AN: Hey guys! I hope everyone's been doing fine. Just wanna give two quick shout outs- Thanks casey and lily fan for the review! I've already mentioned it a while back but check out DreamStar14's stories! And I'll be making some stuff and names up while trying to expand the Shinkenger/Samurai history.
Disclaimer: Power Rangers belongs to Saban Brands!
Last time:
"Mr. Shiba," the swordsman cut off, bowing as a sign of respect. "It's an honor to meet you. I apologize for interrupting, but I have to ask something that the others and I would like to know.
"The apple doesn't fall far from the tree does it?" replied Jayden's dad, chuckling. "Go ahead Kevin."
Still in amazement, the Blue Ranger asked, "Is the Sealing Symbol required to destroy Master Xandred, sir?"
No one was expecting that, let alone from Kevin. Just what was he thinking?
Jayden and Lauren's dad chuckled once more. He had a smile on his face but it didn't reach his eyes.
All 7 Samurai looked at him in curiosity? How could he laugh at a time like this? The swordsman was sure he screwed up for once. That wasn't the case however.
"You really do remind me of your parents," said the former Head. "And to answer you question Kevin... I'm afraid it's the only way. When the time comes, I want the promise that you, Mia, Mike, Emily and Antonio will do whatever necessary to help Jayden seal away Master Xandred once and for all. "
They didn't know what to say. Sure they were ready to protect, wait a minute!
"What?"
"Huh?"
"Did you say-?"
"But I thought-"
"Uh..."
"You're joking right?!"
All the Rangers minus Jayden had expressed their confusion and shock. Surely he meant Lauren not Jayden.
Once again the former Shiba clan Head looked at the younger generation. "No you heard me right. You too Lauren."
"But sir, doesn't Samurai tradition dictate that the eldest child of the Red Ranger is the next to receive the title of Head of the Shiba clan?" asked the Blue Samurai.
"That is true Kevin but that was only created after the Samurai Rangers left Japan. At the time of the Grand Shogun, custom dictated that the eldest son had to inherit the role of Red Samurai. Had my family still followed that rule, Lauren would not be able to partake in this-"
"Like I actually wanted to." muttered the oldest Shiba child.
"If we were in ancient Japan right now, Jayden would be the leader. As my only son, it would have been up to him to not only master the Sealing Symbol but to produce at least one heir in case he should perish."
"Produce an heir?"
"He means Jayden would have to..." the little sister started turning red. Why couldn't the rebel understand what was said?
"Would have to what Emily?"
"He'd have to get married and have kids Mike," said the surrogate big sister, also blushing.
"Oh," replied the Green Ranger sheepishly.
Antonio and Kevin shook their heads in disbelief. It took both girls to explain it. They felt sorry for the three of them given the situation.
"Don't worry about it Mike. As I was saying, under the old tradition Jayden would be forced to marry and have children not long after becoming an adult. My ancestors never did like this so they changed it not long after settling in Panorama City after we first defeated the Nighlok at the Tengen Gate. Although it's not expected that the eldest son inherit the title, there is still the expectation that at least one child is born into every Samurai family.
But if there was a case where a Ranger isn't able to have children, we do have extended family still Japan ready to step in. The Red Ranger though would be chosen by the surviving members of the previous team, Mentor and the Guardians of the Tengen Gate. Never in the history of our fight against the Nighlok have we had to go as far as requesting extended family to fill in but whenever the fight comes to an end of a generation, we begin planning for the future. In Jayden and Lauren's case, the Shibas have entrusted Cody's family to fill in the role of Red Ranger should the need arise. If you are wondering what it means, yes, Cody would become the Red Ranger if anything happened to my son and daughter. As former Guardians of the Bullzord, James' family continues to prepare in case you ever require their assistance.
Even though you now know more about why things are the way they are, I didn't just explain it all for no reason. With the change in tradition, keep in mind that it can change at any moment, even if it isn't the Rangers that decide to. There are times where the Mentor or Guardians of the Tengen Gate may step in- such as right now with what Lauren is going through. I know Ji has already decided and I have nothing else to say other than I agree with. Just know that I never wanted to either of you to be hurt.
All the Rangers had remained silent throughout the speech. Even Lauren has stopped sulking and was listening. She didn't know what, but she knew something was going to happen.
Facing his two children, the 17th head of the Shiba clan said what he had originally intended. "Lauren, I hereby relieve you from your duty as a Samurai Ranger. You'll no longer master the Sealing Symbol. You're going to step down as the 18th head of the Shiba clan and Samurai Rangers. However, as the former head, you're going to have to train Jayden in mastering the Sealing Symbol. Like it or not, it's a mandatory obligation. I know you don't want to, but before you run off, I need you to at least write the Symbol down and the stroke order so that Ji can step in with the training."
AN: Did anyone see that coming? Don't be afraid to leave a review or send a PM with whatever comments or thoughts you have!