Adapting

Introducing 'Woody'

The safehouse had become a familiar second home to Hikaru and the others, but today, it had a new visitor.

Moriya Arakawa, the Element of Wood, stood in the middle of the room, his expression calm but his hazel eyes scanning everything warily.

Teshii, as usual, was having fun with it.

"Alright, everyone, meet our newest tree-hugging friend," Teshii announced, placing a hand on Moriya's shoulder. "This is Moriya Arakawa—aka Woody."

Moriya's eye twitched slightly. "I'd prefer you call me by my name."

Teshii smirked. "Nah, Woody suits you better."

Moriya sighed, clearly already regretting this decision.

Satoshi and Reina, who had been waiting for them, stepped forward.

Satoshi folded his arms. "So, this is the Element of Wood?"

Moriya nodded. "That's correct."

Reina smiled warmly. "Welcome. I imagine it must be… quite an adjustment."

Moriya glanced around the modern surroundings, his posture rigid.

"…You could say that."

A Struggle with Modernity

Moriya wasn't used to technology.

Which became painfully obvious very quickly.

After the introductions, Moriya was left to acclimate to his new surroundings—which he failed at immediately.

It started with a microwave.

Teshii handed him a bowl of food. "Here, just heat this up real quick."

Moriya stared at the microwave. "…How?"

Teshii blinked. "Uh. You press the buttons?"

Moriya frowned, his tribal instincts kicking in.

Instead of pressing anything—he placed his hands over the microwave and attempted to channel energy into it like he was summoning a spirit.

Teshii nearly choked laughing. "Woody—you don't need to bless it!"

Moriya scowled. "Then how does it work?"

Teshii snickered, pressing the buttons for him. The microwave whirred to life, and Moriya visibly tensed.

"…It hums like a beast."

Teshii wiped tears from his eyes. "Oh, this is gonna be fun."

Haruto Finds Hikaru Studying

Meanwhile, in another part of the safehouse, Haruto found Hikaru hunched over a desk, staring at a mountain of notes and textbooks.

Haruto raised an eyebrow. "What are you doing?"

Hikaru let out a deep sigh. "Studying. My psychology exam is coming up, and I'm completely screwed."

Haruto smirked. "Shouldn't you be used to pressure by now?"

Hikaru groaned. "Battling mutant assassins is one thing. Passing this damn exam is another."

That's when Teshii walked in, still grinning from his encounter with Moriya.

Hikaru immediately perked up.

"Oh, perfect! Teshii, you're my professor, right? Can you just tell me what's on the exam?"

Teshii snorted. "Nice try, Sunshine. That's called cheating."

Hikaru pouted. "Come on, I'm your student! You're supposed to help me!"

Teshii crossed his arms smugly. "I am helping you—by making sure you learn the hard way."

Hikaru glared. "You're the worst professor ever."

Teshii grinned. "I try."

Haruto chuckled, shaking his head.

As chaotic as this team was becoming, it was starting to feel like home.