INT. Midtown ACADEMY - MOMENTS LATER
Yin is seated inside a dimly lit room. Lee Tang emerges from the shadows.
Lee tang
I'm Lee Tang one of your headmasters. I've personally come here to make this crystal clear. If you step out of line. You'll be suspended. Also, follow the handbook.
YIN
What hand—
Lee Tang tosses a book over the table.
Yin
Thanks.
LEE TANG
If you didn't know there is a mission in six months for your division.
Yin (v.O.)
What's he talking about?
Masuke walks into the room.
Masuke
Sup, I'm Masuke.
LEE TANG
(points at Masuke)
He will be your guide for today.
YIN
(starts lightly sweating)
My name is Yin… I'm kind of new here.
LEE TANG
You're both dismissed.
They both walk out of the room.
MASUKE
Are you sweating? Do you need a towel?
YIN
Nah, I'm fine.
Lee TANG
The class starts at eight-fifteen sharp!
INT. MIDTOWN ACADEMY - 102 classroom - SUNRISE
Yin barges into the classroom. His classmates start laughing at him. Masuke smirks. Ms. Diane stares at the students. The students become eerily silent.
DIANE
(waves him in)
I'll not tolerate anyone's tardiness. But, since it's your first day… it won't go on your school record. Also, shoes off.
Yin closes the door. He takes off his shoes.
Ms. DIANE
(Ms. Diane hands Yin a pair of slippers.)
So, introduce yourself.
Yin puts the slippers on.
YiN
(scratches his head)
Hi, I'm Yin, Hayashi.
Ms. Diane
My name is Diane. But you can call me Ms. Diane. Now, class say your names from the front row to the back row.
Ms. Diane points at Diego.
Diego
(annoyed)
My name is Diego.
Asahi
(writes in his notebook)
My name is Asahi.
Sikiss is twiddling with her thumbs.
SiKISS
(stutters)
And. I… am…
Shimaru
Sikiss stop stuttering. She's a little bit shy.
Sikiss rolls her eyes. Yin grins and waves.
YIN (V.O.)
Well, that's rude.
SHIMARU
But if you must know. My name is Shimaru.
MASUKE
You should know me by now. But if wanted to know more, meet me at the Pleasant Spring Cafe tomorrow.
DIANE
Talk on your own time. Yin, sit wherever you'd like.
Yin smiles and nods.
flatpack
(points at a seat beside him)
You can sit beside me.
Ms. Diane smiled at Flapacko and nodded at Yin to take the seat next to him. Yin, feeling nervous, slowly made his way toward Flapacko and took the seat next to him, flashing a shy smile.
YiN
What's your name?
FLAPACKO
I'm funny, cool, and nice.
YIN
That doesn't answer my question.
FLAPACKO
Well, I'm Flapacko.
YIN
That's a cool name.
Yin glanced around the classroom. Yin glances at Shimaru.
YIN (V.O.)
I should definitely talk to her. No... I'll just wait for her to talk to me.
Int. MiDTOWN ACADEMY - GYMNASIUM - LATER
In a huge gymnasium. Yin is doing push-ups. A group of students are chatting with themselves.
Yin
(doing push-ups)
35… 36… 37…
Yin collapses on the floor.
Asahi
You'll always be an outsider in this place.
Asahi and some other students start laughing. The group of students walks off. Shimaru shakes her head. Shimaru helps Yin stand up.
Yin
(scratches his head)
Thanks.
Shimaru
No, problem. I think I've got a solution to win them over.
Yin
I don't need them.
Shimaru
I heard that some of the students will be at Diego's house. To "study".
Yin
So?
Shimaru
Don't you see it quite obvious?
Yin
I don't want to.
Shimaru looks at Yin and smiles. Yin rolls his eyes.
Int. Diego's Home - Later
A crowd of students is dancing to the music. Shimaru leads Yin through the crowd to the DJ. Shimaru whispers to the DJ. Slow music starts to play. Yin and Shimaru start dancing. Yin steps on Shimaru's foot.
Shimaru
(laughs)
Have you ever danced before?
Yin
Sorry, I'll… just… I should just go.
Shimaru
No, stay I was only joking.
Yin
It's just that I'm so clumsy.
Shimaru
(closes her eyes)
Just look into my eyes.
YIN
I'm going to grab some punch.
Yin walks away from her. Asahi abruptly laughs.
Asahi
(stands up)
What a loser!
Asahi pours a punch on Yin. Yin stands up. Asahi tries to grab him. Yin pushes off him and exits. Ms. Diane bangs on the door. Diego walks over to the door. He opens the door.
Ms. Diane
(walks into the room)
Everyone in here gets double homework.
Everyone sighs. Shimaru slides through the exit.
Diego
We're studying.
Ms. Diane
(laughs sarcastically)
Right...
Asahi
What about Yin? He was just here.
Ms. Diane
He had the right idea to leave. Unlike all of you.
Asahi (V.o.)
That new kid probably ratted us out. That will explain why he left… he is such a prick.
Int. MIDTOWN ACADEMY - MORNING
Everyone is studying/writing. Ms. Diane's phone buzzes.
Ms. DIANE
Yin, the principal wants to see you.
Yin
When, now?
DIANE
(looks at her phone)
He says… around seven.
Ext. - Pleasant Spring Cafe - Sidewalk - lATER
Masuke walks out of a cafe with two coffees. He hands one to Yin. They're walking down the street.
YIN
It's kind of cool to be going to school again.
MASUKE
The truth about this school is that it only can get better from here.
They see a man in an alleyway kicking a woman against a dumpster.
YIN
You're thinking what I'm thinking?
Masuke nods. They sit the cups down on a table. They walk into the alley. The man turns around.
#homeless man
(points down the street)
Go on and mind your business somewhere else.
Yin walks closer to the man. The man pulls a knife out of his pocket. And starts swinging at Yin. Yin kicks the knife out of his hand. The man starts whimpering. Yin pins him down.
MASUKE
(calls the authorities)
There's a man near Pleasant Spring Cafe beating a woman.
Ext. PLEASANT SPRING CAFE - MOMENTS LATER
The authorities come and arrest the man.
MASUKE
(checks his phone)
Don't forget you have to meet with the principal.
Yin nods and gives Masuke a reassuring smile. Yin grabs his coffee. Masuke watches Yin run away.
YIN
I'll pay you back!
Int. PRINCIPAL's Offices - LATER
Yin walks into the principal's office.
VICTOR
(offers his hand)
I'm Victor. And you must be Hayashi, Yin.
Yin shakes Victor's hand.
YIN
Did I do something wrong?
ViCTOR
I must train you.
YIN
For what, sir?
VICTOR
To face Hibuaca.
Yin's eyes light up.
VICTOR
We're going to Iko Bani's pond.
Ext. Iko Bani's pond - LATER
They're at Iko Bani's pond. They're sitting under a Sakura tree.
VICTOR
Yin, there are certain words that can amplify anything.
YIN
What use is this to me?
VICTOR
Well, it can be used for different things. Your classmates are learning about such words.
YIN
Just them?
Victor
In due time, Yin. Question, do you know the names of the seven chakras?
Yin
Well, sort of.
Victor
How many do you know?
Yin
(pacing)
I can't remember.
VICTOR
There are seven chakras in the human body. With the first chakra being Ne chakra. The second is Senkotsu and the rest are in this order Mizōchi, Shinzō, Nodo, Daisan'nome, and Kuraun. Any questions?
YIN
Why did you say it in Japanese?
VICTOR
They were the first people to enlighten me on the seven chakras.
YIN
Oh...
Victor
I'll teach you the rest of the chakras but we'll focus on Ne chakra which is translated as Root chakra.
Yin
Ok. But what makes this useful? Shouldn't I learn how to become a ninja or something?
Victor
Yin, Ne chakra is the first chakra, located at the base of our body. You can think of Ne chakra as all that keeps us grounded.
Yin (V.O.)
Why would I need to learn any of this?
Victor
It's needed for our survival instincts and also for our basic needs.
YIN (V.O.)
Why is he trying to tell me something I already know? This boring...
VICTOR (V.O.)
When I first heard this it sounded extremely boring as well.
YIN
(rubs his temple)
Where are you in my head? How are you doing that?
VICTOR
Sorta of... To answer your other question. I'm at peace with my inner self.
YIN
What?
VICTOR
Simply means that I have no conflict inside of me. That could cloud my judgment. Which grants me telepathy.
YIN
That's kind of cool.
VICTOR
(smiles)
And fun.
YIN
Um… what's our lesson for today?
VICTOR
You must work on your stance. Look at the tree for instances and how it's rooted. I've practiced this technique for many years. Now you must master it.
Yin does a wobbly stance.
VICTOR
Yin, use the earth as your foundation.
Yin nods and adjusts. His stance is still off.
VICTOR
Feel the stability and strength rising from the ground.
Victor demonstrates the earth-based stance. Yin follows Victor's lead, planting his feet firmly on the ground.
VICTOR
In combat, fear can weaken your stance and cloud your judgment. It's important to stay focused and composed.
Victor's eyes are fixed on Yin's. Yin continues his stance. Victor observes Yin's stance. Victor pokes Yin. But he doesn't budge. Victor pushes Yin. Yin falls into the pond.
VICTOR
You must be more focused.
YIN (V.O.)
I could if you weren't such a…
Victor helps him out of the pond.
YIN
I didn't mean—
VICTOR
—It's okay Yin to get frustrated. I will try to be more patient with you.
YIN
(bows)
Thank, you Sensei.
Victor
So, Yin what are your goals?
Yin
To become the best.
Victor
At what?
Yin
(scratches his hair)
I want to be the best ninja, warrior, or emperor.
Victor
Why must all of them be entangled in violence?
Yin
I would rather die fighting for my home than die a cowardly death.
Victor
What if there is peace?
Yin
There will always be evil.
Victor
But sometimes, you must make compromises to save the people you love.
Yin
Maybe you're right. But why should we step on enemy territory? Just to kill one man.
Victor
There is only one division available for this mission, and that is yours. And Hibuaca must be brought to justice. You know what he did to your family.
Yin returns to the pose.
Ext. IcKO BANI'S POND - LATER
Victor taps Yin on the shoulder.
ViCTOR
I believe that's enough for today. We'll do this every day until it's time.
Yin bows his head. Victor bows his head.
VICTOR (V.O.)
I see a lot of potential inside of him.
6 MONTHS LATER
Ext. IkO BANI'S POND - LATER
Yin is practicing with Victor.
NARRATOR
As the months passed Yin became better and stronger. Together, they trained relentlessly, honing Yin's skills and refining his techniques.
VICTOR
(taps Yin's shoulder)
It's time, But you're not fully developed enough to fight Hibuaca. I wish I had more time.
Yin nodded solemnly.
YIN
I'm ready.
INT. Midtown Academy - GYMNASIUM - dAY
The students form a line for Yin and his classmates. The students are cheering for them. Yin sits in his designated seat. Victor, Ashley, Sunny, and Ms. Diane are standing on the platform. There is a large board behind them.
Victor
I realized that several of the new students haven't been briefed about the different divisions.
Ms. Diane
The divisions tell us which task and mission our classes can do.
Sunny
The beginners are in the C division. They only handle simple and basic tasks.
Victor
Intermediate are in the B division ranging from 12-16. Advanced are placed in the A division.
Sunny
S division is only for masters of their craft. They handle a majority of these missions.
Ms. Diane
My class and Sunny's class need to complete this mission to advance into the A division.
ASHLEY
You've all been prepped for this mission. If more intel is needed report to me.
DIANE
Also, the teams have been hand-selected. So grab your card on the way out.
VICTOR
Dismissed.
Yin walks out of the gymnasium. He grabs a card.
EXT. MIDTOWN ACADEMY - OUTSIDE - LATER
The team swiftly boards the buses.
Int. Bus - MOMENTS LATE
Yin walks onto the bus. Masuke is sitting in the back row. Masuke looks up to Yin. He pats the seat beside him. Yin walks to the back row and sits.
YiN
(looking at card)
So, our teammates include Flapacko, Sikiss, and Shimaru? And our team is The Leopards.
MASUKE
(high fives Yin)
Yeah, while the other team is called The Sleeping Tigers.
Ms. DIANE
Please, little or no talking back there.
EXT. MINDFUL FOREST - campground - MORNING
The teams are setting up their tents. Asahi walks over to Masuke.
ASAHI
So, are your chickens ready to lose?
Shimaru stops putting up her tent. And walks up to Asahi.
SHIMARU
Shut up loser!
ASAHI
(Asahi pushes Shimaru)
How about… No!
YIn (V.O.)
(sighs)
Why did that idiot do that?
Yin rushes over to Shimaru. He helps her stand up.
MASUKE
You need to chill out!
SANDY
(Sandy pushes Masuke)
Oops...
He trips over a log and falls into the mud. Yin helps Masuke up.
YIN
(looks at Sandy)
There's no reason for anyone to get hostile.
SANDY
(sassy)
I don't have to listen to you.
YIN (V.O.)
Why is my sis always a pain in the...
MASUKE
Just go back to setting up your tents.
Diego
(fake cries)
Seems as if the babies got out of their cribs. Aren't you both gonna run home to Mommy?
Asahi
(laughing)
Oh, wait I forgot that you, Yin, and Sandy don't have parents.
SANDY
(rolls her eyes)
Shut up, idiots. Why are you both always ruining the moment?
ASAHI
(mocking)
Oh, I'm so hurt.
DIEGO
What are you even going to do sissies?
YIN (V.O.)
Why are they so irritating? I'm about to knock some sense into them.
VICTOR (V.O.)
No Yin, you should stop the issue.
MASUKE
(pops his knuckles)
I'll show you some first if you continue.
YIN
(touches Masuke shoulder)
Calm down.
Masuke walks away. Hiromi walks behind Masuke. She taps his shoulder.
MASUKE
I'm going to cool off.
HIROMI
You're going to get us both kicked out of the Academy. And what's worse is that I'll have to explain everything to my dad.
MASUKE
Well, at least you have parents.
Masuke walks deeper into the forest.
HIROMI
Drama king!
Hiromi stands there. Sikiss runs behind Hiromi.
SiKISS
Everything is not about you Hiromi.
Sikiss runs into the forest. She looks around and spots Masuke.
SIKISS
Finally, I found you.
MASUKE
Why would you even care?
SIKISS
I wanted to tell you something privately.
MASUKE
Yes?
SIKISS
If you didn't know I've been feeling a certain way… as if I've butterflies in my stomach.
MASUKE
Are you sick or something?
SIKISS
No, I'm not sick. I think… it's just a crush or something.
Shimaru walks up to them.
SHIMARU
What's going on here?
MASUKE
Just talking to one of my teammates.
SIKISS
(scratches her arm)
I was telling Masuke about how I felt…
SHIMARU
(laughs)
What were you two really talking about?
MASUKE
It wasn't anything that important.
SIKISS
So, my feelings aren't important?
MASUKE
Well, it's not that your feelings aren't important, it's just that I never expected you to feel this way for someone else.
SIKISS
(cross her fingers)
I know, it might seem sudden, but it's true.
They hear a trumpet. They all walk back to camp.
MASUKE
So what is the mission, again?
SANDY
Weren't you even paying attention? We'll be going to Ankoku to defeat Hibuaca. There's more to it but that's the gist.
DIANE
(stares at Masuke)
Go get some rest before we start this treacherous journey. And no more wondering off.
EXT. WILDERNESS - dirt trail - sUNRISE
Yin and Masuke walk side by side on a dirty trail. With their team right in front of them.
YIN
Masuke do you like Sikiss?
MASUKE
Why, are you asking?
YIN
Because I want to know...
MASUKE
I don't want to talk about it.
YIN (V.O.)
Why won't he tell me?
Sikiss follows behind Shimaru. Shimaru walks behind Masuke.
SHIMARU
(whisper into Masuke's ear)
Masuke, I just want you to know that I have a c...
SIKISS
What?!
YIN
(looks at his wrist)
Oh well, look at the time. Guess we should be going.
SIKISS
No, not until I've gotten to the bottom of this.
MASUKE
It's nothing. We should continue to move.
SHIMARU
(awkwardly laughing)
He's just joking.
SIKISS
(grabs Yin's wrist)
Yin, can you come with me?
Sikiss and Yin walk away from them.
YIN
What's up?
SIKISS
(drops Yin's wrist)
I know that you like Shimaru.
YIN (V.O.)
How does she know?
YIN
(covers his ears)
I don't know what you're talking about.
SiKISS
(move his hands)
So, I guess you won't care if I told her?
YIN
(pauses)
What's your plan?
SIKISS
We should act like a couple... to make them jealous.
YIN (v.O.)
I swear this is going to backfire. Isn't it?
SIKISS
Let's head back.
They walk over to the group. Sikiss is holding Yin's hand.
SIKISS
We're a couple.
YIN
(unenthusiastically)
Yay.
SHIMARU (V.O.)
Yin, is interested in her?
Sikiss elbows Yin in the stomach.
YIN (V.O.)
(groans)
Why is she so strong...
MASUKE
(shakes Yin's hand)
Congrats.
MASUKE (V.O.)
Hmm… so, that must be her special someone.
MASUKE
Let's go grab some food to celebrate.
YIN
Yeah. Let's look at the map. I'm pretty sure there's a restaurant near us.
MASUKE
We'll probably find Flapacko there.
INT. Tio's food resort - DINING area - MOMENTS LATER
They walk into the modern-looking restaurant. Masuke walks over to Flapacko and takes a seat. The others follow.
FLAPACKO
(Flapacko eats soup)(slurps) So, good (slurps) Masuke am I a better fighter than you?
MASUKE
No.
FLAPACKO
Oh, well that hurts...
Flapacko leaves the table. He walks over to the Sleeping Tigers. Flapacko slams his hand on the table where the Sleeping Tigers are.
YIN (V.O.)
Looks like someone is angry.
FLAPACKO
Where is all of my underwear?
ASAHI
(chuckles)
We don't know.
HIROMI
Stop lying Asahi. Flapacko it's um… on top of Ms. Diane's desk in her cabin.
FLAPACKO
What's the quickest way through the woods to her cabin?
ASAHI
No one is going to help you.
FLAPACKO
Why?
ASAHI
Because Hiromi's the only person who knows the route.
HIROMI
Well, I'm not going with you.
FLAPACKO
Come on, please.
HIROMI
(sighs loudly)
Ok.
MASUKE
If they aren't back in thirty minutes we will go looking for them.
Yin nods. The Sleeping Tigers exit.
INT. WILDERNESS - forest - MOMENTS LATER
Hiromi and Flapacko are walking through the woods.
FLAPACKO
Do you like me?
HIROMI
No, why did you ask?
FLAPACKO
Just to ask.
HIROMI
We couldn't date because... I don't like you. At least not like that.
FLAPACKO
Okay, question. How old are you?
HIROMI
I don't want to tell you.
FLAPACKO
Why not?
HIROMI
Because we're already at Ms. Diane's cabin. Don't wanna get caught?
INT. WILDERNESS - MS. DIANE'S CABIN - CONTINUOUS
Hiromi and Flapacko enter into the back of Ms. Diane's cabin. There's an opening. They walk over to the desk.
FLAPACKO
Where is it?
They look around Ms. Diane's cabin. Diego walks into the cabin.
DIEGO
(waves)
Sup, losers.
HIROMI
Diego you're not supposed to be here.
DIEGO
What's that Laurence?
FLAPACKO
Be quite weasel.
DIEGO
Takes one to know one. So, what are you two love birds looking for?
HIROMI
What love bird snake?
FLAPACKO
(winks at Hiromi)
I think he's talking about us.
HIROMI
(rolls her eyes)
Yeah, I'm crazy about Flapacko. So we're looking for Flapacko's underwear.
Diego burst out in laughter. Diego walks out of the cabin. Then comes back with Ms. Diane.
DIANE
Thanks, Diego for the tip.
DIEGO
Anything for the teacher.
INT. WILDERNESS - PRINCIPAL cabin - LATER
Hiromi and Flapacko are sitting in chairs in front of a large desk. Ms. Diane and Diego are standing up. Victor is seated.
VICTOR
Why were you two snooping in Ms. Diane's cabin?
FLAPACKO
We were there to get something.
VICTOR
What?
HIROMI
Um... we were getting a ruler for Lee Tang.
DIANE
He's out of state.
FLAPACKO
He asked before he left.
Ms. Diane chuckles.
VICTOR
Just make sure this doesn't happen again.
HIROMI
Yes sir.
FLAPACKO
Yes sir.
Diego escorts them out.
DIEGO
Now go to your team's kiddies.
INT. TIO'S FOOD RESORT - DINING area - later
They are sitting at a table.
TIO
(points at the menu)
What, do you want these freshly made special?
They all look at the special. They all are disgusted.
YIN
Who, even made this?
TIO
This is the family's creation But the recipe was never fully finished.
SHIMARU
Well, I didn't ask for your life story.
SIKISS
You don't have to be mean.
TIO
Try the eel rolls!
YIN
What are you talking about, Tio?
TIO
The special rolls.
FLAPACKO
Oh, I understand... We want three special rolls.
Tio walks into the back.
MASUKE
I dare Yin to eat one.
YIN
(gags)
Why would I?
SIKISS
Yin accepts your challenge.
Shimaru rolls her eyes.
YIN
But—
Sikiss kicks Yin under the table.
YIN (V.O.)
She is so annoying.
MASUKE
Are you all right?
Sikiss smiles at Yin and nods.
YIN
(forced)
Yeah.
Tio comes back with a platter.
TIO
I have the special rolls.
Tio sits on the platter on the table. Flapacko grabs a roll and starts eating. Yin grabs a roll. The wrapper falls off the roll. Yin sits down on the roll. He picks up the wrapper and sees a secret map inside.
YIN
(looks at Tio)
Why did you give me this shortcut?
TIO
Well, the big man said to give this group a hint.
SIKISS
How did you know that we're the "group"?
TIO
Well...
The Sleeping Tigers walk into Tio's Food Resort. Tio slides the map into Yin's pants pocket.
HIROMI
Yin, what do you have there?
TIO
Coupons.
TIO
(whispers)
Get your team out of here.
HIROMI
I was asking Yin for your information.
MASUKE
It's nothing. And please show some respect princess.
The Leopards walk out. Flapacko walks out last. Hiromi taps him on the shoulder. He turns around.
HIROMI
What's in Yin's pocket?
FLAPACKO
Some old crusty map.
HIROMI
Thanks.
Flapacko walks out.
EXT. TIO's FOOD RESORT - outside - MOMENTS LATER