KURAI THE PRODIGY
As Inochi immerses himself in rigorous preparation exercises for the semi-finals, Kurai effortlessly excels in the written examination, outperforming all her peers at the academy and scoring twice as much as Tosuke and Inochi.
Yuro, impressed by Kurai's superior intellectual prowess, recommends to the other ninja instructors responsible for the exam evaluations that Kurai should be moved up from the beginner to the intermediary level.
She highlights her exceptional abilities and talents, which are not typical for a beginner ninja.
KURAI PROMOTED
The instructors concur and elevate Kurai to the Intermediate Class, thereby making her eligible to take part in the Semi Exams with Inochi and Tosuke.
Leaving the academy, Kurai is met by Hikari, who greets her with a warm smile outside.
As they draw near each other, she excitedly shares her promotion to the Mid-Class Rank, confirming her qualification for the semi exams.
Hikari, filled with pride, congratulates her and comments on how proud her parents would be.
With the exams looming, Kurai asks if Hikari would help her with her training.
Initially, Hikari hesitates, mentioning a mission, which disappoints Kurai as she recalls past training sessions back home.
Nevertheless, Hikari comforts her by stating, "this is home now," and promises to find time for Kurai's training.
Delighted by the news, Kurai, along with Hikari, heads to the sakura forest, prepared to start.
HIKARI TRAINS KURAI
Subsequently, Kurai begins her specialized training with Hikari, secluded in the wilderness.
Throughout their close combat training, Hikari compliments Kurai on her remarkable abilities and suggests she's ready to share an important secret with her.
THE KOKKOROGAN
Filled with both excitement and caution, Kurai inquires, "What is it big sister?" At this moment, Hikari stops smiling, closes her eyes, and upon reopening them, slowly unveils her Ultra Kokkorogan to Kurai.
Kurai, astonished, exclaims, "Woah big sis, your eyes are just like father's," filled with intrigue.
Hikari smiles and reassures Kurai that she too will develop such eyes, describing them as a unique ability that enhances faculties in both eyes.
HIKARI'S AWAKENING
Eager to understand the origins of this power, Kurai listens as Hikari recounts its appearance during a shinobi's attempt from Kurayami to kidnap Kurai.
She recalls a surge of energy encompassing her, her heart racing, her vision blurring, and her eyes' shape changing as she faced defeat and the terrifying prospect of her sister being kidnapped or harmed.
Driven by a resolve to protect her sister at all costs, the intense emotional stress activated Hikari's Ultra Kokkorogan.
THE SIDE EFFECTS
She continues, revealing that afterward, unbeknownst to Kurai, she endured difficulties adapting; her eyes faced intense pain from burst blood vessels, her skull underwent increased pressure, and her brain overloaded with information.
This resulted in minor tears in her retinas; despite the excruciating pain, she persisted and began training to adapt, integrate, and improve her foundational skills.
BASICS OF THE KOKKOROGAN
She explains to Kurai there are 2 types of Kokkorogans: the basic Kokkorgan and the Ultra Kokkrogan.
She recounts how Daku Hinotori, as the grandmaster, treated her as a weapon, sending her on perilous missions.
Hikari shares that her best friend, Akimi Hinotori, sacrificed her life to save Hikari on a mission, which triggered her to awaken the Basic Kokkorogan.
Daku would threaten to harm Kurai and their mother if Itami defied his commands and planned to involve her in the war between the Hinotori and Yaskue Clans due to her potential.
Kurai feels saddened and questions how she can remain so cheerful and calm after everything she's endured and their long separation, finally reuniting.
Hikari confesses that what keeps her happy is her little sister and begins to smile.
Kurai returns the smile and then asks about the differences between them.
She informs Kurai that the Basic Kokkorogan grants the ability to see movements in slow motion and to instantly recall any witnessed event, akin to photographic memory, and crucially, the power to instill fear in a person's soul.
Kurai marvels at this ability and inquires whether Hikari believes she will also unlock her Ultra Kokkorogan.
Hikari affirms, saying "Yes, one day I believe you will possess the visual prowess of the Ultra Kokkorogan, but only a few members of the clan survived this power when they first awakened it."
Kurai, intrigued, queries what Hikari means by 'survive.'
THE CURSE OF ULTRA KOKKORGAN
Hikari gazes at Kurai and clarifies that when a Hinotori clan member awakens the Ultra Kokkorogan, it can lead to life or death situations due to the Ultra Kokkorogan's potent side effects; some went mad, others took their own lives, and some became blind.
Only a handful within the clan have withstood the trial.
She mentions she endured because the idea of dying and leaving her little sister behind gave her the strength and will to persist.
She also points out that neither their father nor mother is aware of her Ultra Kokkorogan.
Kurai starts to feel uneasy, but Hikari allays her concerns, suggesting Kurai believes she too will one day unlock the power and overcome the ordeal.
Kurai looks down sadly, questioning how Hikari can be so certain.
As the wind picks up, Hikari smiles and states it's because she knows Kurai also has someone she deeply cares for and desires to protect.
Surprised, Kurai thinks of Inochi and then smiles, affirming to Hikari, "You're right; I will achieve it big sister."
Hikari then reveals that the Ultra Kokkorogan also grants three unique special abilities when taken to the next level, bestowing immense power known as the Ultra Kokkorgan.
Kurai is astonished and asks about Hikari's abilities, to which Hikari responds she prefers not to reveal them at this time.
Kurai, sporting a playful look, declares, "Wow, you're gatekeeping; you're so boring," then smiles and suggests they continue training.
Excited, Kurai prompts Hikari to challenge her in combat using her Kokkorogan.
Hikari tells Kurai she's moving too fast.
Kurai then teases Hikari, asking, "Are you scared of your younger sister? Just admit it if that's the case, or are you just afraid you'll lose?"
Hikari laughs, admiring Kurai's boldness, and consents to confront her, but only with the Kokkrogan's basic features and without extreme measures.
Kurai urges Hikari not to view her as a child anymore, highlighting that she's now a mid-class shinobi.
Hikari acquiesces with a smile, saying "Just this time, Kurai."
HIKARI VS KURAI
Kurai gleams, drawing her Kunai, while Hikari stands still, watching.
Kurai questions why Hikari isn't engaging, to which Hikari indicates the duel is already over since Kurai, lacking the Kokkorogan, hasn't realized it.
Confused, Kurai insists the match hasn't started.
She then smiles, charges at Hikari, attempting to strike her in the stomach, without Hikari moving.
Looking into Hikari's eyes, Kurai experiences dread; her body shakes, her face perspires, and she drops her Kunai before retreating swiftly.
KURAI DEFEATED
Hikari then deactivates her Kokkrogan and laughs, leading Kurai to exclaim, "That wasn't funny; you scared me half to death, big sister."
Hikari teases it was just an introduction to the basic visual power, reminding her she had earlier stated the battle was effectively over and Kurai wasn't prepared to face the Kokkorogan.
Kurai continues to tremble, then Hikari extends a comforting embrace, promising not to scare her like that again and commits to teaching her mental control to resist Genkaku, or Illusions, which is another skill she possesses.
In awe, Kurai praises Hikari's strength, who then reminds Kurai of her High-class shinobi status.
Hikari then tells Kurai, "Let's proceed with your training."