chapter 123

... Three-Party Powder Keg....

"Sixth Street Gang... what are they doing here?"

David's eyes scanned the gathering of Sixth Street Gang members outside the window. Most of them were stationed in front of the bar across the street from the restaurant.

Is their target the bar? Did they take over this area by chance?

His thoughts were interrupted as he turned to look at his mother, Gloria, sitting in front of him. Her face was tense, fear evident in her expression.

Why is she so afraid?

Then it hit him—Of course, she should be afraid.

David blinked, realizing something had shifted within him. A year ago, he'd have been terrified in this situation, his thoughts swirling with questions like: When will the NCPD show up? Will we be okay?

But now… now, he felt almost nothing.

In fact, as he studied the armed Sixth Street Gang members patrolling the restaurant, his mind was focused on calculating: How long would it take them to raise their weapons? Could I draw my gun and respond in time?

David froze for a moment. Why am I thinking like this? What's wrong with me?

He glanced down at his hand, now resting instinctively on Kenshin, the concealed pistol at his waist.

Was this the result of Karl, Jack, and Oliver's teachings? Had their lessons—"ordinary street thugs are no big deal"—somehow hardened him?

Instead of fear, David now felt a quiet, steady resolve.

"Mom, it's okay," he said calmly, his voice firm. "It's none of our business."

Gloria glanced at her son, startled by the maturity and confidence in his tone. This wasn't the David she remembered.

"David… don't worry, Mom's fine."

David gave a slight nod, his fingers brushing against his pistol.

"I'll protect you."

There were six Sixth Street Gang members inside the restaurant. Two were in the kitchen, chatting with the owner while making sure there were no threats. The remaining four stood at each corner of the restaurant, their weapons at the ready.

Their movements weren't random; they were positioning themselves strategically, likely in case a fight broke out at the bar across the street. From their discipline and coordination, it was clear why the Sixth Street Gang, despite their smaller size of just over 2,300 members, had managed to dominate Santo Domingo and extend their influence into Lele Scenic.

Unlike other gangs in Night City, the Sixth Street Gang's ranks were filled with military veterans, making them more skilled and organized.

One of the gang members, holding an M251S Ajax assault rifle, stood in the corner nearest to Karl. His eyes swept across the restaurant, pausing briefly on Karl, who was hunched over his meal, appearing timid and unassuming.

The gang member shrugged and looked away, dismissing Karl as just another scared customer trying to avoid trouble.

His focus returned to the bar outside.

The Valentino Gang's decision to open a bar on the "neutral" border between their territory and the Sixth Street Gang's was clearly provocative. A standoff was inevitable.

If this escalates into a full-scale war…

The gang member gripped his rifle tighter. The Valentino Gang was the largest in Night City. A war against them wouldn't be easy, and the thought of surviving such a battle made his fingers twitch.

The restaurant remained eerily quiet, save for the muffled conversation between the owner and the gang members. The other diners stayed silent, too afraid to even glance at the armed intruders.

But the tension didn't last long.

Outside, more figures arrived—a group of Valentino Gang members.

Is this about to turn into a shootout?

David's stomach churned as he watched the two gangs face off across the street. He glanced at his mother. They were seated right by the glass window—completely exposed. If bullets started flying, they'd be in the direct line of fire.

The unease in the air grew heavier when a third group arrived, rolling in on customized motorcycles.

Tiger Claws?

The gang's arrival made sense. Lele Scenic was the intersection of the Valentino, Sixth Street, and Tiger Claw territories. If the Valentino Gang and the Sixth Street Gang were about to clash, the Tiger Claws wouldn't miss the chance to assert their presence.

David's eyes narrowed as he watched the Tiger Claws approach both groups. After a brief conversation with the Valentino Gang, it became clear they'd struck some kind of deal.

The Tiger Claws, with the Valentino Gang's approval, now turned their weapons toward the Sixth Street Gang.

The power dynamic shifted instantly.

Initially, the Sixth Street Gang had the upper hand, with over twenty members against the Valentino Gang's ten. But with the Tiger Claws siding with the Valentinos, the balance was even.

Tension filled the street. Both sides stood ready, weapons raised, waiting for someone to make the first move.

Inside the restaurant, the Sixth Street Gang members braced themselves. Their fingers hovered over their triggers, their eyes darting between the two allied gangs outside.

Then, a single gunshot rang out.

No one knew where it came from, but it was enough to ignite the powder keg.

And chaos erupted.