In the morning, all the ninjas woke up to Elis' screams.
- Hey! Lazy ninjas, GET UP!!!
In the room, the ninjas began to wake up, and Kai, surprised, fell down, grabbing Cole.
- A-a-ah!!
- LET GO OF ME, IDIOT!!!
Cole yelled.
And they fell right on Jay and Zane.
Meanwhile, Master Wu left the room while the ninjas were yelling at each other.
- What's going on?
Niya asked.
Again, screams were heard from the room.
- A-ah!! YOU TWO, GET OFF US!!!
Jay yelled.
- COLE FELL ON ME!!!
Kai yelled back at him.
- YOU PULLED ME DOWN!!!
Cole yelled.
- FOR GOD'S SAKE, GET UP!!!
Jay yelled again.
While they continued arguing, Zane left the room.
- Have the ninjas decided to kill each other? If so, THEY'D BETTER NOT BREAK ANYTHING!!!
Elis yelled so that the ninjas could hear her.
In that instant, the ninjas went silent, and the first to fly out of the room was Jay. Kai and Cole shoved him out of the room, looking a bit ruffled.
- DON'T PUSH ME!!!
Jay yelled at them.
Then Cole kicked him to make him look forward.
When Jay lifted his head, he saw Elis standing there, arms crossed.
- I'm just curious... WILL YOU THREE ALWAYS ACT LIKE THIS?!!
Elis asked.
Jay, Kai, and Cole nervously smiled.
- Come here.
Master Wu said, sitting on the couch.
The ninjas and Elis approached him.
- Sorry, Sensei.
Cole, Kai, and Jay said.
They approached Master Wu. Elis sat next to Niya on the couch, and the ninjas sat on the floor. Only Zane was lucky — he took the chair.
- So, what are we going to do today?
Zane asked.
- First, we need to get to the main temple.
Niya said.
- But how?
Jay asked.
- You can't do it without me.
Elis said.
- You want us to do whatever you say?
Kai asked.
- Do you think you can get there without me?
Elis sighed.
- The main temple is closed to everyone except the main family members of the Hirao clan.
- So how are you going to get us there?
Cole asked.
- You'll find out as we go along.
Elis replied.
- Hey! That's not fair!
Jay shouted.
Elis ignored him. She stood up from the couch, walked past Niya, and touched her shoulder with her hand.
- Let's go.
Elis said and headed for the door.
Inserting the key into the lock, she opened the door.
The ninjas followed her out of the house.
***
They reached the main square and saw a stage.
- Have we arrived?
Kai asked.
- Yeah. Stay here, I'll be back soon.
Elis said and left the square.
- Where did she go?
Niya asked.
- Somewhere.
Jay replied.
- We just need to wait for her.
Master Wu said.
- She knows what she's doing.
- Yes, Sensei.
All the ninjas said.
***
Elis emerged from around the corner, holding a can of paint and a spray bottle. The ninjas watched as she approached the large wall on the stage of the main square.
- What is she going to do?
Cole asked, carefully watching her actions.
Everything she was doing seemed very suspicious — with a playful smile, she began spraying paint, leaving colorful stains on the wall that quickly spread, covering the white stones with bright shades. Leaving chaos in her wake, she paid no attention to the surprised looks of the ninjas as she continued her work.
- I'm starting to like her!
Cole, Kai, and Jay shouted together, excitedly watching her actions.
People began to gather and watch as Elis painted the wall.
However, it wasn't long before guards appeared on the square. They saw Elis, along with the ninjas, scattering paint and immediately jumped to conclusions. In the village of Sorai, such acts were strictly forbidden — any disorder or form of vandalism could not go unpunished. The guards seized her, assuming that she, along with the ninjas, was provoking rebellion, and without hesitation, they took them all to the main temple, where the head of the Hirao clan was waiting.
As they were being escorted to the main temple, the ninjas whispered among themselves, trying to make sure the guards didn't hear them.
- Is this your way of getting into the main temple?
Zayn asked, looking at Elis with surprise.
- Yes!
Elis replied, slightly angrily.
- Of course, there was a second option. We could have sneaked into the temple, but in that case, the guards would have caught us anyway. This way is just easier.
- Brilliant! Simply brilliant!
Niya said angrily.
- Maybe you had another plan then?!
Elis asked, glaring at Niya irritably.
- I liked it!
Jay interrupted them.
- Jay!
Everyone shouted.
- Everyone calm down!
Master Wu said to them.
- Elis, this is certainly not the best way to get into the main temple, but at least this way we'll be able to get in.
He continued.
- As I understand it, everything is heavily guarded here, and you can't even approach the temple. So, in our case, when we need to get into the temple as quickly as possible, this is the most effective method.
All the ninjas fell silent and didn't speak again until they reached their destination.
***
- Have we arrived?
Jay asked, trying to understand if they had reached their destination.
- Are you blind?
Elis asked sarcastically.
The gates of the main temple slowly creaked open, revealing a vast inner courtyard lit only by faint light from the high windows. The stone walls of the temple were immense, steeped in cold shadow, and the air was filled with the scent of antiquity and sacred silence. The guards led the group to the enormous hall, where the head of the Hirao clan sat on a throne. Inside, there were several large steps leading up to the ceiling, and on the floor lay ancient carpets with intricate patterns.
The ninjas and Elis walked under the watchful eye of the guards, each step echoing in the vast temple. As they approached the throne, the elder priest sitting on it lifted his gaze and focused on them. The only sound breaking the silence was the faint noise of their footsteps and the creak of the doors closing behind them. The guards stayed by the entrance, waiting for further instructions.
The head of the Hirao clan appeared to be around 20 years old, with white hair and brown eyes that radiated wisdom and calm. He sat on the throne in dark clothing with the clan's insignia, unyielding and focused, as if he already knew why they had come.
- Let them go.
The head of the Hirao clan ordered the guards.
- Understood!
They replied, stepping aside to allow the ninjas and Elis to move freely.
- Finally!
Elis sighed.
- At least they could have offered a cup of tea.
Jay muttered.
The head of the Hirao clan chuckled and, crossing his arms, glanced at the girl.
- Elis, how many years, how many winters!
He said with a "joyful" tone.
- And hello to you...
She replied dryly.
The ninjas looked at her in surprise.
- What?!
Niya exclaimed in shock.
The head of the Hirao clan shifted his gaze to their group and casually pointed in their direction.
- And who are these? Your new drinking buddies?
- Doesn't matter.
Elis replied shortly.
The head of the Hirao clan sighed heavily.
- Elis, of course, I don't mind your pranks, but stop.
- Maybe you could at least explain something?
Niya intervened.
The head of the Hirao clan and Elis simultaneously turned their heads toward her but immediately ignored her words.
- Elis, my offer is still on the table.
He said, narrowing his eyes.
- And my answer hasn't changed!
She replied confidently.
- Alright, I understand.
The head of the Hirao clan said, sighing.
- I wanted to settle this peacefully, but it seems that won't happen... Take them to the room.
He ordered the nearby guards.
The guards immediately moved toward the ninjas and Elis, ready to carry out the order. They carefully restrained them and began leading them through the vast hall of the temple to a separate room.
- Hey! What are you doing?!
Cole shouted, trying to break free from the guards' grip.
- Let me go, IDIOTS!!!
Kai shouted, angry and embarrassed at how they were being treated.
- Quiet!
One of the guards said harshly, tightening their hold on their arms.
- Stop screaming, or you'll have trouble.
The guards continued leading the ninjas and Elis, ignoring their protests. Each step echoed through the empty temple, emphasizing the silence that had fallen around them.
***
The room was small, with stone walls and an old carpet on the floor. Barely lit by candles, it had a few heavy wooden pieces of furniture and a window with bars through which only a little light passed. The air smelled of antiquity, and the silence only intensified the feeling of isolation.
- ELIS, MAYBE YOU COULD EXPLAIN SOMETHING TO US NOW?!!!
Zayn shouted.
- Wow!
Elis said, surprised.
- Zayn, can you even do that?
Cole asked.
- Zayn is right. We need some explanations.
Master Wu remarked.
- Fine...
Elis replied.
- When I was 12, I didn't understand why no one was allowed to leave the village of Sorai. So, I started looking for different exits back then. And on the day we met, I was also trying to leave the village.
Elis continued.
- But besides that, I was often caught, so I frequently ended up in the main temple.
- And so? Are you saying you can talk like that with the head of the Hirao clan because of that?!
Kai asked.
- It's a bit more complicated...
Elis answered.
- One time, when I was caught, I met the current head of the clan. We became friends. But when I told him where, when, and how I would try to leave the village again, one evening, when I came to that place...
Elis paused for a moment.
- They were already waiting for me there and took me to the main temple.
She finished.
- He turned you in?
Niya asked.
- Exactly. Then a couple of years passed, and just a few months ago, he became the head of the clan. And then I got caught again, and he offered me...
- Let me guess!
Jay interrupted.
- He offered you to live in the main temple!
The ninjas exclaimed together, except for Zayn and Master Wu.
- How did you guess?!
Elis asked with a smile.
- Well, I think that's all. But the last time, he promised that if I got caught again, he would lock me in the main temple.
Elis said, and everyone fell silent.
They all sat in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. It seemed like even time had stopped in this momentary pause.
Unexpectedly, they heard footsteps approaching the room where they were locked. The door creaked open, and a guard entered the room.
- What is it?
Elis asked cautiously.
- The head of the Hirao clan said for you to come to dinner with him.
The guard informed them.
- All of us?
Master Wu asked.
- Yes.
The guard replied.
And without saying another word, he turned and left the room, leaving them with new thoughts and questions.
***
In the evening, the guards came again for the ninjas and Elis. They silently escorted them through the corridors of the temple to the large dining hall. There, at a massive table, sat the head of the Hirao clan. His gaze was calm, but with a slight hint of sternness. The dining room was elegantly decorated, with soft light flowing from several chandeliers on the ceiling and large wooden walls covered in intricate engravings.
- Sit down.
The head of the clan said, nodding towards the empty seats around the table.
The guards stepped back, and the ninjas and Elis took their seats. Silence lasted for a few seconds before the head of the clan spoke.
- So, let's start with the fact that Elis is here on purpose.
Elis said, calmly crossing one leg over the other.
- I figured that much.
Hiro smiled slightly.
- You never would have fallen into my hands so easily, especially with them.
He gestured towards the ninjas.
- Let's not do this.
Elis warned him, slightly raising an eyebrow.
- Fine, fine, as you say.
Hiro said, leaning back in his chair.
- Master Wu, explain!
Elis said firmly, addressing him.
Master Wu sighed deeply and looked at all the people present. He realized it was time to explain the purpose of their visit.
- Head of the Hirao clan.
Master Wu began.
- We are here with a very important purpose. Actually, we are not just seeking refuge. We need your help to find a very important master — the Wind Element Master.
Hiro looked at him with interest, but didn't say a word.
- My brother is consumed by darkness, and he will soon rise again.
Master Wu continued.
- To stop him, we need true masters of the elements from all the clans. The only one left is the wind master from your clan.
Master Wu wanted to continue, but Hiro interrupted him.
- Alright, I understand. Our clan stopped contacting the outside world because of the evil that took root in your brother.
Hiro said, calmly understanding the seriousness of the situation.
- So, you knew about everything?
Niya asked, unable to hold back her surprise.
- Don't interrupt!
Hiro replied sternly, giving her a sharp glance.
- I am, of course, ready to help you, but I think my help will not be needed.
Hiro smiled slyly, addressing everyone present.
- What?
Zayn asked in surprise.
- Isn't Elis a master of the elements? Even I can feel it.
Hiro continued, looking at her with an intrigued smile.
- Even if I don't want to give her away to anyone, if everything is consumed by darkness, there will be no point in that. So...
He paused for a moment, glancing at Elis.
- Just leave. I don't want to see you here tomorrow.
Hiro said, without adding any further words. Then he stood up from the table and walked out of the dining hall.
***
The ninjas left the main temple, their steps echoing on the quiet stone tiles that led to the exit. The air was filled with silence, broken only by their voices.
- Sensei, is it true? Is Elis really a master of the wind element?!
Kai asked, addressing Master Wu with disbelief and surprise.
- Yes.
Master Wu replied, slowly casting a glance at Elis.
- I didn't realize it at first, but now I'm sure.
- What? Who? Me?!
Elis exclaimed, unable to believe her ears.
- Yes, Elis, you. You are the future wind master. Will you come with us? Will you become a ninja who will protect the world from evil?
Master Wu asked, looking her directly in the eyes, as if waiting for an answer that would determine their future path.
Elis was silent for a few seconds. She carefully looked at each of the ninjas, realizing that this wasn't just a decision — it was a duty and a heavy responsibility. She felt a power within her that she had never acknowledged before, and now everything was clear.
- Yes!
She answered confidently, lifting her head and meeting Master Wu's gaze.
Master Wu smiled. He felt that this moment was important not only for Elis, but for the whole group. They were ready. They moved forward with new purpose and strength, ready to fight the evil that was approaching.
Leaving the village of Sorai and its calm, the ninjas embarked on a new journey, knowing that their goal was now higher than everything else. They were one team, and together they would change the course of fate.