Part 1: Aftermath of the Exam
11:59 A.M.
The clock ticked down its final seconds. Pens scratched furiously against paper. Desperation buzzed in the air.
Except for one person.
Hikaru sat at his desk, cool as a cumber, arms crossed, grinning to himself.
"It feels so good to finish the paper early," he muttered.
Then–
DING.
The clock struck 12:00 P.M.
Teshii's voice echoed through the hall on the mic.
"Okay, students! That's the end of your exam. Please hand in your papers."
Chairs screeched as students jumped up, rushing to hand in their exams to Teshii, Haruto, and Moriya.
Hikaru walked up calmly and handed his to Teshii.
Teshii smirked.
"Well, Sunshine! Did you answer every question?"
Hikaru froze.
"Wait… I thought we only had to answer five…" he thought, a drop of sweat forming.
Silence…
"Just kidding." Teshii grinned.
Hikaru glared at him.
This guy…
Teshii leaned in and whispered,
"Me, Aqua, and Woody will be at 7-Eleven. I know you're meeting up with Yami and Aoi. Once you're done, come find us."
Hikaru gave a small nod.
Then–
"Um… Teshii," Moriya said, holding a stack of papers.
Teshii turned. "What is it, Woody?"
Moriya held up the exams.
"Am I supposed to burn these?"
Hikaru and Teshii just stared at him.
In complete disbelief.
Aftermath
Students poured out of their exam halls like a wave finally breaking free.
Among them was Aoi, who had just stepped out of Kubo Hall.
"That exam was so difficult," she muttered, stretching her arms.
She glanced around the university courtyard, her eyes searching.
"Where are they?" she pouted, scanning for any sign of Hikaru or Yami. "I wonder how they did…"
Then–
"YAMI!
She spotted him emerging from Oda Hall, looking as distracted as ever. She waved excitedly.
Yami lifted his gaze slowly and walked toward her.
"So… how'd your exam go?" Aoi asked cheerfully.
But Yami didn't responded right away. He stared at the ground, lost in thought.
"Yami?" she asked again, concern creeping into her voice.
He blinked, snapping out of his daze.
"Huh? Oh – yeah, um… it was great," he said, forcing a smile.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Aoi asked gently.
"Yeah… sorry, just spaced out thinking about the test," he replied.
Aoi eyed him, clearly unconvinced – but let it go for now.
Then–
"HEY!"
A familiar voice rang out across the courtyard.
Aoi and Yami turned.
Hikaru came jogging toward them, still looking exhausted but smiling.
"Hikaru!" Aoi called.
"Sooo," Hikaru said, catching his breath. "How were your exams?"
"It was tough," Aoi admitted. "But I think I survived."
"Yeah," Yami replied simply.
The three shared a brief laugh, tension easing for a moment.
But then–
TZZZK!
Hikaru froze.
A strange pulse – like a jolt of energy – surged through him.
His eyes widened as he turned sharply, scanning the area behind him.
Nothing.
Just students and building.
"Hikaru?" Aoi tilted her head. "You okay?"
He turned back slowly.
"Y-Yeah… just felt something weird."
But as he glanced back once more…
There was still nothing.
And yet–
His instincts were screaming.
"What was that…?" he thought.
A surge of energy that vanished as quicky as it came.
Was it–
Another Element?
Meanwhile in the City …
Two university students strolled through the city streets, the afternoon sun casting long shadows across the pavement.
They were the same students who sat beside Hikaru in the Kishimoto Hall during the exam.
"You know," one of them said, "that was the strangest exam I've ever taken."
The other raised an eyebrow. "Why's that?"
"Mostly because of that green-haired proctor," the first student replied. "I asked for a spare pen… and he gave me a plant."
The second student burst out laughing. "Oh yeah! I saw that. That was hilarious!"
"The guy looked like a total weirdo. I swear, he stared at a stapler for like five full minutes."
"And don't forget when the bell rang – he freaked out like it was a wild animal."
They both laughed.
"He acted like some kind of… I don't know, tribe member or something," the first student said.
They continued down the street, passing a nearby 7-Eleven without even glancing inside.
Inside the 7-Eleven…
Moriya stood frozen in front of a freezer, his eyes locked onto the colourful display of frozen treats.
"What… are those?" he asked, pointing suspiciously at the frost-covered shelves.
"Those are ice crean," Haruto replied, already sounding exhausted.
"Ice… cream?" Moriya repeated, turning toward Haruto with a frown.
"Yep," Haruto sighed. "Cold. Sweet. You eat it. It melts."
Moriya narrowed his eyes.
"Then… what are those?" he pointed again – this time at popsicles.
Haruto groaned quietly.
"That's… also ice cream. Sort of."
Meanwhile, at the front of the store, Teshii stood proudly at the cash register.
"Um… sir? The cashier asked cautiously.
"Hmm?" Teshii tilted his head.
"Are you sure you want to buy… fifteen boxes of mochi?"
Stacked on the counter were fifteen boxes of mochi – each one a different flavour: matcha, red bean, strawberry, chocolate, even durian.
Teshii nodded solemnly. "Yes. And so?"
The cashier blinked.
"Never mind," he muttered, quietly ringing up the order.
Outside of the 7-Eleven…
Haruto and Moriya stood just outside the convenience store.
Haruto looked exhausted – mentally drained from the nonstop barrage of questions.
Moriya, on the other hand, was happily eating a small cup of ice cream, eyes shining with newfound joy.
"This… is very good," Moriya said between bites. "I should bring this back to the tribe."
"Yeah," Haruto nodded tiredly. "They'll love it."
Then–
DING!
The automatic door slid open with a chime.
Teshii emerged triumphantly, arms stacked with fifteen boxes of mochi, each teetering dangerously in his grasp.
Haruto's jaw dropped.
"Uh… Teshii? How many boxes of mochi did you just buy?"
"Not that much," Teshii replied cooly, adjusting the stack like it was no big deal.
Haruto raised an eyebrow. "Not that much, huh."
Moriya eyed the boxes curiously. "What are those?"
Teshii gasped. "You don't know what mochi is?!"
"He's from the forest tribe, remember?" Haruto sighed.
"Oh yeah…" Teshii blinked, then turned dramatically to Moriya.
"Mochi is a sacred snack – a soft, sweet cake made from glutinous rice flour."
Silence.
Moriya blinked.
Haruto facepalmed.
"What?" Teshii said, looking between them. "That's accurate!"
"He doesn't know what rice is either," Haruto muttered.
Moriya tilted his head.
"What's 'glute-noodles'?"
Teshii let out a long sigh. "Why do I even bother?"
Moriya – The Star of the Show
Outside the 7-Eleven, Teshii, Haruto, and Moriya sat on a bench, enjoying the mochis Teshii had bought.
Teshii turned to Moriya, still chewing.
"By the way, Moriya – just so you know, you were the star of the show during the exam."
Moriya blinked.
"Star… of the show?"
"Yes. Star of the show," Teshii said with a grin. "You inspected a stapler like it was some sacred artefact… and then gave a student a plant when he asked for a pen."
Haruto smirked.
"You're lucky no one recorded that."
Moriya tilted his head.
"Recorded?"
Teshii patted him on the back.
"You'll get used to modern society. Eventually."
TZZZK!
All three suddenly straightened.
A subtle but unmistakable pulse in their mids – a shift in the atmosphere, like energy brushing past their souls.
"What was that?" Haruto asked.
"A new Element, duh." Teshii said, completely unfazed.
Haruto rolled his eyes.
Then–
"GUYS!"
The three of them turned.
Hikaru came running toward them, slightly out of breath.
Teshii waved lazily.
"Well, well, well. If it isn't Sunshine himself. What took you so long?"
Hikaru grinned.
"Just had to wrap up with Aoi and Yami."
Then he spotted something that made his eyes light up–
"Hey… are those mochis?" he asked, pointing at the boxes.
"Nope. Absolutely not. You can't have any," Teshii said instantly.
Hikaru blinked.
"Huh? Why?"
Teshii crosse his arms dramatically.
"Remember the festival? You, Rich Girl, and Hikari were happily enjoying mochis… without me."
Hikaru blinked.
"Wait – you're still amd about that?"
That day… you three broke my heart. "Teshii said, placing a hand over his chest.
"Come on, Teshii! Just one?" Hikaru pleaded.
"Nope." Teshii shoved another mochi in his mouth. "These are my emotional support snacks."
Haruto and Moriya watched the exchange, both amused and confused.
Moriya looked at Haruto and whispered–
"Why is he so dramatic over rice cakes?"
"Honestly? No one knows." Haruto replied.
Part 2: Velocity
The city park was peaceful as ever.
Clear skies, soft grass, children laughing, elders chatting on benches, couples strolling, birds chirping – and the sun glimmering off the pond.
Among the crowd, four figures sat together on a shaded patch of grass.
Hikaru, Teshii, Haruto and Moriya.
And the topic of discussion?
That strange surge of energy that all felt earlier.
"Wait!" Hikaru said, sitting upright. "You guys felt it too?"
Haruto nodded.
"Yeah, we felt it the moment you showed up."
"Okay, okay… so that means – there's another Element nearby. Right, Teshii?"
Teshii looked up, mouth full of mochi, and another in his hand.
"Hmm?"
Hikaru groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"The energy surge. Does it mean there's an Element nearby?"
"Oh. Yeah," Teshii said, casually nodding and continuing to chew.
Moriya folded his arms, thoughtful.
"I wonder… what kind of Element it is?"
"Might be Thunder," Teshii said between bites.
"No, maybe it's Ice," Haruto offered.
Hikaru stood up. "I think it's–"
ZOOM!!
Something – someone – crashed into Hikaru at blinding speed, launching him backwards and slamming him directly into a tree.
CRASH.
Leaves scattered.
Everyone froze.
Haruto and Moriya stood up and turned toward the chaos.
"What just happened?" Haruto blinked.
Teshii, however, still sat there completely unfazed, calmly chewing his mochi.
"So, Sunshine… what were you about to say?"
Velocity
Hikaru groaned as he pulled himself up from the base of the tree.
"Ugh… what just happened?"
"HIKARU!"
He turned toward the sound of voices – Haruto, Moriya, and Teshii were rushing toward him.
"Are you okay?" Moriya asked.
"Yeah… I think so," Hikaru winced, brushing off dirt.
Teshii smirked. "Damn, Sunshine. Since when did you get fast enough to run into a tree?"
"No! Obviously not! Something crashed into me!" Hikaru snapped.
Haruto raised an eyebrow. "Crashed into you?"
"Yeah. Something fast. Very fast."
Then–
ZOOM!
A blur shot past them, a gust of wind kicking up grass and leaves.
"What was that?" Haruto asked, turning rapidly.
"No idea," Teshii muttered, eyes narrowing. "But whatever it is… it's fast."
ZOOM!
Another flash zipped across the field. Then another.
Teshii turned sharply. "Aqua!"
Haruto nodded, pulling open his pouch.
"HYDRO SPLASH!"
Water surged out of the pouch, dousing the ground.
ZOOM!
SLIP!
"WHOA–!"
The figure slipped and crashed onto the grass, rolling to a halt.
Haruto raised a hand.
"YOU! Who are you?!"
The figure got up, laughing casually. He wore a sleek, jet-black suit. Goggles wrapped around his head like a visor, reflecting the sunlight.
CHARACTER INTRODUCTION
Name: Velocity
Age: Unknown
Hair Colour: Black
Eye Colour: Yellow
Height: 5'7
Weight: 161lbs
Occupation: Unknown
"Call me Velocity," he said with a grin.
Hikaru narrowed his eyes.
"Velocity, huh?"
Moriya turned to Teshii.
"Is he a mutant?"
Teshii blinked.
"Seriously? Did you not see how fast he was?"
Moriya paused.
"So… what's his ability?"
Teshii looked at Moriya, slowly raising an eyebrow.
"Are you fu–"
Teshii cleared his throat.
"You know what? Never mind. It's super speed. Obviously."
But before anyone could react–
ZOOM!
Velocity vanished.
Then reappeared mid-air – a blur aiming directly for Hikaru.
BAM!
His fist slammed into Hikaru's stomach.
Hikaru chocked, stumbling backward and collapsing to his knees.
"HIKARU!" Haruto and Moriya shouted in unison.
Elements vs Velocity
Hikaru dropped to one knee, clutching his stomach.
"Ow…"
ZOOM!
Before anyone could breathe, Haruto reacted.
"HYDRO WAVE!"
A wall of water surged outward from his pouch, aimed to trap Velocity–
But the moment it moved–
Velocity was already behind him.
WHAM!
A sharp kick sent Haruto crashing into a nearby wall of trees.
Moriya stepped forward, slamming his foot into the ground.
"ROOT SNARE!"
A surge of wooden tendrils erupted from the earth, twisting and reaching–
Velocity dodged each one with terrifying ease.
Teshii clicked his tongue.
"Tch. He's got the advantage."
Hikaru, still panting, looked up.
"How?"
Teshii scanned the area.
"Too much open space. Way too much room for him to run."
His eyes narrowed.
"At least we're in the quieter part of the park. No civilians. No distractions."
Then–
ZOOM!
Velocity appeared right in front of them, smiling like it was all a game.
Teshii cracked his knuckles, rolling his neck.
"Alright, fast guy. Let's see how you handle close combat."
He lunged forward–
But his eyes darted to something behind Velocity.
His mochi box.
"AND YOU BETTER STAY AWAY FROM MY MOCHIS!"
Teshii closed the gap, faster than Hikaru expected–
But still not fast enough.
SWOOSH!
Velocity vanished at the last second, reappearing at Teshii's side.
BAM! BAM! BAM!
A flurry of lightning-quick punches slammed into Teshii's ribs.
He grunted, blocking what he could, but the speed was overwhelming.
"You're too slow, human," Velocity smirked, speaking so fast it was a blur. "There is absolute no way you can handle this speed!"
"Oh great. He's not just fast. He's a fast-talker too…" Teshii thought.
Then–
ZAP!!
A bolt of lightning tore through the air between them–
Blinding.
BOOM!
The shockwave forced Velocity back, skidding to a stop.
Everyone turned toward the source of the lightning.
There–
Standing tall in the centre of the park…
A muscular man in a yellow tracksuit.
Messy blonde hair. Sharp, burning orange eyes.
Electric sparks danced along his arms, radiating power with every breath.
Then–
He shouted.
"OI! YOU LOT ARE DISTRUBING THE PEACE!!"
Part 3: Element of Thunder
The battle in the park raged on–
Hikaru, Teshii, Haruto, and Moriya stood in a defensive stance, breathing heavily.
Then…
BOOM.
A surge of electricity cracked through the air.
A new figure stood between them and Velocity.
A man in a yellow tracksuit, hair messy and golden like lightning itself, his fists crackling with sparks.
"Who are you?" Velocity narrowed his eyes.
"NO!" the newcomer bellowed.
"WHO ARE YOU TO DISTURB THE PEACE IN THIS PARK?!"
His fists sparked violently, lightning snaking up his arms like living energy.
Teshii blinked.
"Yep. That's definitely the Element of Thunder. And an angry one, too…"
Velocity scoffed. "If you're just here to yell at us, I suggest you leave–"
"SHUT UP!" The man roared and hurled a blast of lightning straight at Velocity.
ZAP!
Velocity's eyes widened.
ZOOM!
He barely dodged, skidding to a stop with a growl.
"Tch… I was only told there were three Elements here," he muttered.
Hikaru's eyes widened. "What?"
He knew about us?
Velocity glared at the newcomer. "Didn't expect to see a fourth Element show up…"
Then–
ZOOM!
He vanished.
Gone.
The fight was over…
For now.
Ikazuchi – The Element of Thunder
Velocity was gone.
The only ones left in the park were Hikaru, Teshii, Haruto, Moriya–
And the blonde-haired lightning bolt of a man who'd just saved them.
The four of them got to their feet and cautiously approached him.
"Thanks for the help!" Teshii said, giving a half-grin.
"WELL, SOMEONE HAD TO DO SOMETHING! YOU WERE DISTURBING THE PEACE!"
The man shouted loud enough to startle a flock of nearby birds.
Haruto winced.
"Great. He's hot-headed…"
"WHAT DID YOU SAY?!" the man, growled, glaring.
Hikaru quickly stepped forward before things escalated.
"I'm Hikaru Nozomi. These guys are Teshii, Haruto, and Moriya."
The man, now relaxed, crossed his arms and huffed.
"Ikazuchi Ikari."
CHARACTER INTRODUCTION
Name: Ikazuchi Ikari
Age: 20
Hair Colour: Blonde
Eye Colour: Orange
Height: 5'11
Weight: 171lbs
Occupation: Unknown
Teshii squinted.
"So… Yellow Zeus, huh?"
Ikazuchi frowned. "Yellow what?"
"Do you just zap people first and ask questions later?" Teshii asked.
Ikazuchi shrugged.
"Pretty much."
Teshii grinned.
"I like that! Wanna join the Order of the Elements?"
Ikazuchi raised an eyebrow.
"The Order of the what now?"
"We'll explain later," Hikaru cut in quickly. "Probably not the best place for a long story."
They looked around the park.
People were staring.
Phones were out.
Some had even begun recording.
"Tch. Whatever," Ikazuchi muttered. "Let's just go back to my place. We can talk there."
"Your place?" Moriya asked.
"Yeah. Just outside the city." Ikazuchi replied.
Teshii clapped his hands.
"Alright then – sleepover time!"
"ABSOLUTELY NOT." Ikazuchi barked.
Haruto leaned in toward him.
"Don't worry about him. You'll get used to it."
Then–
"NNNOOOOO!!"
Everyone turned.
Teshii was on his knees.
Pointing at the empty mochi box beside him.
"That speedster… he stole one of my mochis…"
His voice cracked.
Terrs threatened to fall.
Ikazuchi blinked.
"…Is he always like this?"
Haruto sighed.
"Yep. Like I said – You'll get used to him."
A Traitor Theory
The group continued walking, making their way up a winding hill path toward Ikazuchi's home just outside the city.
Haruto and Moriya were walking slightly ahead, trying to strike up conversation with Ikazuchi.
Which, given his hot-headed nature, was going as well as expected.
"Tch! I'm not here to make friends," Ikazuchi muttered under his breath.
Meanwhile, at the back of the group, Hikaru walked beside Teshii – his brows furrowed, expression distant.
Teshii noticed.
"Sunshine," he said casually, "You good?"
Hikaru hesitated.
"Yeah… it's just… something's been bothering me."
"Come on, spill it," Teshii said, voice softening slightly.
"It's Velocity," Hikaru muttered. "He knew there were three Elements in the park."
Teshii blinked. "Yeah, and?"
"How did he know that?" Hikaru continued, glancing at Teshii. Only we – and the Order – should've know that information."
There was a brief silence.
The wind rustled the leaves nearby.
And Ikazuchi's constant shouting.
"Are you trying to say… what I think you're trying to say?" Teshii asked slowly.
Hikaru looked away.
"I don't want to say it… but maybe there's a traitor."
Teshii's playful expression faded in an instant.
"You think someone in the Order is leaking information?"
"It's not just Velocity. During the fight with Smokewraith – he knew I was the Element of Light." Hikaru's fists clenched. "I din't think much of it back then. But now…"
Teshii stopped walking.
He turned, studying Hikaru seriously.
"Why didn't you say anything sooner?"
I don't know… I guess I just didn't want it to be true." Hikaru said quietly.
Teshii sighed, then gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder.
"Well, Sunshine… we'll figure it out. Together."
Hikaru gave a small nod.
"There's something else too…"
Teshii raised an eyebrow.
"The park. During the fight – people were recording us."
"Wait, what?" Teshii's eyes widened. "Seriously?"
Hikaru nodded grimly.
"We were careless."
Teshii groaned.
"Great… that's gonna be a problem."
Then–
"HEY, HIKARU!"
They both turned.
Moriya was calling him from up ahead.
"Coming!" Hikaru jogged forward, leaving Teshii behind.
Teshii stood there in silence for a moment, watching Hikaru rejoin the others.
Then, slowly…
He reached into the pocket of his fleece and pulled out a phone.
His expression hardened.
He dialed a number.
The moment the line picked up–
"Hey…"
He glanced around to make sure no one was listening.
"Can you do me a favour?"
Ikazuchi's Peaceful Home
After a long walk, the group finally arrived at their destination.
"Welcome to my home," Ikazuchi said – though he didn't even look back at them.
Everyone stopped and looked around.
The house stood alone on a quiet hillside. A blend of traditional Japanese design with sleek, modern solar panels lining the roof. The calm atmosphere around it almost felt surreal.
"Wow," Teshii whistled. "Didn't expect someone like you to live in such a peaceful area, Yellow Zeus."
"My dad's a construction worker," Ikazuchi replied flatly. "He built this for me. He knows I like quiet."
Teshii chuckled.
"Well, seems like you and your old man get along."
Suddenly–
Ikazuchi's expression darkened.
He snapped his head toward Teshii, glaring.
"DON'T EVER SAY THAT. I HATE THAT MAN WITH A PASSION."
The air turned cold.
Everyone froze. Even Teshii's grin faltered.
Without another word, Ikazuchi turned and walked inside.
Haruto, Hikaru, and Moriya followed quietly.
Teshii stayed behind, thoughtful.
"Could it be…?" he muttered to himself, eyes narrowing slightly – before following them in.
Inside the home was… unexpectedly spotless.
Clean tables. Organized tools. Neatly shelved books.
Not a speck of dust in sight.
"If you guys mess up even one thing in here–" Ikazuchi began.
"What are you gonna do?" Teshii interrupted, grinning.
"I'LL KICK YOU OUT ON THE SPOT!"
Teshii wandered to a shelf, eyeing an eagle-shaped sculpture with a little too much interest.
"Teshii, don't even think about it," Hikaru warned.
"I wasn't," Teshii said, feigning innocent.
Hikaru rolled his eyes.
"This place is… unique," Moriya muttered, nervously scanning the appliances like they might bite him.
Ikazuchi raised an eyebrow.
"Why does he look like he's about to pass out?"
"He's from a forest tribe," Haruto explained. "Technology's… new for him."
"Right. Interesting." Ikazuchi said.
Then–
Teshii grinned.
"Hey, Yellow Zeus. Serious question – do you charge your house with your own electricity?"
Ikazuchi smirked.
"You joke, but yeah. I do."
He flopped onto the couch, static crackling faintly around his fingers.
"Alright. You dragged me here. Now talk – what the hell is this 'Order of the Elements' thing?"
The others sat down.
Moriya immediately sank into the couch like it was made of clouds.
"Oh. This is… soft."
Teshii and Hikaru exchanged a glance. Then nodded.
"The Order of the Elements is a secret organization," Teshii began. "Our mission? To find the ten Elemental Warriors."
"Ten?" Ikazuchi raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah," Hikaru said. "I'm the Element of Light. Haruto is Water. Moriya is Wood."
Teshii pointed at him.
"And you? You're the Element of Thunder."
Ikazuchi stared at his hands as spark of electricity danced between his fingers.
"So that explains this…"
"Yep," Hikaru said.
"But why?" Ikazuchi asked.
"We haven't told the others yet," Teshii replied, voice turning serious. "Bossman, bosslady, and I will explain the real reason after we find all ten."
Ikazuchi's eyes narrowed, skeptical.
"Ikazuchi." Hikaru calling out Ikazuchi.
Ikazuchi turns to Hikaru.
"We want you to join us and find the other Elements."
Before he could say anything else–
A deep voice cut through the air.
"You're wasting your time."
Everyone turned.
Standing in the doorway, shadowed by the sunlight–
Was a man.
Blonde hair. Black eyes. Work boots. Safety vest.
It was Enji
TO BE CONTINUE!!!