Chapter 3 – The Path of Blood
The neon glow of Shibuya flickered through the damp streets as Kai followed Jett Solace through a winding alley. The city never truly slept, but in this moment, everything felt eerily quiet. Kai's fists still ached from the fight the night before, and his mind was restless. He had stepped into a world far beyond what he ever imagined—a world where weakness was a death sentence.
Jett walked ahead, his cigarette burning dimly in the dark. "You did well back there, Kai," he muttered. "But don't get cocky. You're still at the bottom."
Kai exhaled sharply, his breath visible in the cold air. "I know," he said. "I just… I need to be stronger."
Jett smirked, taking another drag. "Good answer. Then listen up. Tonight, you're meeting the higher-ups. You'll see what real power looks like."
The alley they walked through suddenly opened into a vast underground parking lot. Rows of motorcycles and black cars lined the space, and at least fifty men stood in formation. Some were laughing, others were sharpening knives. The air was thick with cigarette smoke and the low hum of murmured conversations.
But Kai's attention was instantly drawn to the man standing in the center.
A tall figure with silver-white hair stood with his hands in his coat pockets. His long black coat bore a golden dragon emblem on the back, its fabric shifting slightly in the cold wind. He wasn't just another gang member—his presence alone was suffocating. His piercing golden eyes scanned the crowd like a predator sizing up his prey.
Jett nudged Kai forward. "Meet the man who decides whether you live or die in this world," he said with a smirk.
Kai's heart pounded. He was standing in front of Auro Takashi, one of the Nine Kings—a name spoken in hushed whispers across the city.
Auro's gaze locked onto him. "You're the new recruit?" His voice was calm, but there was an underlying sharpness to it.
Kai swallowed his nerves. "Yes."
Auro took a step closer, his boots clicking against the pavement. "Tell me, why do you want to fight?"
The entire parking lot went silent.
Kai clenched his fists. "Because I have no choice."
Auro raised an eyebrow. "No choice? Explain."
Kai exhaled. "My sister, Airi, is all I have. She got into an accident. The hospital bills are more than I could ever afford. I was weak, and I got beat up trying to stand up for someone. I don't want to be weak anymore."
Auro studied him for a long moment. Then, he chuckled.
"Not bad," Auro said. "You've got the right fire in your eyes."
Jett crossed his arms. "Told you, he's got potential."
Auro looked around at the gathered gang members. "What do you all think? Should we test the newbie?"
The men erupted into cheers and whistles. Some banged on their motorcycles, others cracked their knuckles.
Auro turned back to Kai. "You want strength? Prove it. Beat down whoever I tell you to."
A burly man stepped forward from the crowd, towering over Kai. His knuckles were wrapped in bloodstained bandages, and his scarred face twisted into a grin.
"Yo, Auro, you want me to handle this kid?" the man said, cracking his neck.
Auro smirked. "Kai, meet Koda. He's been with us for five years. If you can land a single clean hit on him, I'll let you stay. If not…" His golden eyes gleamed. "You're out."
The crowd erupted again, forming a circle around them.
Kai took a deep breath. This was it. His first real test.
The Fight Begins
Koda smirked, throwing off his jacket and rolling his shoulders. "Alright, kid. Let's see if you've got any bite."
Kai steadied his stance. He wasn't the strongest, but he was fast. He had to use that.
Koda lunged forward, throwing a heavy punch straight for Kai's face. Kai barely dodged it, feeling the air shift as the punch whooshed past him.
He retaliated immediately, aiming a quick jab at Koda's ribs—but before his fist could connect, Koda's massive hand caught his wrist.
Kai's eyes widened.
"Too slow," Koda growled, and he drove his knee into Kai's stomach.
The impact sent Kai sprawling to the ground, gasping for air. Pain shot through his entire body, but he refused to stay down.
The gang members roared with laughter. "He's done already!" someone shouted.
Jett's expression remained unreadable, but Auro simply watched with mild curiosity.
Kai wiped blood from his lip and forced himself to stand.
Koda shook his head. "Still got fight in you? Good. Let's go again."
This time, Kai didn't wait. He charged forward, feinting left before twisting to the right. Koda raised his guard, but Kai had already anticipated it.
He ducked under Koda's swing and delivered a sharp kick to his knee.
Koda staggered, his stance faltering.
Kai saw his opening. He gritted his teeth and threw everything he had into an uppercut.
His fist connected with Koda's jaw.
The crowd went silent for a split second—then erupted into shouts.
Koda stumbled back, rubbing his jaw. Then, he grinned. "Damn. Didn't expect that."
Auro's smirk widened. "Not bad."
Kai stood panting, his body aching but his mind sharp. He had done it.
Auro stepped forward, placing a hand on Kai's shoulder. "Welcome to the gang, Kai Vance."
The entire parking lot shook with cheers.
The Oath of Blood
After the fight, Kai knelt before Auro, surrounded by the gang.
Auro held out a black flag, embroidered with a silver dragon. "This is our symbol, the mark of the Solace Clan. Wear it with pride, or die trying."
Kai took the flag and nodded. "I swear my loyalty."
Auro turned to Jett. "Train him well. If he dies early, that's on you."
Jett smirked. "He'll survive."
As Kai stood, he realized—he wasn't the same weak boy anymore.
This was the beginning of something bigger.
Something dangerous.
And he was ready.
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To be continued