#ue-sama

Isn't it interesting that, in the entire show, we never actually learn the Ultimate Ninja's real name? Even his own father only calls him "my son".

I had no idea he even had a name until I looked into the official character art and other behind the scenes material.

Like us seeing the Shredder Helmet in the Nexus could've been a sign that he was there, and for some reason just loss his helmet like he did the championship. Or it could've been a sign that the Tribunal were there, likely to go to the home of Tengu to learn how to deal with the one's back at home. Though that's unlikely seeing as Ue sights him wanting to beat Shredder in combat as to why he went all death match on Leo.

"I have come to this dimension to battle Oroku Saki, the Shredder. But you stole that honor from me when you defeated the Shredder in combat. And so, for fame and glory, I must destroy you in his stead."

So then that begs the question why Shredder?

Is the title Ultimate Ninja something you have to defend and prove like Nexus Champion? Was Ue going down the list of Nexus competitors? That could also explain how he met Drako.

But it also could be something more personal like the Shredder beating Ue in combat, though that might not be likely as we see Ue not compete during the next tournament. And sure that makes killing Leo easier, but no one knew the turtles were going to be competing at first. So it's likely the host's, aka the Daimyo and his line, don't compete as they are the organizers. Even if in canon they are both skilled ninja.

I never really thought about this becuase the different times we see anything related to the Nexus is always so captivating I focus on that instead, but he's been on the brain recently(I was talking about how Leo handled child him with a friend) and it made me realize this.

Hello anon, sorry for my late response

Yaku can't help but feel like a creep sitting on his girlfriend's lawn, hidden in the shadows so no one would see him. Occasionally, he would check the time on his phone to see what time it is, and the glow illuminates his face. He raises his head and stayed focused on the street in front of him.

A few hours ago, it was sunny and bright, the sky clear, and the wind at a standstill. The restaurants and malls were filled with couples, all of which were simply spending time with each other. The real celebrations started in the evenings though, but this year, he wasn't able to do that since work conflicted them. Good thing too - he was about to go nuts when he was unable to find a place to make a reservation. Then the whole family emergency threw him off his game and he has midterms to study for...

He checks the time again. Unless his girlfriend got off late, she should be here by now. Today has been nothing but surprises, he thought. He isn't fond of surprises - unlike his girlfriend. She loved them. It depends on the execution though.

He checks the time once more and then stands. He sees someone walking down the sidewalk, turning onto the path leading to the building. It's her, right? It's too dark for him to tell but no one else would walk in alone on an evening like this.

"Stella-chan."

You raise your head, noticing Yaku, who is standing right in front of you. Where did he even come from? Was he waiting here this whole time? "Yakkun? Why are you here?"

"I can't let you spend Valentine's Day alone," he says with a smile. "Besides, I never even said happy birthday, just happy Valentine's Day, so I'm going to say it now." He reveals the bouquet of flowers he was hiding behind his back, a myriad of colors adorning the flowers. Not a single one was a rose. "Happy Birthday, Stella-chan."

He leans forward to give you a light kiss, smiling at the blush in your cheeks. "I have other motives for coming tonight too," he says. "I want to have a slice of your cake too. You can't hog it all to yourself and your family. Hope you don't mind sharing."

"You're always invited."

"That's good to hear." He reaches out to guide you to the door. "Eventually, I'm going to show up at your door with a bouquet and ring. You think you'll invite me in when that happens?"

You don't have an answer so you don't say anything. He's teasing, of course, but it'll happen someday.

Yaku sits at one of the tables by the window, eyes focused on the falling snow, his hands cupping his hot chocolate. The bookstore and its coffee shop is only open in the morning this year for people to buy last-minute presents. He finished shopping weeks ago - he’s only here for a specific reason.

It’s been a year. 365 days since that fateful day. He couldn’t really believe it, honestly, that time flew so quickly. There were days he forgot he had a girlfriend and there were days when it hit him. I have a girlfriend. Kuroo never stopped teasing him for it. Yamamoto was able to practice talking to girls when she was around. Kenma talked about Love Live and other games with her. Most of the time, it just felt like she was part of the team, another member of the club.

But then he would walk her home at the end of the day and give her a kiss good night. And in the morning, he would pick her up and walk her to class afterward practice is over. They would spend most of their free time together and it wouldn’t seem like they were in a relationship.

Their first year anniversary was coming up and neither of them mentioned anything about each other something to celebrate. It’s also Christmas day, the only day they had to spend with family. That’s why Yaku asked her out this morning, just to see her, and tell her he loves her.

Except it’s been half an hour.

Yaku finishes his hot chocolate. He has a gift bag hidden by his feet and he taps it with his ankle to make sure it’s still there. His actual gift for her hasn’t arrived yet - he couldn’t think of what to get her so he ordered it too late - and this is the only thing he could whip up with such short notice. Maybe she had she same problem. She did sound hesitant in agreeing to meet with him today. Yaku couldn’t forget it.

“Do you want to meet at the usual place tomorrow in the morning? There’s something I want to give you.”

“Oh…really? Um, sure. I’ll meet you there.”

She didn’t even ask for more details like she usually did. She just agreed. That was what Yaku found most suspicious about it.

An hour passes. He stands to throw his cup away and sits back down. He glances at his phone and then keeps his eyes focused on the window.

You’re running down the sidewalk, careful not to slip (although you already fell once). You burst into the bookstore, acknowledge the sleepy cashier at the counter, and march toward the coffee shop. You know exactly where he is - not in the manga section, but at a table by the window. Your usual place. He’s there, head turned to face the window. He jumps slightly when you sit down across from him.

“I’m sorry!” you burst out before he can say anything. “I didn’t mean to be late! I was…I was trying to finish my present for you but I couldn’t finish it in time. That’s why…”

You trail off. Yaku blinks at you for a moment, the shock in his eyes turning into understanding. “I knew you would come,” he murmurs. “I would’ve waited for you all day until you did.”

His words make you fall silent. He takes your hand, his warm fingers curling around yours. “Stella-chan, over the last year, I’ve never been happier. Just being with you made me a better person. I know that sounds kind of cliché but it’s true. There are some days when I forget we’re dating and there are days when I realize that yes, we are dating and we are a couple. I wouldn’t want it any other way. Stella-chan…thank you. For everything.”

He brings your hand to his lips and plants a soft kiss. He smiles at your flustered expression. “I have something to give to you for our anniversary,” he says, “but it isn’t here yet…so I have something else.” He reaches underneath the table and places a bag in front of him. “I hope this will make up for not having anything today.”

“It’s better than me…I’m still not finished,” you say sheepishly. “I wanted to give it to you today but I couldn’t finish it in time. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize! I’m sorry too. I should’ve been more prepared. I guess we can do the exchange before the New Year,” he says. “It’ll be there before then, I’m sure.”

“I’ll be finished before the New Year too. So…it’s a date?”

He nods. “It’s a date.” He pushes the bag closer to you. “I’ll walk you home. I don’t want you to slip.” You smile in embarrassment at that.

Just as you arrive home, Yaku gives you a kiss and releases your hand. He watches you approach the door, calling out before you can enter. “Stella-chan?”

You look at him. He smiles, giving you the smile that you love so much. “Yes?”

“I love you. Merry Christmas.”

gee thanks ue-sama

1. my height…I’m not too short and I’m not too tall

2. I’m pretty perceptive, tbh. I tend to notice stuff others usually wouldn’t or catch things as they go

3. my honesty and loyalty to others

4. my ability to recognize singers and VAs to an extent x3 plus I like how I appreciate soundtracks more (does this count)