I can't.
Rest assured.
You possess enough of the basic skills to be a ninja.
Wait—
Given that Koga has taken open action like this, Ittoki, to protect yourself
you need to—
I'm telling you,
I can't even believe ninjas exist to begin with!
Excuse me.
Young Master.
Even at this moment, the Koga ninjas are lurking about, aiming to take your life.
So please—
Then let's call the police!
Ninjas can even outwit the police.
The only people you can trust are your village and yourself.
Form your resolve, Ittoki.
But...
Excuse me.
I'm going to borrow him for a bit.
Wait, what—
U-Uncle?!
Wait!
SHINOBI NO ITTOKI
EPISODE 2 MERCILESS CHOICES
Ninjas... This is crazy.
Well, you're not wrong.
But choose right now: become a ninja or die.
You can't expect me to decide right on the spot!
I nearly get killed, and you say it was ninjas?!
Then it's, "be a ninja or else you'll die"?
It makes no sense!
How can I believe any of this?
Life was normal until yesterday...
I went to school, and studied... I intended to go to the same high school as my friends!
I had lots of things I wanted to do!
Now all of a sudden...
What the hell is a ninja?!
Then, the third option.
What?
I'll help you escape until the heat dies down.
You can do that?
It'd be a huge pain in the ass, but sure.
Yumika ordered me to run away with you, if that's what you want.
My mom did?
No one knows this but Yumika and me.
To escape without being noticed, it has to be now.
No matter what you choose, no one will blame you.
It's our fault that the Koga found out about you and went after you.
That's why Yumika felt we ought to at least provide you some choice.
Your father was the Iga chief.
What?
Because you were only a kid when he passed, Yumika became chief
and has been protecting the village.
Yumika stepped into that role herself.
Yumika is not a ninja.
For her to just one day become a chief of ninjas...
It's similar to your situation now.
So you decide, Ittoki.
Ittoki.
You might have been putting up with a lot 'til now,
but it's doesn't even compare to the heavy pressure Yumika has endured.
She has faced a world of death and fictions alone,
and shouldered the duties and responsibility alone.
That's who's telling you it's okay for you to run.
What do you choose, Ittoki?
That's...
Unfair, isn't it?
Yet it's what we adults ask of you.
I...
I can't leave Mom alone.
I see.
Sorry.
Ittoki Sakuraba is being sheltered in the Iga ninja estate.
He's out of our reach.
But we can't just go home like this!
We'd bring disgrace on Mr. Enbi's name!
Koga does not suffer incompetence.
We could be expelled, or worse.
I'll do whatever it takes.
Iga will pay!
Mr. Enbi.
Would I be correct in saying
the attacks on Iga a few hours ago were initiated by your subordinates?
So what if they were?
The NSC has already caught wind.
We can't do a damned thing if we're afraid of shadow hunters!
Shall I explain the Three Ninja Principles to you?
So now you're talkin' down to me, Housen?
Our chief was killed!
Do you not see that you're endangering the village?
Acting Chief...
There is no use in engaging in internal quarrels.
Both of you remain dedicated to the Koga village.
I apologize.
Koga is strong. Iga is weak.
We can simply choke the life out of them at our leisure.
Huh?
Good morning.
It's almost time for breakfast.
After that, we will discuss the next steps.
Okay.
I would appreciate that.
Well then, Young Master.
At present, school is too dangerous,
so you will take academic leave for a while.
Then what will I do?
You will attend here.
Kokuten Ninja Academy
Kokuten Ninja Academy is Japan's only national ninja school.
Here, future ninja candidates work on their training and studies.
I learned the importance of friends through ninja training!
Ninjas are amazing!
We Want You!
You there, ninja hopeful!
We're waiting for your admission!
This was well made for a fake video.
It had no ninja elements, though.
It's real.
But anyone can watch this online, right?
That's why no one would think it's real.
No way...
It's located in an area hidden to the public,
and it's even impossible for non-student ninjas to sneak in.
They have student dorms, so you can live in safety.
Plus, the school is operated under the NSC's jurisdiction,
so it's the safest place for you.
NSC?
The Ninja Academy's transfer admission exam is in two days.
If you pass, your safety for the time being is assured.
In two days?!
We won't know the exam site until the day of.
So we will have Tokisada pick you up then.
Iga cakes make perfect Iga souvenirs!
Please give them a try!
Would you like a sample?
No, thanks.
I am Koga Holdings' sales director, Ban.
What's that NSC thing you mentioned, Ms. Reiha?
The National Ninjutsu Security Measures Committee.
NSC for short.
There was a major war in the shinobi world about 70 years ago.
It was a tragic conflict that involved all villages.
The NSC was formed afterward, to avoid further conflict between villages.
Koga Holdings Sales Director Housen Ban
You may say they're increasing the wholesale price,
but we have a long relationship with Ninman Confections.
I believe I told you that Ninman Confections will be a subsidiary of Koga Holdings.
Buying out business partners to pressure another village...
Isn't this boundary infringement, a violation of the Ninja Ordinances?
The NSC has determined it does not constitute infringement.
The NSC?!
I understand.
Then we accept those terms and look forward to continued business dealings.
Boss!
If this makes the factory workers' lives better, isn't it a good thing?
I hope to be able to further build our positive relationship going forward.
Likewise.
Koga Holdings Sales Director Housen Ban
Suppress your bloodlust, Suzaku.
I'm attempting to.
A true ninja silences their heart.
I know, Dad.
Since tomorrow is exam day!
Thanks.
I am grateful for my food.
I used a nicer cut of meat today. How is it?
It's just...
The whole ninja school thing still doesn't feel real.
Of course.
You'll have to wing it and try your best.
It's understandable to be nervous, but I know you'll be fine.
Dad was a ninja too, right?
You told me he died in an accident, but was it because he was a ninja?
All those lessons I took were for this?
Am I really gonna become a ninja?
You'll be fine. Come on, eat up. Your food will get cold.
Good morning.
Hey!
We don't have the exam location yet, so just sit tight.
Um...
Hm?
Is it really fine that I didn't prepare at all?
Huh?
Aren't ninjas more like, you know...
Huh?
Don't they use ninjutsu?
Like breath fire or manipulate water,
shouting "Fire Style Jutsu" or "Water Style Jutsu"?
Huh?!
What a pain.
Did I say something strange?!
I asked because it's a ninja exam. Don't I need to practice things like that?
Fire technique.
What? Is this some game?
Water technique.
Hey!
And that's my coffee!
No, really. What are you doing?
A technique involving fire is labeled fire.
Same for water.
Also, you can't make something from nothing.
You'll need to train.
Uh... what do you mean?
I'm saying, to make fire,
you'll need something that burns and something to light it.
Yes?
What?
Uh... I'm lost.
What?
What?!
What's wrong, Uncle?
They told me the exam location.
Let's go.
Koga Service Area
Koga?!
They sure are raking it in.
This is really the exam site?
Eh, it should be fine.
For ninjas, killing is generally forbidden, so you won't die.
That didn't stop all those ninjas before...
Why do ninjas work at service areas in the first place?
Well, you know.
Major roads have long been key in the flow of info and goods, right?
It's a vestige of that.
Well... go get 'em, Tiger!
What?
Koga Service Area
Will I really be okay?
Kousetsu...
Time to focus. No more complaining.
I know.
We've got a job to do.
They don't have signs or anything.
Ask the worker where the "ninja meal" is.
Huh?
Ask her yourself.
Just do it.
Fine.
Excuse me.
Yes?
Where can I find the "ninja meal?"
Right this way.
Caution!
Automatic. Tap to open
Go straight and all the way back.
Okay.
Is this really the place?
Stay alert.
Excuse me.
Everyone is here now,
so we will begin the Kokuten Ninjutsu Academy transfer exam.
The test will be a mock-ninja practical exam of "hide-and-seek."
Hide-and-seek?
Examinees will be split into hiders and seekers.
Good luck.
The hider will leave the back room first and hide somewhere within the service area.
A minute later, the seeker will leave and the exam begins.
The time limit is 10 minutes.
Hiders not found within that time pass the exam.
Seekers who find and touch their hider pass the exam.
We will be constantly monitoring through security cameras.
If we see conduct prohibited by the Ninja Ordinances,
you will be disqualified immediately.
The exam calls for clever ploys from the hiders
and espionage ability on the part of the seekers.
It will show your fundamental ability as a ninja.
Never shoplift.
Ever.
All right. Maiko Yasukawa.
Please exit and go hide.
Yes, sir.
Good luck in the exam.
S-Same to y—
Let's try our best,
Sakuraba-senpai.
No way...
Ittoki Sakuraba, begin the exam.
Time has started.
R-Right!
How?
What do I do? What do I do?
I'll be confiscating this.
Tokisada of the Iga!
That's correct.
Goodness.
Don't go falling asleep on the job now.
A hundred days without time off?! Good job.
Oh crap, oh crap, oh crap.
Kousetsu!
Shut up and listen.
If they find out I helped, we'll both be disqualified.
Kousetsu, Tsubaki is here!
It's not just her.
Koga ninjas have snuck in, and they're after you.
Then I have to run!
You'll be failed and lose your shot at the academy.
The exam still goes forward?!
Uncle and I are taking care of them,
but they could be anywhere.
Stay alert.
What?!
Don't cry.
Heat Haze Type 3?
What?
It uses Quantum Stealth and 3D meta-materials to...
What?
It's optical camouflage!
Ugh, never mind! Just focus on passing the exam!
What?! But there's no way!
We can get you another one, okay?
Push through. Endure it.
Right now, just focus on staying alive!
Thanks for walking into my trap.
There are no cameras here.
Did you realize you were cornered?
Says who?
Keep fooling yourself!
Idiot.
Okay!
I found you!
There's a fire!
Push hard
Fire alarm
Fire technique!
Water technique!
I found her!
Ittoki Sakuraba!
Kousetsu!
You bitch!
Screw you! That was my chance!
Damn it!
Let me go!
I swear I'll kill you, Ittoki Sakuraba!
If it's the last thing I do!
Wait, let me touch her!
The exam is over.
Time was already up when you activated the sprinklers.
It can't be...
Why did you do this?
Huh?
There are other counters for optical camouflage.
A ninja should draw as little attention as possible.
I didn't want to get anyone else involved.
I thought I could get everyone else out of danger this way.
That takes care of that.
Well, you failed. What's done is done.
Now what do I do?
You'll have to hide until the next exam.
Where?
Iga has an uninhabited island with zero infrastructure,
about four days away by boat.
Please no!
How nice! You'll get to enjoy the quiet, slow life.
This sucks...
Hello? Good to hear from you.
You might also get a bill for the damaged merchandise.
Are you serious?!
What?
Okay...
What is it?
They said you passed.
Huh?
Well, congrats, I guess.
Do your best to become a great ninja.
Y-Yay?
Should I be happy?
I am Goshogawara, Captain of the 1st Division
of the National Ninjutsu Security Measures Committee.
Under the Ninja Ordinances, we have arrested Satomi Tsubaki and four others
for attempted murder and misuse of ninja tools.
Forgive me.
First, allow me to apologize on behalf of my village.
However, the five that were arrested today
are individuals who disappeared last month.
Koga had been pursuing them as fugitive ninjas.
Still, they were originally Koga shinobi.
Satomi Tsubaki
As Koga's Acting Chief, I thank you for apprehending them.
Koga's actions of late have smelled rotten.
If anything more happens, Koga will take responsibility.
Yes? This is Goshogawara.
What?
Call an ambulance! Quickly!
Y-Yes!
Why did you let Ittoki Sakuraba pass?
The character for shinobi is written with "blade" and "heart."
You cannot be a shinobi without a heart.
Pardon me.
It is clear that there was some Koga scheme behind the transfer exam earlier.
Yes.
I believe we ought to assume Koga's reach
extends to the Ninja Academy and even to the NSC.
And what about Iga village?
We cannot be too careful.
Regarding the assassination of the Koga chief, Kishinmaru.
What do you make of the assassination of Koga Chief Kishinmaru
and the suspicion toward Iga?
There is no doubt a traitor in the Iga village.
New faces.
Are they friend...
or foe?
Next time on Shinobi no Ittoki, episode 3:
Happy Graduation!
Episode 3: Quirks of Fate
"Quirks of Fate"