Ren could not believe his eyes. In the doorway stood Sato Mane and Akira, the Ninjas who had almost lost their lives fighting beside him. Looking healthy and energetic under the bright lights, despite being a little frail.Overwhelmed for a split second, Ren hurried across the back towards them before he could stop to think about how that would come across to everyone who was watching. He didn't care at the moment. He was just happy to see them again...in one piece. If only he could get to see the other people dear to him, whom he's been worried sick about.Sato and Akira straightened to honor their Headmaster as he approached. He quickly grabbed their necks and pulled them close to his face in an affectionate embrace. A hush fell on the audience as they witnessed the display of affection. The council watched on with silent approval, some with green hearts Ren held them that way for a silent moment, each man occupied with his own emotions and confusion. “I tried to come visit. But

No one believed it until Thanos lifted his arm and—DRIP. DRIP. Blood trickled from a cut under his arm, to the floor of the arena. A mischievous grin crossed Kurosaki's expression. “See? I drew the first blood.”Even Ren could not believe his eyes and ears. No one saw Kurosaki make the cut. No one saw him swing the blade. No one even saw the blade. So how did he do it?“B-But how?!” Thanos cried. “You didn't even see me come towards you!” “Oh, but I did.” Kurosaki wiped his bloodied nose and swiped the same fingers through his hair. He looked formidable for a shocking moment, almost like a different person. Not the reserved Ninja on Ren’s team. A terrifying one. His twin couldn't be more proud of him as she cheered him on. “That's right! My twin’s sleek as fuck!” “No cursing in the assembly!” Elder Kenji yelled, seeming agitated. Then he turned his attention to Kurosaki. “Can you explain to us how you nicked your opponent without a blade? Without getting seen? And you must know

After a brief deliberation within the council, which Ren had been obligated to be a part of, he stalked off feeling quite uncomfortable about the unexpected turns and progression the contest was taking. Elder Kenji took the stage and a hush fell on the audience. “A series of three trials await you.”His voice rang strong and steady as he addressed the Ninjas on stage. The audience listened with rapt attention as they waited for the next contest that would determine who would become the new aide of the Headmaster.“The physical combat was only to determine your physical strength and coordination with your spiritual energy required to beat your opponents.” The elder snapped his fingers and one of the guards hurried over, presenting him with a scroll. “The selection of the Headmaster's aide has been a carefully drafted process which involves physical combat, investigation trial, test of trust and crisis management.” He paused, sweeping his gaze around the faces of the contesting Ninja

Ren swallowed a lump down his throat as he met the sight in the backyard, right after Kai did. Kai scrunched his nose up and shook his head in disbelief. “You didn't tell me you were bringing me to a butcher house.” He looked up and met Ren’s fierce gaze. “Are you trying to kill me?” Before Ren could respond, Hiro Carter looked up. “Finally, Ren! Come here!” He was covered in white overalls and gloved up. There were large goggles over his eyes, a helmet on his head, and an electric saw in his strong grip. He appeared to be protecting himself against some kind of virus.Ren wondered why the old man had to choose white of all things, to execute a butcher-dead-body plan, seeing as the blood of the mess he was making stuck to his overalls like small and large geographical maps. Was he perhaps…losing his sanity? It was a heartbreaking, devastating thing to lose an only child. Maybe it wasn't just Mizuki who took Yoshi's passing hard. His uncle was not able to bear it too, no matter how

“Oh come on, Ren!” Kaito laughed. “Don’t look like you haven’t seen a dead cougar.” “Well that’s hardly the point here, Kai!” Ren yelled. “How can we explain the sudden death of a wild animal that had me snagged between its teeth just moments ago? How can we explain what just happened?” “You got saved, that’s what happened. You can at least act grateful. You don't have to explain shit to anyone.” “Who am I grateful to?” “Me.” “And what did you do?” Ren watched Kaito carefully until the red-head heaved a deep sigh and collapsed into the ground, against a tree bark. “Alright, fine. I killed the cougar. I saved you from getting ripped and being presented as dinner to some family of wild cats.” Ren blinked in shock, his eyes running down Kaito’s bloody form. “B-but how? Cougars are…they are…” “Fucking dangerous predators, yes. But so are foxes. Especially nine-tailed ones. Except the foxes have got the upper hand in the tricky department and—” “Just hold on, Kai. What are you s