Rider Time: Kamen Rider Shinobi
(Instrumental)
Narrator: The only one who can fight the Serpent Society on equal grounds is the legendary ninja… Kamen Rider Shinobi!
Higashi no sora wo
Akaku so mete
Kodo o hajimeta
Yumeutsutsu
(My heart began throbbing as the eastern sky grew red)
We see Yukio looking at the sky, clenching a fist as he adopts a serious expression.
Hikari ga shimesu
Shinjitsu e to
Haruka ayumitashite
(Walking on the path stretching out to the truth,
Revealed by the light shining between dream and reality)
The Rider walks through the busy streets of the city, passing through the Hanzo Ninja Academy students and the Hebijo Academy elite group. Asuka and Homura both stop to look back worriedly at him as he disappears.
ikuseiso wo o hete kawaranu
tayutau negai ni mi o kogashi
ima o motome tsudzukete
(Suffering as my wandering ideals persisted endlessly,
I desperately sought after the present.)
An injured six years old Yukio walks through an endless darkness, crying while also refusing to give up. He has the Twilight Ninja Scroll firmly in his hands.
The scene changes to show Junpei thinking sadly about his little brother, Touma, who seems to be in a hospital room while looking to be in a critical condition with several medical machines attached to him.
tokini kizutsuki tsukare hatete
utsumuita to shite mo hitomi ni wa
moyuru chishio ga tagiru
(Though at times I may fall with wounds or falter in my goals,
The boiling blood in my eyes will always rise up again.)
An army of Dustards is awaiting Yukio, all looking ready to kill him. Orochi and Karasu can be seen in the background, commanding them to attack the Rider.
At this, the two female ninja groups suddenly arrive to help him, with Asuka smiling at him while Homura sports a grin towards Yukio.
Hazeru!
(Blossom out!)
hitohira no omoi kakete
mugen ni saita chigiri wa kagayaku
(Even just the petals of your dreams
Can bring your dreams to fruition)
The wind blows strong for a moment as the petals of a cherry blossom fall around Yukio.
He then summons the Shinobi Driver on his waist and becomes Kamen Rider Shinobi!
He uses several combinations of fire, water, earth and wind techniques together with the shinobi girls as they easily keep destroying all the Dustards around them.
Asenu!
(Blossom out!)
chikai wa oozora o mai
yuukyuu no toki koete
(Those vows will soar across the sky for all eternity)
Karasu charges at them, creating a powerful energy slash against the group. This makes Shinobi, Asuka, and Homura combine their attacks to counter the attack of the dark shinobi.
Shinobi no michi e izanau~
(Calling for the way of the shinobi!)
The final scene shows Shinobi and Kasaru crossing blades with each other with a burning Japanese castle on the back while the rest of the scene is divided into two:
All ninja girls are on the left rooting for the Kamen Rider.
On the right, Orochi is imposing a dark aura while being accompanied by several Dustards.
An explosion of energy happens and the full title of the fanfic appears, with Kamen Rider Shinobi's Shuriken Starter behind the title:
[Senran Kagura: Shinobi Chronicles]
NinPow 6: Into the World of Darkness
? - Unknown Location
"Ugh..." Asuka groans slightly, slowly regaining her consciousness as she rubs her head in pain. The brunette finds out that she has been apparently laying down on the floor inside of an abandoned warehouse. Unlike in the Shinobi Barrier, as she last remembers, Asuka was currently sporting her Hanzo Academy's school uniform.
Next to her, the brunette girl spots Homura, who is also recovering her senses and slowly waking up as well from the floor, where her tanned face was resting against.
"Ugh… Where am I?" Homura mutters, feeling dizzy until she finally spots Asuka in front of her.
The tanned Kunoichi was currently wearing her Hebijo Academy's sailor school uniform.
"You! Asuka!" Homura growls at the good shinobi as she is finally fully awake, ready to lash out at her target.
"Homura-chan..." Asuka speaks apprehensive before preparing to defend herself against her evil faction adversary.
"Ah, good. About time you two wake up." A cool voice gets the attention of both girls.
Huh?
"*Gasp!*" Asuka gasps in surprise, instantly recognizing the other individual before her.
It was…
"Yukio-kun!?" She calls out the Kamen Rider's name.
Kamui Yukio was currently leaning against a nearby wall as he stared back apathetically at Asuka and Homura with his arms crossed.
"While I'm sure you two would be eager to continue your little duel, that will have to be put on hold for now. We have bigger things to worry about." The ravenette says dryly to the two Kunoichis.
As she finishes processing everything she heard, Homura turns towards the ninja Kamen Rider.
"Now hold on a second. Who do you think you're to tell me what I'm supposed to do?" She approaches the young man, glaring back fiercely at Yukio, who only remains calm as he looks unamused in return at Homura with his own silver eyes.
"..."
The evil kunoichi blinks for a few moments as familiar memories suddenly start to rush inside her head.
"Wait a moment… Now I remember you! You're the guy that was staring back at me when I infiltrated Hanzo Academy, with my team, under the tree. But I also now remember meeting you before back at the ship with Asuka!" The evil shinobi realizes.
Is this some sort of coincidence? No, it certainly couldn't be. How she didn't notice that earlier!?
"Wow. So you're also capable of using that little head of yours as well, huh? Congratulations. Do you want a reward cookie now as well?" Yukio asks back sarcastically at Homura, rolling his eyes in mockery.
"What!? Hey! How dare you!? Who do you think you're to say that, you bastard!" Homura snarls at the Kamen Rider, ready to slash him with one of her katanas.
But before she could do that…
"Stop, Homura-chan! Yukio is Kamen Rider Shinobi!" Asuka suddenly blurts out, shocking the tanned girl while the ravenette now focuses on her.
"W-What!? This guy is Shinobi!?" Homura asks aloud in pure disbelief, staring at Yukio with wide eyes. However, the young man completely ignores her as he faces Asuka.
"I see you finally put the pieces together, Asuka." The ninja Rider points out to the brunette girl.
Asuka's face fell at the nonchalant comment, somehow actually looking betrayed by the reveal of Yukio's secret. Just like in Homura's case, when the tanned girl is revealed to be an evil shinobi of the Hebijo Academy.
"So it's true… You're not only a shinobi like Homura-chan and me but also none other than Kamen Rider Shinobi himself." She speaks softly, looking pained at the boy with her hazel eyes.
However, she is only received in return with a pair of empty silver ones. Identical to when she saw the Kamen Rider's mask's visor cracking while she was being pulled towards a mysterious portal alongside him and Homura.
"That is but the way of the shinobi. To live in the shadows and conceal one's true colors." Yukio coldly explains back to Asuka while Homura now looks in interest at the relationship between the two of them.
'What sort of relationship did these two have?' The tanned girl thought.
Back with Asuka, she wanted nothing more than to ask Yukio why he has kept his real identity a secret from her. But once the brunette girl thought about it, things started to make sense for her…
Yukio possesses the Twilight Ninja Art Scroll and he didn't honestly have a reason to trust Asuka or tell her the truth just because she thought of him as a friend...
'And what does he even thinks about me?' Asuka now ponders, downcast.
"Why did you try to help me with my fear over frogs back then?" It's the first thing that she decides to ask him.
"Pity. It's because I felt pity upon you. Someone who descends from a lineage of Shinobis but cannot even get used to dealing with some mere frogs?" Yukio explains passively to Asuka, looking disappointed at her.
Each word felt like a katana being pierced into the brunette's heart. For some reason, it also felt even worse than when Homura previously revealed her true allegiance to Asuka.
"However..." Yukio suddenly resumes, turning his back to both girls as he looks away.
What?
'Eh? There's more?' Asuka looks confused at this gesture.
"A part of me also sympathized with you, Asuka. When I saw how you were struggling to get stronger and better as a shinobi… I have to confess that I ended up seeing my old self in you. Let's just say that I also went through the same thing in the past. Fighting desperately to get stronger..." He explains vaguely, not deciding to reveal anything else.
At this, Asuka actually gave a sad smile to the Kamen Rider.
"I see… You're actually a kind person in the end, you know? Yukio-kun." She tells him, genuinely.
"..." However, Yukio only remains silent at this as he decides to ignore Asuka's opinion over him.
"Oh, so you actually saw yourself like this naive girl at some point as well?" Homura suddenly interjects, getting the attention of the other two.
"Homura-chan!" The good kunoichi attempts to berate her evil shinobi acquaintance.
"Shut it, Asuka. You should know it very well by now. You're the granddaughter of the legendary ninja Hanzo and can't even live up to his name. You're a disgrace as a shinobi!" The tanned girl sneers at her target's soft/naive/'weak' side, looking amused at the hazel-eyed girl.
"..." Speechless, Asuka only looks disheartened at Homura, unable to come up with any rebuttal at the moment.
However…
"Stop..." A cold voice calls upon Homura, devoid of any emotion.
The Hebijo girl feels a hand being placed on her shoulder and turns to look at Yukio, being greeted with a pair of silver eyes full of killing intent. This actually makes the tanned kunoichi flinch under his watchful gaze.
'This pressure… Am I… Shivering as well?' Homura thinks as a bead of sweat falls from the top of her head.
"While I'm sure you are more than eager now to settle things with Asuka, that is not the right moment for that, Homura. Tell me, are you even aware of your current predicament?" Yukio inquires the tanned girl as he releases her shoulder and the pressure he puts upon her disappears.
And so, Asuka and Homura finally remember what happened previously with them. After they were dragged towards an unknown portal, the two kunoichis couldn't remember what exactly occurred next. Both of their memories were fuzzy...
The girls turn in anticipation towards Yukio, hoping that the ninja Kamen Rider could fill the blanks for the two of them.
As he notices realization now fully dawning within the kunoichis, Yukio gestures towards a nearby window, prompting Asuka and Homura to follow after him.
"Here, take a look outside." He orders the girls.
*Gasp!*
Asuka and Homura both gasped once they took a peek outside.
It was as if they were now at a darker and far more sinister version of the city of Asakusa, with the sky now having an ominous purple tone. As for the buildings, everything looks more sinister and colorless, with multiple black spiky rock crystals from several sizes all sprouting through all corners around the area.
A sense of dread and horror fills both Asuka and Homura as they turn towards the Kamen Rider for answers.
"Where are we, Yukio-kun?" Asuka asks him, feeling that the ravenette somehow already knew the answer to her question.
Instead of immediately answering her question, Yukio approaches the window and starts to glare in one specific direction.
*Gasp!*
"That's-!" Homura trails off.
Asuka and Homura follow after his gaze and are greeted with the sight of a sinister and ominous-looking Japanese Castle in the distance, with dark clouds looming over the building.
"This is not Earth Realm, our world. This place is a different dimension connected to our own, completely filled and rich with overwhelming dark spiritual energy: Yami Shibai, the Realm of Darkness."
The Kamen Rider reveals, adopting a dark expression over his face as he clenches his fists in rage. Several painful memories coursing now through his head.
'Yukio-kun...' Asuka looks concerned at the black-haired Rider as she seemed to notice how distressed the teenager now was in regards to this corrupted world.
But why?
Meanwhile…
Late Afternoon- back at the Earth Realm(Human World)
At Chan's Rare Finds
As the day finally came to an end, Mr. Chan and I-Pin were preparing to close their antique shop. The two were almost finished dusting off some items when suddenly…
*Blam!*
" Mr. Chan! I-Pin! There's an emergency! Yukio's in danger!" Junpei exclaims to them as he makes his presence known, forcefully opening the front door of the store.
He looked frantic at the two Chinese as he made his loud entrance.
*Slap!*
"Ouch!" Junpei winces in pain as Chan gives a hard two-finger dope slap on the younger man's forehead.
"Aiya! Don't just barge in like that, Hanamura! Do you want to give me a heart attack!? I'm very old already!" The Chi Wizard exclaims, grumbling at the brunette in response.
"*Sigh*" I-Pin only sighs at her master's antics as she stops working to join the two of them.
"Master, calm down. Hanamura-san just said that something terrible happened with Yukio-san." The teenager points out, earning a surprised look from Mr. Chan.
"Oh… What happened, Hanamura?" The elder figure asks the local food truck owner.
"Early, I used a drone to spy on the Hanzo Academy's shinobis. Apparently, they fought against some evil shinobis from the Hebijo Academy that were planning to infiltrate the good ninjas' territory and find their base of operations. Yukio only decided to intervene because he sensed a Dark Seirei near the others.
Long story short: Something, or someone, used these events as an opportunity to not only drag Yukio but apparently two kunoichis alongside him to somewhere else through a magic portal. I suspect that they were dragged to Yami Shibai." Junpei tries recounting what he managed to learn from the good Hanzo shinobis to Mr. Chan and I-Pin in the most detailed way possible.
In response, this earns a look of horror from the elder Chi Wizard while the Chinese teenage girl only looks curious at the dark dimension's name.
"Yami… Shibai? Master, what's this place?" She asks the old mystical guardian, raising an eyebrow at him.
"Yami Shibai… The Realm of Darkness… A parallel dimension to our own world, Earth Realm. Not only it's filled with evil spirits everywhere, the Dark Seireis, but that's also the place where the headquarters for the Serpent Society resides!" The Chinese Chi Wizard reveals to his disciple, making her face pale at the revelation.
Yami Shibai - The Dark Realm is 'almost' indistinguishable from the Human World's "real" dimension except for the different lighting and the fact there are no humans on its streets: most of the Dark Realm's inhabitants are demons, monsters and Dark Seireis of several sorts, depending on the area. It is also where the headquarters for the Serpent Society resides, a fearsome Japanese Castle located in the center of the realm.
The Dark Realm is hidden from the view of ordinary humans and serves as the abode of the creatures of evil and darkness. However, there are certain locations in the Dark Realm that mirror the Earth Realm(Human World) - flora, buildings and other man-made structures are laid out in almost the same layout. One example is the city of Asakusa.
The sky has an ominous purple tone there. As for the buildings, everything looks more sinister and colorless, with multiple black spiky rock crystals from several sizes all sprouting through all corners around the area.
Entering the Dark Realm is limited to only a select few, being necessary to have strong spiritual energy or being brought in by someone from Yami Shibai. There are times when those that venture into these dark lands are prohibited from entering certain places in the Dark Realm by a barrier known as the Dragon's Jaws.
However, it also hides darker secrets. Victims of kidnappings involved in dark arts can be easily contained in the Dark Realm, regardless of whether they are normal civilians or even fully trained shinobis.
"What!?" It's the only thing I-Pin manages to blurt out in response.
'Yukio...' Junpei thinks about his friend and ally, frustrated at not being able to do anything else for now to help the ninja Kamen Rider.
"Is there anything I can do to help, master?" I-Pin asks Mr. Chan, concerned about the Kamen Rider's safety and now looking ready to offer her assistance in any possible way.
"What about me?" Junpei asks next, also fully resolved to do something to contribute in rescuing Yukio and the two kunoichis trapped with him as well.
"Yes, yes. There is something we can all do to help Yukio and the girls. There's a special spell that can be used to open a portal to Yami Shibai and locate all three of them." Mr. Chan reveals, much to the relief of Junpei and I-Pin.
However, the two soon noticed that the elder didn't seem enthusiastic like the two of them.
"But...?" Junpei inquired, feeling that there was more to the spell Mr. Chan proposed to them.
I-Pin's face fell as the mood in the room changed.
"We will need help from more people. But not just anyone. We need to find people that have strong spiritual energy and a deep connection to the girls that are with Yukio as well. The three of us would have been enough if it was only Yukio. However, since he's with the other two girls..." Mr. Chan trails off as Junpei and I-Pin understand what he is suggesting to them.
The two got the unspoken message: They would all have to end revealing themselves to both good and evil factions of shinobi.
Back at Yami Shibai - With Yukio and the girls…
Inside the warehouse they were currently resting in
The three teenagers were now sitting on some crates, across from each other, as Yukio told them about Yami Shibai and how this world was holding the headquarters of the Serpent Society.
Asuka and Homura paid attention to his words and advice, not doubting him for a moment.
"Now then, let's get down to business." Yukio announces, getting even more serious as he looks between the good and evil kunoichis before him.
"In order to safely leave this place and return to the human world, the three of us will have to work together. Not only that, but you will also be wise to do exactly as I say. Asuka. And especially you, Homura." The Kamen Rider tells gravely, sending pointy looks in particular to the tanned girl in question.
"What? Now, why should I do that? Who made you the leader between the three of us?" Homura asks back, glaring at the silver-eyed boy. Once again, the ninja Kamen Rider was managing to get under her nerves.
Asuka meanwhile tries to come up with something to say in order to defuse the tense mood that was starting to form around the three of them.
"Ah, my apologies. I wasn't aware that you also had some experience venturing through these lands." Yukio sarcastically retorts to Homura, rolling his eyes in disdain.
"Why you-!" Homura grits her teeth, her patience starting to run out as she prepares to strike the Kamen Rider down.
"Both of you, stop!" Asuka suddenly yells at the top of her lungs, now having enough of these two butting heads against each other for a while.
Homura blinks at this, not expecting the outburst from the goof shinobi as she finally remembers that her target was also present with them while Yukio stares back at the hazel-eyed brunette with a stony poker face.
"Asuka. Is there something you wish to share with us?" Yukio cooly asks her, looking at the brunette in expectancy.
The legendary ninja's granddaughter takes a deep breath before giving her input in their current situation.
"Fighting amongst ourselves now is pointless. We have to work together. Yukio-kun is right about that, Homura-chan. And between the three of us, he is the only one that actually knows how to survive here at Yami Shibai." Asuka states firmly to the tanned girl, managing to earn a frown from her.
"Ah, but of course, you would side with this guy, wouldn't you? I bet you two must be some sort of buddies." The evil kunoichi remarks, sending a stinky look at Asuka.
"Don't you dare speak with Asuka like that, Homura. You have no right to speak ill of her. Asuka is someone that can certainly use logic and common sense in moments like this, unlike you apparently." Before Asuka could reply to Homura's words, Yukio beats her to it, criticizing the Hebijo student even further.
However…
"The same goes for you, Yukio. Please, stop saying those mean things to Homura-chan. Arguing amongst ourselves will only make things worse! We're just wasting time!" Asuka exclaims, surprising the ninja Kamen Rider and the evil tanned kunoichi.
'I actually didn't expect her to have some guts...' Both Yukio and Homura thought simultaneously and started to get a bit impressed with the good kunoichi.
Eventually sighing in acceptance, Yukio nods in agreement with Asuka's words. She was right. They should be working together now, not arguing and being at each other's throats if they wished to escape from Yami Shibai.
"You're right, Asuka… My apologies. Very well, I will refrain from speaking ill. As long as Homura proves that she can behave herself, I will not speak anything else to keep antagonizing her any further." Yukio tells the girls, glancing subtly at said evil kunoichi.
"Fine. I will agree to this truce of yours as well, Asuka. Kamui Yukio. But remember this, we're not friends or anything of the sort. Once we return to the human world, we will settle things. One way or another." Homura says back in defiance to the ninja Rider, glaring at his piercing silver eyes as she challenges him.
She dares him to face her.
"So be it, Homura." Yukio glares back at her, not intimidated at all by the girl.
Asuka only shook her head in exasperation at this.
It seemed that her real challenge would be to make these two work together.
At Hanzo National Academy - Old School Building
The Shinobi Classroom - Nighttime
"I see..." Hanzo spoke grimly as Kiriya and his granddaughter's friends told him about everything that transpired earlier this day.
"Hanzo-sama. Do you have any idea of where Asuka and the others could be?" Kiriya asks him.
The good shinobi girls look hopeful at the legendary ninja, praying that he has the answers they all seek.
"Hmm… I suspect that there is only one place Asuka and the others are at… Yami Shibai, the Realm of Darkness." Hanzo reveals, stroking his beard thoughtfully.
The others took expressions of grave concern, not linking where this was possibly going towards.
"Yami Shibai? What sort of place has a name like that?" Ikaruga is the one that decides to question the elder figure.
"A spiritual world connected to our human world, Earth Realm." Hanzo clarifies as he proceeds to explain and reveal everything about the dark parallel world to everybody else, earning looks of horror from the girls once he tells them about the Dark Seireis and the headquarters of the Serpent Society there.
"Then what are we waiting for!? We have to save Asuka! How do we get to Yami Shibai, Hanzo-sama!?" Katsuragi questions the legendary shinobi, looking frantically at the old man.
"Katsuragi, calm down! We can't just do things recklessly like that!" Ikaruga cries to her blond classmate, scolding the girl. And like her, the long black-haired girl was also worried about Asuka's well-being.
As the two Third-Year students turned to Hanzo, their expressions fell once they saw that he was sporting a somber expression on his face.
"Hanzo-sama? Is something wrong?" Kiriya asks him, also noticing the eerie silence coming from the elder shinobi.
"We can save Asuka-chan, right!?" Hibari asks the legendary shinobi, starting to panic and look desperate as well.
"Hibari, it's alright. I'm sure we can do something to save Asuka." Yagyu tells her closest companion, placing a reassuring hand on the pinkette's shoulder.
"Yagyu-chan…*Sniff*" Hibari looks back at the eye-patched girl with tear-filled eyes.
Finally, Hanzo decides to reveal the rest of what he knew to the others:
"Unfortunately, I do not know how to travel to Yami-Shibai. No shinobi knows that such a method exists in neither the good nor evil factions. We only have stories about that dark world's existence." Hanzo explains grimly to everyone.
"No way..." Katsuragi looks down at this, gritting her teeth and clenching her fists in frustration.
'Damn it! Am I really so weak like that girl told me!? Why do I have to feel so powerless at a time like this!? Asuka...' The blonde thought as Hikage's taunting words came to haunt her mind once again.
Everybody else was beginning to despair at the thought that saving Asuka was impossible and that there was nothing else that they could do about it.
Until...
[Perhaps I could offer the means to save the girl.] A new voice suddenly announces.
Huh!?
Surprised, everybody turns towards the entrance, only to find out some sort of small green frog robot looking back at them. (The device looks similar to Kamen Rider W's Frog Pod Memory Gadget).
[Hello there. Greetings.] An amused voice comes from the device, startling everyone.
The Frog Robot jumps, reaching to the top of a table nearby to get closer to everybody else's level. They noticed that it has a speaker and an antenna on it, probably to transmit the wireless signal so the device's owner could remotely control it from somewhere outside of Hanzo Academy.
"Who are you? How did you get her?" Kiriya asks the green robot, narrowing his eyes in suspicion at the mechanical being.
[Please, I mean no harm. I'm merely someone who believes that we could have a deal that will benefit all of us.] The frog speaker continues. Its voice was heavily distorted and altered, making it impossible for the group of shinobis to correctly identify who they were speaking with.
Although still suspicious, Hanzo relents to the green robot's offer.
"Very well, go on. Continue." The legendary ninja says while he and the others keep their eyes on the suspicious frog device.
[I'm Ao. A comrade and ally of Kamen Rider Shinobi. Just like how you Hanzo shinobis wish to rescue the girl known as Asuka, I also wish to save my friend from Yami Shibai. However, I can't do that alone. I need help.] The green frog robot explains, shocking everyone as it reveals its true intentions to the members of the good faction. They clearly weren't expecting someone related to Kamen Rider Shinobi to approach them this soon…
"Oh, yeah! Now I remember that Asuka was forcefully dragged to that portal alongside Shinobi and an evil shinobi from the Hebijo Academy." Katsuragi exclaims aloud in realization to the others.
"And so? What do you need from us, Ao?" Ikaruga asks the frog robot, watching it intently.
[Alright. Here's the thing: One of my and Shinobi's companions is a skilled Chi Wizard. He knows a spell and how to use it to open a portal that leads to the Dark Realm.] Ao's voice announces, surprising everyone once again. Especially Hanzo.
Was this some miracle they were lucky to hear about!?
"A Chi Wizard!? Is that true!?" The elderly ninja questions, wanting to be sure that he wasn't hearing anything wrong.
[Yes, indeed.] Ao confirmed as nobody sensed him lying with his words.
"Hanzo-sama, what exactly is a Chi Wizard?" Kiriya asks as he and his students weren't entirely familiar with this term.
The legendary ninja quickly proceeds to explain to them how the Chi Wizards were powerful mystical warriors that exist to defend Earth Realm from evil spirits, Yomas or dark entities that wish to bring harm to humanity.
Needless to say, the others got impressed with the description Hanzo gave them.
"That sounds nice! So there's still a way for us to save Asuka, right!?" Katsuragi exclaims in triumph, fist-pumping the air.
[I haven't finished explaining everything yet.] Ao suddenly interjects, making everybody else frown at this. They were all starting to feel that they were about to listen to something very unpleasant now…
[In order to complete our resident Chi Wizard's ritual spell, I need four people with strong spiritual energy here and that has a deep connection to the one known as Asuka. Other than that, the process will be extremely exhausting and perhaps even dangerous, having the risk of some of you possibly losing some life force and consequently even your own lives.] Ao reveals as everyone looks horrified at this.
Katsuragi's face fell once again at this while Ikaruga and Yagyu adopted grim expressions. Hibari was close to starting to cry.
[Even so…. Would you be willing to do all of that in order to save a precious friend? Someone you may even consider family?] Ao asks, looking specifically at the four Hanzo Academy's shinobi students.
"..." Hanzo and Kiriya only look attentively at the girls in silence. They had a feeling that the frog robot was specifically wanting to recruit the four of them for the Chi Wizard's ritual spell.
And...
"Do you really need to ask!? Of course, I'm fine with that! If that means I can save Asuka then I don't care! I'm not letting some silly spell take my life anyway." Katsuragi replies firmly, a strong passion present in her eyes.
"The same goes for me. Asuka-san is a precious friend and family to us. If I can save her, then I won't hesitate." Ikaruga says next, fully determined as well.
"I will also do my best to save Asuka-chan!" Hibari exclaims, trying to sound determined.
"If Hibari is going to help Asuka, then I will do the same," Yagyu says next, looking equally resolved to offer her assistance as well.
Hanzo and Kiriya only smiled fondly at this, glad to see that the students were very united and close to each other.
Just like a family…
[I see. Then I'm glad to hear that I apparently have your full cooperation in this case. However, there's one more thing you people should be aware of.] Ao starts speaking again.
Everybody else frowned at that. What else important did they need to be aware of?
[While having the full cooperation from the good shinobi faction greatly helps me, I also need the help from four people of the evil side. From some shinobis of the Hebijo Academy, to be more accurate.] He explains gravely.
Wait, what!?
"What!? Why!?" Katsuragi demands as each of the girls starts to remember about their unpleasant individual experiences with the evil Hebijo Academy's kunoichis.
[Just like how Asuka and Kamen Rider Shinobi are now trapped at Yami Shibai, so is a certain evil shinobi from the Hebijo Academy. The girl named Homura. If we wish to rescue our respective comrades, we will also need help from the Hebijo's girls and their connection towards Homura. Only by working together to rescue these three from the Dark Realm is how Asuka can safely return to you guys.] The frog robot explains carefully to the good shinobis. Like before, they could somehow tell that he was not lying or playing any tricks with them.
At this revelation, nobody else was thrilled or excited like a few moments ago.
"You can't be serious! Are you suggesting that we have to work together with the Hebijo Academy!?" Ikaruga questions the green mechanical frog device.
[Yeah. So what? Do you think you're the only one unsatisfied with this? I also don't like that but it's not like I have a choice either. Heck, I didn't even want to appear and come here to speak with your kind in the first place! But my friend needs help!] The frog robot cries back, jumping several times in exclamation.
At this, the four Hanzo shinobi girls remember that Ao is not technically their ally, but a comrade of Kamen Rider Shinobi. They now realize that they weren't the only ones unhappy with their current situation.
"Very well. You must work together with the Hebijo Academy." Hanzo suddenly interjects, looking at the four shinobi girls in training. Kiriya also agrees with the elder, nodding at his suggestion.
Eh!?
"But Hanzo-sama! Kiriya-sensei!" Ikaruga cries in protest at the two of them but eventually concedes to their request, albeit a bit reluctantly.
"..." While none of the girls were pleased with the prospect of having to work alongside the Hebijo Academy kunoichis, they nonetheless accepted it in the end.
After all, saving Asuka was more important than each of their personal dislikes towards one of the evil shinobis that all of them have faced so far.
[Good. I'm glad to see that you all understand. Now then… *Bzzt!*]
Ao begins to print a piece of paper from its metallic mouth and Ikaruga decides to pick it, finding out that it is some sort of map.
"A map?" Hibari questions as she approaches her raven-haired senpai alongside Yagyu and Katsuragi. The girls notice a specific location marked on the map.
[Come to the location pointed out on the map at midnight. I will be expecting to meet you there, face to face. Goodbye.]
Ao replies to the group as the green frog robot jumps from the table and heads towards the exit, calmly leaving the place.
"Wait!"Katsuragi wanted to follow it, but Kiriya and Ikaruga stopped the blonde.
"Huh? Kiriya-sensei. Ikaruga. We should try following that toy robot." She suggests to the others but they only shake their heads in denial at this.
"I don't think Ao would like that. Remember, we need his Chi Wizard's help to rescue Asuka." The shinobi teacher reminds his student.
Once they're finally alone again, the good shinobis are left with more questions than answers.
Who exactly was Ao? What about the rest of Kamen Rider Shinobi's allies?
At the entrance of Hanzo National Academy
[Gero~ Gero~] The frog robot keeps jumping as it finally stumbles upon its owner, who was revealed to be none other than Junpei himself.
"Welcome back." The brunette smiles as he crouches down to pick up his green device, revealing that he was the one who took the aliases of Ao to speak with the Hanzo shinobis.
Earlier, the food truck owner was controlling the robot through a wireless signal emitted by his notebook as he used a voice changer function installed within the frog robot to speak with the good faction shinobis.
Pocketing the green device in one of his coat's pockets, the young man walks away from Hanzo National Academy's now deserted gates. It was perhaps for the best that he decided to enter in contact with the ninjas when the Academy was closed for the rest of the day.
'Now then... Time to talk with the Hebijo Academy...' Junpei thinks before strengthening his resolve as he starts to run away from the area.
'Just hang on a little longer, Yukio! We're coming for you!'
Back at Yami Shibai
With Yukio and the girls…
*Loud footsteps!*
"Come on! This way! We need to keep running until we hit the exit!" Yukio orders the girls.
"This is the fastest I can go! Quit ordering me around!" Homura cries.
"Anyway, Yukio…!" Asuka starts.
"What?" The ninja Rider turns to her.
"Are we… Are we really going to be able to get back to our world?" The brunette asks, fearful.
"Who knows? We just need to get away for now. If we get caught, returning to the Human World will be the least of your worries. Now run faster!" Yukio replies, sternly.
"I can't! I'm exhausted… Huff-huff..." Asuka says back, panting heavily.
"C'mon, Asuka! We're almost there! Look, the exit is right there!" The ravenette points out.
"Huff-huff… Huff-huff..." Homura also starts to sound tired as well.
Right now, the three shinobis could be seen running around a dark-twisted version of Asakusa's shopping district, finally managing to leave the area and reach a more calm location.
"We did it! We are outside of the main street avenue!" Asuka cheers in relief.
For the past hours, as the unusual truce was formed and the trio decided to work together, the three shinobis were constantly being attacked by local Dustard forces of the Serpent Society or some native Dark Seireis.
Yukio, Asuka and Homura eventually find an abandoned back alleyway to rest for a while.
The raven-haired boy leans against a wall while he watches through the entrance of the back alley to see if some of the evil forces are coming closer to them.
'This spot forms a natural alcove. Perfect to shield us from view for the time being.' Yukio examines the area thoughtfully.
While Yukio stays on guard, Asuka and Homura recover some of their energy.
The red-scarf kunoichi tries to reflect about everything she has learned so far during her short time in the Dark Realm.
'This world… There are boulders and dark energy crystals floating everywhere… Not only it's a really strange place… And it's horribly dark… Not even the wind blows...' Asuka can't help but lament at the grim view that Yami Shibai offered her and the others so far.
"Alright. After a quick rest, we'll have to get moving again." Yukio tells Asuka and Homura with a serious expression, not planning to leave room for any arguments.
'Yukio-kun must have been here before… Just how exactly is he familiar with this place?' Asuka can't help but wonder, imagining what sort of possible dark secrets her friend(?) was possibly carrying.
"Just wait for a second! You tell us to leave soon, but… It's dark out now. It's hard to see where we're even going. Instead of setting off again right away, shouldn't we wait for the morning?" Homura asks with a skeptical look. "Wouldn't it be better to leave when it gets light out?"
Yukio only shook his head at the tanned girl.
"This isn't possible. I hate to say it, but… Morning never comes here. This is a world of perpetual darkness. The sun never rises. So the morning never comes. The dark persists forever." He explains gravely to the girls.
Both girls end looking grim at this.
Asuka decides to now ask a question to Yukio, one that has been bothering her for a while.
"Why do you know so much about this place, Yukio-kun? What happened to previously bring you here to this world? Does that have something to do with you having to fight against the Serpent Society?" She gathers the courage to ask as she looks at the black-haired boy.
And Asuka notices how she apparently struck a chord with that as Yukio decides to remain silent, slightly flinching in discomfort. The hazel-eyed brunette noticed how he seemed very stressed now as well.
"That's none of your business, Asuka." He speaks harshly to the red-scarf girl, not wanting her to press this certainly personal and sensitive subject any further.
"Eh? Yukio-kun! You need to tell us! Let me help you!" Asuka pleads, staring firmly at the ninja Kamen Rider.
And...
"I said this has nothing to do with you, Asuka! Don't test me!" Yukio suddenly snaps, no longer being capable of staying calm under their current situation.
"..." Asuka and Homura both look shocked at his outburst with wide eyes, not expecting such a reaction from the ninja Rider.
Realizing what he did and how he lost his temper, Yukio quickly tries to calm himself. The Kamen Rider closes his eyes and takes a deep breath before facing the girls again.
"Alright… Here's a new rule: If you want to leave Yami Shibai, do not ask about anything related to my past. Under no circumstances. Am I clear? I have no time for this sort of game." He warns both Asuka and Homura with a chilling tone as he points his index finger at the two of them.
Asuka looks disheartened at this while Homura only frowns at Yukio.
"So you get to learn about us but we can't do the same about you!? How do you expect us to trust you!?" The tanned girl asks, incredulous.
"That's not fair, Yukio-kun." Asuka says sadly to the raven-haired boy, looking hurt at the ninja Rider.
"I'm not trying to be, Asuka. As for you, Homura, I could have simply left you and Asuka behind when we first arrived together at the Dark Realm. But I didn't. I'm not like you. I'm not an evil shinobi. Unlike you, I actually do have a moral code to help those in need if the situation calls for it." Yukio replies to both girls before glaring deeply at Homura, immediately silencing her after raising a valid point.
"You both have people you care about, right? Family or precious friends you wish to see again and reunite with, right? Then use your focus to think about them, not me. Try to not lose hope here. For their sake. If you decide to follow me, I will promise you two this much: I will return you girls back to the Earth Realm." Yukio vows to Asuka and Homura, surprising the kunoichis.
'Ikaruga-san…
Katsu-nee…
Hibari-chan…
Yagyu-chan...' Asuka closes her eyes and begins to think about her precious friends.
'Haruka…
Hikage…
Yomi…
Mirai...' Homura closes her eyes and begins to reflect about her valuable teammates.
Somehow, the two girls couldn't help but become touched with the ninja Rider's words(Although Homura wouldn't admit that).
"Yukio-kun/Kamui." Asuka and Homura mutter, not sure about how to reply to the boy's words.
The pair of kunoichis start to reminisce about their respective friends and companions back on the Human World as a resolve to see them once more starts to take over both Asuka and Homura. It gave them hope to keep fighting.
"Good. I see you're both feeling better now. Then that means we must keep moving very soon. Break time's over. Come on." Yukio tells the girls as he leaves the back alleyway first.
"..." Asuka and Homura both look at each other after this, silently exchanging nods of understanding.
At the Serpent Society's hideout
"I see… So Kamen Rider Shinobi has been successfully brought to Yami Shibai." Orochi says pleased as he rests on his golden throne.
"Yes, my master. We were able to forcefully drag him through a magic portal and two more kunoichis here after the three of them killed Jogourumo. What are your next orders, Orochi-sama?" Karasu asks, kneeling in front of his master.
"I do not care what happens with the two human girls. Just be sure to kill Kamen Rider Shinobi and seize the Twilight Ninja Art Scroll from his hands." Orochi orders his crow-themed servant.
"It will be done, my lord." Karasu bows to the leader of the Serpent Society.
At a desolate riverbank
"Good. We're almost there. Just a little more." Yukio speaks to the girls as they decide to stop at a riverbank.
'Just where exactly is this guy taking us?' Homura wonders before she looks towards the river.
It was completely red, like blood. And not blue or transparent like in the Human World.
'Well, the sooner we get out of this hellhole, the better.' The tanned girl thinks, shaking her head in dismissal.
"Yukio-kun, Thank you." Asuka says, drawing the attention of her two allies.
'Huh?' Homura just stares at her target, blinking in surprise.
'?' Yukio looks equally puzzled at the hazel-eyed kunoichi.
"You tried to pick me up because I was feeling down. Even though I thought you would now be just as scared as I am, Yukio-kun… I'm sorry if what I asked you earlier may have unsettled you. Even though I have friends here with me..." Asuka trailed off, downcast.
'Friends!?' Both Yukio and Homura think, gobsmacked at the notion.
For the two of them, they simply wondered how Asuka could be so naive and pure even in a despairing situation like this…
'I thought she would have broken up sooner… But I was wrong… This girl… She's actually strong, huh?' Homura thinks, narrowing her eyes at good shinobi.
"I worried all alone… And almost gave up alone. When, in fact, I'm not alone..." Asuka continues.
'Where is she trying to get at?' Yukio thinks, raising an eyebrow at the red-scarf girl as she approaches him with a grateful smile.
"That's why… I won't give up anymore. Because you're still by my side, I can be brave, Yukio-kun. I'm going to be fine now." The brunette tells him, assured.
"Asuka… You..." The ninja Rider couldn't help but be in awe at how the girl before him managed to be so radiant… And so pure…
"So let's keep going, Yukio-kun. Homura-chan." Asuka calls the two of them with a beaming smile.
"Let's get back to our world… Together!" The good shinobi tells her two companions.
Suddenly, something new begins to form inside of Yukio, slowly changing his view towards Asuka for the better…
"So please, Yukio-kun. At least promise to tell me everything once we return to Earth Realm." Asuka finally gets to the point, demanding firmly at the ninja Kamen Rider. Unlike before when she tried to persuade the raven-haired boy.
"..." Speechless, he looks with wide eyes at her as Yukio suddenly finds himself unable to deny her request.
But why? His voice is now gone for some reason.
'Asuka...' He stares back in her hazel-colored eyes with his silver ones, unable to look away. What should he do then?
And suddenly…
*Slash!*
A sharp razor wind suddenly appears from out of nowhere, aimed towards Asuka.
Noticing this, Yukio quickly shoves his ally out of the way as they narrowly avoid the full hit from the blade of wind as it makes a clean cut on the tree behind them.
"Get down!" The Rider barks to the girls as they comply with his order.
*Slash!* *Slash!* *Slash!*
More razor winds come in, but the trio of ninjas manage to successfully evade them without any problems this time.
"Show yourself, you bastard!" Homura demands aloud, looking around as she grabs her Secret Ninja Art Scroll, ready to fight. Asuka does the same as her while Yukio brings forth his Shinobi Driver through the silver bottle gourd.
"Hehehe… Not bad for a bunch of humans. Especially for a group of young shinobis." A sinister voice says as a Dark Seirei finally makes his presence known before the trio of young ninjas.
He is a green, muscular humanoid Seirei, which resembles a genie. On his forehead are two, purple, long and sharp horns. He has white, wavy and billowy styled hair, a spiky white mustache and two pointed green ears on either side of its head. The eyes are yellow with beady white irises and no visible pupils.
The front of the Seirei's body is covered in various, irregularly shaped purple spots. His broad, purple chest consists of two joined, partially diamond-shaped pectorals and his shoulders, elbows and navel are adorned with raindrop-like designs. He has two spotted muscular arms, with five fingers on each hand. Its lower body consists of a trailing cloud, with a purple long, curling tail, tipped with a whirl.
Spanning the length of its tail, the Seirei has several whorled structures. They are a light khaki color and follow the same direction as the tip of his tail.
"I'm a Fujin(Wind God) Tornadus. Prepare to meet your demise here." The now named Seirei Tornadus says, chuckling darkly at the trio of shinobis.
Suddenly, several armed Dustards also showed up as well, soon surrounding Yukio, Asuka and Homura. This makes the three teenagers stay back-to-back in the center, having to watch over each other.
"Well, are you two ready?" Yukio asks his two female companions.
"Yeah!" Asuka replies.
"Bring it on!" Homura challenges their opponents.
"Shinobi Tenshin!" Asuka and Homura exclaim simultaneously, each one holding their respective scrolls as they transform.
"Henshin!" Yukio chants as he transforms into Kamen Rider Shinobi, inserting the Shuriken Starter in the Shinobi Driver and activating it.
[Dare ja?! Ore ja?! Ninja!]
*Poof!*
Kurogane Oogama assembles behind Yukio. It opens its mouth, bringing out pieces of armor that surrounded the teen's entire body, eventually slamming into him. The Seirei disappears after the process is done.
[Shinobi Kenzan!]
Now the three young ninjas were finally ready to fight.
"Attack!" Tornadus orders the Dustards.
"Hiden Ninpo: Nito Ryozan(Dual Slash)!" Asuka chants as a manifestation of a giant green energy frog suddenly appeared behind her.
The good kunoichi takes both of her swords and sheaths them both as the energy frog becomes a green spiritual aura that envelops her body. Asuka then leans forward and in one quick stroke, she jets forward from a large rock that forms behind her. She uses the momentum to move at an alarming speed; uncrossing her swords and performing two green energy slices with her blades.
*Slash!*
Homura is the next to attack:
"Hiden Ninpo: Hayabusa(Peregrine falcon)!" She chants as the manifestation of a crimson energy Japanese rat snake forms behind her before turning into a red veil of aura that covers her body.
The evil kunoichi takes a stance before she begins to swing her swords about, creating a barrage of slashes. She moves forward at a slowed pace, however, each swing is backed by the power and the fiery essence of her crimson energy. To finish this move, she ends it with a switch swift uppercut, followed by one final joint slash of all six of her katana.
*Crash!*
Both girls quickly end up making short work of the Dustards they were each facing.
As for Kamen Rider Shinobi, he envelops his Shinobi Saber in purple energy before quickly striking Tornadus several times from all directions.
Utilizing a combination of blocks and parries, the ninja Kamen Rider makes use of a properly maintained foundation of defense against both ranged and melee attacks of the Dark Seirei.
"Take that!" Tornadus cries, trying to hit Shinobi with his attacks.
Immediately after defending against his opponent's blast of compressed air, the lone warrior followed with an attack of his own, bringing the force of his opponent's own blow against them and seeking to dominate the duel.
Kamen Rider Shinobi's attack stance consisted of holding the Shinobi Saber above the head, angled back and down at an approximately forty-five-degree angle. Following this stance, the Ninja Rider overhanded a powerful blow that crashed down upon Tornadus with exceptional force.
*Crash!*
"Argh!" The Dark Seirei grunted in pain as he fell hard against the ground.
Asuka and Homura used this opportunity to study their ally's swordsmanship skills, being intrigued by it.
The kunoichis observed how the Kamen Rider's power attacks were able to knock his opponent's wind blows back just through sheer kinetic force, throwing Tornadus off balance and leaving the Dark Seirei vulnerable to further brute-force strikes and powerful blows that sought not just to penetrate the green monster's defense, but also to push Tornadus back and leave him unable to counter blows.
'Yukio-kun's sword style… I never saw shinobis fighting like this… Where exactly did he learn those moves?' Asuka can't help but think, curious.
'He must have passed through some intense training as well… But who taught Kamui Yukio to fight like this?' Homura thinks in deep thought.
"Damn you!" An injured Tornadus cries as he sends a powerful wind slash towards Kamen Rider Shinobi.
To avoid such a mortal from potentially harming him, the purple masked ninja performs an acrobatic butterfly jump as he narrowly avoids the sharp wind at the last instant. And instead, the attack hits the ground, leaving a huge crater on it.
"Ha!" Once he lands back on the ground, Shinobi doesn't waste time and quickly takes aim as he pulls the trigger from the Shinobi Saber. He fires several yellow energy pellets at Tornadus.
"Argh!" Tornadus cries as his injuries around the body only increase in number.
Now weakened, the Dark Seirei glares at the Kamen Rider facing him.
"How can a shinobi… How is it possible for such a human-like you to be so strong?" The green spirit mutters, now developing some sort of respect towards the purple warrior he is facing.
"Time to end this!" Kamen Rider Shinobi exclaims, ignoring his opponent's comment.
[Seibai NinPow!] The Shinobi Driver announces as the purple Kamen Rider spins his Shuriken Starter.
Approaching Tornadus, Kamen Rider Shinobi uses a combination of [Strong NinPow!]'s flames from his hands and [Megaton NinPow!]'s giant tornado to send the Dark Seirei of wind flying upwards before summoning multiple clones of himself to attack the opponent all at once, using two clones to launch them even higher, and finally finishing with a bicycle kick shrouded in a purple aura, sending Tornadus back to the ground, making him crash down hard against the earth.
*Crash!*
"What power!" Homura exclaims as the Rider's finisher also provoked a nearby shockwave, forcing her and Asuka to brace themselves for a brief instant.
[Victory Ninjutsu!] The Shinobi Driver announces as the ninja Kamen Rider gracefully lands on the ground.
"Are you both okay?" Yukio asks as he approaches Asuka and Homura, both now adoring their respective Academy uniforms.
"Yeah. We managed to deal with the Dustards while you took care of the Dark Seirei." Homura says with a grin, receiving a nod of acknowledgment from Yukio.
"What are we going to do with him?" Asuka asks, worriedly, as she points to the beaten form of Fujin Tornadus, whose body was laying down a few meters away from the ninja trio.
Suddenly…
"Urgh..." Tornadus groans as he recovers his conscience, slowly standing up as he stares back at Yukio, Asuka and Homura.
"You looking for round 2!?" Homura demands from the evil spirit, ready to summon a katana as Tornadus is seen slowly approaching them.
Asuka looked nervous while Yukio kept a neutral guard, no longer sensing any hostility coming from the Dark Seirei. But why?
Once Tornadus finally gets in front of Yukio, something unexpected happens: The green entity actually bows in recognition towards the black-haired ninja Kamen Rider.
"What?/Huh?" Asuka and Homura look dumbstruck at this gesture.
"You have managed to defeat me, human. You showed a strength I would never have expected to come from one of your kind. You impressed me. Therefore, I would like to make a request. Form a pact with me." The Fujin Seirei requests Yukio, in submission.
"..." The raven-haired Rider looks taken aback by this for a slight moment while Asuka and Homura look in confusion and suspicion at their ally.
Finally, the young man gives his answer:
"I see… If that's the case… Fine, very well. I accept to make a pact with you, Seirei." Yukio calmly accepted Tornadus' offer, shocking his female companions.
"Wait, what!? Hold on, are you serious, Kamui!?" Homura asks him in pure disbelief.
"Yukio-kun, isn't he a Dark Seirei!? Doesn't he serve the Serpent Society as well!? Isn't he bad?" Asuka asks the boy next, looking concerned with Yukio's decision.
The ninja Rider only shook his head at the girls before clarifying things for them:
"No. That's not entirely true, Asuka. I can sense it now… This Dark Seirei I just faced is corrupted, but not entirely evil. In Yami Shibai, some of the spirits are frightening because they became so consumed by darkness and ended up losing control of themselves. You just saw how Tornadus became calmer now after I defeated him. There are actually many Seireis like him here, who somehow end up falling under the Serpent Society's influence and become brainwashed, forced to serve them.
There are Seireis here that are supposed to be beings who should be good or neutral… But they have become bitter and twisted due to this world's perpetual darkness. All caused by the Serpent Society and its Majins." He explains, shocking the girls even further.
"I see..." Homura says, somehow now having a deeper understanding of the situation.
"So could it be that this world became so dark because of the Serpent Society as well?" Asuka wonders.
"That's right. But I don't know how exactly that happened." Yukio answers the brunette.
The Ninja Rider then faces the former evil spirit as he draws out a blank Ride Shuriken and points it at Tornadus.
"What's that?" Asuka asks the boy, noticing the item in his hand.
"I don't know exactly how, but Kamui Yukio apparently uses these strange shurikens to harness the powers of the Seireis." Homura explains to her target.
"Eh? Is that so, Homura-chan?" Asuka asks back to the tanned girl in question.
Yukio now expects Fujin Tornadus to be absorbed by the blank Ride Shuriken in his possession.
However, nothing happens…
"Something's wrong… Why I can't harness this spirit's power?" The black-haired ninja wonders, looking between the green entity and the colorless Ride Shuriken in his hand.
"Could it be that it's because there's some difference between regular Seireis and Dark Seireis?" Asuka offers sheepishly.
"What? Are you serious, Asuka?" Homura asks the other girl with an unamused look.
But Yukio, however…
"Yeah… Now that you said it… Yeah, maybe that's it. I think Asuka's onto something." He replies in agreement to the red scarf girl, surprising her and Homura.
"Eh?" Both Asuka and Homura look dumbstruck at the Kamen Rider's claim.
On the other hand, Yukio starts to remember his earlier talk with Mr. Chan and how the elder Chi Wizard entrusted him with a certain mystical object…
"Kuchiyose no Jutsu!" Yukio chants, making the necessary hand signs before slamming the palm of his right hand against the ground.
*Poof!*
A puff of smoke briefly covers the spot he touched before dispersing to reveal his school bag. The item Yukio required was now close to his reach.
"A bag?" Homura wonders what he plans to do while Asuka looks equally puzzled.
Yukio searches through his belongings until he finally reveals the [Reveal Glass - Reflecting Mirror] artifact to the others.
"A mirror?" Asuka and Homura both ask simultaneously in genuine surprise, not expecting an object like that.
"It is a mystical item that returns a Dark (Corrupted) Seirei back to its original form, a normal Seirei." Yukio explains, catching the others' interest.
"Really? That sounds like something incredible, Yukio-kun." Asuka comments.
"And why do you happen to have something like that, Kamui?" Homura asks skeptically, crossing her arms.
"Wouldn't you want to know?" He shoots back to the tanned girl, only earning a frown from her in return as Yukio made it clear that he has no intention of revealing everything he knew to either her or Asuka.
Now turning back to Fujin Tornadus, Yukio points the Reveal Glass at the green spirit of the wind.
"What are you…?" Tornadus asks the male human, unsure.
"Alright, here we go... Reveal Glass, show me Tornadus' true form." Yukio chants as a white magical beam comes out of the Reflecting Mirror, enveloping Tornadus' body and forcing his appearance to change…
When the process was complete, the trio of young shinobis looked in surprise to see that Fujin Tornadus now possessed a body similar to that of a bird in contrast to his previous more humanoid-like appearance.
In this new form, Tornadus is a large, green, bipedal, long-necked, bird-like creature. He now lacks any visible ears, and the horns on its forehead have become thinner and crest-like. Tornadus's hair is also now crest-like, and the direction of its hair whirl is reversed. The style of its hair is now more relaxed as well, proudly flowing down its long neck. His mustache now takes on a more beak-like appearance, puffing out on the edges like coarse plumage against its cheeks. His eyes remain yellow, but with larger irises that still lack visible pupils.
The chest is now fuller, but remains largely unchanged, while its navel is now bejeweled with a red gem. Tornadus's arms have now become large spanning, feathered wings; each possessing thumbs and five large, purple-tipped primary feathers. He now has two strong legs and sharp talons, each with three sharp purple claws and one dewclaw. Tornadus's tail remains largely unchanged, although it appears slightly longer and less curved than before. On its lower back, it has a large trailing cloud-like puff.
"Yes… This Therian Forme… I can fully feel it… It's my true self… My other form, the Incarnate Forme, was merely to keep appearances..." Tornadus mutters as he examines himself before bowing once again to Yukio in recognition.
"Thank you, human. For making me remember the truth inside myself. Now I'm certainly ready to form a pact with you." The spirit says to Yukio, now ready to fight alongside the Kamen Rider.
"Very well. Then I will be counting on your help as well from now on. Let's fight together." Yukio tells back in response as Tornadus is now fully absorbed by his blank Ride Shuriken, giving a new power for the ninja Kamen Rider to wield.
Once the process was done, the new Ride Shuriken in Yukio's possession became a green one with a picture of Fujin Tornadus - Therian Forme in its center, gallantly spreading its wings. A kanji for Wind(風 - Kaze) could also be seen on the new item as well.
The final scene of the chapter shows Kamen Rider Shinobi's Shuriken Starter and the Kaze Ride Shuriken side by side while the Twilight Scroll and the Shinobi Saber glow strongly behind these two items.
- Shinobi Chronicles -
NinPow 6: Into the World of Darkness
- End -
Author Notes:
And this concludes chapter six of Senran Kagura: Shinobi Chronicles
Thank you for reading!
So yeah, I finally got enough inspiration to write this chapter.
Asuka and Homura finally learn about Yukio's secret identity of Kamen Rider Shinobi as he proposes a temporary alliance with each of the girls. How long will this uneasy truce last?
Will they all be able to escape from Yami Shibai - The Realm of Darkness?
Meanwhile, those back on the Human World are really willing to work together to save those three?
Find out in the next chapter!
I suddenly got the weird idea to use another Pokémon in this story. This time it turned out to be Tornadus given that he was inspired by some Japanese myths alongside Landorus and Thundurus. I don't think this will be the last time I will be doing this. Maybe I will also use Thundurus and Landorus later as well.
Random Fact: The Reveal Glass - Reflecting Mirror is an actual Key Item that exists in the Pokémon universe. It is used to change the forms of the Forces of Nature Pokémon trio(Landorus, Tornadus and Thundurus) between their Incarnate and Therian Formes.
Before I work on the next chapter of this story, I'm first going to focus back on Star Wars: A Galaxy of Adventures - A React Fanfic(my Star Wars react fanfic) and Pacific Rim: Rise of the Ultra Guardian(my Ultraman Dyna x Pacific Rim crossover).
Is someone here familiar with the Xiaolin Showdown cartoon? I'm maybe going to incorporate some elements from that series later in this story.
I'm also looking for more suggestions about ninja-related anime and game stuff that I could later use in my fanfic...
Other than Naruto, Soul Calibur, Tekken, Street Fighter, King of the Fighters, Black Fox(anime movie), Tokusatsu series (such as ninja related Super Sentai/Powers Rangers, Jiraya and Henshin Ninja Arashi) does anyone here has some suggestions that I could make use of?
If you guys have any ideas or suggestions that I could use for this story, you're free/welcome to share!
Now onto the Reviews:
TheHakd: Yes, Kamen Rider Hattari will appear in this story.
Guest DCDGojira: Thanks!
Ok, I will look into Henshin Ninja Arashi, Daimajin and Sekai Ninja Jiraiya info later. You got my interest in all of your suggestions.
Yeah, let's say that if Dōgen manages to reunite all three Ninja Scrolls, something bad(That I won't reveal as of now) will happen.
I'm still working on season 1 of this story, I'm not even sure when it will end yet.
Of course, I could also use these two Kaijus from the Ultra series as well. I might do that in the later chapters.
No, my Kamen Rider Hattari will not be based on Soulburner/Homura Takeru from Yu-Gi-Oh! Vrains. This OC will have a personality similar to Isamichi Konjo from Rider Time: Kamen Rider Shinobi, Kamen Rider Zi-O's Spin-off. He will see Yukio/Kamen Rider Shinobi as a rival that he wants to defeat and surpass.
Alright, your scene for Kamen Rider Shinobi and Henshin Ninja Arashi teaming up seems ok. I think I will use this later. But I'm not sure about when.
Yes, I'm a Star Wars fan. I decided to finally write a fanfic about that.
ChimaTigon: Thanks!
JGResidentEvil: Ok, you have a point. I'm already checking the plot in the Senran Kagura games.
nahariyanash: Thanks! I will try to further work on Yukio, Asuka and Homura's relationship now that they know the truth about each other. Not sure about Homura falling in love with Yukio. For now, I'm inclined to only make a Yukio x Asuka pairing. Maybe I will change things later and make a harem, also adding Yumi in the mix.
Not sure about giving harems to the other ninja Kamen Riders. I have to first introduce and develop them in this story.
No, I wasn't aware that Senran Kagura made a crossover with other series like the ones you mentioned. As of now, I'm currently looking at the video games you mentioned and some other ones in hopes to add more content to my story.
Perhaps I will bring some ninja characters from other franchises later. I'm definitely sure of bringing Taki from the Soul Calibur series to this story later.
I wish you good luck with your own stories. I hope to see them someday.
Phantom Thief of Hearts: Thanks! Sure, I think I will later come up with an idea to make one of my original characters become Kamen Rider Fuma.
Sure, I will make use of Yumi later for a romantic route.
prayogatama52f5: Ok. Hmm, I think I could certainly make use of a character like Fuwa Jūzō. A good idea, thanks.
Nope: So far, I'm really liking the series.
Dcraus: No. Just no. Please, stop sending suggestions like these to me.
LimX23: Thanks!
So, what do you guys think? Please give me some reviews if possible.
If you are interested, please go check my other stories.
Also, thanks to everybody that followed and favorited the story and gave reviews.
See You Next Time