After days of rigorous battles and intense training, the Shadow Hunters decided they deserved a break. As the afternoon sun dipped low, casting warm amber tones across the quiet village, Hiroto, Ayla, Ronan, and Aqua strolled through the cobblestone streets. The air was calm, a welcome contrast to the turmoil of recent events, though their thoughts lingered on their newly honed powers and how best to master them.
Aqua, ever the meticulous planner, had used the break to assess each team member's strengths and rank them. As the group found a shaded spot near the edge of a tranquil pond, she stood confidently in the center, holding her neatly organized notes.
"Alright," Aqua announced, drawing everyone's attention. "I've compiled an assessment of our abilities, taking Hiroto's shadow powers out of the equation to keep it fair. Here's how we stand."
Intrigued, the group leaned in, curious to see how Aqua's analysis would stack them up.
"First, let's cover speed," Aqua began, her tone precise. "Hiroto, you're the fastest among us, hands down. Ayla, you're second—pretty impressive. Ronan and I share third place for now, though I plan to change that."
Hiroto smirked, clearly enjoying his first-place position, while Ayla gave a self-assured nod. Ronan rolled his eyes and playfully nudged Aqua. "Guess we'll have to work on that," he teased.
"Agility is next. And again, Hiroto, you're leagues ahead. Your lightning-speed maneuvers are hard for any of us to keep up with," Aqua continued, glancing approvingly at Hiroto. "As for the rest of us, we're fairly equal, though each of us could sharpen up."
Hiroto gave an appreciative nod, though he kept quiet, enjoying the praise in good humor.
"Now, onto raw strength," Aqua announced. "Ronan, you take the top spot here, no question. You've got the edge over all of us. Ayla and I share second place, and Hiroto, well… you're last."
Ronan grinned, flexing his arms dramatically, drawing laughter from the others. "Not everything's about raw power," Hiroto shrugged with a mock look of disappointment.
"True," Aqua replied, nodding with a small smile, "which brings us to flexibility and versatility. Hiroto, you're the most adaptable in a fight by far. Your skills cover a huge range and allow you to adjust on the fly. Ayla and I tie for second here—we both bring different elements into play. Ronan, you're third, though your strength keeps you effective regardless."
Ayla gave Hiroto a sideways smile. "Looks like you're not the only versatile one," she teased, while Ronan simply chuckled, shrugging in good humor.
"Then there's defense," Aqua continued. "I'd say I'm first, given my Earth powers and water barriers. Ronan and Ayla follow, and Hiroto… well, you're excellent at evading, but in terms of raw defense, it's your weakest point."
Hiroto raised his hands in playful surrender. "Fair enough. Guess I'll stick to dodging," he joked.
Aqua smirked, moving to the final category. "And lastly, battle intelligence. Strategy and awareness. I'm taking the top spot on this one." She glanced around, a playful glint in her eyes. "Ronan, you're second. Ayla, third, and Hiroto… you've got plenty of heart, but a little more planning might help."
The group chuckled, Hiroto rolling his eyes with a good-natured sigh. "Guess I'll have to sharpen up on strategy then."
After a moment, Aqua stepped back, folding her notes. "Overall, we've each got unique strengths. Hiroto and Ayla are our top contenders in all-around ability, with Ronan close behind and myself rounding out the team."
The group nodded, quietly appreciating the insight. Knowing their respective strengths and weaknesses brought a sense of unity, grounding them in their roles within the team.
With a thoughtful pause, Hiroto spoke up. "This breakdown means we can support each other even better in battles. Knowing where we shine can help us use our strengths to cover each other's weaknesses."
Ayla flashed Hiroto a competitive smile. "Just because we tied last time doesn't mean I'll go easy on you. Next time, I'll be ready."
Hiroto chuckled. "Same here. We'll keep pushing each other."
As evening settled in, a gentle breeze swept over the village. The Shadow Hunters sat by the pond, feeling a renewed sense of camaraderie and purpose. Each of them had grown not only in strength but in their bond as a team, ready for whatever trials awaited them on the path ahead.