To Become a Shinobi Ch. 13
By Eliad Sholomovich

Gen looked at Ibuki and raised a brow. "Why do you seek the wandering warrior?" he asked curiosity apparent in his tone. Ibuki gulped.

"Well I might as well tell him the truth, but not all of it. It’s always good to be on the upper hand" Ibuki thought and then said "I seek Ryu to challenge him" hoping the old grandmaster would settle for that. She was wrong.

"Why would you want to challenge Ryu? He is one of the strongest warriors today. There must be more to this…" Gen thought and then spoke. "Does it have anything to do with you training under Geki?" he asked blindly hoping for success. Ibuki nodded and Gen smiled. Ibuki lowered her gaze.

"How did you know Geki was my sensei Gen?" Ibuki asked. Gen laughed but soon the laughter turned to coughing. He calmed down.

"I fought with Geki in the first Street Fighter Tournament. I'd recognize that style and uniform anywhere." Ibuki nodded in understanding.

"I must defeat Ryu ‘cause he defeated the one who killed Gill who was my first target. And Ryu beat me at the third Street Fighter Tournament final round so clan honor demands I seek a rematch." Ibuki said. Yun and Yang were really shocked. She was the Ibuki that reached the finals.

"Whoa. Beautiful, smart and a fighter. You really can't find a lot of girls like that nowadays," Yun thought. Yang looked at her in admiration.

"No argument she is a unique and wonderful person. I wonder who she will choose?" Yang thought. Gen rose to his feet and looked at her.

"Regrettably I can be of no assistance..." Gen said and he saw Ibuki's face fall. "But... I can offer you to stay here until someone I know will arrive. I'm sure she'll know where he is heading" Gen continued and Ibuki smiled and bowed her head.

"A thousands thanks Grandmaster Gen" she said and he smiled.

"Call me Gen. Grandmaster makes me feel too old." he said. Ibuki nodded.

"Very well Gen but how can I burden you with my presence. It would be dis..." Ibuki said before Gen cut her words.

"You’re staying here. You saved my life it’s the least I can do to repay you young lady. Besides it would be safer for you in case Balrog or any friends of his return for you" Gen said.

"Very well I agree" She said "OK I'll stay here until I get my next contact, but what of Yun and Yang? I hate to rise their hopes up and then leave it isn't fair towards them. I'll just have to tell them that I have no time for a relationship now." she thought and pictured their reactions and sighed. Yun had an idea he turned and whispered into Yang's ear. A few minutes later Yang nodded then Yun spoke.

"Ibuki do you want to go and see Hong Kong? Me and Yang will be glad to give you a little tour." Yang nodded in agreement. Ibuki thought a minute and smiled.

"Sure Why not" Yun grinned and clapped his hands.

"Great I promise you a blast of a time" Yun said.

"Should I go change?" she asked. Yun and Yang shook their heads.

"You look great come on" Yang said and motioned with his hand. Ibuki smiled.

"OK if you say so guys". "I wonder what they’re up to?" she wondered. Gen looked at them both.

"Don't get into trouble is that clear?" he said in a slightly menacing tone.

"Yes Grandpa" they replied in unison. Ibuki sighed and they walked out the door.

** Meanwhile **

Balrog opened his eyes. He looked around him and saw he wasn't in Hong Kong anymore.

"What the f***? Where am I?" Balrog thought and looked around. He then recognized where he was. "Oh s***, the boss's room" He rose to his feet.

"So you’re awake, you've failed me Balrog. You know what I think about failure…" The voice said and Balrog felt a pain explode inside his head.

"Wait! I-It... It ain't my... fault let me explain…" he cried in pain. The pain stopped.

"Very well, speak" the voice said. Balrog exhaled in relief and told him about Gen and the mystery figure. The voice spoke again. "It truly isn't your fault Balrog, now leave my presence. This mission will be passed to someone more professional" Balrog felt the venom and respite in that last word and he bowed and said "Yes master" before he left.

"An unexpected twist. I will have to think of something else." For now though, he pressed a button and a view screen lit before him.

"My Lord" a masked figure spoke.

"Vega you are to follow this youth..." he said and a picture of Ibuki appeared on the screen. "Do not engage the target yet, I only want her tracked. For now try to find out what's her goal. Is that clear?" The voice continued.

Vega bowed "It shall be done my Lord"