"Today's the day… the new challenge begins."Ryju stood confidently at the ancient gate of the Great Ninja Academy, fists clenched and spirit burning. The gate's dragon-etched stone shimmered with spiritual energy, a remnant of the legendary battles that took place on this sacred ground centuries ago.
Rei yawned, stretching lazily. "The new challenge, huh? Wonder what it's gonna be this time."
Kuroyami's eyes narrowed as he approached. "Whatever it is… we can't be weak."
Kenshiro dragged his feet behind them. "What a drag. Another challenge?"
"I'm pumped!" Goro shouted, fire in his voice. "No matter what, I'll keep going… that's the promise I made to my brother."
Shun grinned. "Let's go already—I'm more than ready."
The six of them gathered at the front gates of the academy, standing shoulder to shoulder.
Ryju looked around at the crew. "Everyone ready?"
Rei hesitated. "Yeah… I think."
"Yeah," Kuroyami answered with a quiet nod.
Goro pumped his fist. "Of course I am!"
Kenshiro sighed. "Can I go home?"
"No!" the others shouted in perfect unison.
Kenshiro smirked. "Heh. That's how you know we're ready."
Laughter broke out as the tension melted for a moment. Ryju waved his hand. "Alright, let's move."
They entered the academy, the building packed with students.
The Academy's Grand Hall was buzzing. Over 300 students, each born across different provinces of the Villages crowded the spiritual stone floors. Massive banners floated in the air, each representing a different ninja clan
"Looks like everyone's here, huh?" Rei observed.
"No kidding," Shun replied. "It's packed."
Suddenly, a voice called out from across the crowd.
"So, you showed up."
Ryju's smile faded. "You…"
Uzuki approached, flanked by his squad: Hana and Jake.
Hana crossed her arms. "So these are the ones you almost killed, huh?"
Jake sneered. "Look at 'em. They're tiny."
"Who are you talking to like that?" Rei snapped, stepping forward.
Goro raised a hand calmly. "We don't have any issues with you. Just Uzuki."
"Everyone, calm down," Ryju said, his tone sharp.
"But they're talking all tough—" Rei started.
"I said calm down."
Rei fell silent.
Ryju took a step forward. "It won't end the same way as last time."
Uzuki smirked. "Oh? We'll see."
Kenshiro yawned. "How about you all just walk away so we don't have any problems?"
Jake sneered. "And what if we don't—?"
Suddenly, Kenshiro vanished in a blur of speed and reappeared behind Jake, his hand glowing with concentrated spiritual force, resting just beside Jake's neck.
"Say that again," Kenshiro whispered.
Jake froze. So fast! When did he—?!
Ryju blinked. Kenshiro…?
"Let go of my brother!" Hana shouted.
Uzuki raised a hand. "Enough. You've gotten stronger. We'll back off... for now. Let's go."
Jake and Hana followed without another word.
As they walked away, Hana leaned in. "Jake, are you okay?"
Uzuki muttered under his breath. "So fast…"
Kenshiro stepped back, brushing invisible dust off his shoulder.
"They're gone now," he said flatly.
Ryju stared at him. "You were so fast… Like, who even are you?"
Kenshiro looked away. "Backstory later. We've got a challenge to face."
Suddenly, a voice echoed through the academy.
"Welcome, everyone! This is the Second Challenge!" announced the Spiritual King.
Ryju stepped forward. "What is it this time?"
The King smiled. "I'm sure you're all wondering. The second challenge is simple… Capture the other team's flag."
Murmurs filled the hall.
Kuroyami tilted his head. "Ah. A capture-the-flag battle?"
"Correct," the King said. "Everyone will report to the Great Woods immediately."
The students made their way to the enormous forest just outside the village walls. Trees stretched endlessly into the distance.
"Welcome to the largest forest in the Great Village," the King said as the crowd gaped.
"It's so big," someone muttered.
"These are the rules," the King continued. "Each person carries a flag. To capture another's, take it and plant your own flag over theirs. A captured flag will glow with a star symbol. You'll know your flag color once your team number is assigned."
He paused dramatically.
"There are 300 of you, split into teams of six. That's 50 groups. Once 33 teams are eliminated, the challenge ends. Only 102 of you will move on. If you're eliminated, that's it—you wait until next year to become a ninja."
Ryju's eyes widened. "So if we lose... we're done for the year?"
"We're going to win," Rei said firmly.
Kuroyami nodded. "We trained for this."
"I can't lose," Goro whispered.
Kenshiro rolled his eyes. "Man, I really hate this."
Shun clenched his fists. "They're here... and they're gonna pay."
The Spiritual King raised his hand. "Let the challenge... begin!"
In a flash of light, the entire academy was teleported.
Team One materialized in a shaded part of the forest.
"We're here," Ryju said, scanning the surroundings.
"That was quick," Kenshiro noted.
Kuroyami checked his flag. "We're Team One. Flag color… red."
"I'm ready," Shun said.
"So am I," Goro added, standing tall.
Far off in the distance, the echoes of the King's voice rang out once more.
"Now that everyone is in position… the challenge officially begins."
To be continued...