Moriya Arakawa

The Guardian of the Forest

Moriya Arakawa stood before them, his presence commanding yet calm. The way the forest seemed to move with him, the faint rustling of leaves even when there was no wind, made it undeniable – he was the Element of Wood.

"I know why you're here," Moriya said, his hazel eyes sharp as they moved between Hikaru, Haruto, and Teshii. "You seek the Element of Wood."

Hikaru took a deep breath. "That's right. We came because–"

"I already know," Moriya interrupted. "Mei informed us of your presence before your arrival."

Mei nodded, confirming this. "I didn't want to surprise them."

Moriya studied Hikaru and Haruto carefully before nodding. "Your presence here… is acceptable."

Then, his gaze hardened as it shifted to Teshii.

"But you," Moriya said, crossing his arms, "are not welcome by many here."

Why the Tribe Hates Teshii

Teshii held up his hands in mock surrender. "Whoa, woody, no need for the hostile tone. I haven't done anything… yet."

Some of the nearby tribe members murmured, their eyes full of suspicion and distaste.

Hikaru, growing concerned, glanced at Moriya. "What's going on?"

Moriya exhaled slowly. "This tribe… has history with your kind, Teshii."

Teshii raised an eyebrow. "My kind? You mean handsome people?"

Haruto sighed. "Don't be stupid."

Moriya's expression remained unreadable. "Years ago, a Yakuza group attempted to take his land from us. They wanted to exploit the natural herbs that the Tomita family uses for their tea business."

Hikaru's eyes widened. "Yakuza?"

Mei looked away, rubbing the back of her neck. "It was… a long time ago. My family had to fight back."

Moriya nodded. "The Tomita family successfully pushed them out, but the damage was already done. Some members of the Yakuza killed tribe members before retreating."

The air turned heavy.

The nearby tribesmen glared at Teshii, their mistrust now making perfect sense.

"…And you think I had something to do with that?" Teshii asked, his voice unreadable.

Moriya narrowed his eyes. "You wear their markings."

All eyes turned to Teshii's tattoos – intricate designs running down both arms, something neither Hikaru nor Haruto had ever questioned until now.

Even Hikaru had to admit… it looked suspicious.

Teshii sighed, rubbing his temples. "Alright, first of all – I'm not in the Yakuza."

Moriya didn't look convinced. "Then explain the tattoos."

Teshii shrugged. "They're just for show."

Haruto raised an eyebrow. "So you just casually decided to get full arm tattoos that look exactly like Yakuza markings?"

Teshii smirked. "Hey, they look cool."

Silence.

Even the tribe members looked unconvinced.

Teshii groaned. "Okay, listen. I get why you guys are mad, but I'm not part of some crime syndicate. I've never stolen from you, never killed any of your people, and I sure as hell don't plan on starting now."

Moriya was silent for a moment.

Then, finally – he nodded.

"I don't trust you," he admitted. "But if Mei vouches for you… then I won't oppose your presence."

The tension eased slightly, though the tribe members still eyed Teshii warily.

Hikaru, meanwhile, turned to Mei with a look of admiration.

"…I had no idea your family fought off the Yakuza," Hikaru said. "That's… actually amazing."

Mei's cheeks turned pink. "I – I mean, it wasn't me, it was my family–"

Hikaru smirked. "Still. That's impressive."

Mei looked away, fidgeting slightly.

Teshii snickered. "Ohh, she's blushing."

Mei punched his arm. "Shut up, Teshii!"

A New Threat – Introduction of Shifter

Unbeknownst to them, someone else was approaching the forest.

Moving through the shadows, a figure phased in and out of existence, appearing in one spot and then another in the blink of an eye.

Their movements were too smooth, too unnatural – as if reality itself bent to their will.

Then, standing at the edge of the Tomita Forest, they smirked.

"Found you."

The Blood Mage's master wanted information.

And Shifter always delivered.