[Scene: Shuriken City – Morning]

  The city is bustling with ninja-themed architecture, banners flapping in the wind, and brawlers training with their Crystal Monsters in various parks and rooftops. Kouchu and his friends arrive at the towering dojo-style building in the city center: the Shuriken Dojo.

  Shauna (smirking):

  “This city is so extra. Why does everyone look like they stepped out of a ninja movie?”

  Sakuro (calmly):

  “Probably because they did. Look at that guy doing backflips for fun.”

  Roaracryst (eyeing a Crystal Monster flipping dumplings):

  “Even their chefs are ninjas!”

  ?

  [Scene: Inside Shuriken Dojo – Meeting Shurika]

  A tall, elegant woman with piercing eyes and dark-blue hair tied in twin braids steps out, surrounded by smoke. She’s wearing a decorated shinobi-style uniform with a medal hanging from her belt. Her Crystal Monster, Megacryst, stands beside her—a giant crystalline humanoid with sharp, blade-like limbs glowing with blue energy.

  Shurika (calmly):

  “You’ve come for the third medal, yes? The test will not be easy.”

  Kouchu (bowing slightly):

  “I’m ready to take it on. Roaracryst and I have come far.”

  Shurika:

  “Then prove your worth. Let the test begin!”

  ?

  [Scene: The First Test – Obstacle Challenge]

  This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author's work.

  Kouchu and Roaracryst must navigate a ninja-themed obstacle course—dodging kunai traps, jumping over rivers, and using teamwork to climb a giant vertical wall. Halfway through, Roaracryst slips and they both fall into a mud pit.

  Shurika (watching coldly):

  “You lack control. The brawler and the monster must move as one.”

  Kouchu (shaken, standing up):

  “I… I messed up.”

  ?

  [Scene: Post-Test – Outside the Dojo, Sunset]

  Kouchu sits alone near a koi pond, tossing pebbles into the water. Shauna sits beside him, while Sakuro leans against a tree nearby with crossed arms.

  Shauna:

  “You can’t beat yourself up over one mistake.”

  Kouchu:

  “It’s not just one. I’ve made mistakes before. What if I’m not strong enough to be a Master Champion?”

  Sakuro:

  “Then learn. That’s what strong people do.”

  ?

  [Scene: That Night – Kouchu’s Dream]

  Inside a glowing dreamscape, Kouchu sees Marc, the mysterious Crystal Monster from his past visions—a winged, translucent creature glowing with white-blue light.

  Marc:

  “You seek power… but power without understanding is empty.”

  Kouchu (confused):

  “What do you mean?”

  Marc:

  “You’ve bonded with Crystal Monsters… now learn to listen to them. Feel their hearts. Let Roaracryst’s fire guide you—not just his moves.”

  ?

  [Scene: The Next Day – Dojo Rematch]

  Kouchu arrives at the dojo again, more confident, standing tall.

  Kouchu:

  “I’m here to try again. I understand now. I need to be with Roaracryst, not just command him.”

  Shurika (raising an eyebrow):

  “Hm. Let’s see if your spirit has caught up with your words. Megacryst—ready.”

  ?

  [Scene: The Final Battle – Roaracryst vs. Megacryst]

  The dojo transforms into a glowing field surrounded by tall bamboo and floating platforms. Roaracryst and Megacryst face off.

  Shurika:

  “Megacryst, Blade Tempest!”

  Megacryst spins into a flurry of slicing energy. Roaracryst is hit and staggers.

  Kouchu (calmly):

  “Roaracryst! Use Reflect Shuriken—absorb and counter!”

  Roaracryst throws a spiraling reflective shuriken, bouncing the energy back toward Megacryst, stunning it.

  Kouchu:

  “Now! Flame Spiral Technique!”

  Roaracryst charges in a twirling inferno, hitting Megacryst dead-on. The crystal titan stumbles and collapses to one knee.

  ?

  [Scene: Victory]

  Shurika (smiling faintly):

  “You’ve improved. Not in strength, but in connection. And that is the truest power.”

  She steps forward and hands Kouchu a medal shaped like a star-shaped shuriken.

  Shurika:

  “Use this well, young brawler.”

  Kouchu (grinning wide):

  “I will! I promise!”

  Roaracryst (winking):

  “Told you we had it.”

  ?

  [Scene: End of Episode – Setting Off for Route 4]

  The group packs up and leaves Shuriken City, heading toward Route 4. Kouchu holds the medal close to his chest.

  Kouchu (narrating):

  “I’ve learned something important here. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about growing with your Crystal Monsters, step by step. And I won’t stop until I become the Master Champion.”

  ?

  [To be continued…]