THE CEREMONY
One month later, the initiation ceremony for the second grandmaster is set to commence.
Shukumei prepares for the event, whereas Hamari is unwell, vomiting.
Shukumei hurriedly goes to Hamari to check on her condition, to which she asserts that she is alright.
She informs Shukumei that she has significant news to share with him.
Hamari discloses that she is expecting and that they are going to have a baby.
Shukumei's face lights up with joy, incredulous at the news of becoming a father.
A NEW LIFE
Shukumei inquires from Hamari if she was aware of their unborn child's gender.
Hamari mentions she hasn't found out yet, expressing her desire for a daughter.
Shukumei expresses his hope for a son, reasoning that it would provide Inochi with a companion to safeguard and imbue with strength, in addition to experiencing the bond of siblings.
Inochi completes his dressing and steps out of his room.
Shukumei informs Inochi about the arrival of a new cherished sibling into their family soon.
Inochi expresses joy and hopes for a younger brother, inquiring about the arrival time of the newborn.
Hamari responds, telling Inochi that the birth is expected in the winter.
Realizing the time, Shukumei then tells Hamari and Inochi to join him later at the ceremony, mentioning he must meet with the elders first.
Shukumei then proceeds to the traditional ceremony where he is to be honored as the village of Sakura's Second Grandmaster.
THE NEW AGE OF SHINOBI!
The authority greets Shukumei, informing him that preparations are complete and secure, signifying that the moment has arrived.
Hamari and Inochi make their presence at the event, observing from among the assembly where anticipation runs high.
The figure of the Buddha strikes the gong, following which the leadership makes a public declaration in front of all the attendees for their presence at the function.
Karin Speaks "Today marks an extraordinary occasion as we all acknowledge the passing of the first grandmaster of light, Haru Yaskue.
It is our duty to continue the legacy of light that Haru Yaskue left behind, and we are honored to introduce the Second-Generational Grandmaster of the Land of Light."
"I, Karin, one of the five members of the hierarchy here today, am introducing the new legendary grand master of the light, Shukumei Hotoke, to you."
SHUKUMEI THE SECOND GRANDMASTER!
Applause and cheers erupted as Shukumei was formally chosen as the Grandmaster of The Land Of Light.
The crowd erupted in applause and cheers of support, with the ruling class expressing their joy and offering their congratulations.
As a symbol of his new role as Grandmaster Of The Land of Light, they presented him with the yellow dragon robe.
In response, Shukumei bowed respectfully before donning the robe.
He then proceeded to the mountain's brink, soared into the sky, and extended his arm as everyone screamed and cheered in excitement.
Hamari grips Inochi's hand, smiling amidst the crowd.
"Look, Hamari, it's Uncle Shuku. He looks so cool," exclaims Inochi.
Hamari agrees, gazing up with evident pride. "Yes, he does," she remarks.
She has fallen for the man of her dreams who not only makes her feel cherished but also surrounds her with a sense of security.
From above, Shukumei beams at the gathered people, waving cheerfully.
He thinks to himself, while making sure that everything about the message, its structure, format, and content, remains unaltered.
"This marks the commencement of a novel future, Haru.
I have ascended to the position of the Second Grandmaster.
Donning this robe and being entrusted by you with your son, I vow to uphold your luminous legacy and to further your aspiration in the ninja realm.
My leadership will aim to foster care, forge strong bonds among Shinobi, and imbue them with the true essence of being a Shinobi.
I will embrace this mission, my friend, or rather, my brother. Thank you, Haru."
MISSION ASSIGNED
A week has elapsed since Shukumei, the new Grandmaster, found himself seated in his office alongside Yamata.
During their meeting, Shukumei expresses his desire to Yamata, stating, "I want to call Smoke Sensai and Kenji Midori into the office."
Acting on Shukumei's request, Yamata releases a snake through the window, tasked with the mission to connect with another ally, Shinobi This action is intended to relay a message to these Shinobi, instructing them to come to the office.
KENJI AND SMOKE
As Kenji enters the office, a haze is visible. He's dressed in a black Tang suit with a black cloak hoodie, fully cloaked and masked in black, complemented by black trousers.
Shukumei informs Kenji and Smoke that he has delegated a task to them.
He explains that their mission involves traveling to the domain of shadows to notify Itami Hinotori of his designation as the Grandmaster of Light.
He wishes to convey a message to the governing body of the Kurayami village, indicating that peace prevails within their nation.
Shukumei hands them a pact for the governance to endorse, affirming a state of tranquility in their community while ensuring its entire format, structuring, and content remain intact.
Kenji and Smoke are clear on their objective and decide to exit the office
. They leave the village behind and start their journey on foot.
On departing their domain, they come upon the land of fire, with Smoke suggesting this path as a quicker alternative to reach their destination.
Kenji, however, expresses his reservations to Smoke about taking this route through the land of fire, pointing out his desire to steer clear of any potential altercations with shinobi amidst ongoing conflicts, alongside his concerns about adhering to the Grandmaster's mandate of enforcing Haru's Will.
Smoke, employing a strategy to challenge Kenji's courage, insinuates that Kenji's reluctance stems from fear and weakness.
In response, Kenji insists he's not intimidated and then decides to venture into the land of fire.
THE LAND OF FIRE
However, they make their way into the territory of flames as they jump through the green leaf trees. and encounter a ninja from the land of flames.
Unfortunately a Shinobi hurls ninja shuriken at Smoke and Kenji, but Kenji employs a protective wind-based technique to deflect the ninja shuriken.
The Shinobi, identified as Kai, who wears a red keikogi has brown hair and yellow eyes inquires about their presence in his domain.
Kenji explains that they have been sent on a mission to the land of shadows by the grandmaster of light.
KENJI AND SMOKE VS KAI
Kai expressed his disdain for Haru and the rest of the ninja from Sakura's territory, attributing his parents' deaths during the Dragon War to their conflict with the Hotoke family.
In response, Smoke coolly warned Kai that his animosity would soon cease, as he would reunite with his parents upon dying at Smoke's hands. Unfazed, Kai chuckled and assumed a combat stance. He then performed a gesture and declared, "Fire class Fire Hawk technique.
" An immense fire hawk, shaped by his aura, rapidly surged toward Kenji and Smoke.
They recognized this display as the work of a superior shinobi, acknowledging Kai's strength.
Kenji, too, prepared a technique by enacting a seal and proclaiming, "Metal style Metal Barrier technique," effectively shielding them from Kai's Fire Technique without compromising the barrier's integrity.
Kai recognizes that Kenji is no average shinobi and commends him for his abilities, also acknowledging Kenji as the renowned shinobi hailing from the Midori Clan.
Kai leaps over the barrier and proceeds to knock Kenji to the ground with a kick.
Kai then directs his attention towards Smoke and attempts to land two punches, both of which are deflected by Smoke.
Smoke attempts a kick, but Kai counters, successfully landing a punch on Smoke's face. Smoke collapses but then vanishes, transforming into a cloud of smoke.
Kenji regains his strength after being assaulted by Kai, recognizing that they must conclude the battle to accomplish their goal.
Utilizing a potent method from the Yaskue clan, Kenji forms a sign. "Nature Class Elemental Dragon Technique" unleashes a quartet of elemental dragon blasts at Kai, striking him and causing him to collapse onto the ground.
As Kai attempts to rise, a plume of smoke materializes above him, rendering him immobile in his efforts to stand.
The smoke takes on a human form and stands atop Kai's torso, pressing a foot down on him and declaring his end.
Smoke then draws his kunai and imbues it with a technique of the fire class, poised to take Kai's life.
However, Kenji intervenes, telling Smoke to halt, emphasizing that such actions were not mandated by the grandmaster and that they were on a mission, indicating a different directive.
SMOKE'S PRECEPTION
Smoke informs Kenji of his readiness to do whatever it takes to accomplish their mission, even if it necessitates eliminating a fellow team member.
As Kenji gazes into Smoke's eyes, he starts to feel a sense of dread.
Smoke then delivers a lethal blow directly to Kai's heart, instantly ending his life.
Rising to his feet, Smoke advises Kenji to proceed and stay focused on the objective, emphasizing that true Shinobi remain unemotional, viewing emotions as weaknesses.
Smoke further explains that the mission wouldn't have been successful if he hadn't taken Kai's life, and he insists that this matter should remain confidential between them.