As Lila led them toward the starting point, the energy of the party swirled around them. Kids were running in all directions, laughing, shouting, and eagerly waiting for the scavenger hunt to begin. Food stands lined the edges of the yard, filling the air with the sweet smells of cotton candy, popcorn, and caramel apples. Clowns performed tricks near the large bouncy castle, and in the background, lively music kept the festive atmosphere buzzing.
Te, glancing around, felt a bit out of place. "So, what exactly are we looking for in this scavenger hunt?" he asked, trying to focus on the task at hand.
Lila grinned and pointed to a small list tucked under her arm. "We're looking for items hidden all over the island. Some are in plain sight, and others are really tricky to find. They range from simple things like toys to random objects like shiny stones or special ribbons." She lowered her voice, glancing around to make sure no one else was listening. "I always get the most ribbons. They're the hardest to find, but they're worth the most points."
Koby raised an eyebrow. "And you think we can help you with that?"
"Oh, I know you can," Lila replied confidently. "You two have a look about you—like you know how to spot things others can't."
Te and Koby exchanged a quick glance. They were used to honing their observational skills through training, but they never thought those skills would come in handy at a birthday party. Still, there was something about Lila's infectious energy that made them want to go along with it.
The scavenger hunt began with a loud whistle, and the kids scattered across the isalnd like a wave of excitement. Lila grabbed Te and Koby's hands, pulling them into the action. "Come on, let's start over by the fountain!" she exclaimed, leading them to a quieter corner of the yard.
As they searched, Lila's sharp eyes darted around, pointing out small treasures hidden in the grass and bushes. Koby, focusing his keen senses, noticed a glint of light under a nearby tree. "What's that?" he asked, motioning toward it.
Lila followed his gaze, her face lighting up. "That's a ribbon! Nice spot!" She rushed over, plucking it from its hiding place and adding it to their growing collection.
Te, who had been mostly quiet, suddenly spotted something unusual. "There's something shiny in the fountain," he muttered, walking over to the edge. Without hesitation, he reached into the water and pulled out a small metal key attached to a tiny charm.
Lila's eyes widened. "Whoa! That's one of the secret items! They only hide a few of those, and they're worth a ton of points. We're totally winning now!"
As the hunt continued, Koby and Te found themselves strangely enjoying the experience. Lila's excitement was contagious, and the more they worked together, the more they realized how well they made a team. They were fast, efficient, and focused—qualities that had come from years of intense training under Bisky but were now being put to a different kind of test.
Lila, noticing their quiet efficiency, smirked as she pocketed another ribbon. "You guys are good," she said, slightly out of breath. "I knew teaming up with you was the right choice."
Te chuckled, shaking his head. "This is… different from what we're used to. But I gotta admit, it's kinda fun."
"See? Told you," Lila said, giving them a triumphant grin. "Now let's see if can find the diamond ribbon, I've never been able to find it because it usually deep into the forest."
Koby narrowed his eyes. "A diamond ribbon, huh? Sounds like a challenge."
Lila nodded excitedly. "Exactly! It's the hardest to find, and whoever gets it is basically guaranteed to win the scavenger hunt."
Te glanced at Koby, both of them silently agreeing that this could be a chance to use their more advanced skills. "Alright," Te said with a smirk. "Lead the way."
The trio headed toward the edge of the forest that bordered the island. As they entered, the atmosphere shifted—trees loomed overhead, and the sounds of the party grew distant, replaced by the rustling of leaves and the occasional chirping of birds. Lila slowed her pace, scanning the ground for any sign of the elusive diamond ribbon.
"This is where it usually is," she whispered, pointing toward a dense cluster of trees. "But it's always hidden really well."
Te activated his Gyo, focusing his Nen into his eyes to spot any hidden auras, while Koby used his acute senses to listen for any disturbances in the forest. Lila, oblivious to their methods, continued searching with her sharp eyes, picking up on small details in the surroundings.
"Wait," Koby suddenly said, raising a hand. "Someone following us, DUCK!!"
Koby charged towards Lila and tackled her to the ground.
As Koby tackled Lila to the ground, a sharp whizzing sound cut through the air above them—a projectile had flown past, narrowly missing where they had been standing. Te spun around, eyes glowing with the intensity of his Gyo as he scanned the trees.
"There!" Te shouted, pointing toward a shadowy figure lurking among the dense branches. Without hesitation, he dashed toward the source of the attack, his movements swift and precise.
Koby quickly got up, helping a shocked Lila to her feet. "Stay low," he instructed her, his tone serious. "We've got this."
Lila, wide-eyed but trusting, nodded and crouched behind a tree as Koby joined Te in advancing toward the mysterious figure. Whoever it was, they were skilled at hiding their presence, but Te's Nen-enhanced vision and Koby's heightened senses gave them an edge.
Suddenly, the figure leapt from the trees, landing in a clearing ahead of them. The assailant, dressed in dark, stealthy clothing, raised their hand, another projectile glinting in the sunlight.
"Careful," Te muttered, his stance shifting as he prepared for a fight. "This isn't just some party guest."
Koby nodded, focusing his aura around his body for defense. "Whoever they are, they're fast. But we're faster."
The figure lunged forward, but Te and Koby were ready. With perfect synchronization, they dodged the attack, moving like blurs as they countered with a swift combination of strikes, forcing their opponent back.
"Who sent you?" Koby demanded as he blocked another blow.
The attacker didn't respond, instead darting toward the edge of the clearing, clearly trying to escape. Te, not willing to let them go that easily, flicked his wrist, sending a precise burst of aura toward the figure's legs, tripping them up.
The attacker hit the ground with a thud but quickly rolled to their feet, now visibly wary of the boys.
"You're not getting away that easily," Te said, his voice low and menacing.
Suddenly, the figure froze, seeming to reevaluate the situation. Slowly, they raised their hands in surrender.
Lila, still watching from her hiding spot, peeked out from behind the tree. "What... just happened?" she asked in a shaky voice.
Koby glanced over at her, offering a reassuring smile despite the intensity of the moment. "Don't worry. We've got everything under control.
Te activate you En see whats going pn around the island"
"I'm already on it"
Te, keeping his calm, expanded his En to sweep across the island. As his Nen field spread, his mind began cataloging every presence nearby, searching for any abnormalities.
After a few seconds, Te's eyes opened sharply. "There's more. Several figures scattered around the island. They're not part of the party—they're after the kids."
Koby's expression hardened. "Kidnappers?"
The figure on the ground shifted uncomfortably but didn't move to escape. "That's right. We've been scouting the island, looking for the best opportunity to take a few kids and get out quietly. But you two… well, you're much more of a problem than we were expecting."
Lila, her eyes wide with shock, took a step back. "Kidnappers? Why would anyone want to take kids from here?"
Koby didn't take his eyes off the downed scout. "People like them don't need a reason. They see kids as easy targets, something they can sell or exploit."
Te's En rippled. "We don't have much time. There are at least four more hiding in different parts of the island. They're moving fast."
Lila gasped, her voice shaking. "What are we going to do?"
Koby's gaze softened slightly as he looked at her. "We're going to stop them. You stay close to us, and we'll make sure no one touches you or any of the other kids."
Te turned to the scout, his voice cold. "Who sent you?"
The figure hesitated, clearly fearful of what would happen if they spoke. But with both Koby and Te's auras looming over them, they eventually gave in.