===[Inuyose Residence, Storehouse Studio]===

Kyoko's POV:

Kyoko: "Shinobu, where should I put this file folder?" I asked her as she turned around to me.

Shinobu: "I don't really need that one anymore. You can just throw it out." She said and I throw the file.

Esora: "Yuka, can you help me with this turntable? It's too heavy for me to move on my own." 

Yuka: "Leave it to me! Here we go..." I looked at Shinobu who was smiling.

Shinobu: "Phew... The place is looking a lot better now. Thanks for all your help, guys. Sorry to rope you into cleaning up the studio out of the blue like this."

Kyoko: "It's fine. We use this place so much, it's only right that we should pitch in and help keep it nice and tidy."

Yuka: "Yeah, it's like a way of saying thank s for everything the studio does for us!"

Esora: "I don't mind working hard if it helps keep up those lovely vibes I like so much! I am a little surprised it turned into such a big job, though."

Shinobu: "We can thank my grandpa for that... 

Shinobu: ("He said if I was going to clean up the storehouse, I might as well get everything else organized, too. He's got a point, I guess. I don't even know what some of this is far.")

Kyoko: "It's not just music equipment, either. There's all kinds of stuff in these boxes."

Shinobu: "It was my family's storehouse before I turned it into a studio. A lot of junk's been put in here over the years."

Yuka: "That's kind of exciting thought, right? You never know what we'll find. Can you just imagine finding some kind of treasure in that drawer over there?"

Esora: "Like some kind of secret document passed down through the generations?"

Yuka: "Yeah, that'd be so cool!"

Shinobu: "Don't get your hopes up. It's probably just some old stuff Grandpa forgot to throw away..."

Shinobu: "Huh? What's this...?"

Kyoko: "What's up? Don't tell me you actually found some real treasure in there?"

Shinobu: "Treasure" might be a bit of a stretch. It's this weird scroll, here."

Yuka: "A scroll? Ooh, let me see!"

Esora: "It could be a valuable antique or something!"

Shinobu: "Only one way to find out. I'll open it up..." Shinobu opened the scroll and we all saw that scroll was something written.

Kyoko: "It's covered in writing... I guess it's not a hanging scroll, then."

Esora: "Aw, that's too bad."

Yuka: "This could still be something cool, though! Can you make out what it says, Shinobu?"

Shinobu: "I think so... This part here must be the title. Secret History of the Inuyose Clan...? Something like that, anyway."

Kyoko: "I guess it really was some dusty old relic from past generations."

Shinobu: "Nice choice of words there, Kyoko."

Kyoko: "Heheh, sorry. Seriously though, what else does it say?"

Shinobu: "Seems like it's a family history. It's weird, no one's ever told me about this before..."

Yuka: "It did say it's a "Secret History," after all. Who knows what kind of adventures the Inuyose family might have had years ago?!"

Esora: "We're sure to find out if we keep reading. The truth is in there somewhere!"

Shinobu: "You're not taking this seriously at all, are you?"

Esora: "No, no, I really am curious about what it says."

Shinobu: "I'd like to know, too. I guess I'll humor you this time. Now, where was I.."

In medieval times, there existed a ninja village, hidden from the rest of the world, ruled over by the Inuyose clan...

===[Edo Period, Pikipiki Village]===

Oshino: "Now, Hanzo! Throw the shuriken!" Oshino's pet started barking.

Oshino: "Ha! Striking them down was barely any challenge. Do it again, but with more this time... What's the matter, Hanzo? Our training isn't finished yet--Is somebody there?"

Osora: "Here I thought I'd erased my presence completely. I should have known I couldn't hide from your keen senses, Hanzo. It's no wonder you're one of the clan leader's favorite ninja, Oshino!"

Oshino: "Did you need something, Osora? I have a feeling you didn't come here just to chat with my dog."

Oyuka: "The leader has summoned us. The says he has an important matter to discuss."

Oshino: "Grandfather said that?"

Osora: "Yep. Has he told you why already, Oshino? Is he finally going to reveal his successor?"

Oshino: "Don't know, don't care."

Oyuka: "Maybe I'll ask Hanzo instead, then. Hanzo, if you know something... shake!" There was silence even Hanzo didn't bark to that.

Oshino: "Sorry, but Hanzo doesn't take orders from anyone but me. Still, summons from the clan leader can't be ignored. Come on Hanzo."

Oyuka: "Snubbed by the dog and the owner. Today is not my day."

Osora: "But that cold, indifferent front Oshino tries to put up is part of her charm, don't you think."

===[Training Ground]===

Oshino: "Grandfather's manor is just at the top of this cliff... Are you all right, Hanzo? Can you keep going?"

Hanzo: "Arf!"

Oshino: "I knew you wouldn't let me down, partner."

Oshino: ("What could Grandfather be thinking...? What could be so important that he'd need to speak to all of us together? Whatever it is, I'm not about to just do whatever he says."

Okyo: "Hello, Oshino. Heading to the leader's manor?

Oshino: "Okyo... You were summoned as well?"

Okyo: "Of course. My family have been protectors of Piki Peak  Village just as long as yours."

Oshino: "You've probably heard this already, but he called in Osora and Oyuka too. He must be gathering representatives from all the families in the village. For what, I don't know..."

Okyo: "Perhaps he wants to publicly announce he's chosen you to be his successor?"

Oshino: "Whatever he announces, I'm not following the path he's set out for me. Especially not when you and I still have a score to settle."

Okyo: "Heehee, we've been rivals ever since we were little, haven't we? Not just in ninjutsu training, but everything else too. I've lost count of the number of contests we've had... All of them ending in ties, of course."

Oshino: "Exactly. I won't rest until one of us finally comes out on top. I can't even think about taking Grandfather's place until I've defeated you." Okyo smiled at Oshino.

Okyo: "I know how you feel. Unfortunately... We may not get a chance to settle that score for you and him."

Oshino: "Huh? What do you mean?"

Okyo: "I've decided... to leave the village with my lovely Kenzou. Not right away tho, but someday soon."

Oshino: "A-Are you insane...?! Leaving without permission is against our laws. You'd be disowned by the entire clan" Okyo smiled to Oshino.

Okyo: "It's all right, the both of us cleared things with my father and the leader. It took a while, but I convinced them in the end. And it's not like we're turning against the clan or anything I just need a change of pace and need to break out of the everyday routine here in the village and experience something new and plus I want my Kenzou to come with me."

Oshino: "Something new...?"

Okyo: "Right. That's why I'm leaving , to go travel. There's a whole world out there just waiting to be discovered. I'm afraid finding out which one of us is the best will have to wait. I'll... be thinking of you the whole I'm gone, though. I hope you'll still be here when I get back."

Oshino: "You think I'll just wait around for you to return?"

Okyo: "No. No, not really. I can see that would be far too selfish a request to make. Forget I mentioned it. I'm going on ahead."

Oshino: "Okyo... Kenzou..."

===[Inoyose Family Residence/3rd POV]===

Dennosuke: "Thank you all for coming. It does my old heart good to see the young guardians of Piki Peak Village's ninjutsu all gathered together like this."

Eight people: "Thank you, sir!"

Oshino: "..."

Dennosuke: "Ah... But it would appear my dear granddaughter's mind is elsewhere?"

Oshino: "I'm fine. Everything's totally normal."

Dennosuke: "It doesn't look that way to me..."

Oshino: "Enough about me. Why did you summon us here, Grandfather? If it's about choosing your successor, we might as well end this meeting right now. I've told you before, I'm not interested in following in your footsteps."

Okyo: "Oshino..." Okyo who was next to Kenzou and he noticed that she was upset and he put his hand on her shoulder.

Dennosuke: "Haha! Just as tempestuous as ever, I see. Put yourself as ease. The one who'll succeed me as clan leader hasn't been decided on yet."

Kioshi (Kieru): "Hasn't been decided?" What does that mean?"

Oyuka: "Yeah, we all assumed you'd cede the position to your granddaughter."

Dennosuke: "No, no. We can do better than just passing it down through my family. Our clan's leader cannot be a mere figurehead. They must also be an accomplished ninja in their own right. That is the Piki Peak and the Piki-Yomi way."

Okyo: "So they have to prove themselves worthy first?"

Dennsouke: "That's right. You four will be competing for the position. I want you to battle it out, using everything you've learned over the years. The winner will the next leader of our clan."

Kioshi: "A battle royale to prove our worth. I like that."

Oyuka: "And it's an honor to be chosen to represent our families." Dennsouke turned to Onshino.

Dennsouke: "Whay say you, Oshino? If you don't want to take part, you're welcome to withdraw."

Oshino: "No, I'll do it. It's better than just being "chosen," at any rate. Only if Okyo is competing as well, though. That's my one condition."

Okyo: "Oshino..."

Dennosuke: "Oho... Well, what's it to be, Okyo?" 

Okyo: "I intend to compete, naturally. It will be a good chance to settle things with Oshino."

Dennosuke: "Splendid! I'm expecting Kenzou to be participating in it too?" Everyone turned to Kenzou who had his eyes closed and arms together and sighed then nod his head.

Okyo: ("He doesn't look like he want to participate in it. I guess he noticed that I'm having a little romantic friendship with Oshino but I still love him no matter what and I'm going to stuck to that!"

Dennosuke: "I'll be looking forward to seeing what you nine can do..."

===[Pikipiki Village - Forest]===

Okyo and Oshino were looking at each other with a serious look on their face as the others were watching.

Osora: "Just how long are they planning on glaring at each other? At this rate, the sun's going to come up before we decide on a winner."

Emiko (Estuko): "Their focus is impressive, all right. They've barely moved since I left to go find you guys."

Hanzo: *BARK!*

Oshino: "Hiyah!"

Okyo: "Toriyah!"

Kenzou (Kenji): "Our battle has started!"

Hansuke (Hiroshi): "It's about time! But the real question is who's going to be on top...?"

Oshino: "Go, Hanzo! Just like we practiced!"

Hanzo: *ARF. ARF, ARF!"

Okyo: "Top-notch teamwork, just as I'd expect. You and Hanzo are so in sync."

Oshino: "The Inuyose clan have always had canine partners. I'm closer to him than anyone in my family!"

Hanzo: *BARK!*

Okyo: "I know. After all these years, I'd be a fool not to notice your bond. But my clan have developed a technique especially to combat that!" She looked at Kenzou with a smile who replied back with a smile of his own.

Oshino: "What?!"

Okyo: "Here, let me show you. Piki Peak Ninpo, Siren Song!"

Hanzo: *Arf?!* 

Oshino: "Wh-what's wrong, Hanzo?"

Hanzo: *Grrr...! Arf, arf!"

Oshino: "Stop it! Why are you attacking me? It's me, Oshino!"

Hansuke: "I guess you teach her that technique did you Kenzou?" Hansuke said and he still have that smile on his face and then nod his head.

Emiko: "I think we all created two monsters into this world...."

Okyo: "Don't waste your breath. Hanzo will no longer listen to your commands. This ninjutsu allows me to bend animals to my will. Usually it wouldn't be all that useful a human opponent and that's where Hanzo comes in. I'll give my thanks to that special someone~"

Oshino: "Snap out of it, Hanzo! Don't let her control you!"

Hanzo: *Grrrr...! Arf, arf!*

Oyuka: "Wow, this is a shocker. Who'd have thought that Kenzou would teach Okyo this technique."

Osora: "It really is made for a fight against an Inuyose opponent and to think that the both of them kept it a secret for so long. It's taken Oshino totally off guard."

Oshino: "No... This can't be..."

Okyo: "This is it, Oshino. You'll never win now. Just accept defeat. I don't want to have make Hanzo actually hurt you."

Oshino: "Go right ahead. This is meant to be a no-holds-barred showdown, after all."

Okyo: "Wh-what? I couldn't-- I mean, fine. I don't want to prolong your suffering any longer. I'll finish you with this next strike."

Oshino: ("I've never seen Okyo look so determined. She really is coming in for the kill. It all comes down to this...!")

Okyo: "Have you decided to stop struggling against the inevitable? All right, I'll make this quick, then."

Oshino: "To me, Hanzo!"

Okyo: "Did you forget already? Hanzo is---"

Oshino: "Hanzo is far stronger than any ninjutsu. As his partner, I know that better than anyone! Hanzo... Come back to me!"

Hanzo: *Arf, arf!*

Okyo: "I don't believe it..."

Oshino: "Ahaha! Hanzo, that tickles! It's okay, it's okay. I missed you too."

Hanzo: *Woof, woof! Arf...!"

Emiko: "Wait! I thought that you did teach her that technique? It doesn't seems the technique didn't work right."

Kenzou: "No, it's worked but I teached her the semi-version of my technique. My full technique could destroy the vision and their brain all together but the semi one could only mess with your vision. Like what happened earlier. Hanzo only saw Oshino as a enemy for a short period of time."

Hansuke: "That makes sense, you didn't want her to overdo it." Kenzou nodded his head.

Okyo: "But how? I don't understand, my jutsu was meant to give me complete control... "

Oshino: "Hanzo doesn't take orders from anyone but me. You should know that by now, Okyo."

Okyo: "B-But the jutsu, though...! K-KANZOU!!!" 

Hansuke: "Why do I feel like your gonna be a grave danger  and death's door when you two are alone."

Oyuka: "We have ourselves a future clan leader! Congratulations, Oshino!"

Osora: "You were always the favorite , but I'm glad we got the chance to show our potential, too. You've earned this."

Oshino: "R-Right... Thank you. but I wasn't doing this the position..." She said as Okyo walked over to Kanzou with a smile as they all was nervous what was going to happen but she only gently punch him in the shoulder which confused him.

Okyo: "Your lucky that I love everything about you cause you'll be punish if I didn't." She said while hugging him which still confused him until he felt a painful pinch on his stomach.

Kenzou: "O-Ow!"

Okyo: "Now we're even."

===[Miku Water]===

Okyo and Kenzou were at the Miku Water having a last look around before they both leave as Okyo was holding Kenzou's hand tight.

Okyo: ("This will probably be the last time we'll see this place bathed in the light of sunrise. We should get going. The village will start stirring soon, and I have a long road ahead of me.")

Oshino: "Huff... Huff... There you are...!"

Okyo: "Oshino...."

Oshino: "What's the big idea disappearing on us?"

Okyo: "I already told you I'd be leaving once the battle was over. You deserve to be the next leader, Oshino. Show that same trust and dedication that made you and Hanzo such a great team, and the village will have a bright future."

Oshino: "Aren't you the demanding one? Well, since we're being honest, I have something to say too."

Okyo: "If you're just going to complain, save it for some other--"

Oshino: "I'm going with you two."

Kenzou: "Huh?"

Okyo: "Huh?"

Oshino: "Did I stutter? I'm going with you two. i want to join you two on your journey."

Okyo: "Wait, wait, where is all this coming from? Why would you want to leave the village?"

Oshino: "Well... If you leave, I'll lose my greatest rival. This way, I can keep getting stronger!" 

Okyo: "What do you mean?"

Oshino: "If I stay here without you to inspire me, I'll only go soft. I'd rather travel with you and keep honing my skills. I've been looking for a change of pace, anyway. This'll be a good opportunity to see the world."

Okyo: "But you can't just run off without telling anyone! We both got permission first, Well Kenzou did but you--"

Oshino: "Don't worry, I thought of that. I already sent Hanzo to deliver a letter to Grandfather letting him know all about it."

Okyo: "You've really got everything worked out. You must get that from your grandfather. What did the letter say, exactly?"

Oshino: "Just "I'm leaving to travel the world.""

Okyo: "I take it back. You don't have things worked out at all. Listen, Oshino. The outside world isn't like our cozy little village. It's full of danger. I know you're strong, but I don't think  the two of us will be enoguh to cover for each other if anything goes wrong."

Osora: "How about you two bring us with you, then?" They turned around to see to see the other five people walking towards them.

Oyuka: "We won't be treated as runaways if we're part of the future leader's retinue, after all."

Kenzou: "Oh dear, not you guys too." He sighed, "If all of us leave then there will be no one to protect the village."

Emiko: "Don't be such a scary cat. Our families aren't so helpless without us for a little while so we could train to become more stronger."

Oyuka: "Yeah! Plus, there's plenty of very capable ninja around, and Lord Dennosuke is here to lead them. He's still healthy as a horse!"

Okyo: "Yeah, and he'll be mad as a hornet when he finds out you left without his permission!"

Hanzo: *Arf, Arf!*

Oshino: "Good boy, Hanzo. Did you get the letter to Grandfather all right?"

Hanzo: *Arf!*

Okyo: "Look like he sent a reply. He probably wants you to come back right away."

Oshino: "Let me see... It just says "Bring me back some yatsuhaschi crackers from Kyoto."

Okyo: "WHAAAAT?!"

Oyuka: "That's good enough for me. Let's get this show on the road!"

Kenzou: "This is gonna be a interesting journey... for me at least." Kenzou whispered and then sighed with a smile on his face.

Osora: "Wow, the outside world... I can't wait to see what kind of charms it has to offer!"

Oshino: "Don't dawdle, Okyo. You don't want us to leave behind, do you? Or do you want Kenzou to carry you?"

Okyo: "N-No! But fine, if we're all in this together, we might as well see it through, Let's go!" Okyo grabbed Kenzou's hand as they all started to walk to their new journey.

Shinobu: "And so, the nine ninja set out on a journey full of laughs, tears, romantic, and new discoveries..."

===[Present Day, Inuyose Family's Storehouse Studio]===

Yuka: "Wow, what a story! It really made the past come alive."

Kyoko: "I'd never have guessed you had actual ninja ancestry, Shinobu."

Estuko: "Same, that was pretty long story but enjoyable!" Peaky P-Key had flinched no knowing that the Kenji, Hiroshi, Kieru, and Estuko sitting down in the corner.

Shinobu: "W-When did you guys get here?!" 

Hiroshi: "A hour in a half, I heard that you were telling a story so we all decided not to disturb you and we wanted to know the story also."

Shinobu: "Haha... I feel like I've been missing out on the most exciting part of my family history." Kenji walked to Shinobu and grabs the scroll.

Kenji: "This is a interesting scroll. I've seen many scrolls but not like this and it seems like there's still more stuff that you haven't read yet." Kyoko peak behind her boyfriend's shoulder and saw that he was right.

Kyoko: "Oh yeah, what's this part say...?"

Kenji: "By Dennojo Inuyose, Grade 5, Class 3?"

Kieru: "Does that means that whole thing was just a story Shinobu's grandpa made up when he was a little kid?"

Shinobu: "What a scam! No wonder he kept it to himself...! I can't believe I got so emotionally invested in this!"

Kyoko: "Whoa! Calm down, Shinobu. You can't just rip the scroll up!"

Kenji: "Aaaanndd... There's goes the scroll." He facepalm.

To be continued...