The Ninja and The Rose

Crystal Ice Mirrors

Tsunami hums a small tone as she goes about her daily routine, but she soon found that routine ruined when suddenly a giant part of the wall is cut open by Gato's goons.

The young woman gasped and looked at the goons in fear as they walk through the hole. "So, you're Tazuna's daughter, huh?" the silver haired one said and ranked his eyes over her body and almost felt remorseful that they'll probably going to end up killing a sexy woman like her somewhere down the line.

"Too bad. You'll have to come with us. Now."

And with that the more rugged one walked over to her, raises his fist and back hand slapped her so hard that Tsunami was sent flying back and hit the wall.

The two goons then smile mischievously at how helpless the young woman looks right now.

And it was at this moment that Inari had ran in after hearing his mother's screams and gasped at what he saw. "Mother!" he exclaimed.

"NO! Don't come out here! Run away hurry!!" Tsunami exclaimed.

"Don't move!" the rugged goon ordered.

"Should we grab this one, too?" he asked his comrade.

"No. Gato asked for just one hostage." The silver haired goon stated.

Hostage?! Ran through Inari's mind in both fear as he realizes that Gato is going to use his mom to get to his grandfather.

The rugged goon smirks evilly as he holds out his weapon and grabbed the handle and began to slowly takes it out of its sheath but before he could take it fully out Tsunami finally spoke up and said. "WAIT!"

The goons looked back at the woman who now had a look of determination in her eyes. "Please don't hurt my son. I'm begging you. He's just a boy. I'll do anything. Just please don't hurt him." She begged.

"Looks like your mom came through for you, kid. Lucky." The silver haired goon proclaimed.

Inari just looked tearfully at his mother and fell to his knees already knowing that he is about to lose her.

The rugged goon groans at this turn of events. "What a waste. I was in the mood to cut something."

The silver haired goon rolled his eyes at his comrade's bloodthirsty habits. "Give it a rest. You already drew blood today. Let's get her out of here." He stated as he walks over to Tsunami and then quickly tied her arms behind her back.

And with that they took their leave and while they walked away Inari just sat there in the fetal position and wonder what he should do now.

And as he thought about it, he began to think about how everyone in his life have been brave. His dad and grandpa, the Hidden leaf Ninja, and even his mother built up the courage to give Gato's goon's an ultimatum exchange for his life.

And what has he done? Just whine and complain like he's the only person that knows how actual pain is but in reality he is sure that there are people out there in the world that have experience things that makes his struggles seem weak in comparison.

Using his arm to wipe away his tears Inari sniffles as he thinks about a speech that his dad once gave him on how he should protect the things he loves even if his life is put on the line.

Finally getting tired of crying Inari stands up and has a look of determination on his face and ran out to confront the goons.

Running across the docks Inari finally stops a few feet away from them and said, "STOP!"

"Well, well. If it ain't the little tough guy." The rugged goon proclaimed slightly amused at the fact that he might actually get to cut something after all.