The streets of Tokyo High were alive with the usual chaos: students rushing through the courtyards, laughter echoing off the walls, and the distant hum of motorcycles. But to him, none of it was noise—it was data. Every movement, every glance, every subtle shift in behavior was feeding his system, giving him information, preparing him to act.
He flexed his fingers and ran a quick mental check of the system:
[QuestSim System Active – Level 2]Stats: Strength: 2 | Agility: 2 | Intelligence: 3 | Charisma: 3Skills: Observation +2 | Strategic Analysis +1Perks: Leadership Insight
He had a name now. A persona he would carry in this timeline. From this moment on, he was James Lee. Every action, every plan, every influence he exerted would be tied to this identity. It was a mask, yes—but one that commanded respect, and one that would be remembered.
His first task: find his first recruit. The system highlighted a potential candidate:
[Candidate: Yamagishi – Strength 4/10, Loyalty Potential Medium, Influence 5/10]
Perfect. Loyal, observant, connected to Takemichi—a small but important node in the network he intended to build.
James Lee followed Yamagishi discreetly through the crowded school grounds, observing how he moved, how he interacted, and where his influence lay. The system flagged subtle details:
[Candidate Observation: High loyalty, seeks guidance, low experience in conflict][Recommended Approach: Build trust, subtle persuasion, demonstrate authority]
He waited until Yamagishi was alone near the edge of the courtyard.
"Hey," James Lee said, voice calm and confident. "You're Yamagishi, right?"
Yamagishi looked up, startled. "Uh… yeah. And… you are?"
James Lee smirked faintly. "Call me James. I've been watching you—your loyalty, your support for friends… it's rare. That kind of trait doesn't go unnoticed."
Yamagishi blinked, unsure. "I… thanks, I guess?"
The system chimed softly: [Recruitment Attempt Initiated: Candidate 1][Objective: Gauge response to praise and subtle persuasion]
James Lee leaned casually against a nearby railing. "I'm forming something… bigger. A group where loyalty, intelligence, and strength matter. A place where you could make a real difference, stand out, and grow. You'd fit perfectly… if you wanted in."
Yamagishi hesitated. "I… I'm not really strong like that."
James Lee's eyes glinted with quiet authority. "Strength isn't just physical. Strategy, intelligence, loyalty—those count. Everyone has a role. You could be important, Yamagishi. The first to be part of something no one else has."
The system pinged: [Candidate Response: Positive – Loyalty Potential Rising]
James Lee decided on a subtle test. "Follow me to the roof. Just a simple observation task—notice behaviors, detect tension, anticipate reactions. Can you handle that?"
Yamagishi hesitated, then nodded. "I… I'll try."
On the roof, James Lee watched Yamagishi carefully. The boy scanned the school grounds, noting interactions and subtle social tensions. The system recorded progress immediately:
[Yamagishi – Observation +1][Candidate Confidence +1]
Satisfied, James Lee spoke again, calm but commanding. "Good. You're learning fast. Keep this up, and you could be the first member of something bigger. A gang—but not just any gang. This will be Valhalla. You'd be the first to wear the jacket, to stand for something real. Are you in?"
Yamagishi looked at him, eyes wide, then nodded firmly. "Yeah… yeah, I want in."
The system chimed with approval: [Candidate Recruited: Yamagishi – Loyalty Potential High, Member 1 of Valhalla]
James Lee smirked. The first thread of his gang had been woven, the first foundation laid. Yamagishi, loyal, observant, and eager, would be the first piece of his vision.
From this moment, he wasn't just reborn—he was James Lee, strategist, manipulator, and soon-to-be leader. Valhalla had begun.
The city stretched below him, unaware of the storm that was forming. But James Lee already saw the moves ahead: the recruitment of new members, the tests of loyalty, the subtle intimidation of rivals. Every step was calculated, deliberate, and measured.
And this was only the beginning.