HOME | DD

Description
Disclaimer: All Kim Possible characters are the copyright of Walt Disney Corporation. I’m just
borrowing them to write up a story with no intention of making any money. This is for fun. All other characters in my stories, that Disney doesn’t own, are mine.

Once more, my deepest thanks go to campy for beta/proofreading. You’re the best, campy! (big grin)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A Bond of Honor
Chapter 4 – Yori’s New Home
By JuPMod (aka JPMod)

Emerald eyes gazed up at the large steel gates, and looking left and right, she could make out the high white walls extending as far as she could see. It was easy to see that the walls must stretch along the entire property line. “This is it?”

“This is the place, KP.” Ron looked from the piece of paper Yori gave him to the address number on the wall to the right of the gate. Even Rufus, on Ron’s right shoulder, nodded that the numbers matched.

Turning to her friend, Kim gestured toward the gate and the entire place. “Ron, are you aware what this place is?”

In his typical red-jersey outfit, Ron confusedly looked at her. “No, I’m not. This is my first time here.”

Letting out a puff of air, the redhead pointed to the sign underneath the address number. It was in two columns of Japanese letters. “This is the Mochizuki Estate! One of the largest single owned pieces of real estate in the entire Tri-City area! Nearly everyone in school is aware of this place, yet no one knows what goes on behind these walls.” Her hand indicated the walls extending away from them. “The walls extend all around the property, which,” she pointed to the gate and what lies behind it, “is extremely valuable, and if it was ever sold, it would rake in millions of dollars.”

Giving a long wolf-whistle as he and Rufus returned to look at the gate in admiration; Ron shook his head in wonder. “I say Yori’s guardian is on the extreme wealthy side.”

Wearing her long-sleeved golden shirt with crossties on the chest and waist-to-ankles, blue tights, Kim smirked and shook her head at his statement, which should be obvious to anyone looking at this place. “Go ring the doorbell.” Her finger indicated the intercom just to the right of the gate.

Pressing the call button on the intercom, Ron didn’t wait long before someone answered. “Yes, can I help you?” It was clear to Ron and Kim the voice didn’t belong to Yori, given it was male.

“Hai, dude,” Ron grinned. “Ron Stoppable and Kim Possible here to see Yori Takana. She invited us.”

The next thing both teenagers and one mole rat knew the two massive gates began to slowly swing open inward. “We are expecting you, Stoppable-san, Possible-san. Please enter.”

And that was what they did. Once they crossed the threshold, before the gates even finished opening all the way, Kim and Ron stood in awe at the sight before them. “Whoa,” both said as one.

A dirt road led a mile from the gate to the entrance of a large compound, which was situated not far from the start of the rolling hills seen behind. The complex itself seemed to be made of many different Japanese architectural buildings surrounded by another white wall similar to the property border wall, which could easily be seen stretching even through the forests up the hills. Green grass, various trees, flower beds, a couple of small ponds, and walkways could be seen all around the complex up to the woodland.

To Kim, the entire place looked close to what some Japanese compounds were centuries ago from what she learned online and from school. An inner walled sanctuary encircled by an outer wall. The design provided a good defense system from unwanted intruders, who would have to scale the outer wall and cross the distance only to have the inner wall blocking their paths. By the time they reached the inner wall, they would have easily been spotted and dealt with before they would even reach the inner wall.

For Ron, what he was seeing reminded him of Yamanouchi yet with differences. The complex was as large as Middleton High, and instead of very tall buildings Yamanouchi had, this estate had small buildings no bigger than two stories tall.

Chitterling and poking of his cheek by a small hand broke the blonde boy out of his daze. His eyes trained on Rufus, who pointed to the entrance of the inner wall.

“Right, buddy,” Ron sheepishly admitted. “They’re expecting us.” He turned to his best friend and tapped her on the shoulder, severing her trance. “Come on, KP. Let’s go.”

“Right,” Kim agreed awkwardly with a small grin, knowing they were wasting time.

As both teens started down the dirt road, the gates of the outer wall began to close behind them. They walked while appreciating the scenic beauty around them under a gorgeous blue sky with a few puffy clouds. Even some squirrels and birds, some chirping and singing, provided a natural feel to the place.

Finally, after many minutes, they arrived at the gates of the massive compound’s entrance, and just when they arrived, the double doors, similar to the steel ones of the outer wall, slowly swung open inward.

Behind the gates stood a grinning Yori wearing black slacks, matching slipper shoes, and long-sleeved, white button-up blouse, and as usual, her red headband was in her hair. Beside her was an elderly man as tall as Mr. Dr. Possible, yet Kim and Ron could see he was younger than Sensei, by perhaps 20 years, given his half graying black hair, which was short as most American men wore and without the Japanese ponytail that Sensei wore. Also he wore a black mustache and beard, but not as long as Sensei’s, and to top it, they knew he had to be the master of this place given he wore a red Japanese coat, like Sensei’s, over simple black slacks and slipper shoes.

Both placed their hands together and bowed toward their guests, who simply bowed in return with polite grins. “Ron-san, Possible-san,” Yori began, “welcome to the Mochizuki estate.” All four stood upright again before Yori gestured with a hand to the man beside her. “This is Master Hiroshi Mochizuki – master teacher, owner of the estate, and my guardian.”

“It is an honor to meet you,” Master Mochizuki bowed his head as he grinned. “Your noble deeds do you great honor and prestige to your names.”

“Arigato, Master Mochizuki,” Kim bowed her head in respect. Ron, Rufus, and Yori were a bit taken aback by Kim’s use of Japanese, but Master Mochizuki’s grin simply broadened in surprised amusement.

“Do you know Japanese, Possible-san?” he asked, still maintaining his grin.

Kim sheepishly grinned and shrugged her shoulders. “Only a few words from the missions Ron and I had in Japan.” Her explanation made Ron softly chuckle and Yori and Rufus grin while Master Mochizuki still maintained his amused expression.

“Come,” the elderly man waved toward a given area. “We will go to a suitable location for our conversation.” He strolled away, and Ron and Kim followed with Yori beside them.

As they casually walked behind Master Mochizuki, Kim and Ron curiously gazed around while Yori respectfully allowed their observations.

They passed a building that was a garage for vehicles. Another was a large shed for landscaping equipment, no doubt needed to maintain the many acres of greenery. One large two-story building seemed to be the living residence as they walked around it, and behind the quarters were gardens of shrubbery and flowers with Japanese-style stone paths, benches and ground lights. The two teens even saw areas set aside for dueling and sparring.

One dueling area had two men in white gi’s sparring with katanas. Ron gave them a passing glance, but Kim looked more closely. To her eyes, the men weren’t teenagers, but seemed to be older and taller, more like college students. Her mind backtracked to several other people they’d came across along the way since the front gates, and she realized something. Some of them, like the dueling young men, were of college age, while others were obviously adults who helped maintain the estate. They hadn’t come across any teenagers as Yori or anyone younger.

“I say, Yori,” Ron broke the silence since their walk began at the gates, “this is quite a bon-diggity home.”

“Hai,” Yori grinned. “Unlike Yamanouchi, most of the buildings are only 50 years old when the land was bought in 1952. This estate is one of many branches throughout the world.”

This piece of news certainly caught Kim, Ron, and even Rufus’s attention. Branches? Yamanouchi was not the only secret ninja school? Exactly how many locations were there worldwide?

Yori gesturing ahead interrupted their thoughts. “We’re here.”

Looking forward, Kim and Ron saw they were coming up to a wooden gazebo with a Japanese-style roof. It was in the center of a small circular courtyard with four stone benches evenly spaced around the outer rim, where flowerbeds were situated, and close by was the compound’s tall, white wall, clearly showing they were already at the rear of the compound. Only one door could be seen in the wall to allow anyone to exit to the fields outside.

Arriving at the gazebo first, Master Mochizuki took two steps up and walked to stand behind a stylish, white metal patio chair in front of a round patio table with white metal frame and glass top. He kindly indicated to the other three chairs around the table. “Stoppable-san, Possible-san, please be seated.”

The two American teenagers could see the table was set for four people with various fruit, snacks, and some drinks. Yori took the seat to Master Mochizuki’s left, placing her back to face the compound’s rear wall. Ron sat to Yori’s left, placing him to face Master Mochizuki, and Kim settled in the last chair between Ron and Master Mochizuki. Only then did the elderly man sit down in his chair.

Upon seeing a small tray full of assorted cheese, Rufus hopped off his owner’s shoulder to the table and was to about to start devouring his meal, when Ron berated him. “Rufus! That’s not just for you, you know.”

Rufus appeared forlorn, but Yori chuckled. “Actually, Ron-san, we anticipated you bringing Rufus-san. That tray is all for him, while another,” she pointed to a larger tray of cheese slices, “is for us.”

“Oh,” Ron blinked in realization as he connected his eyes with Rufus’s, who was slightly glaring at him. Rufus spat out a razzberry at him before starting to consume his cheese. Ron’s lips curled lopsidedly. “That’s gratitude for ya,” he joked. Yori giggled, Master Mochizuki merely grinned, while Kim smirked at her best friend.

Shaking her head a bit, Kim faced Master Mochizuki, as Ron placed some cheese and snacks onto his plate. “I admit that I am surprised though.” The elderly man raised an eyebrow, and the redhead clarified herself. “I was expecting like a low table and cushions. That is the traditional Japanese way.”

“Ah,” Yori’s guardian nodded in understanding. “Hai, it is tradition to have a low table and cushions, for hundreds of years that has been the way Japanese have eaten. However, you should know that you and Stoppable-san are not the first American guests to venture onto the estate. Many Americans are not used to kneeling on a cushion for great length of time, it is uncomfortable for them.” His dark eyes twinkled as his lips quirked a bit. “Besides, we are in America, so we adapt to American way of life to blend in society better.”

Yori took over explaining. “Another example is that we sleep on beds instead of futons. Each person has a room with walls instead of shoji paper walls. It’s all to help adapt to American way of life.”

Ron blinked. “So you’re not sleeping on the floor?”

The pretty ninja shook her head with a sly knowing grin. “No, Ron-san, I sleep now in a regular bed as you do.”

Being perceptive, Kim frowned at her blonde friend. “Did you sleep on a futon – a floor mattress – when you were at Yamanouchi, Ron?”

“No, I didn’t!” Ron cried out, clearly irked. “I was told,” his narrowed eyes focused on a bemused Yori, “that the bed was the floor! I didn’t know there were floor mattresses, and I only asked for a pillow and blankets.”

Yori giggled. “If you had asked for a futon, Ron-san, we would have provided you with one.” His moaning made her giggle some more.

Kim couldn’t help but chuckle at the mental image of Ron sleeping on a hard floor with only a pillow and blankets. “Poor Ron. That must have been uncomfortable for him.”

Brushing off the mental image, Kim addressed both Yori and Master Mochizuki. “Okay. Obviously you didn’t invite Ron and me to tell tales of him sleeping on the floor.”

“Hey!” Ron trained his tweaked expression on his best female friend, while Rufus snickered.

Feeling tickled, Kim’s only response was to crinkle her nose at him playfully, prompting yet another giggle from Yori. The redhead returned to the two Japanese. “So, from what I know, Yori will continue her training here.”

Master Mochizuki nodded in affirmative. “Hai. Yori-chan will complete her training here instead of Yamanouchi as normally it should have been.” The two American teenagers and one mole rat raised a single eyebrow at this, causing the ninja master to raise a finger to their unspoken questions. “Your questions will be answered, but first, an explanation on Yamanouchi’s purpose in the world.” Lowering his finger, the wise man began the tale.

“Yamanouchi was founded nearly 1500 years ago by Toshimiru, who taught the arts of Tai Shing Pek Kwar and ninjitsu. His teachings weren’t the ways of cold-blooded assassins and warriors, as many in today’s world think ninjas are, but of peaceful intentions to help train the body and mind and use these abilities to help others. That has been way Yamanouchi provided to Japan for a long time. Until the day Commodore Perry arrived.”

“Say who?” Ron confusedly asked as he ate a cracker. “That name sounds American.”

“It is, Ron,” Kim cut in. “Don’t you remember the name from history class?” Seeing him negatively shake his head, the redhead teen frowned a bit on his forgetfulness. “Commodore Perry was an American naval officer, who, back in the 1850’s, opened American trade with Japan, thus truly ending Japan’s isolation from the outside world.” She frowned and shook her head in disapproval on what she was about to say next. “However, he did so by force though, political force.”

“That is correct, Possible-san,” Master Mochizuki approved with a small grin. “Perry truly has ended Japan’s isolation. There had been foreigners, who made contact with Japan over many centuries when Europe started to trade with the East, but it was Perry that ended the isolation by making Japan realize the power of industrial machines – machines that could transform society tremendously.

“True, Perry forced the door open on Japan, but if it weren’t for him, Japan wouldn’t have comprehended that if it didn’t adapt to this new industrial world, it would be conquered, much like Africa, the Middle East and other parts of Asia were.”

As he poured tea into a cup, Master Mochizuki gave a proud grin. “So within a short few decades, Japan converted itself from an isolated, old society to one of a powerful, industrial, global-influential nation. Many throughout the world couldn’t believe how quickly Japan had done so in a short amount of time. It testified to the strength and endurance of the Japanese people.” His grin faded as he gave a sad sigh. “Unfortunately, it also started the path toward Japan’s darkest years in history.”

Ron raised a finger as Mochizuki took his cup in hand to sip his tea. “Let me guess here. This was when Japan started to be big-heady and bossy and think other people should be bowing to them.”

Both girls softly giggled to his choice of words. “That is true, Ron-san,” Yori answered with a disheartened grin as she poured some tea in her cup. “Many Japanese were misled and ventured down a dark path toward chaos and destruction.”

Master Mochizuki lowered his cup before taking over the story again. “Instead of helping people, Japan went out to conquer people. The Yamanouchi School refused to participate in the conquering of other nations, for it goes against the peaceful principals of Toshimiru and everything the school stood for. So for many years during this bleak time, Yamanouchi closed its gates to the Japanese government, refusing to help contrive their dreams of domination.”

Kim frowned, seeing a flaw in such a move. “Was that wise? I mean if the government knew where Yamanouchi was located, they would have sent an army to destroy it.”

This time Master Mochizuki and Yori chuckled, baffling both American teens.

“True, Possible-san,” the master of the Mochizuki Estate nodded before his lips curled into a small devilish grin. “However, the government knew it would be akin to suicide to send an army to destroy Yamanouchi.” Seeing both teenagers were even more confused, he clarified himself. “Yamanouchi is a ninja school, producing the best highly trained warriors of stealth and cunning anywhere in Japan. We are peaceful, but we are not pacifists. We will defend ourselves when we are threatened.”

Yori chimed in. “As Master Mochizuki has said, Toshimiru’s teachings are not the ways of cold-blooded assassins and warriors, Possible-san. However, we will assassinate and fight if it helps defend and save lives.” Her eyes narrowed with a sly grin as she raised her cup of tea to her lips. “What do you think would have happened if they had sent an army to Yamanouchi?”

As the ninja girl took a sip of her drink, Kim’s eyes went wide in realization, and looking at her best friend, she could see that even he connected the dots. “Are you thinking what I’m thinking, Ron?”

“Yeah, KP,” Ron admitted. “Being killed in your sleep is not a nice way to go.” His body quivered, like it was cold. “Brrrrr!”

Even Rufus mimicked his owner, agreeing with him. “Brrrrr!”

Green eyes moved to eye Yori’s teacher. “They knew if they dared go against Yamanouchi, they would be assassinated, one by one.”

“Indeed,” Master Mochizuki nodded. “Top government officials, military officers, and even the Emperor himself would one by one fall.”

Kim nodded in understanding. “I guess then that the government and the Yamanouchi School came to an unspoken agreement. They didn’t interfere with Yamanouchi’s way of life, and Yamanouchi would not interfere with the government.”

Again the ninja master nodded. “It was also the best way to assure the school’s secret and continuing existence in times of war.”

Despite the gloomy mood, Ron grinned slightly, sensing a good time to brighten things up. “Well, you guys are here, so I guess after the war, Yamanouchi came out of hiding, eh?”

Both Japanese grinned at him, and even Kim grinned, knowing that her best friend was right. “You are correct, Stoppable-san,” Master Mochizuki verified. “After World War II, Yamanouchi was approached by the new Japanese government, and after hearing how they proposed to use Yamanouchi’s potential, the school opened its gates and began working with the top branches of the government to not only help defend the Japanese homeland but also to reach out and help others throughout the world for what is good.”

Yori smiled. “This was a true turning point for Yamanouchi. We knew that if we were to help others throughout the world, we couldn’t just isolate ourselves in Japan. We had to branch out to other countries and establish ourselves in their societies so when the call for assistance from Yamanouchi came, we would be there to help.”

Upon hearing this, Kim’s expression blinked in comprehension. “So this is the purpose for the Mochizuki Estate. To be an extension of Yamanouchi, and provide a place for your people when the call for assistance comes from Japan.”

“Hai, Possible-san,” Yori confirmed with a grin. “That is one purpose for this estate’s existence.”

Seeing both Kim and Ron were perplexed, Yori made clear what she meant. “When students complete their training at Yamanouchi, they are given a choice to what they would do next with their lives. Besides teaching the martial arts, the school provides basic schooling up to the high school level, so younger students would have a high school diploma upon completing their training.”

Master Mochizuki took a sip of tea. “You have to understand, Possible-san, Stoppable-san, that no one is ever forced to make decisions for them. We are selective to who could enroll at Yamanouchi. Some students are children of former students. Others are carefully chosen due to certain skills.” Turning his eyes toward his student, he nodded at her “And there are a few who happen to be raised at the school.”

This certainly was news to Kim as she eyed Yori with surprise. Yet out of the corner of her eyes, she could see Ron didn’t seem to be surprised, so it wasn’t hard to conclude Yori must have already shared that information with Ron.

“Yet,” the ninja master continued, “no one is forced to join. They are given a choice whether to enroll or not, and the same is when students complete their training.

“Upon completion, they are given two choices.

“The first is that they are free to return to society and pursue their lives as they see fit. They do not need to serve the Japanese government or owe anything in return. Toshimiru’s teachings helped individuals to find their centers – mind, body, and soul. Many of these students, who return to society, become better citizens due to having found their centers. Some pursue a higher education, get married, and raise families. There are also a few who opt to stay at the school to help teach the next generation of students.

“The second choice is that they will enter the service of Yamanouchi as undercover secret ops personnel helping the top branches of the Japanese government. They are then given a choice to live in a particular area of the world for a given period of time to provide assistance when they are needed in that area. Thus they go to their chosen areas’ branch, where they learn to blend in with the society they wish to live.”

“Whoa.” Ron was impressed. “Are you saying that this place,” he pointed down to indicate the entire estate, “is like a training ground for ninjas to learn how to be Americans?”

Yori giggled, while Master Mochizuki merely nodded with an amused grin. “Hai, Stoppable-san,” he said. “Those who wish to stay in the North American area come here to learn the social life styles to blend in better. While they are here, they are free to choose to seek a higher education and/or train further in the arts toward master status.

“We have other branches in other parts of the world that act in similar functions for their areas.”

“There is one in Germany,” Yori clarified, “representing the European branch. Another in South Africa for the African branch. South America, India for Central Asia, and Australia.”

“Each of these branches,” Yori’s guardian continued, “provides real-life experience with the societies a Yamanouchi agent will blend in, and after several years when they are deemed ready, they are free to seek a life within the area, ready to help Yamanouchi and the Japanese government when the call comes for aid or assistance within the given area.”

Ron really was impressed as he gave an approving whistle. “Mondo super agent stuff.” He reached for a cracker on his plate to take a bite out it. “Just I wonder,” he spoke around his chewing, “how could you keep all this a secret so easily from the rest of the world?”

“It is simple, Ron-san,” Yori grinned. “Besides the top branches of the Japanese secret service, other countries’ agencies are also aware of Yamanouchi’s existence.”

“Really?” both Kim and Ron spoke at the same time.

A smirking Kim immediately called out before Ron could, “Jinx, you owe me a soda.”

“Snap!” the blonde boy grumbled. “I mostly always loose.” Kim and Yori chuckled, while Master Mochizuki wore a tickled expression.

After clearing his throat to get the three teens and one mole rat to pay attention again, the elderly Japanese returned to the topic at hand. “Yori-chan is correct. The top agencies of Japan’s closest allies know of Yamanouchi’s existence. They help us in any way possible, and we in turn help them for good causes.” He gestured abroad to specify the entire property. “This land has been given to us free of charge courtesy of the United State’s government through the CIA and FBI.”

Kim could see this made sense. Cooperation, between the top agencies of the world, would benefit many. Yet she was curious about something. “Does this include Global Justice?” Her right hand picked up an apple from a fruit bowl to take a bite out of it.

Master Mochizuki nodded in reply. “Hai. Global Justice is also aware of Yamanouchi. Some of our students become unofficial Global Justice agents.”

“Badical!” Ron exclaimed.

“Uh-huh, uh-huh! Badical!” Rufus concurred.

“I say,” an astonished Kim agreed as Yori and Master Mochizuki grinned at Ron and Rufus’s words. The junior-high school cheerleader however frowned a moment later. “Yet what does all this have to do with Yori’s training?” Emerald eyes held steady on the dark ones of the ninja girl across from her. “You haven’t completed your training yet.” She took another bite of her apple.

“Hai,” Yori responded, “I have nearly one more year to go before I complete my ninjisu training.”

“As I have said before,” Master Mochizuki stated, “normally Yori-chan would have completed her training at Yamanouchi. However, she has asked to start the next phase in advance, ahead of completing her training.”

Yori gently grinned. “Sensei agreed. I want to be closer to Ron-kun.” Her warm eyes turned to hold onto equally warmed brown ones. “Master Mochizuki will complete my training while I start learning what American life is like to blend in better.”

Still eying affectionately at his girlfriend, Ron gave a small smug expression. “Well, if you’re going to learn how to blend in America, I’m more than willing to help you out, Yori. If you do attend Middleton High, you’ll learn a lot there.”

“That is another reason why Sensei agreed to allow Yori-chan to enter the next phase in advance, Stoppable-san.” Master Mochizuki added. “He knew you would be in high school, so he figured you would be able to help Yori-chan if she has to attend school here. Attending high school here will be a good learning experience for her to understand American social customs.”

Reaching out, Yori took her boyfriend’s hand in hers. “I do not know whether I will be attending high school, Ron-kun. I have to find out tomorrow from Barkin-sama.” Her lips curled into tender smile. “Yet if I do, it’ll be my honor to learn from you.”

“Booyah,” Ron whispered affectionately as he squeezed her hand, making her smile wider.

Unknown to Yori and Ron, Kim was eying them with a twitching left eye and her right hand clutching the apple tighter than normal. It was though only for a moment before her expression returned to normal. Yet unbeknownst to Kim, Master Mochizuki and Rufus noticed her brief emotional reaction. The little mole rat knew it was certainly not good, while Master Mochizuki decided to remember this for a later time. For now, the ninja master would wait and see whether Possible-san’s reaction was only temporary or might end up growing into something dark that would cause harm, not only toward herself but toward Yori and Stoppable-san as well.

Clearing her throat to gain attention, Kim grinned sweetly even though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Okay… So this is how Yori will continue her training. I understand why Ron would need to know,” she gestured with the apple to her best friend, “yet I still don’t understand what does this have to do with me.”

“True, Possible-san,” Yori admitted, her left hand still in Ron’s right. “Yet given your connection with Ron-kun, we thought it would be best for you to know. Besides…” Her eyes briefly held Master Mochizuki, who nodded, before returning to Kim. “It is also best for you to know of Sensei’s offer, which might affect Ron-kun and your team.”

Both Kim and Ron blinked at this. “Sensei’s offer?” the blonde boy asked bewildered. His brown eyes held his friend’s puzzled green ones for a moment before both sets gazed back at the Japanese girl. Even Rufus was confused yet he was intrigued.

“Hai,” Yori wanly smiled. “Before I left Yamanouchi to live here, Sensei gave me a letter for only Master Mochizuki and me to read upon my arrival here. It directs us to give you an offer, Ron-kun. An offer that Master Mochizuki and I even agree would do good, if you accept it.”

“The offer is this, Stoppable-san,” Master Mochizuki started. “Now that you know of the purpose of this estate, Sensei wants to give you an offer to start training here. As a master, I am able to teach you, and Yori-chan as well can help in your training as she completes hers.”

Both Kim and Ron were floored. “Whoa!” the blonde boy nearly shouted. “Are you saying that you are willing to train me to become a ninja?”

The elderly Japanese man bobbed his head once. “Hai. As well as teach you Tai Shing Pek Kwar.”

Ron still couldn’t believe it. “Hello!” he shouted incredulously. “I flunked every course at Yamanouchi when I was there for a week!”

Unable to help herself, Yori began laughing with her right hand over her mouth, causing Ron to glare at her. “I don’t see what’s so funny, Yori.” Tweaked, he removed his hand from hers.

“I am sorry, Ron-kun,” she apologized but still chuckling. “We were told not to tell you when you were there, but you were placed in the advance class. Sensei wanted to test you and the Mystical Monkey Powers.”

His jaw dropped to the floor. “I was placed in the advance class?” After a bemused Yori nodded positively, Ron pounded his head on the table in frustration. “No wonder I couldn’t grab anything from the Master Lunch Lady!”

“The who?” Kim asked, unable to prevent a bubble of laughter from escaping her. Not only did Ron sleep on the floor with no mattress, but also he, being untrained, had been placed in the advance class. No doubt he must have had a rough week when he was at Yamanouchi.

Yori, still tickled, replied to the question. “Nooni cooks and prepares all meals at Yamanouchi, Possible-san. Ron-kun called her ‘The Master Lunch Lady.’ At lunchtime, the students of the advance class have to swiftly grab their meal from Nooni’s hands before she able to pull it away. Ron-san was unable to catch anything from Nooni’s swift hands.”

“Believe me, KP,” Ron raised a glum face to look into Kim’s amused one, “I starved during lunch time every day for the entire week I was there.”

“Aw, poor baby,” Kim teased, prompting her and Yori to laughed out loud, while Rufus snickered. Ron wanly grinned and took the ribbing in stride, although he was still tweaked.

As the girls’ laughter died down, Ron eyed Master Mochizuki with a sheepish grin. “So… No advance class?”

With a chuckle, the wise man shook his head slightly. “No. You’ll start with the basics and work your way up. You’ll have to learn to crawl first before you can learn to walk, and only after learning to walk can you learn to run.”

Ron gave a relieved grin. “Oh, that’s good. Least I don’t have to starve during lunch.” Both girls giggled at that. After a couple of moments, the grin on his face fell. “Can I think about it for some time? I’m not really sure whether I want to become a ninja.”

Master Mochizuki nodded in reply. “It’s an offer, Stoppable-san. You are free to accept or decline it as you choose. Do not feel you are obligated.”

“Thanks,” Ron sighed. “To be honest, I’m freaked a bit on whether I want to become a ninja.” This revelation surprised both Kim and Yori, while Master Mochizuki raised an eyebrow.

“Why are you afraid, Ron-kun?” Yori asked, puzzled over his fears. “I thought you enjoyed having such skills.”

“Oh,” Ron realized what she was referring. “I did at the time I was at Yamanouchi, Yori, and it’s great to have some mad fu skills.” He jokingly demonstrated by waving a couple of fists in the air, making his girlfriend grin a bit. “Yet…” His joking façade dropped away. “I just don’t want to become like Monkey Fist. I’m afraid if I start training, the Monkey Powers might make me like him.”

Hearing the young man confess his fears, Master Mochizuki shook his head. “You do not have to fear the Mystical Monkey Powers, Stoppable-san. The powers do not control you, you control them.”

“All due respect, Master Mochizuki,” Ron was skeptical, “Monkey Fist has become a real whack job.”

“Yeah,” Rufus agreed, “whack job.”

“Only because he chose to use the powers for his own greedy purposes,” Master Mochizuki pointed out. “The Monkey Powers within you will not make you evil unless you want to be evil. You control the powers to do what you want to do. If you ignore them, they will not do anything. It is like Sensei’s offer. You are free to choose to use the powers or not. Nothing is forcing you to decide.”

“Hai,” Yori kindly smiled before reaching out to hold Ron’s hand in her own again to offer comfort. “The training will not make you become like Monkey Fist, Ron-kun. You are strong and noble. Don’t feel you have to choose on my behalf or anyone’s. Choose on what you think would be best for you. Regardless of your decision, I still want to stay by your side.”

Her reassuring words made Ron feel better, knowing she indeed would stay with him even if he decided not to train. “Thanks, Yori.” He squeezed her hand, and both shared another tender moment despite the company.

Yet a certain redhead narrowed her eyes at them. “The nerve of her,” she mentally fumed. Showing such PDA’s like that with Ron. If we were in high school now, Barkin would be throwing a storm at them for even holding hands like that.” Calming down, she mentally sighed and took a bite of her apple. “Then again, I can’t blame Yori for giving Ron support. He does at times lack self-confidence.”

While chewing, her lips formed a frown as another thought came to her. “If Ron does accept the offer, what would he be like in a fight? Yori said he did defeat Monkey Fist at Yamanouchi, and he certainly earned the respect of Sensei, a ninja master. Yet this is Ron, we’re talking about here! Clumsy, goofy, fumbling Ron! How could he become a skilled martial artist?”

Once more, Master Mochizuki noticed Possible-san’s expression, and it was quite clear to him the young woman was conflicted regarding Stoppable-san, especially his newly formed relationship with Yori-chan. He knew it was a good a time as any for a diversion. “Stoppable-san, Possible-san,” he said, drawing the attention of all three teens and one mole rat, “would you like a tour of the estate?”

“That will be badical!” Ron enthusiastically exclaimed, making Yori smiled at his excitement. “This is one great bon-diggity place!”

“I say,” Kim concurred with a grin. “I like to know more about this place as well.”

With a small grin, Master Mochizuki stood up, and without delay, the three young people rose as well, while Rufus hoped up onto his owner’s left shoulder. “Then let us begin.” He gestured toward the gardens.

As the master took a few steps down off the gazebo, Kim followed to stand beside him, while Ron and Yori trailed behind, their hands still entwined. He didn’t want to let her go, and sensing his need, she warmly kept her hand in his, feeling good that she could help him as well that she didn’t want to let go too.

“I’m curious, Master Mochizuki.” He raised an eyebrow at Kim as a gesture for her to ask. “How long have you been owner of this estate?” This question even drew Ron, Yori, and Rufus’s interest as they walked along a path out of the gazebo courtyard. “If I recall what my father said, this estate used to be called by another name.”

“I’ve been owner of this estate for 10 years, Possible-san.” His head turned to face forward once more as they strolled along. “Since this land has been bought to service as a branch of Yamanouchi, there have been two other estate masters before me, and the land has been under the name of each as owner. With the exception of Yamanouchi, it is the same with all the other branches, for we figured it was best to have the lands under individual ownership than under government or company ownership.”

Kim nodded in understanding. “To prevent drawing suspicion.”

“Precisely, Possible-san. No one would question if a wealthy individual owns land, but would question if a foreign government or company owns land.”

Giving a fleeting grin, he placed a hand on his chest. “When I completed my training at Yamanouchi, I decided to come here,” he pointed down to indicate the estate, “to service this branch and the North American area in Yamanouchi’s name.” A warm sigh escaped his lips. “I came to enjoy the beauty of this area of the United States very much. The mountains, valleys, trees, and wildlife reminded me much of Yamanouchi. Even after I was told I could venture forward and live anywhere in North America, I’d chosen to remain here and contribute to this estate and the surrounding Tri-City area.”

His face turned to focus on Kim as well as Ron and Yori from the corner of his eyes. All three could easily see his twinkling expression. “As much as I was born and raised in Japan, I came to find my heart lay here.” His hand swept to specify everything around them. “This is my home.”

The redhead world heroine found her lips forming a thoughtful grin, and taking a quick glance at Ron and Yori, she could see the same expressions on their faces. Middleton has always been her home as well as Ron’s, and Kim couldn’t think of any place in her heart, for the time being, that could ever replace her hometown. “I guess home really is where the heart is,” she mentally chuckled.

As Master Mochizuki continued the tour of the elegant estate, Kim thought about Yori. She knew the Japanese girl had sacrificed her life in Japan to live in Middleton to be with Ron. Yet she wondered whether Yori, like Master Mochizuki, would find her heart here. Whether she could really find a home. Kim knew it was too soon to know the answer to that question.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TBC (End of Chapter 4)

:) (Smile) — Description
Disclaimer: All Kim Possible characters are the copyright of Walt Disney Corporation. I’m just
borrowing them to write up a story with no intention of making any money. This is for fun. All other characters in my stories, that Disney doesn’t own, are mine.

Once more, my deepest thanks go to campy for beta/proofreading. You’re the best, campy! (big grin)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A Bond of Honor
Chapter 4 – Yori’s New Home
By JuPMod (aka JPMod)

Emerald eyes gazed up at the large steel gates, and looking left and right, she could make out the high white walls extending as far as she could see. It was easy to see that the walls must stretch along the entire property line. “This is it?”

“This is the place, KP.” Ron looked from the piece of paper Yori gave him to the address number on the wall to the right of the gate. Even Rufus, on Ron’s right shoulder, nodded that the numbers matched.

Turning to her friend, Kim gestured toward the gate and the entire place. “Ron, are you aware what this place is?”

In his typical red-jersey outfit, Ron confusedly looked at her. “No, I’m not. This is my first time here.”

Letting out a puff of air, the redhead pointed to the sign underneath the address number. It was in two columns of Japanese letters. “This is the Mochizuki Estate! One of the largest single owned pieces of real estate in the entire Tri-City area! Nearly everyone in school is aware of this place, yet no one knows what goes on behind these walls.” Her hand indicated the walls extending away from them. “The walls extend all around the property, which,” she pointed to the gate and what lies behind it, “is extremely valuable, and if it was ever sold, it would rake in millions of dollars.”

Giving a long wolf-whistle as he and Rufus returned to look at the gate in admiration; Ron shook his head in wonder. “I say Yori’s guardian is on the extreme wealthy side.”

Wearing her long-sleeved golden shirt with crossties on the chest and waist-to-ankles, blue tights, Kim smirked and shook her head at his statement, which should be obvious to anyone looking at this place. “Go ring the doorbell.” Her finger indicated the intercom just to the right of the gate.

Pressing the call button on the intercom, Ron didn’t wait long before someone answered. “Yes, can I help you?” It was clear to Ron and Kim the voice didn’t belong to Yori, given it was male.

“Hai, dude,” Ron grinned. “Ron Stoppable and Kim Possible here to see Yori Takana. She invited us.”

The next thing both teenagers and one mole rat knew the two massive gates began to slowly swing open inward. “We are expecting you, Stoppable-san, Possible-san. Please enter.”

And that was what they did. Once they crossed the threshold, before the gates even finished opening all the way, Kim and Ron stood in awe at the sight before them. “Whoa,” both said as one.

A dirt road led a mile from the gate to the entrance of a large compound, which was situated not far from the start of the rolling hills seen behind. The complex itself seemed to be made of many different Japanese architectural buildings surrounded by another white wall similar to the property border wall, which could easily be seen stretching even through the forests up the hills. Green grass, various trees, flower beds, a couple of small ponds, and walkways could be seen all around the complex up to the woodland.

To Kim, the entire place looked close to what some Japanese compounds were centuries ago from what she learned online and from school. An inner walled sanctuary encircled by an outer wall. The design provided a good defense system from unwanted intruders, who would have to scale the outer wall and cross the distance only to have the inner wall blocking their paths. By the time they reached the inner wall, they would have easily been spotted and dealt with before they would even reach the inner wall.

For Ron, what he was seeing reminded him of Yamanouchi yet with differences. The complex was as large as Middleton High, and instead of very tall buildings Yamanouchi had, this estate had small buildings no bigger than two stories tall.

Chitterling and poking of his cheek by a small hand broke the blonde boy out of his daze. His eyes trained on Rufus, who pointed to the entrance of the inner wall.

“Right, buddy,” Ron sheepishly admitted. “They’re expecting us.” He turned to his best friend and tapped her on the shoulder, severing her trance. “Come on, KP. Let’s go.”

“Right,” Kim agreed awkwardly with a small grin, knowing they were wasting time.

As both teens started down the dirt road, the gates of the outer wall began to close behind them. They walked while appreciating the scenic beauty around them under a gorgeous blue sky with a few puffy clouds. Even some squirrels and birds, some chirping and singing, provided a natural feel to the place.

Finally, after many minutes, they arrived at the gates of the massive compound’s entrance, and just when they arrived, the double doors, similar to the steel ones of the outer wall, slowly swung open inward.

Behind the gates stood a grinning Yori wearing black slacks, matching slipper shoes, and long-sleeved, white button-up blouse, and as usual, her red headband was in her hair. Beside her was an elderly man as tall as Mr. Dr. Possible, yet Kim and Ron could see he was younger than Sensei, by perhaps 20 years, given his half graying black hair, which was short as most American men wore and without the Japanese ponytail that Sensei wore. Also he wore a black mustache and beard, but not as long as Sensei’s, and to top it, they knew he had to be the master of this place given he wore a red Japanese coat, like Sensei’s, over simple black slacks and slipper shoes.

Both placed their hands together and bowed toward their guests, who simply bowed in return with polite grins. “Ron-san, Possible-san,” Yori began, “welcome to the Mochizuki estate.” All four stood upright again before Yori gestured with a hand to the man beside her. “This is Master Hiroshi Mochizuki – master teacher, owner of the estate, and my guardian.”

“It is an honor to meet you,” Master Mochizuki bowed his head as he grinned. “Your noble deeds do you great honor and prestige to your names.”

“Arigato, Master Mochizuki,” Kim bowed her head in respect. Ron, Rufus, and Yori were a bit taken aback by Kim’s use of Japanese, but Master Mochizuki’s grin simply broadened in surprised amusement.

“Do you know Japanese, Possible-san?” he asked, still maintaining his grin.

Kim sheepishly grinned and shrugged her shoulders. “Only a few words from the missions Ron and I had in Japan.” Her explanation made Ron softly chuckle and Yori and Rufus grin while Master Mochizuki still maintained his amused expression.

“Come,” the elderly man waved toward a given area. “We will go to a suitable location for our conversation.” He strolled away, and Ron and Kim followed with Yori beside them.

As they casually walked behind Master Mochizuki, Kim and Ron curiously gazed around while Yori respectfully allowed their observations.

They passed a building that was a garage for vehicles. Another was a large shed for landscaping equipment, no doubt needed to maintain the many acres of greenery. One large two-story building seemed to be the living residence as they walked around it, and behind the quarters were gardens of shrubbery and flowers with Japanese-style stone paths, benches and ground lights. The two teens even saw areas set aside for dueling and sparring.

One dueling area had two men in white gi’s sparring with katanas. Ron gave them a passing glance, but Kim looked more closely. To her eyes, the men weren’t teenagers, but seemed to be older and taller, more like college students. Her mind backtracked to several other people they’d came across along the way since the front gates, and she realized something. Some of them, like the dueling young men, were of college age, while others were obviously adults who helped maintain the estate. They hadn’t come across any teenagers as Yori or anyone younger.

“I say, Yori,” Ron broke the silence since their walk began at the gates, “this is quite a bon-diggity home.”

“Hai,” Yori grinned. “Unlike Yamanouchi, most of the buildings are only 50 years old when the land was bought in 1952. This estate is one of many branches throughout the world.”

This piece of news certainly caught Kim, Ron, and even Rufus’s attention. Branches? Yamanouchi was not the only secret ninja school? Exactly how many locations were there worldwide?

Yori gesturing ahead interrupted their thoughts. “We’re here.”

Looking forward, Kim and Ron saw they were coming up to a wooden gazebo with a Japanese-style roof. It was in the center of a small circular courtyard with four stone benches evenly spaced around the outer rim, where flowerbeds were situated, and close by was the compound’s tall, white wall, clearly showing they were already at the rear of the compound. Only one door could be seen in the wall to allow anyone to exit to the fields outside.

Arriving at the gazebo first, Master Mochizuki took two steps up and walked to stand behind a stylish, white metal patio chair in front of a round patio table with white metal frame and glass top. He kindly indicated to the other three chairs around the table. “Stoppable-san, Possible-san, please be seated.”

The two American teenagers could see the table was set for four people with various fruit, snacks, and some drinks. Yori took the seat to Master Mochizuki’s left, placing her back to face the compound’s rear wall. Ron sat to Yori’s left, placing him to face Master Mochizuki, and Kim settled in the last chair between Ron and Master Mochizuki. Only then did the elderly man sit down in his chair.

Upon seeing a small tray full of assorted cheese, Rufus hopped off his owner’s shoulder to the table and was to about to start devouring his meal, when Ron berated him. “Rufus! That’s not just for you, you know.”

Rufus appeared forlorn, but Yori chuckled. “Actually, Ron-san, we anticipated you bringing Rufus-san. That tray is all for him, while another,” she pointed to a larger tray of cheese slices, “is for us.”

“Oh,” Ron blinked in realization as he connected his eyes with Rufus’s, who was slightly glaring at him. Rufus spat out a razzberry at him before starting to consume his cheese. Ron’s lips curled lopsidedly. “That’s gratitude for ya,” he joked. Yori giggled, Master Mochizuki merely grinned, while Kim smirked at her best friend.

Shaking her head a bit, Kim faced Master Mochizuki, as Ron placed some cheese and snacks onto his plate. “I admit that I am surprised though.” The elderly man raised an eyebrow, and the redhead clarified herself. “I was expecting like a low table and cushions. That is the traditional Japanese way.”

“Ah,” Yori’s guardian nodded in understanding. “Hai, it is tradition to have a low table and cushions, for hundreds of years that has been the way Japanese have eaten. However, you should know that you and Stoppable-san are not the first American guests to venture onto the estate. Many Americans are not used to kneeling on a cushion for great length of time, it is uncomfortable for them.” His dark eyes twinkled as his lips quirked a bit. “Besides, we are in America, so we adapt to American way of life to blend in society better.”

Yori took over explaining. “Another example is that we sleep on beds instead of futons. Each person has a room with walls instead of shoji paper walls. It’s all to help adapt to American way of life.”

Ron blinked. “So you’re not sleeping on the floor?”

The pretty ninja shook her head with a sly knowing grin. “No, Ron-san, I sleep now in a regular bed as you do.”

Being perceptive, Kim frowned at her blonde friend. “Did you sleep on a futon – a floor mattress – when you were at Yamanouchi, Ron?”

“No, I didn’t!” Ron cried out, clearly irked. “I was told,” his narrowed eyes focused on a bemused Yori, “that the bed was the floor! I didn’t know there were floor mattresses, and I only asked for a pillow and blankets.”

Yori giggled. “If you had asked for a futon, Ron-san, we would have provided you with one.” His moaning made her giggle some more.

Kim couldn’t help but chuckle at the mental image of Ron sleeping on a hard floor with only a pillow and blankets. “Poor Ron. That must have been uncomfortable for him.”

Brushing off the mental image, Kim addressed both Yori and Master Mochizuki. “Okay. Obviously you didn’t invite Ron and me to tell tales of him sleeping on the floor.”

“Hey!” Ron trained his tweaked expression on his best female friend, while Rufus snickered.

Feeling tickled, Kim’s only response was to crinkle her nose at him playfully, prompting yet another giggle from Yori. The redhead returned to the two Japanese. “So, from what I know, Yori will continue her training here.”

Master Mochizuki nodded in affirmative. “Hai. Yori-chan will complete her training here instead of Yamanouchi as normally it should have been.” The two American teenagers and one mole rat raised a single eyebrow at this, causing the ninja master to raise a finger to their unspoken questions. “Your questions will be answered, but first, an explanation on Yamanouchi’s purpose in the world.” Lowering his finger, the wise man began the tale.

“Yamanouchi was founded nearly 1500 years ago by Toshimiru, who taught the arts of Tai Shing Pek Kwar and ninjitsu. His teachings weren’t the ways of cold-blooded assassins and warriors, as many in today’s world think ninjas are, but of peaceful intentions to help train the body and mind and use these abilities to help others. That has been way Yamanouchi provided to Japan for a long time. Until the day Commodore Perry arrived.”

“Say who?” Ron confusedly asked as he ate a cracker. “That name sounds American.”

“It is, Ron,” Kim cut in. “Don’t you remember the name from history class?” Seeing him negatively shake his head, the redhead teen frowned a bit on his forgetfulness. “Commodore Perry was an American naval officer, who, back in the 1850’s, opened American trade with Japan, thus truly ending Japan’s isolation from the outside world.” She frowned and shook her head in disapproval on what she was about to say next. “However, he did so by force though, political force.”

“That is correct, Possible-san,” Master Mochizuki approved with a small grin. “Perry truly has ended Japan’s isolation. There had been foreigners, who made contact with Japan over many centuries when Europe started to trade with the East, but it was Perry that ended the isolation by making Japan realize the power of industrial machines – machines that could transform society tremendously.

“True, Perry forced the door open on Japan, but if it weren’t for him, Japan wouldn’t have comprehended that if it didn’t adapt to this new industrial world, it would be conquered, much like Africa, the Middle East and other parts of Asia were.”

As he poured tea into a cup, Master Mochizuki gave a proud grin. “So within a short few decades, Japan converted itself from an isolated, old society to one of a powerful, industrial, global-influential nation. Many throughout the world couldn’t believe how quickly Japan had done so in a short amount of time. It testified to the strength and endurance of the Japanese people.” His grin faded as he gave a sad sigh. “Unfortunately, it also started the path toward Japan’s darkest years in history.”

Ron raised a finger as Mochizuki took his cup in hand to sip his tea. “Let me guess here. This was when Japan started to be big-heady and bossy and think other people should be bowing to them.”

Both girls softly giggled to his choice of words. “That is true, Ron-san,” Yori answered with a disheartened grin as she poured some tea in her cup. “Many Japanese were misled and ventured down a dark path toward chaos and destruction.”

Master Mochizuki lowered his cup before taking over the story again. “Instead of helping people, Japan went out to conquer people. The Yamanouchi School refused to participate in the conquering of other nations, for it goes against the peaceful principals of Toshimiru and everything the school stood for. So for many years during this bleak time, Yamanouchi closed its gates to the Japanese government, refusing to help contrive their dreams of domination.”

Kim frowned, seeing a flaw in such a move. “Was that wise? I mean if the government knew where Yamanouchi was located, they would have sent an army to destroy it.”

This time Master Mochizuki and Yori chuckled, baffling both American teens.

“True, Possible-san,” the master of the Mochizuki Estate nodded before his lips curled into a small devilish grin. “However, the government knew it would be akin to suicide to send an army to destroy Yamanouchi.” Seeing both teenagers were even more confused, he clarified himself. “Yamanouchi is a ninja school, producing the best highly trained warriors of stealth and cunning anywhere in Japan. We are peaceful, but we are not pacifists. We will defend ourselves when we are threatened.”

Yori chimed in. “As Master Mochizuki has said, Toshimiru’s teachings are not the ways of cold-blooded assassins and warriors, Possible-san. However, we will assassinate and fight if it helps defend and save lives.” Her eyes narrowed with a sly grin as she raised her cup of tea to her lips. “What do you think would have happened if they had sent an army to Yamanouchi?”

As the ninja girl took a sip of her drink, Kim’s eyes went wide in realization, and looking at her best friend, she could see that even he connected the dots. “Are you thinking what I’m thinking, Ron?”

“Yeah, KP,” Ron admitted. “Being killed in your sleep is not a nice way to go.” His body quivered, like it was cold. “Brrrrr!”

Even Rufus mimicked his owner, agreeing with him. “Brrrrr!”

Green eyes moved to eye Yori’s teacher. “They knew if they dared go against Yamanouchi, they would be assassinated, one by one.”

“Indeed,” Master Mochizuki nodded. “Top government officials, military officers, and even the Emperor himself would one by one fall.”

Kim nodded in understanding. “I guess then that the government and the Yamanouchi School came to an unspoken agreement. They didn’t interfere with Yamanouchi’s way of life, and Yamanouchi would not interfere with the government.”

Again the ninja master nodded. “It was also the best way to assure the school’s secret and continuing existence in times of war.”

Despite the gloomy mood, Ron grinned slightly, sensing a good time to brighten things up. “Well, you guys are here, so I guess after the war, Yamanouchi came out of hiding, eh?”

Both Japanese grinned at him, and even Kim grinned, knowing that her best friend was right. “You are correct, Stoppable-san,” Master Mochizuki verified. “After World War II, Yamanouchi was approached by the new Japanese government, and after hearing how they proposed to use Yamanouchi’s potential, the school opened its gates and began working with the top branches of the government to not only help defend the Japanese homeland but also to reach out and help others throughout the world for what is good.”

Yori smiled. “This was a true turning point for Yamanouchi. We knew that if we were to help others throughout the world, we couldn’t just isolate ourselves in Japan. We had to branch out to other countries and establish ourselves in their societies so when the call for assistance from Yamanouchi came, we would be there to help.”

Upon hearing this, Kim’s expression blinked in comprehension. “So this is the purpose for the Mochizuki Estate. To be an extension of Yamanouchi, and provide a place for your people when the call for assistance comes from Japan.”

“Hai, Possible-san,” Yori confirmed with a grin. “That is one purpose for this estate’s existence.”

Seeing both Kim and Ron were perplexed, Yori made clear what she meant. “When students complete their training at Yamanouchi, they are given a choice to what they would do next with their lives. Besides teaching the martial arts, the school provides basic schooling up to the high school level, so younger students would have a high school diploma upon completing their training.”

Master Mochizuki took a sip of tea. “You have to understand, Possible-san, Stoppable-san, that no one is ever forced to make decisions for them. We are selective to who could enroll at Yamanouchi. Some students are children of former students. Others are carefully chosen due to certain skills.” Turning his eyes toward his student, he nodded at her “And there are a few who happen to be raised at the school.”

This certainly was news to Kim as she eyed Yori with surprise. Yet out of the corner of her eyes, she could see Ron didn’t seem to be surprised, so it wasn’t hard to conclude Yori must have already shared that information with Ron.

“Yet,” the ninja master continued, “no one is forced to join. They are given a choice whether to enroll or not, and the same is when students complete their training.

“Upon completion, they are given two choices.

“The first is that they are free to return to society and pursue their lives as they see fit. They do not need to serve the Japanese government or owe anything in return. Toshimiru’s teachings helped individuals to find their centers – mind, body, and soul. Many of these students, who return to society, become better citizens due to having found their centers. Some pursue a higher education, get married, and raise families. There are also a few who opt to stay at the school to help teach the next generation of students.

“The second choice is that they will enter the service of Yamanouchi as undercover secret ops personnel helping the top branches of the Japanese government. They are then given a choice to live in a particular area of the world for a given period of time to provide assistance when they are needed in that area. Thus they go to their chosen areas’ branch, where they learn to blend in with the society they wish to live.”

“Whoa.” Ron was impressed. “Are you saying that this place,” he pointed down to indicate the entire estate, “is like a training ground for ninjas to learn how to be Americans?”

Yori giggled, while Master Mochizuki merely nodded with an amused grin. “Hai, Stoppable-san,” he said. “Those who wish to stay in the North American area come here to learn the social life styles to blend in better. While they are here, they are free to choose to seek a higher education and/or train further in the arts toward master status.

“We have other branches in other parts of the world that act in similar functions for their areas.”

“There is one in Germany,” Yori clarified, “representing the European branch. Another in South Africa for the African branch. South America, India for Central Asia, and Australia.”

“Each of these branches,” Yori’s guardian continued, “provides real-life experience with the societies a Yamanouchi agent will blend in, and after several years when they are deemed ready, they are free to seek a life within the area, ready to help Yamanouchi and the Japanese government when the call comes for aid or assistance within the given area.”

Ron really was impressed as he gave an approving whistle. “Mondo super agent stuff.” He reached for a cracker on his plate to take a bite out it. “Just I wonder,” he spoke around his chewing, “how could you keep all this a secret so easily from the rest of the world?”

“It is simple, Ron-san,” Yori grinned. “Besides the top branches of the Japanese secret service, other countries’ agencies are also aware of Yamanouchi’s existence.”

“Really?” both Kim and Ron spoke at the same time.

A smirking Kim immediately called out before Ron could, “Jinx, you owe me a soda.”

“Snap!” the blonde boy grumbled. “I mostly always loose.” Kim and Yori chuckled, while Master Mochizuki wore a tickled expression.

After clearing his throat to get the three teens and one mole rat to pay attention again, the elderly Japanese returned to the topic at hand. “Yori-chan is correct. The top agencies of Japan’s closest allies know of Yamanouchi’s existence. They help us in any way possible, and we in turn help them for good causes.” He gestured abroad to specify the entire property. “This land has been given to us free of charge courtesy of the United State’s government through the CIA and FBI.”

Kim could see this made sense. Cooperation, between the top agencies of the world, would benefit many. Yet she was curious about something. “Does this include Global Justice?” Her right hand picked up an apple from a fruit bowl to take a bite out of it.

Master Mochizuki nodded in reply. “Hai. Global Justice is also aware of Yamanouchi. Some of our students become unofficial Global Justice agents.”

“Badical!” Ron exclaimed.

“Uh-huh, uh-huh! Badical!” Rufus concurred.

“I say,” an astonished Kim agreed as Yori and Master Mochizuki grinned at Ron and Rufus’s words. The junior-high school cheerleader however frowned a moment later. “Yet what does all this have to do with Yori’s training?” Emerald eyes held steady on the dark ones of the ninja girl across from her. “You haven’t completed your training yet.” She took another bite of her apple.

“Hai,” Yori responded, “I have nearly one more year to go before I complete my ninjisu training.”

“As I have said before,” Master Mochizuki stated, “normally Yori-chan would have completed her training at Yamanouchi. However, she has asked to start the next phase in advance, ahead of completing her training.”

Yori gently grinned. “Sensei agreed. I want to be closer to Ron-kun.” Her warm eyes turned to hold onto equally warmed brown ones. “Master Mochizuki will complete my training while I start learning what American life is like to blend in better.”

Still eying affectionately at his girlfriend, Ron gave a small smug expression. “Well, if you’re going to learn how to blend in America, I’m more than willing to help you out, Yori. If you do attend Middleton High, you’ll learn a lot there.”

“That is another reason why Sensei agreed to allow Yori-chan to enter the next phase in advance, Stoppable-san.” Master Mochizuki added. “He knew you would be in high school, so he figured you would be able to help Yori-chan if she has to attend school here. Attending high school here will be a good learning experience for her to understand American social customs.”

Reaching out, Yori took her boyfriend’s hand in hers. “I do not know whether I will be attending high school, Ron-kun. I have to find out tomorrow from Barkin-sama.” Her lips curled into tender smile. “Yet if I do, it’ll be my honor to learn from you.”

“Booyah,” Ron whispered affectionately as he squeezed her hand, making her smile wider.

Unknown to Yori and Ron, Kim was eying them with a twitching left eye and her right hand clutching the apple tighter than normal. It was though only for a moment before her expression returned to normal. Yet unbeknownst to Kim, Master Mochizuki and Rufus noticed her brief emotional reaction. The little mole rat knew it was certainly not good, while Master Mochizuki decided to remember this for a later time. For now, the ninja master would wait and see whether Possible-san’s reaction was only temporary or might end up growing into something dark that would cause harm, not only toward herself but toward Yori and Stoppable-san as well.

Clearing her throat to gain attention, Kim grinned sweetly even though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Okay… So this is how Yori will continue her training. I understand why Ron would need to know,” she gestured with the apple to her best friend, “yet I still don’t understand what does this have to do with me.”

“True, Possible-san,” Yori admitted, her left hand still in Ron’s right. “Yet given your connection with Ron-kun, we thought it would be best for you to know. Besides…” Her eyes briefly held Master Mochizuki, who nodded, before returning to Kim. “It is also best for you to know of Sensei’s offer, which might affect Ron-kun and your team.”

Both Kim and Ron blinked at this. “Sensei’s offer?” the blonde boy asked bewildered. His brown eyes held his friend’s puzzled green ones for a moment before both sets gazed back at the Japanese girl. Even Rufus was confused yet he was intrigued.

“Hai,” Yori wanly smiled. “Before I left Yamanouchi to live here, Sensei gave me a letter for only Master Mochizuki and me to read upon my arrival here. It directs us to give you an offer, Ron-kun. An offer that Master Mochizuki and I even agree would do good, if you accept it.”

“The offer is this, Stoppable-san,” Master Mochizuki started. “Now that you know of the purpose of this estate, Sensei wants to give you an offer to start training here. As a master, I am able to teach you, and Yori-chan as well can help in your training as she completes hers.”

Both Kim and Ron were floored. “Whoa!” the blonde boy nearly shouted. “Are you saying that you are willing to train me to become a ninja?”

The elderly Japanese man bobbed his head once. “Hai. As well as teach you Tai Shing Pek Kwar.”

Ron still couldn’t believe it. “Hello!” he shouted incredulously. “I flunked every course at Yamanouchi when I was there for a week!”

Unable to help herself, Yori began laughing with her right hand over her mouth, causing Ron to glare at her. “I don’t see what’s so funny, Yori.” Tweaked, he removed his hand from hers.

“I am sorry, Ron-kun,” she apologized but still chuckling. “We were told not to tell you when you were there, but you were placed in the advance class. Sensei wanted to test you and the Mystical Monkey Powers.”

His jaw dropped to the floor. “I was placed in the advance class?” After a bemused Yori nodded positively, Ron pounded his head on the table in frustration. “No wonder I couldn’t grab anything from the Master Lunch Lady!”

“The who?” Kim asked, unable to prevent a bubble of laughter from escaping her. Not only did Ron sleep on the floor with no mattress, but also he, being untrained, had been placed in the advance class. No doubt he must have had a rough week when he was at Yamanouchi.

Yori, still tickled, replied to the question. “Nooni cooks and prepares all meals at Yamanouchi, Possible-san. Ron-kun called her ‘The Master Lunch Lady.’ At lunchtime, the students of the advance class have to swiftly grab their meal from Nooni’s hands before she able to pull it away. Ron-san was unable to catch anything from Nooni’s swift hands.”

“Believe me, KP,” Ron raised a glum face to look into Kim’s amused one, “I starved during lunch time every day for the entire week I was there.”

“Aw, poor baby,” Kim teased, prompting her and Yori to laughed out loud, while Rufus snickered. Ron wanly grinned and took the ribbing in stride, although he was still tweaked.

As the girls’ laughter died down, Ron eyed Master Mochizuki with a sheepish grin. “So… No advance class?”

With a chuckle, the wise man shook his head slightly. “No. You’ll start with the basics and work your way up. You’ll have to learn to crawl first before you can learn to walk, and only after learning to walk can you learn to run.”

Ron gave a relieved grin. “Oh, that’s good. Least I don’t have to starve during lunch.” Both girls giggled at that. After a couple of moments, the grin on his face fell. “Can I think about it for some time? I’m not really sure whether I want to become a ninja.”

Master Mochizuki nodded in reply. “It’s an offer, Stoppable-san. You are free to accept or decline it as you choose. Do not feel you are obligated.”

“Thanks,” Ron sighed. “To be honest, I’m freaked a bit on whether I want to become a ninja.” This revelation surprised both Kim and Yori, while Master Mochizuki raised an eyebrow.

“Why are you afraid, Ron-kun?” Yori asked, puzzled over his fears. “I thought you enjoyed having such skills.”

“Oh,” Ron realized what she was referring. “I did at the time I was at Yamanouchi, Yori, and it’s great to have some mad fu skills.” He jokingly demonstrated by waving a couple of fists in the air, making his girlfriend grin a bit. “Yet…” His joking façade dropped away. “I just don’t want to become like Monkey Fist. I’m afraid if I start training, the Monkey Powers might make me like him.”

Hearing the young man confess his fears, Master Mochizuki shook his head. “You do not have to fear the Mystical Monkey Powers, Stoppable-san. The powers do not control you, you control them.”

“All due respect, Master Mochizuki,” Ron was skeptical, “Monkey Fist has become a real whack job.”

“Yeah,” Rufus agreed, “whack job.”

“Only because he chose to use the powers for his own greedy purposes,” Master Mochizuki pointed out. “The Monkey Powers within you will not make you evil unless you want to be evil. You control the powers to do what you want to do. If you ignore them, they will not do anything. It is like Sensei’s offer. You are free to choose to use the powers or not. Nothing is forcing you to decide.”

“Hai,” Yori kindly smiled before reaching out to hold Ron’s hand in her own again to offer comfort. “The training will not make you become like Monkey Fist, Ron-kun. You are strong and noble. Don’t feel you have to choose on my behalf or anyone’s. Choose on what you think would be best for you. Regardless of your decision, I still want to stay by your side.”

Her reassuring words made Ron feel better, knowing she indeed would stay with him even if he decided not to train. “Thanks, Yori.” He squeezed her hand, and both shared another tender moment despite the company.

Yet a certain redhead narrowed her eyes at them. “The nerve of her,” she mentally fumed. Showing such PDA’s like that with Ron. If we were in high school now, Barkin would be throwing a storm at them for even holding hands like that.” Calming down, she mentally sighed and took a bite of her apple. “Then again, I can’t blame Yori for giving Ron support. He does at times lack self-confidence.”

While chewing, her lips formed a frown as another thought came to her. “If Ron does accept the offer, what would he be like in a fight? Yori said he did defeat Monkey Fist at Yamanouchi, and he certainly earned the respect of Sensei, a ninja master. Yet this is Ron, we’re talking about here! Clumsy, goofy, fumbling Ron! How could he become a skilled martial artist?”

Once more, Master Mochizuki noticed Possible-san’s expression, and it was quite clear to him the young woman was conflicted regarding Stoppable-san, especially his newly formed relationship with Yori-chan. He knew it was a good a time as any for a diversion. “Stoppable-san, Possible-san,” he said, drawing the attention of all three teens and one mole rat, “would you like a tour of the estate?”

“That will be badical!” Ron enthusiastically exclaimed, making Yori smiled at his excitement. “This is one great bon-diggity place!”

“I say,” Kim concurred with a grin. “I like to know more about this place as well.”

With a small grin, Master Mochizuki stood up, and without delay, the three young people rose as well, while Rufus hoped up onto his owner’s left shoulder. “Then let us begin.” He gestured toward the gardens.

As the master took a few steps down off the gazebo, Kim followed to stand beside him, while Ron and Yori trailed behind, their hands still entwined. He didn’t want to let her go, and sensing his need, she warmly kept her hand in his, feeling good that she could help him as well that she didn’t want to let go too.

“I’m curious, Master Mochizuki.” He raised an eyebrow at Kim as a gesture for her to ask. “How long have you been owner of this estate?” This question even drew Ron, Yori, and Rufus’s interest as they walked along a path out of the gazebo courtyard. “If I recall what my father said, this estate used to be called by another name.”

“I’ve been owner of this estate for 10 years, Possible-san.” His head turned to face forward once more as they strolled along. “Since this land has been bought to service as a branch of Yamanouchi, there have been two other estate masters before me, and the land has been under the name of each as owner. With the exception of Yamanouchi, it is the same with all the other branches, for we figured it was best to have the lands under individual ownership than under government or company ownership.”

Kim nodded in understanding. “To prevent drawing suspicion.”

“Precisely, Possible-san. No one would question if a wealthy individual owns land, but would question if a foreign government or company owns land.”

Giving a fleeting grin, he placed a hand on his chest. “When I completed my training at Yamanouchi, I decided to come here,” he pointed down to indicate the estate, “to service this branch and the North American area in Yamanouchi’s name.” A warm sigh escaped his lips. “I came to enjoy the beauty of this area of the United States very much. The mountains, valleys, trees, and wildlife reminded me much of Yamanouchi. Even after I was told I could venture forward and live anywhere in North America, I’d chosen to remain here and contribute to this estate and the surrounding Tri-City area.”

His face turned to focus on Kim as well as Ron and Yori from the corner of his eyes. All three could easily see his twinkling expression. “As much as I was born and raised in Japan, I came to find my heart lay here.” His hand swept to specify everything around them. “This is my home.”

The redhead world heroine found her lips forming a thoughtful grin, and taking a quick glance at Ron and Yori, she could see the same expressions on their faces. Middleton has always been her home as well as Ron’s, and Kim couldn’t think of any place in her heart, for the time being, that could ever replace her hometown. “I guess home really is where the heart is,” she mentally chuckled.

As Master Mochizuki continued the tour of the elegant estate, Kim thought about Yori. She knew the Japanese girl had sacrificed her life in Japan to live in Middleton to be with Ron. Yet she wondered whether Yori, like Master Mochizuki, would find her heart here. Whether she could really find a home. Kim knew it was too soon to know the answer to that question.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TBC (End of Chapter 4)