Hey, everyone!
Welcome to chapter 17 of Senran Kagura: Shinobi Chronicles.
Hope you guys enjoy it!
"Speaking"
'Thinking'
*Sounds*
[Shinobi Driver]
Special Attacks
As the battle erupted, Kamen Rider Shinobi darted toward the Majin with unrelenting ferocity. His Shinobi Saber gleamed under the pale light of the park's streetlamps as he launched a flurry of attacks, each strike more violent than the last.
"Yukio, wait—!" Asuka called out, but her words were drowned by the sound of metal clashing against the Majin's grotesque armored scales.
The Majin, Guran Gyo-tori, snarled, deflecting Yukio's strikes with its razor-sharp claws.
"Such rage, boy! Is this the same scared little child I captured all those years ago?"
"Shut up!" The purple ninja roared, his voice tinged with uncharacteristic fury.
*Slash!*
He spun around, his blade slicing through a nearby lamppost in his reckless pursuit of the Majin. Sparks rained down as the light toppled to the ground with a deafening crash, casting the park into deeper shadows.
Asuka leaped into action to support her friend. She darted forward, her blade intercepting one of the Majin's strikes aimed at Shinobi.
"Yukio! Snap out of it! You're destroying everything!"
But her words barely reached him. The Rider was consumed by a singular, destructive focus—to obliterate the Majin. He spun into another relentless combo, slashing wildly at Guran Gyo-tori, forcing the monster to retreat step by step. Trees splintered and park benches were shattered as collateral damage from the purple Ninja's attacks.
The Majin cackled, amused despite the onslaught.
"So emotional! You're not even fighting me—you're fighting your past!"
"Enough!" Shinobi roared, his weapon glowing with energy as he channeled his frustration into a devastating overhead slash.
*Crash!*
The attack carved a deep scar into the ground, sending chunks of dirt and debris flying in every direction.
Asuka narrowly dodged a chunk of debris that flew past her. Her eyes widened in alarm. This wasn't the calm, calculating Yukio she knew—this was someone else entirely.
"Yukio, stop! You're losing control again!" she shouted, placing herself between him and the Majin.
As the battle raged on, the Majin, Guran Gyo-tori, sneered as it conjured another illusion with its lure ability. The faint glow of malevolent energy surrounded it as the visage of a young girl began to materialize—Asuna, just as Yukio remembered her.
"Yukio…" the illusion whispered, her voice trembling with sorrow. Her small, frail figure walked toward him, chains rattling faintly with every step.
Shinobi froze in his tracks, his Kodachi faltering at his sides. His breath hitched as his memories flooded back, the raw pain of that time threatening to consume him.
"Asuna…" he murmured, his voice barely audible.
The illusion reached out a hand, her expression a mixture of sadness and longing.
"Why did you leave me? You promised…"
"Stop it!" Shinobi growled, though his feet felt like they were cemented to the ground.
The blood-red tint in his eyes flickered dangerously as the dark aura began to creep back around him.
But the Majin underestimated one critical thing—it wasn't alone in this fight.
From the corner of his vision, the Rider barely registered Asuka moving swiftly into position. Her blade gleamed with a brilliant light as she focused her energy, channeling one of her Hiden Ninpo techniques.
With a resolute yell, Asuka unleashed her special technique.
"Hiden Ninpo: Nitō Ryōzan!" Her blade erupted in a fiery, green glow as she dashed toward Guran Gyo-tori in a blur of speed.
*Slash!* *Slash!*
The Majin's eyes widened in shock as Asuka's attack struck true. Her blade cut deeply into its torso, an intense burst of energy erupting from the impact. Guran Gyo-tori let out a guttural scream as it staggered backward, dark ichor spilling from its wound. The illusion of Asuna shattered instantly, dissipating into black mist.
"Gyahhh!"
Shinobi blinked, the spell broken. He looked at Asuka, who stood between him and the faltering Majin, her blade still glowing faintly from her attack.
"Get it together, Yukio!" The red scarf girl demanded, her voice firm yet supportive. "Don't let him mess with your head again!"
"Asuka..."
Realizing how close he had come to faltering, the purple masked ninja clenched his fists and nodded, his resolve hardening.
"You're right," he said, his tone filled with determination.
The Majin, still reeling from Asuka's attack, glared at the two of them, its voice laced with fury.
"You… wretched girl… I'll make you pay for that!"
The Majin roared in fury, its towering form radiating malice as it lashed out with its clawed hand.
*Bam!*
The blow connected with Asuka before she could fully react, sending her hurtling through the air.
"Asuka!" Shinobi shouted, reaching out in vain as she was flung backward.
Her body slammed into a sturdy stone pillar at the edge of the park, the impact cracking the structure. Asuka cried out in pain as she crumpled to the ground, her head striking the base of the pillar with a sickening thud. A trickle of blood ran down her forehead, glistening under the dim streetlights.
She tried to push herself up, her hand trembling as she touched the bleeding wound on her head. Her vision blurred, and a sharp ringing sound filled her ears. Despite the pain, she managed to lift her gaze, locking eyes with the ninja Rider, who stood frozen in shock.
"Asuka!" Yukio's voice cracked as he saw her injured.
His hands trembled, his rage boiling to the surface.
The Majin laughed cruelly, its voice echoing through the park.
"Your weakness, boy… always caring for others. How pathetic."
"Damn you, Majin…" The purple Rider growled, his voice low and dangerous. "You're going to regret that."
Ignoring his own emotions threatening to spiral out of control, he steadied himself, glancing back at Asuka. Despite her pain, she gave him a weak nod, silently urging him to fight without losing himself.
Guran Gyo-tori sneered as Shinobi vowed to take his life, even if it meant sacrificing his own.
"Bold words for a boy who barely knows how to keep his emotions in check. Your anger blinds you, child."
The Ninja Rider ignored the taunts and charged forward, fury burning in his chest as he prepared to strike. But before his blade could meet its target, the Majin extended his claw, summoning his lure once again.
"Asuna" appeared before him, her frail and tearful form trembling. She raised her hands defensively, her voice trembling with sorrow.
"Yukio, please… don't do this. Lay your weapon down. Stop fighting. It hurts so much…"
Shinobi's movements faltered, his heart clenching painfully. The plea from the illusion pierced his soul, dragging him into the depths of his own guilt and despair.
"Asuna… no…"
Shinobi whispered, his grip on his blade loosening. His breathing quickened, and his resolve began to crumble as his mind wavered between the present and the haunting memories of his past.
"Got you."
The Majin's eyes gleamed with triumph, seizing the opportunity. With a cruel laugh, Guran Gyo-tori extended his claw once more and plunged it forward—right through the lure's form.
*Stab!*
"Asuna" gasped in shock, her sorrowful eyes wide with pain, but the illusion quickly dissipated into black smoke. The true target was revealed as Guran Gyo-tori's claw impaled Yukio's chest, piercing through his Rider armor.
"Argh!"
The Kamen Rider gasped, blood spraying from his mouth as the Majin's claw lodged deep into his chest. Guran Gyo-tori twisted his claw maliciously, leaning closer to the injured Rider.
"See how your weakness betrays you? Pathetic little boy, clinging to ghosts."
The young man's vision blurred as pain overwhelmed him. His mind screamed at him to fight back, but his body refused to move. The Majin's mocking laughter echoed around him, and the flickering street lamp above cast a shadow of despair over the scene.
"Asuna…" Yukio murmured weakly, his voice barely audible as he reached out toward where she had fallen.
Blood continued to stain his armor, his life force slipping away as Guran Gyo-tori prepared to deliver the final blow.
Guran Gyo-tori's mocking laughter echoed through the night as he twisted his claw further into Shinobi's chest.
"Look at you, helpless and bleeding. This is the end for you, Kamen Rider. How pitifully predictable."
But suddenly, Shinobi's trembling hand shot up, firmly grasping the Majin's claw, locking it in place. His grip was unyielding, and a wicked smile crept onto his bloodied face beneath the mask.
"I've finally caught you," Shinobi growled, his voice low but laced with a venomous determination.
"What?!"
The Majin's eyes widened in shock as he realized too late that Yukio wasn't struggling to escape—he had let himself be stabbed on purpose.
The Shinobi Saber materialized in the ninja's free hand, its blade gleaming ominously under the dim streetlamp.
*Slash!*
Before Guran Gyo-tori could react, the purple ninja thrust the blade forward, driving it straight into the Majin's chest with all the strength he had left.
"Gah!" Guran Gyo-tori cried out in agony, black blood spurting from the wound as the blade tore through his body.
"What's wrong? Didn't you say I was helpless!? You didn't see this coming, did you, you slimy sack of feathers?!" Shinobi spat, twisting the blade deeper into the Majin's chest, eliciting another pained scream. "You thought you were untouchable, hiding behind illusions and cheap tricks. Guess what? You're nothing more than a coward who preys on the weak!"
The Kamen Rider yanked the blade out and stabbed the Majin again, the impact sending tremors through Guran Gyo-tori's body.
"This is for every person you tortured, for every life you ruined. Did you really think you'd get away with it forever?!"
The Majin coughed violently, black blood spilling from his beak as he stumbled back, clawing at his gaping wounds. His body trembled as he stared at the masked ninja in disbelief.
"You… how dare you…!" Guran Gyo-tori growled weakly, spitting more blood as he staggered to regain his footing.
But his injuries were severe, and the realization of his vulnerability finally dawned on him.
Shinobi stood tall, his hand still clutching his own wound but his resolve unwavering.
"You call yourself strong? You're nothing but a footnote in my story, a stepping stone on my path to wiping out your kind."
Guran Gyo-tori snarled, his earlier arrogance completely gone as fear crept into his voice. He spat one final glob of black blood onto the ground, his claws trembling as he tried to retreat from the unrelenting Kamen Rider.
The Majin staggered back, clutching his chest where the Shinobi Saber had inflicted devastating wounds. Despite the pain and the black blood trickling from his beak, the Majin forced a crooked smirk onto his face.
"I'll admit… I underestimated you, boy," Guran Gyo-tori rasped, his voice hoarse and strained. "You've got fire in you, I'll give you that. But for all your bravado…"
He motioned toward the illusion of Asuna, who still lingered nearby with tearful eyes, her hands clasped together in a silent plea.
"You couldn't even bring yourself to strike her down, could you? Pathetic. That weakness will be your downfall."
Shinobi growled, gripping the hilt of his saber tightly. His breathing was heavy, and blood dripped from the wound in his chest, but his eyes burned with hatred.
"You're running scared now. But there won't be a next time, I won' let yout have the chance to use tricks like that again."
The Majin laughed weakly, the sound distorted and wet from the blood in his throat.
"Oh, but we'll meet again, Kamen Rider. But next time, it'll be you begging for mercy. Don't think you'll get so lucky again."
With that, Guran Gyo-tori raised his claw and summoned a dark vortex, the swirling energy enveloping him as he began to disappear. Before vanishing completely, he sneered one final taunt.
"I'll make sure to remind you of your failures when the time comes. Farewell… for now."
"Stop!"
As the Majin vanished, Shinobi lunged forward, trying to stop him, but his legs buckled beneath him. He collapsed onto the ground, clutching his wound as the pain overwhelmed him. His vision blurred, the streetlamp above flickering ominously as his strength gave out.
"Asuna…" the young man murmured faintly as his transformation was called off, his voice barely audible.
But before he could lose consciousness entirely, Yukio's eyes drifted toward Asuka, who was struggling to get up from where she had been thrown earlier. Her head was still bleeding, but she forced herself to crawl toward him, her expression filled with worry and determination.
"Yukio! Stay with me!"
The girl called out, her voice cracking as she finally reached him.
But Yukio's eyes closed as exhaustion and blood loss overtook him, leaving Asuka alone under the dim light of the streetlamp. She placed her hands on his chest, her own injuries ignored as she whispered desperately,
"Please… hang on."
Senran Kagura: Shinobi Chronicles
NinPow 17: Into the Snake's Heart
Meanwhile, somewhere else…
In the same evening, the scene transitions to a modest, homely house nestled within a small town somewhere else in Japan…
The warm glow of the lights gave the home a cozy atmosphere, even as an undercurrent of unease loomed.
"Hmm…"
Fuyuka stood in the kitchen, carefully stirring the ingredients in a pot, her brow furrowed in concentration. She was testing a new recipe, planning to perfect it for their diner's menu, a local restaurant that she and her husband owned.
The soft clinking of utensils against the pot was the only sound in the otherwise serene household.
Footsteps echoed faintly, and she looked up to see Akio walking into the room. He had a tired yet gentle expression on his face, a familiar sight after the nightly ritual of putting their daughter to sleep.
"How was it?" Fuyuka asked, wiping her hands on a nearby cloth. "Was it hard to put her down tonight?"
Akio let out a quiet sigh, running a hand through his hair.
"She misses him," he said simply, his voice tinged with sadness.
Fuyuka's hands paused mid-motion, her expression softening.
"I see," she murmured, her tone heavy with shared sorrow.
The weight of unspoken memories hung between them, a silent acknowledgment of the loss they both carried.
"She always asks when he'll come back," Akio added, his gaze distant. "And I… I don't know how to answer."
Fuyuka lowered her gaze, her grip tightening on the cloth in her hands.
"I miss him too," she whispered, the words barely audible.
"Yeah, I also miss him."
The couple stood in silence, the shared pain in their hearts palpable. But just as they were about to sink further into their thoughts, an icy chill suddenly swept through the house.
Both Akio and Fuyuka stiffened, their eyes widening as an unsettling sensation coursed down their spines. It was as if an invisible hand had reached out to grip their very souls.
Akio's gaze snapped to Fuyuka, his voice urgent.
"You feel that too?"
Fuyuka nodded, her face pale. Without a word, she turned and hurried toward the living room, her steps quick and deliberate. Akio followed closely behind, his unease growing with every passing second.
Reaching a small cabinet tucked away in the corner, Fuyuka pulled open the drawer with trembling hands. Inside lay an ancient-looking scroll, its surface adorned with intricate symbols and seals. This was the scroll they had discussed just the other night, the one they had feared might be connected to the growing disturbances.
But as Fuyuka unfurled the scroll, her breath hitched, and her eyes widened in horror. The once-pristine seal inscribed on its surface was now visibly damaged, the symbols faint and cracked.
"No…"
Fuyuka whispered, her voice barely above a breath. Her hands trembled as she held the weakened scroll, the implications sinking in.
Akio leaned closer, his expression darkening as he examined the damage.
"The seal… it's been weakened," he muttered, his tone grim. "This is bad. Very bad."
"What could've caused this?" The wife asked, panic creeping into her voice.
The man shook his head, his jaw clenched.
"I don't know. But if the seal's power is failing…"
"We might not have much time," Fuyuka finished, her voice filled with dread.
The couple exchanged a look of realization, their worry mirrored in each other's eyes. Whatever was happening, it was far worse than they had anticipated. And now, the fragile balance they had worked so hard to maintain was threatening to collapse.
In the endless void of Yukio's subconscious, his unconscious form drifted weightlessly, the deep wound in his chest glowing faintly as his life hung precariously in the balance. His breathing was shallow, his face pale, and his hands limp at his sides.
Before him, the towering door that housed the mysterious entity materialized once again, its ominous presence filling the void with a chilling aura. The pair of glowing red eyes reappeared, glaring down at him with a mixture of fury and disdain.
"You miserable fool!" the voice thundered, echoing through the void with a venomous edge. "How could you let yourself get stabbed? Are you that eager to throw your life away? Do you have any idea what would've happened if you died?!"
Yukio's limp body offered no response, his consciousness barely flickering.
The red eyes narrowed, a low growl rumbling from behind the door.
"Pathetic. Absolutely pathetic. You couldn't even bring yourself to cut down that fake—that illusion! You let yourself hesitate, and for what? Memories? Sentimentality?"
The entity's tone grew more biting, dripping with scorn.
"You're still weak, Yukio. Pathetically weak. And because of your weakness, you're lying here, bleeding out like some worthless insect. But as much as I'd love to let you reap what you've sown…"
The voice paused, a bitter sneer audible in its tone.
"…I can't let you die, Yukio. Your death would mean my death, and I am not ready to leave this miserable world just yet."
A swirling, malevolent aura began to seep from the cracks in the door, dark tendrils of energy reaching out and coiling around Yukio's limp form. The entity's power poured into the gaping wound in his chest, the dark energy writhing as it worked to close the injury. The void pulsed with an eerie crimson light as the healing process unfolded.
The entity watched with smug satisfaction, its voice laced with arrogant pride.
"Look at this… Even in my restricted state, my power is nothing short of extraordinary. A perfect job, as always. That worthless body of yours should be grateful to house something as magnificent as me."
As the dark aura dissipated, the wound on Yukio's chest had been completely healed, not even a scar remaining. His breathing stabilized, though he remained unconscious, floating aimlessly in the void.
The red eyes narrowed once more, gazing at Yukio's lifeless expression.
"But don't think this means I've forgiven you for your incompetence. The next time you face an enemy, don't you dare hesitate. Cut them down, no matter what form they take. I won't tolerate another failure."
And as the entity stood within the void, admiring his handiwork with arrogant satisfaction, an insidious thought crept into his mind. His glowing red eyes narrowed with malevolent glee.
"Perhaps… this situation isn't as dire as it seems," the entity mused aloud, his voice carrying a dark, calculating edge. "With the boy so weak, the seal holding me back is starting to falter. Yes… Perhaps this is the perfect opportunity."
The door began to tremble ever so slightly, faint cracks forming along its surface as the entity's dark aura swirled around him, growing denser and more oppressive. Tendrils of shadow snaked outward, reaching for Yukio's floating body. The darkness began to envelop him, curling around his limbs and seeping into his very essence.
The entity chuckled darkly, relishing the moment.
"Yes… that's it! Slowly but surely, I'll tear down these wretched restraints. And then, this body… this power… everything will be rightfully mine!"
The void itself seemed to shudder under the weight of the growing darkness, the entity's influence creeping outward with every passing second. The cracks in the seal grew wider, and the shadows around Yukio's body thickened, threatening to consume him entirely.
*Flash!*
But then, a sudden, radiant beam of light pierced through the oppressive gloom, scattering the shadows and halting the entity's advance. The warmth of the light washed over Yukio's form, driving back the encroaching darkness.
"What?! No!" the entity roared, his voice filled with fury and frustration.
He recoiled as the light forced his aura to retreat, the cracks in the seal slowly mending themselves.
From the world of the waking, a familiar voice called out, clear and resolute:
"Yukio!"
It was Asuka. Her voice carried a warmth and urgency that seemed to cut through the void like a blade, reaching Yukio even in the depths of his subconscious.
The entity snarled, his red eyes blazing with anger as the light grew brighter, flooding the void.
"What? It's that plain girl?" he spat. "But how? Her presence… her light… it weakens me!"
The tendrils of darkness around Yukio's body unraveled and dissipated, retreating back into the void. The door began to seal itself fully once more, locking the entity behind its barrier.
As the light consumed the void, the entity growled lowly, his voice a venomous promise.
"Next time… Next time, there won't be anyone to save you, Yukio. And when that moment comes, I'll finally be free."
With one final glare, the red eyes vanished behind the closing door, and the oppressive aura was gone.
"Now wake up, Yukio. There's still work to be done…"
In the waking world, Yukio's eyelids began to flutter as he stirred, his consciousness pulled back by Asuka's voice and the warmth of her presence by his side.
Yukio groggily opened his eyes, blinking against the soft glow of the infirmary lights. His body ached, but it wasn't unbearable—just a dull throb that reminded him he was still alive. As his vision cleared, the first thing he saw was Asuka seated beside him, her eyes red and puffy as though she had been crying.
Before he could say anything, he realized they weren't alone. The other members of Hanzo Academy were there too, standing around the room and staring at him with a mix of disbelief and unease. Their gazes made him uncomfortable, though he wasn't sure why.
Shifting slightly, he noticed he was lying on one of the infirmary beds, a blanket draped over him. He winced as he tried to sit up, but Asuka quickly placed a hand on his shoulder to stop him.
"Yukio," Asuka said softly, her voice shaky. "You're awake."
Yukio gave her a nod.
"Yeah… Hey, Asuka," he greeted, his tone groggy and unsure.
He then glanced around at everyone else, their silent stares making him frown.
"What's going on? Why is everyone looking at me like that?"
Asuka hesitated for a moment before speaking.
"Are you okay? How are you feeling?"
Yukio nodded slightly, though confusion was evident on his face.
"I think I'm fine. Just sore. What happened?"
"How much do you remember from the fight with that Majin?" Asuka questioned.
Yukio rubbed his temple, trying to recall. "Not much," he admitted.
"I remember fighting him… then he escaped, and everything after that is kind of a blur."
Asuka's expression shifted to one of concern, though there was some relief mixed in.
"I see," she murmured. "Well… after the fight, I dragged you back here. You were in bad shape, Yukio. Really bad."
Yukio furrowed his brow, trying to process her words.
"How bad?"
"The hole in your chest," Asuka said bluntly, her voice trembling slightly. "It freaked everyone out when we saw you. I didn't know if you'd even make it back."
Yukio's hand instinctively went to his chest, only to find his skin smooth and unmarked. There was no sign of the injury he knew he'd sustained. His eyes widened slightly in disbelief.
"Wait… but I—"
"That's not the most shocking part," Asuka interrupted, her tone serious now.
Yukio looked at her, confusion evident on his face.
"What do you mean?"
Asuka glanced at the others in the room before continuing.
"When we brought you here, something… happened. While you were still unconscious, this… dark aura surrounded your body. We all saw it."
The other members nodded in silent agreement, their expressions uneasy.
"It healed you, Yukio," Asuka said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Completely. The wound was gone. No scars, nothing. It was like it had never even been there."
Yukio's eyes widened as he processed this information.
"Dark aura…?" he repeated, his mind racing.
A cold realization crept over him, and he remembered the entity that existed within his soul—the red-eyed being that had spoken to him in that void.
'Was it him?' Yukio thought to himself, dread creeping into his chest. 'Did he… save me?'
Before the Rider could delve further into his thoughts, he was startled by Asuka suddenly throwing her arms around him in a tight hug.
"Yukio!" she cried, her voice breaking. "I thought I lost you! I… I was so scared!"
The boy froze for a moment, unsure of how to respond. He felt the dampness of her tears soaking into his shoulder as she clung to him desperately. Slowly, he lifted his arms and hesitantly returned the hug, patting her back awkwardly.
"I'm… sorry," he murmured, his voice quiet.
Asuka pulled back slightly, just enough to look him in the eyes.
"Don't apologize," she said, wiping at her tears. "Just… don't scare me like that again, okay?"
Yukio tries to give her a faint smile, though his thoughts are still clouded with uncertainty.
"I'll try," he said softly, his gaze drifting to the others in the room.
Their expressions hadn't softened, and he could tell there were unspoken questions hanging in the air.
For now, though, he pushed those thoughts aside. He owed his life to something—or someone—but the consequences of that debt were still unknown.
Asuka pulled away from the hug just enough to fix Yukio with a stern glare, her tear-streaked face still full of emotion.
"Yukio," she began, her voice firm but trembling with frustration, "what were you thinking out there? Do you even care about your own life?"
The Kamen Rider frowned, confused and slightly defensive.
"Of course, I care, but—"
"No, you don't!" Asuka interrupted, her tone sharper now. "I saw the way you fought that Majin. You were reckless! You didn't care about your safety, only about destroying him. You're willing to throw your life away just to take down the enemy, and that's… that's something I hate about you!"
Yukio blinked, taken aback by her words.
"Asuka, I—"
She didn't let him finish.
"Do you think that's okay!? That it's fine to just sacrifice yourself without a second thought!?" Her voice cracked, but she pressed on, her frustration spilling out. "I get that you want to destroy the Serpent Society, but what about the people who care about you? Do you even think about how they'd feel if you were gone!?"
The young man froze, her words hitting him harder than any blow he'd taken in battle. He opened his mouth to reply, but no words came out.
"Do you think I'd be okay if you died?" Asuka continued, her voice softer but no less intense. "Do you think I wouldn't care? Because I would! I'd be devastated, Yukio. We all would!"
Her disheartened expression was like a punch to his gut, and he couldn't bring himself to meet her gaze. Her words brought back memories he tried so hard to bury—the pain of losing Asuna.
He had sworn vengeance against the Serpent Society because of her death, but now…
He couldn't deny it. If he died, would Asuka feel the same crushing loss he had felt? Would she experience the same pain that had haunted him for years?
"I…" Yukio started, his voice barely above a whisper.
He clenched his fists tightly, his mind racing.
"I just thought… if I can destroy them, it's worth it. No matter what happens to me."
"But it's not worth it!" Asuka shot back, her eyes shining with tears again. "You're not alone in this fight, Yukio. You don't have to carry it all on your shoulders. And you don't have to throw your life away to make a difference."
Her words lingered in the air, heavy and raw.
Yukio looked down at his hands, his chest tight with conflicting emotions. He thought about Asuna—how her death had shaped him, broken him, and given him his resolve. And now, he realized, he couldn't bear to cause someone else the same pain he had endured.
"Asuka…" he murmured, finally looking up at her. "I… I never thought about it that way. I don't want to hurt anyone. Not like how I was hurt."
"Then don't," Asuka said softly, reaching out to place her hand on his. "Promise me, Yukio. Promise me you'll value your life more."
"I…"
He hesitated for a moment, the weight of her plea settling over him.
Then, finally, he nodded.
"I… promise,"
He said, his voice quiet but resolute.
Asuka smiled faintly through her tears, squeezing his hand gently.
"Good. Because whether you like it or not, you mean a lot to me. I'm not gonna let you get away with it. After all, I'm your Watcher."
Yukio's heart felt lighter, though the road ahead was still fraught with challenges.
For now, though, he found a small glimmer of hope—and a new reason to fight, one that wasn't fueled by anger, hatred or revenge.
Kiriya stood at the foot of Yukio's infirmary bed, arms crossed and an analytical look on his face. His sharp eyes hadn't missed how unusual Yukio's recovery had been, especially with such a severe wound.
"Yukio," Kiriya said, his voice calm yet probing, "do you have any idea how that injury of yours healed? It wasn't something normal, even by Shinobi standards."
The Rider stiffened at the question, a flicker of unease crossing his face. He averted his gaze, his hands tightening slightly around the blanket draped over him.
"I… I don't know," he replied, his tone guarded and deliberately vague.
The instructor raised an eyebrow, catching the subtle shift in Yukio's demeanor. He didn't believe the boy's answer, not entirely. The way Kamui flinched at the question told him there was more to the story—something the young Rider wasn't willing to share. But Kiriya also knew better than to press too hard, especially now.
"Hmm," the teacher hummed thoughtfully, his expression unreadable. After a long pause, he gave a small nod. "Alright. If you learn something, please tell us."
Yukio glanced at him, briefly surprised that Kiriya wasn't pushing further.
"Get some rest and recover properly," The sensei continued, his voice softening slightly. "You've been through a lot, and we need you at full strength if we're going to face what's coming."
Yukio nodded, relieved but wary.
"Right."
Kiriya turned to leave, but before stepping out of the room, he paused and glanced back over his shoulder.
'For now, I'll let this slide. But remember, Yukio—if there's something you're hiding, it's only a matter of time before the truth comes out. Be ready for that.'
With that, Kiriya exited the room, leaving Yukio alone with his thoughts.
The boy let out a small sigh, his mind spinning as he recalled the dark aura and the red-eyed entity within him.
Perhaps it was only a matter of time before the secrets he carried would come to light…
The next day…
A while later, Yukio and Asuka found themselves alone once again in the training grounds behind Hanzo Academy. The setting sun cast long shadows over the grounds, adding a serene yet resolute atmosphere to their conversation.
As Asuka stood before Yukio, there was a hint of determination in her eyes.
"Yukio," she began, her voice steady but tinged with vulnerability. "Could you do me a favor?"
He tilted his head, curious.
"What is it?"
"For the upcoming battle with Hebijo Academy…" Asuka paused, gathering her thoughts. "I was wondering if there's something else you could teach me. Something to make me stronger."
Yukio raised an eyebrow.
"Stronger? Asuka, you've been improving rapidly. Why do you feel the need for more?"
The girl's expression softened, her gaze drifting momentarily to the horizon.
"It's not just about me. I want to protect the people important to me. My friends, my teammates…"
'And you.' was left unsaid.
She turned back to Yukio, her determination rekindled.
"Even with all I've learned from you, I don't think it's enough. Homura-chan and the stronger agents of the Serpent Society—they're on another level. I need to be ready. That last fight against that Majin showed me how much I'm still inexperienced."
Yukio studied her for a moment, his mind racing through possibilities. He could see the sincerity in her words and knew that she was right—there was still room for her to grow. An idea clicked in his head.
"I think I know what you need," he said, making some hand signs "Kuchiyose no Jutsu!"
*Poof!*
He summons a dark green scroll with the Kuchiyose no Jutsu.
A large parchment unrolled before Asuka, its surface lined with names written in blood and intricate markings.
"It's time for you to make a contract with your spirit animal." The Rider explains.
Asuka's eyes widened in surprise as she looked down at the scroll.
"My spirit animal contract?" she echoed, her fingers lightly brushing the parchment.
Yukio nodded.
"Before you can summon a spirit animal, you need to form a contract with them. The process isn't complicated, but it's deeply significant. Once you've signed the contract, you'll gain the ability to summon toads and access blessings tied to their spirits.
For the contracts with toad spirits, new users must sign their name with their own blood and mark the scroll with their fingerprints. The amount of spiritual energy offered to summon will determine the strength of the summoned animal."
Asuka's attention lingered on the scroll, her gaze scanning the list of names.
Among them, she spotted some names such as Jiraiya, Taki, Kageno, Jiren, Kaeru and Yukio himself.
'These names...' she murmured, a hint of curiosity in her tone.
What sort of shinobis would these people be?
"Say, Yukio. Do you think my Jii-chan could have also made a contract like this? He said that my family's bloodline is connected to toads."
"Possibly," Yukio replied. "But I think he left this path for you to discover on your own. When you first joined Hanzo Academy, you weren't exactly comfortable with toads, right? That's what I learned about you. Maybe he knew you needed to accept them in your own time."
Asuka smiled at the memory, recalling how her initial phobia of toads had faded thanks to Yukio's guidance. She looked back at him, her expression softening.
"I guess it's fate that I met you."
Yukio nodded before speaking.
"Perhaps. But it was your decision that led you to overcome your fear of toads."
He ponders about how the Toad Contract had strengthened his own connection to powerful Seireis like Kurogane Oogama and Gekkouga.
"If you sign the contract, Asuka, it'll grant you a similar blessing to some of the spirits I'm connected with. You'll be able to connect with toad spirits too, and they'll help you amplify your abilities."
Asuka hesitated for only a moment before nodding with determination.
"Alright. I'll do it."
Taking the scroll and a kunai Yukio handed her, she pricked her finger and wrote her name in blood, finishing by pressing her palm onto the parchment to leave her handprint. The scroll glowed faintly, signaling the bond had been formed.
"Welcome to the pact," Yukio said with a nod, handing her a Blank Ride Shuriken. "By the way, this is for you. You can store the spirit of a frog Seirei you befriend in this. I learned that while the Twilight Scroll is used to create them for my sake, anyone with the right compatibility can actually make use of my Ride Shurikens. It'll give you an edge in battle."
Asuka accepted the gift with wide eyes, her gratitude evident.
"Thanks, Yukio," she said sincerely. "I won't waste this opportunity."
With their preparations complete, the two readied themselves to face Hebijo Academy. But Asuka couldn't help but notice how quickly Yukio had recovered from his injuries. She glanced at him as they walked, her curiosity briefly overriding her focus.
"Say, Yukio… you're already back to full strength after everything that happened? How is that even possible?"
Yukio looked ahead, his expression unreadable as he shrugs nonchalantly.
"Guess I'm more stubborn than most," he replied vaguely, changing the subject. "Besides, it's not like you want me to stay put, right?"
Though Asuka didn't press further, she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to his recovery than he was letting on.
Yukio and the others went back to the ninja room of the Academy as they were seated on the floor, looking at the map they obtained as it showed the location of Hebijo Academy, a spot that is marked by a red 'x'.
"This is Hebijo's home base?" Ikaruga asked.
"It's pretty far into the mountains, huh?" Katsuragi said.
"It's an area that is off-limits, because nominally, it's a cultural heritage conservation site. Probably the work of some company with evil ninja connections." Kiriya theorized.
"Makes sense. It would make the perfect hiding spot to hide from one's enemies." Yagyu said.
"Well in any case, why don't we use this to head to Hebijo right now?" Ikagura asked.
"Kiriya-sensei, please let us go to Hebijo Girl's Academy!" Asuka requested.
"Yeah! We have to help Hibari!" Katsuragi said in agreement.
"Hold up, girls." Yukio said, getting their attention. "I don't think it's gonna be that simple."
"Yukio is right. I can't allow that." Kiriya told them.
"Why not?" Yagyu asked.
"Sensei!" Katsuragi said.
"It's like what Yukio-kun had said. Things are not that simple. If we good ninjas charge into an evil ninja secret facility…" Ikaruga said.
"Yes, Ikaruga has figured it out. It's possible that an all-out war would break out between good ninjas and evil ninjas. Shinobi are shadows that exist within the larger society. If the shadows were to start their own private war, it could shake up the very nation." Kiriya told them.
"What about Yukio?" Asuka asked, earning a raised eyebrow from him. "He doesn't belong to any faction, so if he heads to Hebijo instead…"
"I'm sorry, but that's also out of the question." Kiriya told his student. "Well, it's true that he isn't from the good faction, but it doesn't change the fact he is now affiliated with us. Not to mention, if you do head to Hebijo by yourselves, and if you were to engage in battle then you'll be marked as an enemy to all evil ninjas and they will hunt you down without rest. And the same applies to his friends, even if they're in hiding."
"He's right, Asuka. Either way, war will break out no matter who attacks who." Yukio told her.
"No way…" Asuka mutters.
"Then why are we the only ones who have to keep in check?" Katsuragi asked as she stood up. "The evil ninjas came and attacked us, didn't they?"
'Indeed.' Kiriya thought as he lowered his head. 'I doubt the evil ninjas would violate our tacit agreement.'
The sensei then remembers the times when the Hebijo students attacked and battled his students.
'Assuming it was an arbitrary action taken by Hebijo…' Kiriya thought before he remembered his reunion with Rin. 'Rin, what is your objective?'
"We can't just leave Hibari-chan with them like this!" Asuka said.
"That's right! I know this is risky, but Kiriya-sensei, please, we need to do this." Ikagura said.
Kiriya saw his students and Yukio, all of them having a determined look on their faces.
"Yin and Yang…Such is the why of the world."
Everyone looked and saw that Hanzo was in the room.
"Hanzo?/Jii-chan!/Hanzo-sama…" Yukio, Asuka, and Kiriya said a little surprised that he's here.
"Without Yang, there would be no Yin. The opposite likewise." Hanzo told them.
"Are you saying that fighting the evil ninjas is pointless?" Ikaruga asked.
"No," Hanzo said as he sat down with them. "Their conduct has been lawless, and evil. The presence of good ninjas as a shield to resist their evil is absolutely imperative."
"None of that complicated stuff makes any difference! We have to…" Katsuragi said as she was about to raise her arm but stopped as Yagyu stood up.
"We know the location. I'm going." Yagyu said as she turned around to show them her back.
"Yagyu-chan!" Asuka said.
"Go ahead." Hanzo told her, which surprised the others as they turned to the legendary shinobi. "This is ultimately a conflict between fellow students."
"Fellow students?" Ikaruga repeated.
"Then, we will not be participating?" Kiriya asked.
"Of course not. Adults should not become involved in playground spats." Hanzo answered.
"But, in that case…" Kiriya said.
"I, Hanzo, will bear full responsibility. I won't let anyone come down on you." Hanzo told them before he nodded.
"Hanzo-sama…" Kiriya mutters.
"Jii-chan!" Asuka said in awe and gratitude.
"Alright!" Katsuragi said as she punched her hand and popped her knuckles. "We've got the go-ahead from the legendary shinobi, Hazno-sama!"
Ikaruga sighed before she asked.
"How can you be so happy-go-lucky?"
Katsuragi chuckled as she patted Ikaruga on the back. Hanzo laughs as he walks to Yagyu who turns to the legendary shinobi.
"How can you call yourselves shinobi if you can't save a friend? Right, Yagyu?" Hanzo asked as he gently patted the eyepatch girl on the head.
"Right." Yagyu said.
"If those are your orders, Hanzo-sama… I understand." Kiriya said as he bowed his head.
"Sensei!" Asuka, Ikaruga, and Katsuragi said as they turned to their teacher.
"That's more like it!" Katsuragi said.
"Hey…" Yukio calls out to get their attention. "Will it be alright if I go with you girls?"
Hearing that surprised everyone in the room.
Yukio stood with his arms crossed, an unbothered look on his face. The tension in the air was thick as the Hanzo Academy girls exchanged determined glances. But when Asuka turned to the boy, seeking confirmation of his support, his words took everyone by surprise.
"I'm not coming along because I care about Hibari," he said bluntly, his tone cold and matter-of-fact. "To be honest, I barely know her. We've had no real chance to interact, so I don't see why I should care about her."
Yagyu immediately bristled at his statement, stepping forward with a fierce glare.
"How dare you—!"
Before she could say more, both Ikaruga and Katsuragi stepped in to calm her. Ikaruga placed a gentle hand on Yagyu's shoulder, while Katsuragi offered a lighthearted yet calming grin. "Easy, Yagyu. Let him finish," Katsuragi said.
Yukio remained unfazed, his expression neutral.
"The reason I'm coming along is simple: Asuka."
The group turned to him, confused. Asuka blinked, pointing to herself.
"Me?"
"Yes, you," Yukio replied, his tone softening just slightly. "You're the first friend I've made in… a very long time. Since Hanamura-san, that is. You're the reason I'm even standing here right now."
His words shocked the group, but Yukio didn't stop there. He glanced downward for a moment, a flicker of pain crossing his face before he looked back up.
'Hanamura...? If I remember it right, he is one of Yukio's allies. The man known as Ao. And apparently another Kamen Rider.' Ikaruga ponders.
Asuka told the other girls about the truth behind the food truck owner shortly after the battle he debuted as Kamen Rider Fuma.
"I don't want you to go through the same thing I did. The pain of losing someone close to you... it changes you. And I wouldn't wish that on anyone, least of all you." Yukio continues talking.
The girls were momentarily silent, processing his admission.
'What is he talking about?' Yagyu, Ikaruga and Katsuragi wondered.
But the weight of his words hit differently for Asuka, who was the only one who knew about the loss of his friend Asuna. She looked at him with sympathy, understanding the depth of his emotions behind his otherwise reserved demeanor.
Yukio straightened up, regaining his usual stoic posture.
"And besides, I need to stay close to you. You're my 'Watcher,' remember?" he said, his voice carrying a hint of teasing.
Though the term "Watcher" sounded like a casual excuse, the others could see through his facade. This was Yukio's way of expressing that he was genuinely worried about Asuka and wanted to protect her.
Katsuragi let out a chuckle and nudged Asuka playfully.
"Looks like you've got yourself a knight in shining armor, Asuka."
Yagyu, though still annoyed at Yukio's earlier remark about Hibari, sighed and crossed her arms.
"Fine. As long as he doesn't get in the way."
Ikaruga gave a small, approving smile.
"It's clear your intentions are good, Yukio-kun. Thank you for supporting us."
The brunette girl, meanwhile, smiled warmly at Yukio, feeling a sense of reassurance in his words.
"Thanks, Yukio. It means a lot."
With the tension easing, the group turned their focus back to the mission, but Asuka couldn't shake the feeling of how much Yukio had opened up, even if only slightly. She made a silent promise to herself to keep being a good friend to him, just as he had been to her.
"We'll be glad that you'll come with us." Asuka told him, and Yukio nodded upon hearing that before he saw how Ikaruga, Katsuragi, and Yagyu also nodded in agreement.
"Alright," Hanzo said, getting everyone's attention as they saw that the legendary shinobi was holding a wooden basket in his hands. "Now that's all settled, here are some goodies from me."
Hanzo showed that there were futomaki rolls in the basket, and the girls cheered to hear that while Yukio had a wary look on his face.
The shinobi students each got their own roll and were about to eat…
"Hold up!" Kiriya called out, making everyone stop as they turned to the shinobi teacher. "Before you kids can eat, I think an extra lesson is in order…"
With that, the Hanzo shinobi students were seen hanging upside from the ceiling and were holding a bucket of water in their hands.
"Aww…" Katsuragi groaned. "Just because we left the classroom without permission, he doesn't have to punish us at a time like this."
"This is all part of our training." Ikaruga told her.
"Oh, there it is…" Katsuragi mutters in annoyance as she faces away from her fellow third year.
"What was that?" Ikaruga asked as she turned to the blond hair girl.
"Nothing." Katsuragi answered.
"Hang in there," Yukio said as he walked in front of Asuka, and her face slightly turned red. "I wonder how long you can last?"
"O-Of course!" Katsuragi said with a grin on her face. "This sort of thing is nothing for me!"
"If you say so." The young man said as he took a picture of them.
"You know, you didn't have to be here with us. You could've waited in the classroom and enjoyed the futomaki rolls without us." Ikaruga told the Rider as he was waiting for them in the classroom.
"It's fine. I mostly prefer to eat with you girls. Besides, my parents taught me that food tastes even better if you eat and share it with your friends." Yukio said fondly.
"Oh, Yukio…" Asuka mutters with an amused smile.
"Katsuragi-san…" Ikaruga calls out.
"Hmm…?" Said blonde blinked in wonder.
"Once we set foot in enemy territory, anything could happen. I'm going to be counting on you, okay?" The long black-haired girl told her classmate.
"Wow… Those words, coming out of you, Ikaruga…" The blonde 3rd Year said, a little surprised to hear her say that.
"We both have our responsibilities as the upperclassmen, right?" Ikaruga said.
"I've been counting on you, right from the start." Katsuragi said.
"Huh?" Ikaruga said as she was surprised to hear that.
"Let's get ourselves fired up and go, Mrs. Class Rep." Katsuragi told her.
"Katsuragi-san..." Ikaruga mutters before she smiles and nods. "Right."
Both Ikaruga and Katsuragi then did a fist bump while Yukio smirked as he took note of this moment.
Asuka and Yagyu smile as they watch them before the red scarf brunette turns to the f1st Year student.
"Say, Yagyu-chan…" Asuka said as Yagyu blinked. "We'll rescue Hibari-chan, no matter what, okay?"
"We're sure to save her. Hibari has not just me, but all of these friends here to turn to, as well." Yagyu said as she turned away from Asuka.
"Yeah, you're right! With all of us together, it'll be fine for sure!" Asuka told her.
"Yeah." Yagyu said in agreement.
Yukio was now watching the two younger girls with a fond look on his face before he turned to the ceiling in determination.
'You're lucky to have such wonderful friends, Hibari. Make sure to treasure them.' The boy thought.
Meanwhile…
Hibari is seen crawling on the ceiling of a hallway as she quietly sneaks over the guards down below her. The 1st Year took a moment to stop as she had a determined look on her face.
'It's just as I thought. Inside the castle, security is lax.' Hibari thought as she continued to move forward as she crawled on the ceiling.
The pinkette soon sat on the wooden support beams on the ceiling, and she could sense a powerful presence close by.
'I'm sensing a powerful presence on the top floor. If the super-secret ninja art scroll is anywhere, it must be here…' The girl thought.
And so, Hibari was now in Dogen's room as she was hiding beside his private chambers before she heard two people talking.
"You mean to betray me?" Dogen asked and Hibari's flinched to hear that voice of his.
"I do not understand what you mean." Said Rin as Hibari recognized her voice.
Rin wears casual clothes, which consist of a tight black skirt with black stockings rimmed with black paisley. She also wears a long-sleeved, classy, white dress shirt which reveals much of her bust; while wearing black camisole underneath.
She is seen kneeling down to Dogen as the latter had a glass of wine in his hand while moving it before him.
"Telling the teacher of Hanzo Academy Hebijo's location...If that isn't a betrayal, then what is it?" Dogen asked in a demanding tone, but Rin kept her calm as she explained.
"Simply obtaining the super-secret ninja art scroll is meaningless. As I told you before, it is by having the chosen one that its meaning becomes accomplished. All I did was facilitate that." The woman stated.
"You intentionally called the students of Hanzo here, in order to fight my own students, is that it?" Dogen asked.
"Of course. The shinobi students are unaccomplished, and as a result, owing to their strength being unknown as well, it is possible that one could become the vessel through which the super-secret ninja art scroll is succeeded. As long as not just the Yin, but the Yang scrolls are with us, it was inevitable that the Yang scroll's successor, which is to say, the good ninja shinobi students would be summoned."
Rin told him and Hibari was shocked to hear that.
Dogen then threw his cup of wine to the floor as it shattered into pieces and spilled the wine that was inside. He soon stood up and glared at Rin.
"Are you insane?! If it reaches our superiors' ears that the good ninjas have found out about this place…!" Dogen said before Rin stood up and faced him.
"You are the one who was so eager to succeed that you acted on your own authority." The purple-haired teacher stated.
"What?" The man gasped.
"Whether you poke your head out, or run away, do whatever you please. I will not try to stop you." Rin said as she turned around and left.
Dogen growls as he glares at her.
"Why, you little…you've got some nerve! Seize the traitor Suzune!"
Rin stopped as several guards appeared around her as they surrounded her and pointed their staffs at their former teacher. But despite this setback, the teacher calmly smiled.
'Everyone is coming here?' Hibari thought in worry.
Unknown to everyone in the room, is that Majin Karasu had overheard their conversation as he had a smirk on his face.
"Now then, Shinobi...What's your move going to be, Kamen Rider?" The agent said in wonder as he was looking forward to the upcoming battle that will begin soon.
After finishing their discipline training, and after eating the futomaki rolls, Yukio and the girls had arrived in a Hanzo Academy training camp building.
Inside the building, the Rider and the shinobi students brought a round cup of water in their hands close to each other. They soon drank the water from their cups and once they were empty they threw the cups to the floor.
They managed to gather the cups and set them on top of each other by the jug of water as Katsuragi wasn't pleased that they didn't break.
"We're not breaking them? That seems a little disappointing." Katsuragi said.
"Well what did you expect? They're made out of plastic." Yagyu said.
"And cleaning up afterward would be a hassle." Ikaruga told her.
"Not to mention a waste of time." Yukio said as he set his cup on top of the others.
The shinobi students and the Kamen Rider were standing side by side with each other as Kiriya was doing a roll call.
"Ikaruga!"
"Hai!"
"Katsuragi!"
"Yeah!"
"Asuka!"
"Hai!"
"Yagyu!"
"Hai."
"Yukio!"
"Here."
"Go infiltrate Hebijo Clandestine Girls' to rescue Hibari, and to recover the super-secret ninja art scroll!" Kiriya told them before he set his eyes on the Kamen Riders. "And you are to help and support them in any way you can!"
"Right!" The girls said while Yukio just nodded.
"But your most important mission…" Kiriya said before he took a moment to close his eyes. "...Is for all of you to come back alive, together with Hibari." He said with a smile.
The shinobi students smiled in return at this, a promise to keep and fulfill.
"Right!"
Hanzo coughs a few times before he said:
"Ultimately, this is a squabble among children, after all."
"Team, transform!" Kirya told them.
"Right! Shinobi Tenshin!" The shinobi students said as they changed into their shinobi battle uniforms.
Yukio brought out his Driver.
The young man inserts the Shinobi Starter into his waist device.
"Henshin!"
The boy said as he transforms as well.
[Dare Ja?! Ore Ja!? Ninja!]
*Poof!*
[Shinobi Kenzan!]
"Move out!" Kiriya ordered before the alarms were sounding off.
The team of kunoichis and Kamen Rider soon jumped into a hole that appeared on the floor one at a time.
Then behind a waterfall, a launch deck appeared as it split the waterfall apart as it opened the room that was behind it.
The ninja students were seen being held by jetbacks that resembled a Japanese kite as they were ready to launch with them, while the Rider was about to use the Kaze Ride Shuriken to fly and keep up with them.
"Yukio, what are you doing? You need to use these too." Asuka asks the Rider, gesturing to her kite.
[Kaze! NinPow: Wind!]
"Nah, I have my own way of flying." The masked ninja casually replies.
[Kaze no Ninja! Wind Shinobi!]
"What are we waiting for? Are we going or not?" Kamen Rider Shinobi asked as he was floating before the girls.
"R-Right!" Ikaruga said before Kiriya gave the call as he was outside.
"Charge!" Kiriya shouted.
"Launching!" Ikaruga said as she took off first and soon flew in the night sky.
"Here goes! Yahoo!" Katsuragi said as she took off next, and Yagyu took off after her.
The last was Asuka as she and Shinobi were ready to go as well, but Asuka took a moment as she was in deep thought.
'Enemy territory, huh?' Asuka thought to herself as she remembered her battle with Homura and how they still need to settle things between them. 'Even though I have yet to beat you squarely, Homura-chan…'
"Asuka…" Shinobi mutters as he notices the look in her eyes. 'I guess she must be thinking about Homura. I can't blame her though.'
The boy thought as he remembered his battle against the tanned girl and the other students of Hebijo that he met and defeated.
"Asuka!"
A familiar voice calls out, and Asuka looks and sees it was her grandfather Hanzo as he was standing behind her.
"Ji-chan!" Asuka said.
"Hanzo." Shinobi said as he saw him as well.
"Do not forget what true strength is." Hanzo told his granddaughter..
"True strength…" Asuka repeated before she realized what he meant as she brought out the scroll she got from Daidoji from her shirt. "You mean this?"
Asuka opened the scroll and saw the message inside which made Hanzo chuckle in a proud tone in his voice.
"When I heard that you had won that, I was so pleased." Hanzo said as he stroked his bread.
"I've been keeping it as a good luck charm. Listen, Ji-chan…" Asuka said and Hanzo blinks before she handed him the scroll. "Hold on to it. When I come back, I'll need to put the scroll we retrieve in here, after all." She said as she winked at her grandpa.
"Asuka…" Shinobi mutters in interest before he smirks under his helmet.
Hanzo then accepted the scroll as he took it out of her hand and said.
"Hm-hmm. Off you go."
"Right." Asuka said before she turned to OOO. "You ready, Yukio?"
"Yeah." The purple ninja nodded.
Asuka then turns forward.
"Asuka… taking flight!"
The red scarf brunette soon launches and flies in the sky, and Wind Shinobi follows her as he flies using green wind energy around him.
'I'm not afraid! I'm… Ji-chan's granddaughter!' Asuka thought in strong resolve with a smile on her face. 'And also…'
Asuka then saw her friends flying beside her as they gave her a nod.
'I'm a Hanzo Academy student! I'm not alone!' Asuka though.
The Kamen Rider saw the smile on Asuka's face and saw she still held her resolve even though they might fight against Homura and the others.
'You have become strong, Asuka. We will save your friend and come back alive. And if Homura and the others do get in our way, then I'm sure you will be able to surpass her. Don't lose sight of what matters to you and your friends.' Shinobi thinks to himself.
'Like I once did…'
"Come back safely, now."
Kiriya said as he watched his students leave while Hanzo walked to him.
"But then again… this will not be so simple."
Both men looked up and saw Daidoji's black cat standing on top of a tree branch.
"Daidoji…" Kiriya said.
Then Daidoji soon appeared in front of both Hanzo and Kiriya.
"You're talking about Rin, right?" Hanzo asked.
"Mm-hmm." Daidoji nodded and Kiriya turned to the legendary shinobi.
"Rin was probably acting on her own when she gave us Hebijo's location. Once that comes out, punishment is inevitable." Hanzo told the shinobi teacher. "Which is why you are planning to go after them, and head to Hebijo, aren't you?"
Kiriya grunted before he said.
"Was it that obvious?"
Hanzo then turns around and walks forward.
"With the two of you together, plus Rin being tangled up in this, it was unavoidable. It's not as though you could leave it alone." Hanzo said.
"You are most perceptive." Daidoji said. "Another disquieting fact has just come to me.
"Disquieting?" Kiriya repeated before the legendary senpai explained what she meant.
"Each of the evil ninja shinobi students seemed to be under an outlawed technique." Daidoji told them as she made a fist and pointed it forward up in the sky, which surprised both Hanzo and Kiriya when they heard that.
"Outlawed, you say?!" Hanzo said.
"But...if that's true then…" Kiriya said as he slowly realized what his students and the Kamen Riders were heading into.
"The kids are in danger." Hanzo said in a dread tone in his voice.
The final scene of the chapter shows Kamen Rider Shinobi's Tsuchi Ride Shuriken, Asuka's Omamori lucky charm and the blank Ride Shuriken she now carries, side by side, while the Twilight Scroll and the Shinobi Saber glow strongly behind these items.
- Shinobi Chronicles -
NinPow 17: Into the Snake's Heart
- End -
Author Notes:
Thank you for reading!
If you guys have any ideas or suggestions that I could use for this story, you're free/welcome to share!
If possible, I would like all guest reviewers to identify themselves since this will make it easier for me to reply and for you all to check what I typed in response for each of you.
And please, stop asking me about updating my other stories in the review section!
Request Corner!
[No requests at the moment.]
Review Time!
Guest DCDGojira: Thanks! Glad you liked the chapter!
Tenzalucard123: Alright, thanks for the feedback. Hope you liked the chapter.
yogaratw607: Yes, I watched Shangri-La Frontier. But I never watched Dandadan.
Hope you liked the chapter.
Bia1230: I hope you liked this chapter as well!
DawnYugo: Thanks, hope you liked the chapter!
Yes, I want you to imagine that Rock Shinobi's form is as bulky as Gavv's Gurucan form.
I still plan to try to somehow fit the other Ninja Riders into this story as original characters rather than use their actual backgrounds.
FlameFireZero X: For now, I will be mainly focusing on Yukio x Asuka's relationship. I still have no idea about pairing the other Ninja Riders with the rest of the Senran Kagura girls.
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, favorited the story and gave reviews.
See You Next Time