Two days had passed since the ninjas decided to embark on their search for the Master of Fire. During this time, they had dedicated themselves to training, honing their skills, and preparing for the dangerous mission ahead.
And now, the moment had arrived. Master Wu gathered all the ninjas in the temple room where they usually discussed important matters. The simple wooden walls and modest hearths lacked luxury, but it was here that their plans were born. Master Wu looked carefully at each of them, gathering their attention before beginning the important conversation.
- Zane, check my pulse.
Zane silently placed two fingers on Jay's wrist.
- The pulse is normal.
- Really?! Then why don't I feel alive?!
Jay exclaimed, offended.
He theatrically sighed and spread his arms.
- Ah, right! Maybe because we got up at four in the morning?!
- Jay!
Niya snapped, glaring at him.
- Quiet!
Said Cole, giving Master Wu a chance to speak.
Jay muttered something under his breath but fell silent. Niya and Zane also stopped arguing. Everyone turned their eyes to Master Wu, awaiting his words.
- Ninjas, we will soon set out on our journey. Our goal is to find the Master of Fire.
The ninjas exchanged glances.
- And where exactly?
Jay asked.
- As far as I know, the descendants of the Kaiyen Clan live in the village of Kasaimura.
Said Zane.
- Correct, Zane. We will head there.
Confirmed Master Wu.
With that, the discussion about their path was over. The ninjas gathered their things and set off for the village of Kasaimura.
Their journey took them through a dense forest where sunlight filtered through the branches. The dry leaves rustled underfoot, and a light breeze filled the air.
- It would be nice to get there by car.
Jay muttered.
- Walk on foot!
Koal shot back.
The path gradually led them to open plains, and the faint smell of smoke began to linger in the air.
- I think we're getting close.
Said Master Wu.
***
The ninjas finally arrived at the village of Kasaimura. Before them lay the view of an ancient village surrounded by mountains. The houses with wooden roofs stood tightly together, and narrow streets were filled with locals going about their business. The air was thick with the faint scent of smoke from campfires, and in the distance, the sound of a blacksmith's hammer could be heard.
They carefully stepped onto the main street, drawing curious glances from the villagers.
Suddenly, they heard noise further down the street. Voices mixed with clattering and commotion, as if something unusual was happening there. Some villagers stopped, listening intently, while others hurried to see what was going on.
- What's going on there?
Jay asked, trying to peer ahead.
The ninjas exchanged glances. It was clear they needed to find out what was happening.
They walked down the street toward the noise. Before them, a scene unfolded: a large man with a vicious expression was yelling at a young girl standing in front of him. He waved his arms, angry:
- Did you push me?! Do you know who I am?!
The girl stood still, desperately trying to remain calm, but her eyes betrayed her fear.
- What is he doing?
Niya said angrily, stepping forward.
The man, noticing them, spoke again, raising his voice:
- I'm from the family of the Kaiyen Clan's leader! Don't you understand who you're dealing with?!
The girl remained silent, trying to avoid his gaze.
At that moment, a young man with brown hair leapt from the roof of one of the houses, landing lightly and immediately stepping in front of the man, interrupting his threats.
- I think it's time to stop.
He said in a calm but firm voice.
- What are you doing here?!
The man yelled at the young man.
- It's none of your business!
The young man answered proudly, his face expressing confidence.
Cole, watching the scene, sighed and waved his hands.
- Looks like our help isn't needed here.
He said, a bit disappointed.
The man scowled, realizing the situation was slipping out of his control.
- You'll regret this.
He muttered, but wasn't ready to back down.
The young man with the brown hair smiled, brushing a few strands of hair from his face, and looked at him with contempt.
- I'm not afraid of people like you.
He replied calmly, his voice as firm as stone.
Tension hung in the air between them, but suddenly Master Wu, who had been watching the situation, spoke calmly:
- Enough. This isn't worth it.
Everyone turned to him. Master Wu stood with a serious expression, calmly assessing the situation.
- Old man, don't get involved in this.
The young man said mockingly, smiling, but his gaze still carried determination.
- Hey!
Jay shouted, stepping closer and giving the situation a careful look.
- Maybe you shouldn't jump straight into a fight?
- And who are you?
The young man asked, sizing up the ninjas.
The ninjas paused, each silently glancing at the young man, ready for anything. Jay stepped forward, casually resting his hands on his belt.
- We're not looking for trouble.
He said, offering a slight smile.
- But if it comes to that, we know how to defend ourselves.
- Get lost!
The man muttered, turning around and walking off angrily.
The young man with the brown hair gave a short smile, watching the man retreat.
- All these guys are the same.
He said, not changing his expression.
The ninjas looked at each other, feeling that the situation had finally calmed down.
- See you!
The young man said, turning and walking away without looking back.
- What was that just now?
Jay asked, stepping closer to his friends, a slight note of distrust in his voice.
- Oh, my God!
Cole sighed, looking up at the sky, thinking about how much of a fool Jay was.
Niya smiled, and Zane nodded, feeling relief. They seemed to have gotten used to such situations.
Master Wu, observing them, simply looked quietly at them but said nothing.
- We need to find a place to sleep.
Master Wu said.
The ninjas walked down the street, looking for a place to stay for the night.
***
The ninjas found a house where they could stay for the night and paid for two rooms—one for Niya and the other for the rest of them. After they settled in and rested a bit, they gathered in one of the rooms to discuss their next steps.
Master Wu sat at the table and looked at his students.
- Tomorrow, we need to find someone who could be the true Master of Fire.
He said seriously.
The ninjas listened attentively, understanding that their journey was just beginning, and new challenges might lie ahead.
- And how will we do that?
Zane asked, looking at Master Wu with curiosity.
Master Wu looked at him and quietly replied:
- We'll start by asking the locals. They may know where to find people capable of wielding the Fire element. Remember, we need to act cautiously and not reveal all our intentions.
The ninjas agreed with Master Wu's plan, and after a short pause, Niya went to her room. Everyone went to bed, preparing for the next day, full of new challenges and searches. And so, the first day of their journey in search of the Master of Fire came to an end. Silence filled the house, and each one's thoughts were occupied with the challenges of the following day.