The sun had barely risen when everyone gathered in the Spiritual King's office. The air was thick with anticipation.
The Spiritual King stood at the front of the room, arms behind his back.
"Today," he said firmly, "is the day we save Misa."
Kaji stepped forward with a sharp look. "I hope you're all ready—and not having second thoughts. If you are, you're no longer a ninja."
Okata chuckled, though his voice carried warmth. "Don't worry. You'll be okay."
Ryju nodded, standing tall. "Our team isn't worried. We're here to save Misa."
Azar crossed his arms. "Neither are we. She's our teammate—we're going to bring her home."
Gio, his voice trembling, looked up. "Please… save her. She's my only child."
Zanden placed a hand on Gio's shoulder. "You remember what we told you yesterday?"
Taro chimed in. "We vowed to get your daughter back."
The Spiritual King nodded. "Believe in them, Gio."
Gio's hands clenched. "I… I just trust adults who are strong enough to handle this. That's my only hope."
"Leave it to the next generation," the Spiritual King said. "Believe in them."
"Oh," the Spiritual King added, "I've placed your name on the guest list. You'll be able to enter the auction—no questions asked."
"Okay…" Ryju nodded.
Rei looked around. "So, we're good now, yeah?"
Kenshiro cracked his knuckles. "Seems like it."
The Spiritual King glanced at the clock. "Team One—your suits will arrive in ten minutes. Once you're dressed, we'll go over the mission plan again. The plane arrives in five hours. It's noon now, so we've got plenty to do."
Somewhere Else – Auction Facility
The hall was dim and cold. The walls were lined with chains and cages.
A butler entered the room. "Sir, the merchandise has arrived."
A tall man sipping wine stood in a golden-lit office, gazing at the grand auction stage.
"Good," he said with a smirk. "You know where to put them. We've been doing this for ten years."
"Yes, sir."
Men dragged cages through a dark hallway. Cries and begging echoed off the stone walls.
A boy in one cage clung to the bars. "Please… let me out…"
A woman in another cage cried out, "Why are you doing this? What do you want from us?!"
One of the handlers snarled, "Shut up and get sold. That's your only job."
From the corner, Misa gripped her cage bars tightly. "Let me out!"
The same man approached her. "Oh? A little cutie with a big mouth. I said shut up and get sold."
"My friends will come for me," Misa snapped. "They'll destroy this whole place."
Laughter erupted in the room.
"She's a funny one, huh?" one man said.
"No kidding."
"None of your friends are coming. You see, the boss'll kill anyone who tries."
Misa slammed the cage with her fists. "NO, THEY WON'T!"
Another man smirked. "Feisty one, huh? I like 'em like that."
"Well, good luck. Whoever buys you is a lucky one."
"Close the door."
As the door slammed shut, Misa whispered into the dark, "They're coming. I know they are…"
Back at the Spiritual King's Office
Team One stood in front of full-length mirrors.
Ryju adjusted the collar of his sleek black suit and matching hat. "Man… I like this."
Rei spun once in a shimmering silver dress, the color perfectly matching her hair. "It's perfect."
Goro stretched in his bright orange suit. "Okay… I don't look bad."
Shun buttoned up his forest-green blazer. "Man… I love this color."
Kenshiro gave himself a once-over in his deep black ensemble. "Yeah. Perfect fit."
The Spiritual King nodded in approval. "Nice work, Saban."
Saban bowed politely. "Thank you. I'll take my leave now—I've got more suits to make."
"Understood."
As he left, Jett turned toward Rei. "Wow, Rei… your dress looks perfect."
Rei blushed and looked down. "Really…?"
"No time for lovey-dovey stuff," the Spiritual King cut in sharply.
"What?" Rei snapped, clearly flustered.
"Anyway… here's the plan."
Everyone leaned in as the Spiritual King laid out the mission.
"When you arrive, you'll see a sign marked Bar. Go inside. You'll find an abandoned bar with one bartender. Say the phrase 'Three-Horned Dragon.' That will open a secret door leading underground."
He continued, "Down there, you'll find a casino-like auction house. Fancy drinks, gambling, well-dressed elites. And beneath all that? They're selling people."
Azar clenched his fists. "Can we just kill everyone but the prisoners?"
"Do whatever you have to do to get Misa out alive," the King replied.
He pointed at Ryju. "And remember—your eyes are your ticket. Use your ability to gain VIP access. You'll be placed in a private viewing box."
He turned to Goro. "Team 17—you wait outside. When the time comes, Goro will create a big hole to signal the start."
Goro gave a thumbs up. "Got it."
"Team 17," the King warned, "don't get too close to the bar. There are cameras. If they spot you, they'll move Misa—or worse. Let Azar deal with the boss. The rest of you—defeat anyone who stands in your way."
"Got it," Azar said, voice cold and steady.
Gio stepped forward. "Please… bring her back."
The Spiritual King took a deep breath. "You may remove your suits for now. That concludes the plan. You can walk, eat, rest—but no training. I don't want your spiritual force drained before the real battle."
He looked at the clock.
"It's already 1 PM. Return to this office at 4:30. Team One, get dressed and board the plane at five."
He paused—and smiled.
"Today… Misa returns home."