December 11, 2062
Chiba, Japan
Snow drifted softly through a narrow alley under the night sky. A lone teenage boy stood surrounded by a group of thugs. "Give me my money back!" he shouted.
The silver-haired youth clutched an acoustic guitar in his hands, his voice echoing through the alley.
"Well, look who it is—the foreigner from yesterday," a large thug sneered, cracking his fingers. "Got a death wish, picking a fight on our turf?"
He drew back his fist. "Don't you know this is Tachigi territory!" Before he could finish, his eyes bulged. A brutal kick slammed straight into his groin. "Gah—!"
The giant collapsed instantly, writhing on the icy ground. "Teme~! (You bastard!)" The remaining thugs grabbed iron pipes. "Fuckin' Brat!" The silver-haired boy blocked the first strike with his guitar, then swung it back with all his strength. The fight spilled through the alley, metal clashing and boots scraping against frozen concrete.
Suddenly!
PLUNG! A pipe smashed into his face, knocking him off balance.
But he didn't fall. Eyes blazing, he grabbed the pipe mid-swing and hauled himself back upright without even touching the ground.
"What the hell?!" one thug gasped.
"I'ma kick your ass," the boy muttered. "Now give back my money!" He pressed forward, fists flying—until a sharp shout cut through the chaos.
A black-haired young man sprinted in and launched a flying double kick straight into a thug who was about to strike. "Oi! Aren't you the guys who tried to steal my bike?!"
He landed neatly beside the silver-haired boy.
Both of them blinked—then spoke at the same time. "Wait, you too?!"
The black-haired youth cracked his knuckles. "Then let's knock these bakayarou flat."
He charged, leaping into another double kick that sent two thugs crashing into each other.
"Uryaa~!" He popped back up, grinning smugly. "If you want more, I'll—"
Thud!
A skinny thug sucker-punched him square in the face. The black-haired boy didn't even flinch.
He raised an eyebrow and looked at the thug with pity. "That was a good line, and you just ruined it. Damn it!!"
A sharp kick sent the man flying into a trash bin. "—I'll give you plenty. Tch!" Another thug lunged at him. "One at a time—whoa!" The black-haired boy was tackled to the ground.
"Ugh! get off you stink." Before things could turn ugly, the silver-haired youth rushed in and stomped the attacker's face. "Oof! Thanks, man. Alright, round two!"
They fought back-to-back, driving the gang deeper into the alley.
"Need a heavy hitter?" the silver-haired boy asked.
"Hah! the hard one!" The black-haired youth grabbed two short iron pipes.
"Let's wreck them!" They charged without hesitation. The alley echoed with shouts and crashes, sending nearby cats scattering into the night. When it was over, the thugs lay groaning on the ground. The two boys searched their pockets one by one.
"I'm Hitorishi Seto," said the black-haired youth. "What about you?"
"If I tell you, you won't mind?" the silver-haired boy asked.
"Pfft. Even if your name's Tiny Weeny, Mr. Hentai, or you're from outer space, I wouldn't care."
"Seokjae. I'm not from around here—just looking for work."
"Nice~ Your Japanese is crazy good. N1 level. Mind if I call you Seoki?"
"Whatever works—huh?!"
Pew! A sharp whizz sliced the air. A bullet skimmed past Seoki's ear.
From the mouth of the alley, a man in a suit approached, a silenced pistol in hand. He casually checked the fallen thugs' pockets as he walked. "You kids really messed up my boys," he said calmly. "Looks like you had fun." He tucked the gun into his waistband. "Kids these days~"
"So you're their boss, huh?" Seto snapped. "Judging by the suit, must be a big shot. Good timing, makes getting my bike back easier."
"Idiot, he's armed." Seoki stopped him before things turned really nasty.
The man stepped into the light, revealing a thick mustache beneath his nose.
"Know what I should do with brats like you?"
"Damare! (Shut up!)" Seto barked. "What, trying to look tough, old man? I'll knock that mustache right off—!"
Seoki quickly grabbed him and pulled him back.
"My apologies, sir," Seoki said, bowing deeply. "Your men took some of our belongings."
"Tch." Seto picked his nose, only to yelp as Seoki smacked his back.
"Ow! Nani-ko--"
"Heh… heh…"The man chuckled. "You two are getting interesting."
He straightened his coat as the cold wind swept through the alley.
"How about taking a little walk with me? I'll teach you a thing or two about business. And if you're interested… maybe you could work for me."
He smiled thinly. "If you're looking for a quick way to get rich."
In that moment, the boys understood....this man was no ordinary thug.
"A yakuza boss?" Seto whispered.
"Magoroku Bito," the man said. "Looking for a job? kids."
Gold-capped fangs flashed beneath his mustache.
Magoroku Bito,
Head of the Taiyoshin Gang.
A blue butterfly emerged from the snow, fluttering high into the sky before drifting back down into the bustling alley.
Everyone carries a burden. How heavy it is depends on time.
I don't need to say much more. Fate calls to those who desire.
Home is what I long for. Yet fate mocks me, blocks my path.
And from this moment on—I intend to break it.