Kairo watched her like she was a shooting star - bright, bold, and impossible to ignore.
She was shouting, eyes full of fire. Two boys had stolen something from her, and she was chasing them, furious.
Before Kairo could move, she turned and slapped him. His head snapped back. His heart pounded. She was strong. Fearless. And she had just slapped him!
"What... what just happened?" he gasped.
Her eyes locked onto his. "Go! Catch them!" she yelled, pointing at the boys running away.
Then something unbelievable happened - a glowing white unicorn appeared beside her. Its mane shimmered like silver, and its horn glowed in the fading light.
She jumped onto its back like it was the most natural thing in the world. "Go! Hurry!" she called again.
The unicorn galloped forward, its hooves barely touching the ground. She flew with it, like a spark of light racing through the world.
Kairo stood frozen, heart pounding. She was fire. She was magic. She was something he'd never seen before.
Kairo's eyes went big - the glowing white unicorn was right in front of him! Its mane shined like silver lightning, and its eyes looked smart and strong.
Kairo didn't think. He jumped onto the unicorn's back, ready to chase the boys.
But... he had never ridden a unicorn before.
The unicorn shook its big body. Kairo slipped and fell off with a loud thud.
"Ow," he said, lying on the ground.
The two boys stopped laughing and came over. One held something small.
"It's just a ninja toy," he said, giving it back.
Kairo looked up, confused. Then he heard the girl's voice, still angry: "That was mine! I took it for a reason!"
Kairo understood - the shouting, the chase, the unicorn - it was all a big show... for a toy.
The girl smiled, then rode off on the unicorn again, fast and fearless.
Kairo sat up and brushed off the dust. Lumora, his tiny glowing friend, floated nearby and chirped like it was laughing.
"Well... that was something," Kairo said, shaking his head with a mix of wonder and embarrassment.
Kairo and Lumora finally reached Master Renga's secret home. It was quiet and hidden, surrounded by tall bamboo trees. The wind moved gently through the leaves. The air felt calm but strong - like it knew a great ninja was about to begin training.
Inside, they saw him.
Master Renga was old, but he had a powerful presence. His long silver hair was tied neatly behind him. His eyes were sharp like a hawk - strong, but kind.
He wore deep purple robes that flowed as he moved. Golden ninja symbols were stitched along the edges. A sword rested beside him. It wasn't shiny or fancy, but it looked wise and full of power.
"Ah, Kairo," Master Renga said in a deep, calm voice. "Come in."
Kairo bowed and walked inside. His heart was beating fast.
They sat across from each other. The room smelled like incense and old paper. It felt quiet, but strong - like a true ninja's place.
Kairo took a deep breath. "Master Renga... I want to become the Ninja King. Can I do it... in one month?"
Renga's eyes sparkled. He looked both amused and serious. "One month?" he said, leaning back. "You're brave, boy... but do you know what it takes?"
He picked up an old scroll and opened it. "Nine battles. Each one harder than the last. Only if you win all nine can you enter the Gateway. And only then... can you fight the Ninja King."
Kairo nodded slowly. "I... I think so."
Renga's face became gentle. "Good. Understanding is the first step," he said. "These battles will test your strength, your mind, and your heart. Win one, and the next will appear. But if you lose, you must start again. This is not just about fighting - it's about proving you are ready."
He gave Kairo a map. It was old, with lines showing roads, villages, and battle places.
"Here," Renga said. "This shows where each challenger is waiting. Win the first, and the next will open. The path is long, but clear."
Kairo looked at the map, eyes full of determination.
Renga smiled. "And your partner - your defender - will go with you. She once dreamed of seeing the Gateway. Now, it's her chance too. You must trust each other."my daughter
Kairo turned around - and there she was. Mira, the daughter of his dad's friend. Her hair was tied in a high ponytail, with purple streaks shining in the sun. Her eyes sparkled like tiny stars. She wore a cool ninja outfit, dark with purple lines, and small shoes made for running fast. On her back was a little pouch, probably full of ninja tools.
Kairo blinked and rubbed his head. "Wait... is this the girl who slapped me over a ninja toy?" he said, still surprised.
Mira crossed her arms and gave him a playful glare. "You were in my way! And you fell off a unicorn! Who doesn't know how to ride one?"
Kairo scratched his head, feeling shy. "Well... we didn't learn unicorn-riding in school..."
Mira rolled her eyes. "Obviously."
Kairo gave a small smile. "So... you're coming with me?"
Mira's eyes softened. "Looks like it. My dad - and your dad's friend - said I should. He told me, 'Kairo is my friend's son, and my friend is a Ninja King. So yes - he will reach the Gateway. You can go with him.'"
Kairo's mouth dropped open a little. "Wait... my dad said that?"
Mira nodded with a big grin. "Yep. And your dad was kind of a legend. A big deal!"
Kairo laughed nervously. "I just hope I don't mess this up. The Gateway... the battles... I don't even know where to begin."
Mira smirked. "Good thing I know a few tricks. And I ride unicorns better than you, clearly."
Kairo groaned. "I'm never letting you forget that."
Mira laughed, her purple eyes shining. "Oh, I won't forget. And you better keep up. The first battle won't wait for slow ninjas."
Kairo held Raizen's Katana tighter, a smile growing on his face. "Then let's go. If we win the first battle, maybe I'll learn how to be a Ninja King... and maybe even beat you at unicorn riding."
Mira rolled her eyes and jumped onto her small mount. "Keep dreaming, Kairo. Keep dreaming."
kairo said see i will ride it .
And just like that, they stepped onto the path of adventure. The wind danced around them, the sun peeked through the clouds, and their journey to the Gateway had begun.
Outside, the wind moved through the bamboo trees. Kairo clenched his fists. He felt the weight of his mission... and the fire in his heart.
His journey was beginning. The first battle was waiting. The path to the Ninja King had begun.