The snakes are in the middle of the desert, inside a snake-themed pyramid.
They're after the next Fang Blade. However, Pythor, who leads the group, suddenly stopped, causing Skales to bump into him.
"Why are we ssstopping if the next Fang Blade is so close?" - the general asked.
Pythor slammed his staff on the ground, causing most of the hallway to collapse, revealing it was a trap.
"What good is it to unleash the Great Devourer with all four Fang Blades if I'm not there to witness it?! Bring the boy!" - Pythor ordered.
"Bring the boy!" - Skales shouted.
Two different serpents brought Lloyd, who was in chains, and released him.
"Oh. Are you letting me go?" - Lloyd looked visibly confused.
"Just to play a little, boy," - Pythor led him there, - "Watch your step." -.
Lloyd started walking along the edge and had to jump. But the ground beneath his feet gave way, and he almost fell—it was really close.
"Bring the Fang Blade, and I'll let you go." -.
Never trust a snake's word—especially Pythor's.
Still unsure, Lloyd stepped forward, then started running as the floor crumbled beneath him.
He made a final leap and survived, only to have to hurry again—this time to avoid being skewered by the ceiling spikes descending above him.
"Whoa!" - he exclaimed, breathing heavily.
As he took a step forward, he accidentally triggered a trap—an arrow barrage from all directions. Miraculously, not a single one hit him.
Just when he thought he'd get a break, the bamboo holding the ceiling gave in and everything collapsed. Lloyd escaped that too. What a lucky kid.
Upon reaching the Fang Blade's pedestal, he discovered it had long since vanished.
"It's gone!" - Lloyd shouted so Pythor could hear.
"It's gone?!" - Pythor couldn't believe it.
"Where isss it?!" -.
"Can I go now?" - Lloyd shouted again.
"No!" - Pythor roared.
"Oh..." -.
o0o0o
"Even though they have one, there are still three left. We only need to get one to stop Pythor," - they looked at a hologram of a blade. -
"They have a map. We don't. The question is: how are we going to find them first?" -.
"Hey, Moon," - Kai called her. She turned to him. - "Can't you track using aura? Didn't you say those blades have a strong aura back then?" -.
"Oh yeah, sure—if I comb all of Ninjago to find that aura. Even I have limits," - she replied coldly. - "It's not as easy as it sounds, Red Ninja." -.
Kai frowned at her words.
"Well... I still haven't gotten over the fact that you were the mystery samurai. Anyone else feel the same?" - Jay asked, trying to lighten the mood.
"Got it. Can we move on?" - Kai snapped, now visibly annoyed.
"Oooh! Someone's feeling a little hot-headed," - Jay teased with a grin.
"That impatience comes from him not unlocking his true potential like we did, Jay," - Zane explained calmly.
"Wise words, Robo-boy, but Cole hasn't either," - Kai rolled his eyes.
"I figured it out!" - Cole suddenly exclaimed.
"You too? Ahh! No! So I'm the only one?!" - Kai began to panic.
"No, I figured out where I've seen the Fang Blades before," - Cole ran to grab something. - "I have a picture of it." -.
"Oh? That's it?" -. Kai smiled awkwardly in embarrassment.
(Always too hasty, Red Ninja. As impatient as fire.) - Moon chuckled to herself internally.
"Here. Found it," - Cole returned with a smile and a photo album.
He opened it—and there was the blade. Everyone gathered around as Jay picked it up.
"That's it!" - Jay gasped in surprise.
"Where I grew up, there was an annual championship. The winner took home the Blade Cup. My dad won it several times," - Cole said proudly.
"You never told us he was an athlete. What sport?" - Zane seemed curious.
"Uh... he's a... blacksmith," - Cole confessed.
"That's not weird. My dad was a blacksmith too. I just never heard of this tournament," - Kai said, puzzled.
(Parents, huh...) - Her blue eyes shimmered with sorrow for a moment before returning to normal. - (Why am I suddenly getting sentimental? Hanging out with these Ninjas and Samurai is softening me.) -.
"He's not just a blacksmith. He's a Royal Blacksmith," - Cole turned the page, showing his dad holding the cup.
The ninjas were barely holding back their laughter.
"That's your dad?" - Jay asked, struggling not to laugh.
"What's so funny?" - Moon raised an eyebrow. - "And what's a Royal Blacksmith?" -.
"You don't know?" - Cole blinked, surprised. - "Well, some people don't. It's complicated. I'll explain later." -.
Moon nodded and stayed quiet.
(Royal Blacksmith? What is that? Does he work for royalty? Kings? Queens?) - she wondered.
"But how did the Fang Blade end up in the trophy?" - Kai asked.
"They say the cup was made by a guy who collected priceless artifacts. I think his name was Ducht... no! Clutch Powers!" - Cole grinned, proud to remember. - "And every year, the trophy gets passed to the new winner." -.
"Who has it now?" - Great question, Zane.
"I don't know. I haven't spoken to my dad in a while," - Cole admitted.
"Well, let's go visit him," - Kai suggested.
"We can't. He thinks I'm in the capital, at the Marty Oppenheimer School of Performing Arts," - Cole sighed. - "He wanted me to follow in his footsteps, but since I couldn't sing or dance, I ran away. When he sees I can't act, he'll know I lied in all those letters." -.
"He doesn't know you're a ninja?" - Zane looked surprised.
"What? Gonna make fun of me for acting in a few plays?" - Cole frowned.
"No, but if we want to get the Fang Blade before those snakes, we'd better start our own performance," - Kai said firmly.
o0o0o
"You know, Black Ninja,"- Moon began, - "You should tell your father the truth." -.
Cole looked at her.
"No. He won't take it well," - he replied firmly.
"He's your father. He'll accept it," - Moon looked down. - "But it's up to you." -.
Cole thought for a second. Then the others gathered, and they all jumped from the ship, activating their vehicles to land safely.
"Alright. Pass them here," - Cole opened a case that could fit all five weapons.
The last compartment was made in a hurry, but it worked.
"Ah, ah ah! No mortal should wield all five!" - Jay joked with a grin before placing his in.
"Funny guy," - Cole rolled his eyes.
Zane was next to put his weapon away.
"Remind me again, why can't we bring our weapons?" - Kai stored his sword.
"I told you, my dad can't know I'm a ninja. I'm not about to explain why I'm walking around with a giant scythe," - Cole now waited for Moon to store her staff. - "Moon, go ahead and place your staff in here." -.
She held the staff over the case, hesitating. Her grip tightened.
The staff helped her better channel aura, and it held a dear memory—when she found it and befriended her dragon, Sprint. Speaking of him, how is he doing?
"Moon," - Cole looked at the staff and then at her, - "Come on, it's just for now. You'll get it back." -.
Seconds passed. She stood still like a statue. Cole sighed and tried pulling it from her, but her strength made it tough.
"Man, she's strong," - Cole remembered the time she hit him into a wall.
Moon finally let go of the staff, and Cole stored it. Jay made a mental note to tease him about it later. Kai sighed. Zane grew curious—after all they'd been through, did she still not trust them?
"Just stick to the plan. We find where the Fang Blade is, steal it, and get out," - Cole knocked on the door with a smile.
"Coming!" - a deeper voice answered, and when the door opened, it was Cole's father.
"Hey, Dad! Long time no see!" - Cole smiled cheerfully.
"That's how you greet me? Do me a favor and ring the bell!" - he shut the door rudely.
Moon blinked, confused.
"Ring the bell, son." -.
Cole did so.
"Welcomeee!" - the sound was smooth and melodic.
Cole's father opened the door again—this time with a smile.
"Haha! Come in, son!" - he hugged Cole. - "It's been so long! What do you bring? A quintet? And maybe the girl is your girlfriend?" -.
Cole blushed at the comment about Moon. Jay blinked, then smirked. Zane was unfazed. Kai frowned, his smile fading. Moon looked puzzled.
(Girl friend? What...?) - she tried to understand. - (First Royal Blacksmith, now Girlfriend? What does that even mean?) -.
"No, Dad! She's not my girlfriend!"- Cole raised his voice.
"Haha! Sure, sure. Come on in," - Cole's father stepped aside to let them in.
"What... exactly... is a 'girl friend'?" - Moon asked, curious.
"Nothing," - Kai replied sharply.
"You don't know what a girl friend is? A boy friend? Dating?" - Moon shook her head, even surprising Zane.
"Girl, where've you been living? Under a rock? Well, I'll tell you later! I, Jay, will be your relationship coach!" - Jay said proudly, arms crossed.
"Guys, let's just focus on what really matters, okay?" - Kai sighed, clearly annoyed.
"I agree with Kai," - Cole said, entering.
o0o0o
Inside the house, classical music is playing and there's a wall full of photos.
"Has my son told you I broke my foot? I was dancing, but the rhythm changed, someone sabotaged me while playing!" - he exclaimed angrily.
"No, Dad. I didn't tell them your silly stories," - Cole said.
"Silly stories?" - He looked surprised.
"What he meant is that we've been training at the uhh..." - Kai can't remember the name.
"At the Martha Oppenheimer," - Jay said confidently.
Cole's father turned off the music.
"Martha Oppenheimer?" - He looked very confused.
"Right. He meant the Marty Oppenheimer School of Performing Arts," - Zane quickly clarified.
"Training sometimes makes the Nin— I mean, training sometimes makes him too tired and he gets confused," - Moon added, correcting herself about Jay.
"Well, it's just that... We're doing a final project about the history of Ninjago Talent, and we need to know how we can get to the Blade Cup," - Cole explained, lying to his father.
"You're talking about taking the Blade Cup? The most valuable and protected prize in all of Ninjago? A symbol of excellence in harmony and grace? You can't just take it. You have to earn it. You have to show style, perfect steps, push the limits of artistic skill aaand... win the annual Ninjago Talent Championship!" - he explained.
"Isn't there an easier way?" - Zane asked.
"That's why you came! You knew I was injured and that my quintet had dropped out, so you showed up to take our place! Hahaha! Clever! My son leading the next evolution of the Royal Blacksmiths! Let me hear the sweet sound of harmony!" - he requested excitedly.
"Harmony," - Jay began in a high-pitched tone.
"Harmony," - Zane followed.
"Harmony," - Kai went next.
Cole's father didn't seem to enjoy it as much as they hoped. Moon and Cole didn't sing.
"Look, Dad, we just need the trophy," - Cole tried to explain, but Kai interrupted.
"We're going for gold. And we want you to train us," - Kai asked.
"I've never been prouder! Excuse me... I need to compose something about my feelings," - Cole's father left.
"Are you out of your mind?!" - Cole got mad.
"It's just a rehearsal and a performance, how hard can it be?" - Kai asked.
(Maybe harder than you think.) -.
o0o0o
"Again. Six, seven, eight!" - Cole's dad sat at the piano.
"Dance 'til you drop!" - Kai started.
"And dance non-stop!" - Jay moved his hips.
"You're gonna smile!" - Zane moved smoothly to the rhythm.
"And you're gonna win!" - Cole spun.
"With... heart!" - Moon hesitated during her part.
"Stop! Stop! If my ears weren't attached, they'd have run off," - Cole's dad walked over. - "Kai. Loved the energy. Terrible hair." -He tapped Kai's head with his cane. -"Jay, give yourself more. Zane, like a machine. Keep it up. Cole, act like you want to be here. Moon, don't hesitate, you were doing well." -.
"This guy's worse than Sensei Wu," - Jay whispered to Kai.
"Alright. Let's review the jaw-dropping grand finale! Cole! Don't want history to repeat itself!" -.
"Dad, it was the Triple Tiger Sashay. I was seven!" - Cole snapped.
"What's the Triple Tiger Sashay?" - Kai asked.
"Only the hardest dance move in the world," - Cole replied.
(Interesting...) -.
"It's true. Many professionals tried, but no one succeeded," - Cole's dad added.
"So my dad thought a seven-year-old could do it! I ended up falling on my face, humiliated myself, and let down the quintet," - Cole explained, sighing.
"If you want to win, go all in! Alright, five-minute break," - Cole's dad left.
"Ahhh, now I get it. That's why Cole's so stiff, the dancer here wasn't good enough. Is that why you ran away?" - Jay smirked.
"Oh! I was good, okay?! I deal with my dad, but let's stick to the plan. We just need to keep up the act long enough to get the trophy," - Cole explained.
"I don't know... I'm starting to think we can actually win this," - he backed off when Cole growled at him. -"Alright, alright. Let's stick to the plan." -.
(It would've been better if Cole had just told the truth.) -.
o0o0o
The ninjas are now at the performance venue. They're all in striped uniforms, but in their own colors: red, blue, black, white, and purple.
Doing some last-minute rehearsal. Cole re-explained the plan, unaware that his dad was listening.
"What? You... You were going to steal?" - He couldn't believe what he heard.
"Dad, I didn't want you to hear that, but I'm glad you did. I have something to tell you," - Cole approached. - "All these years, I didn't study to be an actor, singer, or dancer. I found something I'm truly good at." - His dad tries to process it. - "Dad," - Cole performed Spinjitzu and donned his Ninja suit. -"I'm a Ninja. And the truth is... if we don't take the Fang Blade, I mean, the Blade Cup, others will. Bad people! Serpents. We need it to save the world. I know it sounds ridiculous, but I'm proud of myself, and I want you to be proud too." - Cole placed a hand on his father's shoulder.
"I can't," - his father pulled away. - "Be proud of a son who thinks stealing is right. And I won't stand by and watch you mock our family's legacy." - He started walking away.
"Dad, I...!" - Cole couldn't say anything.
The others approached as Moon stood quietly, observing the exchange.
"Sensei Aaron," - a younger Moon once asked a mysterious man beside her, - "Where do I come from? Do I... have parents like the other kids?" -.
"Of course you do," - He tapped her head. - "You come from a distant kingdom. One day, when you're older, I'll take you there." -.
"Promise?" -.
"Promise." -.
Moon snapped out of her trance with a few blinks. It seemed the serpents were already there. So they got ready.
"Let's do this our way!" - Cole said with a smile beneath his mask.
o0o0o
After that horrible seed act...
"And last but not least: The Royal Bla- huh? Hold on," - the host was handed a note. - "We have a last-minute change. Next up—! Spin Harmony!" - the host announced.
"Still think we could've picked a better name," - Moon commented.
"Next time it's your job then. If we want them to see who we are, let's do it right!" - Cole raised his fist.
"I've got butterflies in my stomach," - Zane said, hands on his belly.
"It's just nerves," - Jay replied.
"No. I really do. Look," - Zane opened up and three butterflies flew out.
Moon held out a finger, and one landed there.
"Well... Good thing that didn't happen on stage," - then the butterfly flew off.
"Last call for... Spin Harmony!" - the host called out.
"Let's do this! For Cole!" - Jay raised his arms.
"If we do the Tornado of Creation we might get a ten from the judges!" - Kai suggested excitedly.
"Anything I say will help strengthen our bond," - Zane added.
"Let's... do... our best," - Moon hesitated slightly.
"Hey, seeing you say something positive is nice," - Jay smiled under the mask.
"It's good to have friends like you. Let's go, team!" - Cole was fired up.
"Ninja Go!" - they all shouted, performing Spinjitzu.
Pythor swore he'd grab the trophy now, but too bad the ninjas made it just in time.
Their performance began with a rock rhythm playing in the background.
In the audience, a girl held a sign: "We love you!" and another: "I want to be like you! Purple Ninja!"
Some serpents tried to interfere under Skales' orders, but the ninjas handled them easily.
The music matched their show's theme. The five ninjas performed Spinjitzu: Ice, Lightning, Earth, Fire, and Aura.
A snake tried to drop a sand weight on Jay, but Moon jumped and kicked it away.
With flashing lights, the ninjas struck some poses.
Moon gathered some aura and blasted serpents trying to flank her, causing a small explosion and adding a stunning effect to the performance.
Then, Cole ran and finally performed the Triple Tiger Sashay, with a little unintentional help from three serpents.
"The Triple Tiger Sashay!" - Zane exclaimed. Jay gasped in shock, and Kai was proud of his friend.
Moon simply nodded and smiled under her mask.
"Good job... Cole..." - she whispered softly.
She wasn't sure if Cole heard her or not, but it didn't matter now.
Everyone applauded them, amazed by the ninjas' performance.
Two judges gave a 10. Pythor gave a 0, but the real judge he swallowed made his hand stick out and placed a 1 next to the 0, giving them a perfect 10.
"Spin Harmony wins the Blade Cup!" - the trophy was handed to Cole.
Cole raised it proudly. In the end, they did it the right way.
He looked out into the crowd, searching for his father. Moon nudged his shoulder gently.
"He saw it. I promise," - she said, and he looked confused.
They left the stage with the trophy.
"I've never felt so alive!" - Zane said, maybe with some innocent irony.
"We did it!" -.
Zane, Kai, and Jay celebrated their victory.
"No, Cole did it. Thanks to you, Ninjago can sleep peacefully," - Kai said happily.
"Thanks, but... you guys can celebrate without me. Winning doesn't feel the same without my dad here..." - his tone was filled with sadness.
(So... he didn't get my message.) - Moon sighed.
"Cole!" - Cole's father's voice echoed.
"Dad?" - Cole was shocked.
"I saw it all, son. I saw everything," - he came closer.
They hugged happily and warmly. Cole removed his ninja mask.
"Did you see me dance?" - he asked with a smile.
"More than that: I saw you fight. Those serpents were scheming to steal the show. And I saw you stand up for what's right. I... I was wrong. I shouldn't have pushed you to follow in my footsteps. We're all born with a special talent waiting to bloom," - Cole's father placed a hand on his shoulder. - "And you were born to be a ninja." -.
"You're not mad?" - Cole was surprised.
"How could I be? My son is a hero!" -.
Moon sensed something approaching and turned just as Pythor appeared.
"Sorry to interrupt your little family reunion, but in case you didn't know—it's me, Pythor!" - he exclaimed, sounding a bit annoyed.
"You don't fool us, Pythor," - Cole said, putting his mask back on.
"I just didn't want you to miss our grand finale!" - With a wave of his hands, the snakes pushed a coffin that knocked over several speakers and spotlights.
Moon, being the closest, reacted immediately. Cole also rushed to save his father.
The two ninjas arrived at the same time, but only Moon managed to get Cole's father out safely.
"Son!/ Cole!" - they both cried.
"They took the Fang Blade!" - someone shouted.
"He..." - Moon's eyes widened when she saw that Cole had unlocked his true potential.
Cole effortlessly lifted all the spotlights and sound equipment. His body glowed in a sandy hue, and it looked like it was made of earth.
"Cole unlocked his true potential. I guess his relationship with his father had been holding him back." -.
"Thanks for saving my dad, Moon," - Cole said gratefully, and Moon simply nodded.
"He's indestructible!" - someone exclaimed.
"Great, wonderful. Now I'm the only one who hasn't unlocked a special power," - Kai grumbled, crossing his arms.
"Ah..." - As the power faded, Cole briefly felt a headache. - "Is everyone okay? What happened?" -.
"We're fine, son." -.
o0o0o
Everyone is back at Cole's father's house.
"That was awesome, man!" -.
"Your true potential!" -.
"Yeah, but let's not forget: the scoreboard says zero Fang Blades for the Ninjas and two for Pythor," - Jay said while sipping some tea.
"Yeah, but we only need one. There are still two left," - Cole pointed out.
"Who knows—maybe when I unlock my potential, I'll become the long-awaited Green Ninja!" - Kai said confidently.
"Uh-huh. I just hope your ego doesn't get even bigger," - someone teased.
"What's so special about being the Green Ninja anyway? Is it just a wardrobe change?" - Moon asked calmly, sipping her tea.
"He's the Green Ninja! Destined to defeat Lord Garmadon! The greatest of all ninjas!" - Kai defended passionately.
"I still prefer being me—The Purple Ninja," - she said, closing her eyes.
"It might not be the trophy, but it'll look great on the wall," - Cole said, hanging up a photo of the five ninjas, with himself holding the trophy.
"That's awesome!" -.
"Excellent!" -.
"Cool!" -.
"Rad!" -.
"Looks... good." -.
"Now I know for sure that you're all part of my family," - Cole said, stretching out his arms for a group hug.
(Family...? Then... this feeling... so pleasant...) - Moon almost placed her hand over her chest—where her heart was—but stopped herself.
"And Cole?" -.
"Yes, Dad?" -.
"I hope I get a daughter-in-law as amazing and beautiful as Moon someday. Are you sure you two aren't dating or at least interested in each other?" -.
"Dad!" Cole blushed furiously. -.
"Hehehe, just kidding." -.
Zane smiled quietly, Jay gave a mischievous smirk like he was ready to tease, Kai looked a little grumpy, Cole embarrassed, and Moon still looked confused.
o0o0o
"Hey, Moon. Sorry about everything my dad said. He's been... bugging me about that stuff for a while. Just ignore him and he'll stop eventually," - Cole said, scratching his neck, embarrassed.
They were back on the ship, and it was already nighttime. Moon was heading to her shared room with Nya.
"It's okay... Your dad's funny sometimes, but I'm still a little confused about those... terms," - Moon confessed, looking at him.
"And about earlier, during the show, I didn't get it at first, but thank you for saying that he saw everything..." - Cole gave her a small smile.
"Well, you're welcome? I'll be going now... Good night, Cole..." - she turned to leave.
"Wait! You did it again!" - he gasped in surprise.
"Did what?" - Moon turned around, confused.
"You called me Cole! You used to only call me the Black Ninja! Now we're getting somewhere!" - he looked confused by how happy he was about it.
"Oh really? If it's a problem—" -.
"No! No problem at all. Please, call me Cole, preferably!" -.
"Alright. Good night," - she finally went off to rest.
Cole returned to his room with a strange feeling in his chest—but chose to ignore it.