Part 1: The Challenge
Moriya led the group – Hikaru, Mei, Teshii, and Haruto – deeper into the forest. The trees grew denser, and the path ahead twisted like a serpent beneath the thick canopy above.
Teshii leaned toward Hikaru, whispering, "Hey, Sunshine. Why isn't Hikari tagging along today?"
"Oh, her?" Hikaru muttered, not looking at him. "I made sure she stayed behind."
Teshii raised an eyebrow. "Why?"
Hikaru glared at him. "Are you seriously asking me that?"
As the two bickered, Haruto stepped up beside Moriya, curious. "So… Moriya. How long have you had control over the Element of Wood?"
Moriya paused briefly, thinking. "Hmm… it's been five years since I awakened this power."
"Five?" Haruto blinked.
"Yeah," Moriya nodded. "At first, it confused me. Then Elder Sana told me I was… different. Special."
Haruto chuckled. "That's exactly what happened to me. When the water started moving on its own, I thought I was going crazy."
Moriya smiled. "That's how it always begins."
Suddenly – Moriya stopped walking.
Everyone froze.
His eyes narrowed, scanning the trees behind them.
Teshii flinched. "Um… was that look meant for me? Cause I swear I didn't do anything this time."
Haruto leaned closer. "Moriya? What's wrong?"
Moriya relaxed a little. "…Nothing. Thought someone was following us."
He turned and continued walking.
Hikaru side-eyed Teshii. "You need to stop being suspicious."
"I haven't even done anything!" Teshii defended.
"Alright, you two – less talking, more walking," Mei interrupted, keeping pace.
Teshii turned to her, grinning. "Look at that, Sunshine. Your girlfriend's defending you."
POW!
Teshii hunched over, holding his head. "WHAT WAS THAT FOR, RICH GIRL?!"
"You deserved it," Mei said calmly, not even glancing his way.
"OW! OW! OW!" Teshii muttered as he straightened back up.
But then he looked behind him.
Several tribe members were still glaring at him with intensity of people who really didn't forget the past.
Their silent stares felt more like warnings.
Teshii tensed. "…Okay, yeah. Definitely gonna catch up now."
He jogged forward to rejoin the group.
Moriya's Challenge
Teshii caught up to the group, brushing leaves off his shirt.
"Even now, the tribe still hates me," he muttered.
Hikaru turned and smiled. "I can completely understand them."
Teshii glared at him. "Rude."
They continued walking until they reached a clearing – an open space surrounded by towering trees. The air here was still, heavy with anticipation.
Hikaru looked at Moriya. "Um… Moriya? Where are we?"
Moriya stepped forward, his expression calm but serious. "Since two Elements are present, the tribe has decided to test your worth. We challenge you… to battle."
"A battle?" the group echoed.
Moriya smirked. "Yes. I want to see if you're truly worthy of having me join your Order."
Teshii clapped his hands, excited. "Ooh, a challenge! Alright, Sunshine, Aqua – best of luck! Show them what we're made of."
But then Moriya turned his gaze directly to him. "Actually, Teshii. You're also part of the challenge."
Teshii blinked. "Huh?"
"If you look around," Moriya gestured calmly, "you'll see that some of my tribe members have been dying to fight you."
Teshii slowly turned his head.
Sure enough, several of the tribal warriors were smiling – not the friendly kind of smile. The we've-been-waiting-for-this kind.
Teshii thought to himself, I am so screwed.
Hikaru stepped forward, determined. "If this is what it takes for you to join us… then we accept your challenge."
Teshii spun toward him. "Hold on, Sunshine! I don't accept anything!"
Hikaru ignored him.
Moriya turned to Haruto next. "Haruto."
Haruto straightened. "Yes?"
"You'll fight first. Choose your opponent."
Haruto glanced at the group of warriors, sizing them up. Then, without hesitation, he pointed. "I'll fight him."
A tall man stepped forward.
CHARACTER INTRODUCTION
Name: Yugo
Age: 29
Hair: Black
Eyes: Brown
Height: 6'1
Weight: 179 lbs
Occupation: Tribe Warrior
Haruto and Yugo now stood face to face in the middle of the clearing. The forest grew quiet, as if even the trees were waiting to see who would make the first move.
"C'MON, AQUA!" Teshii shouted from the sidelines. "WIN THIS FOR THE ORDER! MURDER HIM-wait, not literally!"
Haruto didn't respond. He simply opened the pouch that Teshii had given him – the one filled with water.
Moriya raised his arm. "Begin!"
Yugo charged forward, his steps thunderous across the dirt–
And Haruto was ready.
Part 2: Haruto vs Yugo
Yugo charged forward, his wooden staff spinning like a blur. With swift precision, he swung it toward Haruto's ribs.
Haruto sidestepped at the last second, the staff narrowly missing him. In the same motion, he extended his palm – a stream of water burst from the pouch at his hip, surging toward Yugo like a whip.
But Yugo was fast.
He twirled his staff expertly, slicing through the stream with brute force, the water dispersing mid-air.
Haruto's eyes narrowed.
Damn… I underestimated this guy.
Yugo didn't give him time to breathe. He rushed in again, his strikes sharp and practiced. Haruto ducked under one, but the second blow grazed his shoulder, making him wince.
Still – he didn't back down.
Instead, Haruto smirked.
"Alright then," he muttered, tightening his stance.
"Time to get serious."
Meanwhile…
As Haruto clashed with Yugo in the clearing, Hikaru, Mei, and Teshii stood on the sidelines, watching intently.
"C'MON, HARUTO!" Hikaru shouted, fists clenched.
Haruto moved with sharp precision, weaving water through the air with expert control – both offensive and defensive.
Hikaru nodded to himself.
That pouch Teshii gave him… it's really working. I didn't expect Teshii to come up with something this clever. Hikaru thought.
Then–
Mei gently tapped Hikaru on the shoulder. "Um… Hikaru."
He turned toward her. "What is it?"
Mei looked concerned. "It's Teshii… I think something's wrong him."
Hikaru blinked, eyes snapping to Teshii – expecting something serious.
Instead, he saw Teshii bobbing and weaving in place, shifting his head left and right like he was dodging invisible attacks.
"…Teshii, what are you doing?" Hikaru asked, deadpan.
"What do you think I'm doing?" Teshii replied, throwing a double jab followed by a right hook.
"It looks like you're punching air."
Teshii side-eyed him. "I'm warming up for my battle."
Hikaru raised an eyebrow. "Is there even a point of warming up? We all know you're going to win anyway."
"HEY!" Teshii suddenly snapped.
Hikaru flinched.
"Don't jinx it, man!" Teshii barked. "You never know – the writer might have a different idea for my fight."
"…The what?"
"Never mind." Teshii said.
Teshii went back to shadowboxing like nothing happened.
Hikaru watched him in disbelief.
How is this guy so strong… and yet so unbelievably annoying?
Yugo's Explosiveness
Both Haruto and Yugo stood several feet apart, panting, sweat dripping down their faces.
The fight wasn't over – but they both knew the end was approaching.
Yugo straightened his stance, gripping his staff. "You've done well… but this is where it ends."
Then–
He charged.
Yugo's staff came down in a rapid series of explosive swings.
Haruto dodged one, then another – barely keeping up.
He's fast… way too fast, Haruto thought, ducking just in time.
He's using the terrain to his advantage – every step, every movement is sharp and efficient.
Then–
A realization struck him.
Wait… he's using the ground effectively…
Haruto's eyes dropped to Yugo's feet as he came in again.
There! His heel… it doesn't touch the ground when he runs.
On the sidelines, Teshii smirked. "Looks like Aqua figured it out."
Hikaru turned to him. "Figured what out?"
Teshii nodded toward the fight. "Watch his footwork. When Yugo runs, his heel never touches the ground."
Mei blinked. "So… what does that mean?"
"It means," Teshii explained, "he's using his Achilles tendon to generate more force with every step. No heel contact. Just forefoot landing – so he bounces, explodes forward. Like a spring. That's why he's so fast."
"Ohhh," Mei nodded, impressed.
Teshii crossed his arms. "I can tell Aqua's already caught on. Now let's see what he's planning."
Back in the clearing–
Haruto's eyes sharpened. His lips curled into a smirk.
"Well then," he muttered under his breath, water rising around him. "Let's finish this."
Haruto's Strategy
Yugo charged at Haruto again – staff ready, speed explosive.
But this time…
Haruto didn't dodge.
He smiled.
With a calm raise of his hand, water flowed swiftly from the pouch at his waist, gliding across the forest floor – right in front of Yugo's feet.
As Yugo's forefoot struck the water-slicked ground–
Slip!
His leg shot forward awkwardly, almost sending him into an accidental split.
"OOF!" Yugo groaned.
On the sidelines, both Teshii and Hikaru visibly winced.
"Oh, that's gotta hurt," Teshii muttered, crossing his legs instinctively.
Haruto didn't waste opportunity.
With a sharp motion, he whipped the rest of the water into a focused tendril – snaking it around Yugo's ankle in one clean motion.
Then yanked.
Yugo hit the ground hard with a thud, gritting his teeth.
Haruto stepped back, breathing deeply, his hand lowering.
"…Do you yield?" he asked, calm but firm.
Yugo, still on the ground, looked up and chuckled. "You are strong."
He sat up slowly, rubbing the back of his head. "I yield."
A hush fell over the forest clearing – then murmurs began rippling through the tribe. Some nodded, others clapped lightly in approval.
Moriya stepped forward, his voice clear. "The battle is over. Haruto is the winner."
Haruto gave a respectful nod, then turned to the others.
Hikaru and Mei clapped proudly from the sidelines.
Teshii, grinning wide, raised a big thumbs-up.
Aftermath of Haruto vs Yugo
Haruto walked back toward the others – Hikaru, Teshii, and Mei – after his intense battle.
Hikaru rushed over, grinning. "You did it, Haruto," he said, extending his fist.
Haruto bumped it with his own.
Mei smiled warmly. "He's right. You were amazing out there, Haruto."
Haruto nodded, a faint but genuine smile forming on his lips.
Then Teshii stepped forward, arms crossed with a grin. "Gotta say, Aqua. I was impressed you figured out that guy's explosive footwork."
Haruto shrugged modestly. "Well… I used to play a lot of football back then."
"Aaah… that explains it." Teshii nodded.
He gusted toward the other tribesmen. "Honestly, I think that's what we should expect from every tribe member."
Hikaru turned to him. "What makes you say that?"
Teshii smirked. "To develop explosive running, some athletes train barefoot. And look at them–"
Hikaru, Haruto, and Mei glanced around.
Sure enough – many of the tribe members weren't wearing shoes.
"They all train barefoot," Teshii said. "Their movements?" Explosive by default."
"So they're all that fast?" Hikaru asked, a hint of concern in his voice.
"Pretty much." Teshii grinned.
Then–
"TESHII!"
Moriya's voice rang from across the clearing.
Teshii turned.
Moriya stood with arms folded. "It's your turn."
Teshii rolled his shoulders, cracking his neck. "Well then… guess it's showtime."
"Good luck, Teshii," Hikaru said.
Teshii flashed a confident thumbs-up. "Don't blink."
As he walked to the field, a subtle grin spread across his face.
"It's time to surprise them," he whispered to himself.
Part 3: Teshii's Surprise
Teshii now stood at the centre of the field, stretching casually as he waited for his opponent.
Then–
A large figure stepped forward from the tribe.
CHARCTER INTRODUCTION
Name: Baki
Age: 33
Hair Colour: Brown
Eye Colour: Brown
Height: 6'1
Weight: 178lbs
Occupation: Tribe Warrior
Baki walked with heavy steps, calm but intense. In his hands, he carried a long wooden staff – topped with a sharp, gleaming blade.
Teshii's smile faltered slightly.
Hikaru squinted. "Wait… is that a blade on the end of that staff?"
"Yep," Haruto confirmed. "Looks like their hatred for Teshii runs pretty deep."
Mei glanced nervously at the field. "Should… we stop them?"
Hikaru and Haruto exchanged glances, then simultaneously answered, "Nah."
Teshii pointed at Baki's weapon. "Um… how is that fair?"
"What's wrong, Teshii? Scared?" Hikaru teased with a smirk.
"Me? Obviously not." Teshii snapped back, cracking his knuckles.
"C'mon, Teshii," Haruto said, grinning. "You've fought things way worse than a guy with a blade."
Teshii sighed, turning back toward Baki with renewed focus. "Alright. Let's do this."
He dropped into a relaxed stance.
From the sidelines, Mei bit her lip. "I'm worried…"
Hikaru looked over. "Why? We all know Teshii's got this."
Mei didn't take her eyes off the field. "No… I'm not worried about Teshii."
She paused.
"I'm worried about that tribe member."
The Fight Begins
Baki pointed his staff at Teshii. "You're going down, Yakuza!"
Teshii groaned, rubbing his temples. "For the last time! I'm not in the Yakuza."
"Doesn't matter," Baki growled. "You'll still lose."
Moriya stepped forward. "Then let the battle begin!"
The moment the words left his mouth–
Baki charged.
He moved with raw speed and explosive force, his naginata slicing downward like a falling guillotine.
Teshii's eyes sharpened. "As expected. They're all fast and explosive…"
Then he smiled. Wide.
"Alright then… let's dance."
The blade came down hard – but Teshii didn't block.
Instead–
He twisted.
His body spun sideways in a smooth, fluid motion, the balde whistling past him, missing entirely.
From the sidelines, Hikaru blinked. "Huh?"
It wasn't just dodging.
It wasn't normal.
Baki didn't slow down. He immediately followed up with a horizontal slash, aiming straight for Teshii's ribs.
Again – Teshii didn't block.
He bent.
His torso arched backward, his body bending like he had no bones at all, letting the blade slice through nothing but air. Then, with a quick flip, he landed back in stance – completely untouched.
Haruto narrowed his eyes. "His movements… they're different."
Hikaru nodded slowly. "Yeah… this isn't how he fought Smokewraith or Blood Mage."
Because right now–
Teshii wasn't fighting like a martial artist.
His style was different. Smoother. Wildly unpredictable.
It almost looked like…
He was dancing.
Capoeira
Baki rushed forward again–
But Teshii was already moving.
He spun low, pivoting on one hand, his body twisting midair as his legs snapped out like whips.
BAM!
His heel struck Baki's ribs, knocking him back several steps.
Before the warrior could recover, Teshii flipped backward, landing in a crouch – one hand on the ground, the other raised lazily, almost like he was posing.
Hikaru's breath caught.
"Teshii's fighting like… a dancer."
Haruto nodded. "Yeah."
And then–
Teshii kicked up into a handstand and began to spin, his legs sweeping in wide arcs – fluid, controlled, dangerous.
Haruto's eyes widened.
"…It's Capoeira."
Mei blinked. "Capoeira?"
Haruto crossed his arms. "A Brazilian martial art. It's fast, unpredictable, and full of spinning, acrobatic kicks. Hard to read, harder to counter."
Hikaru glanced at him. "That… doesn't sound like Teshii's usual style."
"Because it's not." Haruto tone was serious now. "Teshii usually fights with brute force, direct power. But right now…"
He paused, watching Teshii twist out of another strike, using the momentum to launch into a graceful sweep.
"…He's moving like water."
Instead of charge head-on, Teshii was flowing – dodging, weaving, using every inch of his body with fluid precision. His rhythm wasn't like a brawler's – it was a dance.
And it was working.
"By the way," Hikaru asked, "how do you know about Capoeira?"
Haruto shrugged. "My brother tried learning it when we were in Brazil. Gave up after a week – said it was too hard."
Hikaru snored. "I see."
They turned their attention back to the battle.
Teshii shifted back into a handstand, watching Baki breathe heavily across from him.
"Is that all you got?" Teshii teased, upside down.
"Shut up!" Baki snapped.
Teshii grinned.
Then–
His eyes flicked upward.
To a branch.
High in the trees.
His smirk deepened.
"Looks like we have a special guest." Teshii thought.
Ending the Fight
Baki charged at Teshii again, swinging his naginata low–
Aiming for Teshii's legs.
But Teshii leapt, flipping into a mid-air spin, his body moving like liquid.
He soared just over the sweeping blade–
And as he came back down–
CRACK!
His heel smashed into Baki's jaw.
Baki staggered backward, his weapon flying from his grip as he hit the ground with a heavy thud.
Groaning…
But not defeated.
He stood back up and picked up the naginata.
Teshii tilted his head. "Still standing? Not bad."
With a shout, Baki charged again–
Fury in his eyes, swinging faster than before.
Hikaru's eyes widened. "He's fast."
But not fast enough.
Teshii ducked and weaved, his movements precise, almost playful.
Then, in a flash–
He flipped into a handstand.
Baki's next swing came in hard–
And was caught.
Teshii clamped both feet around the naginata mid-spin.
Baki's eyes widened.
"Oh no."
SLAM!
Teshii twisted, slamming the weapon into the ground–
SNAP!
The blade cracked clean off.
Haruto raised a brow. "Well… that's one way to end it."
Teshii didn't wait.
Still in his handstand, he twisted one final time–
BAM!
His heel struck Baki in the jaw a second time, even harder.
Baki's body spun midair before collapsing to the ground–
Unconscious.
Silence.
Teshii landed lightly on his feet, rolling his shoulders.
"And that," he said, brushing imaginary dust from his chest, "is game."
Aftermath of Teshii vs Baki
The battle was over.
Teshii had won.
All around the forest, the tribe members stood frozen in disbelief.
Their most experienced warrior…
Defeated.
By the man they thought was Yakuza.
Baki sat up slowly, rubbing his jaw.
His eyes locked on Teshii, unreadable.
Teshii walked over and extended a hand.
"Well?" he smirked. "Ever seen a Yakuza dance like that?"
Baki let out a small chuckle and took the hand. "You're… better than I thought.
Teshii grinned. "I get that a lot."
From the sidelines, Moriya watched silently, arms crossed.
That style… the way he moved…
No. He's not Yakuza.
He's something else.
Teshii returned to the group, stretching his arms like nothing happened.
Mei ran up beside him, her eyes gleaming. "Teshii, that was amazing!"
"Thank you, Rich Girl." He replied with a wink.
Meanwhile, Hikaru and Haruto exchanged a glance.
That fight had confirmed something.
Teshii wasn't just some guy who liked fighting.
He was trained.
Deeply trained.
But by who?
Before they could dwell on it–
"HIKARU!"
Moriya's voice echoed across the field.
Hikaru turned.
"It is now your turn," Moriya said, stepping forward.
Hikaru smiled, cracking his knuckles. "Who will be my opponent?"
Moriya smirked… and pointed to himself.
"Me."
Hikaru's eyes widened.
Mei gasped.
Haruto narrowed his gaze.
Teshii whistled. "Well, well. Sunshine vs Woody."
Moriya's tone was serious. "I want to see it myself… the power of the Element of Light."
Hikaru took a breath… and stepped forward.
"Well then… I accept."
Part 3: Hikaru vs Moriya
It was time.
The final battle of the challenge.
Hikaru stepped forward.
But unlike Teshii and Haruto, he wasn't up against just any tribe warrior.
He was fighting Moriya.
The Element of Wood.
Hikaru and Moriya moved to the centre of the open area, facing each other.
From the sidelines–
"C'MON, SUNSHINE!" Teshii shouted. "SHOW WOODY WHO'S BOSS!"
Haruto added, "This could be interesting. We'll get to see just how strong the Element of Wood really is."
Teshii rolled his eyes behind his crimson glasses. "IGNORE AQUA! DESTROY HIM, SUNSHINE! ANNIHILATE!"
"I AM NOT DOING THAT!" Hikaru shouted back.
Is this guy even serious? Hikaru thought.
Moriya chuckled. "Well then, Hikaru. Ready?"
Hikaru met his gaze. "Ready."
The atmosphere grew still.
Tension building.
Until–
RING! RING! RING!
"Huh?" Hikaru and Moriya blinked in unison.
Everyone turned toward the sound.
It was Teshii's phone.
"Oh! Sorry guys, it's Satoshi!" Teshii said casually, already walking away. "Better take this!"
He waved over his shoulder. "DON'T START WITHOUT ME!"
Everyone just stared.
This guy… absolutely has no shame, Hikaru thought.
5 Minutes Later…
It had been five full minutes since Teshii ran off to take his call.
Everyone was starting to get impatient.
"Seriously, how long is this call?" Haruto muttered.
"Maybe… it's important," Mei offered, trying to defend him.
Hikaru sighed and turned to Moriya. "Should we just start?"
Before Moriya could answer–
"I'm back! I'm back! I'm back!"
Teshii came sprinting into the open field like nothing had happened.
He clapped his hands. "Right. BEGIN!"
Everyone stared at him in disbelief.
He just stood there, grinning, like the last five minutes didn't exist.
"…Well," Moriya said at last, "I suppose we can begin now."
The surrounding tribe members began to gather, forming a loose ring around the field.
The match was set.
Hikaru vs Moriya.
The Element of Light vs The Element of Wood.
Moriya tilted his head slightly. "Come."
Hikaru grinned and charged forward.
"SUNRISE PUN–"
THUMP.
Hikaru hit the ground face-first.
"…What just happened?" Haruto blinked.
Teshii answered flatly. "A branch."
Mei and Haruto turned to him. "Branch?" Mei echoed.
Hikaru groaned and pushed himself up, confused. "Huh? What the hell–?"
He looked back and spotted it.
A thick, knotted branch lying on the ground behind him.
But where did that come from?
Then–
"Welcome to my play area."
Moriya raises his arm, his voice calm but commanding.
"Did you forget, Hikaru?" he said. "This forest is my home."
Suddenly–
The trees shifted. The leaves rustled. The branches moved.
All of it – aimed directly at Hikaru.
Teshii smirked from the sidelines. "There it is…"
The forest bent to Moriya's will.
The Element of Wood… had made his move.
Burn it
The forest moved like a living creature.
Branches cracked. Leaves surged. Roots twisted from the earth as if the entire forest was charging at Hikaru.
He froze.
"W-Wha–?!"
Teshii whistled from the sidelines. "Yep. Sunshine is so screwed."
"Don't say that!" Mei snapped, glaring at him.
"Why not? Look at him!" Teshii pointed at Hikaru, who was now frantically dodging branches and vines. "He's literally freaking out."
"OOHHH MMYYYY GGOOOODDDD!" Hikaru screamed, leaping out of the way of a flying branch.
Moriya stood still, calm and composed, watching with faint amusement.
"C'mon, Hikaru. You can't dodge forever."
Then–
He smirked.
SHRAKK!
Vines burst from the earth, thick and fast.
"Vines?!" Hikaru yelped.
"Are those vines?" Haruto asked.
"Yes, Aqua. Those are what you call vines." Teshii deadpanned, looking away. "Idiot."
"I heard that!" Haruto snapped.
THWARPP!
The vines wrapped around Hikaru in an instant, locking his arms and legs in place.
"W-Wait, what?!"
Moriya raised a hand.
A thick branch hovered above him.
Then – it launched, straight toward Hikaru like a spear.
Trapped. No time. No options.
Panic set in.
Then–
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING, SUNSHINE?!" Teshii shouted from the sidelines.
Hikaru turned his head. "HUH?!"
"BURN THE VINES AWAY!"
"BURN?! I'M THE ELEMENT OF LIGHT, NOT FIRE!"
"EXACTLY! LIGHT THEM UP!"
Light them up?
Wait…
Light.
Heat.
"…OHHHH!" Hikaru's eyes lit up. "I was totally getting to that!"
He clenched his fist.
"RADIANCE BURST!"
BOOM!
A shockwave of pure golden light exploded around him. The vines hissed and withered, burning away under the searing brilliance.
Hikaru rose, glowing.
His body pulsed with radiant energy. Light shimmered off his skin, illuminating the entire forest clearing.
Moriya's eyes lit with excitement.
"The real battle," he said with a smirk, "has just begun."
Meanwhile…
A figure stood silently on the branch of a tall tree, cloaked by the shadows of the forest canopy.
The same figure that had been watching.
The same one who moved with the blink of an eye.
Distant – but watching.
His gaze was fixed on the clearing below, where the battle between Hikaru and Moriya raged on.
Then–
FLASH.
A golden explosion lit up the sky.
Hikaru's Radiance Burst.
The figure's eyes gleamed as the light bathed the forest.
A slow smile spread across his face.
"Looks like that's my cue," he whispered.
And in the blink of an eye – he was gone.
TO BE CONTINUE!!!