Path Of The Nobody

by TvFan2244

Roxas. A boy without a past and supposedly, without a heart. Charged with the task of collecting Hearts by the Organization that founded him, he struggled to understand exactly who he was and what was his purpose. Journeying into a new world, the young Nobody will soon find new feelings and emotions, thanks to some very special young ladies.

1. Chapter 1: Welcome To Asakusa

From the mind that forged the story, A Loud Among Demons, here is TvFan2244 unveiling a new story that I have taken a certain amount of time preparing and planning out due to how very complicated both properties are. If some may recall, I had a story similar to this a long while back but it never went anywhere, so consider this one that I will take much more seriously. I'll have to brush up on info on both categories to make the story actually feel organic and natural and not very forced.

I will be using elements from both the game and the anime on the Senran Kagura side of things in a fused timeline of sorts, same with the main game series and manga adaptations of Kingdom Hearts.

Now.

Harem route…not off the table, but I don't want this to just be a run of the mill kind.

So think of it more as a slowburn.

I don't want anything to seem forced and want it to appear actually natural.

Without further delay of this new story, enjoy!

---

What truly made somebody a Nobody?

Was it their lack of a heart?

Lack of emotions?

Lack of anything that makes a living being human in the first place?

For the longest time, Roxas has contemplated the very nature of his own existence. Many people have been telling him what he's supposed to do. How he's supposed to act, what his purpose was. Xemnas, the rest of Organization XIII, they found him, they named him, what else could he possibly think? Or was he even capable of thinking anything else at all? If so, he'd very much be open to finding out. Answers had to lie somewhere, yet, he wasn't sure where he could find them.

All the youngster clad in a dark coat and clothing with spiky blonde hair and beautiful blue eyes could do was stare out into the sunset horizon from his sitting spot on the clocktower of this quaint little town known to the residents as Twilight Town. His black shoes dangled over the edge where he sat. The very same place where he woke up, his earliest memory and nothing else before that.

Roxas.

The name the silver long haired man gave him.

A name was all he had. The thing is, he didn't exactly have a clue how to feel about that, or how he should feel about anything else. Heck, from what the people around him have said, he's not supposed to feel anything. Yet, the feeling of curiosity still itches inside, he wondered if it's normal for Nobodies to feel like this.

"Hey, there he is!" Axel. After Xemnas, he was the second person in the Organization that Roxas met. Tall, head of red-hot hair and emerald eyes with tear marks under them, and out of all the members, the one Roxas interacts with the most. Number VIII, known as the Flurry of Dancing Flames, Axel. "Figured I'd find you all the way up here. Got ya something."

In his black gloved hands were two ice cream pops.

Seasalt.

The same kins they ate together just a week ago.

Roxas stared at the ice cream the red haired Nobody was offering and grabbed it. "Hm….."

Axel snorted at the blonde boy's emotionless sound. "That's it? You know, you really gotta work on your 'thank yous', otherwise, you'll look like a huge ungrateful jerk. Even I know that."

"...Hm….."

Number 8 of the Organization face palmed. "And here I thought Zexion was the hollow one." Axel took a seat next to jim. "You really seem to like this spot, don't ya? Can't say I blame ya. You got one hell of a view."

"...It's quiet here…" Roxas voiced out.

"Ha! Was that a dig at our place?!" Axel chortled, barely holding in his laughter. "Can't say I disagree! What with Larxene's screeching and Demyx's playing, it's a hassle to get a moment's peace in that castle!"

Roxas stared at Axel, still laughing at his unintentional joke. He was just stating a simple observation, but let the guy have his laugh. They weren't the only ones laughing, looking down to the streets below, Roxas saw the same three kids close to his physical age from when he wandered around time. They, too, enjoyed sea salt ice cream that day and now, they were playing around with foam bats, hitting balls in the air and trying to avoid them falling to the ground.

From what he could gather, it was a popular game in this Twilight Town.

He didn't really understand the appeal, but maybe if he were to try it out for himself…..but then again, he is supposed to keep his distance from regular folk like them. But, if they could spend their time without a care in the world, then why couldn't he? Was it because he was a Nobody? Or did it have something to do with them having hearts?

He wished he could understand how that was enough to separate him from them.

Axel noticed his attention being focused below.

It wasn't the first time the new number XIII of the Organization showed some curiosity for how other people live their lives.

Axel could understand why.

Seeing those kids play around reminded him of his younger days, back when he still went by Lea…..when Saïx was Isa…..and when they first met her…..

Not wanting to let the past distract him, Axel stood up and beckoned the golden haired Nobody to follow his lead. "Come on. We gotta get going."

"Where?"

"Back to the castle. Where else? It's pretty much the closest thing us Nobodies have to a home." Axel replied.

He opened a Corridor of Darkness.

A special portal that is the Organization's primary mode of getting from point A to point B. Those without the proper protection would be consumed by the ever flowing darkness in-between, but luckily for Roxas and Axel, the signature coats of Organization XIII offered such defenses. When Axel entered the dark portal first, Roxas lingered a bit, gazing down to see the three kids run off together for whatever kids like them get to do.

"Hm….." Roxas hummed.

Wouldn't it be nice to follow after them?

But for a being like him, there were duties that required his attention.

---

(OST: Castle That Never Was)

Unknown to average people going about their lives in their own little worlds, there was much more beyond that. Different worlds and realms connected yet remained ignorant of each other with only very few being aware of such things. What differs most of these plains were either a connection to light or to darkness. Out of the worlds, there exists one that exists in-between the realms of light and darkness, a world where the alliance of Nobodies known as Organization XIII keep their base of operations. A world known simply as the World That Never Was. It was located in an endless dark void that went on forever and for the Nobodies that lived there, their base was in a location resembling a metropolis-like city.

Said base was a castle floating high above.

At the entrance of the castle, a Corridor of darkness opened and out came Axel and Roxas.

"Ah, home sweet home." The red haired Nobody sighed, hands on his hips. "Hope you were paying attention, Roxas on how to RTC. You can't expect everyone else being as generous as me to be your personal dimensional portal taxi service." He quipped…which got zero reception from the spikey blonde. "Come on, dude. I'm giving you gold here….." The taller of the two sweat dropped.

Roxas absentmindedly gazed upwards in the void sky. The only thing up above was what would be described as a large sun or moon colored yellow and what made it stand out was that it was shaped like a heart. Roxas didn't know why, but there was something mesmerizing about it, perhaps it was due to it being the sole reason why their group existed in the first place.

All the young boy did know was that from his point of view, it looked really pretty.

After entering the castle, they head to the Grey Room.

It served as a recreational area when members weren't on-mission.

There were tables, sofas, and a view of the outside.

Only thing missing were the residents that were supposed to be there.

The pair spotted just one.

He was about Axel's height and wore the signature black coat. Long blue hair flowed down past his shoulders and a large X-shaped scar traced his visage. Cold golden yellow eyes bore into the two. Number VII of the Organization and official second-in-command, Luna Diviner, Saïx. "Axel. Roxas. You're both late."

Axel rolled his eyes. "Can always count on you for a warm welcome, Saïx. What's wrong with clearing our heads a bit?"

"The Superior has called a meeting. You would know this had you not left without informing anyone. As for you, Number XIII, just because you aren't called for a mission, that does not permit you to ignore being on standby." Saïx coldly told the newest addition.

Roxas gave no indignant reply, nor did he glare at his senior. Yet, he still averted Saïx's stern glower, as if annoyed. "Give the kid a break, man." Axel waved off. "Demyx takes breaks all the time, and since he barely listens to you when you mouth his ear off, no point in trying it with him."

Always the flippant one that Axel and no amount of glares from his blue haired comrade would ever change that.

"Just make your way to the throne room, already. The Superior awaits."

Axel shook his head.

He knew Saīx was committed to playing his part as being the dutiful second-in-command, but he was really selling it a little too well. "Let's get going, Roxas. Before the teacher's pet blows a gasket…..Roxas?" When he didn't hear Roxas's footsteps, he turned and saw that the kid was gazing at a new presence that had just entered the gray room.

Organization XIII was as the name implied.

A group of thirteen individuals.

Yet not too long ago, a surprise fourteenth member was introduced.

Xion.

Roxas didn't really know what to make of her.

All she did was just stand by the side with her hood up and not make a single word.

The one action she did take was always looking at Roxas.

Even with the hood on, Roxas could note a faint smile under the hood.

Did she wish to get to know him?

Or did he do something that warranted her attention?

"Uh….." Roxas opened his mouth, as if to maybe call out for her, only for Axel to pull him along.

"You can try having playtime with the new girl, later, let's go!"

Roxas one last glance at the hooded girl.

Strange.

He felt like staying in the gray room with her.

But, Nobodies shouldn't feel anything, period.

Just like that, his curiosity increased more.

---

(OST: Organization XII Theme)

Deep in the castle's confines, there was one very special area. A room that had a total of thirteen thrones suspended at different heights and formed in a circular fashion. These thrones belonged to each coated member of Organization XIII. The highest throne belonged to Number I, the enigmatic master over nothingness. The superior of the in-between. Xemnas. An imposing dark skinned man with long-banged silver hair, pointed elf-esque ears, and striking yellow eyes. "Good tidings, everyone." His deep voice resonated to the other thrones. From his right were the members that held odd numbers. To the left, were the odd numbers. "Let this vital meeting of the Organization commence."

As Number XIII, Roxas was seated next to the odds.

Whenever these meetings took place, he always sensed a lot of ominous air.

"So, bossman. What important business you got for us?" Number II, the Freeshooter, Xigbar said in a laid back tone. His dark hair was tied into a long ponytail, and wore an eyepatch over the right one while a scar pointed upwards on the left side of his face. "There a recent development with you-know-who or are you just wasting our precious time?"

"Hmph, and what exactly paramounts precious time to you, Xigbar? Besides making yourself a common nuisance." A broad shouldered member insulted. Number III, Whirlwind Lancer, Xaldin. His voluminous black hair was tied in multiple dreadlocks and had deep sideburn that pointed up. In his wide earlobes were hooped plugs.

Xigbar put up an offended front. "Nuisance? Me? As if! I like to think of myself as one of the more productive members of our band. After all, I am number two, that proves it. Right, number four?" He condescendingly joked to the seat next to him.

A tick mark formed on the forehead of an adult green-eyed long blonde man whose coat was longer, covering the common Organization boots. Number IV, Chilly Academic, Vexen. "You ingrate….! I won't debase myself by agreeing with the likes of you! A peon who is not deserving of such a high standing!"

"Vexen." Halting the indignant man's rantings was the largest and tallest member of the Organization. Number V, Taciturn Stalwart, Lexaeus. In his rough pointed features that formed into a permanent scowl were blue eyes and his ginger hair was slicked back into spikes. "Seniority is not the concern of this meeting." He said bluntly.

"Is that all you have to say, Lexaeus?!"

The giant gave a silent reply to Vexen's demand.

"Guessing that's a no." Came a deadpanned remark belonging to a young man of steel blue hair that covered most of the right side of his face, and his left aqua blue covered eye was visible. Number VI, Cloaked Schemer, Zexion. "Not to rush anyone, but isn't it about time we get this meeting underway?"

"Agreed." Saïx crossed his arms. "This room is not meant for idle chatter."

"Yet, here we are, idly chatting anyway." Axel rested back against his throne. "Not sure any of us count as 'productive' at the moment."

A loud yawn came from one odd throne. "Whatever. I'd go for idle chatter over anything else in a heartbeat….heh, get it? Heartbeat? 'Cause we don't have Hearts." Number IX, Melodious Nocturne, Demyx. The dirty blonde mullet styled cyan eyed youngster lazily laid his head on his right hand, chuckling at his joke.

"Yes, yes, Demyx. We're all acutely aware of your fondness for performing no effort whatsoever, preferring continuous bards instead." A platinum yellow haired cut into caesar styled member chuckled, amused. His electric-like blue eyes were on the playing cards he was shuffling and sported a yellow goatee. His ears had ringed piercings with one earring resembling the emblem of Nobodies on the left earlobe. Number X, Gambler of Fate, Luxord.

"Thanks!" Demyx then frowned. "Wait, was that an insult?"

"You can take it however you will, if it means we can finally proceed." A monotone voice rang out. It belonged to a tall man who had his luxurious flowery pink hair that reached his shoulders, piercing blue eyes and prominent lips. "After all, our meetings are not for frivolous reasons." Number XI, Graceful Assassin, Marluxia.

"Ahahahaha! He's got your number there, Demyx!" An obnoxious feminine laugh was sent number nine's way. Sitting in one leg crossing the other was the only female in the throne room. Her boots were more heeled compared to the males, along with her hourglass figure. She had bright blonde hair slicked back with two strands flowing freely like antennas. Number XII, Savage Nymph, Larxene. "Who knows? Maybe Lord Xemnas is announcing days off, for an imbecile that likes strumming all day, those are the perfect missions for you." She snidely insulted, bearing a cruel smirk..

"Heh, you make it sound like something to be ashamed of." Demyx chuckled. "Sounds like paradise to me."

"See? That's what I'm talking about!" Larxene shook her head in disgust. "With you around, it'll take forever until we can complete Kingdom Hearts. All because you couldn't get your lazy ass up for once."

"Oh, please. If anything, you acting like a total bitch is what's slowing things down-AH!" Demyx became white as paper when Larxene instantly threw her lightning knives at him, they barely grazed his face.

"Sorry, what was that? I couldn't quite hear you~." Larxene's sweet tone didn't match her murderous glare.

"Guys! Little help here?!" Demyx squeaked.

"Enough." Both Larxene and Demyx flinched, feeling the dangerous energy coming from Saïx. The blue haired Nobody took it upon himself to get them back on track. "I will not allow the superior to bear witness to any more foolery. Understood?" His eyes narrowed.

Demyx nodded his head, suppressing a gulp.

Larxene just scoffed and sunk into her seat.

The way the Organization interacted always perplexed Roxas.

As Nobodies, they're not supposed to have emotions, the way everyone was acting and behaving, it's all based on their memories when they were still complete. To put it simply, they weren't truly expressing emotions, just what they could remember.

Still, it was a very convincing act to Roxas.

"Now, then, Xemnas. What is it that you wish to share with us?" Xaldin impatiently asked their leader.

"As you are all aware, our goal is to slay as many Heartless, so that the Hearts that are freed can be gathered here and complete Kingdom Hearts." The heart shaped moon in the sky outside the castle. That was the Kingdom Hearts that their leader was referring to. "Only then can we Nobodies regain that which was lost to us. Our own Hearts. As such, I have been traveling to worlds where Heartless are in the most abundant. During which, I happened across a very unique world. There is conflict in that world. Conflict that births darkness in its denizens' hearts, the kind strong enough to attract the Heartless. And rest assured, I do not exaggerate when I say abundant."

"That so?" Vexen tapped his chin, his interest immediately being piqued. "Hmm, in other words, it's a world that is basically our own personal Heartless hunting ground. And I presume these aren't just useless Shadows that infect it?"

"You are correct in your assumption, Vexen." Xemnas nodded. "Emblem Heartless that forms one after another. And if the denizens of this new world persist in their passionate emotions and fight with the darkness in their hearts, it will continue to do so."

Xigbar whistled. This was a meeting that had his apt attention. "And the Heartless and haven't overrun and swallow it up? Not how the song usually goes."

"Indeed. For as much darkness there is in this world, there is also an abundance of light. No other world has ever shown such a feature." Xemnas got down to business. "As such, I am leaving this to our Light user, our Key of Destiny. Roxas."

Roxas's head slightly went up when he heard his name and now noticed that all eyes were on him.

"Hear that, kiddo?" Xigbar smirked. "The boss is giving you a special mission. Aren't we a lucky little Nobody? But, are you really sure about leaving it to just the runt, boss?"

Vexen hummed. "It's vexing, but I'm inclined to agree with Xigbar. The boy may possess the Keyblade, but he is still inexperienced. He's only been in our group for over a week."

"Has he not already been through his training period?" Xaldin brought up. "As long as he remembers what he's been taught, we've nothing to worry about, less he risks disappointing us."

Demyx raised a hand. "Hey, I for one, think you should ease up on the guy! I mean, if the big man says he's good to go, then he's good to go!"

Larxene snorted. "You're just saying that because it means less work for you."

"And?"

"One of our experienced members working in tandem alongside him would do us good, lord Xemnas." Saïx chimed in. "I nominate Axel. From his reports, both he and Roxas work well together."

"Hey, don't I get a say in this?" Axel shook his head. "It's rude to talk about people when they're right in the room. Right, Roxas?"

Roxas stayed silent…..but he was inclined to agree.

"Then, Axel. Will you or will you not?" Xemnas pressed, eager to hear the spiky red haired young man's response.

Axel sighed. "Fine. Whatever. Well, Roxas, looks like we better get ready."

"...O-Okay….."

Once again, these people were calling onto him to act as their sword.

And he obeyed.

What else could he do?

Seriously, what else could he possibly do?

Roxas asked himself these questions and like always, there were no answers.

'Fighting Heartless. Completing Kingdom Hearts…..that's our goal…..' Roxas mentally mused. 'Without hearts, we're just Nobodies…..we don't truly exist…..then how are we even here…..?

---

It didn't occur to Roxas until now that this was his first time he'd be setting foot in a whole new world besides Twilight Town and the World That Never Was. From what he was told, Corridors of Darkness connect past the walls that separate all worlds. That would mean he could travel to any world he wanted.

Though, in his case, any world his higher ups would allow him to go.

Which, admittedly, only amounted to ones full of Heartless.

Even so, after stepping through the corridor along with Axel as his overseer, he was quickly enthralled by the sights around him. Compared to Twilight Town, it was much bigger. More buildings were seen and they reached much higher, about the same height as the clocktower if not even more.

There were also neon colors across this wondrous city. They reflected in Roxas's eyes as the lad kept being transfixed.

Axel appeared equally impressed. "Not bad. I always like some worlds with a little more civilization. Okay, here's the game plan. I think it's better for us to go our separate ways for a bit."

"Huh?" Roxas thought he was gonna oversee him.

"Now, calm down, if you remember your training with the rest of the organization, I'm sure you'll be fine. This is a big world, after all. Lots of ground to cover. You follow me?"

"I guess that makes sense…." Roxas was still slightly disappointed. "But, are you sure?"

"Of course I'm sure. Look, just think of this getting your feet wet for when you're sent on solo missions."

"My feet?" Roxas looked down on his boots.

Did he have to swim or something?

"We seriously gotta catch you up on metaphors." Axel sighed. "Catch ya later, Roxas. And as Saïx would put it without sounding stuffy; Don't screw up. Got it memorized?" He chuckled, tapping his own head and teleporting away.

Besides Axel, Larxene's the one who usually utilizes strange words like that.

"Why does he always say that?"

Well, time to go to work.

He starts strolling through the city streets, looking around his surroundings. Vexen's teachings were that it was imperative to observe where he was and figure out the best way to navigate based on those observations. The scientist was actually quite adamant in it, a little too much. For starters, Roxas noted the many people walking around, conversing, cars driving, and this meant he'd have to put in extra effort to move secretly.

But where could he move about without attracting attention?

Looking up, he saw the top of the buildings and since the people were busy doing their own things, then they probably won't notice him parkouring above them. He ran into an alleyway and jumped onto a building's side and thus, ran up until reaching the roof. The young Nobody jumps across the rooftops while dashing in mid-air and keeps his eyes out for any Heartless. Suddenly, from the corner of his eyes, he saw another silhouette jumping like he was.

Could that have been Axel?

Roxas decided to investigate and changed his course.

"Look out!"

"What the hell is this?!"

Those were female voices, but none that he recognized.

Landing on a water tower, he saw a group consisting of only women.

They were all dressed similarly in very form-fitting dark clothes and masks that concealed everything but their eyes. Armed with various weapons such as katana swords, they huddled together as they were surrounded by an entire flock of Heartless. One of them had been swarmed by four Shadows and was helpless when she was impaled through the chest by a claw made out of darkness. Instead of stabbing out blood, the claw looked like it phased through, and the poor woman disappeared into particles of light and thus, a new Heartless was born. Roxas instinctively summons his weapon.

In a flash of light, a giant silver skeleton key-designed weapon appeared in his right hand.

He held it like a sword and the guard was colored gold with a mouse shaped keychain hanging off.

For the women that were surrounded, they didn't know how the night turned out like this. They had just failed an important mission that involved stopping a rookie from escaping with the scroll. Now, suddenly, they were being accosted by hordes of what could only be described as monsters made out of pure darkness, as if they were walking shadows. They were extremely unnerved by the yellow eyes that stared into their very souls.

The darkness in these women's' hearts.

It was just the kind that can make more of them.

A darkness that shinobi such as they can harbor.

They fought valiantly against these shadow monster hordes. Sword swipes, ninja stars flying at them like razor winds. The Heartless that dissipated respawned, unfortunately. "Damn these things!" Making a hand sign, one woman screamed out. "Hiden Ninpō!"

A smoke screen was released across the area and the women all jumped into the air in an attempt to escape.

But, the Heartless followed suit, now with more numbers.

Many of the kunoichi were slammed down by them and it looked to be all over for them all.

This seemed to be the end.

Of course, as shinobi, they were prepared to meet their end eventually.

They just didn't expect it to come at the hands of these monsters.

Until….

FLASH

All Kunoichi blinded their eyes when a single ray of light shone out of the blue. They shielded their eyes as they landed on the ground, grunting. One's eyes were barely opened and for a brief moment, she could make out what looked like only one person fighting and then, she lost herself to the enthrallment of sleep.

"Huh?!"

Nearby, a helicopter was flying away and hanging onto the railings was a single ribbon tied brunette haired girl with a red scarf. What was truly eye catching was her choice of clothing. Or rather, her not having a shirt to cover her bra containing her sizable bust. At least, she still had her skirt on. Just now, she thought she felt something and either she was crazy, or there was a far away light flash coming from where she managed to evade the enemy shinobi.

"Young Miss Asuka! Is everything alright?!" The pilot asked.

"Oh! Y-Yeah! I'm fine!" She climbed aboard. "I managed to get the scroll!" Asuka pulled it out of her cleavage.

"Nicely done! As expected of Hanzō-sama's granddaughter!"

"Heh, thanks!" She giggled before gazing outside.

That light.

What exactly was it?Going past the copter was Roxas restarting his run through the city.

Beating those Heartless was easy enough.

Regular Shadows normally go down that way.

His main objective however, was to make sure to find and defeat the Emblem Heartless. Unlike their Pureblood counterparts, they contain the Hearts of people who fell to darkness. It seemed like he still had to search around for the required targets. Roxas kept searching around the dark city, but found nothing of the sort. His body was showing signs of weariness and was panting hard after the last battle with Shadows.

He couldn't beat Heartless in this state and his orders were very clear.

Not to return to the castle until his mission was complete.

Roxas spotted a ferry boat that hadn't departed yet.

He teleported to the main deck where he collapsed near a corner.

His gaze was up at the beautiful night sky.

Such a pretty sight, one that calms his nerves down and in the process, makes him hallucinate a bit.

The Nobody saw a meteor shower…..

Meteor shower….

"I like meteor showers….." He mumbled, close to sleeping. "Like the one I watched with…..with…." He got confused. "Wait…..do I like them….and who watched with me…..?" He rubbed his head. "Terr…..Aqu…" He couldn't complete the words coming out of his mouth, but they carried some sort of familiarity. Through his eyes, he saw something.

Roxas dozed off into sleep, a single tear leaking down his face.

---

Asakusa was as vibrant as young Asuka remembered. The sun lit up the gorgeous day, a stark contrast to the dark evening last night. It felt like ages since she saw her hometown and couldn't wait to reunite with all her friends at school. She hoped they were coming along well in their training. Heck, she was hoping they wouldn't think she was slacking off while she was away for her exam. They were the only ones she could confide in when it came to those matters. After all, any shinobi-in-training is supposed to make sure they stay in shape.

That's right.

Shinobi.

Honest to god ninja in the modern era.

It's a fact that the world at large has no idea existed which is exactly how it was supposed to be. Back in the days of feudal Japan, shinobi served their feudal lords dutifully and contrary to popular belief, they didn't go out of practice when that period ended. They put up the illusion that they went obsolete but continue to operate to this very day. Instead of lords, they now serve governments, corporations, anyone of note that keeps the world moving at its regular place.

And Asuka was one of many in their training stage.

"I can't believe I'm finally back!" Asuka squealed. She didn't realize how much she missed the feel of the city's breezes. "At last, I've taken another step toward my goal!"

"Attention all passengers!" One of the boat attendants announced. "We will be approaching the port in due time! Thank you!"

Her mind went back to before she got on the ferry ride.

The words of her beloved grandfather.

The sword and the shield.

Not to be corrupted by power.

"Ji-chan, just watch me! I'll become a splendid shinobi!" The girl promised. She swears on the futomaki roll her grandpa packed for her trip, taking a big bite out of it. "So tasty~!" She squealed with a mouthful. Her gramps' culinary works never disappoint. She ran forward to get a better view of the city buildings. "Amazing! Asakusa even looks prettier than when I left!" She leans forward on the rail to get a better look. "Such a beautiful sight!"

"Beautiful is right." Asuka turned around.

A fellow passenger of the boat and similar to her, this green eyed tan skinned girl with her long hair tied into a long ponytail was also wearing a school uniform. Although, hers greatly differed from Asuka's white shirt and dark skirt, and tie. It was a sailor uniform colored black, tied by red and the top exposed her very toned midriff. "Yo." She greeted the hazel eyed girl. "You a local of Asakusa? You just said this was like a homecoming for you, right?"

"O-Oh, were you listening?"

"More like the whole boat could hear you."

Asuka flushed, and turned to the other girl…that caused a little jiggling of her girls.

She was officially embarrassed now.

"I'm super-duper sorry! See, I go to a boarding school here and I loved it there. But, then something came up, so I had to leave for a little while and now that I'm back, I can't help but be a little excited, I didn't mean to disturb and now I'm just ranting, I'm so sorry!"

The girl chuckled. "You're one funny girl."

Asuka blinked. "I am?"

"See ya-AH!"

Asuka gasped when her fellow stacked girl suddenly fell forward. "Are you okay?!"

"Damn, what the hell?!" She looked back and saw that she had tripped over someone's leg.

Both her and Asuka saw a slumbering boy.

The boy was Roxas.

"Eh? Who's this…..?"

He looked like a teenager like they were, but unlike the other student passengers, he didn't seem to belong to any school. "Who sleeps on a freaking boat?" Grumbling in annoyance, the tanned girl shakes him. "Hey! Hey, buddy! Wake up! I almost broke my nose!"

"Ah! Hang on, I'm sure he didn't mean it!" Asuka waved her hands.

Roxas's eyes slowly opened as he stirred awake. "Nnn…" he softly grunted. Wide awake, he saw that it was morning now and what's more, two girls were looking at him. "Huh?"

"U-Um, are you okay?" Asuka asked, concerned.

"...Uh…." Roxas was at a loss on what to do.

Fraternizing with denizens of other worlds was discouraged in the Organization and it was easy not being noticed by the townspeople of Twilight Town. In a world like this, going incognito was apparently a lot trickier.

"Hey! You lost or something?" The tanned girl asked sternly.

"I….I think so…..are we moving?"

The tanned girl groaned. "Oh, great. Don't tell me you're a stowaway or got on the wrong boat."

Roxas didn't know the whole picture, but from the way these girls were acting, especially the one in black, it looked like he did something wrong. "Um….I'm sorry…" He bowed his head.

Asuka knelt down smiling. "Don't worry. I can take you to the captain. Here, let me help you up." She offered him her hand.

Roxas stared at it.

This girl who he just met was being awfully nice.

"Er….."

"Go on. Take my hand. I won't hurt you."

When she said that, she did so earnestly and with nary a hint of deceit. Staring into her hazel eyes, Roxas found himself believing her words. He reached out and took Asuka's hand, leading her to gently pull him back up.

The other girl turned her head. "Well, I better head off, see ya round. By the way, buddy, rent a motel if you're that desperate for a place to crash." Both Roxas and Asuka watched as she left.

"Tch. So that was supposed to be the granddaughter of the great Hanzō?" The tanned girl muttered. "How disappointing…." She then thought about Roxas. That guy. She didn't even notice him when she tripped over his leg. Like, he wasn't even there. It irked her a little, bit, but there was still something about him that got her somewhat curious.

With her gone, Asuka talked to Roxas one more time. "So, anyway, you should ask around for directions if you really got onto the wrong boat. I'd help, but I'm sorta anxious to get to school. Oh, sorry, I didn't introduce myself. I'm Asuka. Nice to meet you!" She bowed.

…

Asuka noticed that he stayed silent.

In fact, all he did was continue to stare at her like a curious child.

Sorta made things a little awkward.

"Asuka…" He repeated.

"Er…y-yeah, don't wear it out." Asuka sweatdropped.

"Wear what out?"

"My, uh, my name."

"You can wear out a name?"

Asuka blinked. "Uh, I don't think so….?"

Roxas nodded. "Huh."

Okay.

This boy was pretty odd, but it'd be rude to say that to him and who was she to judge? She has been surrounded by strange characters since her early days of shinobi training. "May I ask your name?"

"...Roxas….." He answered.

"Roxas-kun, huh?" Asuka smiled. "That's a unique name. I kinda like it!"

"You…..like my name?" Roxas tilted his head.

"Eep!" Asuka shot up in a flushed panic, cheeks reddening. "S-Sorry! I was just thinking out loud! I-I just like the ring to it! Roxas-kun! Sounds very cool!" Asuka got even redder. "AAH! I'm still going!"

This girl continued to grow stranger.

But, in a way that Roxas found…pleasant.

"Asuka….thanks."

"Eh?"

Roxas leaves on his own without a second word, leaving behind a very confused Asuka.

Two people that left an impression on her on the same day.

Very odd, indeed.

"Roxas-kun." Asuka smiled again. "A little strange, but very nice…..AAH! I spoke out loud again! Get it together, Asuka! You can't let boys distract you from the path of shinobi! Katsu-nee would never let me live it down!" She shook her head wildly.

---

This Asakusa city was more bustling during the day rather than where Roxas was last night. He noted that in this world, kids around his age dressed mostly the same. Were they perhaps also in organizations of their own? What did other Organizations do, anyway? Organization XIII focused on collecting Hearts, but it's not like every other group who dresses alike has similar aims?

Or did they?

He'll have to ask Axel when they meet up.

For now, he was trying to figure out what his next move should be.

He stared aimlessly looking at nothing.

Recalling the events of last night, he knows that the Heartless attacked those dark colored armed women. If there were more women like them in this world, then the Heartless wouldn't be far behind. But where would he find those similar to them? Unless of course a majority of females here were also cool warriors.

Close to Roxas, two special girls were walking together.

"Yagyū-chan! Hurry up!"

"Hibari. Don't run too far away from me."

"Kiriya-sensei says there'll be a surprise in class today! We can't miss it!"

The two friends on a walk to their school together were wearing the same school uniform. One was a girl that seemed to be radiating nothing but cheery vibes. She had pretty pink hair tied into two pigtails and a dark purple ribbon tied at the front. Her most distinguishing feature was her eyes. Purplish colored ones with the pupils shaped like flowers. She was laughing while running like a kid during Christmas time. Her companion was a girl whose long white hair tied into two long side ponytails by what seemed like shurikens. Her right eye was concealed by a specially made eyepatch. She used a sword hilt to hide it and was tied by a red strand. Contrary to the bubbly smiling girl, her face was stone cold and her single scarlet red eye was focused solely on her friend.

"Even so, Hibari. It's better if you stick close."

"Aww, you're always so stuffy, Yagyū-chan!" Hibari pouted at her one-eyed best friend.

"Only for your own sake, Hibari." Yagyū slightly smiled. She didn't mean to annoy Hibari, yet, she had no regrets. She got to see Hibari's pouty face! It was as if she were looking at Nozomi again. Her single eye then spotted Roxas up ahead.

"What are you looking at?" Hibari followed her gaze and noticed the blonde. "Huh? Who's that?" Roxas was just gazing into nothing like he was lost. Humming, Hibari sprinted off to approach him.

Yagyū reached out. "Hibari, wait!"

Roxas continued looking at complete nothing until Hibari's hand waved in front of his face.

"Hey, there! You okay? Are you lost or something?"

Roxas blinked and was face-to-face with the pinkette. "Hi~! I'm Hibari!" She greeted him with a smile that somehow emitted rays of sunlight.

The blonde boy actually took a step back and almost shielded his eyes.

What kind of magic was this?

"Lost? Um, well, I don't know where I am….." Roxas scratched his cheek bashfully.

Hibari couldn't resist the urge to giggle. "That's what being lost means, silly!"

"Oh…r-right, of course….." Stuttering his words. That was something Roxas never did in the short amount of time he's been alive. And it was in the presence of this girl. Her infectious laughter. It felt like it was compelling him to follow Hibari's action. To sum it all up, she was so, well, cute. "Y-You're c-"

"Hibari!"

Both Roxas and Hibari jumped when Yagyū stood in between to separate them.

"Y-Yagyū-chan!"

"Hibari, what do I keep telling you?" Yagyū stated in admonishment.

"Eh? Er, don't stay up playing video games past my bedtime?" Hibari cutely guessed.

"No, the other thing."

"Too much sweets rots my teeth?"

Yagyū sighed and clarified herself. "Do not speak to those unfamiliar to you. That is a rule that everyone in our class knows."

"B-But, he looked so lost!" Hibari tapped her fingers together meekly.

"Irrelevant. We have better things to do than be distracted by random nobodies."

Roxas's form stiffened at that little comment.

"A…..Noboody…" He repeated, getting both girls' attention. "That's right…..I'm a Nobody…..I shouldn't even be here….."

Hibari and even Yagyū looked at Roxas, a little shocked. He sounded so hollow and lifeless, Roxas didn't know it, but he was expressing extreme sadness at the white haired girl's words.

The uniquely eyed girl puffed her cheeks and shouted. "Yagyū-chan, you idiot!"

"H-Hibari?!" Yagyū backed up in surprise.

Anger from her best friend was a rarity and for it to be directed at her caused Yagyū great distress. "Look what you did! You hurt his feelings!"

"Feelings….?" Roxas quietly said.

"But-"

Hibari shook her head. "No! You said a very mean thing, so now you gotta apologize or else I won't speak to you for the rest of the day!"

"!" Yagyū felt like her body just turned to stone. An entire day without speaking to Hibari! And the only way to prevent it was to apologize to the stranger! "So unfair…!" An ultimatum like this tested Yagyū's mettle and pushing her pride away for something much more precious which was Hibari's forgiveness, she marched right up to a thoroughly confused Roxas. She refused to meet his eyes until an expectant look from Hibari compelled her to do so. "I-I apologize for my harsh words!" She spoke and bowed in a split second.

"It's-It's alright…." Roxas didn't mean for the pink haired girl to get angry nor for the eyepatch wearing one to apologize.

He just couldn't help but feel a little sad that even outsiders knew that Nobodies shouldn't exist…..completely unaware that she was referring to him just being a random civilian. "It's okay….I didn't mean to cause any trouble….."

Hibari jumped for joy, causing her mammies to jump with her. "Yay! Nice work, Yagyū-chan! Hibari's so proud of you!" Roxas tilted his head while Yagyū smiled with a blush and a little blood dripped down from her nose. "By the way! Here!" Roxas was handed a candy bar from the pinkette. "Think of it as Hibari's apology! Bye~!" She skipped away.

Roxas and Yagyū were left alone in an awkward silence.

She had ample reason to be mad at Roxas.

After all, he's why Hibari got so angry at her.

But she also was willing to admit that she was out of line. Interacting with others besides those she personally knows isn't exactly a passtime for her. "If you'll excuse me." Yagyū nodded and walked past him. She spared him one last single-eyed look. Now that she got a closer look at him, he was still looking very blank.

That stoic expression…..an empty one….it reminded her of her own after Nozomi…..

Shaking her head, Yagyū refocused on continuing onward to school but not before looking back at the now empty spot where Roxas once stood.

For once, she was surprised. "He's gone…."

---

"Tasty."

It was no sea salt ice cream, but the candy bar Hibari gave Roxas was a close second after just one bite. Asuka and Hibari. Two new people he's met who have shown kindness to him despite being essentially a stranger. People who still possessed their Hearts were still a mystery. As was the language on the arrow signs that were all over the city.

Vexen gave him a crash course on several different languages that he recorded from other worlds, but he hadn't quite gotten around to learning Japanese. Luckily, he saw various teenagers wearing the same matching uniforms that three of the four girls he just met also wore. He saw the route they were taking and used a Corridor of Darkness to skip ahead of them to see their destination.

It was an exceptionally large building with many stories and seemed to be a meeting place for all the similarly dressed youngsters. Teleporting again through the corridors, he hid on a tree branch as students went about their business.

"Come on, man just let me copy your notes! The teacher won't ever know!"

"I think that boy from our homeroom has a thing for me! Think I should go for it?"

"Did you get that new swimsuit issue featuring Sōji-san?! She's the best model ever!"

"Check it out! Backstage tickets for Milky Pop's next concert! Thank my cousin for hooking us up!"

Different topics were being discussed, no common goal.

It appears he may have been wrong about this being like an organization.

Looks can be deceiving, however.

Maybe there was something inside the building that was useful.

One pillar of darkness later and he was inside the school building. It was nothing like the castle, as it didn't have an ominous air to it. Peeking through the classroom door windows, Roxas saw various students paying attention to the teacher. Along with the occasional janitor's closet. This place had many facets to it and he wasn't sure if he could comprehend it all. This "school" place was a hard thing to grasp.

"Excuse me! Coming through! Make way for your sexy senpai!" Roxas heard a rambunctious female voice shouting in the hallways and it was coming dangerously close to his hallways. "Whoa! Look out!"

Roxas's mind went blank.

One minute he was standing up.

Now, he was lying back on the floor and he all could see a dark void. Funny, was this what he witnessed before he woke up in Twilight Town? His voice was muffled by something, something very soft.

"Whoops! Sorry about that pal!" Lying on top of his form was an energetic young blonde long haired woman and also had two blue ribbons tied into her bright yellow locks. The green eyed bombshell grinned, chuckling at the boy's predicament. Her bountiful ladies were currently smothering him.

Cue loss of breath.

"Katsuragi-san!"

Behind her, a fellow third-year student caught up.

She was a dark haired blue-eyed stunning beauty that was considerably stacked herself. She possessed an aura of prim and dignity evident in her stern glare unlike her more exuberant blonde companion. "Yo, Ikaruga!" Katsuragi greeted her casually despite her current position.

"Don't greet me like that! School rules forbid running through the hallways! It leads to situations like this!" Ikaruga chided.

"Oh, please, nothing wrong with a little pep in my step! Great way to start the day!" Katsurgi winked playfully, leading Ikaruga to facepalm.

"At the very least, remove yourself from that boy you're currently smothering to death."

"Huh? Oh, crap! That's right!" Katsuragi moved up away from a recovering Roxas who stood very winded by that memorable little experience. "Sorry about that, buddy! But, hey, aren't you a lucky bastard? Not just anybody gets to go face-first with these bad girls!" She laughed off, not bothered by the close encounter.

Ikaruga rolled her eyes. "Let's just keep going. Kiriya-sensei expects us to be more punctual." The raven haired beauty bowed at Roxas. "Apologies for my friend's clumsiness. Let's go, Katsuragi-san…..Katsuragi-san?"

The busty blonde didn't move from her spot.

Her hair was covering her eyes. "You….." She said to Roxas in an ominous tone. The atmosphere was, for some reason, very tense.

"Me?" Roxas obliviously pointed at himself.

"That's right….!" Katsuragi's fist clenched. "You…got the wrong expression!"

…..

?!

Roxas and Ikaruga had comical confused expressions.

"Eh?"

Katsuragi pointed at his face and Roxas thought he did something wrong, again. "Yeah! What's with that nonplussed look all about?! Where's the blushing?! The shuttering! The overall panic over being afraid that we might label you as a pervert?! You should be all like 'Forgive me, nee-san-senpai! I didn't mean y any boob-I mean, trouble!' All while sneaking some glances at this killer rack!" She gestured to her bust. Roxas noted that she undid the buttons to show off a fair amount of cleavage. But, he didn't make much of it. That irked her even more. "Oh, come on! You're doing it again! Guys drool when they look at me, even though it's a little creepy…"

Ikaruga stared in disbelief. 'So, she doesn't like it when she's the one being leered at?!' She mentally screamed.

Katsuragi's hands were on her hips and leaned forward to make her ladies bounce it up to get this guy's eyes. At the very least, he seemed curious and confused, not sure on how to proceed with this unusual interaction.

Wait.

Curious and confused.

Katsuragi then gained a sly smirk. "Hoh~. I see how it is, now~!" Roxas suddenly got a funny feeling, some real intimidation in the presence of the taller girl. Her saucy look on the other hand, that was what set him off. "You're not used to girls. Let me guess, you're from way out of town and probably surrounded by mostly dudes, so you don't know how to talk to the ladies. Even the ones with killer bods."

"Wha-" Roxas blinked.

She got it in one!

Katsuragi's smirk widened. "Bullseye~." She further surprised Roxas when she boldly strutted up until she was pressing her chest against his.

Smushy, smushy~.

"What are you…..doing….?"

What was the procedure?!

Run?!

Hide?!

Do nothing?!

Axel, where are you?!

"Just doing my civic duty as a senpai to properly educate cute kohai on important stuff, like how tempting the female body is~" She purred, leaning her face closer to his. "How about it, stud~? Want senpai to take care of you~?" Her hands slowly traveled to behind. Katsuragi always wondered if the male form felt as nice as the female. She just finds the latter more fun to grab around, but isn't opposed to exploring some new horizons.

It helps that he's easy on the eyes.

Unfortunately, her fun came to an abrupt end.

"That's enough!" Ikaruga hand chopped the back of her hard.

"Ow! The hell?!"

"It's much too early for your shameless antics! Cease now or I will be forced to report this to the school board!"

Katsuragi rubbed her aching head. "Jeez, always gotta be such a stickler, huh class rep?"

"As is my duty!" Ikaruga nodded, accepting her chosen role as the one who upholds basic decency around here. "As class representative, I will not allow you to cause this boy anymore distress!"

Katsuragi got another smirk. "Oh~ In that case…."

Ikaruga didn't like her mischievous look. "Wh-What are you-"

"I'll just make due with you, class prez~!" Katsuragi struck from behind and grabbed her hands onto Ikaruga's breasts, rubbing them for all their worth. "Damn, did these girls grow again? They were big enough when we first met, so I can't tell~!" She cackled.

"K-Katsruragi-san!" Ikaruga cried out. "S-Stop that at once!"

"Hey, you can't pack these balloons and not expect me to give them some tender love and care~!"

"Nothing about this is tender!"

Roxas watched the exchange, slightly agape.

What the heck was up with this world and the women here?

"Um, I don't think she likes that." Roxas told the female blonde.

"Don't worry about it! This is just how we show affection at Hanzō National Academy!"

WHACK!

Tick mark on her head, Ikaruga dragged a woozy Katsuragi away after bopping her with a fist this time. "Honestly! You're impossible! Please, pardon us!" She apologized to Roxas one more time. "Since you don't appear to have a uniform, you must be a new transfer. I advise going to the principal's office for more information. Good day."

Katsuragi regained her bearings and winked flirtatiously at Roxas. "Catch ya later, stud~."

"...My name is-is Roxas…." he numbly stuttered.

Now was the perfect time to Corridor of Darkness the heck out of there.

Roxas spent the next couple of minutes exploring more of the school until he made it to the top of a building that was located next to the main school complex and released a tired breath. "Well, that…..happened." So many questions went through his head and there was some part of him that felt that he was better off moving on. "Girls are weird." Deciding that there wasn't any point remaining at this school, he portaled away.

Unknown to him and the student body, this school building happened to be a very special one.

On the surface it was a building that was exclusive to a select few who were supposedly taking advanced courses. In truth, this was the secret facility where the shinobi-in-training masquerading as high school students hone their skills and ninja arts outside the prying eyes of the regular folk. In addition to Asuka, the other four girls Roxas encountered today just so happened to also be shinobi like her.

The five of them made up the current hidden shinobi class of Hanzō National Academy.

And today's class was very special because it featured the return of Asuka.

---

Asuka had managed to make her way barely without being followed for it was considered off limits to non-shinobi. The well endowed girl made sure none were looking and she stood back against a wall that turned completely around, taking her to the secret shinobi classroom.

"Whew! Made it!"

"Welcome back, Asuka-san." Ikaruga politely greeted her while drinking tea.

"Ikaruga-san! Asuka, reporting in and ready for training!"

"Nice work evading those boy students by the way." Ikaruga remarked.

Asuka scratched her cheek. "You saw that, huh?" At least they thought she was cute.

"Hard not to since you neglected to conceal your presence." Ikaruga retorted, furthering her embarrassment. "Running in from the school gates was very reckless, you should've known better."

Asuka sheepishly scratched her head's back. "Heh, sorry, I was just so excited to be back here after so long!"

Ikaruga reprimanded her again. "Be that as it may, at this school, we're technically students but at the same time, we aren't students. You must not forget the fundamentals. Our identities must be kept secret. Next time, be more careful. Otherwise, our cover will be blown."

"I-I understand. It won't happen again. By the way, where's Ka-KYAH!" She cried out when a familiar pair of hands grabbed her boobs from behind.

"Aw~~ You look pretty down, Asuka~! Let me squeeze out the bad vibes~! Squeezy, Squeezy~!" Katsuragi cooed, having a blast of feeling Asuka up.

"Katsu-nee! Stop that! Let me go!" Asuka pleaded with a blush. If there was one thing she didn't miss, it was Katsuragi's frequent attacks.

"Don't be like that~!" Katsuragi continued rubbing them. "I'm just giving your bodacious tatas a welcome~!"

Asuka finally broke free. "Geez! I just can't let my guard around you, can I?! If you like boobs so much, why not touch your own?!"

"Don't be like that! A little groping ain't hurting anyone!" Katsuragi wiggles her hands and makes squeezing motions. "I bet if I squeeze hard enough, they'd grow a cup size or two!"

Asuka was aghast at the very idea. "No way! I honestly wish they were smaller!"

"For real? Damn, that'd be a shame."

"Maybe to you!"

A scream got their attention and they saw Hibari fumbling to the floor and dropping all her sweets. "Owie….!"

Katsuragi sighed over her fall. "You're seriously getting in a mess this early in the morning, Hibari? You always know how to be the clumsiest person on Earth."

Hibari smiled bubbly. "Heh, sorry, Katsu-nee! I thought I was gonna be late, so I tried hurrying up, but I got stuck in the secret entrance." The pinkette noticed the classmate she hasn't seen in a while. "Ah! Asuka-chan! When did you come back?"

"Just today, Hibari-chan, fresh off the boat."

Hibari stands, rubbing her rear. "How did your advancement tests go? Did you pass?"

"Mm-hm!"

"Congratulations!" Hibari clapped.

"Heh, I'm just glad I managed to make it through."

Yagyū spoke up from her sitting spot while munching on her dried squid. "Hibari, don't you think you should focus on making sure you pass your own tests before celebrating someone else's accomplishments?"

Hibari didn't show any worry. "Asuka-chan's still our classmate, so we should be happy for her!"

Asuka looked at the white haired girl. "Yagyū-chan! How long were you sitting there?!"

"To repeat Ikaruga, concealing one's presence is a basic shinobi skill."

"R-Right…." Asuka laughed sheepishly at that.

Katsuragi chortled. "Man, when it comes to her, it's hard to believe that she's your underclassmen. You better step your game, Asuka."

"It can't be helped. Yagyū-chan may be above your average first year, but she does out-rank me." Asuka defended.

"That's because Yagyū-chan's a gifted prodigy!" Hibari praised.

She didn't show it, but Yagyū was pleased by Hibari complimenting her.

If she was the one getting praises from her best friend, then that was fine.

Just another regular day for these girls secretly training as shinobi.

But, it would be complete without….

POOF!

They all screamed and coughed after a smoke bomb went off.

It cleared, revealing the person who threw it.

He was an adult silver haired man dressed in a black business suit. This was Kiriya, the girls' official instructor, charged with training them. "Good morning, girls. I trust you're ready for class." He greeted them after the needlessly flashy entrance.

Ikaruga stopped drinking her tea and the five girls lined up, bowing before the man. "Good morning, Kiriya-sensei." They moved upright, all mounds jiggling.

"Asuka."

"Y-Yes, sir!" Asuka straightened herself out.

Kiriya smiled warmly at his student. "Good work on your test."

Asuka blushed. "Thank you, but it's not really a big deal."

"Your scores will determine that." Kiriya opened a dossier that recorded her overall performance, detailing what she got right or wrong. Asuka slumped with each mistake that was called out. "Narrowly avoided losing scroll by using empty-shell technique, but the uniform was severely damaged in the process. Used a smoke bomb in an urban area. Remaining time was close to zero. Oh, my! This truly is remarkable!" She perked up, until he finished. "You scored with the lowest possible passing grade on the test. Truly unheard of!"

"At least be impressed with the good things instead!" Asuka cried. "I managed to pass, right?!"

Chuckling, Kiriya closed the dossier. "Fair enough. A pass is a pass, though I expect for you to aim for higher scores next time, alright?"

"Understood, sir!"

"Okay, for the first lesson, you five will be sparring to hone your hand to hand combat skills. Everyone, get changed."

POOF!

He used another smoke bomb to make an exit.

---

"Jeez, no offense to Kiriya-sensei, but he has to lay off the smoke bombs." Katsuragi complained, changing with the rest of the girls in the locker rooms.

"His methods may be considered old-fashioned, but he's still a great teacher." Ikaruga defended.

"Yeah, and every shinobi has their own style and his are smoke bombs." Asuka added.

Katsuragi got a glint in her eyes and once again went for a caressing attack on Asuka's chest. "And let me guess, yours is suffocating your foes with these boobies, right~?"

"What?! N-No! Katsu-nee, enough!"

Ikaruga thankfully put a stop to this. "Enough goofing off, already."

"Yes, ma'am."

Hibari sighed meekly. "Do we have to do this?"

"Is something the matter, Hibari?" Yagyū asked.

"I-I'm just nervous about training, you know I'm no good at combat stuff…."

"...Hibari."

"Huh?"

Yagyū gave her an encouraging smile. "Do your best!"

That was enough to lighten the odd eyed girl's spirits. "Okay!"

"If you're all done changing, it's time to go." Ikaruga ordered.

After exiting the locker room, the girls gathered again at the meeting room where the dark haired girl pulled on a secret string, releasing a horn noise and lit up a lamp. A wall slid open to reveal a hidden hatch that all girls jumped into. They slid down until reaching the end where they landed perfectly, except for Hibari who landed on her bottom. Poor girl. Kiriya stood across from them.

"Alright, first mid-air sparring match of the day!" The teacher pointed at the blonde and the other tall girl. "Ikaruga! Katsuragi!"

"Right!" Both third years replied.

"And…..begin!"

The two upperclassmen leaped into action, Ikaruga went on a diving attack first but Katusragi disappeared and attacked from behind with a diving kick. Ikaruga managed to dodge. They landed and the blonde backflips for a powerful forward kick that Ikaruga blocked, but was pushed back.

Asuka and Hibari cheered.

"Nice work, Katsu-nee!"

"You both did great!"

Kiriya announced the next match up. "Asuka and Yagyū! It's your turn!"

Asuka and the prodigy did a series of kicks and punches up above while their fellow students watched on.

After the bout of training was done, the girls went back to the secret room for some food and drinks.

"You still pissed I kicked your ass, class prez?" Katsurai teased as they all sat.

Ikaruga indignantly scoffed. "If I had my sword, you wouldn't be so cocky."

"Uh-oh, we got a sore loser!" Katsuragi snickered.

"I-I am nothing of the sort!" Ikaruga denied, making Katsurai laugh.

As the bell for break time started, the blonde stretched out her arms. "So, what do you ladies wanna do for lunch?"

The class rep was the first to answer. "Anything but fast food."

"I got you covered! Consider these tasty souvenirs from my trip!" Asuka declared, taking out a box that contained enough futomaki rolls for their hungry stomachs.

"Oh, wow! Delicious!"

"Way to hook us up, Asuka!"

Hibari and Katsuragi drooled.

Ikaruga smiled. "That settles it, then." Normally, people would slice futomaki rolls…..but not these girls, they for some reason, prefer to eat the rolls whole. "Where did you get these from, Asuka-san?"

I slept at my parents' place last night and they wouldn't let me leave without them."

"Oh, that's right. Your family runs a sushi restaurant, correct?"

"Uh-Huh! The best in town!" Asuka was ignorant of Katsuragi quietly crawling up behind her.

"Then let me give you a nice boobs squeeze as thanks!"

"Again?! Katsu-nee, don't you ever quit?!" Asuka's cries were muffled by the roll in her mouth.

POOF!

As with before, Kiriya made an entrance via smoke bomb. "Oh, are those futomaki rolls I see?"

Coughing, though thankful that Katsuragi was now off her, Asuka offered one to him. "Yeah. Sensei, please take one if you want."

"My thanks, Asuka." The less said about how he ate them similarly to the girls, the better. "By the way, how is Hanzō-sama doing these days?"

"Ji-chan? Funny you should ask, he woke up at the crack of dawn to make these rolls himself."

Kiriya smiled. "That so? Nice to hear he hasn't changed all that much. Of course, there is one quirk of his I wished he'd get a better handle on." Asuka chuckled weakly, knowing what her mentor was referring to. Kiriya then looked more serious. "Now, Asuka. Since you're back, it's time for you girls to have your training taken to the next level. This afternoon, I am sending you all to carry out a mission outside the school."

That got the girls' undivided attention.

For a shinobi, nothing was more important than the missions that they're assigned.

How they perform on missions not only decides their worth, but they can often be dangerous enough to nearly lose their lives.

"A mission outside the school?" Asuka gaped. "You really think we're ready?"

Katsuragi, though, was ecstatic by the news. "Hell yeah! Finally, we're getting our chance to shine! What good is all the training and bouncing we do if we don't show off what we've learned, am I right?! Alright, teach! What's the big mission?! We gonna assassinate a crime boss?! Escort a babe with huge knockers?!"

Kiriya curbed her high expectations. "Nothing extreme, just help the shopping district by getting rid of the delinquents causing a ruckus."

"Huh?!" Katsuragi slumped her shoulders in disappointment.

"The merchants have been losing business due to these ruffians loitering around their stores."

"So, we just have to beat up punks?" Asuka surmised, not like any shinobi mission she's ever heard of.

Hibari fidgeted. "Do-Do we really have to? Delinquents are really scary….!"

Yagyū calmed her. "Relax, I'll be right by your side, Hibari."

"Ah….thank you so much, Yagyū-chan!"

---

Still in the city.

And still no Heartless in the morning. Roxas could call it a day and head back to the castle, but then he'd have to explain why he failed the mission. And he's seen how Saīx chastises members who don't pull their weight or meet the quota. Demyx was a frequent victim of that, so Roxas decided to keep on looking. He went to the city's shopping district and he wondered if he could potentially buy something.

"Huh? No Yen? The hell you trying to pull? A disgruntled old shop owner barked at Roxas. "Listen, kid, this begging crap may fly wherever you're from. Here, though, if you don't have Yen, then take yourself somewhere else! Damn brat."

Frowning, Roxas walked away.

So, since he forgot to stock up on Munny to convert it into Yen, Roxas was essentially broke.

Where's a good Moogle store when he needs one? The items he managed to stock up from defeating those Heartless could be used to synthesize something real special.

Oh, well.

When it came to looking for Heartless, he had to rely on investigating his surroundings. Everything seemed peaceful, at least on the surface. What was that thing Vexen told him to always do? Expand your senses? Humming in thought, Roxas put himself in a crowd of people and closed his eyes to focus on his hearing. He needed to pay attention to any subjects that could help him.

"...Real monsters…..!"

Eye snapping open, Roxas managed to get a bite.

He pushed ahead to listen some more.

"No, seriously! It's all over the conspiracy blog, weird monsters showed up and attacked nearby!"

"Come on, quit trying to scare me."

"I'm serious, dude! Near there!"

Not much, but a lead's a lead.

He ran through all the people, during which he unknowingly passed by a certain tan girl who saw him run. "It's him again…." Homura observed. After running into the granddaughter of Hanzō again, she's currently leading her on a wild goose chase by pretending to be looking for her classmates during a field trip. And it was that boy again.

"Homura-chan? Everything okay?" Asuka asked.

"Uh, yeah, sure. Let's keep looking." A part of her got a little concerned, mainly for her comrade who's also on the move after she gave her the signal.

Her shinobi training taught her one lesson, there's no such thing as coincidences.

Roxas kept on running until he found a rather unexpected obstacle.

A construction worker was guiding people to go the other way.

Except not only did she look too young to be a worker, but he recognized those eyes. "It's one of those girls…!" Focusing back on the task, he took Hibari by surprise when he jumped over to the forbidden area.

"Ah! Wait You can't-!" She spotted his face. "You're…!" Roxas went ahead. "Hang on! You can't go that way! You'll be hurt!" When she and Yagyū found the punks, she had shot out a signal to assemble everyone, sans Asuka. She was put in charge of crowd control and now this happened. "What do I do?! What do I-Eh?" She stopped panicking when her whole body started shaking. She was feeling something. A presence. A dark one and that's not even getting into those supposedly average punks. "Everyone….!"

She needed to get to the girls and fast!

---

"Talk about a letdown. I didn't even break a sweat." Katsuragi fought butterflies tougher than the defeated punks sprawled out on the pavement.

"The real problem is that Asuka didn't respond to the signal." Ikaruga pointed out.

Katsuragi rolled her eyes. "Good grief, what are we gonna do with that girl?" Out of nowhere, the defeated punks rose up like zombies, giving off threatening auras. The girls backed up. "The hell? How are these scum getting back up after the ass kicking we gave them?"

"Be on your guard!" Ikaruga told them.

"Hey, wait!"

They looked back and saw Hibari, alongside a certain boy in a dark coat.

"Hibari! And….." Yagyū's single eye widened. "It's-"

"It's you!" She, Ikaruga, and Katsuragi shouted at the same time. "Wait, you recognize him, too?!"

"Girls, listen!" Hibari spoke up. "Something's not right with those punks! They don't have souls! And there's also something nearby….! Something…..dangerous and most of all, dark!"

"What are you talking about?!" Katsuragi questioned.

Sitting atop a shipping container, observing the entire exchange was Haruka. A tall older dark green eyed girl with her blonde hair done up in curls at the end and also had a pink bow. Her attire was the same uniform as Homura's. "For dull movements, she has quite the sharp senses." She noted Hibari's abilities, then her eyes landed on Roxas and her coy tone got even more lascivious. "And look at that~. An outsider must have followed her like a lost little puppy~. Such cute little things~." She licked her lips hungrily before snapping her fingers.

The aura surrounding the punks then expanded that consumed them.

"Crap! Could this be?!" Katsuragi screamed before pushing Roxas out of the way. "Get out of here, this doesn't concern you!"

Before Roxas' eyes, the punks and the girls disappeared. "What in the world?!" This day now got even weirder.

Haruka giggled. "I suppose I should use a knock out drug for the little guy~. Too bad business comes before pleasure, otherwise, we'd be having some fun~." She was ready to jump down.

Roxas found that some invisible force was keeping him from going ahead.

Like, a barrier.

He was locked out.

That made him recall the words that Xemnas told him about being a Keyblade wielder.

"Wielding the Keyblade not only allows you to call on incredible power, it also unlocks anything at all that stands in your way….."

Unlock anything, huh?

Roxas raised his hand and the Keyblade appeared.

Haruka made a slightly startled sound. "A key….?" She saw him point it towards the unseen barrier and it emits a beam of light that makes a swirling opening appear. Not hesitating, he went through and disappeared like the girls. For once, Haruka was actually surprised by this development. "He penetrated my barrier?!"

---

A Shinobi Barrier.

For Shinobi to fight each other without any spectators in public areas, these special areas are created that exist between space and time. The combatants were in a dark purple misty void leaving the girls to regroup. "If they're using a shinobi barrier, then they must be…."

"...Shinobi!" Katsurai finished Yagyū's thought.

Ikaruga knew there was only one option left. "If it's come to this, then we can't afford to hold back anymore! Girls, are you ready?!"

Katsuragi grinned. "To beat punk asses? Always!"

"This is off-mission, but we have no choice!" Ikaruga unveiled a scroll and launched it into the air. She then formed a hand seal. "Shinobi…..Transformation!"

Her classmates did their own seals and shouted the same line. "Shinobi Transformation!"

The four became surrounded by mystical energies colored red, blue, yellow, and pink for each girl. Their clothes were burned away and new attire manifested. Ikaruga wore a white military coat with a blue armband and long katana sword sheathed. Katsuragi got herself a new uniform, except this one's buttons were clean off, leaving herself very exposed and barely covered. Golden and copper boots outfitted her feet and swung her powerful well tuned legs in practice kicks. Yagyū wore a dark cloak around a brown business suit and a red skirt. Finally, for Hibari, she had on a pink track jacket, and black hotpants.

Shinobi transformations.

A special ninja technique where shinobi unleash their dormant energies all at once in a combat mode where their power and abilities increase.

The delinquents went on the attack.

Hibari deflected a wooden sword swing meant for her, until the lead punk swung down at her, forcing Hibari to jump back against the shinobi barrier. Like a hero, Yagyū shielded her using her wagasa umbrella.

The eyepatched prodigy sliced her umbrella downard, taking apart part of the punk's face.

Just as Hibari said, there was more to these guys than they appeared.

The punk's entire fake skin ripped away, revealing itself to be nothing more than a wooden puppet.

Katsuragi powerfully kicked one across the face, exposing it's true face, too.

"Wooden dolls?" Ikaruga observed.

Her sword, Hien, sliced off one's arms and there goes another puppet masquerading as a human.

…..Then.

The four shinobi stopped moving when they felt a presence.

"It's back again….!" Hibari shivered in fright. "This feeling….!"

Outside the shinobi barrier, Homura was close to striking down Asuka from behind using a hidden blade.

Until they too froze upon detecting the presence.

"Girls…." Asuka felt the urge to go assist her friends. "Sorry, Homura-chan! I-I need to go!"

"...Haruka." Homura muttered in concern.

The young woman in question shielded herself when the barrier started to go out of control. "What's happening…?" She gasped when something rushed past her and into the barrier.

What the hell is going on?!

Back inside the barrier, the Hanzō students looked up when a cloud of shadows formed and out of the shadows came a Marionette. An Emblem Heartless that was a yellow eyes jagged mouthed mass of red spiked darkness that was surrounded by a blue ring with yellow edges. It had two more of its kind joining it as they hovered over the destroyed puppets. Strings went down and connected to the broken dolls. They came back to life and underwent their own transformations through dark mist enveloping them.

The Hanzō students sweated as the puppets revealed their new forms.

Now, the dolls resemble mechanized automatons looking like dangerous assassins and warriors. One had razor sharp finger claws and feet. Another was more bulkier, and its hands were shaped like maces. The third was shaped like a quadruped animal with razor sharp teeth and dark fire breath.

"What are those things?!" Hibari exclaimed in fright, hiding behind Yagyū.

"Just stay back, Hibari!" Despite herself, even Yagyū actually felt some distress.

Ikaruga gritted her teeth, gripping Hien. "These monstrosities! Where did they come from?!" They had these odd emblems on their foreheads now, they looked like malformed hearts.

Katsuragi smirked, her blood was boiling for a real challenge and it looked like she got it. "Heh! Interesting! Doesn't matter what upgrades you got, I'm still gonna kick your asses all over again!"

"Katsuragi-san! Wait! We don't know-"

The battle crazy blonde ignored Ikaruga and leapt straight for these monsters. Her diving kick was blocked by the Shield Marionette. She jumped backwards in a roll. "So these things are tougher, now! Like that'll save you!" She jumped forward and performed a series of rapid feet kicks that tried breaking the shields, but it was still standing. The Shield Marionette swiped the left shield which was sharp enough to cut her and Katsuragi jumped. Spin rolling in-mid air, she swung down a fierce drop kick at its head, making its feet into the ground, sending small debris and creating cracks.

Ikaruga clashed Hien against the Clawed Marionette. She shoves it away and its claws separated into pieces attached by thin threads. She used her sword to block all the lashing strikes that would make mince of her should they touch her. They almost did, but she evaded and quickly appeared behind the Heartless for an vivisecting slash.

Hibari shrieked as she dodged the Beast Marionette, jumping around to avoid its pounces at her. Yagyū opened her umbrella up for it to fire kunai knives at it and it was pinned to the barrier. She dashed while thrusting her umbrella through its chest.

Attacks that should have resulted in a victory for Hanzō.

Only for these monsters to reform themselves.

"No way!" Katsuragi glared. "They should be wasted!" She tried giving more blowing kicks and they respawned again.

Hien sword swings, umbrella jabs, nothing seemed to work.

"These monsters! They can't be invincible, can they?!" Ikaruga didn't think the mission would turn out in such a dreadful way.

"Yagyū-chan!" Hibari shouted, close to tears.

"Just stay behind me, Hibari! We'll get through this, I promise." Under Yagyū's feet, Shadow Heartless sprang up and trapped her in their grip.

"More of these things?!" Katsuragi was grabbed, too and soon, even Ikaruga. The Shadows popped out when they least expected it and held them for the Emblem Heartless.

"Everyone! GAH!" Hibari became surrounded by Shadows and she jumped to get away only to be hit by jumping Shadows. "Let go of me!"

"Hibari!" Yagyū cried, struggling to free herself.

Not again.

She can't afford to lose another sister!

Hibari kicked and screamed. "Stop! Let me go! Someone! Please help me!"

Was this it?

Was this the end?

…..No.

SHING!

In the sky, a bright light was shining like a star and the Heartless halted. The girls looked up, transfixed by the light until it started flying down to them, landing right in the middle, creating a dust cloud. A male shouted out. "Thunder!" Lightning from thunder clouds struck the Heartless holding the girls and they dissipated in an instant. Stepping through the dust was none other than Roxas, Keyblade in hand and ready for a fight.

"Him again?!" Ikaruga gaped.

"How did he make it through the barrier?!" Katsuragi was also stumped by how his attacks made the Heartless go down when she couldn't.

"A key?" Yagyū questioned after looking at the Keyblade.

Hibari made an awed sound, it seemed as if some form of higher power had answered her prayer and brought forth a brave warrior. Just like in her games! Roxas looked her way and he became a flash made out of light and he blocked the Beast Marionette from attacking her while she was distracted. "Get back!" He shouted to Hibari.

"Eh?!"

"Get back! Hurry!"

"O-Okay!"

Not needing to be told twice, Hibari distanced herself away.

Roxas called on another spell. "Reflega!" A barrier of hex-shaped magical energy surrounded him and when the Beast Marionette attacked, it both shielded Roxas and exploded into light particles attacking the Heartless. Roxas held the keyblade in both hands and swung it upwards to launch the Marionette up and then he jumped. He swung sideways, then up and down, before a final slash that cut off the strings and the puppet itself crumbled into pieces. The dark mass that controlled it imploded, and a Heart floated away upon the destruction of the Heartless.

Fighting them and the way he used the Keyblade.

It was very familiar to Roxas, and the way his body moved, like it was used to this sort of combat.

Said combat continued on with the other Heartless. Roxas attacked swiftly like the wind while casting. "Aero!" The fangs of the Keyblade blew slashing air slices that bisected the Shadows that charged him.

The Shield Marionette raised the shields until they and it were cut down by more wind slashes.

Roxas skidded across the ground gracefully after that attack.

The Claw Marionette's wire claws tangled up his legs and was flung against the barrier walls before slamming the blonde boy down to the ground, reeling Roxas in like a caught was at his limit.

Which called for a Limit Break.

"You're finished!" Roxas grabbed the wires and pulled hard enough to make the Marionette come to him. He channeled light energy onto the Keyblade, making it look like a saber made out of light and dove head first to furiously slash the Heartless multiple times until he opens his arms across, summoning three light pillars that spreaded through, destroying the Marionette and all remaining Heartless in the battlefield save for one more.

"Amazing…!" Hibari whispered, eyes sparkling.

Her classmates were equally shocked.

How the heck could he succeed in killing those things when their attacks only resulted in respawning.

Roxas panted after he dropped his fighting stance.

He saw the Hearts that were released going up away from sight.

Mission complete.

And he thus, collected the important items that appear every time a Heartless was defeated.

The shinobi barrier was instantly broken and they were back in the city.

"You!" Roxas and saw the Hanzō girls approach him. Hibari stared at him in wonderment, but her friends were on their guard. "Explain yourself!" Ikaruga demanded.

"Everyone!" Asuka finally showed up. "Sorry I'm late! Is everyone-eh?! Roxas-kun?!" First Homura, and now seeing another person from the boat.

Her surprise made her unaware of the Shadow that emerged to attack her until Roxas thrusted toward it. "Get down!" Roxas' command was followed by an instinctive Asuka as the Shadow was quickly cut in half by the Keyblade wielder.

"Eh-EHHHHHH?!" Asuka stuttered.

The Keyblade disappeared from Roxas's hand and he gave a tired sigh.

Now he could finally relax at HQ.

Putting his hood up, he opened a Corridor of Darkness and began walking.

"Wait!" Katsuragi yelled, making him halt. "We still have questions, buddy!"

"Roxas-kun….." Asuka breathed. To think that she thought he was a strange boy sleeping in the unlikeliest of places.

This was….

She had no words.

"Um…." Hibari softly spoke up. "...Who are you…..?"

Roxas stayed silent, until he answered the best way he could.

"...Just a Nobody."

After entering the portal, it disappeared, leaving five very stumped shinobi in disbelief.

They weren't the only ones that observed something extraordinary. Sitting cross-legged, Haruka watched everything that unfolded in the barrier through her connection with her former dolls. "Ara, isn't this quite interesting~?" The voluptuous young woman mused.

What a story she'll have for everyone back at Hebijo.

This was the start of an incredible journey for all parties involved.

And it all started when Roxas first set foot in this world…..