Story Mode: Chapter One

## Characters

* Van
* Genryusai
* Space Ninja
* Loco Soda

## Plot

#### Prologue

It is daytime in Eagle City. Van, while descending from a jump, cheerfully says "Yo, Gramps!" Van lands while striking a ninja pose and having his left hand touching the roof of the high-rise building he landed on, right before a flock of birds from below fly upwards and away. Across the roof is Genryusai, who is sitting on one of the cuboid blocks on top of the roof. Genryusai says to Van "I told you to call me Master." Van panickedly replies with "Oh, yeah, Master!" Van tells Genryusai "I've been wondering about what exactly we ninja do." Van then asks Genryusai “We beat up bad guys, right? Like in the movies and comics...” and Genryusai answers with "Oho... Putting it most simply, I suppose that is true..." Genryusai goes on to explain "...But out foes are not limited to just bad "guys." Animals, and plants... They, too, can also be ninja. ...Of both the good and bad variety." Van says "Huh." right before asking Genryusai "So, we just take out the bad ones, right?” Van exclaims "All right, then!" before jumping away. Van not yet far away and in mid-air tells Genryusai "Leave it to me, Master Gramps!" Genryusai says to himself "Why does he never listen until the end... Ah, well.”

A Chocomin appears on the bridge of Eagle City and Van, wielding an IPPON Katana, defeats them. Two more Chocomin appear and they too are defeated by Van.

Van and Genryusai meet up on the bridge. An Alarmed Van exclaims to Genryusai “Master! There was some kind of weird, nasty-looking creature out there!” Genryusai tells Van "That, my boy...was a space ninja. It's a kind of extraterrestrial life form.“ Van exclaims "Like an alien!? You never told me there'd be aliens!" Van asks Genryusai "Why would these nasty aliens come to Earth?" and Genryusai replies with "The answer to that... ...my dear boy... ...is that I have no idea." Van is completely baffled.

Genryusai tells Van "Long ago, the legend goes... a meteor fell from outer space. How is it connected to the power of Shinobi? None can say." Genryusai says “Perhaps the ninja arts have some deep connection to outer space.” Van says "The power of Shinobi..." with intrigue. Genryusai tells Van that “Learning more about this is a vital ninja mission.” Three more Chocomin appear and Genryusai laughs before telling Van "Looks like it's time to continue your training."

Van defeats the Chocomin and a drone appears. Genryusai instructs Van to destroy the drones. Van destroys the drone and then a second drone appears. Van destroys the second drone and then a third drone appears. Van destroys the third drone and then six more Chocomin appear, only for them to be defeated by Van. Still on the bridge, Van gets Genryusai's attention by saying "Hey, Master!" Van then asks Genryusai "what's the deal with" the gum in the former's possession. Genryusai tells Van “There is a great invention that harnesses ninja DNA. This... is Ninja-Gum.” Genryusai goes on to explain that “Ninja-Gum contains elements that awaken the ninja powers within you. This includes new ways to do battle. The ability to throw gum shuriken... ...or to attack and move." Van asks Genryusai "Like...for running away?" Genryusai answers by telling Van "A good strategist must know when to retreat, as well as when to fight." Van, with his hands behind his head, closed eyes and a smile, confidently says "Well, that sounds simple enough." Genryusai responds with "Very well..." Genryusai tells an eager Van "Then let's put theory into practise. First, you must..." Van jumps away while exclaiming "All right! Here we goooooooooooo!!!" An annoyed Genryusai tells Van "Listen to the end, I keep telling you!"

Van defeats more Chocomin and Mimiron, which are green space ninja, appear, only for Van to defeat them as well.

Van asks Genryusai "Master...can I take a break?" An exhausted Van says to Genryusai "I'm pooped. They just keep coming, don't they?" Genryusai tells Van “This is why we need more and more ninja with DNA like yours." An alarmed Van asks Genryusai "So my dad, too...?" Genryusai tells Van "Quite so. Your father was part of an elite group of ninja called the Oniwa Banshu.” Van asks Genryusai "So he fought against those space ninja, too?" Genryusai tells Van "Indeed. You never know when or where a space ninja might show up." Genryusai explains “To that end, WNA recruited ninja from all over the world. ...To protect the ninja arts and the power of Shinobi. Ninjala was created as part of WNA’s training program.” Van cheerfully exclaims "I know that! We blow bubbles and do all this cool stuff, right?" Genryusai tells Van "Now you're starting to understand..."

Van destroys another drone and crafts a big IPPON Katana before defeating more Chocomin and Mimiron while a Loco Soda mascot statue that has been brought to life by a Chocomin acting as the statue’s tongue climbs a nearby tower of the bridge before sitting at its top.

Van wearily asks Genryusai "Masterrr... We're not done yet...?" Genryusai tells Van “We've just been getting warmed up so far.” The Chocomin-controlled Loco Soda mascot statue jumps off the tower of the bridge it climbed and lands in front of Van and Genryusai. Genryusai tells Van “But now...it seems to be time for the main event." Van exclaims "That thing!? Nooo, I don't think I can handle it..." Genryusai tells Van "Recall all I have taught you, and victory will be yours." Van answers by exclaiming "Ehhh...!? Do I have to...?" Genryusai tells Van "If you succeed... a great reward awaits you." Van silently stares at Genryusai before the former cheerfully exclaims "All right! Here we goooooooooooo!!!" while striking a ninja pose as the latter speechlessly looks on.

Van battles and defeats the Loco Soda mascot statue along with the Chocomin controlling it.

Van is lying with his back on the bridge with outstretched arms, his eyes closed and his mouth in an open frown while asking Genryusai "Uh, Master Gramps... What was that?" before telling him "I thought I was done for..." Genryusai tells Van "If you're troubled by the likes of that..." Van gets up and exasperatedly and loudly asks "Whuuut!? You're saying there are even tougher enemies!?" Van becomes depressed and speechless before he starts walking away and Genryusai asks Van "Where are you going?" Van despondently tells Genryusai "I think I'll be going home now." Genryusai exclaims "Hold it right there!", to which a crestfallen Van replies "But...come on..." Genryusai tells Van "Your father was a brave ninja. He had to make many sacrifices... Since ancient times, ninja have done their duty from the shadows.” An intrigued Van asks "Duty?" Genryusai tells Van "Your father’s blood runs strong in you." Van asks "My father's blood...?" while looking at his left hand before fisting it. Van now has a smile of determination on his face as Genryusai says to Van "To carry on his duty, you must enter Ninjala and grow strong!" Van, with his hands fisted and his right fist raised, enthusiastically exclaims "I... I'll...I'll rise to the top of Ninjala!” Genryusai tells Van "You will have many rivals. Do not neglect your training. Train hard, and become stronger!"

A space ninja spies on Van and Genryusai from behind a tower of the bridge they are on before leaving...

#### Episode 1

Genryusai is at the Eagle City base sitting on a beach deckchair. The television of the base is on and broadcasting the news:

“President Harold announced a plan to strengthen ties with the WNA. This has been met with some resistance from the Senate.”

Then, there is another news report:

“This just in! Breaking news! We're back with the latest on the kidnappings in Eagle City. Reports claim that a gum-like substance was found at the scene of the latest incident. It is unclear what this means, but citizens are encouraged to stay indoors. And now for tomorrow's weather forecast...”

Genryusai asks himself “Gum!? Could it be...?” The base is now deserted and a few birds from below fly upwards and away. Van asks Genryusai "What is it, Master?" Van and Genryusai are at the Eagle City base. Genryusai tells Van "There's an incident I need you to look into right away." Van asks Genryusai "Incident?" Genryusai tells Van "A recent string of abductions. It appears children are being targeted." Van asks Genryusai "You mean the kidnappings? Isn't that a job for the police?" Genryusai tells Van “These are no ordinary kidnappings. The victims have vanished.” Alarmed, Van exclaims "Vanished?" Genryusai tells Van "Correct. They just disappear...poof! Without a trace. I believe that space ninja are behind this." A surprised Van loudly asks Genryusai "Whuuut!? Those guys again!?" Genryusai tells Van "At any rate, they have infested the city. The investigation cannot proceed until they are dealt with. I'm counting on you, Van." Van enthusiastically says to Genryusai "Why didn't you say so? I'll make quick work of 'em!" Genryusai exclaims "Wait!" to Van and tells him “Something is different this time... You must proceed with caution.”, much to Van's confusion. Genryusai tells Van “Ninja-Gum was found at the scene of the latest incident.”, alerting the latter. Van asks Genryusai “You mean, the WNA is involved somehow?” Genryusai tells Van "I cannot say for sure. But there may indeed be some connection.” Genryusai goes on to tell Van "At any rate, we must get to the bottom of this.” Van enthusiastically tells Genryusai "All right, then!" before heading off while exclaiming to Genryusai "Leave it to me!" Genryusai looks on without saying anything.

Van goes around Eagle City, defeating space ninja. In the process of defeating space ninja, he protects three school buses full of children from space ninja.

Van meets up with Genryusai and happily tells the latter "Master! I took care of business!" Genryusai replies "Good work, Van. Did you learn anything?" Van answers "Not really... Just space ninja running wild, as usual." Genryusai says "I see... Perhaps I should have kept a closer eye on them..." Van, with his hands behind his head, eyes closed and mouth in an open smile, starts to walk away from Genryusai while telling him "Oh, don't worry about that. I let one go...so we can track it." A surprised Genryusai replies "Van! Since when were you so clever!?" Van, maintaining his pose and expression, says "Well, uh..." before thinking "Maybe it wasn't quite on purpose... Maybe I just kind of...let it get away." Genryusai tells Van "No matter. We can still track its movements and gather clues about the kidnappings." Van cheerfully exclaims to Genryusai "Gramps! I mean, Master! I'm on the case!" Genryusai replies to Van "Very well. Let me know when you are ready. ...And I will teach you the ninjutsu of stealth." A confused Van asks Genryusai "...Stealth?"

#### Episode 2

Genryusai tells Van “Our ninja ancestors were once known as "shadows." A shadow, you see...can follow anyone without being seen." Van says to Genryusai "Huh. So, you just mean it's all good if no one sees me." Genryusai replies "Indeed. But escaping the gaze of a space ninja is no small feat." Van asks "...It isn't?" Genryusai tells Van "And so I bequeath to you the morphing arts needed for stealth activity.” Van, who has his arms folded and is smiling, after a brief silence, asks Genryusai "Barfing arts?" Genryusai angrily exclaims at Van ""Morphing," you fool!" Genryusai explains to Van "When you are at risk of being found, you must change your form.” Van asks Genryusai "How do I do that?" and the latter answers "Using the power of gum … Ninja-Gum.” Genryusai stresses to Van “The enemy must not be alerted to your movements. Avoid unnecessary battles whenever possible.” Van cheerfully exclaims "Got it!" as he heads off while jumping into the air with his hands fisted, his left fist near his ear, his right fist raised, his left leg folded in a way that has his left knee pointing to the side and his right leg outstretched to the side parallel to the ground.

Van covertly follows a small pink humanoid space ninja around Eagle City. At four points of Eagle City, the space ninja presses their face against a wall to leave a gum face-print. Eventually, the space ninja Van follows disappears into the ground. Van goes to the spot where the space ninja disappeared into the ground and he is ambushed by many Chocomin. Van defeats them and then a humanoid and larger yellow space ninja, Gammlord, appears so they can battle with Van. Van defeats Gammlord before regrouping with Genryusai.

Genryusai lets out a discontented "Hmm..." Van nonchalantly tells Genryusai "Sorry, Master... I had a little schedule mix-up..." Genryusai tells Van "Ah, well. It cannot be helped. Besides, something was gained in the process." Van asks Genryusai "Something gained?" Genryusai shows Van a capsule while saying "...This." Van looks at the capsule with surprise and intrigue. Genryusai says “A capsule of ninja DNA.” Van asks Genryusai "What's going on here?" Genryusai tells Van "Our foe is not kidnapping children willy-nilly." Van asks "Huh?" Genryusai explains to Van “They are searching for those with the power of Shinobi, but who have yet to realise it... Or to find children with ninja DNA, and collect it from them.” Van says "That means..." Genryusai stresses "Now, Van. They still have our capsules. And your mission is to get them back!” With angry eyebrows, a smile and his left hand fisted, Van cheerfully accepts the mission by exclaiming "Got it!"

#### Episode 3

Genryusai tells Van "Van... A ninja must move like the wind.” Van asks "The wind?" Genryusai replies "Indeed. You must complete your duties swiftly. Appear like the wind, then depart like the wind." An annoyed looking Van remarks "Lots of wind and shadows, that's for sure." Genryusai orders to Van “Retrieve the capsules… and find out who is behind this.” Van asks Genryusai "But how am I supposed to do that?" Genryusai answers "Use your gum dash to chase after them.” Van runs off with angry eyebrows and a smile while exclaiming "Got it! Piece of cake!" Then, Genryusai says "Very well. Precise and fast... like the wind."

A small purple humanoid space ninja visits the floating platform high above the middle of Eagle City while holding a capsule. Van goes to the floating platform and witnesses a group of space ninja holding capsules splitting up and departing for the four corners of Eagle City. Van defeats the purple space ninja and picks up the first capsule.

Van visits the four corners of Eagle City to defeat the hordes of space ninja of and pick up a capsule from each corner. After Van picks up the fifth capsule, Genryusai tells Van “Something’s stirring on the main street. Go check it out, Van!” Once Van arrives at the main street, more space ninja appear and he defeats them. Then, a white space ninja that looks like a female version of Gammlord appears and they and Van battle. Van defeats the white space ninja and picks up the sixth and final capsule.

The sun is setting at Eagle City. Genryusai and Van regroup, with the former saying "Well done, Van." and the latter scratching the back of his head with his right hand while feebly laughing "Hehehe..." Van with his hands behind his head, his eyes closed and a smile on his face, says to Genryusai "I guess stealth can't cover up my natural talents. Ha ha ha!" Van scratches the back of his head and a silent Genryusai has his hands behind his back. The right side of Genryusai's long and droopy white moustache twitches as he seems to notice something. The right side of Genryusai's moustache suddenly becomes outstretched parallel to the floor as Genryusai looks in the direction it is pointing in in alarm. Van asks Genryusai "What's wrong, Master? Why so delirious?" Genryusai replies "I believe you mean, "Why so serious?"" Genryusai tells Van "I sense a hostile presence..." Van asks Genryusai "What's that mean?" Genryusai tells Van "I believe...you were followed." Van is briefly silent before telling Genryusai "I haven't posted anything in days!" Genryusai tells Van "No, Van... You were followed here...physically. And I am afraid this presence I feel is...quite large." Van, while thinking of the Loco Soda mascot statue being controlled by a Chocomin from before, says to Genryusai "No way... Not that big thing from before!" Genryusai starts to run somewhere while telling Van “This place is not safe. You must leave here, and lure our foe away.” Van, while shrugging his shoulders, asks Genryusai "What will you do, Master?" Genryusai stops in his tracks and tells Van “I have preparations to make. Move on, and keep its attention without fighting.” Van tells Genryusai "All right!" with a determined facial expression and starts to run. Van goes on the move as Genryusai continues to stand.

#### Episode 4

It is night-time in Eagle City with a full moon. Van jumps in an arc while high up in Eagle City and below, a Chocomin makes their way somewhere. The Chocomin stares at a Loco Soda neon sign accompanied by a Loco Soda mascot statue on top of a high-rise building from below. The Chocomin glows green and green energy flies towards and into the Loco Soda mascot statue before the Chocomin disappears. After the green energy finishes flying into the Loco Soda mascot statue, said statue flashes green. The now living Loco Soda mascot statue breaks free from its restraints and jumps towards the floor of Eagle City. The Loco Soda mascot statue lands feet-first on the roof of a high-rise building. The Chocomin acts as the Loco Soda mascot statue's tongue.

Van jumps off the side of buildings, still on the move to lure the foe away. Van lands on the side of a building and asks himself "Am I far enough away...? Now, how am I supposed to lure it closer?" Van is startled by a roar. He sees the Loco Soda mascot statue and asks "Is that...?" before it roars again. As he strikes a ninja pose and looks angry, Van exclaims "Well, only one thing to do now!" Genryusai exclaims "Van!", catching Van off guard. Van exclaims "Hey, Master!" and Genryusai laughs before telling Van "Sorry to keep you waiting." Genryusai throws Scroll Gum at Van, telling him "This is for you!" Van catches the Scroll Gum. Genryusai tells Van "This is the latest Ninja-Gum. It was not easy to obtain." Genryusai instructs to Van "Fill up your ninjutsu gauge, then unleash your technique!” Van chews the Scroll Gum, crafts a Scroll Blade and with angry eyebrows and smile says to Genryusai "Thanks, Master!"

Van battles with and defeats the Loco Soda mascot statue, causing it to turn upside down and blast off. Van is shocked by the sight of the Loco Soda mascot statue's flight and is then dumbfounded by said flight petering out. The Loco Soda mascot statue rapidly bounces on the roofs of Eagle City buildings before being flung into the sky. Van stares at the sky in utter shock. Suddenly, there is a large green explosion somewhere in Eagle City and four cats run away from the silhouette of a now giant Loco Soda mascot statue. Birds fly away as the giant Loco Soda mascot statue rises. Van stands before the giant Loco Soda mascot statue.

Van attacks the giant Loco Soda mascot statue’s weak point: the now-elongated Chocomin acting as its tongue. The giant Chocomin-controlled Loco Soda mascot statue is defeated when the Chocomin retreats into the statue before it turns upside down and blasts off once again into the night sky, vanishing in it.

Genryusai tells Van "You did well, Van." as the latter is on one knee and hyperventilates while looking annoyed and his right eye is closed. Van says to Genryusai “I have to ask... What’s with those guys, anyway!?" Genryusai answers “If I had to speculate... It is their space ninjutsu.” A masked human ninja dressed in blue appears behind Genryusai and exclaims "Master Genryusai!" The masked human ninja says "Thank the heavens you are safe!" Van asks "Gen-you-what now?" To Van's surprise, Genryusai says "Genryusai. That is my name. What news?" The masked human ninja tells Genryusai "The children are safe now. Still, our foe’s goal remains a mystery. Yet there is no doubt it is connected to Ninjala.” Genryusai tells the masked human ninja "I see...you did well to investigate. Pray keep yourself safe." Before vanishing quickly, the masked human ninja says “I will take my leave of you then, Master.”

Van asks Genryusai "What’s this all about, Master?" Genryusai answers "I'm not certain...yet. But what I do know for certain is... Ninjala lies at the heart of all the mysteries. After all, that is why Ninjala was created. To train youths with ninja DNA, and keep their bloodline alive...” Van asks Genryusai "So you think these kidnapping incidents are related somehow?” Genryusai answers “Again, I am not certain.” Genryusai tells Van "Van. You must vanquish your rivals and claim victory at Ninjala. ...This is the only path to the truth.” Van, who has his hands fisted, his right fist raised and is smiling with angry eyebrows, cheerfully tells Genryusai “You got it, Master! Victory will be mine!”

FIN

## Episodes

 Episode 2
 Episode 3
 Episode 4

## Chapter Rewards

***Normal Mode Clear Rewards***

* Space Ninja Mask
* Sparkling Space Ninja
* Utsusemi Loco Soda

***All Normal Mode Gold Trophy Rewards***

* Loco Soda Cap
* Loco Soda Backpack
* Crazy Soda Rampage