Breakdown Gang: Nine Kings
Kairos Vance stood outside the towering warehouse in the industrial district of Shibuya. The air smelled of oil, rust, and cigarette smoke. Streetlights flickered, barely cutting through the shadows of the abandoned factories nearby. He clenched his fists, feeling the bruises from his earlier beating still throbbing.
Jett Solace, the man who had saved him, stood beside him, hands deep in the pockets of his long black coat. He didn't speak much, but when he did, his words carried weight.
"You ready?" Jett asked without looking at him.
Kai swallowed hard but nodded. "Yeah."
Jett smirked. "Good. 'Cause once we step inside, there's no turning back."
The steel doors groaned as Jett pushed them open. The moment they stepped inside, the energy in the air shifted. The warehouse was alive—figures in dark jackets with red insignias gathered in groups, some laughing, others sharpening knives or adjusting their gloves. Makeshift fighting rings were scattered throughout, where gang members sparred under dim, flickering lights.
At the center of the room, seated on a worn-out leather chair like a throne, was a man exuding pure dominance. He had slicked-back dark hair, piercing gray eyes, and wore a tailored black suit embroidered with a crimson dragon along the sleeves.
"That's Nero Kisaragi," Jett murmured. "Our boss."
Nero's gaze snapped toward them, and instantly, the room fell silent. He slowly stood, adjusting his cufflinks before stepping forward.
"Jett," he called out, his voice deep and calm, yet carrying an unmistakable edge. "Who's the kid?"
Jett clapped a hand on Kai's shoulder. "Kairos Vance. He's got guts. Took a beating protecting some girl from two thugs. Didn't back down."
Kai felt dozens of eyes analyzing him, weighing his worth. He forced himself to stand tall, despite the bruises screaming at him.
Nero studied him for a moment before letting out a low chuckle. "Brave, but foolish."
Kai didn't flinch. "If I hadn't stepped in, she'd be in the hospital."
Nero smirked. "And you're here because?"
Kai hesitated, then spoke the truth. "I need money."
A few chuckles echoed through the room. Some gang members muttered among themselves, but Nero held up a hand, silencing them. He stepped closer, eyes locking onto Kai's.
"Money, huh? Well, in Breakdown, nothing comes free." He glanced at Jett. "He vouches for you, so I'll give you a chance. But you earn your keep here. No handouts."
Kai nodded. "I understand."
Nero studied him for a few more seconds before turning to one of the gang members. "Get this kid a jacket. He's R-rank for now. If he survives, we'll talk about promotions."
A black and red jacket was tossed toward Kai. He caught it, running his fingers over the embroidered insignia of Breakdown Gang.
"Welcome to the real world, Kairos Vance." Nero grinned. "Your life just changed forever."
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Kai barely had time to process what had happened before Jett motioned for him to follow. They weaved through the warehouse, passing groups of gang members who sized him up. Some nodded in acknowledgment, while others smirked, clearly thinking he wouldn't last long.
"R-rank means you're at the bottom," Jett explained as they walked. "No respect, no power. You earn your way up through fights, missions, and proving yourself."
Kai swallowed hard. He had expected this, but hearing it made it feel real.
They stopped near a rusted metal staircase leading to a second-floor balcony. A small group of fighters stood nearby, stretching and wrapping their hands in tape. A ring was set up—ropes sagging, mats worn out from years of use.
Jett gestured toward the ring. "Your first test. One round. Win or lose, you show them you can take a hit and keep going."
Kai turned to him. "Who am I fighting?"
A voice answered from inside the ring.
"Me."
Kai looked up to see a tall, muscular guy step forward, cracking his knuckles. His hair was shaved on the sides, with a streak of silver running through the middle. His eyes gleamed with amusement.
"This is Shinji," Jett said. "C-rank. Tough, but not unbeatable."
Shinji grinned, rolling his shoulders. "Let's see if the newbie can stand on his own two feet."
Kai took a deep breath and climbed into the ring. His heart pounded, but he forced himself to focus. He had been in fights before, but this was different. This wasn't a street brawl—this was a test of survival.
The crowd gathered around as Jett stepped between them.
"Rules are simple," Jett said. "No weapons. No backing out. First one who can't stand loses."
Kai nodded, raising his fists. Shinji smirked and did the same.
Jett raised his hand. "Fight!"
Shinji moved first.
Fast.
Kai barely dodged the first punch, but the second slammed into his ribs, knocking the wind out of him. He stumbled, gritting his teeth as Shinji pressed forward, throwing a kick aimed at his side.
Kai barely blocked it, the impact rattling his bones. He had no time to think—only react. He ducked under another punch and countered with a quick jab to Shinji's ribs. It landed, but barely fazed him.
"Not bad," Shinji said, grinning. "But not enough."
He launched a brutal knee into Kai's stomach. Pain exploded through his core as he staggered back. His vision blurred for a moment.
Get up.
His sister's face flashed in his mind. Lying in that hospital bed. Helpless.
Kai's grip tightened. He planted his feet, ignoring the pain, and when Shinji came in again, he dodged—barely—before throwing a right hook with everything he had.
His fist crashed into Shinji's jaw.
The crowd gasped.
Shinji stumbled, eyes widening in shock.
Kai panted, his entire body aching. But he wasn't done. He stepped forward, delivering another punch, this time to Shinji's gut. The bigger fighter groaned, taking a step back.
Then, he smirked.
"Now that's more like it."
Shinji launched forward with a new intensity. This time, Kai was ready. He weaved, blocking some hits, taking others, but never going down. The fight dragged on—every hit, every dodge, every move a test of his endurance.
Until finally—
A hard uppercut sent Kai crashing to the mat.
Everything spun. His body screamed at him to stay down.
But he pushed himself up.
One knee.
Then the other.
The moment his feet planted firmly, Jett raised a hand.
"Enough."
The room was silent.
Then, applause.
"You lost," Jett said, pulling Kai to his feet. "But you didn't quit."
Shinji grinned, rubbing his jaw. "Kid's got heart. I'll give him that."
Nero, who had been watching from the balcony, finally spoke.
"Good enough for me. Welcome to Breakdown, Kairos."
Kai exhaled, gripping his bruised ribs.
This was just the beginning.
TO BE CONTINUED...