The lunch bell rang, shrill like a siren through the corridors of Aoyama High. Kaito Ren didn't care. He wasn't hungry. His one thought: "Keep moving. Don't get dragged into any more nonsense today."
But nonsense, as usual, had a GPS set directly for him.
"HEY! NEW GUY!"
Riku Tanabe burst through the crowded hall, practically knocking over a stack of textbooks. Kaito blew out a sigh, but didn't turn around.
"You survived your first fight! That was insane!" Riku grinned like someone had just told him chocolate rained from the sky. "You're like… I don't even know! A one-man tornado?"
"Just tired," Kaito muttered, his eyes scanning the floor as if he could magically teleport away in case things got worse.
"You can't just be 'tired' in this school, bro!" Riku said, bouncing in his spot. "The Stray Dogs are calling. Jin wants to see you!"
Kaito lifted an eyebrow. "Stray Dogs?"
"Oh, come on! The gang you fought? The guys that didn't kill you on your first day?" Riku burst out laughing. "They aren't the scary ones. The scary ones will come after you if you ignore Jin's invitation."
Kaito groaned. His "no friends, no problems" peaceful plan was already circling the drain.
By the time lunch rolled around, Kaito found himself standing in front of a building that seemed to be a warehouse masquerading as an abandoned factory. Neon graffiti across a cracked wall spelled STRAY DOGS.
Riku nudged him. "Here we are! Don't worry, it's just… a meeting. You know, super casual. No blood.
Kaito didn't answer. He just came inside, hands in his pockets, his aura quietly humming around him like a warning siren.
Inside, the gang of Stray Dogs sprawled through the space like they owned it-which they did. A mix of teenagers and early twenty-somethings, tattoos, leather jackets, and a casual air of danger: in the middle of all that, Jin Kurosawa sat calm, sharp-eyed, and impossibly composed.
"Sit," Jin said, his voice smooth. Not loud, not aggressive-just…precise.
Kaito did, grudgingly.
Jin studied him for a moment, then leaned back. "You've already made an impression today. Not just with your fighting, but… presence. People notice you, even when you try not to."
"Not interested in being noticed," Kaito said flatly.
"I know," Jin said. "Which is exactly why I'm offering you a position with the Stray Dogs."
Kaito blinked. "A position? I don't want a position. Or a gang. Or problems."
Jin leaned forward slightly, hands steepled. "Let me be clear: I'm not asking. I'm offering. Join us, and you survive the streets. Refuse… and I can't guarantee anyone else will let you walk safely tomorrow.
Kaito's expression didn't change. "I walk fine."
Riku was practically quivering with excitement as he leaned in. "Dude, did you hear him? He's like… giving you a legit invite. You gotta say yes! This is awesome!"
Kaito stared at him. "You're insane."
"Probably, but you like it.
Jin raised an eyebrow. "You're difficult."
"I'm just tired," Kaito said again.
The room was silent for a second. Then, from the back, there was a sudden outburst of laughter.
"You're refusing already? Even before I've told you about the perks?" A voice called out. Yuna Sato emerged from the shadows of the gang, arms crossed, a sharp grin on her face. "Cute. You've got attitude."
Kaito looked at her unamused. "I didn't ask for opinions."
"Of course not. That's the charm," she said, walking closer; her heels clicked on the concrete floor. "But seriously, you're like. a walking storm wrapped in a grumpy face. Not even scared of us yet still managing to be ridiculous. I kind of like it."
Riku slapped Kaito's shoulder. "See? Even she thinks you are awesome! You can't say no to destiny, bro!"
Kaito sighed. For the first time, his aura visibly flickered, a faint blue glow tracing the contours of his fists.
"Okay, let's be real," Jin said, raising his hand. "This isn't just about recruiting talent. The city is heating up. Raiden Koga is gaining power fast. You already had a taste of what he can do. If you don't align with someone capable… you're going to be a sitting duck."
Kaito's eyes hardened. "And aligning with you makes me safer?
"Not necessarily, aligning with us gives you a chance," Jin said. "And a chance is better than nothing."
Kaito leaned back, crossing his arms. For a long moment he said nothing, his eyes narrowing. Then, almost imperceptibly, he smirked.
"…Fine. But only because it sounds boring if I don't."
Riku yelped. "YES! Bro! That's my best friend!"
Yuna rolled her eyes, smirking. "Figures. He only does things because it amuses him."
Jin merely nodded, pleased. "Good. Then we start training immediately. You need to know how we handle territory, gang diplomacy… and combat."
Kaito shrugged. "I'm already fine with combat."
"You will find out soon enough that combat is never fine. Not here," Jin said.
Riku said in a loud whisper to Kaito, "Dude, this is so cool! Training? Territory fights? Secret hideouts? You're basically a super hero now!"
Kaito just muttered, "…I just wanted lunch."
-Jpn
As the evening began, Kaito and Riku walked back toward the school gates. The sun fell behind the skyline, casting long shadows down on the streets.
"So what now?" Kaito asked.
"Now?" Riku bounced up and down excitedly. "Now we wait for trouble! Jin said Raiden might try something soon. That's like… level two villain stuff!"
Kaito's expression didn't change. "I'll be ready."
"Oh, you will be ready," Riku said, a mischievous grin spreading. "But also… you're going to enjoy the chaos more than you realize. Admit it."
Kaito didn't say a word. He didn't need to. The streets whispered to him, and he could feel it: this city wasn't going to give him peace. Not now, not ever.
And that was ok.
Because Kaito Ren didn't need peace. He needed challenge. He needed to survive. He needed… to fight. And if anyone dared get in his way… well, the Tempest Aura would make sure they regretted it.
For now, though, he just walked. The wind ruffled his hair. The city lights flickered. And somewhere, a shadow with lightning tattoos was watching. The game was officially on.