//------------------------------// // Chapter 3: A Change of Plans // Story: The Equestria *Girls* Shinobi // by mattchilly //------------------------------// After I left the hospital I used the Body Flicker to arrive in a large open field on the other side of town. “Shadow Clone Jutsu!” A large plume of smoke appeared then quickly cleared to reveal a few thousand clones. “All of you are to search every inch of this planet as quickly as you can! I want to know where the Shirai Ryu, Lin Kuei, Sheikah, Overwatch and the Dojo are. While you search NO ONE is to know you’re there! Once you’ve found them report immediately! Once the girl’s training has reached a good spot I’ll head to Konoha and introduce myself. NOW GET MOVING!” Shouts of “Yes Sir.” And “Got it Boss!” filled the air before the field emptied leaving me alone. Nodding at how quickly my clones got to work I turned and made my way home to double check the lesson plans I’d made for the Academy. —Meanwhile with the girls. General POV— After Kohtaro left silence filled the air as the clones had removed the IV and monitors and had left the room after turning down the lights. “It’s hard to believe this happened.” Star said. “As if finding out about magic wasn’t enough of a headache enough but Ninjas? Having our souls transferred to new bodies? It’s insane.” “And yet here we are.” Phoenix sighed. “It’s still hard to wrap the fact that Inferno and Kohtaro is the same person. I can see the similarities in their personalities but so much of it is different that it’s incredible that none of us noticed something was up.” “I agree.” Eclipse said. “We’ve been working with him for three years and never once did we think that Inferno and Crow were one in the same.” “So are you going to explain that whole thing or just leave us in the dark about the whole ‘Crow’ thing?” Spectrum asked. “Crow is what we called him when everyone else called him the ‘Shadow Bird’.” Aurora explained making everyone’s eyes grow wide. “Lu….Eclipse and I used to run a secret organization that helped keep Canterlot safe. Crow came to us three years ago by placing a letter on my personal desk. How he did so without tripping any of our alarms I still don’t know and quite frankly that unnerves me but once he came into the picture he almost single handily made organized crime not existent. What other secrets could he be hiding?” “Why don’t we could ask tomorrow?” Kind suggested making everyone look at her. “He hasn’t been hiding much from us when we ask and I don’t see him hiding anything from us unless he had very good reasons.” “That is true.” Blossom pondered. “And as far as I can tell he hasn’t lied since we got here.” “My main question is how he got his hands on the technology to clone us.” Star said. “That kind of thing shouldn’t be possible with modern technology, and yet…” “For now let’s get some sleep, and talk to, Pops in the morning.” Pinkari suggested before she blinked in surprise. “Huh, for some reason that feels natural.” “I agree with Pinkari on both accounts. Farther will tell us if we ask.” Gem said before shaking her head and closed her eyes. “It scary how easy it is to call him that and use our new names.” —Next Morning. 7 AM. Kohtaro POV— Walking into the hospital I saw that everyone was already awake. “Good morning girls.” I’m not sure what surprised me more, that they answered me with a chorus of “Morning Dad”, “Pops”, “Father” or the joy I felt when they did. “So who’s ready for that physical exam?” I asked. “Before that I’ve got a question.” Star said. “Where did you get the tech to clone us new bodies?” “Should have known that was coming.” I sighed. “Every time a group of organized crime came through the docks I always made sure to go in and take care of it. The majority of the tech here was taken from different mafia or yakuza groups.” Eclipse’s eyes went wide. “So THAT’S why those groups we were monitoring disappeared over a single night.” “If any of them find out who and where you are you’re in a lot of trouble Pops.” Spectrum said with a small smirk. “But still to be able to take down the mafia so easily. I gatta admit that’s kinda cool.” “That’s only part of the explanation.” Star said. “I’ll tell you the rest over breakfast alright?” I offered to which Star nodded. “But what did you do with the mafia goons?” Blossom asked. “They’re now six feet under.” I said making everyone eyes go wide. “You…you killed them?” Kind gasped. “I’m a Shinobi. While on the Main Continent they may be more known for their spying and espionage but I’m more like the ones here in the Elemental Nations. We are soldiers and I wasn’t about to let the mafia have a foot hold in the city I called home.” I said before sighing. “Guess I won’t be able to do that now.” “Does that mean…we’re going to have to kill people?” Gem asked. At this I gave a small sad smiled. “That is a strong possibility yes, but I and your sisters will be there for you, and who knows. Depending on what I find as I teach you, you might have the qualities to be a medical-nin, but for now let’s get you ready for the exam.” The clones from last night came in and we each helped one of the girls to their feet. Once I helped Pinkari to her feet I said. “We’ll do this one at a time, and while I’m helping one of you the rest will be…well I won’t spoil the surprise.” “This better be good.” Gem grumbled then she shivered slightly when she noticed all my clones had the same grin I did. “That’s incredibly creepy.” “You’ll get used to it.” The clone helping Gem chuckled. “I’m going to be using this Jutsu a lot in the future.” “You all take the girls to the surprise. I’ll get Pinkari to the examination room.” I said as I helped Pinkari out of the room and down the hall. By the time we got to the room Pinkari had finished adapting to her new body. “So how do you want to start this?” Pinkari asked. “Well first…” —With the Girls. Phoenix’s POV— As we were led to this surprise by our Father’s clones I was glad to find that the more we moved the less we needed the clones help. “I doubt you’ll tell us where we’re going but will you at least give us a hint?” The clone helping Spectrum thought for a moment. “Nah. It’ll be better if you’re left in the dark.” “What’ll be better?” Aurora asked. “You’re reactions.” The clone helping Blossom replied with a large grin. “You some sort of prankster?” Spectrum asked. “You could say that.” The clone helping Spectrum replied with a smirk. “Well here we are.” The one helping Gem said as he opened a door with 服 on it and for some reason I knew it read ‘Fuku’. “...Clothes?” I asked raising an eye brow ignoring the fact I could read the kanji. “That’s your surprise?” Glancing at Gem I saw he eyes light up. “That’s only part of it.” the clone who had been helping Eclipse said as he opened the door to reveal a large room to reveal fifteen rows of outfits. When she saw the room Gem let out an ear piercing squeal of joy.“Go on in and pick your kunoichi outfit and don’t worry there are plenty of spares so you don’t have to fight over them.” “Where did you get all of these?!” Gem asked rushing into the room. All the clones chuckled. “You’d be surprised what a few hundred clones can do in a night which the right supplies.” When Gem felt one of the outfits her brow furrowed in confusion. “I know the feeling of the fabric. It almost feels like…” “Like the kind you used to use?” One of the clones asked as he leaned against the wall as I and… my sisters joined Gem in looking around the room. “Yes.” Gem replied. “Makes sense considering the Boss bought the fabric from you.” “When?” “Boss started …about a year and a half ago right?” One of the clones asked a second. “Something like that ya. He started getting supplies for this place the moment he got the idea.” “And he knows how to sew?” Looking around the room the clones all gave Gem a look and as one they gave a sarcastic. “No he doesn’t.” “You walked into that one Gem.” Spectrum snickered as she grabbed the outfit she’d chosen. After fifteen more minutes Pinkari walked into the room. “I’m done. So who’s next?” —POV Aurora— “I might as well go next.” I said as I handed my outfit to a clone that walked over to a shelf, grabbed a scroll and with a puff of smoke seal my outfit inside. Seeing my look he chuckled. “Storage scrolls. Gotta love em, and don’t worry you’ll all be taught how to use them when you go to the Academy.” “Wait what?!” Spectrum cried. “We have to go back to school!?!” “Couse you do!” A clone snorted. “Did you think we’d just hand you weapons and the like without making sure you knew what you were doing? You’ll also learn geography, how to travel using the stars as guides, some history for the Elemental Nations, calligraphy, how to access your chakra and basic Taijutsu, Ninjutsu and possibly Genjutsu.” After this I left the room fallowing the clone that had my new outfit to what I assumed was the examination room Father was in. knocking on the door to my surprise it was a female voice that said. “You don’t need to knock right now. Come on in.” Opening the door I saw a tall woman with blond hair brown eyes, a blue diamond on her forehead, a grass green jacket that if I remember correctly is called a ‘haori’ with a grey kimono styled blouse that showed a lot of cleavage with a blue/grey obi that was the same color as her pants, and black high heeled sandals. “I thought Father was going to do these exams.” I said and upon seeing the confusion on my face the woman said. “Considering part of your mind is still that of a more mature woman I thought it would be more comfortable for you if I take the form of the Medical-Nin who’s a part of me. Just know that I don’t plan to take the forms of the Shinobi who are part of me that often.” Raising an eyebrow I said. “So what’s her name?” “This is Tsunade Senju. One of three legendary Sannin and the best Medical-Nin in the world.” The moment Father said this, my eyes went wide. He has the skills of not only the best shinobi medic on the planet but this Tsunade is also legendary. What other secrets is he hiding… and some small part of me was a little annoyed that there was someone with a better figure then the one I used to have. I was proud that no one else in Canterlot had a better figure damn it! Seeing my eyes go wide Father chuckled. “Pinkari had that same look when I told her and I bet some of the others will to. Now let’s get started with this examination shall we?” —Later at breakfast. Kohtaro POV— “So now that everyone’s examination’s done and you all have proper kunoichi outfits. Who’s ready for their first day at the Ninja Academy?” I asked as we ate from the piles of pancakes and waffles I made. “Before that I’ve got a question.” Star asked. “What is it Star?” “We know how you acquired the items you used to make cloning machine but how did you actually make it?” I sighed and put my cutlery down on my empty plate. “Should have known that was coming. Alright now in order to understand how I put it together you should know exactly which shinobi lends me their power but this knowledge is NOT to leave this room understand?” I asked looking at each of them my eyes showing that there was no arguing with this. Everyone quickly nodded and but before they could do the Pinkie Promise I said. “You’ll have to come up with a new Promise Pinkari. The original Pinkie Promise has to be laid to rest.” Pinkari looked devastated but then got a strong gleam in her eyes. “Just you wait I’ll make on so good that it’ll be impossible for you to say no to it!” “That’s the spirit!” I said grinning before the memories of two of my clones dispelling hit me and I getting serious again. “Here’s the list of people whose figures I bought and the man whose helmet I had recreated. Hanzo Hasashi or Scorpion leader of the Shirai Ryu and Kuai Liang or Sub Zero the leader of the Lin Kuei. Shigure Kōsaka the Weapon Master of the Ryōzanpaku Dojo. Chiru who’s a master chef and is ranked as the 15th best chef on the planet. Impa the leader of the Sheikah tribe. The brothers Genji and Hanzo Shimada.” Here I paused for a moment “andOroku Saki…The Shredder and leader of the Foot Clan, it was his helmet I had recreated.” Gasps were heard around the table at this but no one said anything else. “Tsunade Senju of the Sannin, Jiraiya of the Sannin, Hinata Hyūga heiress of the of Hyūga clan, Naruto Uzumaki, Itachi Uchiha, Obito Uchiha, Anko Mitarashi, Orochimaru of the Sannin and while he’s not really a Ninja I still got a figure of Hagoromo Ōtsutsuki.” “Now I’m about to show you the people you should avoid at all costs.” Making the correct hand seal I said. “Transformation Jutsu!” First I turned into The Shredder then after a few moments I changed into Obito both with and without his orange mask then Itachi and finally Orochimaru. “I get the Shredder due to him leading the Foot Clan but why the other three? I mean isn’t Orochimaru part of the Sannin?” Kind asked. “Obito went crazy and wants to destroy this world when the woman he loved died when he was fifteen and due to his clan planning a coup Itachi was forced to kill everyone in the coup, however little did he know that someone used that opportunity to kill the rest of the clan leaving only Itachi’s brother alive and so he was deemed a missing-nin due to the knowledge of his clans coup being kept a secret. Finally there’s Orochimaru who performed inhumane experiments in secret to continue his search for knowledge and because of this he was dubbed a traitor to his village Konohagakure, but the ironic thing is that the version of Orochimaru that I know from the manga/anime did a lot to help Konoha due to the consequences of his actions after he was deemed a traitor.” I explained dropping the Jutsu. “All missing-nin are criminals with bounties on their heads but depending on their situation and crimes they might be able to join a different village.” “So if three of those guys are so evil then why did you get stuff that represents them?” Eclipse asked. “Because I didn’t know this was going to happen. If I did I wouldn’t have chosen them…well I might have kept Itachi as part of the list but we’ll never know so there’s no use complaining about something that’s impossible to change.” I shrugged. “So who’s that Hagoromo person?” Star asked. “Here in the Elemental Nations he’s the creator of Nindō. Of the Ninja Way and he’s known as the Sage of Six Paths.” As I said this everyone’s eyes went wide in awe. “That’s definitely impressive” Aurora said. Glancing at the clock I saw it was almost 10 and turned to the others who’d finished their meal. “Now that you know all the Shinobi who lends me their power now all I’ll say for now about the cloning tech is it’s a fusion of Orochimaru’s knowledge due to him being the creator of the base tech but it’s due to upgrades from Sheikah tech that I was fully able to make your new bodies.” Then I grinned. “You’ll have to save any other questions for later and I hope all of you found that stimulating because now it’s time to head to start your first day at the Academy.” A few groans were head but the girls still got up to fallow me. “Oh and expect to be woken up earlier tomorrow. Schools going to start at eight o’ clock sharp each day.” This time everyone groaned much to my amusement. —Time skip. One week later, Noon.— Now that things had calmed down a little I working in in my office wearing what would be my official Shinobi outfit with the exception of the mask I’d made which was sitting on a stand behind me. The mask had a black hood to cover my hair with a dark grey face mask with a glowing red feather that went from the bottom of my chin to my nose, to cover my eyes there’s is a metal visor with a neon blue line. I’d built in a way that I could take the visor off without taking the entire mask off. I also had a full suite of thin but strong chain mail under a dark green orange shirt and dark purple pants. I also had a light brown reversible trench coat that had several pockets on both sides and hidden seals each one holding some equipment or were connected to seals on my back that had equipment and dark blue shoes. I also had the first of the Hitai-ate (Forehead Protector) and a large bright red hat with the kanji for myth (神話) on it. I put down a pair of scrolls that I just finished. One I’d keep on my person at all times the other would act as a mission request that I’d send into the void to act as my Token. The one I’d send out read "To any that find this write down the job on the lines at the bottom of the scroll that you’d like the Shinobi of the Hidden Phoenix Village to take. Know that we will need to be paid for our services and the more dangerous the mission the more expensive it will be and have the right to deny any mission if we feel that it is necessary. Ryu the Shinwa no Kage, 神話の影, The Myth Shadow.” Next to what I’d decided to use as my code name I placed my seal and the symbol for the village’s Shinobi which is a feather with traces of smoke floating off of it. Throwing the finished Mission Contract in the air it disappeared in a puff of smoke. I was about to get to work on some other document’s I’d been working on when a received a message from the clones I’d sent to watch over the girls families. My eyes went wide and in a flash I was out of the room letting out a low curse. Arriving in the same training room I’d arrived in with the girls I saw twenty to figures sleeping. Looking at one of the clones who had a 2 on his shoulder I said. “#2 gives me your report!” “We’ve got good news and bad news Boss. Which do you want first?” “Just give me your report!” I growled. With what happened my patience was rather thin at the moment. “Well we kept an eye on the girl’s families like you said and #4 over there.” #2 said gesturing to a clone that was checking Spitfire with a Medical Jutsu scan. “Suggested we make a few more to keep an eye on the other members of Aurora’s old organization. Nothing happened until five minutes ago when and you’re not going to like this, members of the Hidden Sound Village tried to assassinate everyone here, with the exception of those two who they tried to kidnap. Luckily Spectrum’s and Kind’s families weren’t targeted but #24-30 are still keeping an eye on them.” Looking over to where #2 was pointing I saw Vinyl Scratch and her best friend Octavia Melody. “The Sound Nin were tampering with the houses gas lines instead of planting bombs but the end results were the same.” “How did they know about Spitfire and Soarin?” I asked. “You remember Wind Rider?” A clone with #23 on his arm asked walking over. When I nodded he said. “I was created to watch him but turns out he was out of town this week, and when the others first noticed the Sound something didn’t feel right so I went to investigate. In his basement I found a hidden room.” #23 then pulled out a storage scroll. “Wind Rider is an ally of the Foot and the Foot is working with the Sound. I didn’t have a chance to grab everything because Wind Rider’s house was also set to blow, but I did grab most of the weapons, a computer, and a few message scrolls.” “#23 you’ll now assigned to the T&I department. Get over there, get a new designation and assist the others with finding out where the hell Wind Rider is. I want a report on what you found on my desk by morning along with that bastard found and captured ASAP.” I ordered. “I’m going to go pack some things then leave the village for a few days. Once you know they’re ok wake them up and explain the situation to them, and spread the word that the village is on lockdown until I get back. I’ll be leaving within the hour. Once they're up the rest of you can choose which department to join for your new designation.” All the clones nodded and #23 disappeared with a Body Flicker just as the girls ran into the room. “We heard what happened! Is everyone alright?!” Star asked. #1 walked up a small smile on his face. “Their fine, we just placed them under a Genjutsu so they’d sleep though the whole thing.” “Keep up the medical scans until we know with 100% certainty that they’re fine. If you find a poison extract it immediately and get it to R&D to find what’s needed to make the antidote if it’s one we don’t know about.” I ordered. “Got it Boss.” All the clones that’d been on the mission said before returning to their work. “Let’s go girls they’ve got everything well in hand.” I said and gently lead them out of the room where two clones with the kanji for teacher (先生) on their arms were waiting and joined us as we walked to the Academy. “Hey Pops before we get back to the Academy I’ve got a question.” Spectrum asked. “What is it?” “How come these clones last so long? Aren’t they meant to be dispelled when their Chakra’s used up?” Spectrum asked. I couldn’t help but grin and ruffle her hair. “Look who’s paying attention in school. You’d never been that observant at Canterlot High.” Spectrum swatted my hand away. “Just answer the dame question pops.” “Normally your right but mose these were created by a unique Jutsu that I created.” I said. “And that would be?” She asked rolling her eyes. “It’s from the Blood Release and I’m NOT going to be teaching it to anyone. Due to how dangerous it is I’ve labeled it as a Forbidden Jutsu.” I said staring directly into her eyes. “Why is it so dangerous?” Phoenix asked. “That…I’m not going to tell you.” I said. “Then why do you keep telling us stuff that’s so important to keep secret?” Eclipse asked. “It’s part of my personal Nindō. With family be as open as you want and only keep secrets when you feel it’s truly necessary. Don’t lie to friends but don’t be an open book. With clients be professional and only tell them what’s absolutely necessary, and all the while keep it as difficult as possible for your enemies to find information about you. Now I’ll be leaving for a few days to take care of a few things in about an hour so be good until I come back alright?” “What about our families?” Pinkari asked. “Hey considering what happened they’re my family to now and I gave the clones in there orders to make sure their ok.” I said with a cheeky grin. “The only reason I’m leaving right now is because what happened is forcing me to accelerate a few plans.” That’s when my gazed hardened. “The Foot is allied with a Ninja village here in the Elemental Nations. I’m leaving to try to get some allies of our own and I don’t know when I’ll be back, but it hopefully won’t take too long.” Kind came over and gave a quick hug that the others quickly joined. “Be careful and…I love you Dad.” “I will and love you too.” I said a small tear slowly rolling down my face.