Where It All Began

16 Years Ago...

The soft clatter of wooden blocks echoed through a dimly lit room as a young boy played on the floor, completely absorbed in his own little world. Hiro Namikaze, barely five years old, stacked his toys with quiet concentration, but his ears perked up at the sound of hushed voices drifting from the next room.

Curiosity tugged at him, and he slowly rose to his feet, padding toward the slightly ajar door. Peering through the gap, he spotted his parents, Kousuke and Mai, seated in the living room, their expressions tense.

"So... are you taking Hiro to the organization tomorrow?" Mai's voice was laced with concern, her fingers tightening around the fabric of her dress.

Kousuke let out a slow breath. "Yeah… Kazuya wants me to bring him in. He's old enough to see the office now. He also wants me to consider Hiro joining the gang once he's of age."

Mai's expression darkened. "Are you sure that's a good idea? He barely understands the world around him, and—Kousuke, he's not you. He won't be able to defend himself like you can."

Kousuke leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "I know, but it's not like he's joining right away. He can't enter the gang until he's fifteen. By then, he'll be old enough to make his own decisions." He hesitated before adding, "I can train him, Mai. I can teach him everything I know. You understand that I'm the second-best in the entire organization, don't you? If Hiro chooses this path, I'll make sure he's prepared for whatever comes his way."

Mai sighed, worry flickering in her eyes, but after a moment, she nodded. "As long as it's his choice… and as long as you do everything in your power to keep him safe."

Kousuke glanced at the clock and stretched. "We should get some rest. It's going to be a long day tomorrow." He stood, pressing a gentle kiss to Mai's forehead. "Goodnight, love."

"Goodnight," she whispered back before disappearing into their bedroom.

Hiro, realizing their conversation was over, hurried back to his room, heart pounding. He barely had time to process what he had just heard before the sound of approaching footsteps made him scramble onto his bed. He snatched up a toy just as his door creaked open.

Kousuke stepped inside, arms crossed. "How much did you hear?"

Hiro froze. His father's sharp gaze told him there was no use in lying. Swallowing hard, he admitted, "Just that you're taking me to your workplace tomorrow."

Kousuke arched a brow, seemingly surprised at how much Hiro had picked up. He sat down on the edge of the bed. "Tomorrow, we're visiting my office. There'll be another boy there—someone I'd like you to meet. Try to get along with him, alright?"

Hiro tilted his head, sensing that wasn't the full story. But instead of questioning it, he simply nodded. "Okay, Father."

Kousuke ruffled his hair, satisfied. "Good. Now get some rest."

Hiro didn't want to sleep, but he also didn't want to disobey. With a small yawn, he curled under the covers. "Goodnight, Father."

"Goodnight, Hiro."

The next morning, Hiro walked beside his father, his small hand gripping the hem of Kousuke's jacket as they approached a towering skyscraper. His eyes widened in awe. The sleek, black glass reflected the sky, making the building seem endless.

"This is it," Kousuke said, watching Hiro's reaction with a smirk.

Hiro had never seen anything so grand. "It's huge," he whispered.

Kousuke chuckled. "Come on."

They stepped inside, the air cool and sterile. As they neared an elevator, Kousuke suddenly knelt beside Hiro, his expression serious. "Before we go any further, I need you to promise me something."

Hiro blinked. "What is it?"

"You will behave your best. No wandering off, no foolishness."

Hiro frowned, crossing his arms. "How low do you think of me? Of course, I'll behave. I feel offended that you even thought that!"

Kousuke let out a short laugh and stood. "Good."

He pressed a secret sequence into the elevator panel. A soft beep sounded, and a hidden set of buttons slid into view. Kousuke pressed the lowest one and placed his thumb on a scanner. After a moment, the elevator whirred to life, descending smoothly.

When the doors slid open, Hiro's breath hitched. The underground office was nothing like the cold corporate space above. Dim lighting, armed men standing guard, and a heavy scent of leather and smoke filled the air. A large door loomed ahead.

Kousuke knocked once before pushing it open. Inside, a man with slicked-back hair and an easy grin greeted them.

"Kousuke, my old friend," the man said warmly. "How have you been?"

"Getting by," Kousuke replied. "And you?"

"Never better." The man's gaze shifted to Hiro. "And this must be your son."

Hiro instinctively took a step closer to his father.

The man chuckled. "No need to be shy. I'd like you to meet my son."

A boy around Hiro's age stepped forward, bowing slightly. "Hello. My name is Aidan Maganaga. I hope we can have a lasting friendship."

Hiro hesitated before copying the gesture. "I'm Hiro Namikaze. I hope so too."

Their fathers exchanged knowing looks.

Kazuya leaned back in his chair, watching the boys with interest. "Why don't you two go to the training grounds and get to know each other?"

Aidan's eyes lit up. "Can we spar?"

Kousuke tensed, his gaze flicking to Kazuya, who merely chuckled. "Not everyone is willing to fight, Aidan. It's Hiro's choice."

Hiro glanced at his father, who nodded. "It's up to you," Kousuke said. "But if you do, you'll wear protective gear... Right Kazuya?"

Kazuya grinned. "Of course. We wouldn't want them to get hurt too badly."

Despite his unease, Hiro found himself nodding. "I'll do it."

Aidan beamed, and the two boys turned to leave. Their fathers, however, remained behind, their conversation shifting to more serious matters.

"How much have you taught him?" Kazuya asked.

Kousuke sighed. "Just the basics. I won't push him unless he chooses this life himself."

Kazuya smirked. "I've taught Aidan a little more than just the basics."

Kousuke's jaw tightened as he watched his son walk away, a sense of foreboding creeping into his chest. Whatever awaited Hiro in this world, he would have to be ready.

(End of Chapter)