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The New Squidbeak Splatoon, or NSS for short, had grown into a formidable force, now boasting ten primary members—a far cry from the humble trio that had first come together in its infancy.
At the helm of the team was Paleo 3, now regarded as Captain Clora. As the first agent recruited after Agents 1 and 2, Clora quickly proved herself by taking on the Octarian forces and DJ Octavio with exceptional skill and determination.
Agents 1 and 2, better known as the famous Squid Sisters, Callie and Marie, now served as mentors to the newer recruits. Their years of experience and celebrity status were invaluable, and they took comfort in knowing that each new member brought their own impressive talents to the table.
The first of the next generation to join was Neo Agent 3, Syrus the Phantom. With a relentless focus on the mission at hand, Syrus quickly earned the respect of his teammates. He showed the veteran members that he could hang with the best, always keeping a few tricks up his sleeve.
Agent 4, Jack, was a veteran in his own right. Trained by Agent 2 when the Splatoon was at its most vulnerable, he played a crucial role during a time when Paleo 3 Clora and the former captain were MIA, and Agent 1 was missing. Jack’s courage and skill had been instrumental in reuniting the original mentors and turning the tide against the Octarian forces.
Agents 5 and 6, Pearl and Marina of Off the Hook, served as the squad’s communications experts. Their ability to gather and relay information quickly and accurately was unmatched, making them essential to the team's success.
The second of the next generation, Lucky Agent 7—known as Zane the Speed Demon—had abilities that baffled even the most seasoned members. Captain Clora, Agent 1, and Agent 2 were still trying to wrap their heads around how he could move at such incredible speeds. No Inkling should be able to run like that, yet Zane made it look easy.
Agent 8, another veteran, had a different kind of story. Found in the underground metro system of Inkopolis by Paleo 3 and Captain Cuttlefish, she had fought hard to regain her lost memories while battling against her Sanitized brethren and the twisted Commander Tartar. Teaming up with Off the Hook, she helped play a key role in stopping the monster’s plans.
Rounding out the new generation was Agent 9, Luke the Remnant Chaser. The most physically powerful of the group, Luke's strength in battle was unmatched. Agent 6, Marina, was particularly intrigued by the mysteries behind his and Zane’s incredible abilities, eager to uncover the secrets of the new generation.
Together, this new wave of agents had helped to defeat the world-ending threat posed by Mr. Grizz, who sought to return the planet to its mammalian roots. In doing so, they had saved former Splatoon Captain Cuttlefish and DJ Octavio, though the presence of the mysterious fuzzy ooze remained a mystery.
Now, for the first time, all ten members of the NSS were set to gather in the frozen wonderland of Alterna. Captain Clora, Agent 1, and Agent 2 were already there, waiting for the rest to arrive.
Callie could hardly contain her excitement; it felt like years since they’d all been together. Marie, trying to play it cool but unable to hide her eagerness, checked her phone. “Just got a text from Agent 4. They’re on their way. Apparently, Pearl and Marina got ambushed by the Splatlandians, and there’s chaos in the Square.”
Clora sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. “I knew I should’ve gone to meet them. Think they can handle a mob of Splatlandians?”
Neither Callie nor Marie could say for sure, but Callie quickly formulated a plan. “Let me notify the boys. If anyone can help, it’s them.”
The City of Splatsville was known for its electrifying chaos. The streets buzzed with energy, a whirlwind of activity that never seemed to sleep. But today, the usual cacophony hit a fever pitch as a shrill cry echoed through the Square.
“Yo, yo, yo! Splatsville! Your new Queen has arrived!”
Heads snapped toward the source of the voice, eyes widening in disbelief. Was it really her? The legend herself? How had no one seen this coming?
“Pearlie! We weren’t supposed to announce ourselves yet!” Marina’s voice wavered with worry, but the cream and pink-haired MC just shrugged, unbothered.
“You worry too much, Rina. I’ve heard about this place—the City of Chaos? This is my domain! I’m the Queen of Chaos, remember? Now, let’s meet my new subjects!”
Without missing a beat, Pearl threw herself into the crowd, hands extended as she greeted the Splatlandians with her signature mix of swagger and charm. The crowd erupted, their excitement palpable as they tossed Pearl into the air, chanting her name in reverence.
Marina watched in horror as the scene unfolded, her protests drowned out by the cheering masses. “Wait, no—” But it was too late. Soon, she, too, was hoisted up, the crowd treating her to the same chaotic celebration. While Pearl whooped and cheered, Marina’s pleas to be set down went unheard.
“WOO! YEAH!” Pearl shouted, pumping her fist in the air.
“Not so high! Wait!” Marina’s voice was strained, caught between terror and the inevitability of her situation.
Off to the side, the duo’s bodyguards were in a state of mild panic, scrambling for a way to get their VIPs back under control.
“Carp, I didn’t think she’d blow our cover like this. Okay, we need a plan,” the sole male muttered, scanning the scene.
“Should we ask them to stop?” a female Octoling suggested. Her magenta hair glinting in the sun, she tilted her head thoughtfully. “It looks kind of fun.”
“This isn’t the time for parades,” Agent 4 said, already stressed. “We need to get to the Captain.”
But when he glanced over his shoulder, Agent 8 was gone. “What the shell? 8!”
Agent 8 had already approached one of the Octoling revelers, tapping them gently on the shoulder. The Splatlandian, initially irritated at the interruption, softened immediately upon seeing her.
“Can you toss me next?” Agent 8 asked sweetly, her eyes wide with anticipation.
The Splatlandian blinked, dumbfounded, then nodded eagerly. Soon enough, a small group had gathered, and Agent 8 was launched into the air with the same enthusiasm that had greeted Pearl and Marina.
Agent 4 groaned, slumping his shoulders. “Great, now it’s just me. It’s hot as shell out here, and those three are being treated like queens.”
He quickly shot a message to the squad, explaining the delay. But before he could even read the response, a familiar voice called out to him.
“Jack? Is that you?”
Agent 4 turned to see Sheldon, the ever-enthusiastic owner of Ammo Knights, approaching with a wide grin. “Ha, Sheldon! You’re a sight for sore eyes. How’ve you been?”
Sheldon shook his hand warmly. “Hello, hello! It’s good to see you again. I came to check out the commotion—are those really Off the Hook and Miss 8?”
“Yep, being hailed as queens by the locals. Meanwhile, Captain Clora is waiting for us in, uh, whatever that place is called—Alternative or something.”
Sheldon chuckled, adjusting his goggles. “Ah, I see the predicament. But no worries—I brought backup.”
Agent 4 frowned, confused. “Backup? Who?”
With a confident tap to his earpiece, Sheldon grinned. “You’re good to go, guys!”
For a moment, nothing happened. Then, just as Pearl was tossed into the air again, an Inkling zipped in on a rope, grabbing her hand mid-flight and whisking her away.
“Sorry, Queenie,” the Inkling quipped, grinning. “Hope you don’t mind me crashing your party.”
Pearl, far from annoyed, was positively beaming. “Nice catch! Now go get my girls, too.”
“My boys are already on it,” the Inkling replied, his grin widening.
Marina was next, her rescue coming in the form of a dark-skinned Octoling with striking blue hair and a no-nonsense expression. “Hold on tight,” he advised, and Marina clung to him for dear life, her relief palpable.
Finally, Agent 8 was gently pulled from the crowd by another Octoling, this one with calm yellow eyes and a laid-back demeanor. “Nice to meet ya,” he said with a wink.
The trio swung through the chaotic city streets, their new “queens” in tow, while Agent 4 and Sheldon hurried after them. After a daring escape, the daredevils set the girls down safely in a quiet alley, offering a quick wave before disappearing as swiftly as they’d arrived.
“WOO! That was a blast!” Pearl shouted, adrenaline still surging through her veins. “I thought we knew how to party, but did you see that, Marina? Now that’s respect!”
Marina, however, was less enthusiastic. Her stomach churned, still queasy from the wild ride. “I think I’m gonna be sick,” she moaned.
“I had fun,” Agent 8 chimed in, her smile wide. “I like being tossed in the air.”
Pearl nudged her playfully. “Nothing like a good flight to get the ink pumping! Alright, where to next?”
“Over here,” Sheldon called, finally catching up. “Salutations, ladies! Long time no see.”
“Look who I found,” Agent 4 said, nodding toward Sheldon. “He’s the one who called in that backup.”
“Aye, nice work, Sheldon,” Pearl said, giving him a thumbs-up. “How’s business?”
“Booming, as always,” Sheldon replied with a proud smile. “Turns out Splatlandians share my enthusiasm for weaponry.”
Marina managed a weak smile. “That’s great to hear, Sheldon. And tell your friends thanks for the rescue.”
“Certainly,” Sheldon said with a nod. “Shall we head out? Captain Clora is waiting.”
He led the way to a nearby grate, pulling it open and gesturing for the others to follow.
“You serious?” Jack asked, peering down into the tunnel.
“One hundred percent,” Sheldon confirmed with a grin.
Pearl and Agent 8 hopped in without hesitation, but Marina and Jack hesitated, gathering their nerves. After a moment, they followed, Sheldon bringing up the rear, eager to reunite with the rest of the squad.
Marie’s heart raced as she read the message from Agent 4. The moment she’d been waiting for was almost here—she would see him soon.
“Everything went smoothly. They’re on their way,” Marie said, her voice trembling with anticipation.
Clora let out a relieved sigh, her excitement barely contained. “Finally! Are the boys with them?”
Callie relayed her message from Agent 7. “They had to go back and grab their stuff. I’m so excited to see everyone! I bet Pearl and Marina are going to adore Neo 3.”
Marie smirked, her eyes sparkling. “If they don’t overwhelm her first. Try explaining 7’s Hyper whatever to her.”
Clora giggled at the thought of Marina’s sharp mind being overloaded by the new agents’ skills. “Her brain might just short-circuit.”
Suddenly, a familiar voice echoed through the air. “WOOO! This place is amazing! We should’ve come here ages ago!”
“Speak for yourself,” another voice grumbled. “Do you know how many people were glaring at me when we arrived?”
Sheldon chuckled. “Yeah, Splatlandians aren’t exactly thrilled about Inkandians on their turf. It was tough for me at first, too, but I learned to fit in. I even had to go through some serious training.”
The group approaching burst into laughter, and Callie, unable to contain her excitement, darted forward, waving her arms wildly. “Hey! Over here!”
Jack, the lone Inkling boy, broke into a sprint, his grin widening as he caught sight of Callie. He high-fived her, both of them beaming with joy. “Callie! Long time no see! Love the new look.”
Callie grinned back. “Great to see you, Jack. Have you grown taller?”
Jack pounded his chest. “I hope so.”
Then he spotted Marie, and everything else faded away. His pace quickened as he made his way toward her, his heart pounding in his chest. It had been months since they’d seen each other in person, and he couldn’t wait another second. Marie, equally eager, stuck her parasol in the snow and matched his speed.
Agent 4 didn’t hesitate. He wrapped his arms around Marie’s waist, lifting her off the ground and spinning her around, both of them laughing like kids.
“Well, hello there, gorgeous,” he said, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “What’s a stunning woman like you doing in a place like this?”
“Trying to stay cool,” Marie replied, a playful grin on her lips. “The heat is unbearable.”
“No kidding! I was about to melt.”
They hugged tightly, savoring the moment. “I missed you,” he murmured into her hair.
“Me too,” she whispered back.
“Geez, you two, get a room!” Pearl called out, rolling her eyes with a smirk.
Clora hopped down from her favorite crate, a warm smile on her face. “Welcome, everyone! How was the journey?”
Agent 8 was the first to answer, stepping forward to hug her captain and the other female agents. She especially lingered with the captain, who she had missed dearly. “I really like it here.”
“This place is awesome!” Pearl chimed in, her grin widening. “You should’ve seen the impromptu parade they threw for us. They treated us like royalty!”
“I thought I was going to lose my lunch,” Marina added, still looking a bit queasy. “But I’m so happy to see you all. We’ve missed you guys so much. Thanks again, Sheldon. You really saved us back there.”
Sheldon, still blushing from the praise, shrugged modestly.
Pearl pouted a bit. “I wanted to keep being tossed around, but hey, it’s all good. So, where are the new agents? I wanna see these bad boys.”
“They’re on their way,” Callie assured them. “And trust me, you’re going to love them.”
Jack was relieved. As the team's only male agent, he was ecstatic to have more male agents join the team. “Nice, I finally have guy friends. But what about Gramps? Where’s he?” Jack asked, glancing around.
Clora, Callie, and Marie exchanged glances, a silent conversation passing between them before the captain decided to break the news.
“He and Octavio are traveling the world?” Jack’s expression morphed from curiosity to shock. “When did this happen?”
“A few days after Splatsville’s rebuild celebration,” Clora continued. “They just hopped into Octavio’s mech and took off. It’s been about two weeks now.”
Jack shook his head in disbelief, trying to wrap his mind around the idea of Grandpa Cuttlefish and Octavio on a globe-trotting adventure.
“Also, what’s your problem, Jack?” Pearl questioned, mildly offended by the agent’s previous statement. “You have all these hot ladies to yourself and you’re complaining? Do you know how many guys would kill to be in your situation?”
Jack was about to retort, but a loud voice cut through the air and interrupted the conversation.
“AYO! We brought the whole squad!”
Three figures appeared on the horizon, striding into the region with confident steps. Jack recognized them immediately—they were the ones who had swooped in and rescued the “queens” from the mob. But this time, they weren’t alone. Two girls and a large, friendly-looking manta ray trailed behind them.
“There they are,” Clora said with a grin. “Now the gang’s all here.”
Jack let out a low whistle as he took in the scene. “The family’s definitely gotten bigger. You said there’s ten of us now?”
“Yep, from Captain all the way to number nine,” Clora confirmed.
“Oh hey,” Pearl said, her eyes narrowing in recognition as she spotted the Inkling boy with the skull bandana. She wanted to greet him, but the two girls stepped forward and blocked her path, their posture oozing confidence and attitude.
“Well, well, well,” the blue-haired girl sneered, her fan snapping open with a flick of her wrist. “First, the Squid Sisters, and now Off the Hook? Who else plans on strolling onto our turf?”
Pearl’s eyes flashed with defiance. She wasn’t one to back down from a challenge. “Hey, it’s not our fault your townsfolk know how to appreciate their Chaos Queen. Maybe you should stick to your own pond, little fish.”
The girl with yellow hair, her stance as fiery as her attitude, stepped closer and squatted low, her eyes narrowing dangerously. “Who are you calling little, princess? Newsflash, you’re not the boss here. Don’t think you can waltz onto our turf and expect us to cheer.”
The tension between them crackled like electricity, the air thick with the promise of a showdown.
“Ay! (Welcome to Splatsville!)” Big Man’s deep voice boomed through the air, slicing through the tension like a knife. His wide, welcoming grin seemed to defuse the electric atmosphere in an instant. “Ay, ayy. (I’m Big Man, and these are my pals, Shiver and Frye.)”
With a synchronized motion, Shiver and Frye joined Big Man in their signature greeting. “Repping the Splatlands, we are Deep Cut,” Shiver declared, her eyes gleaming with pride.
Frye wasted no time, gesturing to the trio of boys standing behind her. “And these are the Splat-Boys—Zane, Syrus, and Luke. We rule this town, and don’t you forget it.”
Jack’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Finally! I’m not the only guy on the team anymore!” He ran up and shook their hands, but his and Agent 7’s eyes met for a moment longer.
“No way,” the bandana wearer mumbled.
They possessed the same hairstyle but with different colored hair, same eye color, and similar energy. It was like looking into a mirror. Agent 4 wasn’t the only one to notice. The two male Octolings looked very identical, brothers even, with different hair colors.
“Welcome to the squad, newbies,” Agent dismissed the crisis for the time being, trying to stay professional. “I’m Agent 4. Don’t worry, I’ll show you the ropes. I know the Captain can be strict, but she’s the real deal. Great job holding down the fort while she was out there fighting in space.”
A wave of confusion swept through the group as everyone stared at Jack like he’d just grown another head.
“What?”
Clora, with a bemused smile, shook her head. “That wasn’t me, Agent 4.”
“What?” Jack blinked, utterly baffled. “But Inkopolis was chanting for Agent 3. I thought they were cheering for you!”
Clora pointed to Syrus, who gave a casual wave. “Nope, that was him.”
“Neo Agent 3, at your service,” he bowed slightly. “Neo is fine.”
Zane threw up a peace sign. “Lucky Agent 7.”
“And Agent 9, right here,” Luke added, giving a playful salute.
While Jack processed the revelation, the twin Octolings whistled sharply, drawing attention to their backpacks. Two tiny Smallfrys peeked out, their eyes glinting with mischief.
“Meet my little glutton, Ken,” Syrus said, affectionately patting his Smallfry.
“And this is my little monster, Levi,” Luke added, grinning as Levi let out a tiny roar.
“You’re the Phantom,” Marina said, her interest piqued as she studied Syrus with curiosity. “I’ve never met a member of the Ghost Fish branch. I’m glad you were able to make it back. Thank you for the rescue back there.”
Agent 8, her eyes wide with excitement, suddenly sprang into action. Without a word, she began circling Agent 3 and Agent 9, her mind racing with the realization that she was no longer the only Octarian agent, aside from Marina. The thought filled her with sheer joy, and she couldn’t contain herself. Before anyone could react, 8 threw her arms around the two boys, hugging them tightly.
The group exchanged glances, surprised by her sudden burst of affection.
“Uhhh,” Syrus stammered, a bit taken aback. “Nice to meet you too.”
Luke chuckled, easily rolling with the situation. “Looks like we’ve got ourselves a hugger.”
Agent 8, beaming, simply said, “Fraters,” meaning "brothers."
“HEY!” Shiver’s shrill voice cut through the air, sharp and possessive. She and Frye moved quickly to pry the magenta-haired girl off their boys. “I don’t know how you do things back in Inkopolis, but hands off the Amados. This one is mine,” Shiver declared, pulling Luke protectively to her side.
“And this one belongs to me,” Frye added, clinging to Syrus’ arm.
Marina hurried over, gently patting Agent 8’s head. “I’m so sorry about Agent 8,” she said, offering an apologetic smile. “She can be very affectionate sometimes.”
Clora stepped in, her tone reassuring. “She’s a bit of an amnesiac, but trust me, she’s amazing at what she does. I’m sure you three will get along just fine.”
Shiver and Frye exchanged a look, then glanced back at 8, who was still beaming with unabashed happiness. The tension slowly melted away, replaced by a shared sense of camaraderie. The Splatlands crew and their new allies were beginning to find their rhythm together, and it seemed like the start of a solid, if quirky, friendship.
“Hold on, wait a second,” Pearl stared at Sheldon with a raised brow. “They call you, Big Don?”
Sheldon shrunk under the penetrating stares. He awkwardly looked down at the ground. “Oh, yeah… I might’ve made a bit of a name for myself here in the Splatlands.”
“Big Don is a legend,” Agent 9 chimed in, his voice full of reverence. “He’s an icon, and we won’t tolerate any disrespect.”
Jack mimicked Pearl’s expression, curious. “Who’s ‘we,’ exactly?”
“The Octarian legion that lives in Splatsville,” Syrus and Luke replied in unison.
“There’s a little civil war brewing,” Shiver added, crossing her arms. “Some folks can’t stand Sheldon, while others worship the ground he walks on. You can guess which camp these two belong to.”
Sheldon’s face turned crimson as he threw his hands up in defense. “It was a complete accident! Remember how I mentioned some training?”
The group nodded cautiously, bracing themselves for another of Sheldon’s infamous long-winded lectures.
“Syrus, if you would?” Sheldon gestured.
Syrus cleared his throat and took on a serious tone. “My Splattershot isn’t firing properly. What do you think is wrong with it?”
Marie was about to shout “NO!” but Luke subtly gestured for her to hold back. Everyone in the room knew of Sheldon’s habit of droning on and on about weapon mechanics, a habit so notorious that people would rather face the Octarians again than listen to one of his epic speeches.
“It’s most likely residue buildup. I suggest cleaning the barrel and making sure nothing obscures the chamber,” he explained, short, sweet, and to the point.
Almost in unison, the boys patted Sheldon on the back while 8 clapped enthusiastically for him. Shiver nodded her respect while the usually skeptical group looked on, impressed.
“I’m now able to assist without over-complicating things,” Sheldon said with a hint of pride. “The information withdrawals were bad at first. You all know I like to make sure my weapons receive the best treatment.”
Marie breathed a sigh of relief. “That’s… great, Sheldon. If only the folks in Inkopolis could see you now.”
“Ever thought about visiting?” Callie asked.
Sheldon hesitated. “Sometimes. I do miss the old place. But they’d probably laugh at me.”
“Inkopolis will fall,” Syrus said with chilling certainty.
“We’ll leave no building intact,” Luke added, flexing his fingers with a sinister grin.
“Calm down, you psychos,” Shiver snapped, glaring at the two boys.
“You can’t declare war on Inkopolis,” Clora said firmly.
“Yeah, you’d need more firepower for that,” Frye chimed in with a mischievous grin. “I’m down to throw hands, but we’ll need backup. Father, Auntie, and those Octolings we rescued from Alterna would definitely join the fight.”
“Please don’t go to war with Inkopolis,” Sheldon pleaded, sweating nervously at the idea. “We don’t need to resort to violence, and I don’t want to be the reason it happens.”
“It’s never too early to spread some chaos,” Agent 9 shot back, his tone laced with dark humor. Syrus laughed in response, but this time it wasn’t his usual light chuckle—it was deep, foreboding, the kind of laugh that sent a shiver down everyone’s spine.
“Geez, and here I thought you were the strictly serious type,” Jack said, half-jokingly.
“You’re not wrong,” Syrus replied, his expression softening. “I do handle everything with a professional demeanor, but I know how to unwind every now and then.”
“Gotcha. So, what’s this ‘Phantom’ nickname Marina mentioned? You were part of the Octarian military?”
Syrus nodded. “I was. I belonged to a special division called the Ghost Fish—reconnaissance and intelligence gathering specialists. I wasn’t assigned to the division. The division chose me. Allow me to demonstrate.”
Without another word, Syrus stood and selected a random location in the distance. He took a deep breath, relaxed his body, and then, in an instant, he was gone—vanished into thin air.
“Whoa, that’s dope!” Jack exclaimed, his eyes wide. “Where did he go?”
A few minutes later, Zane’s phone buzzed with a message. He checked it and grinned. “He’s at the first boss kettle.”
Clora glanced towards the distant first main island. “He got there that fast?”
“I could’ve gotten there faster,” Syrus’s voice came from behind Marina, making her jump. “But I couldn’t find a good angle.”
Marina nearly dropped her gear, startled by Syrus’s sudden reappearance. “Please don’t do that.”
“No promises,” Syrus said, a small smirk playing on his lips.
“Yeah, jump-scaring people is Hotshot’s favorite hobby,” Frye warned, rolling her eyes. “I’ve lost count of how many times he’s teleported behind me.”
“I’m not apologizing,” Syrus replied coolly. “You have a cute scream.”
Pearl turned to Zane and Luke, intrigued. “And you two? What’s your special talent?”
Zane stepped forward, always eager to show off his skills. “I’m a speed demon. As it stands, I’m the fastest runner in the group. Please save all questions for later. Everything will be answered shortly.”
His hair began to glow faintly as he removed the bandana from his forehead and tied it around his mouth. Taking a sprinter’s stance, Zane launched himself forward like a bullet, disappearing in a blur of motion. He ran to the pipe leading to the next island, leaped over the valve, and ran along its tube. He stepped onto the vacant island, ran along the path leading to the boss kettle, and retraced his steps back to base.
It took Syrus at least five minutes to complete his lap. Zane took one to finish his. He returned to camp, coming to a screeching halt, and was immediately accosted by Pearl, whose eyes sparkled like stars in the night sky.
“You have to teach me that! What was that?!”
Zane grinned behind his bandana. “Hyper Flux,” he explained. “When I enter my special state, all my stats—speed, reaction time, everything goes through the roof. Ask Shiver. She knows.”
Shiver scowled, remembering all too well. “Don’t remind me.”
“Wha—” Marina tried to find the words but was completely flabbergasted. “How did… but…”
“She’s short-circuiting,” Marie pointed out with a worried frown. “I knew this would happen.”
“No,” Marina said, shaking her head in disbelief. “Neo, I can understand. But what you just did… That should be physically impossible.”
“If you think that’s impossible, wait until you see Agent 9 in action.”
All eyes turned to Luke as he stretched and loosened up. He glanced around, his gaze landing on one of the giant Moai statues looming nearby. With swag in his step, he waved off the incredulous looks from the others.
“Don’t try this at home,” he warned, his tone light but serious.
“No way,” Marina murmured, refusing to believe what she was about to witness. Her mind raced, trying to figure out what kind of trick they were pulling.
But it wasn’t a trick.
Luke approached the massive statue, the ground vibrating slightly beneath him. He squatted down, assuming a perfect lifting stance, and placed his hands under the base of the Moai. With a deep breath, he focused every ounce of his strength on the task ahead. Slowly but surely, the enormous statue began to shift.
Marina, Pearl, and Jack stood frozen, their mouths hanging open in shock. The ground trembled as Luke lifted the Moai higher and higher, his muscles straining but never faltering. Inch by inch, the colossal stone structure rose until it was completely off the ground, hoisted above Luke’s head like it weighed nothing more than a feather.
Agent 9 stood there, the Moai held high, as if it were a trophy won in some impossible contest. The ground stilled, but the impact of what they were witnessing reverberated through the group.
Marina tried to speak, but the only thing that came from her lips were breathless gasps. She had no words, nothing to say about the spectacles she just witnessed.
Pearl blinked, trying to process what she had just seen. Her shock quickly morphed into sheer joy, and she burst out, “I love these guys!”
Agent 4, still reeling, couldn’t help but question, “How? How, how, how?”
Luke casually dusted his hands off, leaning against the massive Moai statue as if it were just a regular bench. With a smirk, he said, “That’s not even the best part. Would you believe me if I told you I’m the second strongest Octoling in Splatsville?”
A loud thud echoed through the area. Everyone whipped around to find Marina sprawled on the ground, having fainted from sheer disbelief.
“Whoa, Rina, you good?” Pearl exclaimed, rushing over and kneeling beside her.
Marina’s eyes fluttered as she slowly came to, looking dazed. “The laws of physics… But, science dictates.”
Pearl grinned down at her, giving her a reassuring pat on the shoulder. “Chill out for a sec, Rina. Don’t hurt yourself.”
The group shared a laugh, each of them realizing that the NSS was more than just a team—it was a force unlike anything the world had ever seen.