Tribal Forest

Morning Training – A New Question

Before heading to the forest, Teshii insisted on getting some training done.

The safehouse's outdoor training area was alive with movement and impact sounds as Hikaru and Haruto sparred against each other, their respective Elements – Light and Water – clashing in controlled bursts.

Teshii, as always, watching from the sidelines, occasionally yelling corrections or insults.

"Hikaru! You're still hesitanting! Stop thinking and start acting!"

Hikaru, dodging a water blast from Haruto, groaned. "That's not helpful!"

Teshii smirked. "Then get better."

Haruto, wiping sweat off his brow, glanced toward Teshii, who stood with his arms crossed.

That's when Haruto noticed something.

Teshii's sleeves were rolled up, revealing intricate tattoos that ran along both arms.

They weren't just random markings – they looked tradional, like something deeply significant.

Haruto narrowed his eyes.

"…Were you in the Yakuza?"

Hikaru stumbled mid-step, blinking rapidly. "Wait – WHAT?!"

Haruto pointed at Teshii's tattoos, his expression unreadable.

Hikaru turned to stare at Teshii, eyes wide. "Oh my god. How did I never notice that?!"

Teshii glanced at his arms, then snorted. "Oh, this?"

He waved dismissively. "Nah, Not Yakuza."

Haruto wasn't convinced. "Then what is it?"

Teshii grinned. "A story for another day."

Hikaru and Haruto exchanged glances.

They didn't believe him.

Arrival at the Forest

The group – Hikaru, Teshii, Haruto, and Mei – arrived at the Tomita Forest, an ancient, sprawling woodland belonging to Mei's family. The air was rich with the scent of earth, herbs, and something faintly mystical.

As they walked deeper, the forest shifted subtly, as if the trees themselves were watching them.

Then–

They were greeted by people.

A tribe.

Dressed in earth-toned robes and natural woven clothing, the tribal members emerged from the trees, their expressions curious but cautious. Some of them whispered to one another, while others observed silently.

A few of them, however, were glaring at Teshii.

Teshii noticed.

He smirked.

"Well, this is new."

Mei stepped forward. "These people live deep in the forest, protecting the land and its resources. My family has worked with them for years."

One of the elders stepped forward. "Mei Tomita," she said with a respectful nod. "It has been a long time."

Mei smiled. "It's good to see you again, Elder Sana."

The elder then turned her sharp gaze toward the others. "And these are…?"

Mei hesitated slightly. "They're… allies."

Her wording was careful.

The elder studied Hikaru and Haruto with mild curiosity.

Then, her gaze shifted to Teshii.

And hardened.

"You," she said, her voice laced with mistrust.

Hikaru and Haruto glanced at each other.

Teshii raised an eyebrow. "Me?"

The elder's eyes narrowed.

"You smell of blood and deception."

Teshii chuckled. "Well, that's just rude."

The other tribe members remained on edge, some gripping their weapons tightly.

Hikaru whispered to Mei, "Uh… should we be worried?"

Mei sighed. "They're wary of outsiders – especially ones like him."

Haruto crossed his arms. "Not surprising."

Teshii grinned. "Aqua, are you implying something?"

Haruto didn't reply.

Hikaru groaned. "Can we not start something right now?"

Before the tension could escalate further–

A new voice cut through the air.

Introduction of Moriya Arakawa – Element of Wood

"That's enough."

A figure stepped forward from the trees, his presence demanding attention.

He was tall, with long, dark green hair tied into a loose ponytail, and piercing hazer eyes that carried wisdom beyond his years. His clothing was woven from the natural fibers of the forest, decorated with wooden beads and leaves that seemed to move slightly, as if alive.

More importantly – the air around him felt different.

Powerful.

Ancient.

The very forest seemed to breathe with him.

Mei whispered. "That's him."

Hikaru blinked. "The Element of Wood?"

The main studied them all carefully before finally speaking.

"My name is Moriya Arakawa."

His hazel eyes locked onto Hikaru and Haruto.

"You've come looking for me."