Stories: The Return of the Warlord

Story Written by: Redfork2000 and PeaVZ108

Plot

Akasha finds a shard of the Orb of Power after yet another loss to Kyoji and Starcade. After gathering the shards back, she restores the Orb of Power and brings an old threat back to life - her father, Shogo the Warlord! Taking his resurrection as another opportunity to conquer the world, Shogo the Warlord proceeds to resurrect his allies - ancient elemental ninjas that are more powerful than the regular ones! Together, Shogo and his team launch a devastating offensive against Echo Creek and the Locked Room Gang. It will take a lot more pain and suffering for Kyoji to defeat his old foe than the last time, as the ice ninja will need all the help he can get to put an end to the evil warlord and his conquest campaign.

Cast

• Shogo the Warlord
• Akasha
• Green Shadow
• Bonk Choy
• Re-Peat Moss
• Grass Knuckles
• Repeater
• Chomper
• Starcade
• Kyoji
• Takeshi
• Sasuke
• The Gemstones
• Nutty the Squirrel
• Mimic the Parrot
• Hissy the Snake
• Chimp the Monkey
• Blizzard (NEW!)
• Tsunami (NEW!)
• Wildfire (NEW!)
• Earthquake (NEW!)
• Thunderstorm (NEW!)
• Tornado (NEW!)
• Dark Starcade (NEW!)
• Team Hybrids
  • Ink Splash
  • Pincers
  • Crusade
  • Dyna-Matic
  • Dark Trident
  • Octo-Phantom
  • Timmy Turquoise
  • Whacker Weed
  • Magi-Knight
• Red Fork
• Blue Ocean
• Red Spoon
• Captain Red Shell
• Coconut Crab
• Blast
• Tommy
• Alice
• Ace
• Night Cap
• Spark
• Sting

Story

In the early morning, around 6:00AM, Starcade and Kyoji are in the park strolling by themselves while enjoying the breathtaking scenery of the sunrise.

• Starcade: You were right, Kyoji. Strolling in the park is great and rather enjoyable. Thanks for inviting me to be with you.
• Kyoji: No problem. I have been wanting to ask you out to see the sunrise with me for some time, but given the numerous attacks we had to deal with recently, I just didn't have the chance to ask you out. Until now.
• Starcade: Yeah, things have been pretty intense lately, huh? Even so, we've dealt with those attacks together and I enjoyed every moment fighting villains with you while staying by your side.
• Kyoji: Me too. The two of us make a great duo. If only we could hang out with each other more often, without any possible distractions.
• Starcade: Look! The sun is almost up! *points to the sun that is almost rising*
• Kyoji: The hill over there is the perfect spot to watch the sunrise. Why don't we go there? *points to a distant hill ahead*
• Starcade: That's a great idea! Hey, how about a race?
• Kyoji: A race? Well, you're on!

Starcade and Kyoji race each other to the top of the hill ahead, while laughing and smiling at every moment as they run together. A few minutes later, they arrive at the top of the hill exhausted but happy, with Kyoji winning the race.

• Starcade: Alright, alright, you won that one, Kyoji.
• Kyoji: Good race. Say, don't you feel great exercising in the morning?
• Starcade: I do! In fact, I work-out every morning when I get up back at Eitbit. It feels great!
• Kyoji: Good to know. I bet you'll feel even better once you take a look at the beautiful sunrise right in front of your eyes.

Starcade stares wide-eyed at the sunrise right in front of her eyes.

• Starcade: I can't believe it, it is beautiful!
• Kyoji: I can't deny that the sunrise is beautiful, but I doubt that it is nearly as beautiful as you, Starcade.
• Starcade: *blushes and giggles* Oh, stop it, Kyoji. You're making me blush!
• Kyoji: Am I? Well, I'm sorr...
• Starcade: No, no, no, I meant that in the best way possible! You always make me feel happy with your words.
• Kyoji: Oh, thank goodness. I nearly thought I offended you, which is something I would never do.
• Starcade: Don't worry about it. Hey, why don't we take a selfie?
• Kyoji: Sure. We should do that before the sun is fully up.

Starcade takes out her phone and takes a selfie of herself and Kyoji with the sunrise in the background. Just as she is about to shut off her phone, Kyoji notices a fireball on Starcade's phone screen.

• Starcade: What is it, Kyoji?
• Kyoji: Incoming!

Kyoji shoves Starcade out of the way, just before the fireball hits them.

• Kyoji: That was close! Are you okay?
• Starcade: Yeah.
• ???: Argh! I nearly got you that time! How did you know?
• Kyoji: Akasha!

Akasha appears out of nowhere in front of Starcade and Kyoji.

• Kyoji: You! What are you up to now?
• Starcade: And what was with that surprise attack that totally backfired?
• Akasha: I'm going to make sure that the two of you will never be happy! You stole my happiness after killing my father, and I shall steal yours by killing the both of you! If you want to be a couple, then die together!
• Kyoji: Oh no, you don't! I won't let you harm Starcade at all costs!
• Akasha: Relax. I'll deal with her right after I deal with you. Prepare to meet your death!
• Kyoji: Not on my watch, Akasha.

Akasha and Kyoji start fighting each other, just like their previous duels, while Starcade watches. Kyoji uses his Sword of Elementia to fight Akasha, while Akasha uses her flaming nun-chucks to fight back. Kyoji is seen dominating the fight, until Akasha starts using her shadow arts on him again, toying with his body without even touching him. Akasha laughs at the sight of her being under full control of Kyoji's body. Starcade gets angry and lunges at Akasha, catching her off-guard. She deals quick punches to Akasha, before kicking her and sending her tumbling down the hill, before crashing right into a rock.

• Akasha: You haven't seen the last of me! I'll be back!
• Kyoji: Thank you, Starcade. I'm glad you saved me.
• Starcade: I had to help. I can't bear to watch you get tortured up there.
• Kyoji: I'm surprised Akasha is still persistent on killing me after having failed many times. I hope she learns someday.
• Starcade: Me too.
• Kyoji: Let's go check on Akasha and see how she's doing.
• Starcade: Alright.

Meanwhile, Akasha finds a strange black shard right under the rock she crashed into.

• Akasha: What's this? *inspects the black shard* Is that...it can't be! Isn't this...a shard to the Orb of Power? I don't believe it! If I find all shards, I can bring my father back to life! I can be happy again!

Starcade and Kyoji track down Akasha, before finding her on the ground in pain. Akasha notices them approaching and hides the Orb of Power shard in one of her pockets.

• Kyoji: There you are.
• Akasha: You defeated me all because of that silly girlfriend of yours! Without her, you're nothing! That wasn't even fair!
• Kyoji: It wasn't fair that you started attacking us for no reason when we're only hanging out with each other.
• Starcade: Yeah, we wanted peace! That's all!
• Akasha: Mark my words, this isn't the end! I will get the both of you eventually! You won't like to see the look on my face once we meet again!
• Starcade: I'll wait until the day when you can actually defeat us.
• Kyoji: Well, so long, Akasha. Looks like another one of your ambush attacks have failed. Better luck next time. Come on, Starcade, let's go.

Starcade and Kyoji leave Akasha by herself. As soon as the two of them are out of sight, Akasha takes out the Orb of Power shard.

• Akasha: That was close. I almost thought that they found out about my little secret. Well then, it's time I find the other shards. They must be nearby!

Akasha uses her X-ray vision and sure enough, she finds many more similar shards. She uses her shadow arts to seize the shards, seizing all of them in under three minutes.

• Akasha: I got all of them! Time to return home and finally put an end to my chain of bad luck!

Akasha flies to Shogo the Warlord's throne room with the shards. She pieces the shards together to restore the Orb of Power back to its original shape, before reciting the following incantation.

• Akasha: O mighty Orb of Power, I hereby request, of you to restore my father to his very best.

The restored Orb of Power glows, before bringing back a large figure in Japanese soldier armor and a shogun's helm. Akasha looks overjoyed as she sees her father slowly returning to his original form.

• Shogo: At last, I have returned! No broken orb can keep me underground for long!
• Akasha: Father, you're back! *cries tears of joy*
• Shogo: Akasha?! Is that you?
• Akasha: Yes, it's me, Father! I'm the one who resurrected you!
• Shogo: Really? I thank you sincerely, my filial Akasha.
• Akasha: I thought I could never bring you back to life, but I was wrong. I'm much more relieved now that I can see you again. I miss you so much!

Akasha hugs Shogo the Warlord without hesitation.

• Shogo: I miss you too, Akasha. Where's Takeshi? Has he finally returned?
• Akasha: Yes, Father. I even went to speak to him.
• Shogo: Excellent. What did Takeshi say? Have you persuaded him to join me in my conquest?
• Akasha: I did, but in the end, he betrayed us and the reputation of our family. He even joined the Locked Room Gang.
• Shogo: What?! Why that little brat...forget it. What about Kyoji? Have you killed him yet?
• Akasha: I just tried to kill him this morning to avenge your death. I nearly had him until his girlfriend got in the way!
• Shogo: Girlfriend, eh? That makes sense. I know just how to get rid of Kyoji and his friends! With them out of the way, I can finally conquer not only Japan, but the entire world! But first, I need to seek help from my friends.
• Akasha: May I help you?
• Shogo: I'm afraid not. I don't want you to get hurt out there while I'm busy conquering the world.
• Akasha: But...
• Shogo: No buts! You can stay at home until I return.
• Akasha: I want to help you, Father. What can I do? I'll do anything!
• Shogo: Well, if you insist. I do have one job for you.
• Akasha: Anything! What is it?
• Shogo: Stand guard and protect the Orb of Power from any enemies at all costs. I'll be doomed if it breaks again. It may be extremely durable on its own, but I just need you to help me look after it, just in case.
• Akasha: I wanted to help you in your conquest, but if you think that's best for the both of us, then that's what I'll do.
• Shogo: Thank you. You are truly the filial daughter I have, aren't you? Farewell now, I'll be back soon.
• Akasha: Okay.

Shogo the Warlord activates his throne, which suddenly floats on a storm cloud. He then flies out of the throne room, heading towards a huge cave.

• Akasha: Aw man, but I really wanted to help him. No, Akasha, just do as he says. You got this. Protect the Orb of Power, Father's life depends on you.

Meanwhile, Shogo the Warlord arrives at the huge cave, where there are statues of ancient elemental ninjas.

• Shogo: Here we are. I can always rely on the Ancient Ninjas of the God-Elements to help me. With their help, I can finally crush Kyoji, the Locked Room Gang and reshape the world the way I want it to be! That foolish Light Sensei has trapped them for many years in the Underworld due to the sins they commited, but I shall revive them and recruit them for my attack. Then no one will be able to stop my wrath! *clears throat before reciting an incantation* To you my friends who are trapped underground, I wish for you to return safe and sound, and with our strengths and our powers, let's rise up and take back what's ours!

Suddenly, the statues crumble to reveal six ancient elemental ninjas of various elements. Shogo the Warlord sees that they are ready to attack at will, before maniacally laughing. The scene then cuts to Red Spoon's restaurant, where the gang members, except Starcade and Kyoji, are already having their breakfasts.

• Red Fork: As I always say, nothing better than to start your day with a great breakfast! *eats thirty pancakes, a dozen-egg omelet, twenty slices of french toast, two pounds of sausages, a gallon of orange juice, and much more*
• Chomper: FOOD!!! *starts munching away at his breakfast*
• Repeater: Careful, you might choke. Careful, you might choke.
• Grass Knuckles: Green Shadow was right! Red Spoon's food is great! *eats a meat knuckle sandwich*
• Green Shadow: It is. The Locked Room Gang and I visit this restaurant very often for our meals.
• Bonk Choy: It's true! Without this place, we would have to search for food everyday, which is rather troublesome.
• Re-Peat Moss: If only Starcade and Kyoji were here with us...
• Blast: Where are those two, by the way?
• Toby Topaz: No idea.
• Diana Diamond: They should be here any time soon.

Suddenly, Starcade and Kyoji show up at the restaurant, while looking slightly injured.

• Kyoji: My apologies if we're late. Starcade and I were at the park watching the sunrise together.
• Starcade: We were attacked by Akasha again and we managed to defeat her together. Sounds great, right?
• Kyoji: However, I have a bad feeling after we defeated her together, that Akasha's next evil plan will be much worse.
• Green Shadow: Yikes.
• Blast: Well, whatever she plans, we can deal with it. We've stopped her before, right?
• Alice: Starcade, Kyoji, come and take a seat.
• Kyoji: With pleasure.
• Starcade: Thanks. We can use a nice breakfast after a fight in the morning.

Starcade and Kyoji take their seats.

• Green Shadow: Great, the whole gang's here!
• Starcade: *to Red Spoon* Eggs and bacon, please.
• Kyoji: *to Red Spoon* Just a sandwich, thanks.
• Red Spoon: Got it! I'll have your food ready in a minute! *goes to the kitchen*
• Bonk Choy: So, how was your...?
• Starcade: It was fun! Just me and Kyoji alone, we were having a great time hanging out at the park. Heck, we even had a race to the top of the hill where we took a snapshot of us with the sunrise up close! *shows everyone the photo she took*
• Alice: That's nice! You guys sure are lucky.
• Starcade: I know, right?
• Kyoji: I just hope Akasha isn't going to attack us anytime soon. One attack is enough for today.

Suddenly, the gang hears people screaming and buildings crumbling. Kyoji looks out to see that people are evacuating at an alarming rate, as several what appears to be natural disasters occur at once on the city.

• Kyoji: I stand corrected.
• Green Shadow: What's wrong, Kyoji?
• Kyoji: It appears that there are several natural disasters happening at once! Given by how they're happening at the same time, I don't think those are even natural, unless someone created them.
• Starcade: Looks like it's up to us to save Echo Creek again!
• Red Fork: Let's go! *devours everyone's breakfast*
• Red Ruby: Are you kidding me?!
• Blue Ocean: Red Fork!
• Red Fork: What? I wasn't going to let the food be wasted.
• Blue Ocean: *facepalms* Let's just go save Echo Creek.
• Green Shadow: Blue Ocean's right! We got to move!

Just as the gang steps out of the restaurant, they see a familiar figure approaching them in a flying throne.

• ???: Greetings again, Locked Room Gang! It's been a long time since our last confrontation.
• Toby Topaz: Who said that?
• Kyoji: Oh no...it...it can't be!

Shogo the Warlord shows up from the shadows as he reveals himself and stops right in front of the gang.

• Shogo: I have returned!
• Kyoji: Shogo, it's you!
• Shogo: Of course it's me, Kyoji! I must thank my filial daughter for giving me a second chance to live!
• Kyoji: No way, Akasha revived you?
• Shogo: Yes indeed. And with this second chance, I will make use of it to ensure that the entire world falls into my hands! And I shall start with Echo Creek!
• Kyoji: No! I won't let you take over Echo Creek!
• Tommy: Uh... excuse me, who is he?
• Kyoji: That's Shogo the Warlord, Akasha's father. Akasha has been trying to kill me just to avenge him.
• Green Shadow: We had an experience meeting him before too.
• Kyoji: You can trust me on this, but Shogo isn't like any other foe we've ever met.
• Shogo: You're absolutely correct! As of now, my team and I are unleashing destruction on your city. Once we conquer it, we'll move on to other cities of the world! And I'll finally be able to gain full control of Earth the way I want to be!
• Kyoji: You'll never get away with this!
• Shogo: Oh, brave and innocent Kyoji, you're still the same after all these years. You've been a tough ninja, having fought through all of my obstacles, but you're just nothing without your friends, are you?
• Kyoji: Shogo, what are you talking about?
• Takeshi: Just leave, Father! We're defending this city at all costs!
• Shogo: So there you are, my son! Being a traitor and refusing to help me conquer this city, are you?
• Takeshi: Of course I am! I won't let you have your way!
• Sasuke: Yeah, you don't scare us!
• Shogo: Now who's this crazy friend of yours?
• Takeshi: That's my best friend, Sasuke! And he's one of the greatest...
• Shogo: Enough! I shall end this once and for all! Kyoji, you may have beaten all of my obstacles, but there's one obstacle which you'll never beat!
• Kyoji: And what will that be?
• Shogo: Just watch.

Shogo the Warlord snaps his fingers, summoning a diamond sphere, trapping Starcade inside.

• Starcade: Hey, let me out!
• Blue Ocean: Starcade!
• Red Fork: Hey, let her go!
• Kyoji: Shogo, let her go! I'm the one you want, not her!
• Shogo: No, I won't. Akasha told me that you could never win without your girlfriend here. Now Kyoji, if you want to save your girlfriend, you better come alone! And I'm not to expect any uninvited guests either!
• Kyoji: Starcade...
• Shogo: And as for you, Locked Room Gang, good luck saving your hometown while it's being inevitably destroyed!
• Green Shadow: We stopped you once and we'll stop you again!
• Grass Knuckles: Your threats aren't going to hold us back, mister!
• Repeater: Yeah! Yeah!
• Red Fork: You can say whatever you want, Shogo, but you're going down just like every other villain who thought they could defeat us.
• Shogo: Oh? Perhaps you'll like to end up like Starcade over here? *points at Starcade who is still trapped in her diamond sphere* Now then, remember Kyoji, come alone or you'll never see her again! Farewell!

Shogo the Warlord levitates the diamond sphere into the air right next to his flying throne, bringing Starcade along with him.

• Kyoji: I'm sorry, Starcade...
• Takeshi: Don't worry about it. We'll make sure Father won't get away with this.
• Sasuke: Yeah, and once we're done, I'll deal with Akasha next! Water!
• Kyoji: Thanks, but I really need to save Starcade. Takeshi, Sasuke, go with the rest of the gang.
• Takeshi: Understood.
• Sasuke: Water!
• Kyoji: The rest of you, split into teams and stop Shogo's forces. I'll get back to you as soon as I can.
• Red Fork: Got it, Kyoji!
• Blue Ocean: You can count on us!
• Blast: We'll stop Shogo's forces!
• Kyoji: Thank you. I need to get going, Starcade depends on me.

Kyoji chases after Shogo the Warlord by himself. Meanwhile, Gary Garnet detects six distress signals on his OPhone.

• Gary Garnet: It appears that there's six disasters occuring at once. One is occuring at the lake, another one is occuring at the laboratory, another one at the junkyard, another one at the docks, another one at the forest, and another one at the carnival.
• Red Ruby: If I know Shogo the Warlord, he's one powerful foe who is not to be underestimated. To defeat his forces, we have to split into teams in which he'll never expect.
• Toby Topaz: Red, you know about him?
• Red Ruby: Yes. Back in the first war at Japan, Kyoji's province and the Ruby Kingdom had an alliance to take down Shogo's empire. That's why I know a lot about Shogo the Warlord. Anyway, we need to split into six teams. I'll be heading to the lake with Grass Knuckles.
• Grass Knuckles: Fine with me.
• Gary Garnet: I'll be heading to the laboratory.
• Green Shadow: I'll follow you, Gary.
• Toby Topaz: I'm scared...
• Amelia Amethyst: Don't worry, Toby, you can come with me and Takeshi to the junkyard.
• Toby Topaz: Okay...
• Emma Emerald: The forest depends on my assistance. Nutty and the other advisors might already be in trouble there.
• Bonk Choy: I'll follow you, Emma!
• Re-Peat Moss: Me too! We'll take down the TRICKY threat together!
• Sean Sapphire: The sea is my calling. The Crab Empire might be in trouble as we speak, I have to assist them.
• Sasuke: I'll go with you, Sean.
• Sean Sapphire: Great!
• Diana Diamond: I guess that leaves me to go to the carnival. I think I'll bring Repeater and Chomper with me.
• Green Shadow: So that's six teams. How about you, Red Crystals? Which teams will you be joining?
• Red Fork: I'll be going to the lake.
• Blue Ocean: I'll go with Gary Garnet to the lab.
• Blast: I can go with Amelia to the junkyard.
• Tommy: I'll go with Diana to the carnival!
• Alice: I guess that means I'll be going with Sean to the docks.
• Blue Ocean: Talking about that, has anyone seen Captain Red Shell or his allies recently?
• Red Fork: Last time I saw him was when we fought King Squidmir.
• Blast: Knowing him, he's probably pretty busy guarding the Crab Empire.
• Sean Sapphire: That makes sense.
• Bonk Choy: I guess that leaves Night Cap and his sidekicks to go with us to the forest.
• Green Shadow: Now let's go stop Shogo and his forces!

The gang splits up and goes to their respective locations. Meanwhile, in the forest, Team Hybrids show up from one of Magi-Knight's summoned portals.

• Timmy Turquoise: Echo Creek is in trouble?
• Dark Trident: Yes.
• Timmy Turquoise: Can't the Locked Room Gang handle this themselves? Why should we get involved?
• Magi-Knight: Threat levels are extremely high in this city. I foresee that the gang would never be able to stop these threats themselves. Hence, I suggested to Ink Splash that we should help, and she agreed.
• Ink Splash: They need our help more than ever. We can't leave them alone in such a problematic situation.
• Pincers: You're right about that.
• Magi-Knight: I'm getting distress signals. Six of them! Apparently some disasters are happening, but I doubt they're natural.
• Pincers: Well, what are we waiting for then?

Unfortunately, Shogo spots the entire Team Hybrids, before flying towards them while dragging a trapped Starcade with him.

• Shogo: Well, well, well, if it isn't another team of troublemakers ready to make my plans backfire.
• Pincers: Who are you?
• Shogo: How rude of me, I'm Shogo the Warlord, soon to be emperor of the entire world. You must be Team Hybrids. I've heard all about you.
• Timmy Turquoise: Umm...
• Ink Splash: Wait a moment... you must be Akasha's father. Captain Red Shell told me all about it some time ago. Now I know who you are. I'm surprised that Akasha was able to resurrect you.
• Shogo: So you do know a bit of me? Yes, Akasha is the filial type of daughter, isn't she?
• Ink Splash: I've heard different things about her. Some good, some bad. Mostly bad, though.
• Dark Trident: So, you must be the one behind all this!
• Shogo: Of course! My team and I are taking down Echo Creek at the same time. I figured that you will show up eventually, so of course I have to deal with you creatures first.
• Whacker Weed: Oh yeah? We'll show you, you TRICKY guy!
• Octo-Phantom: You don't spook any of us!
• Crusade: But we don't have time for a confrontation right now!
• Dark Trident: Ink Splash, would you mind handling him alone while the rest of us go and assist the Locked Room Gang?
• Ink Splash: With pleasure.
• Dark Trident: Great. Team Hybrids, let's move out!

The rest of Team Hybrids except Ink Splash goes to help out the Locked Room Gang members.

• Ink Splash: *moves slowly towards Shogo* Shogo, let's see what you've got. You and me, one versus one. How does that sound?
• Shogo: Fair duels are nothing but an unnecessary waste of time and energy. You may be the strongest hybrid in your team, but your power is nothing compared to mine!

Shogo summons a few silhouette soldiers that take Ink Splash's pony shape, but are weaker than Ink Splash, as they approach Ink Splash herself.

• Shogo: Now, soldiers, take her out! This will be fun.

The summoned silhouette soldiers perform their ramming attacks on Ink Splash. Ink Splash teleports behind the silhouette soldiers, before blowing them away with powerful magic ink blasts.

• Ink Splash: You might be right. This battle might be fun.
• Shogo: I was expecting you to take out this first wave of soldiers this easily. But can you survive an endless wave? Let's see how long you'll last against me, Ink Splash.

Shogo summons more silhouette soldiers, this time taking Ink Splash's inkling shape. The silhouette soldiers fire ink blots at Ink Splash, dealing minor damage to her. Ink Splash turns into inkling form, and attacks the silhouette soldiers with her tentacles, quickly getting rid of them all. Shogo continues to summon more waves of silhouette soldiers, and as Ink Splash defeats each wave, she gets increasingly exhausted and injured.

• Shogo: You're doing well! You don't wish to be as weak as her, do you? *points to Starcade inside her diamond sphere*
• Starcade: Let me out of here, you jerk!
• Shogo: No can do. Not until Kyoji decides to surrender to me.
• Starcade: Just give up this charade! Kyoji will never surrender to you!
• Shogo: I doubt that once he sees Ink Splash laying on the ground defeated.
• Starcade: You have to do better than that! In fact, your efforts will be futile, because if I know Kyoji, he will never surrender to his enemies! So give up already!

Shogo snaps his fingers, causing the diamond sphere to shrink into 3/4 its original size. Starcade is starting to feel uncomfortable inside.

• Starcade: Hey, what are you doing?
• Shogo: Teaching you a lesson for being a nuisance. Silence or I will remove another quarter of the size of your sphere. *to Ink Splash* Now where was I? Oh yes, here comes yet another wave!

Shogo snaps his fingers, summoning silhouette soldiers that take Kyoji's shape. The silhouette soldiers slash at Ink Splash with their silhouette swords. However, Ink Splash quickly turns back into her pony form, and blasts the silhouette soldiers away with powerful magic blasts. She then levitates the diamond sphere Starcade is in, and tosses it directly at Shogo.

• Ink Splash: Stop being a coward, and fight me yourself! I dare you!
• Shogo: As you wish.

Shogo jumps out of his flying throne, before snapping his fingers, causing Ink Splash to float aimlessly in the air.

• Ink Splash: Get ready Shogo. I will end you.

While floating aimlessly, Ink Splash attempts to aim and shoot magic blasts at Shogo. Shogo snaps his fingers, summoning a silhouette wall to deflect the magic blasts back at Ink Splash, damaging her.

• Shogo: They don't call me "Warlord" without a reason. I'm one of the most powerful shadow ninjas out there, even without the gauntlets my daughter usually wears. But looking at you, you're not doing so well yourself. Are you sure you want to continue fighting me?
• Ink Splash: Of course I'm sure. You might be one of the most powerful shadow ninjas to ever exist, but I'm one of the most powerful hybrids to ever exist. I might not be the first, nor the last, but I'm Ink Splash. Leader of Team Hybrids, Dr. Zack's most powerful creation to date, the only hybrid that has sweeped the floor with Galaximus and Bright Spark with no effort. I will not give up!

Ink Splash charges a powerful magic blast, powerful enough to blow up the silhouette wall. Ink Splash turns into her inkling form, and begins attacking Shogo with all her tentacles.

• Shogo: Dr. Zack? Galaximus? Bright Spark? Those villains are nothing compared to me. Perhaps this is your first time fighting me. Allow me to demonstrate my powers to you.

Shogo teleports away from the tentacles, before snapping his fingers and summoning a giant silhouette sword. He snaps his fingers again, causing the giant silhouette sword to deal powerful slashes at Ink Splash, dealing heavy damage to her while she is still floating aimlessly. With one last powerful silhouette sword slash, Shogo defeats Ink Splash as she stops floating and lands on the ground, injured, before he causes the giant silhouette sword to disappear.

• Starcade: Ink Splash, NO!!!
• Shogo: You're a good fighter, I must admit. How does it feel to have your first taste of defeat?
• Ink Splash: You will pay for this... Perhaps I won't be who makes sure of it, but someone will. This isn't the end...

Ink Splash stop talking, slowly closes her eyes, and is now seen unconscious.

• Shogo: Well, I'm sorry, but I don't have any more time for you. Come along, Starcade, we have some unattended business ahead of us.

Shogo flies back into his flying throne, before levitating Starcade in her diamond sphere with him, as they fly away. Just then, Kyoji arrives at the scene with the Sword of Elementia in his hand.

• Kyoji: I saw him coming by this way! Where did he go? Huh?

Kyoji notices Ink Splash being unconscious.

• Kyoji: Ink Splash?! What is she doing here lying unconscious? Could this possibly mean...Shogo was here? This isn't good. I have to hurry!

Kyoji continues running after Shogo the Warlord through the forest. Meanwhile, Red Ruby, Grass Knuckles and Red Fork have arrived at the lake in the park, where they can see the lake itself being frozen, and the ground around it covered in thick snow.

• Red Ruby: What is this?!
• Grass Knuckles: It's pretty sunny in Echo Creek today, so why is there snow here?
• Red Fork: Hm... I suspect there's something really cold going on.
• Grass Knuckles: I guess so.
• Red Ruby: Whatever, let's go blow up whoever caused this!

Red Ruby, Grass Knuckles and Red Fork move on, until they encounter what looks like two ice statues. One of them is in the shape of a purple unicorn while the other is in the shape of a turquoise gemstone.

• Grass Knuckles: Yikes!
• Red Ruby: What is it? *notices what Grass Knuckles yelped about* Dude, those are just ice statues. What's wrong with that?
• Grass Knuckles: I doubt those are actually ice statues, Red. Those figures look a little real to me.
• Red Fork: They look like Dark Trident and Timmy Turquoise, two members of Team Hybrids.
• Grass Knuckles: Hmm...maybe we can thaw them and see what happens?

Suddenly, Grass Knuckles gets blasted by a continuous stream of snow and is instantly frozen. Red Fork and Red Ruby turn around to see a mysterious guy with blue hair and light blue robes floating in the air.

• Red Fork: It's an ice ninja!
• ???: Darn right you are. And you can even say I'm a "cool" one too!
• Red Ruby: Who are you?
• ???: I'm Blizzard, the Ancient Ninja of God-Ice! You must be the Locked Room Gang, according to what my leader told me.
• Red Ruby: God-Ice?!
• Blizzard: Specifically, that's ice but much more powerful and it's super-rare. But enough with the trivial details. Let me guess, you're wondering why you see two ice statues in front of you?
• Red Fork: Let me guess. You froze them?
• Blizzard: I had to. Your friends Dark Trident and Timmy Turquoise showed up and started fighting me. Of course, they were of no match for me so they ended up getting the cold treatment. Do you have a problem with that, you couple of red pests?
• Red Ruby: We do! Because you work for Shogo the Warlord!
• Blizzard: Ouch, so you do know what's going on. Yes, we're going to take over Echo Creek. My other friends are taking care of other areas. I figured I'll give this beautiful park of yours a frozen landscape. Now beat it or you'll be frozen too!

Red Fork suddenly has an idea. He's not sure it will work, but he decides to try it anyway.

• Red Fork: So, you just follow Shogo's orders without a single doubt? Are you guys afraid of confronting him or something? *smiles confidently* I don't know, but if I had God-Ice powers, I wouldn't let anyone boss me around.
• Blizzard: I respect Shogo as a leader! I can confront him if I could, but I won't. This is called loyalty. If you're trying to trick me into turning against the Warlord himself, it won't work! How about a little chill to end this?
• Red Ruby: I say we end this with a big explosion!

Red Ruby throws several dynamite sticks at Blizzard, who counters them easily with his ice blasts. Blizzard then throws a giant snowball at Red Ruby, sending him flying into a tree.

• Red Ruby: Hey! *faints*
• Blizzard: Looks like it's just you and me now, Red Fork. I told you you're of no match for me, didn't I?
• Red Fork: You can say anything you want, but I guess a true fight is the only way to figure it out. So give me the best you've got! *heroic pose*
• Blizzard: With pleasure.

Blizzard spins his hands around, before firing icicles at Red Fork like a machine gun. Red Fork moves around quickly, dodging the icicles. He then teleports behind Blizzard, to then ram into him from behind, dealing some damage.

• Red Fork: Hey, don't blink or you'll miss it!
• Blizzard: I shall say the same for you. Time's up!

Blizzard creates several ice walls around Red Fork, trapping him.

• Blizzard: There's nowhere for you to run, nowhere for you to hide! I have you surrounded, so good night!

Blizzard creates a giant snowball and tosses it at Red Fork.

• Red Fork: There's no need to run, when you can teleport!

Red Fork teleports out of the ice walls, to end up behind Blizzard again, and rams into him, dealing more damage than the first time.

• Red Fork: Seriously though, I had already teleported once. You should've seen it coming.
• Blizzard: So you can teleport, huh? Well, how about this?

Blizzard creates several giant snowballs, before dropping them at Red Fork. The giant snowballs create a huge cold explosion upon impact which hurts and freezes. Red Fork uses his teleporting abilities to escape from the explosions, but gets hit by one of the last ones, taking damage, and feeling cold.

• Red Fork: *shivers a bit* Wow, talk about giving someone the cold shoulder...

Red Fork teleports around Blizzard, shooting magic blasts at him from different angles. Blizzard dodges most of the magic blasts, though he gets hit by a few. However, he has another trick up his sleeve, as Blizzard summons a cluster of snowflakes and throws them like ninja stars at Red Fork. Red Fork teleports above Blizzard this time, only to land on him, smashing Blizzard with his weight. When Red Fork finally gets away, he sees a hole created on the snow under him. Suddenly, Blizzard appears from beneath the snow, catching Red Fork by surprise. Before Blizzard can deal another devastating attack, he gets simultaneously attacked by Grass Knuckles, Red Ruby, Dark Trident and Timmy Turquoise.

• Blizzard: Argh! How did you four...?
• Red Ruby: Did you really think you could've knocked me out cold with just a single snowball? Think again! While you were busy dealing with Red Fork here, you gave me enough time to thaw my friends!
• Dark Trident: It's over!
• Timmy Turquoise: You can say that again!
• Grass Knuckles: It's time to shine!

Grass Knuckles deals an uppercut, sending Blizzard flying into a tree. Red Ruby throws a dynamite stick at the same time, which explodes onto impact as soon as Blizzard hits the tree. Blizzard gets badly burned by the explosive damage, and falls from the tree, defeated.

• Blizzard: You will all pay for this! Once Shogo the Warlord finds out about this, all of you will be sorry!
• Dark Trident: I doubt that, Blizzard.
• Red Fork: Yeah, just chill out. Stay cool, dude.
• Blizzard: Whatever, now leave me alone! Just wait until the other ancient ninjas take care of you and your friends soon enough. I need some time alone now.

Blizzard digs himself deep into snow, before disappearing.

• Red Fork: See ya.
• Grass Knuckles: All I can say is that this battle has been a real cold one.
• Timmy Turquoise: You're telling me, I'm already freezing!
• Dark Trident: Why don't we go to a warmer zone? We won't have to worry about the cold anymore that way.
• Red Fork: *sings* The cold never bothered me anyway. *stops singing* But we can go if you want.
• Dark Trident: *rolls his eyes* Let's go before we freeze to death.
• Grass Knuckles: Yeah, the others should be taking care of these disasters by now. Besides, our job here is done.
• Red Ruby: Just go already!

Red Ruby, Grass Knuckles, Red Fork, Dark Trident and Timmy Turquoise leave the lake to go to a safer and warmer zone. Meanwhile, Gary Garnet, Green Shadow and Blue Ocean are on their way to the laboratory.

• Green Shadow: So, what's happening at the laboratory, Gary?
• Gary Garnet: My OPhone is detecting a flash flood in the laboratory. We should hurry.
• Blue Ocean: Let's get going then.

As the three heroes arrive outside the laboratory, they see water gushing out of it, as well as hear someone screaming.

• Gary Garnet: Looks like the flood has already severed the laboratory!
• Green Shadow: Hey, I hear someone screaming!
• Gary Garnet: Me too. It kinda sounds...spooky.
• Blue Ocean: Hm... Who could have done this? Only something like a water ninja would be able to cause a flood like this.
• ???: That's more like it. Now scram, you spooky thing!

The laboratory door opens, as water floods out of it at a rapid rate, carrying along with it an injured Octo-Phantom.

• Green Shadow: Octo-Phantom?!
• Blue Ocean: What happened, Octo-Phantom?
• Octo-Phantom: It was really spooky! I was spooked by a spooky spook!
• Gary Garnet: Can you be more specific?
• Octo-Phantom: I meant to say I encountered a water ninja in there. She's really spooky, I got to warn you! She must be stopped and uh...spooked! Now I need some time to recharge my ink...*falls unconscious*
• ???: Well, you heard her. She was one persistent spook though, and it took me a while to take care of her.
• Green Shadow: Who are you?

??? flies out of the laboratory, revealing herself to be a mysterious woman with long black hair wearing navy blue robes.

• ???: Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Tsunami, the Ancient Ninja of God-Water! Are you pleased to meet me?
• Blue Ocean: Not really. Why are you flooding this place?
• Tsunami: Because it's fun. Why do you think I wanted to be the water ninja I am now?
• Green Shadow: To do good? That's what elemental ninjas should do!
• Tsunami: Doing good? I'm afraid not, that's been past my prime. Before I became the water ninja I am now, I was sick of being stuck with the same duties over and over, having to protect the weak and help the needy. I mean, can't they provide for themselves? Sheesh, it's not like they're nothing without heroes like you.
• Green Shadow: Well, I feel sorry for you, but that's the way it should be, Tsunami.
• Tsunami: I don't think so, Green Shadow, if that is your name. Because I failed to abide by my duties, I was turned into stone by the Light Sensei!
• Green Shadow: Light Sensei?! Who's that?
• Gary Garnet: It appears we'll need to find out more later.
• Tsunami: And thanks to Shogo the Warlord himself, who has freed me from my captivity, I finally get to taste the freedom to do whatever I want. Which is to conquer your little city here. And I shall start by washing my enemies away. Any final words before your imminent death?
• Blue Ocean: How about the fact that we're not going to let you get away with your plan, and that you should go away unless you want to end up defeated by the Locked Room Gang?
• Tsunami: I beg to differ actually. Your efforts to fight me are about to go down the drain!

Tsunami causes the flood the gang members are standing on to rise, submerging the shorter buildings, causing everyone but Tsunami to start floating aimlessly on the water surface.

• Green Shadow: It's a good thing I brought Octo-Phantom to safety on a high-rise building. I feared this might happen.
• Tsunami: It appears you're not much of great fighters while you're struggling in the water, aren't you?
• Blue Ocean: Well, they do call me Blue Ocean for a reason.

Blue Ocean swims into the water, and attacks Tsunami by shooting magic blasts at her, while moving around quickly in the water.

• Tsunami: And next, they'll call you "dead" for this reason!
• Gary Garnet: Well, someone already said that, you know. But I'll let it slide.
• Tsunami: Enough! So you want to slide, eh? I'll give you a slide!

Tsunami causes the flood to suddenly turn rough and wavy, as it pushes Blue Ocean, Green Shadow and Gary Garnet away with a strong current. After a while, she claps her hands, causing the flood to stop, dropping the three heroes onto the ground painfully.

• Gary Garnet: Ouch. Now that's powerful!
• Tsunami: Of course, I'm the most powerful water ninja you'll ever come across!
• Blue Ocean: Whoa... we need a plan, guys.
• Tsunami: Okay, break time is over. It's time for the second wave!

Tsunami creates another surge of water, which quickly spreads into a flood, carrying Blue Ocean, Green Shadow and Gary Garnet up again.

• Green Shadow: I have ice powers, so I will be able to freeze water pretty quickly. We'll need to find a way to lure Tsunami into the water though, before I can freeze her.
• Blue Ocean: I think I can do it!

Blue Ocean jumps out of the water, and begins to climb one of the taller buildings. Gary Garnet puts on his Garnetronic 5000 suit and flies out of the water, while carrying Green Shadow to the same building.

• Green Shadow: We made it out of the water, all three of us. Question is, how will we lure Tsunami herself into the water?
• Tsunami: Well, well, well, looks like you three managed to make it out of the flood. So you think you're high enough? Let me answer this: You'll never be high enough!

Tsunami concentrates her water powers, causing a gigantic wave to rise, ready to splash onto the three heroes. Green Shadow freezes the water wave just before it can splash onto the three heroes.

• Green Shadow: That was close.
• Gary Garnet: Hmm...perhaps the frozen wave can come in handy somehow.
• Tsunami: I'm surprised that you're capable of going past my obstacles, considering that no ninja of the past has successfully withstood against my powers before.
• Blue Ocean: Well, to be fair, the Locked Room Gang is unlike anything you've ever seen before.
• Green Shadow: I fear that you have underestimated what we're capable of, Tsunami.
• Tsunami: If you're looking for a fight, you've got one. I'd like to see you try.
• Gary Garnet: We shall now prove to you what Locked Room Gang members are capable of!

Gary Garnet, in his Garnetronic 5000 suit, flies toward Tsunami before physically attacking her. Both of them have a fist fight mid-air.

• Green Shadow: Go, Gary! You can do it!
• Blue Ocean: Here we go!

Blue Ocean reaches the top of a skyscraper, and from there, takes out his laser cannon and shoots lasers at Tsunami. Green Shadow helps with blasting ice at Tsunami. Tsunami takes damage, but not long before she starts summoning water geysers at all three heroes, damaging and soaking at the same time.

• Green Shadow: Yikes. I guess she really means it when she says that she's the most powerful ninja we've ever faced.
• Tsunami: Even the ninjas I've faced in the past lasted longer than you three. Any final words before I send you to your watery graves?
• Blue Ocean: How about... say freeze!

Blue Ocean jumps onto Tsunami, and places a heavy piece of metal on her, causing her to descend to the water due to the weight of the metal.

• Blue Ocean: Green Shadow, now!

Green Shadow attempts to freeze the water. However, before she can do so, Tsunami flies out of the water while shaking off the heavy piece of metal before flying towards the three heroes.

• Tsunami: Goodbye.
• Octo-Phantom: I don't think so, you spook!

Before Tsunami can finish them off, she gets attacked by Octo-Phantom from behind, who has fully recharged her ink powers. Gary Garnet, still in his robotic suit, takes advantage of Tsunami being distracted by punching Tsunami a few times, dealing heavy damage. He then proceeds to throw Tsunami onto the frozen wave, causing her to "slide" into the flood. Green Shadow finally freezes the flood, freezing Tsunami's lower body parts in place.

• Tsunami: I...I...I can't move!
• Blue Ocean: So, what were saying about defeating us, Tsunami?
• Tsunami: You think this is an actual defeat? Ha, you merely frozen me!
• Gary Garnet: Oh yeah?

Gary Garnet punches Tsunami once more, leaving a bruise on her face.

• Gary Garnet: Still merely frozen?
• Tsunami: You haven't seen the last of me! Just wait until the next time you see my face again! I'll make sure you'll be sent straight to your watery graves!
• Blue Ocean: Well, in that case, we'll use blindfolds. That way we won't have to see your face.
• Octo-Phantom: Yeah, burn!
• Tsunami: Why wouldn't you? May I remind you that not only am I the most powerful water ninja, but also the prettiest one there is?
• Blue Ocean: Let's see... *thinks* I don't know.
• Green Shadow: I would say that you're only pretty if you're nice.
• Tsunami: Whatever.
• Green Shadow: And may this serve as a lesson to you.

Green Shadow freezes the rest of Tsunami's body, preventing her from speaking.

• Gary Garnet: That takes care of her.
• Octo-Phantom: Well, thanks for helping me out, you guys. I could've been spooked by her if you didn't come to my rescue sooner.
• Blue Ocean: No problem.
• Green Shadow: Let's get out of here and meet the others before this ice thaws.

Green Shadow, Gary Garnet, Blue Ocean and Octo-Phantom proceed to search for the others. Meanwhile, Toby Topaz, Amelia Amethyst, Takeshi and Blast are at the junkyard.

• Takeshi: Hmm...looks pretty normal to me.
• Amelia Amethyst: Well, it is a junkyard after all.
• Toby Topaz: But there's nothing going on here. Yet.
• Blast: We should probably check out the place. We might find someone hiding.
• Amelia Amethyst: Yeah, we probably should.

The four heroes move on, until Amelia Amethyst accidentally steps on something.

• Amelia Amethyst: Oops...
• Toby Topaz: What happened?
• Amelia Amethyst: I stepped on something. It's...my wand?

Amelia Amethyst points to a wand that looks similar to hers.

• Amelia Amethyst: But that's impossible! My wand is in my hand this whole time!
• Blast: Now that's TRICKY. And may I add, CRAZY! Water ever is going on, it's sure getting weird. Strange, isn't it?
• Toby Topaz: Wait, I think I saw someone else with a similar wand like Amelia. I think I saw him or her, but I can't sure remember who he or she is, maybe if we look around...

Toby Topaz trips into a junkpile, causing pieces of junk to tumble down. As he clears away from the junkpile, it reveals an unconscious Magi-Knight inside.

• Amelia Amethyst: Magi-Knight?!
• Toby Topaz: What is he doing here? Is he okay?
• Blast: He's unconscious, he's clearly not ok.
• Amelia Amethyst: It finally makes sense. He has a magic wand just like me.
• Toby Topaz: I'll try waking him up.

Toby Topaz approaches Magi-Knight and shakes him, causing him to wake up.

• Magi-Knight: Goodness me! What's going on here?
• Toby Topaz: You were knocked unconscious, mister.
• Takeshi: Wait, who was here?
• Toby Topaz: I'll ask him. *to Magi-Knight* Magi-Knight, who attacked you?
• Magi-Knight: I believe it was some muscular guy. I don't think it was Boulder though.
• Blast: You must be right. Boulder is tough, but I don't think he could take down a hybrid.
• Takeshi: Don't worry, we'll take care of him soon enough. Let's see how strong he really is!

Suddenly, Takeshi is dragged into a hole near him. The rest of the heroes hear the sounds of punching, before Takeshi is thrown out of the hole, severely injured.

• Toby Topaz: Yikes, that's got to hurt...

A muscular black haired ninja with a slightly brown skin tone wearing white robes jumps out of the hole.

• ???: Who dares to disturb me?
• Blast: Who dares to disturb our friends?
• ???: You dare talk to me this way? I'm Earthquake, the Ancient Ninja of God-Earth! This junkyard is my territory, now get out of here!
• Amelia Amethyst: How about no?
• Earthquake: What did you say?
• Blast: You didn't hear it? Perhaps you need us to talk louder. She said... NO!!!

Earthquake deals a powerful punch to Blast, dealing heavy damage and sending him flying across several junkpiles.

• Earthquake: I'll hurt your face for hurting my ears.
• Amelia Amethyst: You're not going to hurt my friends anymore, mister!

Amelia Amethyst summons a black hole in an attempt to suck Earthquake inside. However, Earthquake is too heavy to be sucked in.

• Amelia Amethyst: Um...how about this?

Amelia Amethyst fires several magic bullets at Earthquake, that deal no significant damage to him. Earthquake just laughs at her failures.

• Earthquake: Hee hee hee, that tickles. Do it again!
• Amelia Amethyst: Um...how about this?

Amelia Amethyst tries to levitate Earthquake with her magic. Again, since Earthquake is too heavy, he cannot be lifted up easily.

• Earthquake: Come on! I expected you to do much more than that!
• Toby Topaz: Nothing's working!
• Blast: *returns, with a black eye* Nothing to fear, Blast is here!

Blast tries using his ice powers to freeze Earthquake, who doesn't take much damage from the ice blasts.

• Earthquake: This is why they call me "Earthquake"!

Earthquake jumps high into the air, before landing again on the ground, creating a massive earthquake on the ground.

• Toby Topaz: The ground's shaking! *trips and falls*
• Amelia Amethyst: Argh! *trips and falls*
• Blast: *flies* Nice try.
• Earthquake: You are so annoying!

Earthquake summons giant boulders and throws several of them at once at Blast. Blast uses his superspeed to dodge them.

• Blast: Hm...Magi-Knight was right. You are pretty similar to Boulder.
• Earthquake: And yet, much stronger, tougher and faster! Come down and fight me on the ground if you're not a coward!
• Blast: Are you crazy? You're much stronger than me. I'd rather fight you from up here, thank you very much.
• Earthquake: And thus, that proves that you're nothing more than a coward. If you want to fight from up there, so be it.

Earthquake continues throwing giant boulders at Blast, at a faster rate than before. Blast continues flying around at high speed, dodging the boulders. Blast then uses his ice powers again to try to freeze Earthquake. Earthquake gets briefly frozen, but not for long, as he uses his strength to break himself out of the ice. He then leaps into the air and grabs one of Blast's legs, before slamming him onto the ground.

• Earthquake: Had enough yet, loser?
• Blast: Ugh... *dizzy* I'm much tougher... than I look...
• Earthquake: I see that you're not done yet. I'll finish the job for you! *starts punching Blast repeatedly*

Meanwhile, Toby Topaz and Amelia Amethyst watch in horror as they see Blast becoming Earthquake's next victim. Once Earthquake finally defeats Blast after a few punches, he approaches the two gemstones.

• Earthquake: Your turn now, purple gem!
• Amelia Amethyst: Who? Me?
• Earthquake: Yes, you! You're nothing but a weak little witch! This should be easy!

Before Earthquake can start attacking Amelia Amethyst, Toby Topaz steps up to defend Amelia Amethyst.

• Toby Topaz: Please stop hurting my friends or I'll get angry. And you won't like me when I get angry.
• Earthquake: You?! What can you possibly do? Perhaps, tickle me?
• Toby Topaz: *starts sparking in electricity* Perhaps much, much more.
• Amelia Amethyst: Toby, what are you doing? This is too dangerous!
• Toby Topaz: Amelia, please. Get away from me before it's too late!
• Amelia Amethyst: Okay...

Amelia Amethyst, though reluctantly, backs away from Toby Topaz, as he emits stronger sparks of electricity.

• Earthquake: You're not going to scare me, yellow gem. You know, I was originally going to take care of her next, but it appears that you've decided to volunteer yourself first. This will be too easy!

Earthquake tries to punch Toby Topaz, but before he can do so, Toby Topaz fires a powerful electric bolt, dealing some damage to the earth ninja.

• Earthquake: Ouch...
• Amelia Amethyst: That's it, electricity hurts him!
• Earthquake: That was just luck. In just a matter of seconds, you'll end up like your pathetic friends. Blast, Takeshi, Magi-Knight...
• Toby Topaz: ENOUGH!!!

Toby Topaz angrily fires several powerful electric bolts at Earthquake at once, dealing heavy damage to him.

• Earthquake: That's it! It's time to smash you into dust!

Earthquake leaps at Toby Topaz and is about to smash him. Toby Topaz responds with by releasing an electric shockwave, knocking Earthquake back into a junkpile. Earthquake takes severe damage and is quickly defeated. Toby Topaz uses his electric powers to heal Blast, Takeshi and Magi-Knight, causing them to wake up from their unconsciousness.

• Takeshi: Whoa, what happened?
• Magi-Knight: I can ask the same question.
• Amelia Amethyst: Good work, Toby!

The gang then approaches a defeated Earthquake.

• Earthquake: Impossible! No ninja has actually defeated me before, how is this possible?!
• Blast: *stands up* Because, we're the Locked Room Gang!
• Toby Topaz: Sorry, sir, but I'm not a ninja. I'm still pretty powerful though.
• Earthquake: You haven't seen the last of me. I will be back, and I promise you, I will dish out a more painful death than any of you can imagine.

Earthquake punches the ground before digging his way out of the junkyard from underneath.

• Amelia Amethyst: Phew, he's gone.
• Magi-Knight: Well, thanks for helping me out just then, Locked Room Gang. It's pretty ironic considering how we came here to help you out in the first place.
• Blast: Well, we're all here to help each other, right?
• Magi-Knight: I suppose so.
• Amelia Amethyst: Wait, why did you come help us anyway?
• Magi-Knight: I foresaw that you, the Locked Room Gang, would be unable to stop this disaster yourselves. Hence, I asked Ink Splash that we had to help you, so we're all here. The other hybrids are spread out across Echo Creek, trying to put an end to the disasters themselves.
• Amelia Amethyst: What about Ink Splash?
• Magi-Knight: Ink Splash? She was fighting Shogo the Warlord, and she ended up defeated in the middle of the forest.
• Toby Topaz: How do you know that?
• Magi-Knight: I can foresee the future with my magic. We wouldn't have been here if I couldn't. Anyway, now that the junkyard is a safe zone again, we should look for the others now. I wonder how everyone else is doing.
• Blast: Well, if we could stop Earthquake, I'm sure the rest of the gang is going to do fine.
• Amelia Amethyst: That's true.
• Takeshi: Let's go look for the others!

Toby Topaz, Amelia Amethyst, Takeshi, Blast and Magi-Knight exit the junkyard and start looking for the others. Meanwhile, at the forest, Bonk Choy, Re-Peat Moss, Emma Emerald, Night Cap, Sting and Spark are at the forest.

• Bonk Choy: What could the disaster possibly be?
• Emma Emerald: We're yet to find out. But the forest is windier than I remembered this morning.
• Night Cap: Hm...
• Sting: Could it possibly be who we're looking for?
• Emma Emerald: Perhaps.
• Bonk Choy: Look there!

Bonk Choy points to a mysterious cloud of smoke out of nowhere in the forest.

• Bonk Choy: There's some smoke over there!
• Emma Emerald: This is odd. No forest animal or plant ever smokes around here. In fact, I even prohibited smoking in here!
• Bonk Choy: Should we investigate?
• Spark: Definitely!
• Night Cap: Let's go.

However, before they can go to investigate, a familiar teenage boy with a red cap, a king crab T-shirt, maroon jeans and black shoes, as well as a familiar purple-haired teenage girl in light blue ninja robes, are seen flying past them, before they crash into a tree together.

• Re-Peat Moss: Is it just me or does this situation seem more TRICKY?
• Bonk Choy: It's kinda tricky if you ask me. They look rather familiar...
• Emma Emerald: Bonk Choy's right, I remember having seen them before too.
• Sting: They don't seem familiar to me.
• Spark: Who are they?
• Emma Emerald: It's...

The gang sees Pincers and Crusade quickly get up, with Pincers looking more injured than Crusade.

• Pincers: Save the introductions, lady. We have a wind ninja to take down.
• Crusade: Yeah, what he said!
• Pincers: Luckily, thanks to my protection, I was able to prevent Crusade from taking as much damage as I did.
• Bonk Choy: Hmm...I suppose it's because you love her?
• Pincers: Not another word out of your mouth, vegetable! I heard enough of such rumors about me loving Crusade!
• Bonk Choy: Sure.
• Emma Emerald: Wait, did you say a wind ninja?
• Crusade: Yes, he did. Why?
• Emma Emerald: That might explain why the forest seems windier than usual.

Suddenly, a mysterious woman with long white hair, fair skin and a Japanese white dress flies out from a cluster of trees.

• Pincers: That's her!
• ???: Greetings, it is I, Tornado! I'm the Ancient Ninja of God-Wind.
• Spark: Wow, neat!
• Sting: *stares at Spark*
• Spark: Uh... I mean... stop attacking the forest!
• Tornado: I'm afraid not. I'm an obedient wind ninja who takes orders from her leader, Shogo the Warlord. I'm sorry if I have offended you, but I have to do what I'm told to do.
• Bonk Choy: That's polite of you, I guess?
• Re-Peat Moss: A little TRICKY if you ask me.
• Bonk Choy: But on the bright side...*stares at Tornado and starts admiring her* What a beautiful woman...wow...
• Tornado: Would you mind stepping aside so that I don't harm you while I'm carrying out my task? I appreciate it.
• Bonk Choy: Gladly!
• Pincers: Wait, Bonk Choy, no! Snap out of it!
• Emma Emerald: May I ask what's happening?
• Crusade: It appears Bonk Choy must have fallen for her. While we were fighting Tornado, we found out that she has a love charm to entice men. Luckily, Pincers was strong enough to resist it.
• Spark: Hey, Tornado, do you happen to have any plans this evening?
• Sting: Spark! *shoots a pea at him*
• Spark: What?
• Tornado: Plans? Well, I do indeed. But I'm afraid that information is classified.
• Emma Emerald: You can cut that out, Tornado!
• Re-Peat Moss: Yeah, we're not going to fall for your TRICKY charm, you TRICKY idiot!
• Tornado: Did you just call me an idiot?
• Re-Peat Moss: Not just an idiot, but a TRICKY one.
• Tornado: *her tone gets significantly louder and angrier* An idiot?! I'll show you! Your friend Bonk Choy and Spark aren't the only ones under my charm, you know?

Tornado snaps her fingers. From the bushes appears Nutty, Mimic, Hissy and Chimp, who have unfortunately fell for Tornado's love charm as well.

• Emma Emerald: There you are, my advisors!
• Nutty: Your advisors? Not anymore!
• Mimic: Your advisors? Not anymore!
• Hissy: We have a new queen now!
• Chimp: Yeah, she's much better than you!
• Emma Emerald: Wait, what?
• Tornado: *back to her soft and sarcastically sweet tone* Sweeties, take them down, will you? This ought to be entertaining.
• Nutty: Yes, my queen!
• Mimic: Yes, my queen!
• Hissy: We'll take them down!
• Chimp: Let's do it!
• Bonk Choy: Woo hoo!

Nutty, Mimic, Hissy, Chimp and Bonk Choy, who were all hypnotized under Tornado's love charm, starts attacking the gang.

• Pincers: Yikes!
• Crusade: Let's fight!
• Sting: We must finish this nonsense. Right Spark?
• Spark: *looking at Tornado* Would you consider going to watch a movie with me sometime?
• Sting: Spark, focus!
• Night Cap: It's no use. We'll have to fight without him this time.
• Sting: Spark, why are you so gullible?
• Bonk Choy: It's because he's a blockhead like you, duh! For Tornado!

Bonk Choy throws Sting into a tree, while Nutty, Mimic, Hissy and Chimp continue fighting the other gang members. Emma Emerald soon realizes that the hypnotized victims are interfering with the mission at hand to stop Tornado.

• Emma Emerald: I'll have to deal with Bonk Choy and my advisors myself. Go stop Tornado, I'll hold them off!
• Night Cap: Understood. Sting, follow me. *goes towards Tornado*
• Sting: *coming down from the tree* Hmph, how could that ruthless bonk choy punch me into a tree. How disrespectful!
• Night Cap: He's under Tornado's charm. We can't blame him.
• Sting: *rolls her eyes* Let's just finish this.
• Pincers: Yeah, we'll show her who's the prettier girl around...I mean, we'll show her not to mess with our friends!
• Crusade: Let's go then!

While Emma Emerald holds off the hypnotized victims, the rest of the gang goes to confront Tornado, who is in the meantime blowing trees away like they are nothing.

• Tornado: You again? I was being nice when I told you to leave, why wouldn't you listen?
• Night Cap: Because you're destroying the forest. We were being nice when we told you to stop, why wouldn't you listen?
• Spark: Hey, can we calm down? How about Tornado goes to watch a movie with me, and we forget about this mess?
• Sting: Spark, you're not thinking clearly.
• Pincers: Maybe you're the airhead! Ever thought about that?
• Tornado: Excuse me, what did you just call me?!
• Pincers: An airhead. Got a problem with that, lady?
• Tornado: Obviously I do! I'll show you who's the airhead around here!
• Pincers: Oh yeah? Bring it on!

Pincers flies towards Tornado and is about to snap at her, but Tornado casts a powerful tornado which sucks Pincers into it, causing him to spin uncontrollably.

• Tornado: So it appears that you're strong enough to resist my charm. But are you strong enough to resist my powers?
• Night Cap: There's only one way to find out. Prepare for battle, Tornado.
• Sting: We won't allow you to do these villainous acts any longer.
• Spark: Tornado, what kind of movies do you like?
• Tornado: Killer movies.

Tornado flies and spins towards Night Cap, Sting and Crusade, sending them flying into the same tornado that Pincers was sucked into.

• Crusade: Argh! We're flying!
• Pincers: Crusade? Is that you?
• Crusade: Pincers, you're inside the tornado too?
• Pincers: I guess so. Looks like we're all stuck inside!
• Sting: And to think Spark always wanted to fly. I don't see what's so great about it.
• Night Cap: Let me try something.

Night Cap summons a whirlwind inside the tornado, attempting to dissolve the tornado.

• Spark: Let's see... *using his laptop and suddenly gets excited* There's a great movie we could watch together this evening!

Meanwhile, inside the tornado, Night Cap fails to dissolve the tornado with his whirlwind. Tornado flies towards the gang members who are spinning uncontrollably, before delivering punches to them, leaving them bruised in seconds.

• Tornado: You don't stand a chance against me.
• Pincers: We'll see about that!
• Crusade: How are we going to take her down?
• Sting: I don't know. You guys are the hybrids. You're stronger.
• Pincers: We wouldn't have asked if we could take her down, you know!
• Tornado: There's nothing you can do! Your friends aren't able to resist my charm after all.
• Re-Peat Moss: Just wait, you TRICKY idiot! We'll show you!
• Tornado: Oh, you'll regret saying that, all right.

Tornado flies towards the gang, attempting to punch them once more. Meanwhile, Emma Emerald manages to trap Nutty, Mimic, Hissy, Chimp and Bonk Choy in vines after a heavy fight, though she is injured in the process.

• Emma Emerald: It was tough enough handling those hypnotized victims. I hope the others are doing better against Tornado. Meanwhile, I should go investigate what's with the mysterious cloud of smoke.

Emma Emerald goes to investigate the cloud of smoke. When she finally gets close enough to the smoke, she sees an unconscious Ink Splash lying next to a detonated smoke bomb.

• Emma Emerald: A smoke bomb? And it's next to Ink Splash? What does it mean?

Emma Emerald picks up the detonated smoke bomb, and realizes that it belongs to Kyoji.

• Emma Emerald: This is Kyoji's! But why? Perhaps he set off the smoke bomb to signal to us about Ink Splash? This is bad. I must wake her up!

Emma Emerald taps on Ink Splash, attempting to wake her up.

• Emma Emerald: Ink Splash, are you okay?

Ink Splash begins to move, and opens her eyes.

• Ink Splash: Wha... what?

Once she wakes up, she stands up quickly, looking aggressive.

• Ink Splash: *looking around* Where is he? Where is Shogo!? I'll get him this time! *notices Emma* Emma? What are you doing here?
• Emma Emerald: We were fighting a wind ninja who's devastating this forest. It's a long story, but I found you thanks to this smoke bomb that Kyoji set off. *shows the smoke bomb Kyoji left behind* It's pretty surprising though.
• Ink Splash: Shogo got away! I can't believe it! How could I lose like this? *looks very frustrated* I'm a failure now.
• Emma Emerald: Don't lose hope yet, Ink Splash. You may not be powerful enough to stop Shogo yourself, but you can certainly help us stop a wind ninja who's about to wipe this forest clean with her wind powers. Pincers and Crusade are also at the scene along with some of my friends, but I'm not sure if they can handle it too. Will you help us take down this wind ninja?
• Ink Splash: Sure... I hope I can still do that right. Let's go.

Ink Splash follows Emma Emerald to the place where Tornado is. Meanwhile, inside the tornado, Tornado is winning against the rest of the gang members.

• Tornado: I can't believe it, you're at the brink of death anytime soon! Another task is about to be completed!
• Re-Peat Moss: *looking bruised* Ow...
• Pincers: Kill me if you want, but I won't let you lay a finger on Crusade!
• Crusade: Really?
• Pincers: *blushes* Well...yeah...

Outside the tornado, Emma Emerald and Ink Splash are searching for Tornado and the gang, until Emma Emerald spots the rest of the gang members being spun around uncontrollably by Tornado's tornado.

• Emma Emerald: There they are!
• Ink Splash: So that's Tornado? Well, I hope I can still do something useful.

While Tornado is too busy paying attention to the heroes that are spinning around in the tornado, Ink Splash turns into her inkling form, and grabs Tornado with her tentacles.

• Tornado: Hey, who are you? Let go of me this instant!

Tornado tries to shake Ink Splash's tentacles off of her, but Ink Splash's tentacle grips are too strong for her.

• Tornado: Argh! Let me go, whoever you are!
• Ink Splash: Let them go first. *squeezes Tornado even harder with her tentacles*
• Tornado: I'm sorry, but Shogo gave me an order to defeat all of you if you get in my way. I won't disobey him!
• Emma Emerald: Well, you'll be defeated too if you disobey us.
• Tornado: You're not my leader! And besides, I'm the only one who can stop the tornado! None of you stands a chance against me, because I'm the one and only Ancient Ninja of God-Wind!
• Ink Splash: Very well.

Ink Splash continues to squeeze Tornado even harder with her tentacles. What was simply a strong grip is now a painful squeezing.

• Ink Splash: You choose. You let them go, or I squeeze you like a python does to its prey.
• Tornado: Alright, you win! I'll let them go!

Tornado stops the tornado, dropping the gang members from high above. Emma Emerald calls out to a huge flock of birds, as the birds rescue the gang members before they fall onto the ground and bring them back safely to the ground.

• Tornado: Now let me go, you murderous creature!
• Ink Splash: As you wish.

Ink Splash lifts her tentacles high up into the air, before letting go of Tornado. Tornado, who has been significantly weakened by Ink Splash, falls to the ground in defeat. Nutty, Mimic, Hissy, Chimp and Bonk Choy, who have broken out of the vines, charges towards the gang. However, before they can attack, the five of them as well as Spark snap out of the charm effect as Tornado lies defeated, while receiving headaches.

• Nutty: What's happening?
• Mimic: What's happening?
• Nutty: My head hurts...
• Hissy: Mine too!
• Bonk Choy: I feel like there's butterflies in my head!
• Chimp: What's going on?
• Spark: Ugh... what happened?
• Sting: *rolls her eyes* Finally.
• Re-Peat Moss: That TRICKY girl hypnotized you with her TRICKY charm!
• Emma Emerald: I must agree with Re-Peat Moss this time. Tornado is one tricky opponent. Anyway, thanks for your help, Ink Splash.
• Pincers: I can't believe you saved us!
• Crusade: Yeah, sorry for not doing as well against Tornado as we should have.
• Ink Splash: It's not your fault. I had one job, and I couldn't do it. At least you guys didn't end up knocked out like me.
• Pincers: Well, we could've been knocked out if you didn't come just in time to our rescue.
• Emma Emerald: Now that Tornado is taken care of, we can go look for the others now.
• Nutty: But what about the forest? It's in ruins!
• Emma Emerald: I'll restore it again later. If I restore it now, Shogo and his forces will destroy it again. Now let's go look for the others!
• Nutty: You're right, my queen. Let's go.
• Hissy: Did we hurt you? I'm sorry about that.
• Chimp: I feel terrible now!
• Emma Emerald: It's alright, it's not your fault. Tornado made you do this, and besides, anyone could've been affected by her charm.
• Pincers: Yeah, some of us are strong enough to resist it.
• Emma Emerald: We should get going and start looking for the others now.
• Spark: Yeah, you're right. Hey, do you think that girl Tornado will still want to go to the movies with me after this?
• Sting: *shoots a pea at him*
• Spark: What?
• Night Cap: Let's just go look for the others.
• Re-Peat Moss: Yeah, before that TRICKY girl wakes up again and charms you with her TRICKY charm!
• Nutty: I have to admit, she's pretty though.
• Hissy: Let's just move on.

Bonk Choy, Re-Peat Moss, Emma Emerald and her animal advisors, Night Cap, Sting, Spark, Pincers, Crusade and Ink Splash move out of the forest to look for the others. Meanwhile, Sean Sapphire, Sasuke and Alice are approaching the docks, where the trees around it are on fire.

• Sean Sapphire: What's going on at the docks?
• Sasuke: Water you talking about?
• Sean Sapphire: I mean, look! The trees are on fire!
• Alice: Sasuke, can you use your water powers to put off the fire?
• Sasuke: I can give it a try. Water!

Sasuke extinguishes the trees quickly with his water waves. However, in a matter of seconds, the trees are quickly set on fire again, and it quickly spreads to Captain Red Shell's ship.

• Sean Sapphire: Look there! It's Captain Red Shell's ship! It's on fire!
• Alice: Oh no! That's not good. Speaking of Captain Red Shell, has anyone seen him? I hope he's not hurt.
• Sean Sapphire: We should help him. Let's go!

Sean Sapphire, Sasuke and Alice runs to the burning ship, where they see Whacker Weed trying to fight a mysterious yellow-haired guy with red-orange ninja robes with fire decorations.

• Whacker Weed: Get away, you TRICKY ninja! Stay away from the sea creatures!
• ???: No can do, you little weed. You're nowhere near my fire powers!
• Alice: That's Whacker Weed. And it looks like he needs our help!
• Sasuke: Water we waiting for then? Let's go help him!

Sean Sapphire, Sasuke and Alice approach the mysterious ninja attacking Whacker Weed.

• Sean Sapphire: You there! Who are you?
• ???: Wildfire is my name and burning is my game! I'm the Ancient Ninja of God-Fire!
• Sean Sapphire: That's great, now stop attacking Echo Creek!
• Wildfire: Unless Shogo instructed you to tell me this, I won't stop. In fact, the docks will be the first place to be reduced to nothing but ashes!
• Alice: But, you can't do that! Do you know how dangerous this is?
• Wildfire: Dangerous? You can't be serious! Nothing is more dangerous than my flames! If you don't wish to be burned by the power of my flames, SCRAM!!!
• Sasuke: We'll show you! I'll extinguish you with the power of water!
• Wildfire: Is that so? I'll like to see you dweebs try.
• Alice: You asked for it. Sasuke, use your water powers!
• Sasuke: Got it! Water I waiting for?

Sasuke tosses water bombs at Wildfire, who easily dodges them. Wildfire then proceeds to cast a giant glowing fireball at Sasuke. Despite having water powers, Sasuke is unable to douse the fireball quickly and is thus blasted by the fireball, into a tree.

• Whacker Weed: Man, that's TRICKY!
• Wildfire: Right? I'm the Ancient Ninja of God-Fire after all, while he's nothing but a regular water ninja. I've defeated many water ninjas in the past, and your friend will be no exception!
• Alice: Well, have you fought this before?

Alice takes out her plasma cannon, and uses it to fire plasma bolts at Wildfire. Wildfire takes some damage, but he quickly retaliates with another giant fireball. However, before Alice gets hit by the fireball, Sean Sapphire shoves her out of the way, causing the fireball to hit Whacker Weed instead, setting him on fire and blasting him into the ocean.

• Sean Sapphire: That was close! Are you okay, Alice?
• Alice: Yeah. Thanks for the save, Sean. That was really close.
• Sean Sapphire: You're welcome.
• Wildfire: And now, feel the burn, I COMMAND YOU!
• Sean Sapphire: Get behind me, Alice.

Wildfire fires some fire blasts at both Sean Sapphire and Alice, with Sean Sapphire attempting to deflect the fire blasts with his own hook. He manages to deflect most of them, but gets hit by a few of the last ones, taking severe damage.

• Wildfire: It was fun watching you burn but right now, I must put an end to your nonsense. Any last words?
• Alice: Uh...
• ???: Stand back, villain!
• Alice: Huh?

Suddenly, they see a crab come out of the sea, and slash a bright sword at Wildfire.

• Wildfire: Ouch!
• Sean Sapphire: Well, look who it is!
• Alice: Captain Red Shell!

Captain Red Shell is soon followed by another crab, who attacks Wildfire with a spear.

• Wildfire: Hey, who dares hit me with a spear?
• Alice: And Coconut Crab!
• Captain Red Shell: I apologize for being late. I had other things to take care of.
• Alice: What kind of things?
• Captain Red Shell: Well... that's not important. We need to focus on the battle.
• Alice: Ok?
• Coconut Crab: Sorry, Ms. Alice, but Captain Red Shell is right. We must focus on our mission.
• Captain Red Shell: *looks at Wildfire* Step back. I won't allow you to hurt them. *points his sword at Wildfire*
• Wildfire: You can't stop me, crabby! I'm Wildfire, the Ancient Ninja of God-Fire! Fear me!

Wildfire lets out an uncontrollable burst of flames at Captain Red Shell. Captain Red Shell dodges the flames, and then charges towards Wildfire. Coconut Crab is next to Captain Red Shell, attacking Wildfire with a spear.

• Wildfire: What annoying little crustaceans you are. Get ready to feel the burn!

Wildfire charges up a giant fireball, before tossing it at both Captain Red Shell and Coconut Crab.

• Sean Sapphire: You two, look out!

Captain Red Shell pushes Coconut Crab away so that he doesn't get hurt by the fireball. However, Captain Red Shell doesn't have enough time to dodge the fireball, and gets hit by it.

• Coconut Crab: Captain Red Shell?
• Alice: Oh no.
• Wildfire: Ha ha ha! Isn't it great that you finally felt it?
• Sean Sapphire: You...monster!

Sean Sapphire angrily lunges at Wildfire and attempts to maul him. However, Wildfire creates a flaming shockwave that burns and knocks Sean Sapphire into one of the burning trees nearby.

• Wildfire: Well, as I said earlier, it's time to put an end to your nonsense!

Wildfire flies towards Captain Red Shell and Coconut Crab, before dealing flaming punches to both of them, damaging them severely. Captain Red Shell and Coconut Crab fall to the ground, severely injured.

• Captain Red Shell: You...
• Wildfire: So, are you ready to surrender yourselves to me or get roasted to death?
• Sean Sapphire: We'll rather die than give in to you!
• Sasuke: Yeah, water! You don't scare us!
• Wildfire: I doubt that.

Wildfire is about to burn the entire gang with his flames, until suddenly, the gang hears a short flute melody.

• Alice: That flute melody.
• Captain Red Shell: It can only mean one thing.
• Alice: Ace.
• Sean Sapphire: Ace.

Ace appears in front of Wildfire, and uses his Ace Shield to deflect the flame attacks.

• Ace: Stand back, I warn you. Otherwise I'll be forced to take my own measures to stop you.
• Wildfire: So you have a shield, eh? Let's see how well it'll do against this!

Wildfire spins around, before firing fireballs in all directions, most of them being targeted at Ace. Ace uses his Ace Shield to deflect the fireballs, before shooting shadow blasts at Wildfire.

• Ace: I did warn you, but you didn't listen.
• Wildfire: I don't need to listen to you, pathetic shadow ninja! I only take orders from the likes of my leader, not from the likes of you!

Wildfire takes severe damage from the shadow blasts, but he is not ready to go down yet. He flies towards Ace while spinning towards him, before ramming into Ace like a fireball. Ace just teleports away, causing Wildfire to crash into the ground instead of Ace. Ace then appears next to Wildfire, and then shoots more shadow blasts at Wildfire.

• Ace: Have you had enough yet?
• Wildfire: I'm far from done, but I can't say the same for you! What I can say for you though is...TIMBER!!!

While Ace is left confused by his words, Wildfire fires several fireballs at some burning trees, attempting to crush Ace as the burning trees fall down one by one. Ace, however, uses the shadow arts to make the trees levitate above him, before tossing them back at Wildfire. Wildfire fires fireballs at the trees, in an attempt to destroy them before they hit him. However, Wildfire's fireballs do nothing as the trees are already burning. The burning trees collide into Wildfire, knocking him onto the ground. One of the trees land on Wildfire, not crushing him, but pinning him onto the ground, preventing him from going anywhere.

• Wildfire: Hey, no fair! You can levitate things and I can't! Look at what you've done to me!
• Ace: Well, I warned you that you should stop. But of course, you didn't listen.
• Wildfire: Just wait until you meet my leader Shogo the Warlord! He'll crush you in no time flat once you see his face!

Meanwhile, the rest of the gang recovers from their attacks, to gather around a trapped Wildfire. Whacker Weed even manages to swim back to the docks after being blasted far away by Wildfire earlier.

• Sasuke: Water way to go.
• Sean Sapphire: You did it, Ace! You stopped Wildfire!
• Ace: So, Shogo is behind all this, isn't he?
• Alice: Yeah. Do you know about him?
• Ace: Of course. Though I'm still surprised he's been revived.
• Sean Sapphire: We found out that Akasha was the one who revived him. After all, it makes sense as she is his daughter. But to defeat him, we'll need to find the Orb of Power.
• Sasuke: How do you know all that?
• Sean Sapphire: We fought against him before, but it's a long story.
• Ace: Orb of Power, you say?
• Alice: Yes, Akasha revived Shogo by putting the Orb of Power back together.
• Ace: In that case, allow me to handle this.
• Alice: Are you sure?
• Ace: Yes. Protect Echo Creek, and I'll go for the Orb of Power.
• Sean Sapphire: We'll take care of that. Wait, I just realized something! Captain Red Shell's ship is still on fire!
• Whacker Weed: Not anymore. I took care of that TRICKY problem, no problem!

Whacker Weed points to Captain Red Shell's ship, with the fires being put out, though it still looks badly burnt. It is revealed that as soon as Whacker Weed reached the docks, he stopped the fire on his own.

• Whacker Weed: In any case, thanks for helping me, Locked Room Gang. Do I owe you one?
• Captain Red Shell: Not at all. You've helped us just as much as we've helped you.
• Ace: See you all later. I have an Orb to take care of.

Ace teleports away.

• Sean Sapphire: Well, you heard Ace. We'll have to protect Echo Creek. Though we're already dealt with Wildfire, should we look for the others?
• Whacker Weed: Let's go. We'll never know if things can get any TRICKIER.
• Alice: You're right. Let's go.

They go to search for the others. Meanwhile, Diana Diamond, Tommy, Repeater and Chomper are at the carnival, where they come across a raging thunder storm.

• Diana Diamond: Well, we've arrived.
• Repeater: It's a thunderstorm! It's a thunderstorm!
• Tommy: Yes, it is.
• Chomper: Who cares? When there's carnivals, there's bound to be good food everywhere! And since no one's here, it's free!

Chomper starts helping himself to the food, while Repeater tries to stop him.

• Repeater: Don't mind him, he's a real food addict. Don't mind him, he's a real food addict.
• Diana Diamond: Let's just move on before...
• Chomper: FOOD!!! *stuffs his face with cotton candy and caramel popcorn*
• Diana Diamond: Ugh, that'll give me nightmares.

Suddenly, Tommy sees a mysterious guy with blonde spiky hair, wearing black ninja robes with lightning designs casting lightning bolts, destroying the carnival rides and booths.

• Tommy: Uh, who are you?
• ???: Why, hello dear boy, I was expecting you and your friends to show up right about now.

??? flies towards the four heroes.

• ???: The name's Thunderstorm, and I'm the Ancient Ninja of God-Lightning!
• Repeater: Thunderstorm? Thunderstorm?
• Thunderstorm: Yes. Not just that, but I'm also the smartest ninja you'll ever face!
• Tommy: Really?
• Thunderstorm: Of course! Care for a demonstration?
• Repeater: Sure! Sure!

Repeater fires peas at many different angles towards Thunderstorm, who concentrates on Repeater before firing a lightning bolt at him, electrocuting him.

• Thunderstorm: You see? All I need to do is calculate your movements and I will instantly know how to defeat you. Go ahead. Try another one of your attacks. I dare you.
• Tommy: I'm not sure.

No one steps up to attack Thunderstorm for a while, to the point that Thunderstorm gets impatient. He decides to provoke the gang by threatening a few citizens of Echo Creek stranded on top of a faulty Gyro Tower.

• Thunderstorm: Well, are we going to stand here and do nothing? Come and fight me, or else they go zap! *points to a group of screaming citizens stuck up high in the Gyro Tower*
• Diana Diamond: Alright...you win! We'll fight you. Just leave them alone.
• Thunderstorm: Much appreciated. But I'll only let them go if you four can defeat me.
• Diana Diamond: Deal.
• Tommy: So, do we fight now?
• Diana Diamond: Yes.
• Thunderstorm: Let's fight!

Diana Diamond creates a boomerang out of thin air, before throwing it at Thunderstorm. Thunderstorm fires a lightning bolt at it accurately, destroying it instantly.

• Diana Diamond: Uh...I've got more!

Diana Diamond creates more boomerangs out of thin air, before throwing them at Thunderstorm. Thunderstorm destroys the boomerangs one by one, but gets hit by one of them, taking minor damage.

• Thunderstorm: I have to admit you've got me there. But I'm afraid it's just not enough.

Thunderstorm charges up a powerful lightning bolt, before firing it at Diana Diamond. Diana Diamond reacts by creating a shield out of thin air, which manages to protect her but gets destroyed in the process due to the power of the lightning bolt. Meanwhile...

• Repeater: Chomper, stop eating! Chomper, stop eating!
• Chomper: I'm sorry, Repeater, but I can't help myself! *continues stuffing his face*

Back to the fight, Diana Diamond is trying to protect Tommy while fighting Thunderstorm, and she gets exhausted pretty quickly.

• Thunderstorm: Well, you're a good fighter, princess, but you're of no match for me. After I defeat you, I'll probably fight the little boy next. *points at Tommy*
• Tommy: Me?
• Diana Diamond: No, fight me all you want, but I won't let you harm him!
• Thunderstorm: Aww, that's cute. Being friends, wanting to protect each other and the like...
• Diana Diamond: Well, can't you at least show some mercy?
• Thunderstorm: Me? Show mercy? You can't be serious, showing mercy to others is what losers do! I can't make myself a loser now, can I?

Thunderstorm fires several lightning bolts at Diana Diamond, who tries to defend herself and Tommy. Eventually, in less than a minute, Diana Diamond is defeated.

• Thunderstorm: Yes! The diamond is down!

Suddenly, Tommy sees Shogo the Warlord approach Thunderstorm, carrying with him the diamond sphere where Starcade is still trapped in.

• Shogo: Excellent job well done, Thunderstorm! I don't know how the other ancient ninjas are doing, but that is some mighty impressive work dealing with that princess over there.
• Thunderstorm: Thanks, sir. I take my tasks seriously, though I'm not quite done yet.
• Shogo: You aren't? Who else is left?
• Thunderstorm: Well...

While Shogo and Thunderstorm are talking to each other, Starcade tries to secretly communicate with Tommy.

• Starcade: *from inside the diamond sphere* Tommy? Is that you?
• Tommy: Yes, it's me. Is there some way to get you out of this thing?
• Starcade: Well, the sphere is made of diamond, so I don't think you can break me out. But there's something else I'd like to tell you that's important.
• Tommy: What is it?
• Starcade: Remember how Akasha created Dark Green Shadow? Shogo plans to use that very shadow art once he goes back to his estate, according to what I have overheard from his conversations with Akasha. If I recall correctly, he wants to create a powerful lifeform out of...

Just then, Shogo and Thunderstorm finish their conversation.

• Shogo: Keep up the good work, Thunderstorm. Now I must return to my throne room with this troublemaking girl with me, or Kyoji's girlfriend to be exact. Wait a minute...

Shogo notices Starcade communicating with Tommy.

• Shogo: I told you that she is one troublemaking girl. *to Starcade* Hey, I told you not to talk to anyone or else!
• Starcade: What? I wasn't talking to anyone! Nope, not at all!
• Shogo: Enough with your lies. You can't fool me, I just saw you talking to that boy! And remember what I said earlier? "Silence or I will remove another quarter of the size of your sphere." Do you know what this means, Starcade?

Shogo causes the diamond sphere to shrink to half its size. Starcade is feeling more uncomfortable as she is being squeezed by the diamond sphere's new size. Tommy watches in horror as Starcade is being indirectly tortured by Shogo.

• Starcade: Hey, wait! You can't do this!
• Tommy: Yeah, stop!
• Shogo: Sorry, Tommy, but rules are rules. Starcade didn't listen to me when I told her to remain silent. I can kill her if I want to, but that won't be fun. Watching people suffer from their fate is so much more fun.
• Starcade: NO!
• Shogo: Farewell, Thunderstorm. I will be heading back to my throne room now. Carry on your task.
• Thunderstorm: Yes sir.

Shogo leaves the carnival in his flying throne, bringing with him a struggling Starcade.

• Thunderstorm: *to Tommy* Shogo is right, watching people suffer is so much more fun. Now where were we? Oh yes. Are you ready to fight me?
• Tommy: What? No! *crosses his arms*
• Thunderstorm: Well, you're gonna fight me whether you like it or not. Here we go!

Thunderstorm fires a lightning bolt at Tommy, but before the lightning bolt can hit Tommy, it gets deflected back quickly at Thunderstorm. Thunderstorm doesn't take damage due to his immunity to electricity, but he is confused over what happened.

• Thunderstorm: Who's out there? Show yourself!

Thunderstorm realizes that Kyoji was the one who deflected the lightning bolt, as Kyoji steps out with the Sword of Elementia in his hand.

• Kyoji: How about you pick on someone your own size?
• Thunderstorm: Kyoji?!
• Tommy: You're here, just on time!
• Kyoji: I was chasing after Shogo the Warlord. As much as I want to save Starcade from him, I can't bear to leave you to be obliterated by Thunderstorm. I know who he is because I've read up about the Ancient Ninjas of the God-Elements, and he was a member.
• Thunderstorm: So you're back? Shogo told me all about you, being his assassin and all. I'll make sure you pay for that, but first, say hello to...Dyna-Matic!
• Kyoji: Dyna-Matic?

Thunderstorm takes out a remote control and presses a button, causing the booth near Repeater and Chomper to explode. Out emerges Dyna-Matic, with his bomb cannons aimed at Kyoji and Tommy.

• Repeater: What is that? What is that?
• Chomper: Yummy! *ignores what is happening and continues eating*
• Repeater: Seriously? Seriously?

Dyna-Matic approaches Kyoji and Tommy, while Thunderstorm is laughing.

• Dyna-Matic: Scanning targets. Targets confirmed: Kyoji, Tommy.
• Tommy: Uh... what do you mean by that, Dyna-Matic? Is everything ok?
• Kyoji: It appears Thunderstorm must have took control of Dyna-Matic's systems!
• Thunderstorm: Do you get the point? This is why I'm the smartest ninja you'll ever face! Dyna-Matic, destroy them!
• Dyna-Matic: Order acknowledged. Engaging bomb cannons on targets.

Dyna-Matic fires bombs at both Kyoji and Tommy, with Kyoji protecting the both of them with an ice wall.

• Kyoji: Allow me to take care of Dyna-Matic. Tommy, get behind me.
• Tommy: Ok. *hides behind Kyoji*
• Kyoji: Let's see what you have for us, Dyna-Matic.

Dyna-Matic fires bombs in succession, as Kyoji counters them with ice blasts, freezing them before they can explode. While Kyoji deals with the bombs, Dyna-Matic activates his rear thrusters, flying towards Kyoji and attempting to ram into him. Kyoji sees Dyna-Matic approaching and ducks under him, causing Dyna-Matic to crash into a game booth. Dyna-Matic is not terribly damaged, but he has received a few small dents.

• Dyna-Matic: Minor damage detected.
• Thunderstorm: Well, don't just stay there, get them!
• Dyna-Matic: Order acknowledged. Resuming offensive.

Dyna-Matic continues firing bombs at all angles at Kyoji and Tommy, while Kyoji continues countering the bombs with his own attacks.

• Kyoji: Dyna-Matic is tougher than I remembered. Are you doing fine there, Tommy?
• Tommy: Yeah, I guess.
• Kyoji: I have an idea.

Kyoji creates a thick ice wall around Tommy.

• Kyoji: I have you protected. Just stay in there while I take down that hybrid.
• Tommy: Ok, if you say so.

Kyoji charges towards Dyna-Matic and starts slashing at him with the Sword of Elementia. All Tommy can see in front of the ice wall is a series of sword slashes and bomb explosions, as Kyoji and Dyna-Matic fight each other, not willing to relent to the other. After a period of heavy fighting, Kyoji and Dyna-Matic briefly stop fighting. Kyoji has a few burns and bruises, but is exhausted. On the other hand, Dyna-Matic and his systems are terribly damaged. Both are still not going down, however.

• Thunderstorm: What are you doing, you stupid machine? Don't you have any sense of brain? Get rid of that ice ninja right now!
• Dyna-Matic: Error...system malfunctioning...activate Kamikaze Mode...
• Kyoji: Kamikaze?

Dyna-Matic's fuse lights up on fire, and runs towards Kyoji, attempting to self-destruct on Kyoji.

• Kyoji: Alright, it's time to awaken some of my old fighting methods. I haven't used them for a long time.

Kyoji throws a smoke bomb, confusing Dyna-Matic's processing systems. He then slashes Dyna-Matic as the latter is unable to see through smoke, knocking him out. However, Kyoji notices that Dyna-Matic's fuse is still lit and puts it out with a concentrated ice beam, defeating Dyna-Matic and shutting down his Kamikaze Mode.

• Thunderstorm: NO!!!
• Tommy: Yes!
• Kyoji: Thunderstorm, you're going down. We've taken care of Dyna-Matic, and now you're next.
• Thunderstorm: Hmph, if you say so. Prepare to be outsmarted!

Thunderstorm fires lightning bolts rapidly at Kyoji, who deflects them just as rapidly. Kyoji proceeds to fire ice blasts at Thunderstorm. Thunderstorm gets frozen but easily breaks out of the ice with an electric shockwave. He then flies towards Kyoji at lightning speed, delivering quick punches and knocking him into a booth.

• Thunderstorm: I've been waiting a long time for this. Today is the day that Shogo will have your head!

Meanwhile, at a cotton candy booth near Thunderstorm, Tommy and Kyoji...

• Repeater: Why won't you stop? Why won't you stop?
• Chomper: *visibly full but continues to stuff his face* I can't! I'm a food addict! Food...

Chomper sees a leftover stick of cotton candy, but before he can eat that, his stomach starts to grumble loudly.

• Chomper: Was that my tummy?
• Repeater: Yes. Yes.
• Chomper: I'm having stomach cramps! Oh no...I think I might have eaten too much...
• Repeater: You think? You think?
• Chomper: Uh...uh oh...uh...ow...ow...ah!!!
• Repeater: Don't puke! Don't puke!

Chomper, instead of puking, burps so loud that it blows Thunderstorm into a wall. Thunderstorm gets dizzy as he gets injured by the hard hit.

• Thunderstorm: What was that all about?
• Kyoji: Hmm...that's it. Loud sounds, they blow him away and disorientate him! *suddenly remembers the time when Tommy became Karaoke Tommy and defeated Crusade with his singing* I have an idea on how I can beat him!

Kyoji runs to Tommy while Thunderstorm is still trying to recover from his concussion.

• Kyoji: Tommy, Thunderstorm has a song request for you!
• Tommy: Really? Great! I guess it's time to sing! *pulls out a microphone*

Suddenly, Thunderstorm shows up in front of Kyoji and Tommy, after having recovered from his concussion.

• Thunderstorm: You two, it's time to end this with a real fight! I've got more tricks up my sleeve!
• Kyoji: Sorry, Thunderstorm, but we've got one of our own. Sing a song for him, Tommy!
• Thunderstorm: Sing a song for what now? *scratches his head in confusion*
• Tommy: Here we go!

Tommy begins to sing at full volume, and so off-key, that everything is shaking, booths and carnival rides come down, and everything around them is crumbling down to nothing. Even Diana Diamond wakes up from her unconsciousness by the loud volume.

• Diana Diamond: Huh? What's going on? Why is it so loud in here?
• Kyoji: No time to explain, Diana.
• Repeater: We gotta hide! We gotta hide!

Repeater and Chomper hide behind a booth to protect themselves, while Kyoji and Diana Diamond hide behind another. Thunderstorm covers his ears, as he is being fully exposed to the full volume of Tommy's off-key singing.

• Thunderstorm: ARGH! STOP!!!

Thunderstorm tries to fire a lightning bolt at Tommy, but the sound waves emitted from Tommy's singing prevent him from attacking.

• Thunderstorm: Argh, fine! You win! I'm out of here! See you again, losers!

Thunderstorm flies away from the carnival, covering his ears. Tommy continues singing, until he finally finishes his song. He then opens his eyes, and sees all the destruction around him.

• Tommy: Wow... what happened here?
• Repeater: *points to the destruction Tommy caused* Apparently, this happened. Apparently, this happened.
• Kyoji: Listen, maybe it'll be better if you opened your eyes to sing next time.
• Repeater: Agreed, agreed.
• Kyoji: However, on the bright side, you managed to drive Thunderstorm away.
• Diana Diamond: I'm still confused over what just happened. What are you doing here, Kyoji?
• Kyoji: Shogo still has Starcade with him. He came here and I was chasing him, until I saw you guys dealing with Thunderstorm. An Ancient Ninja of the God-Elements is certainly no easy opponent, so I thought I stopped by to lend a hand.
• Diana Diamond: Wait, what about the citizens who were trapped in the Gyro Tower earlier?
• Kyoji: Observe!

Kyoji points out that Tommy has caused the Gyro Tower to topple and land on a bouncy castle, which saved the citizens from their untimely deaths.

• Diana Diamond: Phew, I'm glad they're all safe and sound.
• Kyoji: Me too. I have to get going, Starcade is counting on me. Who knows what Shogo might have done to her?
• Tommy: I saw Shogo not too long ago. He had Starcade trapped in a diamond sphere, and was shrinking the diamond sphere whenever he got angry at Starcade.
• Diana Diamond: Um, Tommy, we all saw him trap Starcade inside.
• Tommy: Oh, right.
• Kyoji: Well, that's good to know. I must be on my way, I can't bear to see Starcade being tortured by my old archenemy. See you later, gang.
• Repeater: Bye, bye!
• Diana Diamond: See ya.

Kyoji continues chasing after Shogo the Warlord.

• Diana Diamond: Looks like another crisis averted. Shall we go back to the gang now?
• Tommy: Yeah, let's go!

One by one, the six teams gather back with each other again back outside Red Spoon's restaurant, starting with Red Ruby's team.

• Red Ruby: Ha ha! Yes! I knew I can count on my dynamite fuses to keep me warm!
• Timmy Turquoise: Well, apparently we won't need them anymore since we're at a warmer place.
• Dark Trident: Whatever, now where are the rest of the teams?
• Red Fork: They'll be coming any moment now. *the other teams are seen coming* Told ya.

Gary Garnet's team arrive next.

• Gary Garnet: We're back.
• Green Shadow: We took down a water ninja named Tsunami. What about you guys?
• Grass Knuckles: Us? We took down an ice ninja named Blizzard. It's pretty bizarre considering how the ninjas we've encountered have natural disasters for names.
• Blue Ocean: Well, to be fair, they're the closest thing we've confronted to natural disasters.
• Green Shadow: True.
• Octo-Phantom: They're indeed spooky!

Toby Topaz's team arrives next.

• Amelia Amethyst: You're telling us. We encountered an earth ninja who's literally named Earthquake!
• Magi-Knight: He fights like Boulder, though faster, stronger and tougher.
• Blast: These God-element ninjas sure mean business.

Emma Emerald's team arrives next.

• Pincers: Did someone just say something about those ninjas meaning business? Because the one we encountered does!
• Emma Emerald: She was a wind ninja, and her name is Tornado.
• Re-Peat Moss: Let's just say that she's the TRICKIEST ninja we've encountered.
• Bonk Choy: But she's...*blushes*
• Re-Peat Moss: Snap out of it already! *nudges Bonk Choy*
• Nutty: Though we can't believe she made us hurt our queen. We felt rather terrible.
• Hissy: Agreed.
• Night Cap: Don't worry. You had no control over your actions when that happened. Emma has forgiven you.
• Sting: At least we managed to get rid of that wind ninja before 'someone' did something ridiculous! *stares at Spark*
• Spark: What? I didn't even get to invite her to the movies!
• Emma Emerald: Stop blaming him. He was a victim of Tornado's charm.

Sean Sapphire's team arrives next.

• Sasuke: Water we talking about here?
• Takeshi: Some wind ninja named Tornado that the others have encountered.
• Sean Sapphire: Tornado? That's nothing compared to the fire ninja we were up against - Wildfire!
• Toby Topaz: W-W-Wildfire?
• Sean Sapphire: Captain Red Shell and Coconut Crab assisted us, but even their help were not enough to stop Wildfire. We were nearly defeated until Ace came to our rescue and stopped Wildfire.
• Blast: My brother was with you guys?
• Alice: Yeah. He defeated Wildfire, and then left.
• Captain Red Shell: He's said he's going for the Orb of Power.
• Blast: Oh, I hope he'll be ok. That villain Shogo the Warlord really gives me a bad feelling.
• Green Shadow: I guess all of us are having bad feelings about him.
• Bonk Choy: And to think, he's Kyoji's old archenemy!

Diana Diamond's team finally arrives.

• Repeater: We're talking about Shogo here? We're talking about Shogo here?
• Green Shadow: Yes.
• Diana Diamond: Speaking of Shogo, Tommy defeated Shogo's smartest subordinate Thunderstorm.
• Blast: Wait, what!?
• Blue Ocean: Is that even possible?
• Repeater: He was pretty crazy. He was pretty crazy.
• Red Ruby: How on earth did Tommy even defeat a ninja?
• Diana Diamond: Let's just say he used the power of his voice.
• Blast: Oh...
• Alice: It makes sense now.
• Red Ruby: So that was why I heard a terrible song earlier while finding a warmer zone.
• Red Fork: Well, it worked, and that's what matters... I guess.
• Green Shadow: What do you say we go find Shogo now?
• Bonk Choy: Where is his place?
• Takeshi: My friend, I believe I've taken you all there before when I first met you as a group. After all, I am Shogo's son. I'll lead the way to my father's throne room.
• Blast: Got it.
• Alice: Let's go.

The gang follows Takeshi to Shogo's throne room. Meanwhile, at Shogo's throne room, Akasha is feeling dejected that she is stuck with a duty to protect the Orb of Power.

• Akasha: Aw man, I really wish I can help my father in his conquest. I mean, I'm a shadow ninja too. I shouldn't be given a mundane task to guard an orb. But oh well, if he thinks I'm helping him, I'll be glad to do anything. After all, he has suffered from death for way too long. I must protect the Orb of Power at all costs and...

Suddenly, Akasha hears a short but familiar flute melody.

• Akasha: A flute? Well, who's playing it? Wait a minute, I'm all alone in this house! And the melody sounds familiar! I wonder...

As Akasha was trying to figure out where that flute melody came from, she sees Ace teleport into the room.

• Akasha: What the? You're the Ace I heard about, aren't you?
• Ace: Precisely. And you must be Akasha, the shadow ninja who gave death to the evil Shadow Sensei.
• Akasha: Yes, I am. But what are you doing here?
• Ace: I have an important mission to accomplish. I must get rid of the Orb of Power.
• Akasha: What? No way! That Orb of Power belongs to my father! Sorry Ace, but I must protect it at all costs.
• Ace: Akasha, I understand that Shogo is your father, and that you missed him for a long time. I myself lost my father many years ago, even before meeting the Shadow Sensei. I know what it's like to lose your father. But Shogo is a serious threat to the world. You must understand that every minute he's here, will be another minute he'll use to destroy anyone who opposes him.
• Akasha: Even if he's evil, so what? I never really liked how things go around the world anyway. But if you're here to destroy my father by destroying this orb, you'll have to go through me. I brought him back to life, and I can't bear to lose him now!
• Ace: My intention isn't to fight you. But if that's the only way I can get the job done, then that's what will happen.
• Akasha: Then a fight it shall be. Let's see how well the Shadow Sensei has taught you after all these years. The Ace vs The Burning Shadow, this ought to be interesting.

Akasha starts off the fight by flinging fireballs at Ace. Ace blocks the fireballs with his Ace Shield, before shooting shadow blasts at Akasha. Akasha dodges the shadow blasts by teleporting to behind Ace, before catching him by surprise and dealing punches to him in quick succession. Ace takes the first two, before blocking the rest of them with his Ace Shield. Ace then teleports above Akasha, and lands on her with a powerful kick. Akasha takes some damage.

• Akasha: Wow, I guess you weren't kidding when you called yourself "The Ace".

Akasha gets back up and starts flying, before firing shadow blasts at Ace. Ace uses his super speed to dodge the shadow blasts, before teleporting to behind Akasha, to surprise her with a powerful shadow blast.

• Ace: You're not bad either, Burning Shadow.
• Akasha: I can say the same for you. Too bad you're going down before you can get your hands on the Orb of Power.

Akasha starts levitating a few objects in the throne room, before throwing them all at once at Ace. Ace uses his super speed to dodge the objects. He then teleports to above Akasha, and shoots a shadow blast at her before delivering a kick. Akasha dodges the shadow blast but gets hit by Ace's kick, which sends her flying into a wall. She takes more damage than before, and is starting to get heated up.

• Akasha: No! I can't bear to lose! My father wants me to protect this orb, I can't possibly fail to him under the likes to you!

Akasha starts firing a combination of fireballs and shadow blasts at Ace. Ace runs and jumps around the room, while using the Ace Shield to block the fireballs and shadow blasts. He shoots shadow blasts at Akasha while he moves around at high speed.

• Akasha: So it's the shield that's preventing me from hurting him? I know!

Akasha dodges the shadow blasts again, before attempting to levitate Ace's Ace Shield away from him.

• Akasha: Give up your shield! Perhaps we can end this battle much sooner that way!
• Ace: If you insist.

Ace tosses his shield to a side.

• Ace: You might be right. Now that I'm lighter, I can end this battle much sooner.

Without the weight of the shield, Ace can now move even faster than before. He teleports to behind Akasha, and punches her into a wall, before teleporting to next to Akasha, and kicking her into the air, and then teleports again to above Akasha, and kicks her back into the ground. Akasha soon finds herself being punched and kicked at all places.

• Akasha: Argh! Stop!

Akasha unleashes a burst of flames, burning Ace and everything else in the throne room. Ace takes damage from the flames, but continues regardless of the damage.

• Ace: Not bad, Akasha, not bad.

Ace teleports to behind Akasha, before shooting yet another shadow blast at her.

• Ace: But I believe you could benefit from more training.
• Akasha: What?

Akasha gets hit hard by the shadow blast, which sends her flying into a wall. She takes a lot of damage and is close to defeat.

• Akasha: You! You sneak...go ahead and destroy me, but don't you dare lay a finger on that orb!
• Ace: I never said I would destroy you. *picks up his Ace Shield* Just keep training Akasha. You'll get better over time. Just remember to use your power for good.

Ace walks towards the Orb of Power, but keeps aiming at Akasha, in case she decides to attack him.

• ???: What's this? An intruder?!
• Akasha: Father, you're back!

Shogo steps into his throne room, along with Starcade in the diamond sphere.

• Shogo: So, you must be the Ace. I heard all about you. Trying to destroy me by destroying the Orb of Power, I see?
• Ace: I wish there was another way, but you won't listen to reasons. So this is the only way to save everyone from you.
• Shogo: Ha ha, you fool! Even if you did manage to beat my daughter and seize the orb, you would never be able to break it anyway. It takes a lot of elements to destroy it, and I do mean a lot. How about we end this with a little duel, eh?
• Starcade: Ace, don't listen to him! He's going to...
• Shogo: Ugh, as rebellious as I imagined.
• Starcade: Well, they don't call me leader of the Retro Rebels for nothing!
• Shogo: Enough! You're just so annoying!

Shogo starts shrinking the diamond sphere again, causing Starcade to have no choice but to adjust herself to the uncomfortable size of the diamond sphere.

• Ace: I accept your duel, but only with the following conditions. If I beat you, you will free Starcade, and give me the Orb of Power.
• Shogo: It's a deal. And if you lose, well, I suppose I'll decide once you lose.
• Akasha: Can I help you, Father?
• Shogo: No, I don't want anyone to be an interference to me in my battles.
• Akasha: Are you saying that...
• Shogo: Will you just watch me beat the living out of this trespassing shadow ninja?
• Akasha: Okay...*starts to feel a little uneasy about her father*
• Shogo: Good. *to Ace* Get ready to become your own shadow, Ace.

Shogo snaps his fingers, summoning a few silhouette soldiers that take Ace's shape. The silhouette soldiers charge towards Ace and start attacking him. Ace blocks the attacks of the silhouette soldiers with his Ace Shield, before teleporting behind them and blasting them away with shadow blasts. He then levitates several objects in the room, before tossing them towards Shogo. Shogo teleports away from the objects, before summoning a giant silhouette sword which starts slashing at Ace. Ace blocks the slashes with his Ace Shield.

• Shogo: You may be a shadow ninja like me, but you are no match for the warlord himself. Not even your hybrid friend Ink Splash stood a chance against me!
• Ace: Ink Splash? I created Ink Splash.

Ace uses super speed to get past the silhouette sword, before shooting a shadow blast at it, destroying it. He then teleports behind Shogo to shoot a shadow blast at him. Shogo takes damage, but not long before he quickly gets healed thanks to the power of the Orb of Power.

• Shogo: Nice try. Need I remind you that I'm an immortal thanks to the power of the orb? I can't say the same for you though.

Shogo snaps his fingers, this time summoning a silhouette machine gun. The silhouette machine gun starts firing silhouette bullets at split-second intervals at Ace. Ace blocks the bullets with his Ace Shield. While Ace is distracted dealing with the silhouette bullets, Shogo teleports to behind Ace and attacks him with a shadow blast. Ace takes damage and is pushed back for a few inches. Ace levitates several objects in the room, before tossing them at the silhouette machine gun and at Shogo. The silhouete machine gun is destroyed, but Shogo simply teleports away from the objects, before snapping his fingers, causing Ace to suddenly float aimlessly in his now devastated throne room.

• Shogo: You should have thought twice before trying to destroy me behind my back. You're going to pay for that once I defeat you.
• Ace: You will be stopped, in one way or another.

Ace teleports to behind Shogo, before shooting a shadow blast at him. He then immediately teleports to in front of Shogo and repeats the process several times, managing to deliver several shadow blasts in a short period of time. Shogo summons a few silhouette walls to defend himself from the shadow blasts.

• Shogo: No, I'm afraid I'm the one who will be stopping you, in one way or another.

Shogo snaps his fingers again, summoning a cluster of silhouette bombs towards Ace, which cause a series of explosions of shadow energy. Ace manages to teleport away from the explosion before getting damaged. He then begins to charge a specially powerful shadow blast. Shogo summons several giant silhouette swords to slash at Ace at once, while he is charging up the shadow blast, dealing heavy damage and preventing him from using his attack.

• Shogo: Have you had enough yet, Ace? I can see that you're unable to keep this up much longer.

Ace seems a bit weak after the attacks, and stops for a moment before answering.

• Ace: You win. It wasn't my destiny to stop you. But worry not, someone else will surely make sure you don't succeed. *looks at Akasha* And Akasha, don't forget what I told you. Until we meet again, if we ever do meet again.

Ace teleports out of the room.

• Akasha: Father, look, I'm sorry that this happened. I promise to clean up this mess right away. I'll...

Shogo snaps his fingers, restoring the throne room to the way it was before Ace showed up.

• Shogo: Forget it. I have more important matters to attend to.
• Akasha: What important matters?
• Shogo: The next phase of my plan. I'm planning to create an evil doppelganger out of Starcade.
• Akasha: Well, I renovated this house from the last time you were defeated by Kyoji and his friends. I included a laboratory, a dojo for elemental ninjas, a...
• Shogo: Wait, did you say "laboratory"?
• Akasha: Yes, why?
• Shogo: That's perfect! Lead me to your laboratory, Operation: Dark Starcade shall begin!
• Akasha: Yes, Father. The laboratory is this way.

Akasha leads her father to the laboratory in Shogo's estate. When they arrive, Shogo gets started by using a shadow art to absorb Starcade's DNA.

• Starcade: Hey!
• Shogo: Silence, girl. If you dare utter a word, I'll kill you before your friends know about it.
• Starcade: Gah, fine! But remember, if you think Kyoji will surrender to you, you are dead wrong!
• Akasha: Whatever.
• Shogo: You are right. She is quite the troublemaker. Now what's step two?

As Akasha reads off the steps from the evil counterpart formula she stole from Re-Peat Boss some time ago, Shogo gets to work by using his shadow arts to create the formula. In less than five minutes, Shogo manages to create a purple-haired girl who looks very similar to Starcade.

• Shogo: I did it! It worked!
• Akasha: Good job, Father!
• ???: Who are you? And where am I?
• Shogo: I'm your master, Shogo the Warlord. This is my daughter, Akasha. You work for me.
• ???: And why should I work for you?
• Shogo: Because I created you. I brought you to your very existence.
• ???: Well, if that's true, I guess it's necessary I repay your kindness by working for you.
• Shogo: Excellent. Let's get started, Dark Starcade.
• ???: Dark Starcade?
• Shogo: That's what your name shall be.
• Dark Starcade: Dark Starcade? But why?
• Shogo: See that girl in the diamond sphere? *points to Starcade in her diamond sphere* That's Starcade, you must pose as her while I keep her trapped in there. You have similar traits, so you two look alike.
• Dark Starcade: Pose as her? That makes sense now. I'll do it.
• Shogo: Good. Akasha, please fill her in with the details of the Locked Room Gang and their adventures.
• Akasha: Yes, Father.

Akasha starts telling Dark Starcade about the Locked Room Gang and their adventures, which takes Dark Starcade a while to comprehend, but she fully understands eventually.

• Akasha: So, you got all that?
• Dark Starcade: Yes, but I still have one question. If you want me to defeat Kyoji, why don't make an evil counterpart out of him?
• Shogo: If I did that, Kyoji will attempt to fight him off. Kyoji is one tough warrior, but Starcade is one of the only gang members who Kyoji is very unwilling to fight, which makes sense since she is his girlfriend.
• Dark Starcade: But Kyoji has a sword! How will I defeat him with two mere laser pistols?
• Shogo: I have the solution for that. Akasha?
• Akasha: Yes, Father.

Akasha goes to one of the shelves to take out a dark energy potion, before using it on Dark Starcade to give her superpowers.

• Dark Starcade: Now that's more like it.

Just then, Kyoji breaks into the laboratory, after having finally found Shogo and Akasha.

• Kyoji: Finally, I found you two.
• Shogo: Akasha, take Starcade somewhere else. I'll take care of him real good.
• Akasha: Yes, Father! *teleports away with Starcade*

Kyoji approaches Shogo, pointing the Sword of Elementia at him.

• Kyoji: Shogo, let Starcade go right now!
• Shogo: Oh, so you're back? I thought the Ancient Ninjas of the God-Elements should have taken you down by now!
• Kyoji: Them? They were no match for me and the gang. Now let her go and fight me like a real ninja!
• Shogo: Sorry, Kyoji, but I'm not in the mood for a confrontation now. However, Starcade is.
• Kyoji: Starcade?

"Starcade" (or Dark Starcade) teleports in front of Kyoji, ready to fight.

• Kyoji: Starcade, what's gotten into you?
• "Starcade": That does not matter now. What matters is that I never really liked you anyway, and in reality, all I wanted to see is your head separated from your body!
• Kyoji: Starcade, please stop! This isn't you! I know that you're a good-hearted person!
• "Starcade": Good-hearted? Who cares about that? All that matters now is that I want you dead.
• Shogo: Ha ha, you amuse me, Starcade. You're a funny and clever little girl, aren't you?
• "Starcade": Of course I am. Thanks, Master Shogo.
• Kyoji: Master Shogo?
• Shogo: *laughs maniacally*
• Kyoji: Shogo, you did something to her, didn't you?
• Shogo: Maybe I did, or maybe I didn't.
• Kyoji: Stop playing dumb with me! I know you did something to Starcade, and I want to know exactly what you did!
• Shogo: How about I'll let you find out once Starcade gets rid of you? Starcade, attack!
• "Starcade": Yes, Master Shogo.

"Starcade" lunges at Kyoji and deals several punches to him, before firing shadow blasts at him. However, Kyoji does not fight back and instead tries to protect himself from "Starcade's" attacks with his sword.

• Kyoji: Starcade, please!
• "Starcade": What do you want, you dweeb? Can't you see that we're in the middle of a fight?
• Kyoji: I don't want to fight you! I can't, I shan't and I won't!
• "Starcade": *smiles evilly* Good, that means it'll make my job easier to kill you!

"Starcade" uses a wide variety of shadow arts against Kyoji, as Kyoji takes a lot of damage from her attacks as they are being aided with her shadow arts.

• Kyoji: How did you even have shadow powers?
• "Starcade": Master Shogo offered to help me learn the shadow powers in exchange of leaving the gang, that's how!
• Kyoji: Wait, you're leaving us?!
• "Starcade": I'm not leaving, I already left. Maybe those fools have no clue yet, but that'll get into their heads eventually. But right now, allow me to end this nonsense.
• Kyoji: Starcade, don't do it, please!

"Starcade" eventually breaks through Kyoji's defenses as she attacks him violently, defeating him.

• Kyoji: Starcade, no...
• "Starcade": Master Shogo was right. You're weak against me, since I'm your girlfriend. Speaking of which, we're officially breaking up!
• Kyoji: Break up?
• "Starcade": Yes, got a problem with that? I already told you I hated you deep down in my heart, didn't I?
• Kyoji: But...this isn't the Starcade I know, she isn't mean and cruel...
• "Starcade": No buts! We're officially broken up, and there's nothing you can do about it!
• Kyoji: *starts crying in devastation* Starcade...
• Shogo: Oh, poor Kyoji, I do feel sorry for you despite the fact that you're my enemy. As much as I want to continue watching you suffer, I must continue with my plans. Starcade, follow me!
• "Starcade": Yes, Master Shogo. *to Kyoji* Oh, and one more thing before I leave, Kyoji. Here's a "thank you" gift after all these years of pain and suffering you've put me through.

"Starcade" knocks out Kyoji with a shadow blast, before leaving the laboratory with Shogo. Meanwhile, Ace shows up at the laboratory undetected as soon as both of them leave.

• Ace: Now it's time to see what Shogo is up to.

Ace checks to see if he can find any information about Shogo's plans. He sees Kyoji being knocked out, as well as Re-Peat Boss's evil counterpart formula Akasha left behind, along with a few strands of purple hair next to Kyoji.

• Ace: Hm... what's this?

Ace picks up the formula and the strands of hair next to Kyoji.

• Ace: Something very strange is going on here.

Ace lifts Kyoji, and then leaves the room, taking the formula, the purple hair, and Kyoji with him. Meanwhile, the gang have arrived outside Shogo's own estate with Takeshi's help.

• Takeshi: This is it. My father's own estate.
• Green Shadow: We're here.
• Red Ruby: Just wait until that fat dork shows up. We'll blow him and his orb up to bits!
• Takeshi: Yes, Red. I won't let my father take over the world at all costs!

However, just as the gang arrives, they hear a familiar flute melody.

• Repeater: It's Ace! It's Ace!
• Grass Knuckles: Hmm, I wonder what he has to say for us...
• Ace: *appears* Good to see you all here.
• Blast: Brother!
• Ace: Nice to see you too Alex.
• Red Fork: So, what's up, Ace?
• Ace: I have a few things to say. But to make it short, I found Kyoji knocked out. *gives them Kyoji*
• Alice: Oh my.
• Ace: I also found this. *gives them the formula and the purple hair* It seems that Shogo is planning to create evil counterparts to give them shadow powers, and turn them into his army.
• Blast: How do you know this?
• Ace: I recognize this formula. It's the one Re-Peat Boss used to create evil counterparts. And these purple hairs... they remind me a bit of Starcade's hair. Considering that Shogo has her captive, it's likely that Starcade will be the first person Shogo will make an evil counterpart of.
• Green Shadow: We have to stop this! By the way, we heard that you came here to attempt destroying the Orb of Power. What happened back there?
• Ace: Akasha tried to stop me. I attempted to talk her out of it, but she didn't listen, so I had to fight her. Once I had her down, Shogo came along, and I confronted him. I wasn't able to defeat him, but I managed to escape without taking too much damage.
• Blast: You fought with Shogo!?
• Tommy: I'm glad you're ok. That's really dangerous.
• Green Shadow: Agreed. Shogo isn't like any other villain we've encountered.
• Sasuke: Let's go stop your father and douse him in floods of water, Takeshi!
• Takeshi: Let's go. Whatever my father is up to, it can't be good. To his throne room!

Suddenly, Kyoji wakes up from his unconsciousness, and finds himself right in front of the gang.

• Kyoji: Huh? Where, where am I?
• Takeshi: You're outside my father's estate, Kyoji. I'm glad you're okay!
• Kyoji: Me too. So, what happened? I was in the laboratory earlier and...I saw Starcade. She started attacking me and said some nasty things about leaving the gang and breaking up our relationship, but...I just can't comprehend why...
• Ace: Hm... perhaps Shogo managed to create an evil counterpart sooner than I thought.
• Kyoji: What was that you said about an evil counterpart, Ace? Could this possibly mean...?
• Ace: I found Re-Peat Boss's evil conuterpart formula in the lab. And since Shogo already has Starcade captive, there's a good chance that the Starcade you saw wasn't the real one. After all, what you described doesn't sound like Starcade at all.
• Kyoji: Wait, what?
• Blue Ocean: Well, it kinda sounds like how she was when she thought we destroyed Eitbit and attacked us with her friends the Retro Rebels.
• Red Fork: Blue Ocean, that's in the past. Now's not the time to bring that up.
• Blue Ocean: Sorry...
• Ace: The circumstances seem to imply that the Starcade you fought was just an evil counterpart of the real one. There's still no way to know for sure, but I think that's the most probable explanation.
• Kyoji: But if what you said was true, that means I still have no idea where the real Starcade is.

Kyoji suddenly kneels down, feeling upset.

• Green Shadow: Kyoji, what's wrong?
• Kyoji: Well, Green Shadow, I've failed to be a good boyfriend after all. I always promised to protect Starcade, but it appears that I have failed to fulfill my promise this time. Who knows how long the real Starcade, wherever she is, could have been tortured under the hands of Shogo? I know I'm supposed to keep myself in high spirits, but after everything that Starcade and I have been through ever since Shogo returned, the situation feels hopeless. Even though the Starcade I saw wasn't the real one, it still felt so real, and it reflects my responsibilities as a boyfriend to Starcade herself. I tried to save her, but I'm afraid that...
• Bonk Choy: I don't like where this is going...
• Kyoji: ...that it...it's too late for the both of us. We're never getting back together, and we're certainly never going to be happy without each other again. *sheds a tear*
• Green Shadow: Don't worry about it, Kyoji. As your friends, we strongly encourage you to keep trying. You still can save Starcade, and together we can take down the main threat, that is Shogo the Warlord.
• Takeshi: We'll make sure my father pays big time!
• Green Shadow: Yes. The point is, Kyoji, you should not give up. Things seem hopeless for the both of you now, but you still have time. Shogo may still have her captive, but you can still get back together with the real Starcade again.
• Ace: Kyoji, I know how you feel. I know what it feels like to lose hope. It's exactly how I felt after years of searching for Alex, and not being able to find him. I felt terrible, as if I had lost my brother forever, and as if there was no hope whatsoever. But then I learned that you can lose everything, but not your hope. The Shadow Sensei stole so many years of my life that I'll never be able to get back. I feared that I would never find Alex, that it was too late. But I decided to carry on, hoping that my fears wouldn't become true. And you know how that ended, don't you?
• Blast: The point is, that you can't lose hope, Kyoji. As long as you have hope, you can continue, there's always something to do. There's no problem you can't solve, as long as you still have hope, and believe in yourself.
• Captain Red Shell: True. Kyoji, you are a smart and skilled ninja. You've overomce all kind of obstacles before. You've even defeated Shogo before, why should it be different now? You have the heart of a warrior, you will do everything you can to protect those you care for. As long as you don't forget that, there will always be hope.
• Ace: Kyoji, do you remember what I told you and Starcade the first time I met you? I told you that you're a great team, and that together, your victories will always outnumber your defeats. That's still true today. Starcade might be trapped, but she believes in you. She knows that no matter what happens, you will find a way to help her. Even if you're still separated, the love you have for each other will help you overcome your enemies.
• Red Fork: And don't forget, we're the Locked Room Gang! And yes, I heard the stories about Shogo, but let's be honest. Haven't we already defeated impossibly powerful enemies before? We defeat an Inkling goddess, an evil equestrian scientist, a powerful electric dolphin captain, and many more enemies like it's nothing. We've stopped Storm Cloud from taking over the home of the gemstones. We've befriended a powerful hybrid and helped her find her path to happiness and friendship. We even defeated Discord, who can literally alter reality and the laws of physics themselves! Kyoji, maybe you can't defeat Shogo by yourself. But you don't have to. We're here with you. And if there's something I've learned from Twilight, it's that friendship is magic. As long as we work together, there's no villain we can't overcome. So come on Kyoji, let's do this together.
• Kyoji: Well, the situation looks hopeless, but you guys are right. Perhaps I was a little too carried away by my sense of worry over Starcade's well-being. Thanks, guys. I appreciate your encouragement.
• Green Shadow: No problem, Kyoji. We're glad to help as the Locked Room Gang.
• Bonk Choy: Yeah, come on, Kyoji! Let's go!
• Kyoji: Alright, I shall try again. Only this time, let's go find the real Starcade together as the Locked Room Gang we're meant to be. What do you say?
• Green Shadow: I'm in.
• Diana Diamond: Me too!
• Red Ruby: Anything to blow up Shogo the Warlord!
• Diana Diamond: Ahem.
• Red Ruby: I mean...anything for our friends!
• Grass Knuckles: Let's go together!
• Red Fork: Together, we'll succeed!
• Blue Ocean: Yeah!
• Alice: Let's do it!
• Blast: Together!
• Red Fork: Let's show this warlord the real superpower of teamwork!
• Kyoji: Good. Let's get going.
• Pincers: Wait, and what about us hybrids? What are we supposed to do?
• Kyoji: I have an idea. Ink Splash, why don't you lead Team Hybrids to distract Shogo so that he won't get into our way while we try finding the real Starcade?
• Ink Splash: Sure... I guess I can do that without failing miserably. Let's get going guys.
• Kyoji: I suppose we should get going to. Let's go.

The gang goes to look for Starcade, while Team Hybrids goes to look for Shogo. Meanwhile, the Ancient Ninjas of the God-Elements return while looking injured, after meeting up with Shogo and "Starcade".

• Shogo: Ah, so you've returned. How did it go?
• Blizzard: Horrible, sir. I'm sorry, but the Locked Room Gang were tougher than expected.
• Thunderstorm: My ears nearly exploded back at the carnival!
• Shogo: Blizzard! How could you disappoint me? What was that all about? What kind of a leader of the Ancient Ninjas of the God-Elements fails?
• Blizzard: I'm sorry, sir. I will do better next time.
• Shogo: Forget it. You're demoted.
• Blizzard: But why?
• Shogo: Your title as leader of the Ancient Ninjas of the God-Elements is revoked. Say hello to Dark Starcade. She'll be taking over your role.
• Blizzard: No, this can't be! HER?!

"Starcade" steps out.

• "Starcade": Yes, me. I'm your leader now.
• Blizzard: How dare you take over my leadership role? Prepare to be frozen!
• "Starcade": I don't think so.
• Blizzard: Oh yeah? I'll show you who's the better leader around here!

Blizzard tries to freeze "Starcade", but "Starcade" responds by levitating Blizzard and throwing him into the wall.

• Blizzard: Hey, no fair! You have shadow powers too?
• "Starcade": Master Shogo is a kind master.
• Blizzard: Well, yes, but...why this decision?
• Shogo: Because I say so! Dark Starcade is now your leader, and that's final!
• Blizzard: NO!!!!
• Shogo: Now stop whining and listen to Dark Starcade, or I'll demote you to be at a lower rank than the other ancient ninjas.
• Blizzard: *sighs* Yes, sir.
• Earthquake: Sorry, Blizzard, but these things happen, you know?
• Blizzard: Whatever.
• Shogo: Now, why don't we all get along and go look for the Locked Room Gang, so that we can finally crush them?
• "Starcade": Yes, Master Shogo.
• Wildfire: Yeah, let's make them burn!
• Tsunami: Let's go.

Shogo and his forces proceed to search for the gang, with Blizzard and "Starcade" angrily staring at each other. Meanwhile, the Locked Room Gang is still searching for Starcade.

• Red Fork: She's got to be around here somewhere.
• Blue Ocean: I just hope we find her soon.
• Green Shadow: Yeah, I hope so. Shogo might be torturing her as we speak.
• Bonk Choy: Hey, there she is!

Bonk Choy points to the diamond sphere with Starcade trapped inside.

• Bonk Choy: ...with her.

Bonk Choy points that Akasha is sitting right next to Starcade, right inside one of Shogo's training dojos.

• Kyoji: I should've known. I didn't even see Akasha ever since I fought Starcade's evil counterpart! Starcade has been with her the entire time?
• Akasha: Why, hello, Locked Room Gang. I was expecting you.
• Red Fork: Hey Akasha! Long time no see!
• Blue Ocean: So, I guess you've been with Starcade all along, haven't you?
• Starcade: Hey, guys! Over here!
• Green Shadow: Starcade, there you are!
• Kyoji: Turns out you were right, guys. The Starcade I saw earlier was nothing more than an evil counterpart with shadow powers.
• Akasha: Grrr...what are you doing here, Locked Room Gang? Coming to save your precious friend? My father told me not to let her off my sight, and that's exactly what I'm going to do. How about we end this once I burn you all up alive?
• Red Fork: You really think you can do that?
• Blue Ocean: We're the Locked Room Gang! We'll never give up!
• Captain Red Shell: Akasha, this has to stop.
• Akasha: Look, I appreciate your resilience, but I can't just disobey my father. I worked so hard just to please him, and I cannot afford to let my efforts go down the drain now.
• Sasuke: Oh yeah? How about you go down the drain with your "efforts" once you succumb to the power of my water waves?

Sasuke is about to attack Akasha, but Kyoji stops him.

• Sasuke: Argh, Kyoji, what are you doing?
• Kyoji: Allow me to take care of this.
• Sasuke: Fine, if you say so.
• Akasha: Kyoji, what are you waiting for? I have your girlfriend with me, so if you want her back, you got to go through me!

Kyoji draws the Sword of Elementia, and Akasha is expecting Kyoji to make his first strike. However, to her surprise, Kyoji tosses the Sword of Elementia aside and approaches Akasha unarmed.

• Akasha: You're...not going to fight me?
• Kyoji: No, I won't.
• Akasha: Don't you want to fight for your girlfriend or something?
• Kyoji: Akasha, there is something I have wanted to tell you for a long time, but I couldn't bear to do it until now.
• Akasha: Whatever it is, you had better make your statement quick. What is it that you want to tell me?
• Kyoji: It's my fault. I shouldn't have started this rivalry between the both of us. You were upset about me destroying your father, and I can see that. On our very first confrontation after you discovered that I was responsible for your father's death, I can see that you desired revenge, and you wanted to do anything to destroy me to avenge your father. Even if you threatened Starcade that day, I shouldn't have been so rash to harm you as your ex-boyfriend. It turns out that Starcade isn't the only person that needs my protection, it's everyone. Including you. Don't you see? You're just another victim of your father.
• Akasha: Me? My father's victim? I'm his daughter, and I care for him just as much as I used to care for the rest of my family! As long as I know that he cares for me and my family too, it's my utmost responsibility to help and obey him.
• Kyoji: Akasha, I know that I'm the person you have the least trust in right now, but I'm positive that your father clearly doesn't think the same way of you as you do of him. Remember what happened years ago? He was the one who broke our potentially successful romantic relationship apart, but only because he thinks that I'm a bad influence to you. If he had truly cared for you, he wouldn't have forcefully broken us up without your consent. I even remembered you crying loudly back then when Shogo separated us.
• Akasha: You did? Well...*blushes*
• Kyoji: And that's not all. When Shogo showed up in Echo Creek, I was expecting you to show up with him, given the fact that you're his daughter and all. I was surprised when I didn't even see you at Echo Creek at all while I was chasing after Shogo throughout the entire city. Given the fact that you wanted to help him so badly, I knew that you would have wanted to fight alongside him and his army.
• Akasha: How...how do you know?
• Kyoji: That's not important now. However, according to Ace, Shogo made you protect the Orb of Power while you had wanted to fight by his side. Remember, a good father should always trust his family members just as much as his family members trust him. If Shogo had trusted you, he would have allowed you to fight with him earlier, like daughter and father. Besides, why else will he ask you to protect the Orb of Power if it wasn't for the purpose of saving himself? Don't you see that Shogo is just using you so that you can help him achieve his goal to conquer the entire world?

Suddenly, Akasha starts to feel very uneasy about the thought of having brought her father back to life this morning after everything Kyoji told her.

• Akasha: I...I...I don't know...you might have a point, but I just can't bear to disobey my father...
• Captain Red Shell: Akasha, even if he's your father, you must decide who you want to be. Is this what you really want to do? Or is this only what your father wants for you? You have the right to choose who you want to be in life. It's your decision. Not Shogo's, not Kyoji's, or mine. But you must take that decision for yourself. That's the only way you'll find true fulfillment and peace.
• Akasha: Well...
• Kyoji: Things seem hopeless right now, but we still have time. Besides, you know more about your father than any of us, even me. Will you join us?

Akasha thinks for a while, before agreeing to help. However, she still has her doubts intact.

• Akasha: Alright, I'll help. But I'm still unsure about everything, so I'll need to see with my own eyes if my father truly cares for others or not.
• Kyoji: I'll take it. Takeshi, Sasuke, let's free Starcade. Ready?
• Takeshi: Ready!
• Sasuke: Water!
• Kyoji: Stand back, Akasha.

Akasha backs away, as Kyoji, Takeshi and Sasuke perform an elemental combo on the diamond sphere, breaking it and freeing Starcade.

• Starcade: Hooray! I'm free!
• Kyoji: Starcade, I'm glad you're okay.
• Starcade: I can say the same for you. Thank you for saving me, I knew you would return.
• Kyoji: No problem, Starcade. However, I couldn't have done it without the help of the Locked Room Gang. You see, everything's been pretty intense.
• Starcade: What's wrong?
• Kyoji: I met your evil counterpart, and she started saying things about leaving the gang and breaking up our relationship. However, now that you're finally back with us safe and sound, I feel much more relieved, now that I know that everything that happened earlier isn't true and that our relationship will remain strong forever. As Ace said, together our victories will always outnumber our defeats.
• Starcade: And this reunion proves to be yet another victory for the both of us, after being separated for so long.
• Kyoji: Agreed.

Kyoji and Starcade kiss each other for a moment, with the rest of the gang (including Akasha) watching.

• Ace: It's good to see both of you back together. You make one of the best duos I've ever seen.
• Bonk Choy: Yeah, I ship you both!
• Grass Knuckles: Ship! Ship! Ship!
• Starcade: Gee, thanks.
• Kyoji: Thanks. But right now, we must stop Shogo together. I hope Team Hybrids is doing well against him.
• Green Shadow: Speaking of Shogo, where is he?
• Akasha: Allow me to take care of that.

Akasha uses her X-ray vision shadow art to locate Shogo. She discovers that Shogo is in his throne room with Dark Starcade.

• Akasha: My father's in the throne room.
• Blast: Got it.
• Red Ruby: What are we waiting for? Let's go!
• Akasha: Follow me.

The gang follows Akasha back to Shogo's throne room. Meanwhile, Team Hybrids charge into the throne room together, ready to confront Shogo themselves. Shogo is shocked to see Team Hybrids appear again.

• Shogo: You hybrids again? What are you doing here?
• Pincers: We're going to destroy you!
• Octo-Phantom: We're gonna spook you!
• Timmy Turquoise: Your days of terror are over!
• Ink Splash: It's time I get a rematch, Shogo. Get ready, you're going down!

Ink Splash seems very angry, and begins the fight herself by shooting large magic ink blasts at Shogo. Shogo creates a silhouette wall, which deflects the magic ink blasts back at Ink Splash, as he yawns in boredom.

• Shogo: Sorry, I'm not interested in a fight right now. However, I think Starcade would like to fight you guys.
• Timmy Turquoise: Starcade? You mean the purple-haired...
• Shogo: Yes, that girl. Come on out!

Team Hybrids sees Dark Starcade fly around the room in circles, before stopping in front of the gang. Dark Starcade clears her throat, while still posing as Starcade.

• "Starcade": I'm free! Thank goodness you're here just in time, Team Hybrids!
• Ink Splash: I came here to fight Shogo, not you! Get out of my way.
• "Starcade": Master Shogo wants me to fight you. He wants me to be worthy enough to be his apprentice, and I shall prove him worthy by fighting you!
• Pincers: Wait a minute, you must be Starcade's evil counterpart!
• Crusade: You can cut your act, you fake. No one's buying it.
• Dark Starcade: *stops posing as Starcade* Oh, so you do know what's going on. Too bad you've figured it out that I'm not the real Starcade. However, I'm still going to destroy all of you!

Dark Starcade fires shadow blasts at Team Hybrids, damaging them heavily.

• Ink Splash: I've had enough of this! Shogo, stop being a coward and fight me yourself! I dare you!

Ink Splash grows to gigantic size, and pushes Dark Starcade aside with one hoof, while walking angrily towards Shogo.

• Shogo: I fought you once and I defeated you. Isn't that not enough? And it appears that you've discovered the truth. I won't stand for your presence any longer. Get her, Dark Starcade!
• Dark Starcade: With pleasure, Master Shogo.

Dark Starcade levitates Ink Splash before throwing her into a wall. She snaps her fingers, summoning Blizzard, Tsunami, Earthquake, Tornado, Wildfire and Thunderstorm.

• Dark Trident: Oh no.
• Crusade: No, not these guys again!
• Blizzard: It's time to end this!
• Tsunami: Get ready to be flushed!
• Earthquake: It's smashing time!
• Tornado: Anyone wants to play with me?
• Wildfire: Feel the burn, I command you!
• Thunderstorm: Let's get this over with.
• Shogo: So, Ink Splash, that's a pretty powerful team you have. However, your team isn't nearly as powerful as mine. Are you ready to die?
• Ink Splash: If I die, I'm make sure you die with me. Team Hybrids, take out Shogo's team. I'll have my rematch against Shogo.
• Pincers: Got it.
• Dark Trident: Understood. Let's go take out Shogo's team!
• Blizzard: I don't think so, Team Hybrids.
• Wildfire: You're not going anywhere until we burn you all into crisps!
• Thunderstorm: And don't worry, it's not just burning.
• Timmy Turquoise: What?

Blizzard, Tsunami, Earthquake, Tornado, Wildfire and Thunderstorm gather around each other, before they perform a six-element combo, knocking out all of the hybrids except Ink Splash.

• Shogo: That was an incredible combination! Nothing can ever withstand a combo with five elements or more, and that includes your teammates, Ink Splash. We've taken care of them pretty quickly, and all that's left is you.
• Ink Splash: Stop hiding behind your teammates. If you're so confident in yourself, then fight me without your teammates.

Ink Splash attacks Shogo with magic ink blasts. Shogo summons another silhouette wall, deflecting the magic ink blasts back to Ink Splash.

• Shogo: You're merely wasting everyone's time. I told you it's useless to fight against me. Do you really want me to easily defeat you again?
• Ink Splash: I don't care!

Ink Splash grows to gigantic size, and destroys the silhouette wall with her hoof. She then begins shooting more magic ink blasts at Shogo.

• Shogo: You're just nothing more than a combination of annoyance. Goodbye, Ink Splash.

Shogo snaps his fingers, summoning silhouettes of various weapons. He snaps his fingers again, and the silhouette weapons strike at Ink Splash simultaneously, dealing severe damage to her. Just then, the gang and Akasha arrive at the throne room and watch Shogo fighting Ink Splash, with Ink Splash losing to Shogo.

• Red Fork: Ink Splash!
• Blue Ocean: This isn't good.
• Ink Splash: *weak* I can't lose... I can't lose... I'm not supposed to lose...
• Green Shadow: We have to help her!

Green Shadow tries to go and help Ink Splash, but Dark Starcade appears and levitates her, before tossing her into a wall.

• Dark Starcade: Well, well, well, if it isn't the Locked Room Gang. I'm leaving your gang!
• Starcade: Sure, you were never part of our group anyway, imposter.
• Kyoji: You're going to pay for impersonating Starcade! You nearly tore our relationship apart!
• Dark Starcade: Really now? Even though you found out that I'm nothing more than her counterpart, do any of you think you stand a chance against me?
• Red Fork: Actually, we all think we stand a chance against you. So instead of talking so much, how about you fight or flee?
• Blue Ocean: Whoa... burning has gone to a whole new level now.
• Dark Starcade: Ancient Ninjas, you may come out now! We have a gang to deal with!

Blizzard, Tsunami, Earthquake, Tornado, Wildfire and Thunderstorm appear from their hiding spots.

• Green Shadow: Oh no.
• Blizzard: Did you miss us?
• Tsunami: We're back!
• Wildfire: And we'll make you feel the burn!
• Kyoji: We'll see about that. *draws the Sword of Elementia* Prepare for battle.
• Captain Red Shell: *draws the Sword of Crabbagnon* We're ready.
• Coconut Crab: *draws his spear* I'm right behind you.
• Ace: *grabs his Ace Shield* Ready.
• Red Fork: Alright guys, let's get this party started!
• Kyoji: I will go after Dark Starcade.
• Starcade: Me too! She won't get away with hurting us!
• Kyoji: The rest of you, get the other Ancient Ninjas of the God-Elements.
• Green Shadow: Understood.
• Grass Knuckles: It's time we fight!
• Repeater: Yes! Yes! Let's do this! Let's do this!

While the gang attacks the six Ancient Ninjas of the God-Elements, Starcade and Kyoji go after Dark Starcade.

• Dark Starcade: You two may be a strong couple together, but none of you match my power!
• Starcade: We'll see about that, my evil doppelganger!
• Kyoji: You remind me of Akasha back when we first fought each other. I'll make sure you pay for everything you've done.
• Dark Starcade: Are you sure, Kyoji? Think about it. Why would you harm a lady like me?
• Kyoji: Because you don't act like how a proper lady should.

Kyoji slashes at Dark Starcade with his Sword of Elementia. Dark Starcade takes some damage.

• Dark Starcade: How dare you?!
• Kyoji: I will never forgive anyone who tries to use Starcade's identity to break our relationship apart, and that includes you. Now stop whining and fight!
• Dark Starcade: Fight you? This should be too easy!

Dark Starcade levitates Kyoji in the air, as Starcade watches helplessly.

• Dark Starcade: I got you now! Now you're helpless as I can do whatever I want to you. Are you ready to give up?
• Kyoji: Never!
• Dark Starcade: Master Shogo was right, you're still the same as always - being a stubborn ninja. Resistance is futile, give up now!
• Kyoji: No!
• Dark Starcade: No? Fine. I'll destroy you myself then.

Starcade recalls what happened this morning, as Akasha was leaving Kyoji helpless with her shadow powers, similar to what Dark Starcade is doing to Kyoji now. She lunges at Dark Starcade, before delivering punches rapidly at her, giving her no chance to retaliate.

• Dark Starcade: Get off me!

Dark Starcade emits a burst of shadow energy, blasting Starcade into a wall. Before she can finish Starcade off, Kyoji drops down in front of Dark Starcade, before attacking her again with his sword. Dark Starcade fires shadow blasts at Kyoji, but Kyoji deflects every single one of them with his sword. She then tries to fly towards Kyoji and ram into him, but Kyoji responds by doing a powerful counter-slash, defeating her and knocking her into the wall.

• Dark Starcade: You defeated me? Impossible!
• Starcade: Because we're members of the Locked Room Gang!
• Kyoji: And don't forget, our relationship is so strong that no one can break us apart. Not even you.
• Dark Starcade: You will pay for this! Master Shogo will take you down in one way or another! Mark my words!
• Starcade: We won't.
• Kyoji: Looks like we're done with Dark Starcade.
• Starcade: Woo hoo! Another win goes to us!
• Kyoji: Yes. Now I wonder how the others are doing against the Ancient Ninjas.

Meanwhile, the rest of the gang are fighting the Ancient Ninjas of the God-Elements, but they aren't doing very well. Blizzard throws icicles at the gang, Tsunami unleashes water waves at the gang, Earthquake throws giant boulders at the gang, Tornado creates a whirlwind and blows it at the gang, Wildfire lets out a strong burst of flames at the gang while Thunderstorm unleashes a series of lightning bolts at the gang. The gang members are starting to find themselves overwhelmed by the Ancient Ninjas' powerful attacks.

• Bonk Choy: These ninjas are hard to defeat! Our attacks practically don't do much!
• Green Shadow: Wait, what if we don't use our own attacks? What if we make them accidentally attack each other?
• Blast: Like the time when Dr. Zack made us believe Red Fork had turned into a villain?
• Blue Ocean: Oh, don't remind me of that time.
• Alice: Well, it might work. We just have to use their attacks against them.
• Blast: Ok, let's do it.
• Earthquake: I got you in my sights!

Earthquake throws several giant boulders at Green Shadow, who dodges away from the giant boulders. One of the last ones collide into Tornado, giving her a huge concussion.

• Tornado: Ugh...I...feel...light-headed...
• Earthquake: Oops.
• Bonk Choy: Tornado!
• Re-Peat Moss: No, not again! *pulls Bonk Choy away from Tornado* I'm not letting you get affected by another TRICKY charm!
• Green Shadow: It worked! Now let's try our tactic out on a few more Ancient Ninjas.
• Blast: *flying in front of Wildfire* Hey, Tsunami. I bet you can't hit me with your powers! You're just too slow! *sticks out his tongue*
• Tsunami: Please, you're just childish.

Tsunami charges up a powerful blast before throwing one towards Blast. Blast dodges it though, but it hits Wildfire who was attacking someone else. Wildfire takes severe damage.

• Wildfire: Ow ow ow! Oh, the pain! The pain! *faints*
• Green Shadow: Blast, maybe you can use your super speed to your advantage! Those ninjas are going down now!
• Blast: *flies in front of Earthquake* Sure thing! Hey, Thunderstorm! Think you can hit me? Or are you too slow to do it?
• Thunderstorm: Too slow? I'll show you! After all, lightning does travel faster than sound!

Thunderstorm aims and fires lightning bolts at Blast. Earthquake is about to attack Blast from behind, but he gets zapped and heavily damaged by Thunderstorm's lightning bolts.

• Earthquake: Ouch! Thunderstorm, watch it!
• Thunderstorm: Geez, sorry.
• Earthquake: Nice try, Blast, but you have to try harder than that. I'm the most durable Ancient Ninja there is!
• Blast: Thunderstorm, what's wrong with your aim? Are you sure you can't aim better? *sticks his tongue at Thunderstorm, while flying around Earthquake, fast enough for Earthquake to be unable to hit him.*
• Thunderstorm: Alright, that's it, Blast! You're doomed!

Thunderstorm tries to zap Blast with his lightning bolts, but due to Blast's super speed, he is unable to react quickly and ends up zapping Earthquake instead. One of the lightning bolts is so powerful that it sends Earthquake flying towards Tornado. Tornado tries to blow Earthquake away from her, but Earthquake is too heavy. She flies away from Earthquake, as he crashes through a wall and is quickly defeated.

• Tornado: Whew, you nearly got me that time, kid. You were lucky enough not to hurt a pretty lady like me.
• Blast: Bla, bla, bla. I only have eyes for one girl, and that's Jaiden.
• Alice: Yeah, I know... *looks sad*
• Blast: But hey, Tornado, do you have good aim, or are you too slow to hit me? *flies around Thunderstorm*
• Tornado: Don't you underestimate the power of my wind!

Tornado spins around, before casting a tornado at Blast. Blast dodges it and the tornado hits Thunderstorm instead, causing him to spin around uncontrollably and crash into several walls, as the tornado spins around the throne room. The tornado dissipates after a while, and Thunderstorm has already been defeated by his number of wall crashes by then.

• Green Shadow: Great! Only three ninjas left!
• Tsunami: Oh, you'll pay for hurting our friends!
• Blizzard: But you can't possibly defeat the rest of us, now can you?
• Tornado: It's twister time!

Tornado spins around, before casting a whirlwind which blows everyone into walls.

• Green Shadow: If only there is someone or something as heavy as Earthquake to do the job...
• Red Fork: Alright, that's my call. Let's do this!

Red Fork rams into Tornado, since he's too heavy for Tornado to blow him away. Tornado gets knocked into a wall, and takes great damage.

• Tornado: Ouch! How could you hurt a pretty lady like me this way?
• Red Fork: Lady? You're not even acting like one!

Red Fork continues attacking Tornado. Tornado tries to blow Red Fork away, but to no avail.

• Tornado: No! Get away from me!

Tornado eventually gets defeated by Red Fork's attacks. Only Blizzard and Tsunami remain.

• Green Shadow: Looks like it's just you two now!
• Blizzard: Sure, you guys may outnumber us, but we're the ones with the power of the god-elements here!
• Red Fork: Like your friends over there? *points at the four defeated Ancient Ninjas*
• Blast: Yeah! We defeated them already, we can surely do the same to you!
• Tsunami: Sure, whatever you say. Let's end this once and for all!
• Bonk Choy: *to Blizzard, while standing in front of Tsunami* Hey, Blizzard! Over here!
• Blizzard: Just wait until I get...*notices Tsunami behind him* Wait a moment, are you trying to trick me into hurting Tsunami? Because it won't work!
• Tsunami: We're through with your sneaky tricks. Prepare to perish, Locked Room Gang!

As Tsunami approaches the gang while charging up a powerful water blast, Akasha looks closer at Tsunami and gasps. She then approaches Tsunami herself.

• Akasha: Mother? Is that you?
• Tsunami: What are you talking about, girl? Who are you?
• Akasha: It's me, Mother! Your daughter, Akasha!
• Green Shadow: What? Akasha, are you insane?
• Akasha: Maybe, but she is my long-lost mother. I haven't heard of her ever since our province's first war against Kyoji's province. She disappeared without a trace, but I recognized her face! It's got to be her!
• Grass Knuckles: This is crazy! Tsunami is Akasha's mother?!
• Blast: What!?
• Alice: What!?
• Tommy: What!?
• Spark: What!?
• Sting: What?
• Coconut Crab: What!?
• Red Fork: Whoa...
• Blue Ocean: Did you guys see that? Now that's what I call a plot twist!
• Tsunami: I'm your mother? What makes you think of that, red-haired girl?
• Akasha: I have a picture of us together when I was a toddler. You used to spend time with me a lot when my father is busy fighting the war for our province. This is a picture of you carrying me on your shoulders as a four-year-old.
• Tsunami: *takes the picture from Akasha and inspects it* That woman in the picture...is that...me? And the toddler on her shoulders...is you?
• Akasha: Precisely, Mother Yuri Matsumoto.
• Tsunami: Yuri Matsumoto? Isn't that my real name? How do you know that?
• Akasha: You told me in the past that only our family members know each other's real names, and no one else.
• Tsunami: I can't believe it...it's really you, Akasha?
• Akasha: Yes, Mother.
• Tsunami: ...I remember now! You're my daughter Akasha! Yes, the memories are coming back!
• Akasha: And I thought you were a goner. I can't believe that you came back!

Akasha and Tsunami hug each other and start crying tears of joy. Suddenly, Starcade and Kyoji return after having defeated Dark Starcade.

• Kyoji: We heard crying.
• Starcade: What's going on here?
• Red Fork: It turns out that Tsunami is Akasha's mother. They haven't seen in each other in a long time.
• Kyoji: I see.
• Blast: Ok, that's really touching. *starts crying*
• Alice: Blast, are you crying?
• Blast: What? No, I'm just sweating through my eyes, that's all.
• Alice: Whatever you say. *gives him a tissue*
• Blast: Thanks. *blows his nose with the tissue*
• Takeshi: Isn't that my mother, Yuri? I can't believe it! She came back!

Takeshi hugs both Akasha and Tsunami together at the same time.

• Kyoji: I feel bad for them...having being separated for so long certainly made them upset. I would've done the same if one of my family members were here.
• Starcade: Let me get this straight, Tsunami is Akasha's mother?
• Kyoji: Apparently so. Although this is my first time seeing her in person.
• Akasha: So, Mother, where were you all this time?
• Tsunami: Shogo wanted me to join him in his campaign to conquer Japan years ago, but I refused. He placed me into exile away from his province, so I could not return to see you two darlings again. I came across the Water Dojo and decided to become a water ninja, which took me months of training to successfully became one. Since then, I decided to go on solo quests to help others in need and prevent any further wars. One day, I came across the other Ancient Ninjas of the God-Elements, who turned out to be Shogo's own henchmen. I was told to join them as they claimed to be a group of Samaritans who would help make the world a bettter place. Little did I know that I was tricked as I agreed to join them and traded my soul to become a member of the Ancient Ninjas of the God-Elements. Since then, I found myself uncontrollably committing evil, destroying everything in my path. Despite having greater water powers than before, I feel terrible for all the actions I caused.
• Green Shadow: Hold up, you said something about being bored of doing good and deciding to become an evil ninja. What was that all about?
• Tsunami: I said that? Forgive me, it was my evil self spreading that lie.
• Akasha: So, are you saying that Father is responsible for this?
• Tsunami: Yes.
• Akasha: I can't believe it! How could he do this to you, Mother?
• Tsunami: I know, I'm sorry for everything evil that I've done while my memories were wiped away ever since I unknowingly traded my soul to work with them.
• Captain Red Shell: We understand.
• Red Fork: Well, that evil Shogo turned out to be a more despicable guy than we thought.
• Kyoji: That's true.
• Tsunami: I will do anything to repay for my mistakes, I promise.

Suddenly, Blizzard gets angry at Tsunami, after being fed up with her not attacking the gang.

• Blizzard: Tsunami, what are you doing? We're supposed to get rid of them, not talk to them!
• Tsunami: Sorry, Blizzard, but I'm officially resigning from your team. I'm done committing any more evil deeds.
• Blizzard: What?! This just went for bad to worse! Not only did I lose my leadership role to a purple-haired brat, I also have to deal with a traitorous water ninja like you?
• Tsunami: I guess so. It appears that today isn't your lucky day.
• Blizzard: Well, you'll be sorry once I tell Shogo about your insolence!

Blizzard charges towards Tsunami and the two Ancient Ninjas fight against each other. He easily defeats Tsunami before freezing her into a ice sculpture.

• Blizzard: There. That's what I do to traitors like you! Now begone, I have no choice but to deal with this ordeal myself.
• Blast: That's it. Let's take him out!
• Akasha: Mother! *gets angry and turns to Blizzard* How dare you hurt my mother?
• Blizzard: Hey, she was a traitor, just like your own brother Takeshi! Don't tell me you're going to take the traitor's path too!
• Akasha: I don't care! You're going to pay for hurting my mother!

Akasha bursts into flames, before flying towards Blizzard and firing fireballs at him. Blizzard is no pushover either, as he retaliates by firing ice blasts at Akasha. The gang watches as both ninjas fight to the death.

• Green Shadow: Wow, I never knew Akasha cared for her family so much.
• Captain Red Shell: Green Shadow, even the darkest of hearts can still have love for those who they care about.
• Green Shadow: Well, that's true.
• Blast: Hey, Akasha? Do you want some help? Or should we let you handle this on your own?
• Kyoji: Let Akasha handle this fight on her own, Blast. This is her fight against Blizzard, we shouldn't interfere.

Akasha and Blizzard continue fighting, until Blizzard shakes Akasha off of him and prepares a powerful ice blast.

• Blizzard: You're not so tough for a fire ninja, aren't you?
• Akasha: No, but aren't you forgetting something?
• Blizzard: What's that?
• Akasha: Fire isn't the only element I'm good at.

Akasha levitates Blizzard high in the air with a shadow art.

• Blizzard: Hey, what are you doing? Put me down!
• Akasha: Alright, I will. In a few seconds.

Akasha notices a huge flame that she started earlier near Blizzard, and levitates him to directly above the flame. Blizzard realizes what Akasha is up to, but it is too late.

• Blizzard: Uh oh.
• Akasha: Perfect! Now I'll put you down.

Akasha stops levitating Blizzard, as he falls helplessly into the flames. Blizzard gets burned severely, and is quickly defeated by the flames.

• Blizzard: Nooooooooo!!! *faints*
• Akasha: And let this be a lesson to you. Never mess with my loved ones.
• Blast: Woohoo! That was amazing!
• Tommy: Yeah!
• Captain Red Shell: *walks towards Akasha* Well done, Akasha.
• Akasha: Well, I appreciate your compliment. Thank you. However, there is something else I need to take care of.

Akasha walks to a frozen Tsunami, before using her fire powers to thaw her, returning her back to normal.

• Tsunami: Wha-what happened?
• Akasha: Mother, are you okay?
• Takeshi: Mother!
• Tsunami: I'm fine, you two. Thank you...
• Akasha: Not a problem.
• Takeshi: I'm so glad you're alright and back, safe and sound!
• Akasha: For once, I shall agree with you, little brother.
• Tsunami: Thank you two again, sincerely.

Tsunami, Akasha and Takeshi hug each other again for a moment.

• Starcade: *crying*
• Kyoji: Starcade?
• Starcade: I'm sorry, it's just so touching...
• Kyoji: Well, it's understandable.
• Red Ruby: We don't have time for this! Shogo is still out there!
• Kyoji: You're right, Red. We shall stop him, once and for all. Speaking of which, I wonder how Ink Splash is doing against him.

Meanwhile, Ink Splash is about to be defeated by Shogo once again, as she struggles to fight on.

• Shogo: I told you, Ink Splash. It's a big mistake fighting me. Can't you see? All that you're wasting is everyone's time.
• Ink Splash: I... I don't care!

Ink Splash charges towards Shogo for one final attack, only to be countered easily by Shogo, leaving her on the ground, defeated.

• Shogo: This is great, I just took down that hybrid all by myself! Now I wonder how my minions are doing.
• Kyoji: Your minions? We took care of them.
• Shogo: Kyoji?!

The gang, together with Akasha and Tsunami, enters the throne room, ready for the final battle against Shogo himself.

• Kyoji: *draws the Sword of Elementia and points it at Shogo* Simply put, we're ready to take you down again.
• Captain Red Shell: *draws the Sword of Crabbagnon and points it at Shogo* Your plan has failed, Shogo. You team has been defeated. You're all alone now.
• Blast: Yeah!
• Red Fork: Get ready, Shogo. Things are going to get serious now.
• Shogo: Really? You may have defeated all my minions, but their powers are nothing compared to mine!
• Tsunami: Are you sure all of your minions are defeated? I'm still here.
• Shogo: Tsunami?

Tsunami steps out, ready to attack Shogo.

• Tsunami: I'm through with you and your evil ways, Shogo. You have contributed nothing but troubles and despair to the world after all these years. I see that you're still persistent in taking over the world. I won't let that happen!
• Shogo: You...betrayed me?
• Tsunami: I had to. I'm going to end this once and for all myself!
• Kyoji: Tsunami, you can't do that! It's too dangerous! Shogo isn't who you think he is!
• Tsunami: Step aside, Kyoji. I'm going to finish this, and restore peace back to the world!
• Shogo: Tsunami, what are you doing?
• Tsunami: What am I doing? Putting an end to you, of course! I'm not letting you harm anyone else ever again!

Tsunami charges up a powerful water blast, before firing it at Shogo. Shogo smirks, before creating a silhouette wall to deflect the water blast back at Tsunami. Tsunami starts flying, and flies towards Shogo. Shogo fires multiple shadow blasts at Tsunami, dealing severe damage to her. Tsunami falls to the ground, severely injured, as Akasha goes to help her.

• Akasha: Mother, no!
• Captain Red Shell: That's it! Shogo, you will go down! We won't allow you to do this any longer. *prepares his sword*
• Shogo: Or, maybe I won't!

Shogo levitates Captain Red Shell, before tossing him into a wall. Akasha watches in horror.

• Akasha: Mother? Captain Red Shell? My father...harmed them?
• Shogo: Well, that takes care of the both of them.
• Akasha: Father, how could you?!
• Shogo: Akasha, why are you asking me this? It's obvious that they were in my way, trying to stop me from conquering the world! I had to get rid of them somehow.

Akasha starts crying in despair, before looking angrily at Shogo.

• Akasha: Kyoji was right. You never really cared for anyone but yourself. You had no right to hurt Mother even though she doesn't agree to your plans. Before I brought you back to life, I wanted to kill Kyoji for such a long time just to avenge your death. When I found a shard for the Orb of Power, I decided to gather the rest and piece them back together, so that you can be resurrected. Do you know why I did all this? Because I cared and loved you like I would to Mother and my brother Takeshi!
• Shogo: Those two? They are traitors! Why should I care for them if they don't do the same for me?
• Akasha: And now that you said so, I'm starting to regret bringing you back to life in the first place. As Captain Red Shell told me, I should be responsible for all the mistakes that I make. I made a mistake, which was to bring you back to life. And now, I'm going to fix it by putting an end to you!
• Shogo: So you decided to become a traitor too? Fine! Since everyone around here is against me, I guess I will have no choice but to destroy everyone in this room!

Shogo gains a black aura, before he starts concentrating his shadow powers to create a glowing shadow blast, which is ten times more powerful than a regular one.

• Shogo: I shall destroy everyone who gets in the way of my plans, even my family members! And since all of them became traitors, I will have no regret once I destroy all of you! Any last words before you die?
• Alice: Blast, if this is truely the end, I need to tell you something I should've told you a long time ago.
• Blast: What is it?
• Alice: You see, the thing is that...
• Red Fork: No last words! We'll get out of this. Somehow.
• Blast: I guess you're right.
• Alice: If you say so...
• Shogo: Now who should I start with? Perhaps with...them?

Shogo looks at Akasha and Tsunami, who are trying to protect each other.

• Shogo: Yes! Since they know more about me and my plans than anyone else, why not I get rid of them first?
• Akasha: This is the end...
• Tsunami: Akasha, remember that I will be with you and by your side, no matter what.
• Akasha: Me too, Mother. I will not go anywhere without you.
• Shogo: You two! Get ready to suffer a traitor's punishment!

Shogo fires the glowing shadow blast at Akasha and Tsunami, as the both of them brace for impact while trying to protect each other.

• Takeshi: Mother, Akasha, no!

Takeshi rushes to save them, but before he can do so, Kyoji jumps right in front of the glowing shadow blast, taking severe damage and saving Akasha and Tsunami. A shadow explosion occurs, as Kyoji is blasted into a wall looking severely injured.

• Shogo: Did...did I just defeat...Kyoji? This day has just gotten better!
• Starcade: KYOJI, NO!!!

Starcade runs towards an injured Kyoji and tends to him.

• Starcade: Kyoji, are you alright?
• Kyoji: Starcade...I'm...fine...
• Starcade: You don't look fine to me. Why did you sacrifice yourself?
• Kyoji: I can't bear watching Akasha and Tsunami get bullied by Shogo. He may take my life, but he shall never take the world.
• Starcade: Kyoji...I...
• Kyoji: Starcade, please promise me one thing.
• Starcade: I'll do anything! What is it?
• Kyoji: Whatever you do, Shogo must be stopped. It'll be over if the entire world falls into his hands. I may not be able to stop Shogo myself, but I believe the rest of you can.

Kyoji suddenly closes his eyes, before he falls unconscious.

• Starcade: Kyoji? Can you hear me? Please don't die now! Kyoji? Kyoji? *starts crying*

Suddenly, Akasha approaches Kyoji while escorting Tsunami.

• Akasha: Kyoji saved us? But...
• Starcade: Yes! And it's all your fault! If you didn't bring Shogo back to life, Kyoji would never suffer this badly!
• Akasha: Starcade, look, I'm sorry...
• Starcade: It's too late! I'm through with you and your nuisance! I'll make you pay for Kyoji!

Starcade is about to attack Akasha in rage, but Green Shadow stops her.

• Green Shadow: Starcade, no! We understand how you feel about Kyoji, but Akasha isn't the one to blame. After all, she's on our side now.
• Starcade: But...that doesn't change the fact that she was at fault in the first place!
• Green Shadow: Akasha may have been the one who resurrected Shogo, but we've seen that she has regretted her decision. Besides, she only resurrected Shogo because she loved and cared for him, just like you do the same for Kyoji. Please calm down. We'll stop Shogo together.
• Blast: Yeah, calm down Starcade.
• Blue Ocean: Now's not the time to start a pointless fight, Starcade. We need to work together to defeat Shogo.
• Starcade: *calms down* You're right, I might have overreacted a little. Sorry, Akasha.
• Akasha: It's alright. Let's go stop my father. We'll need an elemental combo to do so.
• Blast: Got it! Which elements do we need?
• Akasha: A five-element combo shall suffice. I shall do fire!
• Takeshi: I'll help! I'll do electricity!
• Sasuke: Water!
• Akasha: Since Kyoji is down, how about you do the ice element, Blast? You were trained in the ways of Fridjitzu, right?
• Blast: Yup! Jaiden helped me turn into a skillful ice ninja! I'll add the ice element.
• Blue Ocean: There's a problem. Who will add the shadow element?
• Tommy: Akasha?
• Blue Ocean: She's already adding the fire element. It has to be someone else.

Shogo overhears that they're missing a shadow ninja to perform the elemental combo.

• Shogo: What was that you said about missing a shadow ninja?
• Red Ruby: Nothing at all, you fat dork!
• Diana Diamond: Red, don't insult him!
• Red Ruby: Why not? I'm not afraid of him!
• Shogo: You aren't? Interesting. If you want the shadow element, then here, have some of that!

Shogo fires another glowing shadow blast at the gang. However, at the same time, the gang hears a short flute melody.

• Blast: Jason!

Ace appears in front of the gang, and uses his Ace Shield to deflect Shogo's shadow blast back at him. Shogo takes some damage, but quickly regenerates with the help of the Orb of Power.

• Ace: Thanks for the offer Shogo, but I think I can take care of the shadow element for the gang.
• Shogo: You again? I thought you were gone!
• Ace: I was. But I decided to return anyway.
• Takeshi: You're back, Ace! While you were gone, we took care of Starcade's evil counterpart as well as the other Ancient Ninjas. One of them even turned out to be our mother!
• Akasha: Good timing, Ace. Together, we shall take down my father and stop his evil plans!
• Ace: I heard all about it. Blast, ice, Sasuke, water, Takeshi, electricity, Akasha, fire. I'll add the shadow element. Amelia, Blue Ocean, make a forcefield to keep us safe while we charge the elemental combo.
• Blue Ocean: Yes, sir! *makes a forcefield around the elemental ninjas*
• Amelia Amethyst: Okay! *activates a forcefield and combines it with Blue Ocean's*

Shogo looks at Blast, Sasuke, Takeshi, Akasha and Ace charging up a powerful elemental combo.

• Shogo: What is the meaning of this?
• Akasha: Sorry, Father. I didn't want to do this, but you leave me no choice. You have hurt my brother, my mother and me. You separated me from Kyoji and indirectly started an unnecessary rivalry between the two of us, and hence led me to be enemies with the Locked Room Gang. And to think, you did all of this so that the world can fall into your hands, so that you can gain power and respect from everyone.
• Shogo: What? You cannot possibly kill me now! You'll never destroy the Orb of Power!
• Akasha: We'll see about that. Fire!
• Takeshi: Electricity!
• Sasuke: Water!
• Blast: Ice!
• Ace: And Shadow!
• Akasha: And with these five elements, you're going down once and for all. Goodbye, Father. It wasn't nice knowing you.
• Shogo: Akasha, don't you dare!
• Akasha: Ready, guys? Attack!

Blast, Sasuke, Takeshi, Akasha and Ace perform their elemental combo on the Orb of Power. The Orb of Power starts to form visibly large cracks and vibrate uncontrollably.

• Akasha: It's destabilizing! Now all we need, is a strong final blow.
• Starcade: I'll do it!

Starcade grabs the Sword of Elementia from Kyoji, before looking at the Orb of Power.

• Starcade: This is for you, Kyoji!

Starcade throws the sword right at the Orb of Power with great accuracy, as its blade completely breaks the Orb of Power into shards.

• Shogo: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Shogo disintegrates into nothing but dust, which gets blown away by a strong wind right after that. The whole of Team Hybrids wake up from their unconsciousness.

• Pincers: Woah, what happened?
• Whacker Weed: That was real TRICKY!
• Crusade: Is it over?
• Ace: Yes, it is. Shogo is gone once again.
• Tsunami: I'm glad about that. Shogo will never attempt to conquer the world again now that he's back to where he should belong - his death.
• Octo-Phantom: Hey, you're that spooky spook at the laboratory earlier! What are you doing here?
• Tsunami: It's a long story. Long story short, I'm now back to being a good ninja.
• Akasha: I guess I can say the same for myself.
• Starcade: Wait, what about Kyoji?

The gang sees that Kyoji is still unconscious and severely injured.

• Akasha: Kyoji turned out to be a great warrior after all. He sacrificed himself just to protect me and my mother? That's rather honorable to be honest.
• Blast: Will he be ok? He didn't die, did he?
• Green Shadow: Well, he might just have fainted due to his injuries. If you ask me, he's pretty badly injured.
• Starcade: Wait, maybe I can help him back up! After all, if I know Kyoji, he would never give up on me. Or anyone else.
• Akasha: You go ahead.
• Starcade: Okay, here goes nothing.

Starcade approaches Kyoji, before bending down and giving him a little kiss on the cheek. Kyoji's eyes slowly open, as he finds himself surrounded by his friends.

• Kyoji: Where am I?
• Starcade: Aw, dude, you're still in the throne room with us!
• Kyoji: Why are you guys looking so cheerful? And where's Shogo?
• Akasha: My father? We took care of him. He's gone now.
• Ace: Shogo won't cause us any more problems.
• Captain Red Shell: We're glad you're still with us, Kyoji.
• Blast: Yeah, for a moment we thought we had lost you.
• Kyoji: Thanks for helping me, guys. I've certainly learnt many valuable lessons myself.
• Green Shadow: No problem. We're the Locked Room Gang after all!
• Akasha: Well, as for me, I've learnt my own share of lessons too. I'm through with being a villain.
• Red Ruby: What?! Are you sure about that?
• Akasha: Yes, Red. You know something? When I was a villain, all I sought for was revenge. My sole objective is to get rid of Kyoji just to avenge my father. However, I now realize that my father will do anything in the world to get rid of anyone who opposes him, even if it's his own family members. I should've known that all he truly wanted is to conquer the world so that he gets the most power and respect. But now that I'm quitting villainy for good, I don't know what to do now.
• Captain Red Shell: Well, you've proved to be a valuable ally on several occasions. You've learned a lot since we first met. I believe that you'd be a great member of the Locked Room Gang. That way, you could help us overcome villains, and help protect those you care about.
• Ace: I have to admit, I agree with Captain Red Shell on this one. I know we haven't met each other for long, but from what I've seen in you, you have the heart of a warrior. You're not afraid to fight for what you believe in. And even though you were a villain before, that was only because deep down, you were fighting for someone you cared about. You could join the Locked Room Gang, and help them protect the world from the forces of evil. In fact, if you're willing to, you even join me in a new project I'm planning to begin.
• Kyoji: Although we would be honored for you to join the Locked Room Gang, what your path is shall be your decision. Don't let anyone else influence what you decide to go for.
• Akasha: Well, those are some pretty good offers, but I need time to think about the best decision. I'm sorry.
• Kyoji: Well, if you say so.
• Ace: We understand. Take all the time you need. It's important that whatever you choose, you do it for yourself, and not because someone else tells you to. With that being said, I believe my job here is done.
• Blast: Ok. See you later, brother!
• Ace: Bye, Alex. See you later, gang. Until we meet again, Akasha. If you ever need help, feel free to let me know.
• Akasha: Okay.

Ace teleports out of the room.

• Tsunami: Well, now that I'm back to being a good ninja, I shall take my leave and be on my way to help others in need. I'm on a quest to make the world a better place.
• Kyoji: Be on your way then, Tsunami. And we wish you luck on your journey ahead.
• Tsunami: I will do my best. And before I leave, I'll need to speak to Akasha and Takeshi.
• Akasha: Yes, Mother?
• Takeshi: What is it?
• Tsunami: You two have grown up rather well, to become elemental ninjas. My only wish before I take my leave is for you two to use your powers for good, to fight for justice and destroy evil. And remember, I will be with you always, even if it's metaphorical. Will you promise me this?
• Akasha and Takeshi: We will, Mother.
• Tsunami: That's great to hear, my darlings! Now then, I shall be on my way. Locked Room Gang, I'll be here if you should ever need my assistance.
• Green Shadow: Understood.
• Grass Knuckles: Thanks a lot.
• Tsunami: No problem. Farewell now, and it was certainly nice to meet you. Until we meet again.

Tsunami flies out of Shogo's devastated estate, in a quest to make the world a better place.

• Akasha: Bye Mother!
• Takeshi: Farewell!
• Bonk Choy: Well, now what?
• Green Shadow: *looks outside a window* Echo Creek's pretty devastated.
• Gary Garnet: Don't worry, I shall summon Spandroid. He'll take care of that.
• Bonk Choy: Thank goodness. If you ask me, I'm pretty exhausted after everything that happened today.
• Green Shadow: Agreed. This must have been one of the greatest victories for us, the Locked Room Gang.
• Red Fork: It sure is.
• Blue Ocean: We should go celebrate.
• Blast: Yeah!
• Toby Topaz: Come to think of it, how should we celebrate this victory?
• Amelia Amethyst: Cookies?
• Gary Garnet: Seriously, THAT'S on your mind?
• Amelia Amethyst: Sorry, I'm out of ideas.
• Red Fork: Anything to eat would be great! How about we go to Red Spoon's restaurant?
• Green Shadow: As long as you don't wear Red Spoon out by ordering him to cook oversized portions for you, we're good.
• Bonk Choy: Whatever, let's go!
• Akasha: Anyway, as much as I would like a celebration, I'm not going with you guys. I'm going back to my house to burn everything that reminds me of my father, so as to remove those horrible memories in my head.
• Blast: Ok. In that case, see you later Akasha.
• Akasha: Goodbye, Locked Room Gang. I'll let everyone know once I finally decided on my next path.
• Takeshi: Will you return to being good?
• Akasha: I'm thinking about that. I need time. Until then, bye bye, little brother.
• Takeshi: Bye, Akasha.

Akasha and Takeshi hug each other for a moment, before Akasha teleports away.

• Kyoji: So long, Akasha.
• Starcade: So...how about we go celebrate?
• Green Shadow: To Red Spoon's restaurant?
• Red Fork: Yeah, let's go!
• Tommy: Woohoo!
• Kyoji: This has been a rather satisfying fight we had. Good job, everyone. This celebration is well-deserved.

The gang goes to spend the rest of the day at Red Spoon's restaurant, while telling Red Spoon stories about their fight against Shogo the Warlord.

(THE END.)