+ All Categories
Home > Documents > I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels Tomo)

I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels Tomo)

Date post: 18-Dec-2016
Category:
Upload: andrew-simmons
View: 214 times
Download: 1 times
Share this document with a friend
165
Transcript
Page 1: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)
Page 2: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 1 5/31/07 1:13:21 PM

031020755X_relation_fm.qxp 9/8/06 2:21 PM Page 1

This page is intentionally left blank

Page 3: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

I WAS AN EIGHTH-GRADE

NINJA

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 1 5/31/07 1:13:21 PM

Page 4: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja Copyright © 2007 by Funnypages Productions, LLC

Requests for information should be addressed to: Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49530

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication DataSimmons, Andy. I was an eighth-grade ninja / written by Andrew Simmons and Rob Corley ; illustrated by Ariel Padilla ; created by Tom Bancroft and Rob Corley. p. cm. -- (Tomo book ; #1) “Published in association with Funnypages Productions, LLC.” ISBN-13: 978-0-310-71300-5 (pbk.) ISBN-10: 0-310-71300-5 (pbk.) 1. Graphic novels. I. Corley, Rob. II. Padilla, Ariel, 1968- III. Bancroft, Tom. IV. Title. PN6727.S51574I2 2007 741.5’973--dc22 2007005080

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All Rights Reserved.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other—except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without the prior permission of the publisher.

This book published in conjunction with Funnypages Productions, LLC, 1014 Fulton Greer Lane, Suite 7, Franklin, TN 37069

Series Editor: Bud RogersManaging Editor: Bruce NufferManaging Art Director: Merit Alderink

07 08 09 10 • 5 4 3 2 1

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 2 5/31/07 1:13:22 PM

AER Edition March 2009 ISBN: 978-0-310-78902-4

All rights reserved under International and Pan -American Copyright Conventions. By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the non -exclusive, non-transferable right to access and read the text of this e-book on-screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, down loaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of Zondervan.

Page 5: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

series editor

bud rogers

Story by

Andrew Simmons& rob corley

art by

Ariel padilla

I WAS AN EIGHTH-GRADE

NINJA

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 3 5/31/07 1:13:23 PM

Page 6: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 1 5/31/07 1:13:21 PM

031020755X_relation_fm.qxp 9/8/06 2:21 PM Page 1

This page is intentionally left blank

Page 7: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Contents

Chapter 1 5

About the Publisher 161

Share Your Thoughts 162

Page 8: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 5 5/31/07 1:13:24 PM

Page 9: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

The land ofArgon Falls.

A mystical countryheavily burdened

under the weight ofits current ruler,

High Lord King Ardath.

And upon thislandscape we find

him leading a groupof soldiers in search

for a lost sword.

The fortress isjust up ahead

on the right.

Areyou

sure?

Yes,Lord Ardath.

I scouted it outmyself five days

ago.Very

good,Surgar.

The lostFortress ofthe Ancients.

itdisappeared

from the face ofArgon Falls over

three hundredyears ago.

The exact sametime my brotherescaped from thefortress with

my sword.

I wonderwhere he has

been.

Let’sfind out. Fan

out and startsearching.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 6 5/31/07 1:13:26 PM

Page 10: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

The land ofArgon Falls.

A mystical countryheavily burdened

under the weight ofits current ruler,

High Lord King Ardath.

And upon thislandscape we find

him leading a groupof soldiers in search

for a lost sword.

The fortress isjust up ahead

on the right.

Areyou

sure?

Yes,Lord Ardath.

I scouted it outmyself five days

ago.Very

good,Surgar.

The lostFortress ofthe Ancients.

itdisappeared

from the face ofArgon Falls over

three hundredyears ago.

The exact sametime my brotherescaped from thefortress with

my sword.

I wonderwhere he has

been.

Let’sfind out. Fan

out and startsearching.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 7 5/31/07 1:13:26 PM

Page 11: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

The groupsearched

all throughthe morning…

…afternoon,and…

…earlyevening.

What arewe looking for

again?

Anysign of mybrother.

Later. Myapologies,

my lord, at ourlack of success

today.

it isnot your fault,

Surgar.

Nowleaveme.

Yes, mylord.

Palon,my dear

brother…

…howdid youescape

me?

You mayhave been

gone all theseyears…

…but youhave never been

forgotten.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 8 5/31/07 1:13:29 PM

Page 12: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

The groupsearched

all throughthe morning…

…afternoon,and…

…earlyevening.

What arewe looking for

again?

Anysign of mybrother.

Later. Myapologies,

my lord, at ourlack of success

today.

it isnot your fault,

Surgar.

Nowleaveme.

Yes, mylord.

Palon,my dear

brother…

…howdid youescape

me?

You mayhave been

gone all theseyears…

…but youhave never been

forgotten.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 9 5/31/07 1:13:29 PM

Page 13: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

I knowthe secret to

your disappearanceis here some-

where.

Eh?Well,

well, well, whatdo we have

here?

interesting.An energy

portalof some

kind.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 10 5/31/07 1:13:31 PM

Page 14: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

I knowthe secret to

your disappearanceis here some-

where.

Eh?Well,

well, well, whatdo we have

here?

interesting.An energy

portalof some

kind.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 11 5/31/07 1:13:32 PM

Page 15: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Whatthe…

Lookout!!

Aaaiiie-eeee!!

Nnooooo!!

Attack!

Stopthem!

Hhhaaaa!Run!!

There’s nostopping

them!

Pathetic.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 12 5/31/07 1:13:35 PM

Page 16: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Whatthe…

Lookout!!

Aaaiiie-eeee!!

Nnooooo!!

Attack!

Stopthem!

Hhhaaaa!Run!!

There’s nostopping

them!

Pathetic.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 13 5/31/07 1:13:35 PM

Page 17: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 14 5/31/07 1:13:38 PM

Page 18: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 15 5/31/07 1:13:38 PM

Page 19: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

LordArdath!

Areyou allright?

Getmy advisor,

Urn’ado, hereimmediately.

Wehave foundwhat we are

lookingfor.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 16 5/31/07 1:13:41 PM

Page 20: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

LordArdath!

Areyou allright?

Getmy advisor,

Urn’ado, hereimmediately.

Wehave foundwhat we are

lookingfor.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 17 5/31/07 1:13:42 PM

Page 21: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Somewhere overthe Pacific Oceannear the coast of

California.<My name is

Hana and I am along way from

home.*>

* Translatedfrom Japanese.

<Three monthsago, my lifewas turned

upside down.>

<My mother waskilled in an

accident, leavingme all alone>

<I never knew myfather. As a matter offact, my whole familyis a mystery to me.>

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 18 5/31/07 1:13:44 PM

Page 22: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Somewhere overthe Pacific Oceannear the coast of

California.<My name is

Hana and I am along way from

home.*>

* Translatedfrom Japanese.

<Three monthsago, my lifewas turned

upside down.>

<My mother waskilled in an

accident, leavingme all alone>

<I never knew myfather. As a matter offact, my whole familyis a mystery to me.>

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 19 5/31/07 1:13:44 PM

Page 23: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

< I lived with mybest friend and her

parents until myclosest family relative

could be found.>

< i t was my grand-father…well, mymother’s fatherto be exact…>

<…and he livesin San Francisco,

California.>

<His name is JouOtousan, and that

must be him.>

<Goodmorning,

sir.>

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 20 5/31/07 1:13:47 PM

Page 24: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

< I lived with mybest friend and her

parents until myclosest family relative

could be found.>

< i t was my grand-father…well, mymother’s fatherto be exact…>

<…and he livesin San Francisco,

California.>

<His name is JouOtousan, and that

must be him.>

<Goodmorning,

sir.>

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 21 5/31/07 1:13:47 PM

Page 25: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

< I am HanaAkisame.>

<Hello,Hana Akisame.

I am Jou Otousan,your grand-

father.>

< i t isan honor

to meet you,sir.>

<Thehonor is allmine, LittleFlower.*>

* Hana meansflower inJapanese.

<Verywell, let’sgo get your

bags.>

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 22 5/31/07 1:13:50 PM

Page 26: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

< I am HanaAkisame.>

<Hello,Hana Akisame.

I am Jou Otousan,your grand-

father.>

< i t isan honor

to meet you,sir.>

<Thehonor is allmine, LittleFlower.*>

* Hana meansflower inJapanese.

<Verywell, let’sgo get your

bags.>

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 23 5/31/07 1:13:52 PM

Page 27: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

<Hana, do you speakEnglish? I have been

in the States so longthat it is awkwardfor me to speak inJapanese for too

long.>

<Hai-->Uh…

…yes. Ispeak some

English. Thatis fine.

Herewe are.

That’smy dojo, whereI teach martial

arts…

…and nextdoor is myhouse…

…yournew

home.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 24 5/31/07 1:13:53 PM

Page 28: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

<Hana, do you speakEnglish? I have been

in the States so longthat it is awkwardfor me to speak inJapanese for too

long.>

<Hai-->Uh…

…yes. Ispeak some

English. Thatis fine.

Herewe are.

That’smy dojo, whereI teach martial

arts…

…and nextdoor is myhouse…

…yournew

home.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 25 5/31/07 1:13:54 PM

Page 29: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Comeon

inside.it is

not big, butit is home for

me andTomo.

Tomo?

He ismy friend.

I’m sure he islying aroundhere some-

where.

Why don’tyou spend a fewminutes looking

around, and I willmake us some

lunch.

Yourroom isupstairs.

When Ifound outyou werecoming…

…Iconvertedthe entire

upstairs foryou.

Wow!

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 26 5/31/07 1:13:55 PM

Page 30: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Comeon

inside.it is

not big, butit is home for

me andTomo.

Tomo?

He ismy friend.

I’m sure he islying aroundhere some-

where.

Why don’tyou spend a fewminutes looking

around, and I willmake us some

lunch.

Yourroom isupstairs.

When Ifound outyou werecoming…

…Iconvertedthe entire

upstairs foryou.

Wow!

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 27 5/31/07 1:13:55 PM

Page 31: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

This is ten timesbigger than myroom in Japan.

And myown privatebathroom!

Perfect.

Hana,lunch isready.

I willbe rightthere.

Thiswill be

perfect.

Comedown when

you areready.

Coming.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 28 5/31/07 1:13:57 PM

Page 32: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

This is ten timesbigger than myroom in Japan.

And myown privatebathroom!

Perfect.

Hana,lunch isready.

I willbe rightthere.

Thiswill be

perfect.

Comedown when

you areready.

Coming.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 29 5/31/07 1:13:57 PM

Page 33: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

I’mhere.

Excellent.Have a seat

at the end ofthe table.

A littlesteamed rice

and beef; justenough for a

lunch meal.Thank

you, sir.

Wait.

Noteveryone ishere yet.

Tomo!

He isnever late for

food.

Tomo!

TOMO!!!

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 30 5/31/07 1:13:58 PM

Page 34: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

I’mhere.

Excellent.Have a seat

at the end ofthe table.

A littlesteamed rice

and beef; justenough for a

lunch meal.Thank

you, sir.

Wait.

Noteveryone ishere yet.

Tomo!

He isnever late for

food.

Tomo!

TOMO!!!

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 31 5/31/07 1:13:58 PM

Page 35: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Well,it is about

time.

The firstday we have

company, and youdon’t even show

up to lunchon time.

Youshouldnot stayout solate.

Tomo,this isHana.

Hana,this isTomo.

Sir?

Yes.

is thatraccoonyour pet?

Hana,Tomo is noone’s pet.He is myfriend.

I guessthat wouldexplain whyhis name is

Tomo*.

Correct,and a loyalfriend he has

been.

*Tomo meansfriend inJapanese.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 32 5/31/07 1:14:00 PM

Page 36: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Well,it is about

time.

The firstday we have

company, and youdon’t even show

up to lunchon time.

Youshouldnot stayout solate.

Tomo,this isHana.

Hana,this isTomo.

Sir?

Yes.

is thatraccoonyour pet?

Hana,Tomo is noone’s pet.He is myfriend.

I guessthat wouldexplain whyhis name is

Tomo*.

Correct,and a loyalfriend he has

been.

*Tomo meansfriend inJapanese.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 33 5/31/07 1:14:00 PM

Page 37: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Now thateveryone is here,let me say grace

and then wecan eat.

Dearheavenly

Father, wepraise you

for…Oops!

…Hana’ssafe arrivalto the United

States.

And most of all, weask you to bless thegreat food we are

about to eat.

in Jesus’name we

pray.

Amen.

Thislooks

very good,sir.

Thankyou,Hana.

Tomo! How manytimes do I haveto tell you tochew yourfood?

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 34 5/31/07 1:14:01 PM

Page 38: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Now thateveryone is here,let me say grace

and then wecan eat.

Dearheavenly

Father, wepraise you

for…Oops!

…Hana’ssafe arrivalto the United

States.

And most of all, weask you to bless thegreat food we are

about to eat.

in Jesus’name we

pray.

Amen.

Thislooks

very good,sir.

Thankyou,Hana.

Tomo! How manytimes do I haveto tell you tochew yourfood?

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 35 5/31/07 1:14:01 PM

Page 39: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Wouldyou like to

see the dojowhen I am

done?

A fewminuteslater.

Hana, youcan leave your

bowl. I will cleanup the dishes

today.

Thankyou, sir.

Yessir, Iwould.

Great!Get changed

and meet me at thefront door inten minutes.

Welcome toOtousan’s, homeof the martial

arts.

Step oninside andsign right

up.

Thankyou, sir.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 36 5/31/07 1:14:03 PM

Page 40: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Wouldyou like to

see the dojowhen I am

done?

A fewminuteslater.

Hana, youcan leave your

bowl. I will cleanup the dishes

today.

Thankyou, sir.

Yessir, Iwould.

Great!Get changed

and meet me at thefront door inten minutes.

Welcome toOtousan’s, homeof the martial

arts.

Step oninside andsign right

up.

Thankyou, sir.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 37 5/31/07 1:14:03 PM

Page 41: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Well,what do you

think?

it isbeautiful.

Didyou study

much inJapan?

Hai*,since I wasold enough

to stand.

*Hai meansyes in

Japanese.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 38 5/31/07 1:14:04 PM

Page 42: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Well,what do you

think?

it isbeautiful.

Didyou study

much inJapan?

Hai*,since I wasold enough

to stand.

*Hai meansyes in

Japanese.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 39 5/31/07 1:14:04 PM

Page 43: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Verygood!

Thankyou, sir.

if I wasn’tstudying for

school, I was in myneighborhood dojo

training.

And itshows. Your

form isexcellent.

Again,thankyou.

Then I’msure you are

familiarwith the Bo

staff.

Very.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 40 5/31/07 1:14:06 PM

Page 44: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Verygood!

Thankyou, sir.

if I wasn’tstudying for

school, I was in myneighborhood dojo

training.

And itshows. Your

form isexcellent.

Again,thankyou.

Then I’msure you are

familiarwith the Bo

staff.

Very.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 41 5/31/07 1:14:06 PM

Page 45: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Again,your form

and style areexcellent. You

are tookind.

Well,it is thetruth.

Now,meet mydummy.

The great thing abouthim is you can hit himall you want, and he

never complains.

Careto try?

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 42 5/31/07 1:14:07 PM

Page 46: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Again,your form

and style areexcellent. You

are tookind.

Well,it is thetruth.

Now,meet mydummy.

The great thing abouthim is you can hit himall you want, and he

never complains.

Careto try?

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 43 5/31/07 1:14:08 PM

Page 47: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 44 5/31/07 1:16:14 PM

Page 48: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Verygood.

Want totry something

different?

Yes,sir. Ido.

Hana, you can eithercall me Grandfather

or Sensei*, ifyou wish.

Butplease, quitcalling me

“sir.”

*Sensei meansteacher inJapanese.

Yes,Sensei.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 45 5/31/07 1:16:15 PM

Page 49: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Spear

Yah!

Yahh!

Josticks

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 46 5/31/07 1:16:16 PM

Page 50: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

bokken

shurikens

Yah!

SAi

…urp.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 47 5/31/07 1:16:17 PM

Page 51: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Bbb-buuuu-uur…

…rrr-rrrpp-ppp!!

Oh!

Ohmy!

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 48 5/31/07 1:16:19 PM

Page 52: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Tomo!

Whatam I goingto do with

you?

Youshould learnto mind yourmanners, my

friend.

Heh-heh.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 49 5/31/07 1:16:20 PM

Page 53: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Go lie down in thebackyard where you

won’t get anyonehurt.

Hana, you area talented student,

but remember that wemust not allow ourselves

to rely on theseweapons.

Self-defense isnot only aboutyour ability to

use these items,but also aboutyour attitude in

avoiding conflictin the first

place.

I think that isenough for today.I’m sure he wouldmore than agreewith me.

Yes,Sensei.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 50 5/31/07 1:16:21 PM

Page 54: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Laterthat night.

Aaaah-hhhh, that’s

better.

Well,I guess livinghere could be

worse.

He seemslike a nice man,

but I stillmiss you.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 51 5/31/07 1:16:23 PM

Page 55: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Where isthat music

comingfrom?

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 52 5/31/07 1:16:24 PM

Page 56: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Pleasedon’t stopbecause I

am here. it’sbeautiful.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 53 5/31/07 1:16:25 PM

Page 57: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Hana,come here

for a moment.I would liketo talk to

you.Yes,

Sensei.

You’vehad a goodfirst day, I

hope?

Excellent.

Yes,Sensei.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 54 5/31/07 1:16:26 PM

Page 58: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Hana,come here

for a moment.I would liketo talk to

you.Yes,

Sensei.

You’vehad a goodfirst day, I

hope?

Excellent.

Yes,Sensei.

I needto confess toyou; I’m a little

scared.

You?

I don’tunderstand.

I leftJapan a

long timeago…

…And I’venever really

had anyone in mylife for verylong, except

Tomo.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 55 5/31/07 1:16:27 PM

Page 59: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

So the ideaof having a younglady move into the

house is more than alittle frightening

for me.

I thinkI understand,

Sensei.I will

try not toscare you too

much.

Good.I don’t know

how much excitementmy heart can

take.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 56 5/31/07 1:16:28 PM

Page 60: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Now, offto bed withyou. We mustrise earlytomorrow.

Are wegoing some-

where?

Yes, I havesomeone I wouldlike you to meet.

Whois it?

You’llsee. Nowget some

rest.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 57 5/31/07 1:16:28 PM

Page 61: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Hai,Sensei.

The landof Argon

Falls.

TheFortress

of theAncients.

Prepareyourself, Palon;

I am comingfor you.

I havefound the lostportal of the

ancients.

I believethis is where

Palon escapedwith thesword.

Haveyou tested

it?

Verygood, my

son.

No, Ihave waitedfor yourarrival.

Whathave you

discovered,Lord

Ardath?

The portalhas been hidden

for many years. Wemust find a way

to test it.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 58 5/31/07 1:16:30 PM

Page 62: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

The landof Argon

Falls.

TheFortress

of theAncients.

Prepareyourself, Palon;

I am comingfor you.

I havefound the lostportal of the

ancients.

I believethis is where

Palon escapedwith thesword.

Haveyou tested

it?

Verygood, my

son.

No, Ihave waitedfor yourarrival.

Whathave you

discovered,Lord

Ardath?

The portalhas been hidden

for many years. Wemust find a way

to test it.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 59 5/31/07 1:16:30 PM

Page 63: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Willthis do?

Please,Lord Ardath!

NO!

So wherehave you been?What did you

see?

I-I-I-Iwas gone foronly a moment,

Lord Ardath!

What non-sense! We have

waited hoursfor your

return!

My lord, itis true! Icame to aworld muchlike our ownand returnedimmediately!

Urn’ado!What shouldwe make of

this?

No matter! We mustrecover the sword

if you are to bevictorious, Lord

Ardath.

Yes, I willsend my elite

soldiers to retrievethe sword…and my

brother.

The sword of theSpirit possesses the

true power of the gods.Without it, the armor is

worthless!

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 60 5/31/07 1:16:33 PM

Page 64: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Willthis do?

Please,Lord Ardath!

NO!

So wherehave you been?What did you

see?

I-I-I-Iwas gone foronly a moment,

Lord Ardath!

What non-sense! We have

waited hoursfor your

return!

My lord, itis true! Icame to aworld muchlike our ownand returnedimmediately!

Urn’ado!What shouldwe make of

this?

No matter! We mustrecover the sword

if you are to bevictorious, Lord

Ardath.

Yes, I willsend my elite

soldiers to retrievethe sword…and my

brother.

The sword of theSpirit possesses the

true power of the gods.Without it, the armor is

worthless!

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 61 5/31/07 1:16:33 PM

Page 65: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Hello?Hello?

Cananyone hear

me?

I can’tsee athing.

Hello?Hello?

Cananyone hear

me?

I can’tsee athing.

Hello?Hello?

Cananyone hear

me?

I can’tsee athing.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 62 5/31/07 1:16:34 PM

Page 66: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Hello?Hello?

Cananyone hear

me?

I can’tsee athing.

Mom?

HANA!

Hello?Hello?

Cananyone hear

me?

I can’tsee athing.

Hello?Hello?

Cananyone hear

me?

I can’tsee athing.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 63 5/31/07 1:16:34 PM

Page 67: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

What?!

Hana.

I heardyou crying

out and I cameto check on

you.

Oh.

Areyou

okay?

Hai,Sensei.I’ll befine.

Verywell…

…Weshould be

leavingshortly.

Hai,Sensei. Iwill beready.

Ashrine?

Not a shrine.Different thanthat. You will

see.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 64 5/31/07 1:16:36 PM

Page 68: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Ashrine?

Not a shrine.Different thanthat. You will

see.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 65 5/31/07 1:16:36 PM

Page 69: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

I thoughtwe were meeting

someone.

Shhh…We are.

That’s all for today.Say hello to someone

new before youleave today.

Thankyou, and

Godbless.

Come on,there is

someone Iwant you to

meet.

Um…okay.

PastorJames, may I

have a momentof yourtime?

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 66 5/31/07 1:16:37 PM

Page 70: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

That’swhat I

thought.

Domoarigatou.*

Ofcourse,

Jou. What canI do for

you?

I wouldlike you to

meet my grand-daughter, Hana

Akisame.She has

come fromJapan to livewith me and

Tomo.

it is a pleasureto meet you, Hana

Akisame.How

old areyou?

Sorry,I mean thankyou, sir, and Iam thirteenyears old.

*Domo arigatoumeans thank you

in Japanese.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 67 5/31/07 1:16:38 PM

Page 71: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Brittany, can youcome up here for a

moment please?

Yes,Dad.

Brittany’s thesame age as

you. Are youenrolled in

schoolyet?

She startstomorrow.

Well then,Brittany, this

is Hana.

Dad, you know Iwouldn’t mind

at all.

Hi, I’mBrittany.

Would yoube so kind asto show her

around schooltomorrow?

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 68 5/31/07 1:16:39 PM

Page 72: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Hi, I’mHana.

Great! Brittany willpick Hana up tomorrowmorning on the way

to school.

Hhmm-pphhh!

Whatnow?

Thankyou, Pastor

James.

I knowhaving someone

there will make thetransition a little

easier forHana.

Noproblem,

Jou. I’m alwayshappy to

help.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 69 5/31/07 1:16:40 PM

Page 73: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Goodmorning.

Goodmorning,

Brittany. Thankyou for helping

Hana out.

No bigdeal, Mr.Otousan.

Seeyou later,

Sensei.

Have agood day,

girls.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 70 5/31/07 1:16:41 PM

Page 74: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Hasit been

hard foryou?

When didyou arrive inCalifornia?

Twodaysago.

A little,but mostlystrange. I’ve

studiedAmerica in school,

but it is verydifferent in

person.

And “San Fran” is evenmore different! I’ve lived

here my whole life,and I still find it

strange.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 71 5/31/07 1:16:42 PM

Page 75: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Hereit is.

Ready?Hai.I am

ready.

Good.Let’sgo!

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 72 5/31/07 1:16:43 PM

Page 76: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

I willpick you up

after each classand take you to

your nextone.

Arigatou.

Well it’sabout time,Brittany.

Yeah,we waitedfor you.

Oh, I’msorry.

My dad asked meto show Hana aroundschool today, soI went by herhouse to pickher up.

Well, when you are doneplaying nice with theforeigner, remember

who your realfriends are.

Yeah,see you

at lunch.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 73 5/31/07 1:16:45 PM

Page 77: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

ooookay…

So, whereis my first

class?

I don’tknow. Let’s

go by the mainoffice andfind out.

Leadon.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 74 5/31/07 1:16:46 PM

Page 78: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

ooookay…

So, whereis my first

class?

I don’tknow. Let’s

go by the mainoffice andfind out.

Leadon.

8:41

9:32

10:45

11:38

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 75 5/31/07 1:16:47 PM

Page 79: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

2:07

2:45

1:29

12:41

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 76 5/31/07 1:16:48 PM

Page 80: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

2:55

Okay,we all

know theplan?

Yep.

Yes.

Brittany, you’ll playnice with Miss Asia

until we strike andembarrass her so bad

she’ll never want toreturn to school

again.

Umh…okay…but

I don’tthink…

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 77 5/31/07 1:16:49 PM

Page 81: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Brittany,you don’t dothe thinkingaround here,

I do!

Eitheryou are with

us or you arewith her. Now

which oneis it?

Withyou.

Good!Now let’shave somereal fun.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 78 5/31/07 1:16:50 PM

Page 82: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Well,she did say to

meet here afterschool.

Hey Hana, sorryI’m a few minutes

late. I had toattend a small

meeting.

That’sokay.

Did youget a lot of

homework?

Hai,enoughfor twodays.

Then Iguess we had

better run homeand get it all

done.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 79 5/31/07 1:16:51 PM

Page 83: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Thanksfor your

help today,Brittany.

Hey,it was

nothing.

Sametime

tomorrow?

Thatwould be nice,

arigatou.

Later,girl.

Abayo.*

*Abayo meansfarewell

in Japanese.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 80 5/31/07 1:16:52 PM

Page 84: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Ourworld.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 81 5/31/07 1:16:53 PM

Page 85: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Whichway,sir?

Letus find

out.

SniffSniff

Followme.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 82 5/31/07 1:31:47 PM

Page 86: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

SanFrancisco.

A fewhourslater.

Therecould be

many dangersin this great

city.

Thetime for

stealth isupon us.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 83 5/31/07 1:31:48 PM

Page 87: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

I am surprised athow quickly this

strange new worldstarts to feel

“right.”

Theschool work

is toughat times…

…but I feel likeI’m starting tofind a balance

between Brittany,school, and mydaily workouts.

So far, life inSan Franciscois working outpretty well.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 84 5/31/07 1:31:49 PM

Page 88: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Sensei,I am

home.

Hello?

Sensei?

Sensei?

I don’tthink sheis ready

yet.

Sensei,who wereyou talking

to?

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 85 5/31/07 1:31:50 PM

Page 89: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Oh,Hana. is

school overalready?

Yes,it is.

Wereyou talkingto some-

one?

I wastalking with

Tomo.

He hasbeen with mefor so long;I talk to him

like he isfamily.

Right. WellI have homeworkto do, then I am

going to practicefor a while in

the dojo.

Excellent.Let me know when

you are ready, andI will accompany

you.

Hai,Sensei.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 86 5/31/07 1:31:50 PM

Page 90: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 87 5/31/07 1:31:51 PM

Page 91: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 88 5/31/07 1:31:52 PM

Page 92: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Oh! I think thatis enough for

today… …before yougo through

anotherstaff.

You aredoing an

admirablejob. Thank

you,Sensei.

Here,let me show

you where the extraweapons are stored.

I have a cabinet stockedwith just about everything

you would ever need.

You mayhelp yourself

anytime youneed to.

Wow!!!

it’s magnificent!

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 89 5/31/07 1:31:53 PM

Page 93: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

I wouldlike to give

you something.

For usto begin our

training later,you will need

this.

Oh,thank you,

Sensei!

Hana,are you in

here?

It sounds likeyour friendBrittany ishere.

Wow, I was so intopractice I completelyforgot about watching

a movie with hertonight.

Then youbetter get

going.

Hai,Sensei.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 90 5/31/07 1:31:54 PM

Page 94: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Heh-heh.I know.

Thatwas a good

movie.

it wasokay.

I liked the part wherethe one lady warriordestroyed the evil

wraith with her sword.

Whataboutyou?

I liked anypart with theelf guy in it.

He’s cute!

Youare toomuch.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 91 5/31/07 1:31:55 PM

Page 95: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Thanksagain for

comingover.

Hey, we’rejust a few blocks

apart, so it only takesa couple of minutes

to get here.

Andyou’re

welcome. Ihad a fun

time.

Pick meup on the

way to schooltomorrow? You

bet!

See ya,girl-

friend.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 92 5/31/07 1:31:56 PM

Page 96: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Hana,you better

get going oryou will be

late.

Yes,Sensei.

I’m on myway. I am

surprisedBrittany didn’tmake it by this

morning.

Thatis odd. I

hope she isokay.

Hana?

Thankyou,

Sensei.

I willsee you andTomo after

school.

Havea good

day, younglady.

Youtoo.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 93 5/31/07 1:31:57 PM

Page 97: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Eachof you know

what todo?

Yeah!

Umh…yes…

Well,let’s goover itagain.

When MissJapan gets here,

we attack her withthese balloons filled

with green foodcoloring.

She’ll getso covered in it,she won’t want

to show her face atschool again.

Everyonetake up yourpositions andget ready for

my signal.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 94 5/31/07 1:31:58 PM

Page 98: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Almostthere…

Now!

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 95 5/31/07 1:31:58 PM

Page 99: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

What?!

I don’tbelieve

it.

I won’tmiss asecondtime.

Ha!

No!

Gether!

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 96 5/31/07 1:31:59 PM

Page 100: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

What?!

I don’tbelieve

it.

I won’tmiss asecondtime.

Ha!

No!

Gether!

Takethat!

Nnooo!

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 97 5/31/07 1:32:00 PM

Page 101: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Get her,Brittany!

Brittany? Throwthem!!

Yeah,gether!

Gether!

Doit!!

Or youwon’t bemy friendanymore!

Or mineeither!

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 98 5/31/07 1:32:01 PM

Page 102: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Oh! You aresssooooNOT cool.

You wait’til I get done

with you atschool.

I havecrossed

you off ofmy friends

list.

Yeah,you’regone!

I donot think

shecares.

What?

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 99 5/31/07 1:32:02 PM

Page 103: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Youjust wait.I’m gon--

Ow!

Ow!Ow! Ow!

You’rebreakingmy arm!

Traci,get her!

Ulppm!

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 100 5/31/07 1:32:03 PM

Page 104: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

I’ll seeyou later,Rachael.

I do notwant to hearof you doing

anything againstBrittany.

Under-stand?

Youcan--OW!

Under-stand?

Yes.Yes. Iunder-stand.

Eraidesune!*

Havea niceday.

*Eraidesunemeans goodin Japanese.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 101 5/31/07 1:32:03 PM

Page 105: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

I will bewatching

you.

Traci?

Brittany?

This isfar from

over.

Hana,you will

pay.

Oh yes!Mark my words,you will pay

for this.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 102 5/31/07 1:32:04 PM

Page 106: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Sir,what is this

place?

I amnot

sure.

Sir!Maybe we

could askhim!

Rrrowwf?Yelp!

Yelp! Yelp!Yelp!

Worthlesspeasant!

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 103 5/31/07 1:32:05 PM

Page 107: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Hello?

isanyonethere?

Umh,hi Dad.

Brittany,honey, why

aren’t you inschool? What’s

going on?

Dad,can wetalk?

Ofcourse,let’s go

over to myoffice.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 104 5/31/07 1:32:06 PM

Page 108: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

No,sir.

And youran awayat thatpoint?

Yes,sir.

Have youspoken to anyof the girlssince then?

Brittany,one of the great

things about this lifeis that we’re giventhe opportunity to

make our ownchoices.

We choosewhat we eat, whatwe wear, and most

importantly, we choosewhat we do every

day.

We have the abilityto decide between

right and wrong.

I under-stand.

Now, todayyou picked who

was going to beyour friend and

who was not.

Hardchoices when

you want to bepopular.

I don’tthink Rachaelor Traci willever talk to

me again.

That may beTrue. But I think youhave to try to talk

to them.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 105 5/31/07 1:32:07 PM

Page 109: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Whatdo youmean?

I have letyou make your

own choice aboutbeing friends

with them.

if you want tostay friends, youneed to tell them

how you feel.

even ifit’s hardto do.

yes,sir.

Good.

Look, I’vegot a coupleof errands

to run

Then after that,why don’t we goby the school and

pick up yourschoolwork for

the day?

Really?

Yes, youcan catchup on allof it thisweekend.

Youdon’tmind?

No, I don’tmind. Sometimes

you need to makeexceptions.

Nowlet’s get

going.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 106 5/31/07 1:32:08 PM

Page 110: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

But let’snot overlook

the main personin all of this.

Hana? Yes,Hana.

She didnothing to

deserve this sortof treatment from

you or anyoneelse. All

she everwanted was a

friend.

I know.I am

sorry.

I’m notthe one youshould be

apologizingto, honey.

You’reright,Dad.

Ofcourse…I’m theDad.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 107 5/31/07 1:32:08 PM

Page 111: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 108 5/31/07 1:32:09 PM

Page 112: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Oh,helloTomo.

Yes,it wasa longday.

My onlyfriend

abandonedme today.

For a couple ofweeks I thought

things were goingwell, but I guessit was not meant

to last.

Thingshave been

so hard sincemotherdied.

Itry to bestrong,but I am

not.

I’mreallylonely.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 109 5/31/07 1:32:10 PM

Page 113: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Hana?Are youokay?

Hai.

Wellthen…

…Can Imake you

something toeat, or wouldyou like me to

leave youalone?

No!

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 110 5/31/07 1:32:11 PM

Page 114: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Grand-father, pleasedon’t leave

me.

Everyoneelse has, andyou are all I

have left.

I amhere for

you, my littleflower.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 111 5/31/07 1:32:12 PM

Page 115: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

SniffSniffWhich

way now,sir?

SniffSniff

We aregetting closer.We will have tocross here andmake our way to

the north.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 112 5/31/07 1:32:12 PM

Page 116: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Gasp!

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 113 5/31/07 1:32:13 PM

Page 117: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Oof!Ugh!

Ohman! Mom

is gonna killme!

Dumbdog! Didn’t

you seeme?!?

Whatin the

heck isthat?

it’s okay,sir. We’lltake care

of him.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 114 5/31/07 1:32:14 PM

Page 118: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Oof!Ugh!

Ohman! Mom

is gonna killme!

Dumbdog! Didn’t

you seeme?!?

Whatin the

heck isthat?

it’s okay,sir. We’lltake care

of him.

Uhm,shouldn’twe call anambulance? No!

it will befine, human…uhm… sir! Wewill take him.You may leave

now.

Hey… I don’t know,man… This is my

mom’s car, and I needa statement or

something for ourinsurance--

Unngh!

Growwwll!

Hey, chillout man! No

problem! I hopeyour puppy is

all right,dudes.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 115 5/31/07 1:32:15 PM

Page 119: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Ungh…sir--cough--

you mustleave me.

ishe allright?

We must get himback to the portal.

Chuuya, take Kenok andwait for us in the forest.Baku and I will continue to

search for the sword.

Once we havelocated it,we will returnand reportback to LordArdath.

Yessir!

it willbe daylight

soon; wemust movequickly.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 116 5/31/07 1:32:16 PM

Page 120: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Hieya!

Okay,Hana. Giveme a quick

combo.

Hai,Grand-father.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 117 5/31/07 1:32:17 PM

Page 121: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Hello?

Oh,hello PastorJames. Whatcan I do for

you?

it’snot what

you can dofor me,

Jou.

I’d liketo speak with

Hana, Mr.Otousan.

Oh,okay.

isthat okaywith youHana?

Yes,sir. I willtalk with

her.

Hana,why don’t yougirls head tothe backyard

to chat. PastorJames and I

will be alongshortly.

Hai,Grand-father.

Brittany,you mayfollow

me.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 118 5/31/07 1:32:18 PM

Page 122: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Seeingwhat she can do

here in the dojo, Inever worry aboutanyone hurting her

physically.

Okay,Dad.

Did Hanatell you what

happened?

Yes,sir. She

did.

I’m sorry,Jou. I never

meant for anythinglike this happen.

is Hana allright?

However,emotionally,Hana is as

fragile as aflower.

She is veryupset and hurt,but I think she

will be all right,as long as they

stay friends.

What doyou say wegive them afew minutestogether?

That isfine with me.

Would you likesome tea?

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 119 5/31/07 1:32:19 PM

Page 123: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Hana,I don’t reallyknow what tosay, but I’m

sorry.

I’m sorryabout not being

honest with you. I’msorry about being apart of Rachael’splan, and I’m sorry

I hurt you.

Brittany, I thoughtyou were my friend,

but you onlypretended.

That’s not true. I likebeing with you better thanRachael and Traci. That’s

why I couldn’t go throughwith throwing the

balloons.

I shouldhave stuck up

for you, but I ranaway like a coward.Can you forgive me?

I want us to befriends.

I can forgiveyou, but can Itrust youagain?

Yes!That’s some-thing we can

work ontogether.

I guess I have to forgiveyou. Who else is going

to walk with me toschool everyday?

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 120 5/31/07 1:32:19 PM

Page 124: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Well…now that’s

better.

it is niceto see yougirls happy

again.

I feel so muchbetter now. Dad,do you think Hanacould come oversometimesoon?

GrandpaJou, do you think

it would be all rightto teach Brittany

some karate?

I thinkthat would be

fine as long asher grandfather

doesn’t mind.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 121 5/31/07 1:32:20 PM

Page 125: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

I do notmind at all.

Brittany is welcometo come back to thedojo to begin hertraining when she

is ready.

Allright!

Yippee!!!

Thankyou for your

time and the tea,Jou.

You arewelcome.

Bye,Brittany!

Bye,girl-

friend!

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 122 5/31/07 1:32:21 PM

Page 126: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Thankyou Sensei…

I… I…mean…

…thankyou, Grand-

father!

I’ll getit! I guess

Brittany forgotsomething.

Britt--Oh! I’m sorry…

I thought--

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 123 5/31/07 1:32:22 PM

Page 127: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Good morning, younghuman. We are here

to kill yourbugs.

Oh! Uhm… okay. Please

come in.

Thankyou. This

will not takelong.

I willlet my grand-

father know youare here.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 124 5/31/07 1:32:23 PM

Page 128: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Good morning, younghuman. We are here

to kill yourbugs.

Oh! Uhm… okay. Please

come in.

Thankyou. This

will not takelong.

I willlet my grand-

father know youare here.

That is fine, younghuman. We will spraythe chemical compound

contained in thesecanisters around

the house whileyou do that.

Baku, continue throughthat doorway. I will

move to the backof the house.

Yes,sir.

Whowas at the

door?it’s

the bugexterminator

men.

Whodid you

say?

The menwho sprayfor bugs.

They’re in thehouse.

That isstrange…I do notremembercallingthe --

Unh!Rrrrrr!Unk! Uk!

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 125 5/31/07 1:32:24 PM

Page 129: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Huh!Huh! Huh!

Huh!

Tomo?What iswrong?

R-r-run-nngh! Rrrr-ungh! Unh!

Grand-father, what’s

wrong withTomo?

I am not sure, butI just rememberedsomething. I need

you to do mea favor.

Would youplease go to the

store and get a fewthings for ourdinner tonight?

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 126 5/31/07 1:32:25 PM

Page 130: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Are yousure, Grand-

father?

Yes, here isa list of things

we will need. I willtend to Tomo while

you are gone.Please be careful,

but you mustleave now.

Okay,I’ll be back

in a fewminutes.

Unh!Unh,

unhhh!

Unh!Hunh! Rr-rrrungh!

Unh!

Yes,I know. Wemust be

cautious.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 127 5/31/07 1:32:26 PM

Page 131: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Whereare you, Palon?Your scent is in

this place…

There youare, my old

friend…

Ugh!Ugly!

Ahh!That isbetter.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 128 5/31/07 1:32:28 PM

Page 132: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Ugh!Ugly!

Ahh!That isbetter.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 129 5/31/07 1:32:28 PM

Page 133: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Afountain!

Tomo…Bo

staff!

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 130 5/31/07 1:32:29 PM

Page 134: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Unh!

Heyi!

Huh?

Huh?

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 131 5/31/07 1:32:31 PM

Page 135: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Wha!?

Sir!They arehere!!

Sir! Atlast!

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 132 5/31/07 1:32:32 PM

Page 136: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

This wastoo easy. Lord

Ardath willbe greatlypleased.

I amafraid you

under-estimate

yoursituation.

I thinknot, oldhuman.

it is youwho are under-estimating.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 133 5/31/07 1:32:34 PM

Page 137: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

I know what you arehere for, and youwill have to gothrough me to

get it.

I see you’restill up toyour old…

tricks.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 134 5/31/07 1:32:35 PM

Page 138: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

I know what you arehere for, and youwill have to gothrough me to

get it.

I see you’restill up toyour old…

tricks.

Baku!Take them!

I will searchfor thesword.

Growwl!Yeeeeca!

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 135 5/31/07 1:32:37 PM

Page 139: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Wha?

if youvalue your

life, you willleave.

Ha!Ha, ha, ha,

ha! This is anunexpectedsurprise…

And Ido love

surprises…

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 136 5/31/07 1:32:39 PM

Page 140: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Thankyou!

You’rewelcome!

Have a niceday!

I dohope Tomois okay.

Huh!?

GRAND-FATHER!

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 137 5/31/07 1:32:40 PM

Page 141: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Ugh!

OOOOF!

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 138 5/31/07 1:32:41 PM

Page 142: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Grand-father!

Hana!You must

leave!

I willnot leave

you, Grand-father!

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 139 5/31/07 1:32:42 PM

Page 143: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Yiiiii!Yiii!Unh!

This isonly the

beginning,humans!

Cough!Cough!Cough!

Grand-father?Tomo?

We arehere, Hana…Are you all

right?

Yes! Iam fine! What

happened? Who…what… were

they?

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 140 5/31/07 1:32:45 PM

Page 144: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Yiiiii!Yiii!Unh!

This isonly the

beginning,humans!

Cough!Cough!Cough!

Grand-father?Tomo?

We arehere, Hana…Are you all

right?

Yes! Iam fine! What

happened? Who…what… were

they?

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 141 5/31/07 1:32:46 PM

Page 145: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

They werefox soldiers.They were sentby a man called

Ardath, LordArdath.

Who? Whatare you talkingabout, Grand-

father?

I don’tunderstand.

Why were they here?What did they want

with you?

They weren’there for

me.They

were herefor something

else.

What couldthey wantfrom your

DOJo?

Hana, there ismuch I need totell you andsomething Imust showyou.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 142 5/31/07 1:32:47 PM

Page 146: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Bark!Yip! Yip ahoooo!Bark!

We havebeen successful,Baku! Lord Ardath

will be verypleased!

But sir,we did not

capture Palon orthe sword. LordArdath will surely

punish us.

I thinknot, Baku. We

have located twothings that will bring

us honor beforeLord Ardath.

We have foundhis brother; and where

Palon is located, we willfind the one thing that willbring all of Argon Falls

under the rule ofLord Ardath.

Theswordof theSpirit!

Yes,Baku…

…callto Chuuya and

Kenok.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 143 5/31/07 1:32:48 PM

Page 147: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 144 5/31/07 1:32:49 PM

Page 148: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Hana, youmust take great

care to never speakof what you areabout to see.

it is asold as time

itself.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 145 5/31/07 1:32:50 PM

Page 149: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

it hasbeen carried

here over a greatdistance…

…atgreatperil.

Where did itcome from,

Grandfather?Who brought

it to you?

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 146 5/31/07 1:32:50 PM

Page 150: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Hana, in time I will tell youfrom where the sword came,but for now I can only tell

you who has broughtit here.

Who Grand-father? Whobrought youthe sword?

He iswith usnow.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 147 5/31/07 1:32:51 PM

Page 151: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

mmmm-rrff?

Tomo?

Yes… but Tomo wasonly the tool that one

far greater than us allhas used to bring thissword to its rightful

owner.

Wait now… Tomo brought thesword, but it isn’t his. He broughtit to you, but it doesn’t belong to

you either. Then whose swordis it, Grandfather?

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 148 5/31/07 1:32:52 PM

Page 152: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

it isyours,Hana.

Mine?I don’t have

a sword. I don’tunderstand.

it will be all right.in time you will under-stand. Tomo and I will

explain more whenyou are ready.

I’m notsure if I will

ever be ready,Grandfather.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 149 5/31/07 1:32:52 PM

Page 153: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Have faith,Little Flower,

you will be… in time.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 150 5/31/07 1:32:53 PM

Page 154: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Unsh!Oooff!

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 151 5/31/07 1:32:54 PM

Page 155: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

LordArdath!

Well done,Surgar. What

did youfind?

We have located your brother, sir.

The sword?Did you findthe sword?

Sir! Wedid not! Butit is there!

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 152 5/31/07 1:32:55 PM

Page 156: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

LordArdath!

Well done,Surgar. What

did youfind?

We have located your brother, sir.

The sword?Did you findthe sword?

Sir! Wedid not! Butit is there!

Areyou

sure?

They wouldnot have foughtso bravely ifit were not,

my lord.

Yes,sir!

Yes,sir!

Good! Welldone, Surgar. You

may soon prepare yourforces. We will need

your best men toretrieve the sword

and my brother.

Very good! LordArdath, it seemsthat you are only daysfrom your conquest ofthis land. You will be amighty king, your highness.

Yes. it isonly a matter

of time beforewe locate the

remainingpieces of the

armor.This landwill then

bow to me.

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 153 5/31/07 1:32:56 PM

Page 157: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

And mybrother will seeme for who I was

meant to be!

TO BECONTINUED

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 154 5/31/07 1:32:57 PM

Page 158: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

THEY ARE RIGHT IN FRONT OF US!

ATTACK!!

The Bible … Larger than Life!

Names, Games, and the Long

Road Trip

Available Now!

Walls, Brawls, and the Great

Rebellion

Available Now!

Fights, Flights, and the Chosen Ones

Available February2008!

Traitors, Kings, and the Big Break

Available May2008!

Volumes 5-8 Coming Soon!

Available at your local bookstore!

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 155 5/31/07 1:33:05 PM

Page 159: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Volumes 5-8 Coming Soon!

I Was an Eighth- Grade Ninja

Available Now!

My Double- Edged Life

Available Now!

Child of Destiny

Available February 2008!

The Argon Deception

Available May 2008!

Student by Day, Ninja at Night!

Available at your local bookstore!

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 156 5/31/07 1:33:07 PM

Page 160: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Incredible Strength,Heroic Battles,

and Humorous Antics!

The Judge of God

Available Now!

The Daughter of Dagon

Available Now!

The Maiden of Thunder

Available February2008!

The Raiders of Joppa

Available May2008!

Volumes 5-8 Coming Soon!

Available at your local bookstore!

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 157 5/31/07 1:33:16 PM

Page 161: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

Frogs eat flies!

Sounds goodto me!

What eats frogs!?!

Uh, a crocodile?

Do it, Tak!

~~~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~~~

~~~!

Perfect.

YEAH!

Pyramid Peril

Available Now!

Turtle Trouble

Available Now!

Berlin Breakout

Available February2008!

Tunnel Twist-Up

Available May2008!

Volumes 5-8 Coming Soon!

Available at your local bookstore!

Flying through Time toSave the World!

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 158 5/31/07 1:33:22 PM

Page 162: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

the people of judah caught between

the clash of empires.

The Coming Storm

Available Now!

Scions of Josiah

Available Now!

A Biblical Epic

Volumes 5-8 Coming Soon!

Available at your local bookstore!

The Prophet’s Oracle

Available February2008!

Valley of Dry Bones

Available May2008!

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 159 5/31/07 1:33:33 PM

Page 163: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

In the battle between good and evil,

it’s hard to tell who’s on which side.

Advent

Available Now!

Resurrection

Available Now!

We want to hear from you. Please send your comments about this book to us in care of [email protected]. Thank you.

Grand Rapids, MI 49530www.zonderkidz.com

Volumes 5-8 Coming Soon!

Available at your local bookstore!

Confession

Available February2008!

Emergence

Available May

2008!

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 160 5/31/07 1:34:02 PM

Page 164: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 1 5/31/07 1:13:21 PM

About the PublisherFounded in 1931, Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Zondervan, a divi-sion of HarperCollinsPublishers, is the leading international Christiancommunications company, producing best-selling Bibles, books, newmedia products, a growing line of gift products and award-winningchildren’s products. The world’s largest Bible publisher, Zondervan(www.zondervan.com) holds exclusive publishing rights to the NewInternational Version of the Bible and has distributed more than 150million copies worldwide. It is also one of the top Christian publish-ers in the world, selling its award-winning books through Christianretailers, general market bookstores, mass merchandisers, specialtyretailers, and the Internet. Zondervan has received a total of 68 GoldMedallion awards for its books, more than any other publisher.

Page 165: I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja (Z Graphic Novels   Tomo)

0310713005_interior_tomo1.indd 1 5/31/07 1:13:21 PM

Share Your Thoughts

With the Author: Your comments will be forwarded to the author when you send them to [email protected].

With Zondervan: Submit your review of this book by writing to [email protected].

Free Online Resources at

www.zondervan.com/hello

Zondervan AuthorTracker: Be notifi ed whenever your favorite authors publish new books, go on tour, or post an update about what’s happening in their lives.

Daily Bible Verses and Devotions: Enrich your life with daily Bible verses or devotions that help you start every morning focused on God.

Free Email Publications: Sign up for newsle ers on fi ction, Christian living, church ministry, parenting, and more.

Zondervan Bible Search: Find and compare Bible passages in a variety of translations at www.zondervanbiblesearch.com.

Other Benefi ts: Register yourself to receive online benefi ts like coupons and special off ers, or to participate in research.


Recommended