ReiRei

Phantom

Overview

The inaugural recipient of the "Super Ninja" accolade within the Tenzen Ninja Order, her contributions were pivotal to the consolidation of Fontiera's governance. As ninjas predominantly operate in the shadows, scant records exist of her life after reaching adulthood.

Chapter One

(11202–11354, Era of Frost Veil) ReiRei, the third child of the Tenzen Ninja Order's leader, had little opportunity to learn its core teachings due to the order's emphasis on seniority and bloodlines.
As she aged, she would be sent to Sunnyhill as a royal guard, likely to stay hidden in the shadows forever.
ReiRei had long accepted this fate, as it had been the norm for centuries. She wasn't ambitious; her focus was on mastering her skills and fulfilling her duties, leaving the sect's future to her brothers.
Their family had safeguarded the emperor for generations. Her eldest brother, now guarding His Majesty, would soon return to lead the Order. Then, it would be her duty to protect the emperor, and she must uphold the family's honor.
The Tenzen ninja training was extremely tough, and after years of intense practice, ReiRei surpassed her peers. At just seven, she passed the Junior Ninja Exam, officially becoming a ninja.
Unlike the Kisaragi ninjas, Tenzen ninjas had inscriptions carved on their faces after passing the exam, greatly enhancing their ninja technique compatibility. They would then don masks that could only be removed upon death.
These shadow families were vital to preserving the royal family's eternal lineage. Loyalty was in the Tenzen family's blood.
Generations of Tenzens dreamed of ensuring the divine children's bloodline in Fontiera would thrive eternally. At nine, ReiRei became the youngest senior ninja in history after passing the Senior Ninja Exam as this generation's guardian.
Tomorrow was her 10th birthday, the day an Ocatzian of Fontiera came of age. Her father would place a garland on her.
Next month, she would go to Sunnyhill to take over her brother's duty of protecting His Majesty. She was determined to surprise him, having become a senior ninja two years earlier than her genius brother.
The thought of meeting His Majesty soon made her nervous. Her brother had said the emperor was a gentle child, even younger than her.
Thank goodness! She was relieved this emperor wasn't like the tyrant of the Daystar era. If her brother's letters were true, the days ahead would be pleasant.
Before leaving home, she had one more important thing to do: to settle her pet, Poppy.
Poppy was once a wild cat with a bad temper, often getting into fights. ReiRei saw it injured and used herbal medicine on it. The herbs made Poppy much stronger, eventually becoming the strongest in the area.
Tenzen ninjas couldn't show weakness, but ReiRei was still a child. When training was tough or she felt wronged, she'd confide in Poppy.
Poppy seemed to understand her, and they became close friends. Now, with ReiRei about to leave for Sunnyhill, she had to say goodbye.
But today, Poppy was unusually agitated. It tugged ReiRei's pant leg, leading her to the forest. ReiRei understood it wanted to show her something, so she followed.
ReiRei had no idea this trip would last a month, and a brewing storm was quietly closing in.

Chapter Two

After a thirty-minute trek, ReiRei and her feline companion stood at the cavern's entrance. The ninja's sharp instincts picked up on an unfamiliar aura and a looming threat.
After a brief reflection, ReiRei chose to return to her Order and notify her father, her unease growing over the anomaly during the mission handoff.
ReiRei was stopped by Poppy just before she could run, and the perilous aura from the cave vanished. A hoarse, uncaring voice called out from within.
"Come in, little kitty."
The mesmerizing voice held ReiRei, a young ninja proud of her determination, spellbound and rooted to the spot.
Realizing the advanced mental manipulation, ReiRei understood that her strong will was no match for the vast power difference, forcing her to move slowly.
ReiRei sensed no malice in the stranger's voice. Was it possible they needed her? Understanding her chances of escaping alone were slim, she decided to step into the cave with Poppy.
Delving deeper into the cave, they navigated in darkness, using the walls for support, and the dust on the stone suggested recent excavation.
Deeper inside, a subtle scent of seaweed emerged, and the surrounding night pearls began to glow, finally revealing the owner of the voice.
ReiRei saw a pale woman on a bed of crushed stones, her body scarred by ghastly wounds. Some signs of healing were visible, but her injuries were grave.
Barely any blood remained in her battered body, and her skin looked as white as porcelain beneath the glow of the night pearls.
An intense aura of danger emanated from the injured woman, causing ReiRei's tail fur to bristle. It was difficult to grasp how powerful she once was.
Clearly, not even her father could rival her strength. How had she endured such severe injuries? The idea that someone could harm her so deeply felt nothing short of miraculous.
If someone like her had malicious intentions toward the royal family, could the Tenzen and Kisaragi Ninja Orders together safeguard His Majesty?
ReiRei's mind was flooded with thoughts, yet addressing the crisis was her foremost concern.
First, ReiRei needed to understand the woman's intentions; she likely sought healing, not harm, but Trueno's skills were limited.
"In my bag is a precious elixir. Create a magical circle with it, and my wounds will heal swiftly, granting you and your cat significant benefits."
"Who are you? Why have you come to the territory of the Tenzen Ninja Order?"
"Once I recover, I'll reveal my identity to you. Do you choose to aid me or face death?"
Silence lingered. Without clarity on her origins and intentions, the woman would remain beyond anyone's power post-healing, leading ReiRei to contemplate a great sacrifice.
Poppy bared its teeth at the woman, and ReiRei was both annoyed and amused. Poppy had insisted on following the voice, and if ReiRei was nearly enchanted, Poppy must have felt it even more.
"I understand your concerns, but I'm not interested in your factional disputes. Once I'm somewhat recovered, I'll head to Ciaran."
Still, silence prevailed...
"I swear by the name of the Sea God to uphold my promise."
Convictions define great individuals, who honor their oaths as they grow stronger. Facing death bravely isn't suicide. Trusting her instincts, ReiRei took the elixir.
As the bottle opened, a wave of life energy surged forth, causing ReiRei's skin to tingle with its staggering power.
Though expected, the sheer magnitude of energy was astonishing. Once amplified by the magical circle, it became nearly overwhelming.
Over the next month, ReiRei and Poppy underwent a dramatic transformation, leaving the cavern with bodies greatly enhanced.
Once healed, the woman radiated a pure, sacred glow, outshining the cave's luminous pearls like an angel.
Her name was Gail, and she came from the far-off Zinew Archipelago, where a ruthless ruler exploited the sea creatures.
Once a member of an elite suicide squad tasked with ending the tyrant's rule, she had failed. Her comrades were slaughtered, and she ended up here.
Despite the odds, Gail hoped to liberate her suffering people from the tyrant. She first had to travel to Ciaran, the land of promise, to find the key to defeat evil.
Gail had no interest in Fontiera's affairs and planned to leave for Ciaran as soon as she recovered.
ReiRei was stunned by Gail's tale. Could a foe be so powerful that even Gail and her companions had failed? The malevolent ruler sounded overwhelmingly strong.
Could such a being be human? Even a god's reincarnation would struggle against such power. Trueno had no ties to her, and her departure suited him. It was wise to avoid her attention.
The little cat needed to see this daunting powerhouse off to sea first. Thoughts of returning home could wait.

Chapter Three

After parting ways with Gail, ReiRei hurried home on Big Flower, anticipating a scolding from her father. To her surprise, he greeted her normally without mentioning her trip to Sunnyhill.
ReiRei felt something was off about her "father." He looked and spoke like him but had a hint of femininity.
Calming herself, ReiRei planned to approach him and explain where she had been, intending to launch a sneak attack to take him down.
Unlike the Lord Oracle samurai, Trueno had no shame in sneak attacks. To her shock, her target dashed away before she could reach him.
Although ReiRei hadn't learned new ninja skills, her speed and strength had increased tenfold. How could anyone escape?
"Easy, kitty. Your father is in the barn. And I never laid a finger on him," the man said. He seemed harmless, and realizing ReiRei's strength, he quickly left. Concerned for her father, she chose not to pursue him.
Her father, Tenzen Ryutyo, was safely rescued. However, the disgrace of being kidnapped and replaced by an impostor for over a month forced him to resign, leaving his son to manage the Tenzen Ninja Order in his stead.
Meanwhile, ReiRei gained fame for her role in the incident and distinguished herself multiple times as an emperor's guard. In recognition of her contributions, the Tenzen Ninja Order bestowed upon her the title of Super Ninja, making her the first to hold that honor.
After the emperor's death, ReiRei returned to the Tenzen Ninja Order for retirement. Occasionally, she would teach young ninjas if she felt like it.
Having abandoned her serious ninja persona, ReiRei embraced her true nature, relishing in teasing the young ninjas and becoming a headache for the Order.
Due to her longevity, which far surpassed that of typical Ocatzians, Trueno was both adored and exasperated by the younger generation.
On one hand, she was eager to teach them everything; on the other, she loved playing pranks. For instance, she would sometimes disguise herself as a cleaner and challenge instructors. When someone confronted her, she would promptly reveal her true identity.

Historical Notes

ReiRei's Family:
Father: Tenzen Ryutyo, 276th head of the Tenzen Ninja Order. Elder Brother: Tenzen Fuu (11192–11287, Era of Frost Veil), 277th head, passed the Master Ninja Exam at 42. Elder Sister: Tenzen Ame (11197–11285, Era of Frost Veil), a senior ninja.

Tenzen Ninja Order:
Shadow guards protecting the royal family, specializing in honor and stealth, willing to die for their lord.

Kisaragi Ninja Order:
Shadow guards responsible for royal safety, excelling in disguise and assassination.

Sunnyhill:
Sacred mountain in Fontiera, where Gaia was blessed, now a symbolic landmark and location of the Gate of Heaven.

Inscriptions:
A technique called Flow Script used by the Tenzen Ninja Order, enhancing ninjutsu control and serving as a curse from past rulers.

Ocatzian:
In Fontiera, hybrids of Hilbeyan Orccodro and locals, resulting in a balanced bloodline.

Coming-of-Age Ceremony:
Significant for Fontiera's Ocatzian Orccodro; an elder places an Emerald Ring wreath on the youth's head, completing the ritual with black soil.

Child of the Gods:
Gaia (Era of Rebirth 28633–Frost Veil 27) likely bestowed soul-manipulating powers to her descendants, enabling their rule over Fontiera for millennia.

Fontiera:
Located in southeast Ciaran continent, it was settled by Gaia and the Hinans post-Monarchs' War, creating a culture of exclusivity, loyalty, and patience, leading to the emergence of ninjas.

Samurai:
The Kurokami family, paternal lineage of Lord Deity and leaders of the Upper House, serve as guardians of Gaia's lineage, originating from the Hinan settlement.

Blood of God:
Direct descendants of Gaia, bound by oaths, lacking ill will towards the polytheistic bloodline.

Daystar Period:
ReiRei lived during the Yayoi Period; Daystar (4976–5007, Era of Frost Veil) was an eccentric ruler whose reign saw the Samurai split, with some turning to piracy.

Mysterious Woman:
Gail, "Sirena of the Sea" (11180–11239, Era of Frost Veil), a sea queen and a nightmare for merchants in the Zinew Archipelago.