Chapter 2: A Fight They Weren’t Ready For

After school, Togai, Ryugji, Ryumi, and Aira slipped away from the bustle of Hinode High, heading for the old riverside—a quiet refuge where memories of middle school lingered among weathered cobblestones and gently flowing water. For Togai, this place held a special meaning: it was where he had once planted a small flower, a silent promise symbolizing the cherished friendship they all shared.

Togai knelt by the spot where he had planted the flower. "I wonder if it's still alive," he murmured, brushing his fingers gently against the damp soil.

"It's still here—look!" Aira said, pointing excitedly.

Indeed, the flower had grown. Its petals were a soft shade of blue, a small, defiant piece of life amidst the decaying concrete and creeping shadows.

Ryugji, grinning as he nudged Togai, remarked, "If it's as pure and genuine as you, it'll survive anything." Although his laughter was light, there was a hint of tension in his posture—his shoulders were a bit too stiff, and his gaze flickered toward the dark corners of the riverside.

Nearby, Ryumi had picked up on raised voices. He stood still, his body tense and his sharp eyes scanning the area. "Someone is bargaining close to us," he said in a low, cautious voice.

"Maybe it's just a bird singing," Ryugji laughed, trying to dismiss the unease.

But Aira pointed toward the sound. "I think it's coming from near the park."

Before Togai could ask for clarification, muffled voices grew louder, carried on the evening air. The four friends exchanged worried glances and crept closer, crouching behind a dense clump of shrubs to get a better look.

Near a graffiti-stained wall, they saw Vice Principal Iyoto Jakka. He stood there in a brown double-breasted suit with a yellow tie—a look both professional and slightly outdated. His hair was neatly combed, with a distinctive curl at the front that added an air of strict traditionalism to his serious, weary expression. But what caught their attention was not just his demeanor—it was the sight of him being cornered by three men in dark hoods. One of the thugs bore a striking insignia on his back: a silver serpent entwined with a broken chain.

"I know that insignia," Aira whispered to the group, her voice barely audible as they crouched behind the thick brush. Togai and Ryugji exchanged shocked glances.

"Who are they, Aira-san?" Togai asked, his voice strained with both fear and curiosity.

"That's the Konjuko Familia," Aira explained. "They're the mafia that protects Hinode High School from outside gangs trying to take control. I've seen that insignia—the silver serpent entwined with a broken chain—painted on the walls all over school grounds."

Ryumi, who had been scanning the scene, slipped into the conversation. "According to school rumors, Vice Principal Iyoto Jakka and our school's owner and principal, Cruz Shoto, have a secret deal with the Konjuko Familia. They've been using the mafia to keep Hinode High safe and free from street thugs."

Ryumi's revelation left Togai and Ryugji speechless. They had never paid much attention to school gossip or politics, and now, the truth hit them like a cold gust of wind. Had they really been so blind to what was happening right under their noses?

As the group continued their hushed conversation, their eyes remained fixed on the tense scene unfolding before them.

One of the thugs pressed a gun against the Vice Principal's chest, his voice a low growl. "You know what the price is for breaking our deal, right?"

Vice Principal Jakka's voice trembled. "Please... I just need more time. The school's funds are—"

"Time?" Another thug interrupted with a mocking laugh. His fingers crackled with electric energy, blue sparks dancing ominously in the dim light. "I could end you before you blink," he sneered, his voice sharp with menace.

Ryumi's eyes widened. "An Augmenta user..."

He clenched his fists, the reality of the situation sinking in. "This isn't good."

Togai squinted at the thug's glowing hand. "What is that? Augmenta? I thought it was just a stone that, when held, could grant any power the user desired."

Aira shook her head. "Not exactly. The Augmenta is often called the 'Stone of Power,' but it doesn't have to be held directly. Some users embed it into accessories like rings, bracelets, or even beneath their skin to channel its energy more efficiently. That's why his entire hand is glowing—it means the Augmenta is either infused into his body or connected through his gear, allowing the power to spread beyond just a single point of contact."

Ryumi nodded, eyes narrowing. "That also means he's trained—not just some thug who stumbled upon an Augmenta. He knows exactly how to use it"

A heavy silence fell over the group. The reality of their predicament settled in—a mix of fear, confusion, and an unsettling thrill of the unknown.

The Vice Principal, Iyoto Jaka, stammered, "I-I was desperate... The school's funds... They were my only option to keep the school running. Please, I just need more time—I can pay you in the coming months. I beg you!"

The thug with the electric ability narrowed his eyes, his voice cold. "You should've thought of that before making deals with the Mafia." He took a step closer, his presence suffocating. "Do you even realize the code you shattered... with our Padrino?"

The Vice Principal's face went pale, his words dying in his throat as the weight of his mistake sank in. Togai's stomach churned.

Ryugji clenched his fists.

 "This is messed up," he whispered. "Should we call the cops?"

Ryumi shot him a sharp glance.

 "That's the best option we have, but even if we do, they won't get here in time. He'll be dead before they arrive." He paused, glancing at the tense situation. "Or... we could create a diversion."

Togai's expression remained stoic. "And paint a target on our backs? No way."

Aira's voice was strained, her eyes wide with fear. "Please... let's go. We can't interfere. This is a Mafia transaction—we have no business getting involved. We either call the cops or get out of here before they realize we saw them."

Togai felt uneasy, his gut churning. "I have a bad feeling about this," he muttered. Ryugji hesitated, shifting his weight. But as he took a step back, his foot snapped a twig beneath him. The sound echoed through the alley, slicing through the tense silence like a knife.

All three thugs snapped their heads in their direction, eyes narrowing as they scanned the shadows. Togai's heart pounded. Their cover was blown.

The thugs turned sharply. "Who's there?!" the armed man barked.

Ryugji, Ryumi, Togai, and Aira froze, their faces pale with shock as the thug's voice rang through the alley.

"Come out, or I'll strike you!" The thug with the Augmenta ability growled, his hands crackling with electricity. He pointed toward the bushes, ready to unleash a lethal attack. The air around them grew heavy, static energy humming in the atmosphere. Togai, Ryugji, Aira, and Ryumi felt the sharp wind pressing against them, thick with the thug's power.

"What do we do!?" Aira asked, panic creeping into her voice.

"I have an idea," Togai whispered. "Just follow my lead."

In a split second, Togai stood up, followed by the others. "We didn't mean to intrude," he said quickly, raising his hands. "We were just passing by."

"Passing by?" the thug sneered. "Passing by? You think you can eavesdrop on Mafia business and just walk away" His voice dripped with malice, his eyes burning with cruel delight.

Togai, Ryumi, and Ryugji swallowed hard, the weight of the moment sinking in. They were trapped, with no easy escape. The thug's crackling hand remained aimed at Togai, ready to strike.

Aira's eyes filled with tears as another thug stepped forward, his knife glinting under the dim alley lights. "W-We won't tell anyone, please... I'm begging you," she pleaded, her voice trembling.

The electric thug chuckled darkly. "Begging? That's cute. But it won't save you."

Ryumi clenched his jaw. "Negotiating won't work on them, Aira," he said softly. "Stay behind us—we'll find a way out." His voice was firm but gentle, a small attempt to calm her nerves.

Aira swallowed hard, nodding quickly. Her hands trembled as she carefully reached into Ryugji's back pocket, her breath shallow as she tried not to make a sound. Every rustle of fabric felt deafening, and she stole a glance at the thugs, praying they wouldn't notice.

"Call the cops," Ryumi whispered urgently. "And the moment they get close, run. Don't look back—just run."

Aira swallowed hard and nodded. She knew what was at stake. The air around them buzzed with tension, the glow of the Augmenta thug's crackling fingers casting eerie shadows against the walls. Time was running out, and they had one chance to escape.

Ryumi's posture remained outwardly calm, but Togai and Ryugji knew better. They were standing on the edge of a cliff—a single wrong move could spell disaster. Though Ryumi's hand was raised as if to speak, his eyes betrayed his fear, trembling and darting anxiously.

"We're just kids," he managed, his voice as steady as he could make it. "Please, let us go. We don't even know who that man is."

Vice Principal Iyoto Jakka's eyes widened as he watched the students' desperate attempt to bluff their way out. For a brief moment, he was stunned—hope flickering in his mind as he thought, Smart kids... they're trying to mislead these thugs.

That hope was shattered when one of the thugs—an Augmenta user—barked, "DON'T FOOL US!" His voice was sharp, and his glare was piercing. "Do you really think we're that stupid? I've seen that badge before... at your school. Just look at your uniforms; you can't hide from us, you little punks."

He took a menacing step forward, his eyes gleaming with sadistic intent. "Well, well... now we've got even more reason to get rid of you." He pointed directly at Togai. "We'll start with you, Eyepatch. Then that messy-haired blonde," he sneered, glancing at Ryugji, "and then the wannabe tough guy with the black hair." Finally, his gaze settled on Aira, whose shoulders trembled with fear. "And last... the scared little girl. All of you are about to learn what fear really means."

As he spoke, a demonic aura seemed to radiate from him. His left eye glowed ominously in the darkness, and flickering lightning arced from his hand, emphasizing his menacing power.

Aira's hands shook as she discreetly reached for the phone hidden in Ryugji's back pocket. Her breath hitched, and her fingers fumbled over the device as adrenaline surged through her trembling limbs.

The thug grinned wickedly as blue electricity crackled around his fingers, his demonic expression illuminated by the eerie glow of his Augmenta. "Isn't this fun, Vice Principal?" he mocked, throwing a glance at Iyoto Jakka, whose heart sank as he realized there was no escape. "This is the price you pay for not following the negotiations with the Konjuko Familia."

Lowering his voice to a venomous whisper, he continued, "Little by little, we'll start reclaiming every last student from Hinode High. Your precious school, protected under our Familia's 'guidance,' will soon become nothing more than a playground for gangs and thugs."

One of the thugs twirled his knife as he stepped toward Aira, a sick grin spreading across his face.

"Cha-san... would you rather leave this girl to me?" he sneered, his voice dripping with malice, while his demonic face contorted with twisted delight.

His presence just as unsettling.His unkempt black hair swayed as he moved, fiery red eyes gleaming with unsettling hunger. A twisted grin stretched across his face, his tongue flicking out like a predator savoring its next meal. Step by step, he moved forward, his body leaning slightly toward Aira, as if savoring the moment.

His hands, trembling with barely contained excitement, inched closer and closer to her shoulders, his fingers itching for contact. The air grew thick with unease, his presence casting an ominous shadow over the scene. The thug with the knife let out a twisted chuckle, seemingly emboldened by the perverse energy in the air.

Aira's breath hitched as terror gripped her chest like a vice. Her legs trembled, refusing to move, as if the fear itself had shackled her in place. Cold sweat trickled down her back, her body paralyzed under the weight of their lecherous gazes.

Ryumi mumbled under his breath, his voice barely audible. "Keep your hands away off her..."

Aira barely heard it, but one of the thugs did. He turned his head toward Ryumi, his sneer widening.

"What was that, kid?" the thug taunted, leaning in close, his breath foul with the stench of cheap liquor. He held his weapon lazily, toying with it like this was just another game.

Ryumi stood still, his head down. His face was unreadable, shadowed beneath the dim alley lights. His shoulders trembled—not with fear, but with something deeper.

Togai and Ryugji exchanged uneasy glances.

The air around them grew thick with tension.

Ryumi's fists clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white. His body stiffened, trembling with barely contained ange. Veins on his arms bulged with restrained fury.

The thug chuckled, reaching out to grab Ryumi's chin mockingly. "C'mon, don't be shy—"

Crack!

The thug's head snapped sideways as Ryumi's fist slammed into his jaw.

The sickening impact echoed through the alley.

The thug's body twisted violently before crashing onto the pavement, blood dripping from his nose as he groaned in pain.

Ryumi's breathing was heavy, his fists still clenched. His usual composure was gone. His eyes were sharp, burning with controlled anger.

"You bastard..." Ryumi muttered, his voice low and seething.

The other thugs recoiled, momentarily stunned by what they had just witnessed.

You little—!" the thug with Augmenta snarled, his eyes blazing with fury

"Togai, now!" Ryumi barked.

Togai shouted, 'Now, Ryugji!'

Ryugji grabbed a handful of dirt and flung it straight into the thugs' faces.

"ARGH! I CAN'T SEE!" one of them howled, clawing at his burning eyes.

"Run!" Togai ordered.

Ryumi grabbed Aira's wrist and pulled her along as they ran

In a split second, they sprinted away, their feet pounding against the pavement as the thugs stumbled in confusion behind them.

Without wasting another second, the group turned and bolted down the alleyway away from the park, their hearts pounding.

Behind them, the thug with Augmenta power snarled, electricity crackling in his hands. His rage was palpable. "CHASE THEM! DON'T LET THEM ESCAPE!"

Two of his men, still rubbing their burning eyes, blindly obeyed, charging after the fleeing students.

As chaos erupted, Jakka seized the opportunity and darted into the maze of alleyways, his breath ragged and his legs burning with every desperate step. He clutched his chest, his aging body struggling to keep up with the adrenaline surging through him. Every shadow felt like a threat, every distant shout a reminder that he wasn't safe yet. Stumbling over loose pavement, he barely managed to stay on his feet, pressing himself against a cold brick wall to catch his breath. But the weight of fear and exhaustion bore down on him. His vision blurred, his strength fading fast. By the time he reached the next street, his knees buckled, and he collapsed behind a stack of crates, gasping for air.

The pounding of their footsteps echoed through the empty streets, their breaths ragged as they pushed forward. The distant shouts of the thugs still rang in their ears, but they didn't dare look back.

Togai's chest burned with every inhale, but he forced his legs to keep moving. They had made it out. But at what cost?

"Turn here!" Togai hissed, grabbing Aira's wrist and yanking her into a narrow side street. The alley was barely wide enough for them to pass, the walls pressing close on either side.

Ryumi glanced back, his eyes wide with fear. "They're gaining on us!"

Togai's mind raced. The thugs knew these streets better—they needed to outmaneuver them. His gaze landed on a stack of broken crates near a rusted metal ladder. A plan formed instantly.

"This way!" Togai grabbed the ladder and started climbing, but the rusted metal groaned under his weight. "Hurry!" he hissed, glancing down as Ryugji helped Aira up. Just as she reached for the second rung, her foot slipped against the damp concrete, and she let out a sharp gasp. Ryumi caught her wrist just in time, steadying her as the distant shouts of the thugs grew louder. Below, the alley lit up with a crackle of blue energy—the Augmenta thug was closing in

Three figures emerged from the darkness.

At the front was the Augmenta user His electric-blue eyes burned with rage, and sparks of lightning crackled along his fingertips as he clenched his fists. The glow of his power cast eerie shadows along the alley walls.

The knife-wielding thug clicked his tongue in frustration. "Damn it! They slipped away."

The gunman spat on the ground. "They couldn't have gotten far."

The Augmenta leader's electric-blue eyes scanned the alley, his fingers crackling with energy. "Spread out. Find them. I want that eyepatch punk first."

The Augmenta user's eyes twitched in frustration, his crackling fists clenching tighter. Losing those brats was an insult, his rage nearly blinding him to their real objective. Gritting his teeth, he exhaled sharply. "Change the plan... focus on finding Iyoto," he growled, his voice laced with irritation.

The gunman let out a frustrated curse. "If we don't find them, the padrino gonna have our heads."

As the thugs split up, the Augmenta user suddenly stopped. His electric-blue gaze flicked upward, scanning the rooftops. For a terrifying moment, Togai thought they'd been spotted.

Ryumi's breathing hitched. He could feel his muscles locking up.

The Augmenta leader's fingers crackled with energy, but after a tense pause, he let out a low growl. "That bastard Iyoto... and that cursed eye-patch." He spat on the ground. "They can't run forever. Sooner or later, they'll crawl out of whatever hole they're hiding in. Let's get outta here.

They waited, the cold night air biting at their skin as the shouts and footsteps gradually faded. When silence finally returned, they dared to breathe again.

Aira collapsed onto her knees, gasping for breath. Tears streaked her face, her entire body trembling.

Togai placed a hand on her shoulder, but she didn't react. Her breaths came in sharp gasps, her fingers digging into the pavement as if trying to ground herself.

"We... we almost died," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Ryumi leaned against the water tank, Ryumi exhaled shakily, his hands still trembling. He stared at them, as if surprised by his own fists. The image of the thug's face contorting in pain played over and over in his head. He had hit people before—but this was different. This was survival.

"They won't let this go," Ryugji muttered, rubbing his face, still dazed. "The Konjuko Familia... they'll come looking for us."

Togai turned his gaze toward the distant streets. The air felt clearer, a fleeting sense of safety washing over him, as if they were finally beyond the reach of those thugs.

This city was ruled by forces far beyond their control. And this day they had just declared themselves enemies of the most dangerous one.

As the realization settled in, the cold night air suddenly felt suffocating.

"This was only the beginning," Togai murmured, his voice barely more than a breath.

Aira remained motionless, her back pressed against the cold brick wall, eyes wide and unfocused. Her legs trembled, refusing to move, and her shoulders shook with silent sobs. The weight of the near-death experience pinned her down, leaving her in a state of shock.

"Who is that? " Ryumi shout.

Ryumi's ears twitched as a faint rustling came from behind a stack of wooden crates. His entire body went rigid, adrenaline surging through his veins. He straightened up, fists still clenched, his muscles tensing instinctively. His eyes narrowed as he scanned the shadows, every nerve on high alert.

"Who's there?" Ryumi's voice was low, but it carried a sharp edge, ready to face whatever danger might be lurking.

Ryugji's heart skipped a beat. He immediately grabbed a discarded plastic pipe lying next to an old flower base, his grip firm. He stepped forward, positioning himself between the sound and his friends. "Show yourself!" he barked, his voice echoing off the narrow alley walls.

The crates rattled as a figure stumbled forward, leaning heavily against the wooden planks. The man was gasping for breath, his body slumped as if he had been running for his life. Sweat glistened on his forehead, his clothes disheveled.

It was Vice Principal Iyoto Jakka.

To be continued.....