Seven Autumn Harvest (Naruto Quest)

[Dreamland]

The man sat cross-legged on the engawa as the breeze flew freely, tussling his impressive mane of dark hair. His eye not concealed by his hair was a shade of crimson, the multiple black tomoe spun slowly under his half-lidded stare, observing the children that played across the field. The floor creaked, as it always did because it was old.

The sky was mostly clear and bright, a lazy cloud here and there passed by.

Idly, he wondered, just how did he end up as a caretaker? Never in his blood soaked life did he ever think he would end up in a small town, taking in strays, children with no where else to go.

"Uchiha-san, Uchiha-san!" It was only through many years of being a shinobi, and his sheer willpower that the kunai under his sleeve didn't slash through the foolish child's throat.

No, it was his own fault, the child wouldn't know any better. He was solely to blame for being lost in his thoughts. "What is it?" Although there wasn't any hostility, there was a commanding tone, one that required an answer.

The young boy grinned, a smile with missing baby teeth, as he plopped down next to the intimidating man. His small legs dangled, the flooring was raised high, he was much too short to touch the ground. "You're the strongest in the village, ya know!"

The man snorted, it wasn't a feat to be the strongest when you lived in a small village of farmers and artisans.

"Some grown-ups were talkin' before." His eyes squinted as if trying to remember something. "They're 'fraid of you..."

The man observed some of the children that tried to catch a butterfly. Three ways to cut it's wings off flashed in his thoughts and left as swiftly as it came to him. "They have a right to be weary, child."

"Yeah, but-" he frowned and crossed his arms, he noticed he was unconsciously mimicing the way he currently sat. In all honesty the boy looked ridiculous. "Ya take care of us, your nice and, and-" his shot to his tiny legs and held a clenched fist in front of him. "You're SUPER COOL!"

Were those stars reflecting in his eyes?

Hardly noticeable, the man let out a soft sigh. His hand clamped on the back of the boy's shirt, without the man needing to move from his position, he deposited the boy back into a seated position.

"There's no need to yell, I'm right here." He grumbled as he noticed the child fiddle with his thumbs, as if he wanted to say something. "Tell me what's bothering you." It sounded like an order, but it wasn't meant to be.

The boy thought to himself for a few moments before speaking. "Some shinobi were at the village. They had dat leafy symbol on their head! They was askin bout you, and the other kids and stuff."

Subtely, the man's forehead creased in worry. His eyes quickly counted over the children three times over in a mere second. They were all here, were the shinobi planning on causing a scene? Did they plan to take him by force?

Did they think these children were being trained by him? Were they trying to coerce them into becoming shinobi?

Millions upon millions of questions and scenarios probbed his mind.

"OLD MAN!" The child yelled near his ear and his palm shut the child's mouth.

"I'm right next to you." He reminded the child yet again.

The child mumbled under his palm, the man released him. "You were doing dat thing again. Where you just stare and your eye thingys move. I said your name but I think you're an old man now."

The man closed his eyes and counted to five. He didn't have a single grey hair on him, he wasn't an old man.

"Hey Uchiha-san, you were a shinobi, can you tell me a story?" The kid asked as he laid back onto the floor. "One that's super cool! With explosions! And saving a princess!"

Some of the men he's killed flashed in his mind, as well as times where he was near death against a powerful foe. Those weren't stories to tell a child, no one needed to hear them.

Perhaps...

"What do you know about the Samurai?" The man questioned the boy.

"Huh?" He hummed in thought. "They use swords?" He questioned, unsure of the answer.

"They say whenever a breeze flows during the harvest, it's the spirit of a Samurai swinging his sword." The man had a smile on his face as he closed his eyes. "How about I tell you about a friend of mine? A tale of three Samurai that helped change the world."

"Hmm..." The boy pursed his lips in thought. "Okay but there better be some super cool fights!"

The man chuckled as he began his tale of the Seven Autumn Harvest.

-

A man skidded backwards, his dual blades brandished on each side.

"I thought you were going to win today, Ken-chan." A female voice that seemed level and disinterested. "Isn't that what you told me?"

Spoiler: Totoyomi, Kenshin

Totoyomi, Kenshin knew better than anyone that Nobunaga, Setsuna was just as excited as he was right now. Her long pink ponytail shuffled like a waterfall as she adjusted her stance. He could see the small tells that had her coiled like a snake ready to strike.

Spoiler: Nobunaga, Setsuna

"Heh!" Kenshin spat a wad of blood to the side. "This is my victory today, Setsuna!" He roared fiercely with a swift charge, one blade set in front of him, his other rested behind him as he was in motion.

Seven Autumn Harvest A Ripple Upon A Pond!

Using his dual blades and his body's momentum, Kenshin could generate enough force with each arm as if he was swinging a sword with both! Like a ripple upon a pound, his strike would be a perfect circle!

"Grkt!" Kenshin grit his teeth as his foot was stomped on in mid motion. The perfect counter to his technique. Setsuna smiled lightly and bashed the hilt of her blade against his forehead and kicked him away from her.

Setsuna held her blade against her shoulder. "Care to try again?" She goaded with a lift of her eyebrow.

Even though his forehead was bleeding profusely, he stood up without hesitation. His blades held in front of him with a massive grin. "Hah! You'll need an entire army to stop me, Setsuna!" He shouted as he charged again.

Just like that, her mouth cracked into a smile. He was right, in a way. Kenshin was the most tenacious person she knew, you could cut off his arms and legs and he would still find some way to get back up.

Just as Kenshin prepared another strike, he was stopped in mid motion, the entire world spun as he fell onto his back.

"That's enough Kenshin, there's no need to injure yourself, it's just a spar." An old man donned in black and white armor stood above him.

Kenshin growled as he looked up to his master. "Old man, I'll have your head!" He swung up with his blade, but it was easily kicked aside. The force was enough for Kenshin to be turned onto his stomach. He wheezed as he felt a pressure on his back. "I'm not a chair! Get off me!"

"Mitsuhide-sensei, what are you doing here?" Setsuna questioned as she sheathed her sword.

"Ah, Setsuna-chan, pleasant as ever." He looked down at Kenshin who was growling at him. "If only your fellow apprentice could be the same." He sighed overdramatically when he stood to his feet. He returned to the entrance of the sparing room and then returned with a huge container hoisted over his shoulder and a smaller one under his other arm.

The large container was slammed in front of Kenshin, it stood almost as tall as he was. Mitsuhide-sensei handed the long thin, box to Setsuna. The Samurai gave each other a look before Kenshin shrugged and opened the container. Inside was an impressive set of armor, red like blood on the battlefield. "You'll be reckless, Kenshin, so you need something to stop you from dying too fast."

Setsuna opened the lid to the box, a sword held in a sheathe that was as dark as the night sky. She released the sword from it's holder and marvelled at the condition of the blade, the pristine ripples on the blade were amazing, she had never seen such a perfect Katana before. "I call it the Masamune, one of the finest blades forged in the Land of Iron!" He presented with a mighty laugh.

After Kenshin put on his new armor, they both bowed to Mitsuhide in gratitude. He waved his palm, signalling for them to stop. "You can thank Nanashi, he paid for half the cost, what a discount! Bah ha ha ha!"

Setsuna quirked an eyebrow. "Sensei, where is Nanashi then?"

-

The sounds of people bustled about the town, merchants selling their wares, construction being done, and the general gaggle of people made it extremely lively.

"Can we go see the fireworks?" A little boy asked his older sister in excitement.

"Everyone's going, of course!" She replied easily with a giggle.

They were unaware at that moment they stood under a statue being worked on. It creaked and groaned against the wood keeping in place, before it snapped. "Hey look out!" A worker yelled at the children.

They were both frozen in fear, the sister grabbed the boy under her and closed her eyes. Waiting for the inevitable.

A moment later and she dared to open her eyes, she gasped as the massive statue was held back by a man who towered over her and her brother's smaller frames.

Spoiler: Nanashi

The man grinned causing the girl to blush at his charming features. "Hey there?" He exhaled softly as he held the statue with one arm. "You kids alright?"

They both nodded, too awestruck at the man's freakish display of strength. He pushed the statue to the side with little effort. "Ah!" A man ran over, panting as he felt relieved, no one was hurt. "Good thing you were around, Nanashi-san!"

Nanashi smoothed his hair back. "No problem, take care!" He waved at the children as he continued on his way.

"Who was that?" The girl questioned.

"So cool!" The boy muttered as he watched his hero walk away.

-

Nanashi stirred the pot of soup that he was cooking. The fire crackled, and illuminated the cliffside he sat at. His ears perked as he heard the arrival of Kenshin and Setsuna. Today was a festival and the town would begin the fireworks soon. The three always came to this cliff to get the best view.

"Hey Nanashi, check it out!" Kenshin pointed at himself with his thumb. "I'll be unstoppable now, I wiped the floor with Setsuna earlier too."

Kenshin and Nanashi stood face to face, the air tense as they glared at each other. Their chests almost touched before Nanashi spoke. "I saved two kids from being squashed by a statue today."

The area was silent, only the crackle of fire was heard.

"Nice!" They both shouted, with a slap of each palm underhanded, over handed they collided their forearms together and then chest bumped in mid air.

Seven Autumn Harvest: Greeting of the Manliest of Men!

Setsuna snorted as she prepared a bowl of soup for herself. Her chopsticks pointed at Kenshin as they all sat around the fire. "He didn't even land a hit, and Sensei used him as a chair." She explained as she began to eat.

Kenshin mumbled something with his mouth full. He swallowed and repeated. "Don't listen to her, she's just a sore loser!"

"The blade is beautiful, Nanashi." Setsuna said as she patted her side, where Masamune was now kept. "Thanks."

"Yeah, I feel like a could be impaled by twenty spears and walk it off in this." Kenshin complimented as he stretched in his armor. "What did you get?"

Nanashi waved his curiosity away. "Nothing, I didn't need anything."

Setsuna peered at Nanashi from behind her bowl. He was always the odd one out, because of his freakish amount of natural power. He didn't need to use chakra to perform impressive feats of strength, and when he did the ground tended to split apart. Any sword he attempted to use broke under the strain of his muscles.

It made other Samurai question why he was allowed to be amoung their ranks, who ever heard of a bladeless Samurai?

"There they are!" Nanashi grinned as he pointed with his chopsticks. The three of them turned and saw the beginning of the impressive fireworks show you could only find in the Land of Iron. They sat and cheered at the display of colorful lights.

Setsuna brought her bowl down to her lap, now would be the last chance for her to say it. "This will be my last meal with you both." She brought up as the fireworks continued to light up the distance.

"Hah?" Kenshin looked over his shoulder at her. "What do you mean?"

She looked away, away from Kenshin and Nanashi that waited for an answer. "I-" her grip on her tightened as she steeled her resolve. "I'm going to conquer these lands. I'm going to bring everything under my rule, to make this world of ours better."

"So-" Nanashi filled his bowl again as he measured his words. "-you want to become the Emperor of everything?"

"Yes..." She breathed out, waiting for them to tell her how foolish she was being, how stupid her dream is. This innate desire wasn't some flight of fancy, ever since she was a child she's wanted this.

To conquer everything in her path.

"...I want a large house!" Kenshin looked absolutely serious as he never took his eyes away from her. "And a horse, a big one!" He stretched his arms out wide. "The best and biggest horse you can find! Give me those when you become Emperor!" He demanded.

Setsuna's mouth hung in slight disbelief.

"Get me a ship, a ship with only the finest material money can buy." Nanashi chipped in as he continued eating. "And a garden, with the best produce of the land! So I can cook something amazing."

Setsuna snorted before a mighty laugh escaped her. How could she ever doubt them? They were always there for her. "Fine!" She exclaimed as she stood from her seat and looked out to the horizon. "You'll get what you desire once I'm Emperor, it's a promise."

Nobunaga, Setsuna held her head high, her kimono gently moved with the wind.

Kenshin stood up, his fist shot in front of Setsuna. "Then, I'll become the strongest, the best Samurai to ever walk these lands!"

A sigh and chuckle came from Nanashi. "Boy oh boy, you guys always decide things without me, huh?" Nanashi grinned as he brought his fist out next to Kenshin's. "I guess having my own little adventure doesn't sound too bad."

The three Samurai's fist collided, connecting their promise.

Kenshin yawned and stretched. "I'm going to head back, I'll need all the energy I can get tomorrow." He waved behind him as he walked off. "Thanks for the food, Nanashi!" He yelled over his shoulder.

Setsuna felt she should turn in as well. "See you, Nanashi. The meal was delicious." She complimented as she too walked away.

Nanashi wasn't anywhere near tired, he laid on his back as the fire still crackled softly. "...No problem, any time for you guys." He whispered with a smile as he began to count the stars.

Who are you?

[ ] Totoyomi, Kenshin to be the strongest that lived.

Spoiler

With dual blades and tenacity, he only gives up when he drops dead. With a high endurance, he outlasts his enemies. Seeks strong opponents worthy of his skills.

[ ] Nobunaga, Setsuna a burning desire to conquer.

Spoiler

Swift and graceful, she is not a powerhouse but a fine blade. Her determination and resolve allows her to walk outside of the Bushido, using genjutsu and firearms to her advantage.

[ ] Nanashi, searching for adventure for his wanderlust soul.

Spoiler

Charismatic with amazing strength and reflexes. Skilled with nunchucks, he can split the land in two with ease. A manly man, seeking answers for himself.

You were in the time of:

[ ] The first shinobi world war

[ ] The second shinobi world war

[ ] The third shinobi world war

Where was your first destination?

[ ] A land of Rain

[ ] A land of Whirlpools

[ ] A land of Water

[ ] A land of Lightning

 

[D King Hecht]

[X] Totoyomi, Kenshin to be the strongest that lived.

[X] The second shinobi world war

All the super terrifying people are dead or gone by this time.

[X] A land of Whirlpools

 

[Japanime]

[X] Totoyomi, Kenshin to be the strongest that lived.

[X] The second shinobi world war

[X] A land of Lightning

 

[nightblade]

All the super terrifying people are dead or gone by this time.

Click to shrink...

Not quite true. The sannin, hanzo, sarutobi, Onoki, Madara and maybe a few other of the really badass kage are still around.

 

[gman391]

[X] Totoyomi, Kenshin to be the strongest that lived.

[X] The second shinobi world war

[X] A land of Lightning

 

[KalTheRadiant]

[X] Totoyomi, Kenshin to be the strongest that lived.

[X] The second shinobi world war

[X] A land of Whirlpools

 

[veekie]

[X] Nobunaga, Setsuna a burning desire to conquer.
[X] The second shinobi world war
[X] A land of Lightning

 

[FatedBread]

[X] Nobunaga, Setsuna a burning desire to conquer.
[X] The second shinobi world war
[X] A land of Lightning

 

[HavocKeeper]

[X] Nobunaga, Setsuna a burning desire to conquer.
[X] The second shinobi world war
[X] A land of Lightning

 

[Dreamland]

All the super terrifying people are dead or gone by this time.

Click to shrink...

Not quite true. The sannin, hanzo, sarutobi, Onoki, Madara and maybe a few other of the really badass kage are still around.

Click to shrink...

Yeah most of the really monsterously powered Shinobi are still around during the first and second war. Hashirama, Tobirama, Madara, the Second Tsuchikage and Mizukage (Mu and Gengetsu) alive and in their prime. Hanzo, who is someone who would never let his guard down against a Samurai.

During the Third Shinobi war you still have the Sannin, Sarutobi, Onoki, A, Minato, Yagura, The Seven Swordsmen of the Mist, the Third Kazekage, etc.

Not to mention other Samurai out in the world.

I'd say a "safer route" would be the third shinobi world war. But being "safe" is for cowards with no honor, not a Samurai! Especially not for someone like Totoyomi Kenshin!

Spoiler: Bits and pieces of how Samurai are generally viewed in this quest

Shinobi from the clan wars/before the great villages were formed (such as Hashirama, Madara, Tobirama) had a healthy respect for those that carry the moniker of Samurai, they have seen first hand just how skilled and deadly they can be.

Further down the generations, after the great shinobi villages were formed, it was easy for Shinobi to be called upon over Samurai.

Shinobi were mercenaries, not bound by a code of honor, and could fight just as fiercely, if not better than Samurai. Bodyguards, Assassins, Spies etc, Shinobi were flexible in what they were capable of.

Shinobi villages are able to pump out soldiers at a very fast rate, accomplish a multitude of tasks with many different squads, throw in some of the amazing things that Shinobi can do with chakra as well as bloodlines and you have an alluring package.

After the decline of want for Samurai over Shinobi, things changed.

The Samurai operate in a different matter. A child Shinobi can probably easily deal with a child Samurai. As the age increases it become a different story. Quality over Quantity, Samurai are raised and trained at a young age, hand picked by veteran Samurai. Samurai have a higher life expectancy than Shinobi.

The code of Bushido only wants those who live by it.

As Daimyo's began to rely on Shinobi more, Samurai began to encourage growth as a individual, to find what your worth is as a "Samurai". Some Samurai from the Land of Iron are allowed embark on a pilgrimage.

Of course in times of need, they're recalled, some Samurai find Lords to serve or simply return to the Land of Iron and become part of the military force. There are pros and cons to this, such as there are pros and cons to being a Shinobi.

They're simply different ways of life.

The Land of Iron is a neutral territory and the Samurai stayed out of Shinobi affairs. Through time, common thugs and Yakuza began to bolster their reputation by claiming to be Samurai. The general person has only seen this type of "Samurai/Ronin" for the most part, it began to drag the prestige of being called a Samurai through the dirt.

Claiming to be a Samurai became a joke to the common people and even Shinobi. It didn't help that the Samurai kept to themselves.

Of course how Samurai are viewed heavily depends on the time period. Most of the shinobi during the second and third war will probably disregard you.

Another thing to keep in mind are things that can change during the places and time periods. Some examples are, stopping a red eyed man from going insane, meeting three orphans caught in the rain, fighting an army to a standstill for a week, etc.

Either way, the two who aren't chosen as the quest character will still being out doing their own journey that will effects things as well.

 

[D King Hecht]

Yeah most of the really monsterously powered Shinobi are still around during the first and second war. Hashirama, Tobirama, Madara,

Click to shrink...

All three are dead or gone by this time as Madara is in hiding at this time and Hashirama and Tobirama are dead.

Second Tsuchikage and Mizukage (Mu and Gengetsu)

Click to shrink...

I am not saying there are not dangerous people just the super dangerous people are gone at this time.

 

[Dreamland]

All three are dead or gone by this time as Madara is in hiding at this time and Hashirama and Tobirama are dead.

Click to shrink...

Yeah they're mostly gone before/during the first war, I shouldn't have grouped the first and second war in my explanation to avoid confusion.

I am not saying there are not dangerous people just the super dangerous people are gone at this time.

Click to shrink...

Yeah summoning meteors, and crafting massive wooden constructs all willy nilly probably places you on a scale of stay far the hell away.

 

[WorthyStranger]

[X] Totoyomi, Kenshin to be the strongest that lived.

[X] The second shinobi world war

[X] A land of Lightning

 

[Pyran]

[X] Totoyomi, Kenshin to be the strongest that lived.

[X] The second shinobi world war

[X] A land of Lightning

 

[StarkDemise]

[X] Totoyomi, Kenshin to be the strongest that lived.

[X] The second shinobi world war

[X] A land of Lightning

 

[Dreamland]

[X] Totoyomi, Kenshin to be the strongest that lived.
[X] The second shinobi world war
[X] A land of Lightning

"DORYAAAA!"

You were Totoyomi, Kenshin and currently your fist buried itself against a man's face as he was launched into a stand.

"What the hell is this!?" Another was tossed down the path like a bag of rice. "You call yourselves Samurai? Face me cowards!" Your roar echoed after the men running away.

You've been traveling for a few weeks now, seeking worthy opponents to test your blade.

The only problem is that every single notable name you came across were weaklings! They claimed to be Samurai and yet they couldn't even hold their blade correctly! They sniveled and screamed like children!

The small town you passed by had no interesting information for you. The fools you beat up had no leads either.

After going down the path a bit longer, you plopped down into a cross-legged position as your eye twitched in frustration. Your arms crossed over your chest as your finger tapped your bicep. Mitsuhide-sensei tried to beat meditation into your head, to calm yourself and think on the situation.

What good was thinking about it!? It didn't resolve your issue, it just made it worse by wasting time.

"Hoh?" You ears perked up as you opened one eye. "So are you done stalking me?" You questioned as you leapt back onto your feet. Your hand rested on the handle of one of your blades. They had been following you for a while now.

Out from the trees and the cliffs, shadows darted back and forth, landing before you. Your eyebrows furrowed as you took in their appearance. Grey vests, and the symbol of Kumogakure strapped to their foreheads. "Shinobi? What do you want?" Two more hid out of sight, but you paid them no attention.

"You've been disturbing the peace, we've been sent to deal with you." A man with a face mask answered swiftly and shuriken were thrown at you with barely a moment's thought.

Deftly, you caught them between your fingers. You couldn't help contain the excited grin that you held. "I've never fought Shinobi before." You unsheathed one of your blades and stabbed it into the ground in front of you. "You have one shot," you tapped your cheek. "I'll give you a free hit." Your grin increased in size from your taunt as you tossed the shuriken to the ground.

One of the Shinobi appeared in front of you, their fist coiled behind him, the haymaker slammed into your face.

The man let out a noise of surprise, he pulled his fist back, you glared at him full force. "What was that?" Was that all there was to their strength? It wasn't nearly enough to even sting! "You swing like a child!" You gripped the front of his vest, he shouted in pain as his nose collided with your forehead.

Quickly the other Shinobi began their retaliation, a bolt of lightning shot out at you.

The sword was held in a reverse grip as you blocked the attack with your blade. Sweat poured down the Shinobi's brow as the sparks continued for a few seconds. The lightning dissapeared, smoke rose from your armor and sword as you panted. Your tongue licked your lips and you exhaled.

"Time to get wild!"

-

Setsuna stood across from the man seated on the large throne. He was massive, and the sword next to him was just as huge.

"You are Tsubasa aren't you?" Setsuna wanted confirmation.

"What's it to you girl?" The man's voice boomed as he seemed disinterested in her presence.

She rested her hand on her sword. "They say if someone beats you, they inherit your land and fortune, is that right?" She questioned with a deep stare. The men that flanked Tsubasa stepped back as he stood.

"So you wish to challenge the mighty Tsubasa?" He bellowed in amusement. "You should go home before I break you." The threat was clear as he lugged the massive sword over his shoulder.

"Do I have your word that your men will follow everything I say?"

The Daimyo of wind laughed in amazement, this woman had a pair on her. "Hmph, if I'm defeated you will be the new Tsubasa, my word is law!"

"Is that so?" She mused disinterested as a flintlock pistol suddenly appeared in her grip, the trigger pulled before Tsubasa could ever react. The bullet dug into his side, causing him to double over in pain.

Tsubasa gasped in shock as he looked at his chest. A blade sticking out from it, he turned his head with effort, his eyes wide in disbelief. "H-how!?" He muttered before he toppled over onto the floor. Setsuna wiped her blade clean as two other bodies dropped to the floor.

It was almost dissapointingly easy.

Tsubasa was once a pirate, one who accumulated a massive amount of wealth and men.

So much stolen wealth that he claimed himself the Daimyo of Suna after killing the previous one. The monetary value and men he had couldn't allow the other Daimyo to refute his claim, especially with Suna welcoming him with open arms. Tsubasa brought some much needed economic growth to the struggling land of sand, the Shinobi village was more than happy enough to accept his business.

Now they would have to learn to accept her terms.

-

Nanashi scratched his head under the light drizzle of rain. "Did I take a wrong turn somewhere?" He muttered as he thought out his options. Nanashi took quick notice of the shadow that grew bigger with each moment.

The click of chains caused him to shift, he grabbed the outstretched arm and tossed his attacker forward. His attacker flipped easily and landed lightly on his feet.

Hanzo's eyes narrowed at this young man who was able to counter his attempt on his life. The boy held some skill, but that just begged the question. Who was he, why did he dare tread on his land of Amegakure? It hasn't been long since he sent the newly dubbed Sanin home with their tails between their legs.

Nanashi observed the man who attempted to slice his neck off. He knew of this man, if the description was anything to go by. "Hanzo of the Salamander..." The man had fought Mifune-san and won against the skilled Samurai.

Nanashi's eyes widened as he held his forearm to his face. "What!?" How did he not notice? The pellets dropped near him, they exuded a purple mist. Nanashi tried to shift away, but his feet were chained to the ground, his boots sunk into the mud swiftly.

Nanashi coughed as his sight began to blur.

-

If there was one thing you would give these Shinobi, it was that they were quick on their feet and extremely versatile.

It wasn't like you wanted them to come at you one on one, but they worked well together, keeping you at bay from pursuing any of them for too long. Their lightning jutsu were also pretty amazing, light smoke was still trailing off of you.

The masked Kumogakure Shinobi quickly flew through hand signs.

"What a monster..." He muttered under his breath as shuriken and kunai continued to be thrown at you at all angles. Your blade danced against the projectiles, you swatted them away from you as you progressed slowly towards your foes.

Suddenly one of the Shinobi appeared in front of you with an impressive display of speed.

Your sword braced itself as you clashed against the wakizashi he tried to cut you down with. "Ha! Ha! That's the spirit!" A hearty cackle escaped you. "Finally willing to clash blades with me!?" This is what you were talking about, there was no fear or hesitation in the Shinobi's eyes!

There was only determination! The resolve to strike you down!

You hummed in confusion as the blade sparked with a massive amount of lightning, it spread out and quickly coated you in it's wrath, lightning rose from the ground clawing at you like an angry animal. Lightning struck down from above, drenching you in it's fury.

"Yes! We got him!" The Shinobi cheered as you screamed in agony.

Their celebration was short lived as your scream turned into a cackle, one of rejuvenated excitement.

The Shinobi that dared to cross blades with you was in your grasp quickly as the lightning still lit you up like a firework. He chocked on his scream as you stabbed your blade into the ground and lifted him up, he was suspended high in the air, his legs squirming in panic from the suspended suplex.

You drove him into the ground!

Cracks littered the hard surface as you retrieved your blade. "Come on! Show me what you've got Shinobi!" You exhaled smoke, your muscles twitched without your command. Even through all of this you couldn't stop smiling. This is what you've been waiting weeks for!

"D-demon!" One of the Shinobi stuttered as the smoke and lightning dissapated. The Shinobi seemed to be having second thoughts, you frowned, that was no fun.

Suddenly with the whisper of the wind, another Shinobi appeared, but he was different, much different than the grunts you were fighting.

"Akira-sama!" the Shinobi shouted in relief, as if their problems were gone in an instant.

Spoiler: Akira the Thunderbolt

You couldn't lie, you liked the look in his eye.

The Shinobi named Akira looked over to his men with crossed arms. "Get the wounded back the village." He ordered crisply, and they listened without a second to waste. The man named Akira stood a good distance away from you, observing you like a hawk.

"You are a Samurai are you not?" He questioned after a moment. "Please forgive my men, tensions are high and our village is stretched thin. With the ongoing war we can not afford to appear weak. There had been rumors of a man stirring up trouble with the local criminals, a man dressed in red who wielded two blades." His eyes intently stared at your blades.

You could feel it in your veins, this man was strong! "That's why they were following me?" You couldn't help it as you released a dissapointed growl, what a boring reason.

You perked up, although your fight was cut short, another opportunity was presented before you.

"Hey, Shinobi! I'll forgive this on one condition!"

[ ] "You're strong aren't you? Fight me!"

[ ] "You're buying me something to eat, I'm tired!"

[ ] Write-in

 

[Japanime]

[X] "You're strong aren't you? Fight me!"

 

[gman391]

[X] "You're strong aren't you? Fight me!"

 

[StarkDemise]

[X] "You're strong aren't you? Fight me!"

 

[Ghostdevil]

[X] "You're strong aren't you? Fight me!"
-[x] "If i win, you're buying me something to eat!"

 

[Knightking]

[X] "You're strong aren't you? Fight me!"

 

[veekie]

[X] "You're buying me something to eat, I'm tired!"

 

[Neo-Chan]

[X] "You're buying me something to eat, I'm tired!"

Oh another Dreaamland quest, I'm in.

 

[Syn0]

[X] "You're strong aren't you? Fight me!"
-[x] "If i win, you're buying me something to eat!"

 

[Dreamland]

[X] "You're strong aren't you? Fight me!"

"I can tell you're strong Shinobi, much more than those small fry from earlier. You're on a completely different level. What's your name?" The blade in your hand pointed at Akira. "I am Totoyomi, Kenshin! Remember the name of the one who will become the strongest of the Samurai!" The declaration was clear, no matter what nothing but death would stop you from becoming the strongest.

You would never break the promise you made with Setsuna and Nanashi!

The man still had not moved an inch, he was like a statue. "I am known as Akira the Thunderbolt."

"I'll forgive your men on one condition!" The grip on your sword trembled from the pressure of your closed fist. "Face me Akira the Thunderbolt! Show me the power of the Shinobi!"

"I refuse." He shot you down almost immediately.

The ground cracked as you shot toward him, your blade swung down. It was stopped by Akira's own sword. Ha! You finally got a reaction out of him!

"It wasn't a request!" you lashed out with front kick, which he stopped with his own leg in return. Your foot slammed to the floor, your blade swung down swiftly. Akira disengaged and flipped around your attack in a graceful meanuver. You grunted as needles pierced your right leg, you believed these were called Senbon.

Shinobi really loved their toys.

"Your leg is useless now, stop this-" Akira's eyes widened slightly as you tore the Senbon from your leg, his projectiles sent right back at him!

He dodged quickly to the side, but you were already there in front of him! Time seemed to slow, his scarf moved at a snail's pace, just as the dirt that was kicked up. "I got ya!" Your katana tore through like a buzzsaw!

Only to cut through a log, a log with paper tags that began to burn! The explosive force sent you rocketing back. With a yell you dug your blade into the ground, reducing the momentum, your body rolled onto the ground.

You raised yourself to a knee, your sword used to steady yourself. Once you inhaled you stood to your full height. You frowned as you saw the Shinobi stay a good distance away from you. "How are you supposed to fight me all the way over there Akira!?" You charged at him again, he prepared to dodge.

Akira was not prepared for the shuriken that scrapped against his bicep. You sucked your teeth in annoyance, those projectiles were harder to use than you thought. You much preferred the simple use of a firearm, especially up close.

Your katana swung down, it ripped across the Shinobi's chest. From the resistance you knew it wasn't more than a flesh wound despite the red that tinged the Shinobi's clothing. Akira gripped your arm, he made his way behind you, your legs were swept under you as you began to spin like a top.

Akira launched you into the side of the mountain, the area shook and rocks fell down from above. You ripped yourself from the mountain wall, quickly catching sight of your foe.

Suddenly, arms wrapped around you, your eyes turned and saw Akira holding you from behind! "What the hell is this?" That didn't make any sense, he was in front of you as well!

Lightning surrounded the Akira holding you as the one in front of you held his hand in a hand seal. "It seems I cannot take you lightly Totoyomi, Kenshin. I apologise for showing you the disrespect of holding back." Akira suddenly appeared in front of you, a tight grip on both you and the other Akira.

The sky darkened, thunderclouds rolled overhead.

The lightning increased in ferocity around you, suddenly you were off the ground, blitzing through the air under Akira's grip. Your eyes couldn't keep up with the surrounding area, everything was a blur. Suddenly everything went quiet, your eyes looked on in shock, just how high up were you!?

You began to spin, round and round, you were turned upside down, you continued to spin in Akira's grasp, the descent back to the land began. Your eye trailed the sky, a lightning bolt chased above you.

Before you could even realize you were dropping faster than lightning your head collided into the ground. Pushed far into the rocky road, a crater formed as your eyes went white.

The lightning bolt struck down! The crater exploded with the echo of a thunderclap!

-

Akira landed outside of the crater, his arms arms crossed. What a beast of a man, to be able to endure such punishment was enough to give praise. It was regrettable, but there was no man that could survive this technique.

He would remember the name Totoyomi, Kenshin and the might of a Samurai. He had never encountered them before, but his Sensei had warned him to be weary of Samurai if he ever encountered one.

Akira tensed as he heard the sound of movement.

-

Your vision returned, just as rain began to fall from the dark clouds overhead.

Slowly you lifted yourself up through the excruciating pain. You limped out of the crater and locked eyes with Akira who stood farther away. Panting, you felt blood drip from your face and even from your arms. Your vision was beginning to blur. "You think it would be that easy to get rid of me, Akira the Thunderbolt!?"

You slowly moved step by step, your sword dragged across the ground. You stopped and sheathed your sword, your knees slightly bent as your hands gripped the handles of your katanas respective sides.

"Huaaah...!" You exhaled, smoke trailed from your mouth, your teeth clamped against one another.

"Look at the condition you are in Totoyomi-san. It's foolish to continue!" Akira tried to reason with you.

Ever so slightly you drew your blades out, only an inch. The hilt and sheathe clicked as you returned your katanas into their rightful place.

Suddenly long parralel cuts dragged across the road, not even a second sooner did they erupt into a trail of blazing fire! Akira shouted in pain as he held his arms in a guard, deep cuts sank into him as the fire bit at him.

Seven Autumn Harvest: Embers Whisper to the Land!

The surroundings were quiet, only the sound of rain that dropped against the trees and land. The fire dissapated under the droplets.

Akira panted, he held himself up, a hand on his knee, as he looked at the drenched and scorched ground. Your legs appeared in his view, and he observed you.

Shaky hands raised your katana high. "...This is my victory Akira!" You shouted with conviction. Before you could deliver the final blow, your katana slipped from your grip. Your knees buckled as your back crashed against the wet ground.

Your vision blurred as rain dripped across your face.

-

With a groan, you blearily opened your eyes. The surroundings were dim, across from you there were cell bars. You were shirtless, at least you still had your pants. Bandages hugged across your chest and arms. Chains bound your hands behind you.

A distant slam in the distance alerted you, the sound of footsteps grew closer.

Spoiler

Two massive men, they were obviously apart of Kumo, they stood in front of the cell bars.

"This is the man that Akira brought in? The one causing trouble with the Yakuza?" The older of the two questioned as he crossed his arms and gazed at you unimpressed.

"Yeah." The younger man nodded. "Dunno why, I've never seen him bring back someone alive."

"Hmph! He looks like a mangy mutt, I was curious but we have other things to deal with." He began to turn away.

You stood up and walked over to the bars and slammed your foot against them. A loud clang rang across the prison. "You dare compare me to a mutt!?" You grinned as you leaned forward, you face rested against the cool metal. "Come closer and see just how hard this dog can bite!"

They thought they could hold Totoyomi, Kenshin prisoner!?

The younger man began to move forward, but was held back by the older man's palm. His eyes shined in renewed interest.

"How amusing." The man bellowed heartily. "Thirty days." The man returned your smirk. "If you can survive for thirty days I'll let you go free."

Both men left, leaving you in the cold, damp cell. You sat back down with a frown.

You were in a cell, what did you decide to do?

[ ] You easily accepted the thirty day challenge. With a smirk of your own, you waited for their return.

[ ] You would break out of this cell and look for your equipment. Nobody shackles Totoyomi, Kenshin!

[ ] You noticed a dense energy in the air and what sounded like a kid crying.

[ ] Write-in