This is it. This is the last chapter. The story isn't over. I have one last book planned that will take place a few years after this one. Until then, there will be some one-shot stories that will get published in Days Off that will help cover the gap. At this point, though, I'm not going to promise a timeline. I doubt I will write any more stories in the movieverse. I did not like the movie that much and that's why I derailed it pretty much in the first scene, but also, I don't know how much more I could tell from that world. Anyway, enjoy this final chapter.
This takes place a few months after the alt-Ninja leave.
"Why do we have to watch the news? We already know what's going to happen," Jay whined.
"It is important to stay informed on current events," Wu said.
"But the news is just depressing. It's designed to depress you," Cole said.
"I understand, but we're still watching."
Everyone moaned as they sat around the TV.
"Everything will be alright," Misako said as she and Garmadon sat down on the couch with Wu.
"You never know, this might turn out to be a good thing," Garmadon said.
"I highly doubt that," Kai said.
Wu clicked on the TV. They had to sit through stories about an overturned eighteen-wheeler on the highway outside of Ninjago City, a chain of dollar store robberies, a mega-storm brewing off the coast of Ninjago, and a devastating fire that destroyed six homes and killed four people.
"And now onto our continuing story. The senate is in the process of voting on a new law that would make ninjutsu illegal. If the law passes, then our favorite ninja will no longer be allowed to go off and fight anyone unsupervised. They will still be allowed to protect Ninjago, but only if the police deem the situation worthy of their presence. They will also still be allowed to attend events in an official capacity. Tory Cooper is there now. Tory?"
The picture cut to Tory Cooper standing outside the Ninjago senate building.
"Yes, I'm here, outside the Ninjago senate building where the vote is ongoing. People from both sides of the debate have been extremely vocal leading up to the vote, but probably none more so than this man right here, who started advocating for this law ever since the infamous Burtchenelli v. Knight case last year."
Cole groaned as Tory stepped over and stood next to Morgan's scumbag lawyer.
"The ninja cause more damage than they prevent. If they weren't around, then all of the so-called 'villains' that are locked up in Kryptarium Prison wouldn't be around! Ninjago was fine before the ninja showed up, Ninjago will survive without them. And isn't it telling that they aren't here to defend themselves?" Morgan's scumbag lawyer said.
"I want to punch that guy in the face," Lloyd said.
"Get in line," Cole said.
"It wouldn't do anyone any good to punch him in the face," Wu said.
"This guy is trying to ruin our lives! He deserves it," Kai said.
"Definitely," Nya said.
"I do believe in this instance it would be beneficial if he received a punch in the face," Zane said.
"See, even Zane agrees," Jay said.
"I'm not saying he doesn't deserve it, but if you did punch him in the face, that would only prove his point," Wu said.
"It's called reading the room," Garmadon said.
"Not quite, but close." Misako patted his hand.
"It doesn't matter what it's called. He still needs a punch in the face," Lloyd said.
"He's a menace to society," Cole said.
"I agree, but you can't punch him in the face," Misako said.
"Shh, it's back on," Wu said.
"We've just learned the senate has concluded their vote," Tory said.
"And the vote failed because our lawyers and lobbyists are better," Cole said under his breath.
"Seriously," Kai said.
"Shh." Wu glared at them.
Everyone watched the TV intently.
"The vote has passed. Ninjutsu is illegal."