After the exhausting events of the last few days, the ninjas finally returned to the temple. The sun was just rising over the mountains, illuminating the roof of the ancient building that served as both their home and training place. A light mist swirled between the trees, and a breeze brought with it the fresh scent of pine.
Master Wu stood in the main courtyard, watching as his students gathered after their morning rest. The fatigue still lingered, but there was already a fire of determination in their eyes. They knew the time for training had come.
- You all handled the trials well.
Said Wu, focusing on each of them.
- But this is just the beginning. The evil that is awakening will not wait for you to grow stronger. We must act immediately.
The ninjas exchanged glances. They understood that ahead of them lay not just physical trials but spiritual fortitude. For true Sagejitsu power lay not only in mastering the elements but also in the harmony between body, mind, and soul.
- So.
Wu crossed his arms behind his back.
- Let's begin.
With these words, he led his students to the training ground, where exercises awaited them that would make them stronger, faster, and ready for the upcoming battle.
- I was wondering where you all came from.
Said Elis, surveying the training ground.
- This isn't some village.
Kai remarked mockingly.
- Yeah, you two!
Master Wu suddenly shouted.
- If you have so much energy for talking, you must be well trained already.
Elis and Kai exchanged looks.
- You'll train here.
Wu pointed to the most difficult training object — the "Endurance Stairs." This was a tall, nearly vertical structure that resembled endless stairs. Every time you stepped up, the steps underneath wobbled, and some suddenly caved in. To reach the top, you needed not only speed and endurance but excellent balance and reflexes.
- Ha! This'll be a piece of cake!
They both exclaimed at the same time, confidently walking toward the challenge.
***
They reached the Endurance Stairs, and the other ninjas joined them.
- It's just some stairs.
Kai confidently declared, assessing the structure.
- Then go first!
Elis said with a smile.
- I will!
He replied, slightly lifting his chin.
- It's not that simple.
Zane remarked calmly, carefully examining the mechanism of the stairs.
- Only Cole could last longer than anyone here.
Added Niya, crossing her arms.
Cole just smiled and confidently glanced at Kai and Elis.
- Well, we'll see about that.
Kai muttered quietly.
- At least we agree on something.
Elis whispered, hiding a mischievous smile.
- Kai, go!
Elis encouraged him.
Kai approached the Endurance Stairs and, without hesitation, stepped onto the first step. It wobbled slightly, but he confidently stepped further up.
- There's nothing hard about this!
He said smugly, taking a few more steps upward.
But as soon as those words left his mouth, the step beneath him suddenly disappeared.
- Whoa!
Kai barely managed to exclaim before falling down.
Kai screamed as he fell and landed on the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust.
- We told you!
All the ninjas said in unison, except for Elis.
- Elis, now it's your turn.
Jay said with a grin.
The girl folded her arms and looked at Kai, who was still lying on the ground.
- You know...
She tilted her head slightly, watching his expression.
Kai frowned.
- Pff!
Elis almost laughed, covering her mouth with her hand.
- Hey! I'll get up now, and you're going down!
Kai yelled, quickly getting up.
Kai was about to say something but was interrupted by Master Wu's stern voice.
- Enough of the jokes. Everyone to the Dragon Hall. We need to discuss something very important.
The ninjas quickly exchanged glances. If Wu was serious, then it was indeed something important.
- Whoa, that sounds ominous.
Jay mumbled, stuffing his hands in his pockets.
- Maybe it has something to do with what he saw in his meditations?
Niya suggested.
- We'll find out soon.
Cole said and headed toward the temple.
- He can see things in his meditations?!
Kai exclaimed, not believing his ears.
- My shock is shocked by the shock of my shock.
Elis added, rolling her eyes slightly.
Jay quietly chuckled, and Niya just smiled faintly.
- Let's not waste time.
Cole said, before heading toward the temple.
One by one, they made their way to the Dragon Hall, feeling that something serious awaited them.
***
- Ninjas, as you know, we need to find the golden weapon.
Master Wu began, gathering everyone in the Dragon Hall.
- But each of these weapons is either guarded by a dragon or located in a place that is impossible to reach.
- I apologize, but... how are we supposed to get to a place that's impossible to reach?
Kai asked, raising an eyebrow in surprise.
Master Wu calmly nodded.
- Everything has its path.
He said.
- And we will find it.
- And where do we start?
Zane asked, looking intently at Master Wu.
- We'll start with the Scythe of Earthquakes.
Master Wu answered, not taking his eyes off his students.
- Sensei, do you know where it is?
Cole asked, raising his hand.
- Yes. I know...
Master Wu quietly said, recalling the words written in the scroll his father had left him. His gaze became serious, and for a moment, he seemed to drift back in time to when he first received this information.
- When do we leave?
Niya asked impatiently, looking at Master Wu.
- Tomorrow.
Master Wu replied, leaving everything else for later.
- And let me guess...
Jay began, looking around at everyone.
***
- ...AGAIN FROM EARLY MORNING!!!
Jay shouted, flailing his arms.
- WE GET UP BEFORE THE SUN DOES!!!
- Jay, stop whining!
Cole replied, as if he were already used to these complaints.
- LOOK AT KAI AND ELIS, THEY'RE ALWAYS ARGUING, AND NOW!!!
Jay pointed at Kai and Elis, who were sitting on the temple steps, leaning on each other, and nearly asleep.
- Alright, Jay, we get it!
Niya said, rolling her eyes.
Soon Master Wu approached, and his voice was calm but firm.
- Ninjas, we're ready to leave!
He said, and they all began to move toward the exit.
Almost forgetting Kai and Elis, who were still sitting on the steps, covering their eyes to sleep.
***
- Sensei, where exactly is the Scythe of Earthquakes?
Cole asked.
- It's located in the mountains, underground.
Master Wu replied, recalling the scroll.
The underground mountains were a vast, dark complex where the earth constantly trembled from the shockwaves of earthquakes. The entrance to this labyrinth looked like a split in the earth between two large ridges, leading to a deep valley filled with stone walls covered in ancient symbols. The air was thick and heavy, and the rivers flowing through the stone caves glowed with a phosphorescent light. Deep within this place stood a temple where the Scythe of Earthquakes was kept — a place where the earth and stone seemed alive, and everything around it radiated a mysterious danger.
- We're heading there.
Master Wu added.