The birds were chirping as if nothing had happened. As if half of Ninjago City hadn't been laying in ruins only days prior - and still was to some extent. Rubble blocked roads in parts of the City, though graffiti gang-symbols had been washed from walls first thing after salvation from Lord Garmadon. Civilians gathered in groups, staring up in awe every time another flag was taken down. Relief was palpable in the air, but so was despair and grief. For every family reunited under the sun, another grieved as news of victims reached the public.

Jay could feel light crackling in his fingertips as he led controlled electricity through a cable. Street lamps flared to life, though the pole had been torn from the ground mere hours before, barely standing. He missed using his elemental powers without fearing for his life - almost as much as playing real video games. Why couldn't they have a video game related adventure? Not too soon though. He rested a hand on his side, eyes wandering over the blue sky. Moments like these were his favorite: having beaten the villain, glowing from the aftermath, with just enough reconstruction work to prevent boredom.

"Stop dreaming, Jay", Kai's voice interrupted. "We've got an entire city to rebuild."

They'd been assigned the same district while the team spread across the city. Jay restored electricity to critical areas like hospitals and apartments while Kai welded dangerous cables. Cole cleared rubble, Nya secured water supplies, Zane calculated repair costs, and Lloyd spread good news throughout Ninjago.

Jay released the cable to glare at the fire ninja welding a car across the alley. "What are you? Master Wu? Can't a guy relax after saving the city and risking his life?"

"Oh yeah? Who was the one jumping on that colossus?" Kai retorted, stopping work to glare back.

"That's because I'm selfless, not suicidal-" Jay shrieked.

Their bickering was interrupted by a furball shooting between their legs. Before they could react, it climbed the lamp post.

"No need to panic. It's just some cat." Kai shrugged. "Probably chased by a dog or something."

He turned back to work but nearly lost balance as the 'dog' stormed past - actually a small child chasing the cat. The kid scaled the smooth metal lamp post impossibly fast, perching on top. Seemingly unaware of the height and shaky pole, they crawled toward the cat.

"Hey, you, get down there!" Kai yelled. "That's dangerous!"

The child ignored him. The lamp slowly tipped under their weight as the ninja watched with bated breath. At that height, they couldn't stop the fall, and climbing would only worsen it. They positioned themselves to catch the child, circling like basketball players - until they slammed foreheads, stunning each other.

The lamp crashed through a multi-story apartment window. Miraculously, the child landed on a balcony awning, ripping through it to fall onto the awning below, bouncing to a neighboring building, then finally landing unhurt right in front of Jay and Kai.

A large man stomped out of the battered house, face twisted. "You again!" he yelled at the child. "I don't care about the damage. Get rid of that rascal! That troublemaker's gonna break their neck, and I don't want responsibility. Loses their parents and thinks they can do whatever they want cause people will pity them. Damn orphan."

He slammed the door shut.

"An orphan?" Jay whispered, kneeling to meet the child's eyes. "That's awful."

"We are not adopting another orphan, Jay!" Kai's firm voice cut through.

"The last orphan we adopted was Master Wu! And who knows what would have happened if we hadn't?" Jay countered, offering his hand to the child.

"The first orphan became the Green Ninja! Following that logic, I'd rather not accidentally adopt a young Lord Garmadon!" Kai turned away, though his eyes remained on the child who took Jay's hand without hesitation.

"They sure seem to like stirring up trouble," Jay admitted, then melted at their gaze. "But does this face look like someone who would take over the world? At least take them to the monastery to consult the team?"

Kai scoffed, glancing at Jay and the child - one clearly a child, the other questionable despite adulthood. He sighed. "Fine. But I'm not changing any diapers again."

Jay silently celebrated, lifting the child for a piggyback ride. "See? Uncle Kai's a softie underneath. I get to pick the name if they don't have one, right?"

"Don't overdo it," Kai grumbled, leading the way from the alley.