One Week, three days later.

Eastern Sea, Bay of Neighpon.

Twilight breathed in the salty air as the Equestrian Navy ship cut through the waves. She and her friends had taken many forms of transport to reach Neighpon, but they had made good speed, and the captain had told her they would reach Neighpon in a few hours.

"Well, Twi, we're almost there." Applejack walked up. "Rarity's droning on and on about new designs for her dresses and all that."

"I can't blame her." Twilight replied. "Neighpon has been isolated for decades, ever since the Daimyo Wars. Basically, the warlords rose in revolt and the emperor stopped them." She added, noting Applejack's blank and confused look.

"So, what's the plan?" Rainbow asked, lazily drifting over, her wings flapping.

"Once we arrive, there'll be a banquet. Then, we'll see what Emperor Mitsu has planned." Twilight said. "I do know the Neighponese are sticklers for honor and civility, so watch your tongue and your behavior, Rainbow." Twilight said.

"Eh." Rainbow replied. "What's the worst that could happen?"

"Rainbow, they've never liked outsiders. Might I remind you that they've been isolated for decades? They've developed a code of honor that frowns on boastfulness and bragging as incivility." Twilight admonished. "And while we're there, you'll need to listen to me carefully, and do as I do. Seeing as you've never read "The Voyager's guide to Neighpon", it'll make a good impression."

"Sure, whatever." Rainbow said, drifting away.

"She's going to screw this up, one way or another." Applejack noted.

"I really hope she doesn't make this unpleasant." Twilight said.

"Princess! We're approaching the harbor! Seems they're waiting for us!" The captain cried, seeing two Neighponese warships approaching with flags bared. Twilight noted their elegant tactics as they crossed around and aside the Equestrian vessel, each Warship taking a side. As they entered the harbor, nearly everypony on the dock stopped what they were doing and stared, some whispering. As Twilight and her friends disembarked, a regiment of Samurai approached.

"Princess Twilight Sparkle and the Elements of Harmony?" Said the lead.

"That would be us." Twilight replied.

"Welcome. We've been expecting you." The Samurai said. "If you would, we shall talk you to the palace, where the Emperor welcomes you."

"We accept." Twilight said, and as the Samurai escorted them to a set of carriages, a black-clad ninja watched from a rooftop. He surveyed the scene for a few moments, and disappeared in a flash of smoke.

=========

The Ninja reappeared near a warehouse on the harbor wayside. Two stallions watched as the Ninja approached. One second, they were clad in harbor worker's clothes, but as the ninja approached and showed a mark on his hoof, their appearances changed to that of two more ninja. They opened the door to the warehouse and slipped inside. They walked through the warehouse to a ladder, which ascended into a loft. Inside the loft were racks of swords, boxes of supplies, and a shrine made from ebony and silver stone.

"My dono." The ninja said, bowing to the shrine. Then, were there was once nothing, a tall stallion, clad in a Master Ninja armor, appeared. His piercing green eyes, one bearing a scar, now stood before them.

"What is it?" He asked.

"Six Equestrians have arrived upon our shores." Said the ninja. "We believe they are the Elements of Harmony."

"So they were welcomed after all?" The Dono said. "Interesting. What else?"

"We believe the Emperor will keep them unknowing of the affairs of the Black Forest and of our existence. There is also unsettling news. Our spies report that Mitsu plans to claim the Guard of Amaterasu by using a Amate clan spy close to the prince as a cover for his true plans."

"That would mean he would possess two of the fragments, and potentially restart a war between the clans." The Dono said in a disturbed tone. "See to it that this does not happen. I must confer with the Elders. If we are to act, we must act now. Make sure the Elements know of our task set to us by the gods."

"Yes, Dono." The ninja said. The Dono vanished, and the three ninja left the loft quietly, as to alert the other ninja of their new mission.

==============

Twilight watched as Emperor Mitsu II approached. She and the other elements gave a respectful bow, and Mitsu laughed.

"I see you have learned about our formalities. The Voyager's Guide to Neighpon, I presume?" He chuckled.

"Yes. How did you know?" Twilight ased.

"I know the stallion who wrote it." Mitsu laughed. "Come, you must be tired from your journey. I welcome you to my home."

As they headed inside, Ryujin watched from a balcony.

"Ryu?" Mikara asked, walking in. "You know what you need to do. You are the Emperor's son."

"But am I?" He asked himself. "...Yes, you're right."

As the two of them headed to the reception hall, a group of ten ninja leaped over the castle walls. Disabling the perimeter guards, they quickly adopted their flickering disguises as Samurai. Walking along the path, they followed the Elements. Two of them broke off to find the Hilt of Susanoo. The others followed the Elements to their guest chambers. As the Elements settled in, the Ninja left a scroll near the door. Then, they departed, walking to regroup with their allies.

"The message has been sent." The two other ninja said. "You?"

"Same." The lead ninja said. "We must leave."

They then leaped over the palace wall once more, and as they did so, Twilight noticed a scroll near the door. Opening it, she raised her eyebrows at the Equestrian script.

To the Princess of Magic

We know who you are.We know where you are. I know what you are trying to accomplish. It's brave. But dangerous. And we come with a warning to this danger.

Mitsu is not the stallion he claims to be. Do not trust him above all else.Come to the Black Forest on the Isle of Izanami in three moon's time. Find the Shattered Temple. Then, all will be made known to you. You must insist on coming alone, or with minimal guard.

Do not show this to Mitsu. You and your five are the last hope for balance and peace in Neighpon.

Remember, do not trust Mitsu.

There was no signature, only a mark in Neighponese. Twilight rolled up the scroll and hid it in her saddlebags.

"Don't trust the Emperor? Why?" Twilight murmured.

"Princess? The Banquet is ready." A voice called from outside the room.

"Coming!" Twilight said as she gathered her friends, but a part of her mind still focused on the ominous message she had just received.