Ninjutsu Masters 
----------------------- 
by Ayyub Mohamed Ismail

Chapter 1

Howler tensed his furry legs as his shiny claws slid out of his paws. The red scar on his face wriggled like a snake. He bared his sharp teeth and let out a low growl. Howler was a grey wolf, the largest wolf with teeth like a shark. He wore green ninjutsu pants with a red fabric vest. It was the male animal’s uniform at Master Chen’s Animal Ninjutsu Academy.

Opposite him, a huge, glossy brown bear with sharpened claws stood steadily with his guard up. He had two lightning shaped scars, below his left and right eye and he looked like a professional wrestler. He gave Howler a cheeky grin before narrowing his eyes into thin slits. The bear’s name was Bruin and he was one of the top students along with Howler in Master Chen’s Animal Ninjutsu Academy.

Slowly, the two opponents circled each other menacingly, ready to launch into the ring at any moment. Bruin made the first move. With a mighty roar, he slammed his fist on the ground, sending dust flying everywhere. He swung wildly at Howler’s chest, missing by centimetres. Bruin had the strength but Howler had the skill.

Howler let rip with his claws growling like crazy. Bruin tried to dodge the sudden flurry of flying paws but Howler had gained the upper hand already. With Bruin cowering in the corner, he flung his forearms to his sides and howled. The sound was deafening. The crowd watching hid under the chairs. But with the howl still burning in his ears, Bruin pushed on, desperately holding back Howler. The two students rolled around on the ground, each one trying to floor the other. As Bruin held Howler’s body firmly to the ground, there was a flash of white and reddish brown fur and Master Chen came whizzing through the crowds. With one kick from his tiny powerful leg, both Howler and Bruin tumbled into each other.

“Enough!” shouted Master Chen, in a voice that gave you the picture of a large, muscular bull. But actually, Master Chen was a small, strong, lesser panda. He wore a maroon coloured robe with short sleeves and always carried a short wooden staff with him. He was fifty-two years old but he was a great sensei (teacher).

He strolled up to the messy duo, who were picking of thistles from where they had fell.

As soon as Howler and Bruin set their eyes on their teacher, they knelt on one knee and with the fingers of their left paws facing upwards; they slammed their right fists into their left palms.

“Arise, Howler and Bruin,” Master Chen instructed.

“Hai, sensei.” They chorused.

“You two have revealed the potential in your training,” continued Master Chen, tapping Howler and Bruin’s shoulders with the ends of his staff. “I am moving you to my Advanced class, where you shall learn the Way of Ninjutsu. Training and hard work are some of the main things needed in this class. Only then shall you receive your black belts and go on your first mission.”

Bruin looked eager to go on a mission, but Howler was worried about his secret. Would he have to go on a mission against... him?

Chapter 2

Howler walked home with Bruin and his other friend Streak, a snow leopard, who was already in Advanced class.

“Hey, you guys, that was wicked!” exclaimed Streak. “You looked like real black belts, you lot are awesome!”

Bruin took this compliment with a glow of embarrassment and Howler grinned, his green eyes glinting.

“How was your match with Talon, did he win you?” asked Bruin.

Streak shrugged. “Well he would have won, but then Master Chen came in like a cheetah and bam! That dude’s got serious power for such a small body, innit?”

Talon was the eagle from China, and because he was the only one who could fly, he thinks he’s the best. Howler had floored him in the cafeteria once, and ever since then, Talon had bared a grudge with the three of them.

“Hey, wait up you guys! Howler, you were supposed to wait for me!” Howler’s older sister, Hera bounded up to them, a cheerful smile on her face.

“Hera, I’m fourteen now, I can take care of myself!” Howler’s furry cheeks grew hot.

Hera raised an eyebrow. “Whatever you say, Howls, you ain’t gonna take care of yourself yet!” she said with a wink at the others.

“See ya, guys, gotta split now!” Streak called over his shoulder. “Meet you at the gym tomorrow!”

“Wanna come round to mine, Bruin?” Howler asked.

Bruin smiled. “Wouldn’t say no to that!”

“You guys, watch out.” Hera whispered. “Here comes Talon.”

Sure enough, a dark shadow crossed over the path, landing in the middle of their way.

“Hey, we’re trying to pass here!” Hera glared. She wasn’t scared of bullies and was always sticking up for her younger brother.

“You can pass when you’ve handed over your weapons,” hissed Talon.

“We ain’t going down without a fight!” Bruin growled, whipping out his bamboo staff.

“You took the words out of my mouth!” said Howler, reaching for his.

Hera performed a flying kick whacking Talon in the face.

Talon staggered backwards and squawked loudly.

Kaaww...

Immediately, Howler head locked Talon in a firm grip, to stop him from calling all of his gang. Bruin slammed his fist into Talon’s chest, his favourite move. Talon struggled in vain, but Howler was too strong. He lifted Talon high into the air and launched the ballistic bird high into the sky.

“Now that’s how you deal with bullies!” said Hera.

“Hey, I wanted to say that!” Howler complained.

“Tough Toenails!” grinned Bruin. “I’ve always wanted to say that!”

Chapter 3

The next day, Streak and Hera went to the ceremony to see Howler and Bruin get promoted. Hera was already a ninja so she was a teacher.

“Woah, this is awesome!” Howler remarked, admiring the brand new uniform he received from Master Chen. It was exactly the same as his old one, except it had a badge that read ‘A’ which stood for ‘advanced’ on it.

“Check me out!” Bruin tried out some ninja poses.

Master Chen walked up onto the wooden stage where Bruin and Howler were knelt.

“And now, I promote Howler Akinwande to Advanced class...” Everyone clapped and cheered.

“And I promote Bruin Fang to Advanced class...” More claps and cheers.

“Can I call Hera Akinwande to give out the awards, please?” The crowd broke into applause as the young wolf strolled up to the stage. The awards were a new bamboo staff and a brown belt.

“So what is gonna happen when we get our black belts?” asked Howler.

“Well basically, Master Chen sends you on a mission. To fail is to die and I very nearly failed.” Hera pulled a deadpan face. “Then you get promoted to a teacher which is awesome, because you’re like the star of the whole Academy.”

“Wicked!” breathed Bruin. Howler nodded in agreement.

“I’ll tell you the rest later, gotta go now, guys.” Hera sprinted on all fours to the Beginners class.

“That is pretty cool, if you ask me.” Bruin said.

“Yup, definitely.” Howler agreed. Though inside, he had the worst feeling you can ever have...

Chapter 4

By Howler Akinwande

Okay, okay I know you’re probably thinking why I am scared of the mission. The reason is... wait, can I trust you dudes to keep this secret? Can I? Alright you win. The reason I don’t want to go on the mission is because there’s this bad guy, his name is Akinwande. Have you ever heard of him? No, I didn’t think so. That guy is like the worst bad guy you can get in the history of bad guys. And the thing is, well, that guy is my... my father. Yeah, I know your thinking how come Howler’s father is a bad guy, well I’ll tell you this. He got bitten by a snake. Not just any old snake. This snake would grow bigger and bigger as long as it destroyed everything in its path. Its venom is enough to make someone evil.  The snake was called the Destroyer. That’s why Master Chen started up the Academy, he would make an army of black belts to defeat the Destroyer and then bring Akinwande back to the world of ninjutsu. Akinwande was the best student and he was trained by Master Chen’s father. All I can hope is that he comes back to being my father. Don’t let out the secret until I tell you.

Chapter 5

As Howler entered the gates of the Academy, he could instantly sense that something was wrong. His instincts were correct. There, towering above Hera was Boulder, a bison from North America. He was Talon’s first mate and he was always the one to start a fight. In front of Boulder, lay a battered and bruised panda. His face was painted with fright and his knees were knocking with worry.

“We ain’t gonna let this panda go until you and your ugly friends give us your weapons.” Boulder snarled gruffly.

“Think twice about that, Boulder,” Howler growled. “We’re not gonna budge.”

“Exactly.” Bruin said, brandishing his new bamboo staff.

“LET’S BATTLE!” yelled Hera, smashing Boulder’s belly with her staff. He staggered backwards, but he was very tough and the blow only dazed him.

Bruin growled so loudly, the noodle pots shook. Howler jabbed the bison’s nose with a powerful fist, which gave Bruin the chance to use his favourite move on Boulder’s chest. Boulder leapt high into the air, and smashed his muscular arms onto the ground

BOOM!

Immediately, thunders of paws were heard as the rest of Talon’s gang turned up. Leonardo the lion, Tomago the tiger, and Porma the polar bear and many other animals surrounded the three odd-looking warriors. Then suddenly, Streak leaped off Boulder’s hunched shoulders, sending several animals scattering.

“Hey, all of you guys are making a big mistake!” he shouted. “Master Chen taught us ninjutsu for a reason, not for street fighting and that stuff! We’re all a team and it’s time to start acting like one!”

Streak’s words affected everyone. Howler hung his head, gloomily, knowing that he had made a mistake. Hera and Bruin felt the same. But Boulder, Leonardo, Tomago, Porma and especially Talon, thought the complete opposite.

“You go and do your lectures somewhere else!” Talon squawked.

“You tell ‘im, boss!” Boulder said.

But then a strong, powerful voice spoke. “Streak spoke the truth,” Master Chen declared. “Streak, your reward is being promoted to Advanced class. You have taught everyone a lesson that they shall never forget. Well done, my snow leopard, well done.”

Streak beamed and winked at Howler. “I don’t get the lesson,” Bruin whispered to Hera. “Didn’t make any sense to me.”

Chapter 6

“You will all become ninjas, I am sure of it,” Master Chen said. “But to do that you must listen and do as I say.”

“Hai, sensei.” the Advanced class replied together.

“First training activity today,” Master Chen pointed at some punching bags. “One-thousand punches. You have ten minutes.”

Streak groaned. “I never thought Advanced class would be this hard. One-thousand punches? I’ll collapse before I’ve even done five-hundred!”

“Streak, stop talking and do your training,” Master Chen ordered. “You want to become a ninja, don’t you?”

“Yes, sensei.” Streak said meekly.

After the whole class had finished punching, Master Chen had a harder activity up his sleeve.

“You all have to meditate for thirty minutes.” he instructed. “Take in all the peace around you and think deeply. You must have an open mind to do this. You can block any blow as you meditate. Look into yourselves and think. Think, just think.” Master Chen had made everyone sit cross-legged and place their hands on their knees.

Two hours later, the Advanced class were exhausted.

“Don’t worry,” Howler grinned. “Train hard and you’ll become ninjas”

Chapter 7

The next day, as Howler, Streak and Bruin made their way to class, they realized that they would not be training in the dojo, they would be training outside.

“Awesome, are we gonna do sparring, sensei?” Streak asked eagerly.

“Yes, we are, Streak. In fact we are doing a little tournament.”

“Wicked! Are we gonna get prizes as well?”

“No, this one is just for fun, not a real tournament.”

Howler, Bruin and Streak were all chatting noisily about who was going to win the tournament, when Master Chen spoke.

“Okay, I would like to call the first contestants from the eight animals who are participating in this tournament. Streak versus Leonardo.”

As the two stepped into the arena, Leonardo glared at Streak who replied with the same stare.

“Go to your corners, boys. Okay then, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, FIGHT!”

Streak hunched his shoulders, growling menacingly. Leonardo steadied his grip on the ground and narrowed his eyes. Up in the crowd, Howler and Bruin were worrying about what Leonardo would do to Streak.

Leonardo launched into the ring, swinging his wing dangerously close to Streak. The snow leopard leapt into the air, front-flipped and smashed Leonardo’s back with the backs of his hind paws. It was a good start for Streak.

Leonardo sneered. “Is that all you’ve got?”

Streak answered with a jab in the ribs and a round-house kick on the head. Leonardo shook his head, as if he couldn’t believe what had happened. Streak sprang at Leonardo, grabbed him by the shoulders and hurled him over his head, sending the bully crashing into the walls.

“We have a winner! The champion of this fight is Streak!” the crowd up-roared, most of the noise coming from Howler, Bruin and Hera. Streak winked as usual. Leonardo struggled up and muttered something under his breath.

“Calm down, everybody. We are moving to the next fight. Can I call up, Bruin and Porma!”

Being a member of Talon’s gang, Porma didn’t want to fight Bruin. But Bruin thought he would show Talon that the four of them were not to be messed with!

Porma was much bigger than Bruin, even though Bruin was huge. He could easily floor Bruin with no mercy!

 “All right, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, FIGHT!”

Porma cart-wheeled towards Bruin, aiming to strike his leg. Bruin bounced away then struck back with his leg, catching Porma on his rump. Porma growled and swung back, aiming for the chest. Bruin sucked his tummy in, and then slammed his fist into Porma’s face. The polar bear looked dazed, but he wasn’t backing down. He raised his fist into the air and smashed it down on top of Bruin’s head.

BAM!

Bruin staggered backwards, but he was determined to win this fight. With a mighty roar, he launched a massive wave of claws, attacking Porma with every ounce of strength he had. Porma was strong, but this time he couldn’t take it anymore. He collapsed onto the ground, panting heavily.

“The winner is... Bruin!” Again a deafening noise filled the arena.

“Okay, for the third fight, I would like to call up, Hera and Tomago!”

The two opponents bounced into the ring, glaring and growling at each other. Tomago the tiger was the second-biggest in Talon’s gang after Porma and his powerful paws would send any opponent flying.

“C’mon, Hera!” Howler called from the crowd. “You can win this!”

Hera nodded confidently, cracked her knuckles and slid her claws out. Tomago scowled fiercely, his stripes writhing like snakes.

“5, 4, 3, 2, 1 FIGHT!” Master Chen boomed.

There was a pin-drop silence as Hera and Tomago circled each other menacingly. Compared to Tomago Hera was really small but she was determined to show him what she had. Master Chen hadn’t given her the black belt for nothing!

Tomago roared, his thigh muscles rippling. He leapt forward, grabbed Hera in a headlock and stayed like that. There was nothing more he could do because Hera was struggling against his arms like crazy. She breathed in three times and let out a long and deafening howl.

HOOOOWWWWLLLL!

Howler was cheering and jumping around as he was the only one that could bare the noise.

When Bruin and Streak had finished clutching their ears, all three of them chanted, “Come on, Hera! Come on, Hera! Come on, Hera!”

Soon everyone in the arena was chanting. And with a new determination, Hera bounced clear of Tomago, front-flipped into the air, and smashed Tomago’s head with her grey, furry paws.

BANNGGG!

Tomago was so hurt that he had to go to the school nurse.

Master Chen announced the winner and called up the final contestants. Howler was so nervous about fighting Boulder his knees were knocking. Boulder was the best fighter in the school. Hera got him some water and Bruin rubbed his knuckles across Howler’s head affectionately.

Boulder strolled into the ring, flexing his muscles. Howler snorted through his nose. “Show off,” he muttered.

“Here we go, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, FIGHT!”

Howler immediately made the first move, leaping up to Boulder’s horns, trying to push him to the ground. Boulder reacted quickly, grabbed Howler’s arms and threw him straight at the walls. Howler bounced his foot of the wall, rocketing to the wall opposite him. He met that wall with the same move but pushed his body into the air, then falling straight as an arrow, he pummelled into Boulder’s hunched shoulders, sending Boulder crashing onto the ground.

“Beat that, Spiderman!” Streak yelled from the crowd. Howler grinned but he was just getting started. Boulder charged at Howler, growling like a Siberian husky. Howler was knocked of his feet and was sent flying to the top of the arena walls. Howler reached three quarters of the way but he started climbing all the way to the top. When he reached the crumbling top, he breathed all the air he could into his lungs. Then he let out the loudest howl any wolf could have howled.

HOOOOWWWWLLLL!

Down in the arena ground, Boulder, Bruin, Porma, Tomago, Leonardo, Streak and even Hera collapsed to the ground. The entire crowd had even buried their heads in the noodle pots for the noise. Even Master Chen was clutching his ears. Howler leapt off from the top of the ruined wall, flipped three times then landed on his paws in a handstand. He let go of one paw and twisted his leg, kicking Boulder on his side. Boulder was lifted off the ground then smashed face down onto the ground.

The arena was in a state of shock, Howler had just defeated the best fighter in the whole school. There was a silence for a few seconds as everyone stared at the young wolf like he was Superman. Then Bruin leapt up shouting,

“Howler’s the CHAMPION OF THE SCHOOL!” Everyone in the arena erupted, streaming down the stairs to carry the champion on their shoulders. Hera reached him first, giving him a punch of joy. The whole school engulfed him, chanting, “How-ler, How-ler, How-ler, How-ler,” Master Chen presented Howler with the badge of the best fighter in the school, a gold sewn badge with the silhouette of a wolf doing a flying-kick. Master Chen had made a badge of every animal that joined his school if they ever became the best fighter.

“Okay, everyone I will now call out the remaining contestants. Please come and stand up in front of me. Streak Mountain, the snow leopard, Howler Claw, the grey wolf, Bruin Fang, the brown bear and finally, Hera Claw, the grey wolf. Will you all come up and stand in front of me?”

All four of the friends quietly padded up to the stage. Howler stood at the right, Streak next to him, Hera next and Bruin at the left. Master Chen closed his eyes and murmured something. He stood in the tiger stand for a few moments, his small lips pursed and his dark eyes flickering and darting around. Then, with a sweep of his staff, all four young animals were whisked off their feet, landing in different positions. Streak landed on his bottom with his left front paw tucked inside his vest. Hera landed on her head with her tongue sticking out. Bruin landed on his bottom but then bounced up into the air, landing square on Howler’s furry backside. Now, they were in a completely different order. Hera was on the right with Streak next to her. Howler was standing dizzily then straightened up as Bruin, who was next to him nudged him in the ribs.

“Alright, Streak you will fight Hera...” Streak gulped and cast a nervous look at her. “...This leaves you, Bruin with Howler.” Howler grinned and his spiky fur rustled.

“Okay, we’ll start the quarter-finals, Bruin versus Howler!”

Bruin bounced off the stage and belly-flopped the ground sending all sorts of insects scattering everywhere.

Howler patted his new gold badge, winked at Streak and Hera, and donned his sparring gloves. He was going to need them with a tough opponent like Bruin.
The huge, brown bear had the same thought and with his blue gloves glinting in the sunshine, he stepped into the arena.

Howler growled so fiercely that everyone’s fur stood on end. He and Bruin used to play-fight with plastic containers for boxing gloves when they were little. Now it was for real.

Howler leapt into the air, spinning like a Beyblade. Bruin thought Howler was going to flying kick him, so he quickly took two steps backwards. However, Howler landed fist-first on Bruin’s head, and then grasped the bear’s head fur in two paws. Bruin shook his head frantically, shaking Howler from side to side.

The young wolf was getting dizzy. Then Howler stood on Bruin’s head, let go with his paws then kicked up into the air. Tension gripped the crowd as he sailed up and up... Then suddenly, he fell in mid-air, smashing at Bruin’s feet with his eyes closed. BOOOMMM!

Bruin threw off his sparring gloves, one them hitting Streak’s forehead, who had leap out of the crowd the minute Howler had fell. Trailing behind him was Hera.

“What’s happened?! Is he unconscious?! Quick, Bruin get Master Chen!” Hera was nearly choking with worry. “Oh god, mum’ll kill me when she finds out! I was supposed to look after him while we were staying here!”

Master Chen was already at their side.

“Master Chen! What’s happened?” Bruin asked lifting Howler up. “Who did it? Why did it even happen? Is there some kinda freak whuppin’ up all the good fighters?”

“It means,” Master Chen would not meet their gaze for a moment. “That Howler’s father, Akinwande is back.”

Chapter 8

 “Akinwande?” Streak looked baffled. “Who the turkey is that?”

“Well, duh,” Bruin jabbed him in the ribs. “Howler and Hera’s dad, you Muppet.”

“He’s the wolf that saved me from failing my mission.” Hera was nearly crying. “And... And... And then he turned into some kind of alien freaky crazy animal. No one knows how. Except Howler, of course. And probably Master Chen.”

Streak was looking like he had been struck by lightning. “I know what the old dude’s tryna say.” He swallowed very hard then mumbled. “We’ve gotta fight that guy to bring Howler back to err, consciousness.”

“Yeah, and I think this is gonna be the mission Master Chen is sending us on.” Bruin added. “Right, sensei? Oh, he’s gone.”

Chapter 9

“Err, Master Chen?”

“Yes, Bruin, my boy?”

“Could we talk to you for a minute?”

“Absolutely.”

They walked out into the corridor. Streak and Hera were there, waiting patiently for him to arrive.

“Is it true there’s a snake called the Destroyer and that’s what made err, You-Know-Who bad?” Streak asked a bit nervously.

Master Chen stood up. “You three did not know anything about this affair two hours ago.” he frowned. “Where has this knowledge come from?”

“Err, we kind of,” Bruin twisted his face up with guilty. “We... err... we looked at Howler’s diary.” 

Master Chen’s face scrunched up with rage. “You should know better, Bruin, Hera and Streak. The first rule in the Ninjutsu Honour book is ‘do not look into other animal’s private business’. How did you three forget? You can only go to Intermediate class if you memorize the full two-hundred and forty-one pages without a mistake. The first rule should be the clearest rule in your mind. You were the first one to memorize the whole book, Hera you should have stopped these two.”

“Err, sensei, it was actually Hera’s ide-“

“I don’t care whose idea it was, Bruin all of you were in it together. You will all have one hour detention for a week after training.”

“Aww, man,” Streak whined, but Master Chen silenced him with a whack from his powerful paw.

As the unlucky trio were on their way to the detention room, Hera remembered something. “Hey,” she stopped so suddenly Bruin crashed into her. “Why were Talon and his gang so interested in taking away our weapons?”

“Maybe ‘cos we’re just too strong for them?” suggested Streak, rolling his eyes at Bruin, who was admiring his solid biceps.

“Na, I think that something fishy is going on,” Hera tossed her head to one side and laid her paw on her chin. “Something is definitely going on, I smell a rat.”

“That’s ‘cos there’s one right there,” Streak pointed.

“Huh? Where’s my hot chocolate with marshmallows?” Bruin randomly asked looking up from his impressive claws.

Streak and Hera burst out laughing.

Chapter 10

by Talon Wong

Hey, Talon fans you’re in luck ‘cos you’re gonna find out me and my gang’s plan. My dad was a blacksmith and he was like the only eagle that could do blacksmithing. Then one day, some weird bozo called Akinwande came and asked for some swords and axes and spears. My dad gave him everything he could find and Akinwande left happily. He came back three times and took away everything. My dad was quite rich then and he put me in Master Chen’s school to learn Ninjutsu. He said I could join Akinwande one day and use the weapons. But still Akinwande sometimes comes back and I have to get the weapons off some of the students. Bruin Fang, Howler Akinwande, Hera Akinwande and Streak Mountain are the only idiots who won’t pass over. Soon Akinwande would come back with all the weapons and destroy the school and all the students. Hey Howler, your own dad is gonna get you!

Chapter 11

by Bruin Fang

Hey, readers I shake you by the hand! You must have heard about Howler, how the dude fainted with no explanation. And Master Chen hasn’t even told us what it is to do with Akinwande. Well I’m not here to give you some info, I’m here to tell you how me and Howler became best buds, and how I got my two scars!

Alright so first, me and Howler were like little cubs but I was way bigger than him. We were nearly five years old, and I started the same boxing class as Howler. I didn’t really want to learn boxing, it was just punching. I wanted to become a ninja and probably someday an Animal International Champion. But after I beat up my older brother Brawl, who is three years older than me, my dad reckoned I could become a boxing ace!

When I got to the gym, I could only look at the advanced students who were in the two practise rings, guarding and throwing their punches. Then I glanced next to me and I saw a little grey wolf holding his mother’s paw just like I was. He had green, determined eyes and looked like he was gonna beat the advanced coach up! His name was Howler, and the first time I talked to him I knew we were gonna be friends forever. But I didn’t talk to him then. I got some red gloves and the beginner coach taught me how to punch properly. Four days later, I accidently broke the punching bag off the chain in one punch. The coach immediately put me in the intermediate class. The coach told me I was the only student who had ever gone to intermediate so quickly. Two days later, Howler turned up in my class. He had a big red mark on his cheek and looked like he had been crying. He still has that mark now. I realised why five minutes later. Three massive bison stormed over to Howler and knocked him off his feet. He got up and backed against the punching bag. I stared at him for a while, thinking he was gonna whup them in one punch. But he didn’t. I have to admit, he was a bit of a coward back then. After they had done it nine times I couldn’t take it anymore. I attacked them punching them on the nose, the tummy, upper-cutting them on their chins. They were knocked out cold, but I was suspended for three weeks. I spent that time practising with the punching bag Dad had bought me when I started.

When I came back, Howler came up to me and shook my hand without a word. Then he said,

“The name’s Howler, dude. Thanks for what you did back then. I really appreciated it.”

I said. “My name’s Bruin Fang. Nice to meet you, Howler.”

And then we became best buds. I really liked it with Howler. I hung out with him whenever I could, and it was just awesome, especially when we worked out we had the same birthday. We celebrated it together at my house in the mountains, where we met Streak. He was even smaller than Howler and I used to give him piggy-back rides. I still do now. But any way, when we were five and a half years old we moved to the advanced class. That’s when we got to do real sparring. And that’s how I got two scars on my face as well. I got my first one which is the one under my left eye on the eighth day of sparring.

I was against one of the bison that had bullied Howler. You’ll probably know his name, it was Boulder. He was back with revenge and he was trying with all his might to beat me up. That was the only day I lost. He had me in a corner, landed three hook fists on me and I was on the floor. Then, thinking this was gonna knock me out cold, He slashed his hoof across my cheek. I ended up in the nurse’s office. He put a plaster on it to stop it bleeding, but it remained there until this very day. I got that scar in the early days of advanced class. The other scar I got in the end of advanced class. I got it on a hike. It was for training to see how long our strength would keep up.

I was trailing behind all the others at first jogging slowly. Then I accelerated when everyone was tired but it was a steep mountain and hard to run up.

Everyone had some water apart from me, as I was nearly fifty metres ahead of them. They got some more energy and I was trampled on. Then another of the three bison picked me up and threw me at a rock. I bumped on it, and then I got scratched from a rock as sharp as a knife under my left eye.

See ya, and I’ll meet you later if I have time to write in my diary.

Chapter 12

Bruin woke up to find he had accidently slept in the detention room. He heaved himself up and walked lazily to the door. There, he bumped into Streak.

“Hey, sleepy-head, you’ve gotta hurry up if you want some of Cook’s chilli noodles and sugar waffles.” Streak said as he quickly slid away with a bowl of noodles under his arm.

Bruin scratched his head a little confused, then sped towards the dinner hall so he wouldn’t miss his food.

At lunch break, Hera met up with Streak and Bruin.

“So, what’re you lot gonna do now?” she wondered aloud.

Streak scratched his head thoughtfully. “Well, how about going to visit Howler?”

Bruin punched him in the stomach affectionately. “Great idea!” he grinned.

Five minutes later, Bruin, Streak and Hera were at Howler’s bed side. He hadn’t seemed to have moved since they’d seen him last.

“He’s probably, err, just sleeping?” Bruin nudged Hera, accidently hitting her face because he was extremely big.

“No, his scar would’ve gone a brownish colour.” she told them. “That’s what happens when he sleeps, it even happened to dad with his scar.”

“What if he’s still fainted?” Streak looked frantic. “We’ve gotta wake him up! We’ve gotta wake him up! He might die!”

“Shut up, Streak,” Bruin slapped his paw on Streak’s mouth. “The nurse is looking at you like your crazy!”

“Well, why don’t we go down to the Wise Terrapin near the river?” Hera suggested. “He’s been alive for ages, he’ll probably give us some useful info about Akinwande and why Howler’s fainted and what’s Howler fainting got to do with Akinwande.”

“Well, we’ve got forty-five minutes till we’ve gotta go to detention.” Bruin checked the clock. “Yeah, c’mon, let’s go.”

The walk to the river was dangerous as there were thistles thorns and some Arctic wolves that were smaller than grey wolves but still very powerful. The Academy was located in North Canada, and there were loads of bison, an occasional polar bear and loads of Arctic wolves.

When they reached the Terrapin’s river, they saw the bumpy shell, but could not see the head and the legs.

“Better wake him up,” muttered Streak, nudging Bruin, who was the only one who could wake the Terrapin up.

“Alright. Here goes nothing, Terrapin. Prepare to wake up.”

The enormous bear raised his head so that his nose was pointing upwards then roared louder than a lion.

ROOAAAARRRRRR!

Bruin had the loudest noise of any of the four and the Terrapin had very bad hearing so he was obviously the best animal for the job.

The Terrapin poked his wrinkled head out from his shell and peered at them, really puzzled. Then he smiled and the others padded over to him.

“Welcome, young friends!” the Terrapin beamed. “You are all very well, good, good. Wait a minute, where is the young wolf?”

“He’s err, fainted, Terrapin.” Streak stammered. “That’s what we came to ask you about.”

“And loads more.” Bruin added.

“Well, you have come to the right animal.” the Terrapin once again smiled. “You are asking me about, Akinwande, yes?”

“Huh? How did you know?” Streak blurted out.

The Terrapin stood up on his two hind legs just like the others. “There is a film called Kung-fu Panda. In it, there is an old turtle or tortoise called Master Oogway. That tortoise is real. They found that person here. I am Master Oogway, the kung-fu master. They also found the snow leopard, Tai Lung in this village.”

“Huh? So you took part in...” Hera trailed off.

“Yes.” said the Terrapin, or Master Oogway. “I took part in the war against Akinwande when he turned evil and the war with Akinwande on my side. And he had a friend called Tai Lung. He was Akinwande’s best friend, after Samurai, his other friend died in a battle.”

“Samurai, as in my dad?” Bruin looked astonished. “I knew he died in a battle, but I never saw your dad, Hera and neither did my dad.”

“Yeah, and Tai Lung, my dad.” Streak said. “I never knew he met Akinwande either. Howler didn’t even tell me that he had a dad.”

“Samurai, Tai Lung, Akinwande, Master Chen and Master Chen’s father, Master Shen are all very close to me.” Master Oogway said. “They all took part in the War of Ninjutsu. Sit down, my friends and I will tell you more.”

Chapter 13

“Fifty years ago, in the land of Alaska, there was once a king whose name was Heraclius who was a powerful ox.” Master Oogway paused for a moment, twinkling his eyes at the young animals. “He was greedy for power and land, so he set out, conquering the nearby villages, and towns in Canada. Then he came to the North where all of us warriors lived.”

“We were at the Clan Castle, dividing the share of land and money to the villages in our territory. A messenger from Heraclius came, and Master Shen read it out. It said:

“Dear Shen Wong, Leader of Ninjutsu Warriors Clan.

The whole land of Canada is conquered by Heraclius IV except the territory of the Ninjutsu Warriors clan. You can either surrender now or come out to the battlefield in east of your territory where we will battle for land. If most of your men are taken prisoner or killed the land is ours and we will take it. If your side wins we will surrender and give us our land.

Signed

Heraclius IV.”

“Master Shen wrote a letter and read it out to us.

“Dear Heraclius IV, King of Alaska.

We will not budge from this land and will come and battle. We were fair and just to our people and we would have let them down if we gave our land away.

Signed

Shen Wong

“He sent Tai Lung to King Heraclius to deliver the letter. Then he told Samurai, who was our army and weapons officer, to train a thousand ninjas for the battle which was in four days.

“When Samurai and Tai Lung returned, Akinwande went with them to scout ahead to see if there were any bandits ahead of us.

“They came back with scars and bruises, saying they had been attacked. They only managed to get half of the way to the battlefield. You three and Howler were old enough for a scout expedition, so Master Shen sent you with Master Chen.

“You were successful and you found out that Heraclius’ army were blocking the wells. Master Shen was furious and ordered that the army was to start marching to the battlefield.

“When we got there, we hid and waited until sunset, then told Akinwande, Samurai, Tai Lung, you three, Howler and Bruin’s older brother Brawl to make as much noise as you could. The noise was tremendous! Hera, Akinwande and Howler howled. Bruin, Brawl and Samurai roared and Tai Lung and Streak growled louder than a husky dog.

Heraclius’ army heard us and marched out, heavily armed. They had swords, spears, lances, helmets, shields and iron mail jackets. We had our uniforms and bamboo spears.

“We stood fearlessly, as the Heraclius army surged towards us. We courageously marched forwards I do not want to tell you the gruesome scene that happened but seventy-eight of our warriors were killed. The last ones dead was your father, Bruin, and Master Shen.”

Everyone was in state of shock. “S... so that’s how he died?”Bruin stuttered, his eyes watering.

“Yes. Now, go back, Master Chen is calling you for detention.”

Chapter 14

 After the week of detention was over, Master Chen was training all of his students for war. All of them wanted to sacrifice their lives for their families, for ninjutsu. All of them except eight pupils: Talon and his gang.

Bruin was doing press-ups on the army camp, when Streak ran up to him, holding something.

“Hey, check this out! Master Chen gave us those sticks with blades, and Howler’s awake! But he’s not fit for war, that’s what the nurse said.”

Bruin tried some moves with the stick, than knelt on the ground, spotting Master Chen walking towards the army.

“We will be moving tomorrow to the home of the Destroyer. We will fight for Akinwande, Samurai and all the Ninjutsu Warriors Clan’s fighters!”

A huge uproar leapt from the crowd.

Bruin stood up with a new determination, a new heart. He was going to this for ninjutsu, for his dad.

“Remember who you are, Bruin,” his father’s voice echoed through his mind. “You’ve got to have two things to fight fairly: determination and a friend.”

‘I’ve got both of them,’ Bruin thought. ‘I’m gonna do this, Dad. For you

Chapter 15

Bruin heaved his feet over the rock, and he saw it: the Volcano, home of the Destroyer.

Master Chen and Master Oogway were supervising the army with some other teachers. Bruin and Streak were way out in front, staff at the ready for any surprise attack.

The journey was rough and hard but there were loads of wells so they could have a drink.

“I have a feeling, we’re gonna find unexpected animals in there.” Bruin pointed at the Volcano to Streak.

Then, an extraordinary event happened. The Volcano was sending puffs of black smoke. Suddenly, the whole thing erupted, sending flaming hot lava pouring down the sides. Then, at the opening of the Volcano, it started to crack.

“Holy Cow!” Bruin rubbed his eyes and stared. “Is it just me, or is the home of the Destroyer opening?”

“It is the day that Akinwande comes back from the Underworld.” Master Chen had suddenly appeared at their side. “The Great Destroyer’s venom makes a person only think about the world as his own. Akinwande will come above the earth to take over the world. He will destroy our home, country, world and ninjutsu if we don’t stop him.”

“Well, just wait till he feels my knuckles!”growled Bruin.

“Akinwande is stronger than before. There is only one animal who can beat him. But that animal is still unknown.”

Chapter 16

“I bet the Chosen Animal is one of our dads.” Bruin stepped over another rock. “My dad said to fight fairly, you’ve gotta have a friend. Akinwande’s friends would probably beat him up.”

“C’mon get ready for battle.” Streak hid behind the body of the humongous bear.

Bruin immediately whipped out his spear. “Don’t be a coward, Streak.” he whispered. “Remember, you’re doing this for ninjutsu.” Bruin’s mind wandered back to his furry friend. “You’re doing this for Howler.”

Then, the whole Volcano split up in the middle. A wave of red hot lava gushed over the rocky landscape.

 “Streak,” Bruin hissed. “Look, there’s Akinwande.”

Sure enough, a huge figure the shape of Howler but the size of a whale towered over the ninjutsu army. Gleaming red eyes glared at them. In a booming voice Akinwande spoke. “I AM AKINWANDE!”

“As if we didn’t know that,” Bruin snarled. “Ninjas, ATTAAACK!”

Immediately, eight-thousand pupils of Master Chen’s Ninjutsu Academy, shot towards the imposing body of the wolf. He growled furiously then pushed his hand through the torrent of animals. Students were scattered in every direction. Bruin bounced clear of Akinwande’s massive arm then thrust his blade at the horrendous wolf’s face, slashing Akinwande below the left ear.

Blood dripped off Akinwande’s face landing in red puddles on the ground.

He roared in anger, and charged at Master Chen. Behind him a colossal bear, larger than Akinwande, shattered the remaining pieces of the Volcano. It was Bruin’s father, Samurai. Behind the bear, a snow leopard the size of a lamppost dived after a few ninjas, sending dust swirling.

Bruin, Master Chen, Master Oogway and Streak all chased the three giant animals, leaping and kicking, punching and ducking.

Soon, they were tired out. “Man, if all of us put to together can’t beat him, who can?”

Chapter 17

“I can’t take this anymore,” Bruin panted. “Goodbye everyone, it was fun while it lasted.”

“Look!” Streak cried.

A grey fur-ball with a red vest and green ninjutsu pants whizzed past them, hitting Tai Lung between his eyes.

“It’s... it’s Howler!” breathed Bruin.

A grinning face looked at Bruin. “Brilliant observation.” Howler said.

“How did you get here...?” Master Chen was cut off as Howler interrupted.

“Don’t worry about that know, we’ve gotta defeat this guy!” Howler punched Samurai’s rump sending him crashing onto the ground.

Streak nudged Bruin. “I think we’ve found the Chosen One, don’t you?”

Bruin grinned then his smile faded when he looked at the Volcano. “The Destroyer,” he breathed. “It’s coming out.”

A huge green snake as long as four buses was cracking its tail like a whip. Master Oogway stared then rolled into his shell as the Destroyer spat some venom out.

The terrible trio knelt down. “We are ready, master.” they droned in robotic voices.

“Bruin!” Howler yelled. “The back of the head! The back of the head!”

‘He’s crazy,’ thought Bruin but he sprang after the brave wolf.

“It’s the power source!” Howler yelled. “Where the Destroyer’s energy comes from. He’s not a normal snake!”

They dashed behind the Destroyer, and sure enough, an eerie light was shining at the back of the Destroyer’s head.

“Block it!” hissed Howler. “Now!”

Bruin threw his spear at it. The blade touched the light but bounced off and landed on the floor.

Howler leapt up the Destroyer’s tail and jumped into the green light. He was greeted with red hot pain but with all his strength he held it back.

“Howler!” Bruin called. “Get back! You could die in there!”

“I’m doing this for ninjutsu, Bruin,” Howler calmly replied. “I’m doing it for you.”

Howler closed his eyes and thought of his past. Him and Bruin playing, his dad teaching him how to catch fish, his mum caring for his wounds.

Howler was sucked inside the light with a smile on his face.

Chapter 18

“He’s... gone.” Bruin choked, watching the three maniacs shrinking into their normal selves.

“No, he’s not.”Akinwande appeared. “He’s still in your heart, you’ve just gotta find him.”

Bruin could see the tears in the muscular wolf’s eyes.

The Destroyer disappeared, shrieking with pain. He vanished in a circular beam of dark purple light.

 “I don’t get it.” Bruin shook his head. “If Howler’s ... dead and squashed by the Destroyer then there’ll obviously be some trace of blood.”

“It means the Destroyer will return one day,” Akinwande stared at the sky. “He will have made Howler part of his green energy light.”

“There’s something else as well,” Bruin turned to his dad. “If you died in a battle, then how come the Destroyer got you and you’re still alive?”

“Well, the warriors thought I was dead but I was just injured badly and it was like I had fainted. The Destroyer found me on the deserted battlefield and took me to his home. I was the first warrior to become the Destroyer’s slave.”

“We’d better go now.” Streak worriedly looked at the Volcano. “If the Destroyer thinks he’s not finished with us I’m out of here!”

Everybody trudged home. Bruin was silent through the whole journey, wishing Howler was there to cheer him up.

Chapter 19

“I wonder if Howler is really dead.” Bruin said. “What if he’s gonna surprise us and turn up again?”

“I think he’s gone.” Tears rolled down Streak’s cheeks.

“C’mon, guys just think about the bright side!” Hera said with fake enthusiasm.

Back at the Academy, Master Chen gave everyone a badge that said ‘NINJUTSU MASTER’.

Bruin really liked the badge but couldn’t help thinking how much his furry friend would have loved it.

Two days later, Bruin still hadn’t changed.

“Okay, I’m still a little gutted about what happened, but I truly miss that fur-ball.”

“Talking about me again, kiddos?” a voice behind them said.

Bruin turned and stared.

“I’m dreaming,” he said. “You’re not Howler, are you?”

“’Course I am.” Howler replied. “I’m a ninjutsu master.”

ABOUT

THE AUTHOR

Ayyub Ismail is a nine-year old who studies at Bridge Junior School. He is in Year 4 and his best friends are called Yusuf and Yoosuf: Yusuf Alibhai and Yoosuf Shaikh. They were the inspiration for this suspense filled story.