The Eastside stronghold wasn't much more than a forgotten warehouse, but inside it throbbed with life. Gangs lounged on broken crates, music blasted from an old speaker, and the air stank of sweat and smoke.
But when the double doors creaked open, the noise died instantly.
Shade entered.
Tall, lean, his coat dragging across the floor like a phantom's cloak, he carried no weapons — he didn't need them. His eyes were sharp and calculating, his presence alone enough to silence the room.
"Sit up," he commanded softly.
Every thug scrambled to their feet.
Crusher's Humiliation
Crusher stood near the front, still bruised from the last skirmish. His lip curled as he clenched his fists.
"Boss," Crusher growled, "let me take Ridgeview myself. One night. That Gray kid ain't nothin'. I'll break him."
Shade's gaze slid to him, cold and piercing.
"You already tried."
Crusher flinched. The warehouse went deadly silent. Shade stepped closer, his voice smooth but venomous.
"Do you think I gather followers to waste them on your bruised ego? You charged in like a bull and lost. Ridgeview is watching now. They're on edge. They'll expect another loud attack. So…" Shade's lips curled into a thin smile.
"…we won't give them one."
The Plan
Shade turned to the gathered Eastside gangs.
"We move like smoke. Small teams. Shadows. Ridgeview must not sleep, must not rest, must never feel safe. We break them piece by piece, until the whole school crumbles under the weight of paranoia."
Murmurs rippled through the crowd. Crusher's face burned with shame, but even he didn't dare interrupt.
Shade raised a hand. "Tonight, we begin."
Shade's Comedy Gag
He reached into his coat dramatically… and pulled out a crumpled fast-food receipt.
"…Who stole my fries last night?"
The crowd froze.
One scrawny Eastside kid hesitantly raised his hand. "Uh… I thought you were done—"
Shade's glare turned on him instantly. The kid paled, certain his life was over.
Then Shade sighed, tossing the receipt aside. "…Next time, at least leave the ketchup."
The gang blinked in confusion. Crusher stifled a laugh. The tension broke for just a second — only to return sharper when Shade's eyes narrowed again.
"Back to business. Tonight, Ridgeview trembles."
Meanwhile, at Ridgeview
Gray was sprawled out on the classroom desk, doodling half-asleep. Kenji leaned over his shoulder.
"Boss, is that… a turtle?"
"It's me," Gray said flatly. "I feel like a turtle."
Mina shook her head at the sight, but her eyes darted toward the window. The air outside felt heavier than usual. Something was coming.
The First Steps
Night fell.
In the alleys around Ridgeview, Eastside scouts moved in silence. They marked routes, slashed tires, scrawled threats on walls. A window shattered in the dead of night.
Shade stood in the shadows of a rooftop, watching Ridgeview below. His lips curved into a slow, cruel smile.
"Let the game begin."
End of Chapter 23: Shadows in Motion