The training room was silent, save for the delicate clink of porcelain. A soft plume of steam rose from the lip of Sensei Wu's teacup as he poured himself a fresh brew, completely unfazed by the absurd sight before him.
At the center of the room, Lloyd Garmadon stood upside down, balanced precariously on one hand. His face was flushed red with exertion, sweat beading down his forehead and trickling along his jaw. His legs trembled—but somehow, impossibly, remained steady.
Balanced on his feet was Zane, arms locked in place to cradle both Kai and Jay, who dangled on either side like awkward human luggage. Perched on Lloyd's head was Cole, his stance wide, arms out like wings for stability. In his left hand, he held Sensei Wu, who sipped his tea with serene detachment. And resting with maddening calm on Cole's back, like a lazy cat atop a moving shelf, was Jinx—his head on Cole's shoulder.
The tips of Jinx's black hair tickled Cole's neck, and despite the pressure of balancing a small pyramid of ninja, the earth elemental's face was uncharacteristically pink.
Wu, still perfectly composed, spoke softly.
"Focus."
Jay groaned. "Sensei, I'm starting to think this was a really bad idea."
"Yeah," Cole grunted, adjusting his stance. "He's just a kid!"
"In order for him to succeed," Wu said, taking a contemplative sip, "we must all learn to trust one another."
Outside, a sudden metallic clattering began. Then the ground trembled faintly beneath them.
Lloyd's legs twitched.
"…Uh, guys?" he grunted, voice cracking. "Something's—"
A BOOM rocked the room as a wrecking ball burst through the dojo's side wall like a sudden burst of thunder. The force shattered the focus, and the tower of ninja collapsed in a flailing, shouting heap.
Bodies hit the floor with synchronized groans—except for Wu, Jinx, and Cole, who drifted down slowly, cushioned by a gentle spiral of wind conjured instinctively by Jinx. Cole blinked, still holding Wu like a sacred relic, his feet touching ground with the grace of a dancer.
"What… was that?!" he exclaimed, setting Wu down.
The dust settled, revealing two men in hardhats standing among the rubble. One held a clipboard, the other still dumbly clutching the chain of the wrecking ball.
From behind a beaded doorway, Dareth burst in, face pale with panic.
"WHOA, WHOA, WHOA! This wasn't supposed to happen until tomorrow!"
The foreman blinked. "Tomorrow?" He turned to the builder beside him. "Let me see that order."
The builder sheepishly handed it over. The foreman scanned the slip, then sighed and scratched the back of his neck.
"…Oh. Yeah. My bad. Sorry 'bout that. We'll be back in the morning."
And just like that, the two strolled off casually, leaving behind a shattered wall and a room full of stunned ninja.
Dareth groaned, picking up a twisted hunk of metal that used to be one of his many "trophies." He stared at it with a look of soul-deep disappointment.
"Ugh," he muttered. "That was my third-place ballroom dancing award…"
As Dareth mourned his mangled third-place ballroom dancing trophy, Jinx couldn't help but snicker. Arms crossed and a smug grin playing across his lips, he leaned casually against the wrecked doorway.
"Oh yeah," Jinx drawled, eyes gleaming with mischief. "I remember that day. Man, you sucked. You cried so hard, I think the judges gave you third place out of pity." He tilted his head. "Honestly, it was kind of sad. Like, soul-crushingly sad."
Dareth spun around, affronted. "We don't all have your talent, Jinx! With your—your woman body!"
That made a few heads snap in his direction.
Dareth, ever fearless in the face of social norms and good taste, plowed on. "Actually—serious question. How do you even get a body like that? As a guy?"
Jinx didn't flinch. If anything, he seemed proud.
"Born like this, buddy," he said with a wink. "And trust me, you wouldn't believe how flexible I am."
To prove his point—because of course he would—Jinx dropped into a stretch so languid, so feline, it looked like a cat welcoming the morning sun. His spine arched, muscles shifting in one smooth ripple under his dark shirt as he stretched his arms above his head, then dipped into a low twist with far too much ease for anyone's comfort.
Especially Dareth's, whose face went a shade of red rarely seen outside spicy curry nights.
Somewhere behind them, one of the ninja let out a poorly timed cough—short, sharp, and just slightly strangled. Whoever it was tried way too hard to look away but ended up looking directly at the floor like it held the secrets of the universe.
It may or may not have been someone with earth powers, but no one brought it up.
The silence that followed was thick with secondhand embarrassment and unspoken questions.
Jinx, of course, just grinned wider.
Cole cleared his throat—loudly—and pointedly turned away from the awkward silence that had settled like fog after Jinx's impromptu stretching display. He clapped a hand on Dareth's shoulder with a little too much enthusiasm.
"Uh, Dareth," he said, voice pitching up just slightly. "What's all this about?"
Dareth sniffled and looked up with bloodshot eyes, still clutching one of his bent trophies. "Well... I might've fallen a little behind on some payments. And now some developer—'Darnagom Enterprises'—is buying up the whole block to put in some stupid... frisbee-golf course or whatever."
The ninja collectively winced.
"They said if I don't cough up fifty grand by tomorrow, the dojo's done for. Gone!"
Jay's face paled. "But—we already lost the Bounty! We can't lose the dojo too!"
"My trophies..." Dareth wailed, hugging the bent gold figurine to his chest. "Oh, my fake trophies!"
Zane, who had been quietly processing the name, blinked. "Wait. 'Darnagom'? If you rearrange the letters, it spells—"
"'O grandma'?" Jay interrupted hopefully.
Kai groaned. "No. Garmadon, Jay."
Jay paused. "…Right. Yeah, that makes way more sense."
Jinx, leaning against a support beam with arms crossed and a brow raised, smirked. "How did Kai get that but not you, Jay?"
Lloyd's voice came out quiet, uncertain. "So… my dad is behind this?"
Cole stepped forward, frowning. "If he destroys the dojo, where are we supposed to train you, Lloyd?"
Dareth turned to Wu with desperate eyes. "Sensei… any chance you've got fifty thousand in that magical teapot of yours?"
Wu calmly set down his cup of tea. "Worry not, Dareth. You're not in this alone. We're all with you."
Right then, the door swung open and Nya stepped in, brushing dust from her gloves. "Did someone say fifty thousand—?"
Jay nearly leapt out of his boots. "Gasp! You didn't happen to win the lottery, did you?!"
Nya gave him a sideways look. "No, but I did hear about Ninjaball Run."
Everyone except her blinked.
"Ninjaball what?"
Nya grinned. "The biggest road race in Ninjago. First prize? One hundred thousand big ones. And it's happening... tomorrow."
Dareth shook his head, smiling wistfully. "I appreciate it, little lady fighter, I really do. But you're talkin' about the most dangerous race known to man. Only the most serious racers even survive, let alone win."
Kai smirked and nudged Nya. "Didn't you just upgrade the Ultra Sonic Raider? Sounds like we might actually have a shot."
Lloyd stepped forward, fists clenched with excitement. "And I can enter with my dragon. You did say I needed the practice."
Wu nodded solemnly. "Then it is agreed. You will enter this… 'Ninjaball Run' to save the dojo."
Nya looked over and noticed Dareth still sniffling in the corner. "Are you still crying?"
Dareth wiped his eyes dramatically. "Yes… but these are happy tears now."
Zane suddenly tilted his head, then turned toward Jinx with a curious look. "Wait a moment. Jinx—why don't you lend Dareth the money? You do have fifty thousand, right?"
Everyone snapped their heads toward Jinx in unison, like a row of dominoes toppling.
Oh right… Jinx was kind of a rising star now—thanks to Cole's dad.
The man in question blinked slowly, then scratched the back of his neck.
"Yeah, usually I'd help," he said casually, "but I've got a lot of my money tied up in repairs for one of my properties. And just transporting the parts across sea and sand is already burning through my account like wildfire. So… no bailout this time, sorry Dareth."
Dareth just sighed, but this time there was no bitterness in his tone—only relief. "No problem, Jinx. At least now… we've got a solution."
And for the first time that day, the dojo didn't feel like it was falling apart.
(The following morning, there is a big crowd as several racers are waiting in line along with the Ultra Sonic Raider.)
Announcer #1: Welcome, everyone, to the 14th annual Ninjaball Run!
Announcer #2: The Grand Prix where it doesn't matter how you get there, as long as you get there first.
(Wu, Dareth, and his students Jeff and Phil join the crowd.)
Announcer #1: Well, let's take a look at the racers.
Announcer #2: I see the starter's line. We have a few familiar faces.
(The Postman jingles his bicycle bell before the Ultra Dragon lands next to him, making him fall off his bike.)
Postman: Watch it, you big oaf!
Cole: (looking at Lloyd) You look nervous, Lloyd. You okay?
Lloyd: N-n-nervous? (Chuckles) Maybe for you guys.
Nya: (Getting off the Ultra Sonic Raider) One final thing: I installed a pretty cool upgrade so if you're ever in a really tight spot, pull that lever because what it does. . .
(Brad Tudabone, in a modified school bus revs the engines, loudly as he and Gene grin at the ninja, who can't hear because of the noise.)
Kai: What?!
Nya: Pull that lever, because if you pull that lever. . .
Announcer #1: Alright, the race is about to start. And officials are saying pit crews must take their places.
Nya: . . .only under those circumstances and no other.
Announcer #1: We're about to begin!
Nya: That's my cue. Gotta go! Good luck! (She leaves to take her seat in the stands.)
Kai: Huh? Wait, Nya, we couldn't hear you!
(As Nya leaves, two more racers appear. It is Soto and his pirate crew in a van and Lou and The Royal Blacksmiths in a modified pick-up truck with a driver. The Royal Blacksmiths are singing in harmony.)
Cole: Look, it's my dad. They entered too?
Royal Blacksmiths: Too big, too big. Too slow, too slow. We had a lead but let it go.
(As the Royal Blacksmiths sing, Jay's parents, Ed and Edna appear in their jalopy.)
Jay: (embarrassed) Oh, no.
Edna: Jay! Jay! Oh. Oh, look, he sees us, Ed.
Ed: I see him, Edna. You don't have to embarrass the boy.
Jay: Oh, is there anyone we don't have to compete against?
(A portal soon appears and Kruncha and Nuckal come out of it, in a skull based vehicle, next to Soto's van.)
Announcer #2: Wait a minute, it appears some skeletons have crashed the party. Is this against the rules?
Announcer #1: Rules?! (Laughs) There's only one rule in Ninjaball Run, and that is cross the finish line first. Let's take a look at the course. The first grueling leg starts on the streets of Ninjago City and empties out into the treacherous Sea of Sand. Racers, look out for the dangerous crater way known as Crash Course Canyon, where the slightest mistake can be your last! The next two legs of the race take us into the winding maze known as the Birchwood Forest, and then through the perilous and icy Glacier Barrens. Finally, in the fourth and final leg, racers must beat the desert heat in the Badlands, which then takes us back to the finish line here in the heart of Ninjago City!
The following morning, the city buzzed with anticipation. Crowds packed the streets, leaning over fences, waving flags, and cheering as racers lined up along the starting line. At the center of it all gleamed the Ultra Sonic Raider, its sleek hull freshly polished, humming with power.
Massive screens displayed two excitable announcers broadcasting live across Ninjago.
"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the 14th Annual Ninjaball Run!" boomed Announcer One, his voice echoing over the stadium speakers.
"The Grand Prix where it doesn't matter how you get there," added Announcer Two, "as long as you get there first!"
In the midst of the crowd, Master Wu, Dareth, and Dareth's two loyal but mostly clueless students, Jeff and Phil, nudged their way forward to catch a better view.
"Let's take a look at the racers, shall we?" said Announcer One.
The cameras panned to the starter's line. A strange and chaotic collection of vehicles idled, coughed, or glowed with anticipation. Among them: a familiar bicycle bell jingled politely. It was the Postman, calmly balancing on his humble two-wheeler.
Then—WHAM!—a massive gust of wind and wings sent him flying into a bush as the Ultra Dragon landed beside him with a thunderous roar.
"Watch it, you big oaf!" the Postman shouted, picking himself up and shaking a fist at the dragon.
Back at the Raider, Cole glanced at Lloyd, who was bouncing his leg with nervous energy.
"You look nervous," Cole said. "You okay?"
"N-n-nervous?" Lloyd laughed unconvincingly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Maybe you guys should be nervous."
Just then, Nya stepped off the Raider, toolbelt bouncing at her hip. "Alright, one last thing before the chaos starts. I installed a pretty sweet upgrade. If you're ever in a really tight spot—pull that lever. Because what it does is—"
A massive VROOOOOOM cut her off. A school bus—bright yellow and heavily modified—revved its engines like a war cry. At the wheel was Brad Tudabone, his co-pilot Gene cackling beside him. The sound was so loud, none of the ninja heard a single word.
Kai squinted. "What?!"
"I said—pull that lever! Because if you pull that—!"
"Pit crews to their stations," boomed Announcer One. "The race is about to begin!"
Nya pointed a finger at them. "Only under those circumstances and no other!" Then she turned on her heel and jogged toward the stands. "Good luck!"
Kai cupped his hands around his mouth. "Wait! Nya! We couldn't hear you!"
Too late.
More engines roared to life. From the far side of the starting line rolled in a colorful van with sails slapped on the side. Captain Soto and his pirate crew cheered from the windows, banging on the roof with cutlasses and mugs of root beer. Right behind them, in a pickup truck modified with stage lights and sound equipment, sat Lou and the Royal Blacksmiths.
"Is that—" Cole narrowed his eyes. "That's my dad!"
The Royal Blacksmiths broke into harmony mid-tune:
"Too big, too big. Too slow, too slow. We had a lead but let it goooo—"
Before anyone could comment, a sputtering jalopy crawled onto the scene. Inside were none other than Ed and Edna, Jay's overly enthusiastic parents.
Edna leaned out the window, waving frantically. "Jay! Jay! Oh, look Ed, he sees us!"
"I see him, Edna," Ed said calmly, sipping coffee. "You don't have to embarrass the boy."
Jay covered his face with his hands. "Oh no. Is there anyone we're not racing against?"
As if summoned by irony itself, a swirling portal opened beside Soto's van. Out screeched a skull-covered vehicle, jagged wheels grinding the pavement. Kruncha and Nuckal popped out from the top, waving like they were at a parade.
"Wait a minute," said Announcer Two. "It appears some skeletons have crashed the party. Is this even allowed?"
Announcer One cackled. "Allowed? There's only one rule in Ninjaball Run—get to the finish line first!"
The screens shifted to a map of the course. "Let's break it down: the first leg rips through the streets of Ninjago City. Next comes the Sea of Sand—beware the deadly Crash Course Canyon! Then racers must survive the twisted maze of Birchwood Forest, followed by the icy death trap known as the Glacier Barrens. The final leg? A sun-scorched sprint through the Badlands, looping back here for the final showdown!"
Suddenly, the earth trembled beneath everyone's feet. A mechanical ROAR tore through the sky like thunder.
Heads turned. Eyes widened.
From the clouds descended a beast of metal—a dragon made entirely of chrome and gears, its wings spinning like rotor blades, its back lined with gleaming saws. It screeched through the air and crashed down at the edge of the starting line, kicking up a storm of dust.
The dragon's mouth opened.
Out walked Jinx.
Casual.
Cool.
Hands in his pockets.
"Sup, guys."
A hush of awe rippled through the crowd as a loud mechanical roar split the air. All eyes turned skyward. From above, a monstrous mech dragon—its body gleaming like steel forged in lightning, saw-blades whirring along its back—descended with a thunderous crash. Dust and sparks exploded as the dragon landed with spine-shaking force, its claws digging into the stone of the Ninjago City square. A hiss of steam shot from its joints as its massive mouth creaked open, and out stepped a figure cloaked in a familiar hue of deep violet.
"Sup, guys," Jinx said coolly, stepping into view, eyes gleaming under his hood.
Announcer #1: "Wooooow! It seems the Purple Ninja has arrived… in a mech dragon! Folks, we are witnessing history!"
Cheers erupted from the stands, fans leaping to their feet as cameras zoomed in on Jinx's entrance. But even the excitement couldn't drown out the tension building in the air.
Meanwhile, the announcers continued describing the race's harrowing final leg.
Announcer #2: "The fourth and final leg will truly test our racers. After the icy wilderness of the Glacier Barrens, they'll face the scorching heat of the Badlands. Survivors of that punishing gauntlet will return here—to the heart of Ninjago City—for a dramatic finish!"
Kai stood by the Ultra Sonic Raider, arms crossed, watching the chaos around them. His brows furrowed as he took in the wild assortment of competitors.
"I don't know, guys," he said, his voice low but firm. "If we're gonna save the dojo, we'll have to beat some pretty stiff competition."
Announcer #1: "And now, a final word from our officials—let's have a good, clean race!"
Unbeknownst to the officials or the ninja, Gene and a shady companion crouched beside the Ultra Sonic Raider. They shared a devious grin as they stealthily unscrewed a vital bolt from the vehicle's left traction belt. The metal piece clinked against the ground, unseen beneath the hum of engines. They slipped away, laughing, and reboarded Brad Tudabone's raucous, modified school bus.
Announcer #1: "So good luck to everyone!"
Nearby, a large TV screen blinked to life. A red light appeared, and instantly, engines across the plaza growled to life.
The red light shifted to yellow.
Announcer #1: "On your mark… get set…"
Green.
Announcer #1: "Ninjaball… GO!"
The thunderous roar of dozens of vehicles ignited the air as racers surged forward. The ground trembled as wheels, hooves, treads, and claws sped off down the wide streets of Ninjago City.
"Come on, boy!" Lloyd shouted, urging the Ultra Dragon into the sky. With a tremendous flap of its wings, the beast leapt upward and joined the race.
But behind them—
KACHUNK!
The Ultra Sonic Raider jerked violently as the left traction belt tore free and slithered off like a dead snake. The vehicle ground to a halt.
"What happened?!" Zane exclaimed, already checking diagnostics.
Cole slammed a fist into his palm. "We've been sabotaged!"
Meanwhile, the streets turned into a battlefield. Soto's pirate van loomed over Ed and Edna's jalopy, trying to spook them with close tailing. But the old couple had tricks of their own. Edna pushed a button on their dashboard, and the jalopy's wheels inflated into massive rubber balls. It bounced upward and slammed into Soto's van, ricocheting into the Royal Blacksmiths' truck, the Postman's bicycle, Brad's bus, and even the skull-shaped skeleton-mobile.
From the rear of the race, Lloyd struggled with the Ultra Dragon's reins.
"Whoa! Oh!" he yelled as the dragon flapped clumsily. "Wrong way! Oh, we're going the wrong way!"
Far from the race, at the prison on the city's outskirts, a Fangpyre-themed bus screeched to a stop near the high walls. Chains shot out, wrapping around the bars of a specific cell. The bus roared forward, tearing the bars clean off.
Inside, Skales grinned darkly, stepping out of his cell with a hiss. He slithered atop the bus's roof and glanced down at his old allies.
"About time!" he growled. "Let's get outta here!"
The bus peeled away as sirens wailed. Two police cruisers sped after them, tires shrieking. They blasted through a barricade and soon found themselves merging directly onto the racecourse.
"What in the world is going on?" Skales muttered, eyes wide as the bizarre parade of vehicles surrounded him. Their bus smashed into Ed and Edna's car, veering wildly as the police cruisers collided with the skull vehicle—now part of the race whether they liked it or not.
Announcer #1: (watching from a tower's monitor) "Ooh! Things just got interesting! It seems some new competitors have joined the race. And meanwhile, the ninja are still stuck at the starting line in dead last!"
Back on the street, Cole and the others were hard at work.
"Oh, great!" Jay cried. "We're already out of the race!"
"We can't quit now," Cole grunted, squatting beside the Raider. "Not with everything that's on the line. Help me lift this!"
Together, the ninja strained against the weight of the disabled machine. Kai and Jay yanked the traction belt back into place, sweat beading on their brows. The crowd, sensing the effort, began to cheer them on.
"So that's how this is gonna go," Kai said, climbing into his seat. "Alright, boys—let's do this!"
With a fresh roar, the Ultra Sonic Raider sprang back to life, engines firing and wheels skidding as it tore down the street in pursuit of the racers.
The Ninjaball Run was officially on.
Aboard the dark and looming Black Bounty, shadows flickered from the glow of hanging lanterns that swung with the creaking of the ship. The sea of clouds outside churned with thunder, and inside the war room, Lord Garmadon sat at the head of a jagged, obsidian table. Around him, a half-circle of Serpentine generals stood at attention—Scales, Fangtom, Bytar, and others—awaiting their master's next decree.
Garmadon leaned forward, drumming his fingers against the armrest of his throne, eyes locked on a flickering crystal screen that showed the chaos of the Ninjaball Run.
"Now that the dojo is doomed," he sneered, his voice a cold rasp that made even the Serpentine shift uncomfortably, "we'll crush them before Lloyd ever becomes a true ninja."
Suddenly, the announcer's voice crackled through the screen's speakers, almost mockingly upbeat.
Announcer #1: "We're here live at the 14th annual Ninjaball Run, and folks—it looks like the ninja are back in the race! Could this be the greatest comeback in Ninjaball history? If they win, they'll claim this year's massive cash prize!"
Garmadon froze. His red eyes narrowed.
"They're trying to save the dojo?" he growled, standing abruptly. The air seemed to darken around him. "Will they ever quit?!"
He slammed a fist against the wall. "Set sail for the race. At once! We can't let them win!"
Within moments, the Black Bounty lurched forward, its massive engines humming to life with a low, bone-rattling drone. Dark sails unfurled like wings of a vulture, catching the storm winds. It soared toward the chaos of the race.
Back on the racecourse, the action was heating up as the competitors approached Crash Course Canyon—a treacherous stretch of narrow cliffs, sharp turns, and unpredictable wind tunnels.
Ed and Edna, still somehow clinging to first place, rode in their trusty old clunker of a car—now retrofitted with more gadgets than a Nindroid's toolbelt. With wild grins on their faces and goggles strapped to their heads, the couple was living their best life.
"Hold on, sweetie," Ed said with a chuckle, flipping a switch on the dash. "Let's see how they like THIS!"
A clang echoed as the vehicle ejected a volley of large, bouncing wheel-balls behind them. They scattered across the road like iron marbles from a giant's pocket. Racers behind them swerved wildly to avoid them. One wheel-ball slammed into the poor Postman, sending his bike spinning.
"Incoming!" he cried, narrowly avoiding a collision with the skull-themed hotrod as he flung the ball off the road.
"Nice one, dear!" Edna said proudly.
Ed grinned and hit another button. With a hiss of compressed air, traction spikes extended from their wheels, locking them to the ground like claws. Their vehicle dove fearlessly into the twisting canyon pass.
Behind them, chaos erupted.
Captain Soto's pirate van roared up beside Brad Tudabone's bus, which blared bad techno music and belched clouds of exhaust. A rogue pirate, perched atop the van's turret like a lookout on the mast, took aim with a roof-mounted cannon.
Brad, glancing through the side mirror, caught the glint of metal.
"Huh?"
Without thinking, he yanked the wheel. The bus swerved dangerously toward the pirates, causing the cannon pirate to wobble and nearly tumble off.
"Treachery, me lads!" Soto bellowed, eyes wild. "Let 'em HAVE IT!"
The pirate van rammed into the side of the bus, only for Brad to retaliate in kind. The two vehicles clashed like titans of the junkyard, metal screeching against metal as they fought for control near the canyon's jagged mouth.
Then, a sudden roar shook the canyon.
Every head turned skyward.
From above, slicing through the smoky clouds like a meteor, descended the mech dragon. Glinting in polished violet steel, thrumming with arcane energy, the beast dove with incredible speed, its claws extended. Piloting it from a reinforced cockpit high between its shoulder blades was none other than Jinx, a cocky grin plastered across his face.
"Uh-oh," Brad muttered, gripping the wheel tight.
With a screech of metal, the dragon seized Brad's entire bus in its claws, lifting it from the canyon road like a child grabbing a toy. Brad's panicked scream was drowned out by the screech of twisted engines and the wind howling past the windows.
Inside the cockpit, Jinx raised an eyebrow and smirked.
"Don't mind if I borrow this."
With a growl of mechanical gears, the mech dragon twisted in the air and hurled the bus straight at Soto's van. The vehicle spiraled through the air like a missile.
"EVERYONE DUCK!" Soto shouted.
The pirate van veered as the bus crashed down in a thunderous explosion of dirt and debris, kicking up a stormcloud that blinded every racer behind them.
As the dust settled and vehicles braked, swerved, and screamed in disarray, the mech dragon flew above them, banking sharply toward the finish line.
Jinx, glancing back from his cockpit, grinned.
"Catch me if you can."
Announcer #1: Ouchy mama! Pirates are out of the race!
Soto: goddamn you purple pajama man!
The rhythmic beat of drums echoed through the canyon as the Royal Blacksmiths' truck rolled past, chrome shining and exhaust pipes belching musical puffs. Their driver leaned out the window with a wide grin as the band, still playing atop the truck bed, sang their parting jab:
Royal Blacksmiths & Driver:
"So long, A-do,
You're wrecked and looking blue!
Doo-doo, doo-doo!
So here's a song…!"
Soto stood by the entrance to the canyon, his coat singed and beard still smoking from the recent chaos. His eye twitched as the melodic mockery passed by.
Royal Blacksmiths & Driver (continuing):
"…and here is a tune!"
The truck rumbled deeper into the canyon, music fading into the dust.
Soto clenched his fists. "Blast ye scurvy knaves! I'll get you for this!"
Moments later, a barrage of racers stormed by—first the Skull Vehicle, its bone-like exterior rattling with speed, then the Fangpyre Bus hissing smoke, followed closely by two squealing police cars. Soto barely had time to step back.
Behind them, No-Eyed Pete struggled to keep his battered ship-shaped racer on course, lurching side to side as his parrot squawked desperately from his shoulder.
"Left!" the parrot cried.
Pete turned sharply—right.
"No, your other left!" the bird squawked again.
The massive Ultra Sonic Raider thundered past, blowing a gust of air so strong it sent Pete spinning in place like a top. Dazed, he slumped forward on the wheel and fainted, his racer rolling to a stop just before the canyon entrance.
Inside the Ultra Sonic Raider, Jay leaned forward, excitement lighting up his face.
"Yeah!" he whooped. "We're no longer in last! Things are finally looking up!"
Zane, calmly analyzing the digital map on his display, nodded. "Indeed. Jinx is near the front. With him ahead, we're practically guaranteed to win."
But their victory lap was short-lived.
A shadow fell across the canyon.
The Black Bounty had arrived.
The dread ship tore through the sky above them, its sails unfurled like wings of a great demon. Its dark hull glistened like obsidian, casting a wide shadow over the racers below.
Kai's head jerked up. "Oh no… Garmadon!"
Jay's stomach sank. "What?!"
Spitta, hunched beside the command railings, peered toward the fleet of racers below. "Lord Garmadon, are you going to use the Mega Weapon?"
Garmadon stepped forward, robes billowing in the wind, his four arms folded behind him as he looked down upon the canyon like a king surveying ants.
"What's the point?" he said with cold amusement. "Look at them… trapped like rats. Set all cannons to fire. Now that they're in our sights, they have nowhere to run."
He strode toward one of the massive cannons as a Fangpyre and a Venomari serpent manned the controls, adjusting the sights to lock onto the Ultra Sonic Raider.
Inside the Raider, alarms blared. The targeting sensors had picked up the incoming threat.
Jay paled. "Ahh, we're sitting ducks! There's nowhere to run!"
On the race's broadcast, Announcer #1's voice came through with dramatic flair:
"And… are those cannons?! Ha! I would not want to be in the Ultra Sonic Raider right now."
Announcer #2, less bold, whimpered audibly, "Oh, I can't watch!" He covered his eyes. "But you, the fans, can—in glorious high definition."
Watching from a distant monitor at race HQ, Nya's eyes widened.
"They can't get out of the way…!"
Beside her, Dareth covered his eyes and whimpered, "I can't bear to look…!"
Meanwhile, not far from the lead, Jinx was casually cruising in his mech dragon, one hand on the controls and the other holding a half-eaten slice of cake. His cheeks were full as he chewed, his voice muffled.
"Hmmm… I really should stop eating so much…" He glanced down at his stomach. "Naaaaah. I'm gaining weight anyway. No harm, no foul."
Just as he prepared to finish the last bite, a high-pitched emergency alert blared from his console. Zane's voice message was embedded in the code: "Warning—Ninja in danger. Immediate action required."
Jinx froze mid-bite.
"Again? Seriously, guys?" He sighed through frosting-stained lips and tapped the controls. A secondary monitor flickered to life, showing the Black Bounty poised above the canyon—its cannons locked on the Sonic Raider.
His eyes narrowed. "Ugh. Of course."
He made a mental note. Tell Nya to install way more weapons on the Sonic Raider later.
With a flick of his fingers, he tapped the button with a rocket logo. Outside, two sleek panels on his dragon's back hissed open, revealing dual multi-rocket launchers primed and ready.
"Let's see how they like it," Jinx muttered.
He hit the button again. The launchers kicked back and fired, a brilliant swarm of heat-seeking rockets streaking into the sky toward the Black Bounty like avenging stars.
The sky lit up in flashes of orange and red.
The Ultra Sonic Raider roared through the canyon, its engines straining as the rocky cliffs closed in around it. Dust trailed behind in thick plumes, and the sun above was blotted out by the looming figure of the Black Bounty, casting long, ominous shadows over the racing vehicles below.
High above, Garmadon stood at the prow of his floating warship, arms crossed behind his back like a triumphant conqueror. His eyes, glowing faintly red, narrowed as he watched the Raider zigzag through the narrow bends below.
He let out a quiet, confident laugh.
"Goodbye, ninja," he said, voice low and venomous. Then louder, for all to hear, "This race is over."
A dozen Serpentine cackled around him—Spitta, Lizaru, and even the grizzled Skales all gathering at the railings, eager for the show.
Cannons on the port and starboard sides clicked into place, gears grinding as they locked onto the moving Raider. Crimson runes flickered to life along their barrels, charging with dark energy.
"Fire on my mark—!" Garmadon raised a clawed hand.
But before the order could fall, a sharp ping echoed from one of the radar stations. Then another. And another.
Spitta frowned, flicking a switch. "Uh, Lord Garmadon…?"
Warning. Incoming projectiles. Proximity alert.
The ship's internal alarm began to howl.
Garmadon's expression twisted. "What—?"
Suddenly, the skies above the Black Bounty lit up in fiery streaks of light.
From the clouds came a swarm of missiles—dozens of them—hissing like angry hornets as they arced downward in a perfect formation. Each one gleamed with custom warpaint: red spirals, skull insignias, and one even had a smiley face crudely drawn on the nose.
"MISSILES!!" hissed a Venomari soldier.
Garmadon's face dropped in stunned disbelief. "Who dares—?"
From below and to the side, the unmistakable roar of Jinx's mech dragon echoed up the canyon walls, its afterburners flaring bright. In the cockpit, Jinx sat smugly, arms crossed now that the button had been pressed.
"You didn't seriously think I wasn't watching," he muttered, licking the last of the frosting from his fingers.
Back on the Black Bounty, chaos broke loose.
The Fangpyre panicked, scattering from the cannons. Lizaru tried to duck behind a mast, hissing, "We're under attack!" One Serpentine tripped and fell headfirst into a coil of rope, shrieking.
Garmadon staggered as the first missile exploded just off the port side, sending a shockwave through the entire ship. Flames licked across the deck. Another missile struck the starboard cannon, obliterating it in a burst of fire and smoke.
"SHIELDS! SHIELDS!!" Garmadon roared, but it was too late.
The next volley struck midship.
The Black Bounty lurched violently, metal groaning, sails ripping in the heat. Garmadon stumbled back, catching himself on a rail as debris rained down around him. A piece of flaming wood clattered to the deck beside his boot.
Spitta screamed as a small cannonball, launched by the shockwave, grazed his shoulder and sent him spinning into a barrel.
In the distance, Jinx cackled.
"Told you guys: never underestimate cake-fueled vengeance."
Down below, the Ultra Sonic Raider weaved through the canyon—untouched, unscathed, and now completely unnoticed. Jay peeked out the roof hatch to see smoke billowing above them.
He whooped. "Did Jinx just save us with missiles?!"
Zane nodded with a small smile. "Affirmative. Precision strike. Estimated probability of victory has now increased by 37 percent."
Kai let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. "Remind me to get Jinx an even bigger cake."
Far above, as flames rose and smoke choked the skies, Lord Garmadon clutched the railing, teeth clenched, cape torn at the edges.
"Jinx," he growled through gritted teeth, "this… is not over."
A sudden gust of wind howled through the canyon as a deafening roar echoed from above. All eyes turned skyward.
From the clouds descended a massive shape—scales glinting like polished silver, wings wide enough to cast a shadow over half the canyon. The Ultra Dragon—a living legend of Ninjago—plummeted downward with unbridled speed, its four elemental heads roaring in unison.
Lloyd Garmadon, gripping a set of reins that were more symbolic than practical, clung tightly to the creature's back.
"Whoa! Ahhh!" Lloyd yelped, eyes wide as the dragon dove. "Out of the way!"
The Ultra Dragon collided directly into the rear end of the Black Bounty with a tremendous crash that shook the sky. Garmadon and a half-dozen Serpentine were flung backward like dominoes, sent sprawling across the deck in a rain of wood splinters and curse words.
But the Ultra Sonic Raider, moments behind the dragon, emerged from the explosion smoke like a bullet through a cloud—untouched and unhindered. It roared past the damaged Black Bounty, engines humming proudly.
"Nice going, Lloyd!" Kai called up through the hatch, grinning.
Lloyd, flailing, tried to grip the reins properly but slipped, now dangling upside down from them like a broken ornament. "I did? I mean—yeah, I did! Totally planned that!" He swung himself back up with some effort. "Hey, what do you say we work together?"
Jay nodded, blue lightning crackling at his fingertips. "Yeah, I say let's show 'em what we ninja are all about."
The rest of the team echoed the cry, fists raised.
"NINJA, GO!"
Back aboard the Black Bounty, flames licked at torn sails and smoke choked the air. Garmadon staggered to his feet, his cape half-burned, his crown crooked.
"They're getting away!" he roared.
Mezmo slithered up behind him, rubbing his scaly chin. "Uh, why don't you use your Mega Weapon?"
Garmadon's red eyes blazed. "Because I can only use it once before it saps all my energy! And then who's going to slap you idiots around to get this ship moving?!"
SMACK!
He slapped Mezmo across the snout for emphasis.
"Get this ship moving! And someone get on the radar! I won't let that damn Jinx get the best of me! He reminds me too much of that blasted woman!"
Mezmo blinked in pain and confusion. "Okaaay... You heard the Evil Lord! FULL SPEED AHEAD!"
The Black Bounty groaned as its engines flared and the ship began to lurch forward again, battered but far from out of the race.
Garmadon gritted his teeth, staring ahead with burning hate. "No one shall defeat me. Not in battle, not in conquest, and certainly not in a race. I will win this."
Back at the start line, the crowd roared with excitement as the giant monitors displayed the two leading figures: the Ultra Sonic Raider and the Ultra Dragon, racing neck and neck through the final stretch of canyon.
Announcer #1's voice boomed: "It looks like our leaders are just about to enter the second leg of the race—into the perilous Birchwood Forest!"
In the distance, a peaceful bird fluttered from its branch—only to screech and flee as the thunderous racers burst into the forest.
The Fangpyre bus bounced along the path, rattling with every twist. It tore ahead of the Royal Blacksmiths' truck.
Inside the blacksmiths' vehicle, music still played, the band singing as they bounced in rhythm.
"You, dum-de-dum, you, dum-de-dum, you…"
But fate struck with cruel timing. Their promotional banner, meant to wave proudly in the wind, snagged on a thick branch hanging over the path.
With a loud snap, the banner tore free—pulling the truck sideways.
CRASH!
The Royal Blacksmiths' truck slammed into a snowbank, flipping over and landing in a frosty heap. Snow exploded into the air as instruments flew everywhere. Moments later, the dazed musicians poked their heads out from the snowdrift, still rhyming:
"Too big, too big…
Too slow, too slow…
We had a lead but let it go…"
As they groaned, the Ultra Sonic Raider zoomed past, unhindered.
Cole peeked out of the Raider's side window and caught a glimpse of the wreckage—his father standing knee-deep in snow, brushing a cymbal off his head.
His shoulders sank.
"Oh, man…"
But then came a new sound—another roar, deeper and mechanical.
From above, Jinx's mech dragon screamed down from the sky, smoke trailing from its booster thrusters. Its metallic claws gleamed in the sunlight.
In a single, graceful swoop, it snatched the Royal Blacksmiths' truck from the snowbank like a toy in a claw machine. With thrusters flaring, the mech dragon lifted the truck upright and placed it gently back onto the track.
From the cockpit, Jinx shouted through an external speaker, still chewing the last bite of cake.
"Can't have good music dying out that early in the race! Onward, rock stars!"
The mech dragon banked sharply upward and vanished into the clouds again.
Inside the truck, the Royal Blacksmiths blinked… then grinned.
One grabbed his guitar.
"You, dum-de-dum, you—YEAH! Dum-de-DUM, you!"
The truck roared to life, tires spinning, and they charged back into the race, music louder than ever.
Kai shielded his eyes as thick pine branches blurred past in a rush of motion. "We'll never get through those trees to catch up," he muttered, frustration edging his voice.
But Lloyd grinned, undeterred. "I'll find a shortcut!" he shouted, his voice full of youthful confidence. He gave the reins a firm tug. "Up, boy!"
With a mighty sweep of its colossal wings, the Ultra Dragon surged into the sky. Lloyd laughed, wind whipping at his hair. "Whoa! You actually went up!"
Below, the winding path of the Birchwood Forest opened like a secret passage beneath the canopy. From his aerial vantage, Lloyd spotted it instantly. He leaned forward. "There! Follow me!" he called, and the dragon swooped low again, gliding with purpose through a narrow clearing. The Ultra Sonic Raider turned sharply to pursue.
"Whoo-hoo!" Lloyd whooped as pine needles and snow blasted behind him.
Jay blinked in awe. "Wow, he's getting the hang of it."
Cole smiled, his voice tinged with relief. "And it looks like we've made up the lost time."
But not everyone was impressed.
From a rocky rise near the edge of the trees, Kruncha and Nuckal peered through goggles.
"Working together!" Nuckal scowled.
"Not if we have anything to say about it," Kruncha growled.
Without another word, Nuckal scrambled to the side of their skull-shaped buggy and manned the grapple cannon. With a hiss of steam and a loud KA-CHUNK, the claw launched, catching tight around the Ultra Dragon's rear leg.
Lloyd's eyes widened as he felt the dragon jolt mid-flight. "Whoa—!"
The mighty beast roared, wings flailing as it tried to keep airborne, but the weight of the chained buggy dragged it earthward. They careened through the trees, slamming into the snowy ground with a thunderous CRASH.
Meanwhile, Kruncha grunted as he spun the wheel to reel the dragon closer, unaware of a thick tree looming in their path.
"Wait—turn! TURN!" Nuckal shouted too late.
The chain snapped taut around the trunk, jerking the vehicle into a violent spin. With a dizzying whirl, they wrapped around the tree like a yo-yo, slamming hard into it and flipping upside down. Two wheels popped off and clattered into the snow.
Back at the starting line, the audience gasped in unison as the crash replayed in a grainy slow-motion feed on the jumbotron.
Announcer #1 grimaced. "Oof! A nasty crash! More racers are out!"
Announcer #2 leaned into his mic. "Let's hope they're okay. But if they're not, don't go anywhere—slow-motion replay coming right up!"
Back in the forest, the skull buggy lay smoldering and upside-down. Kruncha and Nuckal were half-buried in a snowdrift, swatting at each other in a flurry of frustrated limbs and curses.
A few paces away, Lloyd stumbled to his feet and rushed to the fallen Ultra Dragon. Its massive body lay sprawled in the snow, flanks heaving with exertion. One of its heads let out a weak growl, but it tilted slightly, nuzzling Lloyd.
"Are you okay there, fella?" Lloyd asked softly, placing a hand on the beast's scales.
The dragon gave a slow nod with one head, the others still catching their breath. Lloyd's eyes narrowed in determination. "We'll get back in the race. I promise."
Just then, a gentle chime echoed through the silent woods.
Ping.
Lloyd blinked, confused, until he remembered something. Reaching into his robe, he pulled out a sleek, metallic phone—one Jinx had given him in secret, away from the others' eyes. The screen lit up with a picture of him and Jinx standing side by side. Above the image, Jinx's name flashed along with two glowing buttons: Pick Up and Hang Up.
Lloyd pressed the green one.
He brought the phone to his ear. "Hello? Jinx?"
A familiar, laid-back voice answered immediately. "Hey, bud. You doing alright back there?"
Lloyd smiled despite himself. "Yeah. The Ultra Dragon just needs some rest… and maybe something to eat. But he'll be back to a hundred percent soon."
"Good," Jinx said with quiet pride. "Rest up, kid. You did good."
Lloyd didn't reply right away. A gentle warmth bloomed in his chest, a rare feeling for someone who had spent so much of his life trying to prove himself. For once, he didn't feel like the Green Ninja. He felt like someone's kid.
"I'll catch up," Lloyd finally whispered. "We're not out of this yet."
At the start line, tension lingered in the crisp air. Dareth stood stiffly, his lower lip quivering as he gazed up at the massive screen broadcasting the chaos of the race. Behind him, the two announcers adjusted their headsets and moved in closer.
"Excuse us," said Announcer #1, voice smooth as velvet, "but you're all friends of the boy dragon rider, aren't ya? Tell us—how do you feel right now?"
Dareth blinked, the question hitting him like a punch to the gut. His shoulders sagged, and he exhaled shakily.
"Oh, I feel terrible," he admitted, eyes glossy with guilt. "This is all my fault. The only reason he and the ninja entered this race in the first place… was to save my dojo." He turned toward the camera, voice cracking. "If they don't win, those greedy developers are gonna tear it down—leaving all my poor kids without a place to train… without a place to belong."
The crowd, silent for a beat, looked around at each other. Something sparked—sympathy turning to passion. One by one, they rose to their feet, hands cupped around their mouths.
"Dojo! Dojo! Dojo!"
The chant grew louder, swelling like a wave as the entire stadium joined in.
"Dojo! Dojo! Dojo!"
Announcer #1 blinked, visibly moved. "I don't know if you can feel it up there in the booth, but down here—this crowd has clearly chosen their favorites: the ninja."
Announcer #2 nodded. "Oh, I feel it, alright. But if the ninja want to hang on to that lead, they'd better buckle their seatbelts… because up next is the deadliest part of the race—the Glacier Barrens!"
Miles away, at the edge of the Glacier Barrens, two villagers were locked in a fierce snowball fight, grinning like children. They didn't hear the thunderous engines until it was nearly too late.
"Hey, watch it!" one yelped, diving out of the way as a caravan of racers barreled through the frozen clearing.
Skales, hunched over the wheel of the Fangpyre bus, snarled. "I can't shake them!"
Behind him, police cars skidded and swerved in pursuit, lights flashing furiously.
"They're not interested in catching you," said Acidicus coolly. "They want to win."
The police cars veered too close to the Postman, forcing him off course. One crashed into an igloo, sending snow and debris flying. The Postman exhaled in relief—only to scream moments later as he plowed into a snowman. His bike kept going, eerily balanced with the snowman now riding it.
Inside the Ultra Sonic Raider, Kai watched the monitor, eyes gleaming.
"Finally," he said. "Nothing can stop us now."
But as if summoned by irony, the Raider gave a sudden sputter. Warning lights blinked. The engines began to stutter, flames dwindling to embers.
A beeping alarm echoed.
Zane leaned over the console, his brow furrowed. "Oh no… We've depleted our fuel supply. At this rate, we won't make it to the finish line."
Jay clutched the dashboard, despair sinking in. "I don't want to say it, guys, but I think our goose is cooked."
Just then, a cheerful honking cut through the wind. Outside the Raider, a rusty old vehicle rumbled up beside them—Jay's parents, Ed and Edna, smiling like it was a Sunday drive.
"You boys look like you could use a hand!" Ed called. "We heard on the radio you're trying to save Dareth's dojo!"
Edna beamed. "We're so proud of you, son!"
Jay blinked. "Thanks, Mom… but we're out of gas!"
Edna clapped her hands. "Then take ours!"
Jay's mouth fell open. "What?! But—how?! If we stop, we'll lose the lead!"
"No need," said Ed. He grabbed a fuel hose from the back, nodding to Edna, who immediately took the wheel. With the calm of experience, she pulled up alongside the Raider and opened their vehicle's filler cap. Ed passed one end of the hose to Jay.
"Take this end, son."
Jay climbed out of the Raider, balancing carefully on the icy edge. "Keep it steady…!"
He reached the cap, opened it, and took the hose.
"Ready, Dad!"
Ed gave a thumbs up, then pulled a lever. The transfer began, the line pumping fuel directly into the Ultra Sonic Raider.
Meanwhile, aboard the Black Bounty, Garmadon growled with frustration.
"We're not fast enough. We should be pulling ahead!"
Mezmo turned from the controls. "But we're already at maximum speed!"
Garmadon's eyes narrowed. "Then get rid of the excess weight."
Mezmo blinked. "What… excess weight?"
A moment later, several shrieks echoed through the air as Serpentine were thrown overboard one by one. Some landed face-first in the snow. Others crashed awkwardly onto the roof of the Fangpyre bus.
Garmadon scowled, raising a clawed hand. "I order you to slow the ninja down!"
On the bus roof, Lizaru struggled to balance. He peered over the edge and gasped.
"Skales?!"
Skales, now behind the wheel, snapped back without looking. "Get off the windshield! I'm trying to win a race!"
He flipped on the wiper blades. Lizaru shrieked as he was promptly flung off.
Snike and Fang-Suei weren't far behind. With practiced leaps, they jumped from the bus—and landed squarely on top of the Ultra Sonic Raider, hissing as they prepared to strike.
Cole gritted his teeth. "Looks like we've got company, boys."
The race wasn't over yet.
Not by a long shot.
Jay shouted with urgency, "Ninja, go!" A swirl of lightning erupted around him as he launched into Spinjitzu, his vortex knocking two Serpentine clean off the Ultra Sonic Raider.
"Need some help, guys!" he called out.
Zane and Cole were already on the move.
"We've got your back!" Zane replied, his voice calm and steady. "Ninja, go!"
He spun in a flash of white and blue, knocking a Constrictai through the air like a ragdoll. It crashed into a snowbank with a grunt.
Cole's eyes narrowed as he spotted a Fangpyre crawling dangerously close to the fuel hose connecting the jalopy to the Raider.
"Oh, no you don't." Cole's fists tightened. "Ninja, go!"
His earth-toned Spinjitzu kicked up a cloud of snow and sent the Fangpyre flying with a cry.
A Venomari dropped onto the jalopy, its claws scraping the roof.
Jay didn't hesitate. "Ninja, go!"
A crackle of electricity surged with his spin, knocking the serpent off with a startled screech.
Then came Rattla, leaping onto the Ultra Sonic Raider. He landed before Zane with a wicked grin.
"Look into my eyes, ninja," Rattla hissed.
His eyes began to glow, pulsing with hypnotic waves.
Zane, unaffected, simply turned his head all the way around, robotic joints whirring as he avoided the gaze entirely.
Rattla recoiled in disgust. "Ugh! That is so gross!"
"Hey! Down here!" Cole shouted. He and Jay were crouched below, forming snowballs. With perfect aim, they hurled them at Rattla's face, temporarily blinding him.
"Now, Zane!" Jay called.
Zane turned his head back and struck. "Ninja, go!"
With one clean whirl of Spinjitzu, Rattla was launched into the air with a shriek. He flailed as he landed right on Ed and Edna's jalopy, his hand grabbing the wheel in a panic.
The steering jerked violently.
The jalopy veered off-course, pulling the fuel line taut. The Ultra Sonic Raider jolted. Both vehicles spiraled into a chaotic spin.
Skales, farther behind, let out a scream as the sudden blockage forced him to swerve.
Ahead, the Mailman's runaway bike—still carrying the snowman—slammed against another racer's windshield, startling the driver and triggering a domino effect of crashes.
Gasps echoed across the crowd as the Glacier Barrens became a storm of spinning vehicles and scattered racers.
Nya groaned, exasperated. "Not again!"
Dareth, peeking through his fingers from the sidelines, whimpered, "I can't take this anymore…" and covered his eyes.
Finally, the Ultra Sonic Raider screeched to a halt just shy of the wreckage. Jay leapt out, heart pounding, and ran to the smoking remains of the jalopy where his parents were already climbing out.
"Mom! Dad! Are you okay?" he asked, rushing to them.
Ed chuckled softly, brushing snow off his jacket. "We're fine, son. Just wish I could say the same for the old jalopy."
Edna nodded, patting the side of the dented vehicle. "Yeah… shame she didn't make it to the finish line."
Jay looked down and noticed a dislodged headlamp at his feet. Gently, he picked it up.
"I'll make sure a part of her does."
Then, a metallic roar rumbled over the icy plains. Heads turned as a massive mechanical dragon descended from the sky, its landing soft yet thunderous. The dragon's sleek metal feet dug into the snow before it lowered itself onto its stomach, gears clicking into place.
With a hiss of steam, the dragon's mouth opened wide.
Jinx stepped out onto the metallic tongue, arms spread dramatically.
"Your chariot has arrived, Mr. and Mrs. Walker. This way, please."
The Walkers hesitated at first, but as they approached, their eyes widened in amazement.
Inside the dragon's maw was not cold steel—but a fully furnished luxury bedroom, complete with soft lighting, plush bedding, a snack bar fully stocked with pastries and tea, and a gleaming control station in the middle. The scent of fresh cookies drifted through the air.
Ed gasped. "Oh my! Look at this design! This style! It's magnificent!"
Edna teared up, pressing a hand to her chest. "Dearie… you did a great job. You remind me so much of Jay."
The couple pulled Jinx into a deep, heartfelt hug.
For a moment, Jinx stood frozen—caught off guard. A warm, swelling sensation bloomed in his chest. It was familiar… and yet distant. It wasn't the same as the soft, ancient love he remembered from his own mother—whoever she was—but it was close.
It was genuine.
It was kind.
And it was enough.
He closed his eyes and leaned into the hug, allowing himself a rare smile.
Jay stood tall, eyes fixed on the icy horizon. "Let's go," he said, his voice steady with resolve. "We've got a dojo to save."
The Ultra Sonic Raider rumbled to life, its engines flaring with power as it rose over the snowy landscape. Nearby, Ed placed a gentle hand on Edna's shoulder, watching their son with quiet pride.
"Go make us proud, son," Ed said, his voice thick with emotion.
Jay gave them one final nod before vanishing into the distance, the Raider slicing through the cold air like a blade of light.
As the dust settled, the old couple turned toward the waiting metal dragon, its body humming with dormant power. They climbed inside, disappearing into the luxurious compartment. At the same moment, Jinx let out a soft whistle. Responding to his command, the dragon's mouth closed with a smooth, mechanical hiss.
Then, Jinx pointed toward the battered remains of the jalopy.
Without a sound, the mech dragon lifted a few feet into the air, unfolded a clawed arm, and gently scooped up the old vehicle. Its wings flared open, and it soared skyward, carrying both its passengers and their beloved jalopy toward safety.
Jinx remained behind, staring up at the departing form.
A sigh escaped his lips, soft and tired.
With a flick of his fingers, a portal of shadow bloomed beside him, rippling like black silk in the cold wind. From its depths emerged a sleek, serpentine machine—his snake bike, Cleopatra.
Or just Cleo, as he affectionately called her.
The snake bike slithered forward, its eyes glowing faintly. It stopped in front of Jinx and let out a sharp, dissatisfied hiss.
Jinx winced.
"Yes, yes, I know I've been neglecting you for Nyx lately," he said, running a hand over Cleo's smooth, coiled neck. "I promise I'll do better."
Cleo narrowed her glowing eyes at him and let out another hiss, this one slightly less sharp but still clearly annoyed.
Jinx groaned. "Fine. How about this—we go on a long drive? With the ninja."
Cleo tilted her head, considering. After a brief moment, she gave a quieter, satisfied hiss and revved her engine with a gentle purr.
Jinx let out a breath of relief. "Thank the stars…"
He swung a leg over the saddle and settled into the seat. With a flick of his wrist, the bike roared to life, and together, they tore across the frozen wasteland—wheels spitting frost, shadows trailing behind them as they sped toward the others.
Cole narrowed his eyes at the black ship looming ahead. "Looks like it's just us and Garmadon."
Kai's knuckles tightened on the throttle. "Then this time," he muttered, sliding a gear forward with a heavy clunk, "let's make sure the good guys don't finish last."
The Ultra Sonic Raider surged forward, engines roaring as it picked up speed and rocketed past the Black Bounty. The crimson sails of Garmadon's vessel whipped violently in their wake.
Inside the Black Bounty, Lord Garmadon snarled as he caught sight of the ninja overtaking him.
"No!" he spat, his voice shaking with rage. "I hate those ninja!"
He turned toward the glowing, wicked artifact pulsing beside him—the Mega Weapon—and raised it with trembling hands.
"It's time! You think you can beat me, ninja?!" His voice climbed to a frenzied pitch. "This race is mine! Hear me, Mega Weapon: I wish to rip open Ninjago and create an obstacle they can never surpass!"
The weapon exploded with light, blinding and furious. The air crackled. Beneath the Raider's path, the Badlands trembled and groaned as the very earth split apart. A gaping, jagged chasm tore through the ground, stretching endlessly on either side like the mouth of some ancient beast.
Kai's eyes went wide. "Huh?!"
He slammed the brakes, and the Raider screeched to a halt just inches from the edge. The Black Bounty sailed smoothly past them, Garmadon now doubled over, drained from the effort—but cackling with triumphant madness.
"I did it!" he wheezed. "Did you see that?! I win! The dojo is doomed!"
Jay leaned over the dashboard, pointing at the widening abyss. "Oh, that's totally cheating!"
Zane scanned the divide with a calculating gaze. "It's no use. That gap is impossible to cross."
For a long moment, silence hung in the cabin—broken only by the howling wind.
Jay slumped. "We're not gonna win now."
But Kai wasn't finished. Not yet.
"Wait a minute..." he whispered, a spark lighting in his eyes. He straightened in his seat, gripping the lever like a knight clutching his sword. "This ain't over."
The Raider growled to life once more.
Jay blinked. "Uh, you do know we're heading straight for that cliff, right? You're sure that's a good idea?"
Kai didn't look back. "I haven't exactly had time to think it through."
He paused—then smiled.
"What was it that Sensei said? You gotta have trust."
Cole scoffed. "Yeah, in each other, not in miracles!"
Kai smirked. "Oh, Nya, don't fail us now."
He pulled the lever.
With a thunderous clank and a blast of steam, the Ultra Sonic Raider transformed. Its lower half dropped away like a shed shell, and sleek wings unfolded from its sides. The front pivoted, lifting into the air, engines roaring.
The jet launched.
"Ninja—go!" shouted Cole, Zane, and Jay as they burst into Spinjitzu, swirling through the air like controlled storms to join Kai in the cockpit.
Together, they soared.
The Ultra Sonic Jet cleared the gap with barely a meter to spare, wind screaming past them as they burst free from the abyss's edge and soared back into open sky. The Black Bounty loomed just ahead, nearing the outskirts of the city.
Kai narrowed his eyes, fire reflecting in them.
"We're not done yet," Kai growled, eyes fixed on the finish line just beyond the city gates.
The Ultra Sonic Raider, now in its sleek jet form, thundered through the skies toward Ninjago City, slicing through the wind like a blade of flame.
On the deck of the Black Bounty, Garmadon stood at the helm, eyes wild with victory—until he glanced to the side.
There it was.
The Ultra Sonic Raider, wings gleaming in the sun, was gaining fast.
Garmadon's triumphant grin collapsed.
"No," he muttered. Then louder, "No. No! NOOO!!!"
The cheering from the city below rose in waves. All across the finish line, the citizens of Ninjago clapped and shouted, flags waving. Wu, Nya, Dareth, Jeff, and Phil were on their feet near the announcer's booth, fists pumping in the air.
Nya beamed, pointing excitedly. "He pulled the lever!"
The crowd took it from there, erupting into a united chant that echoed through the streets like thunder:
"NINJA! NINJA! NINJA! NINJA!"
Inside the Ultra Sonic Raider, the headlamp rattled from the turbulence, and sparks flickered as the ship pushed itself to the very limit. The Black Bounty rumbled just a few yards away—both machines were neck and neck, screaming toward the finish line.
Up in the commentator's box, the first announcer leaned forward, breathless. "It looks like it's going to be a photo finish, folks!"
But just then—out of nowhere—a blur of dark purple and black streaked past both racers like a bolt of shadow.
It zipped ahead, just one second before the finish line.
The crowd gasped.
As the blur slowed and skidded sideways, tires screeching and leaving trails of smoke, everyone caught a glimpse of the figure at the helm. The strange vehicle hissed like a serpent as it stopped with perfect timing.
There, sitting smugly on a wicked-looking, serpentine motorcycle was none other than Jinx, the purple ninja.
He glanced toward the ninja and Garmadon, a devilish smirk curling across his lips.
"Nah," he said coolly, "I win."
For a moment, there was stunned silence. Then—
"Ladies and gentlemen," the announcer practically shouted, "we have a winner! Jinx the Purple Ninja takes first place!"
The crowd exploded into cheers.
"JINX! JINX! JINX!"
Confetti flew into the air. Horns blared. Nya clapped wildly while Dareth picked Jeff up in an awkward, one-armed hug.
Garmadon, meanwhile, was turning purple.
"What?! No way that's allowed! He has a living vehicle!" he screamed, pointing at Jinx's sleek, growling snake-bike. "That thing's not even street legal! My ship was—"
"Your ship?" came a calm voice from above.
Garmadon looked up—and his heart dropped.
Perched like a dragon prince on the deck of the Black Bounty was Lloyd, arms folded, flanked by the majestic form of the Ultra Dragon, who gave a low, rumbling growl.
Lloyd raised an eyebrow. "I believe this belongs to us."
Garmadon's jaw worked uselessly. "No… no… NOOOOO!!!"
His knees hit the deck with a dull thud. He clutched his face, groaning in melodramatic anguish as the wail of sirens approached.
Moments later, two Ninjago police officers stepped forward from the crowd.
"Alright, Garmadon," one of them said with weary resignation, "you're coming with us."
But just as they reached for him, a long, sleek Fangpyre bus screeched around the corner and blocked their path. The doors swung open with a hiss, revealing Skales, leaning casually in the frame.
"Well, well," Skales hissed. "Look who needs who now."
Without hesitation, Garmadon scrambled to his feet and dove into the bus. The doors snapped shut, and the bus sped off, tires howling.
Nya stood beside Sensei Wu, watching the bus disappear into the horizon.
"Somehow," she murmured, "I don't think that's the last we're gonna see of him."
Wu gave a knowing nod, his eyes distant.
Suddenly, Dareth dashed toward the massive trophy, which was overflowing with gold coins and cash. He stared at it, jaw slack, before turning to the others with wide eyes.
"We did it! We did it!" he shouted, practically dancing. "Ooh-hoo! We saved the dojo!"
Then, with zero hesitation and infinite flair, he launched himself into the trophy's basin.
"CANNONBAAAALL!!"
He landed with a splash of coins, sending bills fluttering everywhere.
Everyone burst into laughter.
As the laughter died down and the trophy glistened in the golden sunlight, Sensei Wu turned his gaze toward the one ninja who had stolen the spotlight at the very last second.
Jinx stood leaning against his strange, serpentine motorcycle—Cleo—arms crossed, grin unshaken. A few children were already asking for autographs, and confetti still clung to his wild, wind-tousled hair.
Wu stepped closer, brow furrowed in calm confusion. "Jinx… how did you get past the ravine?"
The question hung in the air, slicing through the cheers like a breeze of reason.
Jinx tilted his head, as if the answer were obvious. "Oh, that?" he said, waving it off. "Come on, Sensei. Did you forget I can make me and Cleo hover?"
The crowd blinked. Even the announcers fell silent, the moment suddenly thick with curiosity.
Announcer #1, still at the booth, perked up. "Wait, wait—we've got that on footage! Roll it back!"
The stadium's jumbo crystal screen flickered to life, static humming, before switching to the footage.
The video played from the moment the ravine cracked open like a wound in the earth. The Ultra Sonic Raider had skidded to a halt at the edge, and Garmadon's ship thundered past. But just as both racers were left stunned at the impossible chasm—
There came Jinx, a mere blur at first.
The footage slowed to half-speed.
With a subtle flick of his wrist, Jinx summoned a coiling whirlwind beneath Cleo's tires. Wind spiraled around him like a cloak, lifting both rider and machine into the air with unnatural grace.
Gasps echoed as the crowd watched Cleo hover, gliding silently across the massive ravine like a storm-born shadow. Then, halfway across, Jinx smirked at the camera—yes, he had looked at the camera—and performed a 360-degree barrel roll in midair, the spiraling winds wrapping around him like wings.
"WHOOOOOO!" he shouted on the recording, throwing up a peace sign mid-spin before landing neatly on the other side.
Back in the present, the footage cut back to the live feed.
There was a beat of silence.
Then—
"Okay," the announcer said, stunned. "That was officially the coolest thing I've ever seen."
The crowd exploded in cheers again. Jinx raised his hand and gave a dramatic bow, hair flipping forward.
"Thank you, thank you," he said, grinning. "Storm riders don't stop for cracks in the road. We ride the wind."
Wu gave a slow, thoughtful nod, the corner of his mouth twitching with something like a smile.
"You've always had… a unique way of solving problems."
Jinx winked. "I prefer style over stress, Sensei."
Cleo purred under him, the living bike glowing faintly with purple runes.