Examples…
"My students, you all remember the conversation concerning the types of clothes that I advise you all would purchase," Sensei Wu asked as the group walked down the stairs leading to the main atrium of the mall. They stopped near an immense, bubbling, white washed fountain as Wu continued on, saying, "After my failed attempt back at the van, I realize that, instead of explaining a simple definition, I should take a more visual approach."
He looked around thoughtfully, saying, "We will first have to look around for a suitable store, a place where we can find quality clothing."
"Well, I do know a good store that sells quality professional clothing," Nya replied a moment later. "I think it's called-"
"No you don't," Wu interrupted, quickly placing a hand over her mouth.
"Mmph- mmph," Nya mumbled underneath his hand, then immediately removed it, glaring at Sensei Wu with annoyance. "Hey, Sensei, that was rude! What gives?"
"I apologize, Nya, for having committed such a disrespectful action. However, I cannot have you all going around advertising brands like human billboards." He shook his head in dismay, muttering under his breath, "Not only is it a disgrace, it is also very expensive."
"How exactly is that expensive?" Jay asked, having overheard what Sensei had said afterwards.
"Ah, don't you realize that you are all very well known?" the old master replied. "Having gained some fame from protecting Ninjago so many times, you have all become targets for corporate heads to use as advertising. Unfortunately, since you are naming brands and stores without the companies' permission, you are not exempt from being charged for the 'advertisement' by said companies." He stops for a moment then added, "In other words, I have to pay up for every brand name that you end up blurting out in public."
"Really?" Cole inquired, scratching his head in confusion. "Oh, come on, Sensei, you've got to be exaggerating."
Sensei Wu took a moment to pull a thick scroll of paper out from inside his robe's pocket, letting one end drop to the ground and roll off, leaving a long trail of paper extending up to the other side of the atrium. He pulls out thick reading glasses and directs his gaze at the small print on the paper.
"This is a list compiling the number of times that you have all happened to speak out in public of mainstream brands in the past year. A good portion of the brands that are said are video game titles, fast food franchises, major auto parts stores, online auction sites, and hair product brands," Sensei announced, looking over the list. He frowned as he rolled the scroll up to go back to something and squinted at the text. "No wait, Dareth usually is the one to say that last one. I must address that with him later, along with Lloyd."
"How much money does each time cost?" Nya asked, staring dumbfounded at the list.
"Hmm, usually not much, but it adds up over time," Sensei replied as he gathered up the list, then put it back in its original place.
"You know, it still doesn't make sense that we're all caught saying so many brand names," Cole said, still in shock at the fact that they were somehow being caught. "I wonder how they're able to do that."
Wu turned to look at Cole, replying crypically, "They have their ways."
Cole's eyes widened in surprise and he turned away from Sensei and said, "Ookay, that's really creepy."
"I wonder what sort of technique they'd use to survey us," Zane said to himself out loud.
"Who knows, but whoever follows up around for these reasons must be extremely dedicated to have compiled that long of a list," Jay replied. He tensed up as the thought of strangers stalking them in order to get more money out from them.
Kai frowned and asked, "Hey, Sensei, why didn't you tell us earlier about this issue? We probably could've tried to avoid that."
The old master looked as his pupil as he said, "You were preoccupied with other business and would probably be unnerved by the fact that people were watching over you. Besides, knowing you Kai, you probably would've tried to sniff them out and take action through force. I cannot allow that, knowing full well that they may take the opportunity to try to get me involved into a complicated lawsuit. Remember, I am fully responsible for all of your actions." Sensei them motioned them to move close. "Come along, now." Then, looking at Nya, he added, "Please show us the way and, this time, without mentioning anything copyrighted."
She nodded as she led the group toward the store, this time keeping a very cautious eye out for anyone looking at them for too long.
A man in a sloppy business suit sitting down at nearby bench cursed silently to himself as he put down a colorful tabloid that he feigned interest in.
It sounded as if that girl Nya was going to spill again. That old man has gotten craftier.
Worse of all, now that Wu revealed to the Ninja about the espionage that had been going on, it would be harder to try to listen to them mention brand names. This meant less money for him.
At the very least, Dareth and Lloyd still has not been informed. However, this would not last long, since Wu mentioned that he would do so later.
He pulled out a cheap silver flip cell phone and pressed a few buttons. He held the phone to his ear, tapping his foot impatiently until someone picked up.
"It seems like we may have to change our tactics, George. "
When they reached the store that must-not-be-mentioned, Nya announced, gesturing for dramatic effect, "Gentlemen, may I present you a place that can satisfy every one of Sensei's requirements!"
Their eyes scanned over the outfits on display, the white blouses gleaming underneath the bright light of strategically placed spotlights, the crisp dark colors of the blaziers, ties, and slacks coordinating with each other to make the outfits as aesthetically pleasing as possible.
"Hey, what would you know! This store's also having sales," Kai pointed out, clearly trying to avoid stating the name of the establishment.
A bright white banner with large red font exclaimed: THIS WEEKEND ONLY! 50% OFF SELECT OUTFITS! BUY TWO, GET ONE FREE SALE ON ALL STORE ACCESSORIES!
"This is excellent. These suits really fit with standards and seem to be within price range," Sensei commented, glancing at Nya with approval.
"Glad you think so," she replied with a satisfied smile. "They also have more casual items inside. They only complaint that I have is that there isn't a section for women here. It's mainly focused on men."
"How sexist," Jay commented and looked over to see if Nya agreed with him.
She made eye contact with him and smiled warmly as she replied, "Yep, but, don't worry, there are many other stores. I'm sure I can find something. We can all meet at the food court in an hour and a half."
"That's a relief," Jay added, then leaned in to whisper to Nya, "Hey, when are we going to go off to do our own thing."
"When we both get something. I'll come back in half an hour and we'll go find that store."
He grinned in anticipation, thinking of the promise of cotton candy and time with Nya. He couldn't wait till then!
She started walking off into another direction and waved goodbye to them. "Behave guys! You all wouldn't want to prove Sensei right, now?"
Kai smirked as he said, "Don't worry about us, sis. If we handled ourselves fairly well as children, then we can do so now."
They watched as she took an escalator to go find a store on the second floor.
"Well, lets get started," Sensei said as he walked into the store. The others followed shortly behind.