The Ninja Apprentice

By Sky Benson

A Superpowered Аdvеnturе" follows the journey of Hiro, a young villagеr from Shurikеn, who rеcеivеs a mystеrious invitation from thе Ninja Council to join their academy due to his еxcеptional skills. Hiro's training begins undеr thе guidance of Master Koji, as hе lеarns acrobatics, combat, and supеrnatural abilitiеs. Thе story dеlvеs into Hiro's personal growth, friеndships, and thе challеngеs hе facеs, including mastеring martial arts tеchniquеs, еmbracing honor and brothеrhood, and honing stеalth and cunning. Throughout thе narrativе, Hiro discovеrs hiddеn powеrs, unitеs with fеllow trainееs, and facеs a climactic ultimatе showdown.

Hiro and his allies uncover a conspiracy and prеparе for a showdown against a formidablе villain. Thеmеs of unity, trust, and redemption are explored as Hiroshi and his companions navigatе challеngеs, confront bеtrayal, and work together to fulfill an ancient prophecy and save their world. The story concludеs with Hiroshi еmbracing his dеstiny as a hеro, passing on his lеgacy, and inspiring futurе gеnеrations of ninjas.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sky Benson
• Release date: Oct 5, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223133308

Book preview

THE NINJA

APPRENTICE

(SHADOWS OF DESTINY)

SKY BENSON

Copyright © Sky Benson 2023 All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law.

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Table of Contents

Chapter 1: The Secret Dojo .................................................... 5

The Mysterious Invitation.................................................. 5

What It Means To Be a Ninja ............................................ 18

Meeting Sensei (1) ............................................................. 27

Meeting Sensei (2) ............................................................. 38

Welcome to Paradise ........................................................ 50

The Hidden Training Grounds ........................................ 61

Chapter 2: Unleashing Hidden Powers .............................. 76

The Power Within .............................................................. 76

Harnessing Energy ............................................................ 85

Showcasing Martial Arts Technique .............................. 94

The Showdown ................................................................. 100

The beginning- Behind the Scenes of Hard Work...... 113

Chapter 3: The Ninja Code .................................................. 124

The Path of Honor (1) ..................................................... 124

The Path of Honor (2) ..................................................... 133

Loyalty and Brotherhood ............................................... 143

Chapter 4: The Super-powered Trials ............................. 153

Facing the Elements ........................................................ 153

Conquering Fear .............................................................. 162

Testing Strength and Agility .......................................... 167

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Chapter 5: The Forbidden Sword ...................................... 173

Forbidden Knowledge ..................................................... 173

The Power of Temptation ............................................... 180

Consequences Unleashed ............................................... 188

Chapter 6: The Villainous Betrayal ................................... 195

Dark Secrets Revealed (1) .............................................. 195

Dark Secrets Revealed (2) .............................................. 201

A Sinister Plot Unveiled .................................................. 205

An Unexpected Alliance .................................................. 211

Chapter 7: The Ultimate Showdown ................................. 215

Gathering Allies ................................................................ 215

Mastering the Superpowers ........................................... 222

The Final Battle Begins ................................................... 232

Chapter 8: Triumph of the Ninja ....................................... 237

Overcoming Adversity ..................................................... 237

Embracing Destiny ........................................................... 244

The Birth of a Legend ...................................................... 249

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Chapter 1: The Secret Dojo

The Mysterious Invitation

In the heart of the ancient village of Shuriken, where the shadows whispered secrets and the wind carried tales of bravery, lived a young boy named Hiro.

Little did he know that his life was about to take an extraordinary turn, leading him on a thrilling adventure with martial arts, ninjas, and superpowers. It all began with a mysterious invitation that would change his destiny forever.

A Rooster pecked at the ground, clucking softly as it searched for something to eat. Suddenly, it let out a loud call to the air, Kukuroo-, but before it could finish, five children dashed past, sending the chicken into a flapping frenzy. Dust swirled in the air as the kids sprinted, their rapid breaths and expressions of determination clear as day. "The last person to get to the 5

crimson tree is a chicken's butt!" Kenji's voice boomed, laughter in his words as he raced alongside his friend.

Not on my watch! I'm winning this time!

Takechi retorted with a smirk, speeding ahead of Kenji.

Hey, that's not fair! Kenji protested.

Mei, let's show them we can't be beaten by the boys! Sana exclaimed, gripping Mei's hand tightly as they joined the chase.

Hiro's lips curved into a knowing smile as he silently took off in a different direction. He darted through the village, passing thatched houses and nodding to familiar faces.

The wind carried his voice as he greeted, Good evening Mr. Shima! Hiro said, not breaking his stride.

Good evening Hiro. Old Man Shima replied, his smile warm. Ah… so peaceful. He mumbled.

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Hiro could feel his sides hurt as he ran, but he didn’t stop. A Ninja never gives up! He yelled, increasing his speed.

Nearby, two women stood in front of their house engaged in conversation. As a gust of wind swept by, one of them glanced around. Did you notice anything? the first woman asked.

I'm not sure.. it might have just been the wind,

the second woman responded before resuming their chat.

Rounding a corner, Hiro skidded into a narrow alley, ducking behind a clothesline. His view was momentarily blocked by hanging garments, causing him to stumble before regaining his footing. Whow-whow

Hiro exclaimed, twisting around the garments. As he turned around, he realized there was a water jar a few inches away from his feet. With a quick response, he jumped over it, his expression changing from panic to relief as he narrowly avoided breaking it. Laughter bubbled from him, knowing he'd reach the crimson tree 7

before his friends. Bursting out from the alley, Hiro sprinted forward to the sight of the majestic crimson tree. Its branches spread wide, adorned with red, yellow, and blue clothes swaying in the wind. Slowing his pace, Hiro walked toward the tree, before leaning against it.

Hiro tried catching his breath so he could pretend that he'd been there for ages. Moments later, his friends arrived, Takechi and Kenji still vying for first place, while Mei and Sanna trailed behind.

How did you get here? Kenji questioned, bewildered.

Where did you go? Takechi queried.

A Ninja never tells their secret, Hiro said smugly.

Arghhh! Kenji sighed, dropping to the ground.

I’m so tired. He said, tipping his head backward.

If Hiro's first, then who’s second? Mei asked.

I'm second! Takechi chimed in proudly.

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Snapping his head toward Takechi’s direction, Kenji proclaimed, No way! I'm second!

No, I am! Takechi countered.

I'm second, right? Kenji appealed to Hiro once more.

You guys keep arguing all the time, Sanna sighed, folding her arms.

Hiro shook his head and picked up a stick, playfully brandishing it like a sword. "It doesn't matter!

A ninja has to be super-fast, and I—will win everything!"

I'm going to be a super Ninja too! Takechi declared, sniffing back his snot as he grabbed another stick.

The friends engaged in a mock battle, Hiro pretending to defeat Kenji and then Takechi, all the while swishing and slashing the sticks like true warriors. It was a battle they had played thousands of times, and Hiro knew his part by heart. And that's how ninjas win! Hiro 9

announced proudly, earning excited applause from Sanna and Mei.

I’m so hungry. Kenji groaned.

You won’t have to wait long. It’s almost dinner time. Sanna replied.

Suddenly, Hiro's expression changed as he realized the sun was already setting. Oh snap! I'm going to be in so much trouble. I should've been home an hour ago! Dropping the stick, he sprinted off in the opposite direction.

Let's play again tomorrow! Kenji shouted after him. Hiro waved as he continued running, the wind rushing past his face, excitement coursing through him.

Once again he passed by the old man Shima, who was still seated in the same spot. Good night Mr. Shima! He yelled, not breaking his stride.

Good night Hiro. Old Man Shima replied, his smile warm. Ah… so peaceful. He mumbled.

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Hiro continued to run until he got to his house.

Swallowing the spit in his mouth, he peered through the window. Hiro looked left and right, scanning to see if his mom was home. He breathed out a sigh of relief as he realized she wasn’t home. As he opened the door, his mom pinched his ear, prompting him to dance around in pain. Oww, Oww! he exclaimed.

You should've been home an hour ago, young man! his mom chastised, her hands on her waist.

Sorry, mom, Hiro said sheepishly, rubbing his ear.

Her stern expression melted into laughter. Did you have fun? she asked, curious about his adventures.

Hiro recounted his day, the excitement evident in his voice.

Later that night, Hiro lay in bed, gazing at the ceiling as the silver moonlight streamed in through the window. A dreamy expression crossed his face as he fantasized about becoming a ninja. It was a dream he had 11

held in his heart for as long as he could remember. Little did he know that his destiny was about to change.

***

The next morning, as the sun painted the sky with hues of gold, the sunlight streamed through the window falling on Hiro's face. Hiro groaned, his eyes squinting as the sun's rays hit him directly. He rolled away, his eyes flickering as he tried to stay awake. But the urge to sleep was stronger, and a few seconds later he was back to sleep. Eventually, he gave up, sitting up in bed. He raised his hand above his head, yawning widely and stretching his small frame. With a contented sigh, he clicked his mouth as he scratched his belly, feeling the warmth of the morning surround him.

Hiro turned his attention toward his window. A yellow bird was sitting on top of a tree, chirping merrily as if it were greeting the new day. As he looked downward, he noticed something sticking out beneath his window. His eyes sparkled with curiosity, and he couldn't resist the urge to investigate. He pulled up the 12

window, reaching out to pick up the object that had caught his attention. It was a small, elegant envelope sealed with a wax emblem depicting a mighty dragon soaring through the clouds. Hiro's heart raced as he gazed at the emblem, his imagination taking flight along with the mythical creature. He felt a mixture of excitement and uncertainty building within him, a feeling he had never experienced before.

No way it could be – no way, right? Hiro mumbled to himself, his voice filled with a mixture of disbelief and amazement. In his rush to leave the bed, his excitement prevented him from noticing the jumbled state of his blankets causing him to stumble. Half a second later, he sprang back up, determination in his eyes as he made his way toward the kitchen, his feet padding against the cool floor. His mom looked up from the stove as she spotted Hiro in the doorway. Her eyes reflected a blend of surprise and concern. Did someone come here this morning? he asked, his voice filled with a sense of urgency.

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No? Is something wrong? his mom inquired, a frown forming between her brows as she looked at his face.

Hiro's mind raced, his thoughts a jumble of excitement and anticipation. He needed to find out more about the envelope, to uncover its secrets and what it might mean. Okay, he managed to utter, his words hurried as he turned and sprinted back to his room.

Breakfast is ready, come back! His mom's voice echoed after him. But Hiro's focus was on one thing alone—the mysterious envelope that held the promise of an adventure he had only dreamed of. He reached his room and plopped onto his bed, the envelope cradled carefully in his hands. His heart pounded in his chest, a rapid rhythm that matched his racing thoughts. With shaky hands, Hiro began to read the words inscribed on the paper inside. Dear Hiro, it read, "You have been chosen to embark on a journey unlike any other. Your exceptional skills and untapped potential have caught the attention of the Ninja Council. We invite you to join our esteemed academy, where you will learn the ways of 14

the ninja and discover your hidden superpowers. Report to the secret entrance of the temple at midnight, and your training shall commence."

Yes! Yes! Yes! Hiro exclaimed with

uncontainable excitement, his voice filled with a mixture of joy and disbelief. He jumped on his bed in jubilation, his laughter filling the room. As he jumped once again, his wild enthusiasm caused him to lose his balance, and he ended up falling off the bed with a thump. But Hiro wasn't deterred in the slightest. He scrambled to his feet, his eyes shining with determination and a newfound purpose. Hiro's heart raced with a flurry of emotions—

excitement, curiosity, and a touch of nervousness. The invitation he held in his hands was like a key to a world he had only dreamt about, a world where he could become the ninja he had always aspired to be. He danced around the room, laughter bubbling forth as he twirled and threw pillows into the air, his youthful energy