Just as the morning fog cleared over Blossomite City and the path to Shuriken City opened, Kouchu and his companions—Shauna, Sakuro, and Roaracryst—prepared to hit the road again. But fate, as always, had other plans.

  [Phone Ringtone: a Crystal Monster ringtone chirping like a Roaracryst beatbox]

  Shauna (picking up the phone):

  “It’s from Professor Shari. Probably just calling to wish us luck, or scold Kouchu for not brushing his teeth.”

  Kouchu (offended):

  “Hey! That was one time, and the toothpaste exploded!”

  ?

  Scene: Shari’s Request

  Shari (on the screen, serious):

  “Kouchu, Shauna, Sakuro—you’re near the west woods, yes? I need you to retrieve something for me… a Big Gold Fruit. Very rare. Grows only on the tallest tree in the West Whispering Forest. Bring it back safely.”

  Kouchu (eyes shining):

  “A quest for treasure! You got it!”

  Sakuro (folding his arms):

  “Wait. The Whispering Forest? That’s not a walk in the park, Kouchu. It’s dense, unstable, and filled with tricky Crystal Monsters.”

  Shauna (half-grinning):

  “Sounds like our usual Monday.”

  ?

  Scene: Entering the Whispering Forest

  The trees here whispered like gossiping ghosts. Vines crept like curious snakes, and glowing bug Crystal Monsters blinked through the leaves like flickering eyes.

  Kouchu (shivering):

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  “Okay, definitely not just a park…”

  Roaracryst (sticking close):

  “I’ll protect you. Unless something jumps from above. Then we both scream.”

  ?

  Scene: Getting Lost

  After an hour of exploring, a realization hit the group—they were lost.

  Shauna (gritting her teeth):

  “This… was not the plan.”

  Kouchu (looking around):

  “Guys? Does this tree look familiar?”

  Sakuro (dryly):

  “They all look familiar. That’s called being in a forest.”

  Mouselette (pointing):

  “This way smells like sap and regret. Let’s follow it.”

  ?

  Scene: Climbing the Giant Tree

  Eventually, a colossal tree appeared in the heart of the forest, its bark like golden armor and branches sprawling like a web of stars.

  Narration:

  At the very top—perched like treasure in a fairytale—was the Big Gold Fruit, glowing with a soft golden hue.

  Kouchu (gulping):

  “That’s way up there… Like, sky-punching tall.”

  Sakuro:

  “Then we climb. Together.”

  Using vines, teamwork, and Roaracryst’s grip, the group scaled the towering tree, Kouchu nearly slipping three times, screaming once, and thanking the tree twice for not letting him fall.

  ?

  Scene: Encounter with Flowera

  Reaching the top, they found the fruit… but it was guarded.

  A beautiful, butterfly-winged plant Crystal Monster with vines braided like hair stepped forward. Flowera.

  Flowera (gracefully):

  “This is sacred fruit. I cannot give it to strangers.”

  Kouchu (nervous):

  “We need it for our friend! She’s a professor, not a thief!”

  Mouselette (smiling):

  “Your garden’s damaged. We can help fix it.”

  Plantmore (stretching vines):

  “And I can fertilize with style!”

  As Mouselette polished petals and Plantmore restored vines, Flowera’s home shimmered once more.

  Flowera (touched):

  “You are not just brawlers… you are caretakers of harmony. Please, take the Big Gold Fruit.”

  ?

  Scene: Return Journey — Enter The Explorer

  Just as they prepared to descend, a vine snapped beneath Kouchu.

  Kouchu (screaming):

  “I REGRET ALL MY DECISIONS!!”

  A teenage girl with camo gear, wild green hair, and binoculars swung in and caught him mid-fall.

  Teenage Explorer (grinning):

  “Whoa there, jungle boy. I’m Yura. You folks need a guide?”

  Narration:

  With Yura’s help, the group navigated the tangled forest safely, arriving back on the path to Justice Town with the Big Gold Fruit safely in hand.

  ?

  Scene: Delivery to Shari – Justice Town Lab

  Shari (pleasantly surprised):

  “You actually found it… and didn’t break a limb? I’m impressed.”

  Shauna (deadpan):

  “We almost broke Kouchu.”

  Roaracryst (muttering):

  “Ugh.”

  Kouchu (grinning proudly, holding up the fruit):

  “Mission complete! What’s next? Giant eggplant? Flaming mango?”

  ?

  Narration:

  With the errand complete and their spirits high, the group turned once more to the road ahead. The distant towers of Shuriken City stood waiting on the horizon.

  Their next challenge was close… and so was the next step toward greatness.

  End of Episode 11.