Hattori and his small group of Wushi venture through the forest. Green, luscious trees, the size of high rises, surround them. The Wushi are distracted by the forests’ beauty.

The sounds of snapping branches and crackling leaves fill the air. The smell of the forest was pulpy, but still very relaxing.

The brains of the Wushi were numbed. Their muscles were slackened. For some odd reason, they began to feel at home.

Hattori enters his subconscious for a moment. The entire room is red as blood, and dark as night. Hattori sits alone in a chair, waiting for a friend’s arrival.

Hattori hears the chirps of a small bird. A faint breath. He smiles for the first time in a while. “Zhique…”

A large vermillion bird walks into the room from a dark corridor. Hattori pets it’s head. “I believe we haven’t talked in a while”.

Zhique begins speaking back, telepathically. I’ve missed you too, Hattori.

“The reason why I’ve entered my subconscious is because… I have a question to ask you.”

Yes, Hattori. Ask away

“Every since I was a boy, I’ve been killing for Hattori. Killing men, killing women… Killing children. I don’t know why. The Wushi Dynasty has been the most prosperous era in this country’s history, but… For some reason – this doesn’t feel right to me.”

It never settled well for me either. The poor citizens have starved and been left neglected, while the rich and wealthy are the ones who prosper. Under the Wushi’s rule, the wealthy hold the power – And their greed only benefits themselves.

“When you say it like that… It does sound pretty bad. But…” What should I do then? Whose side am I on?”

Don’t be an idiot, Hattori. Do you want to know why the wealthy hold all the power? BECAUSE THEY SHOULD. Their ancestors worked hard and proved that they had the ABILITY to prosper. Hell – How could we expect a poor person rule when he can’t even rule his own self!!!!

“Zhique…”

Hattori fades from his subconscious, re-entering the real world.

If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.

“Y’know we only have three days to find this kid, right? Let’s hurry the hell up!” General Hattori yells.

A small group of Journeymen-level Shinobi observe the area from the trees, gathering intelligence. The reconnaissance team’s Captain communicates with Dai Wen via a Walkie Talkie. “It seems they’re Investigating some kind of—murder. Searching for a culprit.” The Captain says. “Lead by General Hattori.”

“Thank you, Captain Jean. Do not engage. Leave the area immediately.” Dai Wen demands. The Captain signals his team a retreat, and they follow orders.

Dai Wen stands in Jin Liang’s office. Mei Lian, Xue Lian, and Li Wei are by his side. “It seems we have a new mission, Gramps.” Dai Wen says. “So, whose going?”

Jin Liang answers. “Dai Wen, lead Mei Ling and Xue Lian. We can’t suffer any casualties from our Elites. You’re the only Shinobi who could possibly take out General Hattori. This is a big mission, guys.”

“What about me?” Li Wei asks. “Can I come too? I promise I have the skill!”

“No. We can’t give them what they’re after.” Jin Liang responds. “Dai Wen, I’ve been training you for 24 years. Don’t disappoint me.”

Dai Wen and his team jump from tree to tree in the forest, searching for Wushi. “Tell me when you’ve spot them.” Dai Wen says.

“Can do.” Mei Lian responds. “You ready Xue Lian?” She readies her shuriken between her fingers. “Of course, I’m ready.” Her sister responds.

When Dai Wen eyes the Wushi, he signals Mei Ling and Xue Lian. “Do what y’all do best.”

Mei Lian conjures a giant centipede made from wood. The sisters ride its head. “Xue Lian!” Mei Lian cues her sister. “Gotcha. Shuisha!!!!” Xue Lian expels water from her mouth. The water crashes as a large wave that wipes out the Wushi. Only Hattori is left standing.

“Do you really think a weak blow like that could hurt me?!” Hattori laughs. Mei Lian summons wooden hands to grab Hattori, but Hattori jumps in the air and dodges. He punches the air, expelling a stream of fire from his fist, but the Centipede dodges.

“Face it, old man! You’re outnumbered!” Xue Lian exclaims. The General smirks. “Let’s see about that.”

Hattori is lit with a fiery red aura. “You have yet to witness the power of Zhique – SS Rank, Mystic Class, Vermillion Hawk!!”

Hattori expels a gigantic fireball from his mouth. Mei Lian attempts to shield by summoning a wooden wall, but the fireball overpowers her defense.

The Centipede crashes to the ground. The air around Mei Lian and Xue Lian is filled with smoke. Hattori waits for a follow up attack.

Mei Lian and Xue Lian emerge from the smoke. They attempt to fight Hattori at the same time, but Hattori easily overpowers them. He jumps into the air, kicks them both at the same time, and flips backward.

“Zhique: Art of the Fire Dragon!!” Hattori exclaims. He punches the air repeatedly, hurling small fireballs that overwhelm Mei Lian and Xue Lian. Hattori follows up his attack. “Type Two!” Hattori’s fist is lit on fire. He jumps higher than the trees. His fist crashes into the floor, causing a giant explosion around Mei Lian and Xue Lian. The sisters fly back, overwhelmed by Hattori’s sheer strength.

“Ha! Not even a scratch! It seems the Shinobi aren’t that strong at all!” Hattori brags. Dai Wen appears behind him. “I think you’re forgetting about someone.”