As the late afternoon sun filtered through the trees as the group strolled through the local park. Mid-walk, Alex slowed his pace, catching sight of a surprisingly small figure sitting alone on a wooden bench. The boy couldn't have been older than six or seven, his legs dangling several inches above the ground, chubby cheeks resting in his hands.
Exchanging a glance, Alex, Hayato, Angelo, and Tatsuya walked over to make sure he wasn't separated from his parents.
"Hey little guy," Alex said softly, crouching down to eye level. "Are you lost?"
The boy looked up, blinking big, remarkably calm eyes. "Nope. I'm right where I'm supposed to be. I'm just waiting for someone."
Angelo raised an eyebrow, looking around the empty path. "Who are you waiting for out here by yourself?"
"My boss," the boy said matter-of-factly, pointing a small finger directly at Alex. "He sent me to find you guys."
"Find us?" Hayato asked, his eyes narrowing slightly as he stepped forward. "Who sent you?"
The boy stood up on the bench, straightening his little shirt with practiced pride. "My name is Hiroto Nakamura. I was chosen to be the Lightning Guardian for the next Luciano generation."
A heavy silence fell over the group. Hayato and Angelo stared in utter disbelief, while Tatsuya looked back and forth between the kid and Alex. Yet, despite his tiny frame, there was a strange, crackling energy lingering around the boy—an undeniable presence that made it clear he wasn't just playing pretend.
Alex's expression softened into one of genuine concern. "Hiroto... do you actually understand what being a guardian means? It's not a game. It's dangerous."
Hiroto's rounded features tightened with sudden, unwavering resolve. "It means standing in front of the family when trouble comes. It means holding the line, no matter what."
Looking into the boy's clear, steady eyes, Alex saw a spark of determination that matched any of the older guardians standing beside him.
"Alright," Alex said quietly, nodding. "Show us what you've got."
A bright grin broke across Hiroto's face. Reaching into his jacket pocket, he pulled out what looked like a harmless, plastic toy gun. He held it skyward—and in an instant, the air turned static. A sudden, blinding arc of electricity snapped down from above, striking the miniature weapon. The plastic melted into a gleaming, heavy metallic firearm, humming with raw electrical discharge.
"Whoa!" Tatsuya yelped, instinctively dropping into a defensive stance while shielding his eyes.
Hiroto lowered the heavy weapon with surprising ease, a triumphant smile lighting up his face. "My Lightning Blaster! I'm ready to fight whenever you need me, Boss!"
Angelo let out a breathless laugh, while Hayato shook his head, a rare, impressed smirk tugging at his lips. Despite his age, Hiroto's loyalty and raw power were unmistakable.
"Welcome to the team, Hiroto," Alex said, placing a gentle hand on the boy's shoulder.
As the five of them turned and walked out of the park, Hiroto proudly matching their stride, a quiet confidence settled over the group. With every guardian that joined their circle, the distant threat hanging over the Luciano name felt a little less daunting—and the bond holding them together grew impossible to break.