The office of the Headmaster in Nakim academy was dead quiet, as Ren sat under the heavy, quiet scrutiny of the elders in the office and Kaito, who watched him with a steady intent. “What do you have to say?”“Why do you suddenly ask about the Guardian Ninja?” Ren was caught between a rock and a hard place, because he was not sure exactly what the elders knew for them to suddenly spring on him with questions about one of the entities that possessed him.Was he expected to tell them what he was?“We just want to know how well you're familiar with the greatest Ninja that ever lived, to whom we owe the stability and existence of the world as we know it today.” Ren frowned. “Well, Juno used to tell me so much about him.” “What was it that the missing aide told you?” “That Shin Nightfall was a force to reckon with. A gentleman who bled for the sake of peace.” Masaki rolled his eyes and shook his head behind Elder Kenji. “Told you this kid is a fucking joke,” he hissed under his breath

Kurosaki could not keep his legs from trembling as he stayed in hiding. Peeking around the pillar, he watched a figure emerge from behind another pillar in the foyer.He blinked, mesmerized by the sight and scent that assaulted his senses. The girl was clad in all black, from her head to her toe, a black scarf covering half her face, from her nostrils down. And from her wafted a tantalizing scent of pine and wet soil. And in her hand was a bow and arrow, aimed at every direction she turned to, searching for him. “Are you going to show yourself or not?!” she yelled. “You think I can’t hurt you?!”Kurosaki rolled his eyes and leaned against the pillar. He could not understand why she kept shouting. Was she trying to draw attention? She would be at a disadvantage then, because she wasn't even supposed to be back in the dorm. Taking a deep breath and counting to five, he finally decided. Then he stepped out with his arms lifted in surrender. The girl stared at him like he was some kin

Kurosaki ignored Ryota and resumed his strides towards the Headmaster's office. “There’s no point keeping it from me, man,” Ryota continued being a pest as he followed behind Kurosaki, with his hands casually jammed in his pockets. “We both know who it is that stole the scroll, somehow. I’m certain of it. So we are the winners.”“Don’t be so sure. And don’t be so full of yourself.” “Alright, watch it.” Kurosaki smirked, tossing a glance at the scowling Ryota over his shoulder. “Remember, pride goes before a fall.” He had just stopped in front of the Headmaster's office and lifted his fist to knock when Ren’s voice stopped him. “What do you want?” Both Kurosaki and Ryota turned to see Ren standing there with his hands casually jammed in his pockets. Kaito was nowhere to be found around him, and that made both Ninjas jumpy. “Err, Headmaster.” Kurosaki stepped forward, scratching his hair. “I’m here to make an official report regarding the mission.” “Get ready to explain what you

A few minutes after Ren sank into his chair up in his office, a knock sounded on his door.“Come in,” he called in a clipped voice. He knew who was out there, because he had bumped into them on his way back. Kurosaki and Ryota walked into the office, rubbing shoulders at the entrance. Ren watched them with a peeved expression until they stopped in front of his desk. “I'm sorry for overstepping my boundaries, Headmaster,” Kurosaki blurted out as soon as Ren’s gaze slid towards him. “I shouldn't have broken into the LADY XHOXIA dormitory…but I kind of have the feeling that I wouldn't have found the witness otherwise.” A scowl fell over Ren’s features at the sly move Kurosaki pulled. “Really?”“I mean,” Kurosaki lifted his shoulders in a small shrug, “the academy is a big community. What are the chances I would have met that girl, Nia, any other way?” Ryota snorted. “Someone must have fallen in love.” He quickly slapped a hand over his mouth as Ren shot him a glare. “You weren't ask

Ren spent the rest of the day thinking about Hana’s question. She had not given him a chance to respond before she quickly covered up her question with a plea for him to get home so they could get back to the story, and ended the call without warning. Somehow…the prospect of Hana missing him kept Ren afloat throughout the rest of the day.“Someone seems to be in a good mood,” Kaito hummed as they left the office and proceeded to the memorial hall. “Perhaps…was that pretty Ms. Blackthorn on the phone?” Ren whirled on Kaito, eyes flashing. “She is my wife, Kaito. Mine. So you will regard her in the same vein, with the same respect you owe me.” Kaito scoffed. “Man, I didn't think you were a douchebag as well. So you think I ‘owe’ you respect?” “If you don't think the same, then you ought to leave my house when we return to Shinjuku.” Kaito barked a short laugh, shaking his head. “You’re hilarious, my friend.” Ren would have been pissed by that at any other time. But because he jus