One and a half months had passed since the ninjas acquired the golden weapons, and during all this time, they dedicated themselves to training under the guidance of Master Wu. But they still hadn't felt the true power of the elements.
The ninjas were unable to use the elements—they were still far from reaching that level of mastery. All their training revolved around understanding the basics of Sagejutsu—the artful combination of body and spirit. Master Wu conducted intensive sessions with them, immersing them in complex meditations and physical exercises every day to help them control their energies. They couldn't unleash fire, water, or lightning, but they were working to prepare their bodies and minds for the trials ahead.
And one day, while the ninjas were again training in the hall, Master Wu sat in silence, absorbed in meditation. Before him stood candles that softly crackled, their smoke rising upwards, filling the space around. His eyes were closed, but his mind focused on the memories and sensations swirling inside him.
The silence in the room deepened, like an abyss, when suddenly the smoke in front of him began to change shape. From the darkness that slowly consumed the light of the candles, outlines began to emerge. Wu saw it again: the darkness spreading, slowly advancing toward the village of Kaidora—and further, across the world of Ordal.
His gaze blurred when he heard a hissing... It was a sound, like from the depths of a torn laugh, pouring out from the very heart of evil, from something that could not be stopped. The hissing wasn't from an ordinary snake or creature—it was something dark, ancient, and terrifying, that was meant to awaken. It was a reminder that the power they were trying to master was only part of a larger battle.
Master Wu opened his eyes, and the candle flames before him suddenly extinguished. He realized that the prophecy had come true—the darkness was approaching, and their journey was just beginning.
- The time is near.
He said softly.
Master Wu rose and approached the doors. He opened them and stepped out into the courtyard where his students were training. As soon as the ninjas saw him, they immediately stopped their exercises. Silence filled the space, and all the students, without a word, performed the traditional bow.
They raised one fist, tightly clenched, and placed the other hand on top. This was a sign of deep respect, combining strength and calm. Then, without lowering their gaze from Master Wu, they bowed their heads and remained in this pose for a few seconds, expressing their devotion and readiness for any trials.
Each of them stood with great dignity, understanding that this moment was important. After the bows were given, they raised their heads, ready to listen to what Master Wu would say.
Master Wu stepped forward and approached the doors. He opened them and stepped into the courtyard, where his students were training. As soon as the ninjas saw him, they immediately stopped their exercises. Silence filled the space, and all the students, without a word, performed the traditional bow: one hand clenched into a fist, the other placed on top. They bowed their heads, expressing deep respect and readiness for the trials ahead.
But it was not the students who spoke first, but Jay.
- Sensei, when will we unlock our potential?
He asked impatiently.
- When the time comes.
Replied Master Wu calmly, his voice quiet but firm.
- But when will that time come?
Jay asked again, looking at Master Wu with hope for a specific answer.
- Jay!
Niya said, striking him on the arm.
- What are you doing?
- What? I just want to know.
Jay replied, turning his gaze away, then turning back to Master Wu.
- You said we need to overcome the darkness, but how can we do that if we don't unlock our potential?
Jay didn't stop and continued:
- With the golden weapons? Yes, we can, but let me remind you that we will only be able to wield them if we become masters of the elements. And in order to become masters, we must unlock our inner potential.
Master Wu listened silently, carefully observing his students.
- Yes, Jay is right, Sensei.
Agreed Kai, stepping forward. His eyes were full of determination, but also doubts.
Master Wu looked at him, and his gaze remained calm.
- You are not ready yet.
He replied. His voice remained as quiet and penetrating as before.
- Your time has not yet come.
- But...
Jay wanted to say something, but Master Wu continued.
- I just saw the prophecy. Darkness is coming.
He said, and his voice grew serious, heavy.
- What?
Zane asked, his eyes widening in surprise.
- What should we do?
Niya asked, her voice filled with anxiety.
Master Wu looked at them, his gaze remaining cold and calm.
- Right now, we can do nothing. For now, we must observe what happens in the village of Kaidora. That is where it will all begin.
The ninjas nodded, understanding that this was an important task—to be ready for whatever might happen and to watch the unfolding events.
- Now continue your training.
Master Wu said, stepping back into the meditation hall.
He quietly closed the door, leaving his students in the courtyard, which now seemed even quieter, yet filled with anticipation.
- Sometimes I just don't understand Sensei.
Said Cole, walking up to the weapons rack. He grabbed a scythe, inspected it, and then approached the others.
- Don't you think so?
- We will never understand him.
Replied Elis, patting Cole on the shoulder.
- That's exactly why he's our Sensei.
Cole just shook his head, still holding the scythe in his hands. His gaze was thoughtful, and some undefined anxiety flickered in his eyes.
- By the way.
Niya said, joining the conversation.
- Sensei mentioned Kaidora. I was just planning to go there. Want to come with me?
- I'm going.
Said Zane, his voice calm and resolute.
- Me too.
Added Jay, not falling behind.
- And since we're at it, I'll come with you.
Said Elis, her voice confident.
- Then we're all going.
Said Niya, and her words made it clear that their path was set. She took a step forward, and the rest followed her.
***
The ninjas reached the village of Kaidora, and as soon as they stepped onto the main square, they immediately saw the chaos that was unfolding. People were running in all directions, their faces filled with panic and fear. Some were shouting, others were trying to hide in buildings. Around the fountain in the center of the square, a few locals were helplessly watching the scene.
- What happened here?
Niya asked, stopping at the edge of the square, her gaze fixed on the surrounding chaos.
Suddenly, from behind the fountain, a voice rang out, followed by a terrifying laugh:
- Fear me, people! Ha-ha-ha!
The ninjas tensed, ready for a fight. A large shadow appeared from behind the fountain, and then a boy with green eyes and blonde hair emerged. He was wearing a black outfit, with a purple fire design on his back. The boy was laughing, his face filled with a sense of power and disdain for everything around him.
- Yes, fear me! Give me all the sweets you have!
The boy continued laughing, his voice echoing like a harbinger of something terrifying.
The ninjas relaxed and exchanged looks before turning their attention to the boy, who kept laughing.
- Who is this?
Kai asked, stepping closer, trying to assess the situation.
- This is Lloyd, he's the son of Garmadon, Sensei's brother.
Niya replied, glancing at the boy with a touch of surprise.
- He had a son?!
Jay exclaimed, unable to believe his ears.
- Yes, but he should be at a boarding school for troubled kids.
Zane explained, trying to figure out how the boy ended up here.
- Well, we'll take care of him now.
Cole said, stepping forward toward Lloyd.
- Alright, let's go.
Elis said, and the ninjas, united, began walking toward the boy.
- I'm Lloyd Garmadon, son of Lord Garmadon!
The boy shouted, proudly lifting his head.
- Yes, yes, we got it. Now, let's go.
Cole said, grabbing him by the hood and lifting him up like a light sack.
- Hey! Let me go! Do you know who I am?!
Lloyd screamed, trying to break free, but Cole simply tightened his grip.
- Where do we take him?
Cole asked, turning to the other ninjas.
- Over there.
Jay pointed toward the edge of the roof near a sweet shop, where the street activity seemed less intense.
Cole nodded, continuing to hold Lloyd by the hood. At one point, he caught the hood on the roof edge, and the boy dangled there, unable to escape.
- You'll regret this!
Lloyd warned again, but his words only increased the ninjas' laughter as they continued to watch the situation unfold.
The people standing in the square, watching Cole hold Lloyd, began to laugh, cheering the ninjas on with their humor. Some even clapped their hands.
- You should grow up first.
Kai said, not hiding his smile.
- Should we just leave him like this?
Niya asked, looking at the others, her excitement mixed with curiosity.
- What, you want to let him go?
Zane asked, raising an eyebrow.
- After all, he's Sensei's nephew.
Niya said, pointing at Lloyd.
Elis stood with her arms crossed, a slight smile on her lips. Her eyes gleamed with mischief as she looked at Lloyd, who was helplessly dangling in the air, tangled in the ropes of a trap.
- Let's just leave him like this and walk away.
Elis said, tossing the phrase out casually as if it were nothing important.
Jay, who was standing slightly to the side, relaxed against a tree, nodded with full approval:
- I'm all for it.
He agreed, barely suppressing his grin.
- I'm in, too.
Cole said, shaking his head.
- And I'm not just in, I'm multiplying.
Kai said with a smile, taking a step forward.
And the ninjas left, leaving behind Lloyd's screams, who was swinging in the trap, shouting something unintelligible. The sun pierced through the branches of the trees, and a light breeze carried the faint sound of laughter through the forest.
***
The path led through the dense thickets of the forest, where the wind whispered in the treetops, and the birds sang their morning songs. After their rather unceremonious "farewell" to Lloyd, the ninjas were heading back to the temple, where Master Wu was supposed to return as well.
Kai walked ahead, his hands in his pockets, occasionally tearing off dry leaves from branches that fell into his path. His step was light, almost playful — clearly, he didn't regret leaving Lloyd behind.
- "Multiplying", huh...
He muttered to himself with a smile.
The air around them was fresh, filled with the scents of pine resin and the moisture from the night's dew. The tree branches swayed slightly in the gentle breeze running through the canopies. Behind Kai, the others walked leisurely, each lost in their own thoughts, though the general mood of the group was surprisingly light.
Jay, walking alongside Cole, was again animatedly telling a story, joking and gesturing with his hands. Every now and then, they laughed loudly — after the tension of the past hours, this release of energy was like a breath of fresh air.
Elis kept a bit behind, her gaze calm, her steps sure. She seemed to be enjoying the moment, breathing in the forest's aromas, occasionally plucking dry twigs from the bushes and twirling them between her fingers.
Zane walked closer to the center of the group, observing the surroundings attentively, though he appeared relaxed. His cold mind was still analyzing the situation with Lloyd, but there was no sign of doubt on his face.
Only Niya walked in silence, her eyes focused on the ground. She occasionally cast brief glances at her friends, as if she wanted to say something but kept sighing and looking down each time.
The path curved left, and the first outlines of the temple appeared through the trees. Its tall walls, covered in ivy, looked silent and majestic. Shadows from the clouds passed over the stone archway, and above, the rooftops glinted with the dazzling rays of the sun.
As they stepped onto the courtyard, the familiar cracked stones beneath their feet rumbled with each step. The air here was drier and warmer — the temple was once again welcoming its defenders, as if nothing had happened.
Kai stepped onto the main stair and turned, waiting for the others. His eyes gleamed.
- We're back.
He said simply, and it seemed to put an end to the strange morning adventure.
The ninjas entered the temple, where an unknown new challenge awaited them.
***
When the ninjas reached the temple, they immediately saw Master Wu. Without a word, they approached him, and Cole, barely holding back a smile, spoke first:
- Sensei, we met your relative.
- What?
Master Wu asked, slightly surprised.
- We met Lloyd.
Zane said, his tone serious.
- And he wanted everyone to give him candy.
Niya added, not hiding her sarcasm.
- Yeah, and so we... well, we kind of... taught him a lesson.
Jay said, not entirely sure of his own words.
- Uh-huh, we just hung him on the roof.
Kai and Elis added, and then they glared at each other in frustration.
- Don't repeat after me!
They shouted simultaneously, feeling their emotions entwine.
- Quiet!
Master Wu said, and the whole group immediately fell silent. There was a severity in his gaze that left no room for objections.
He paused for a moment, then calmly but firmly added:
- Return to training.
With these words, Master Wu walked into the meditation hall, leaving the ninjas standing in place.
- So, are we going to train?
Jay asked, trying to look serious.
- Yes, of course, Jay.
Elis replied, smiling.
- I'm serious!
Jay said, a bit offended.
- And I'm not.
Elis retorted, her tone light but with a hint of irritation.
- I'll leave you here and go to the strategy room.
Niya said, trying not to pay attention to their bickering. She was considering checking the map. The room was equipped with a large screen that displayed their mission map and territories. It was an important part of their plans.
- Go ahead.
Zane said, nodding, and she left.
Niya quickly left the hall and headed to the room where the map was displayed to check the new data.
Some time passed, and instead of training, the ninjas were just sitting idly. Kai and Elis, as usual, were arguing, competing in verbal battles.
- Can't you just shut up for a minute?!
Elis yelled, clearly losing her patience.
- Do you still expect me to listen to your boring lectures?
Kai replied, laughing, but his voice was full of frustration.
Meanwhile, Zane and Jay were playing tic-tac-toe on the ground. Each move was accompanied by not-so-serious comments.
- You always win, it's not fair!
Jay complained, looking at Zane, who had already placed his move.
- It's just luck, Jay.
Zane replied, smiling, and placed another "X".
And Cole sat a bit to the side, observing all these scenes.
Then, suddenly, they heard Niya running toward them, unable to contain her excitement.
- Hey!
She shouted as she got closer.
- What happened?
Cole asked, looking up in surprise.
- The village of Kaidora is under attack... serpents!
Niya cried out, her eyes filled with worry.
- What?!
The ninjas exclaimed in shock at the same time.