Just then, an Oni-Dwell thug walked in. He was already used to the gruesome scene in the training room and respectfully said to the lean man:
"Murayama-nii, we just received news from outside... Housen and Suzuran... have started an all-out war!"
Then, he also mentioned the strange guy and system that had recently appeared at Suzuran:
"...I heard a guy named Yuwen popped up at Suzuran and started something called the 'Full-Time Student Faction' and the 'fixed-time system.' It seems like he wants students and thugs to coexist peacefully? It's laughable. Have those crows at Suzuran gone crazy?"
This lean young man was none other than one of The Three Heavens, standing at the pinnacle of the thug world, a terrifying existence known as the "Monster of Oni-Dwell"!
He was famous throughout the entire thug world for the shocking legend of "withstanding a hundred punches without falling," his name signifying the ultimate in tenacity!
He endured hundreds of heavy punches with his bare body and remained unyielding, instead erupting with terrifying strength in the midst of extreme pain, single-handedly crushing dozens of Oni-Dwell's elite cadres and members!
He possessed monstrous physical abilities, beast-like combat intuition, and an unyielding, wild heart.
His very existence was the embodiment of violence, the undisputed absolute top, the sole leader of Oni-Dwell!
His name—Murayama Yoshiki!
When Murayama Yoshiki heard the news, his eyes, full of fighting spirit, instantly lit up as if he had heard about the most interesting toy.
He ignored the boring information about the Full-Time Student Faction; all his attention was focused on "the fight."
He excitedly stretched his neck, making cracking sounds, and a look of immense anticipation appeared on his face:
"Oh oh oh oh?! Really?! The bald guys from Housen and the crows from Suzuran are finally getting serious?! Sugoi! Isn't this super—interesting!!"
He seemed to already envision countless strong opponents clashing, and the desire to fight burned fiercely within him:
"Who's the strongest? Narumi Taiga? Serizawa Tamao? Or that new guy, Takiya Genji? They'll definitely all come out, right? Ahh~ Just thinking about it makes me so excited! I really... really want to fight all of them! Hahaha!"
---Divider---
On the other side, in a certain low-key but powerful thug academy.
A man wearing glasses, looking refined and slender like a student, gently brushed off some dust from his black special attack uniform.
At his feet, a group of thugs from this academy also lay defeated, but they seemed to have lost very quickly, not even leaving many marks on the man.
From these defeated thug scumbags, he learned the news of The Three Heavens' chaos.
Unlike the fanaticism or fear of others, he lowered his head, and his eyes behind the lenses gleamed with calculation and intense interest.
Especially when he heard about the "Full-Time Student Faction" system that Yuwen was pushing at Suzuran—
He pushed his glasses up his nose; the lenses flashed with a reflection, and a cold smile, utterly different from his refined appearance, curved at the corner of his mouth, full of hidden meaning:
"Heh heh... Full-Time Student Faction? To make thugs and students coexist peacefully? This is... too interesting."
His laughter didn't reveal whether it was mockery or admiration, but the meaning it contained was far more complex and dangerous than simple ridicule.
It was as if he saw not an absurd matter, but a... brilliant opportunity.
---Divider---
Inside Housen's training room, the air was hot and heavy, filled with the scent of sweat and violence.
Dozens of shirtless Housen bald thugs, like tireless fanatics, were frantically attacking Narumi Taiga in the center of the arena.
Narumi was also shirtless, his lean muscles bulging, his bronze skin covered in sweat. His long hair was soaked with sweat, clinging to his temples and cheeks.
Not only did he show no signs of fatigue, but he let out excited growls, precisely blocking, dodging, and counterattacking, throwing one subordinate after another who rushed at him!
Narumi Taiga: "Ah! Yah! Again! Not enough force! Be more violent!" His voice carried a pure pleasure of immersing himself in the clash of power.
On the periphery, Matoba Toushi, Shibayama Hayato, Ogiri Rikiya, and other Housen cadres and elites stood solemnly, observing this internal training, their eyes filled with awe for their leader.
Washio Gota knelt alone in the corner, head bowed, body trembling slightly. His gaze towards Narumi was filled with terror, but when his peripheral vision caught Matoba Toushi, that terror was immediately replaced by a deeper resentment and anger.
Narumi Taiga suddenly grabbed the waist of the last thug who rushed at him, his palm pressed against the other's sweaty skin, feeling the tremor and warmth of the muscles, then he suddenly exerted force and pushed him away!
He panted heavily, a hearty smile on his face, and wiped the sweat from his face:
"I've sweated a lot... This skin-to-skin collision... As a man, it's truly wonderful!"
His gaze swept over the cadres and members around him, who had been "trained" to be bruised and battered, and his smile gradually receded, becoming sharp.
Narumi Taiga: "This is truly something... the crows of Suzuran. To be able to make us Housen suffer such a great loss... It seems the previous truce allowed them to relax for too long, and it also made us... underestimate them."
Shibayama Hayato stepped forward, his face still bearing the bruises from fighting Ito, but his eyes were quite serious:
"Brother, that spiky-haired guy I fought... the one named Ito, his fists are hard, and his will is very firm... He's an opponent worth fighting." A hint of admiration was in his tone.
Matoba Toushi snorted coldly, his face full of unwillingness and anger:
"And that big guy from Kaiki, Katagiri Satoshi... his strength is like a monster! Next time we meet, I will never be suppressed by him again!" He was clearly still bothered by Katagiri's strength.
Ogiri Rikiya clutched his still throbbing abdomen and growled angrily:
"The most hateful one is that transfer student named Yuwen! That guy... that guy is simply a madman! Next time, I'll definitely kill him with my own hands!"
Only Urushibara Ryo remained silently in the shadows, expressionless, as if everything had nothing to do with him.
But his occasionally flashing eyes, especially his subconsciously clenched fingers when he heard the name "Yuwen," exposed that his inner self was far from as calm as it appeared.
Narumi Taiga tapped his arm lightly with his fingers, repeating the name: "Yuwen..."
In his mind, he recalled the brief but intense clash on the basketball court; the opponent's wild, untamed, and increasingly powerful strength had left a deep impression on him.
"That man... in his fists, something different is hidden."
Just then, a bald thug stepped forward to report.
Bald thug: "Brother, we heard that Yuwen... is forcibly implementing the so-called 'Full-Time Student Faction' and 'fixed-time system' within Suzuran. It is said... that he wants those useless students who only study and the thugs of the fixed-time system to coexist peacefully, to divide territories..."
Before he finished speaking, the cadres immediately erupted in disdainful mockery.
Ogiri Rikiya: "Huh? Peaceful coexistence? Is he a child? Playing house with such things in a place like Suzuran?"
Matoba Toushi: "That's hilarious! It seems Suzuran truly has no one left if they're letting such an idiot take the lead!"
Other cadres: "It seems the crow's nest is truly doomed!"
Narumi Taiga, however, did not mock. He recalled Yuwen's unfathomable strength and wild fighting style during their encounter.
And in those eyes, besides fighting spirit, there was something... deeper. All of this formed a huge contradiction with the "naive" system he was currently implementing.
He had originally been filled with absolute, arrogant confidence regarding the upcoming decisive battle with Suzuran, believing that Housen would crush that disorganized group of crows.
But now, that confidence was shaken by a subtle waver and hesitation because of that man and his "Full-Time Student Faction." This opponent was not what he had imagined.
Just then, the door to the training room was pushed open, and a subordinate walked in quickly, whispering a few words into Narumi Taiga's ear.
Narumi Taiga listened, his brow twitched, and then he nodded.
The subordinate turned and left, and soon returned, leading three people in.
These three were out of place among the sweaty and violent Housen crowd in the training room.
They were all dressed in sharp black suits. The leader was relatively slender, but his eyes were sharp as an eagle's, and a faint, cold smile played on his lips.
The two behind him were exceptionally tall and strong; their suits were stretched by bulging muscles. They were expressionless, their eyes coldly sweeping over the Fengxian Army, which would make ordinary thugs tremble, yet showed no fear at all, as if they were merely observing a group of noisy children.
Their appearance instantly silenced the previously noisy training room, and all eyes focused on these three uninvited guests.
The relatively slender man in the black suit, whose eyes were as sharp as a hawk's, slowly stepped forward.
His voice was not loud, but it carried a cold penetrative power, clearly reaching the ears of every Housen cadre present, like a venomous snake flicking its tongue:
"I heard that you Housen... have been quite battered recently by a guy named Yuwen from Suzuran and his 'Full-Time Student Faction,' haven't you?"
The previously heated combat atmosphere in the air was instantly mixed with a cold, unusual tension.
The leading man's words, full of contempt and provocation, were like lighting the fuse of a powder keg!
Inside the training room, the anger of all the Fengxian delinquents and cadres exploded instantly!
"Bastard! What did you say?!"
"Do you want to die?! You vulture in a suit!"
"Kill him! How dare he look down on our Housen!"
The roars were deafening, and emotions ran high!
The young and impetuous thugs were all red-eyed, muscles tensed, eager for a fight, almost wanting to rush forward and tear apart these three ignorant Yakuza members!
The violent atmosphere that had just subsided in the training room surged once more!
Matoba Toushi clenched his fists, stepped forward, and roared:
"Where did these bugs come from! This isn't where you belong! Get out!"
Other cadres also gathered around with grim expressions, the air thick with tension, as if a brawl was about to erupt at any second.
Only Urushibara Ryo remained expressionless, but when his hollow eyes swept over Kamakura Taro and his two subordinates, they revealed a cold chill, as if he were looking at dead things, sending shivers down one's spine.
Narumi Taiga frowned deeply, but the calmness of a leader allowed him to suppress his anger.
He suddenly raised a hand and commanded in a deep voice:
"Everyone, be quiet!" His voice wasn't loud, but it carried an undeniable authority.
The furious Fengxian Army seemed to have been put on pause. Although they still glared at Kamakura Taro and his two subordinates, teeth grinding, they forcibly stopped in their tracks. The training room instantly fell silent, leaving only heavy breathing.
Narumi Taiga's sharp gaze locked onto Kamakura Taro, his voice steady and full of pressure:
"Who… are you?"
Kamakura Taro was unfazed by the almost out-of-control scene, instead seeming to have enjoyed an interesting monkey show.
He adjusted his suit tie and said with a hint of superiority in his tone:
"My apologies. I am Kamakura Taro, a wakashu of the Silver Dragon Society." He deliberately stated his identity and rank clearly.
(Yakuza ranks: Chairman, Wakagashira, Shateigashira, Wakachū, Shatei, wakashu, Apprentice)
"Silver Dragon Society?!"
These three words seemed to possess magic. The previously furious Fengxian delinquents' expressions instantly changed, gasps of surprise rising and falling, and the anger in their eyes was rapidly replaced by shock, apprehension, and even a hint of... yearning!
"Sil... Silver Dragon Society?!"
"Is it *that* Silver Dragon Society?!"
"Why would they come here..."
For these thugs still struggling at the bottom of the delinquent world, powerful Yakuza organizations were the ultimate goal of their dreams.
Why did they fight so desperately in this violence-filled delinquent academy?
Why did they scramble to get into a "The Three Heavens" level delinquent academy like Housen?
Wasn't it so that, after graduation, they could use this experience to join a powerful local Yakuza organization like the Silver Dragon Society?
The Silver Dragon Society might not be the most top-tier Yakuza organization, but in this region, it was definitely one of the biggest behemoths, an undisputed ideal choice in the minds of these thugs!
Kamakura Taro was very pleased with the Fengxian delinquents' reaction.
In his view, these so-called "The Three Heavens" of the delinquent world were nothing more than child's play, and he genuinely looked down on them.
While he had to admit that "The Three Heavens" were indeed a training ground for quality recruits, that was for the entire Yakuza world.
For their Silver Dragon Society, apart from a few truly intelligent elite thugs, cadres, and "peaks" like Narumi Taiga who were worth noting, ordinary cannon fodder thugs simply didn't catch their eye.
Unlike the reaction of ordinary thugs, Housen's cadres—Shibayama, Matoba, Otokiri, and others—merely raised an eyebrow slightly, showing no significant reaction.
As cadres of one of "The Three Heavens," they were already accustomed to being courted by various organizations.
Powerful cadres could even skip the lowest rank of "wakashu" and directly start with the position of "wakachū"; they possessed sufficient confidence and value themselves.
Kamakura Taro took in the reactions of the Housen members, sneering inwardly, even more disdainful of these "children's games."
Seeing that the cadres and Narumi Taiga were not as moved as the ordinary cannon fodder, he curved his lips into a meaningful smile and slowly added, as if an afterthought:
"I am but a humble servant; my direct superior is our organization's Wakagashira—Tsukikawa-sama."
He deliberately emphasized "Wakagashira" and the name "Tsukikawa."
"Silver Dragon Society's Tsukikawa?!"
This statement indeed had an effect! Even Narumi Taiga and the cadres' eyes instantly became solemn!
Tsukikawa—the son of the Silver Dragon Society's chairman, the organization's recognized crown prince, the heir to the next chairman!
That was a truly powerful figure who held real authority and a very high status; his name itself represented immense power and threat!
Kamakura Taro was delighted to see even Narumi Taiga's expression change.
Although he was only a wakachū, he was Wakagashira Tsukikawa's direct subordinate, which meant he represented Tsukikawa's face!
Even when beating a dog, one must consider its owner!
He struck while the iron was hot, revealing the true purpose of his visit:
"So, regarding that fellow Yuwen from Suzuran, and his ridiculous 'Full-Time Student Faction'... perhaps our Silver Dragon Society can 'assist' your Housen in quickly... 'dealing with' this trouble." His tone was full of innuendo.
Narumi Taiga's eyes instantly sharpened. He took a step forward, his strong physique exuding intense pressure, his voice low and firm:
"This is a matter between our 'The Three Heavens.' We set our own rules. The Silver Dragon Society need not interfere."
Kamakura Taro's eyes narrowed, the fake smile on his face vanishing, replaced by a chilling threat. He slowly said:
"Narumi-kun... some 'rules' can be changed. Especially when they get in the way. Wakagashira Tsukikawa doesn't wish to see unstable 'new factors' appear in this district. The choice to be a friend... or an enemy, is yours alone."
The two tall subordinates standing behind him immediately stepped forward, their cold gazes, like a tangible force, locked onto Narumi Taiga. The killing intent within them was undisguised—the kind of look only Yakuza members who had truly experienced bloody brawls possessed.
Narumi Taiga met their murderous gaze without flinching, even taking another step forward, almost face-to-face with the two Yakuza members. His voice was like bedrock, each word distinct:
"Housen's path has always been decided only by Housen itself. My words will not change a second time."
Kamakura Taro's tone grew even colder: "Narumi-kun, although Housen is powerful, it is ultimately just a delinquent organization within a school. Some forces... you cannot contend with. Accepting 'help' is good for everyone."
Facing the naked threat, Narumi Taiga's eyes showed no hint of retreat. A powerful aura emanated from him, directly confronting the other's killing intent:
"Oh? Forces I cannot contend with? Then I truly wish to... experience them myself."
His voice was calm, yet it carried an unwavering determination and the arrogance of a peak!
"Housen's dignity will not be sold to anyone!"
Instantly, the atmosphere in the entire training room dropped to freezing point!
On one side was the representative of a dominant Yakuza organization, on the other, the top overlord of the delinquent world.
Swords were drawn, bows strung, as cold killing intent and wild fury violently clashed in the air, as if a full-blown confrontation would erupt at any second!
The hearts of all Housen members were in their throats as they nervously watched their leader.
Kamakura Taro looked at Narumi Taiga's uncompromisingly tough stance, and the wary but mostly angry eyes of the surrounding Housen delinquents, feeling unusually annoyed.
These brats who don't know their place!
But remembering the previous warning, he suppressed his anger, and that uncomfortable fake smile returned to his face.
Kamakura Taro's tone became extremely enticing, his gaze sweeping over the ordinary Housen members whose eyes held a hint of longing:
"Narumi, why be so stubborn? Our Silver Dragon Society is very sincere; as soon as you Housen graduate, you can directly join our Silver Dragon Society."
He scanned the Housen thugs with varying expressions:
"I, Kamakura Taro, a wakashu, guarantee that everyone can skip the tedious probationary period and become a full-fledged 'wakashu'! This is a shortcut many people would kill for!"
He sneered inwardly; writing a blank check was effortless. As for whether these worthless small fries could become wakashu later, wasn't that just a matter of their word?
These words were like a huge stone thrown into a lake, causing a massive commotion among the ordinary Housen members!
"wakashu" of the Silver Dragon Society! Directly becoming a full member!
This was undoubtedly a huge temptation for them!
Many people showed excited and hesitant expressions, and whispers started up again.
The faces of Narumi Taiga, Matoba Toushi, Shibayama Hayato, and other executives instantly became solemn.
They clearly understood that Kamakura Taro was using benefits to divide Housen!
Narumi Taiga instantly saw through the other party's trick. He couldn't let this guy destabilize their morale any longer!
His face turned cold, and his voice, like ice, cut through the commotion decisively: "Shut up!"
He took a step forward, his powerful aura extremely oppressive: "Housen's future is decided by Housen itself! It doesn't need outsiders to point fingers, nor does it need to exchange its future for dirty 'shortcuts'! Now, immediately, get out of Housen!"
The fake smile on Kamakura Taro's face finally disappeared completely, replaced by a sinister fury:
"Narumi Taiga, you will regret today's decision!"
But he saw that the surrounding Housen executives had completely encircled him, their eyes unfriendly. Although those ordinary thugs were tempted, they dared not defy Narumi, knowing that the situation was unmanageable.
He glared viciously at Narumi, dropping a threat:
"Let's go!"
Just as he turned to leave with his two subordinates, the corner of his eye suddenly caught sight of Washio Gota, still kneeling in the corner, head bowed and trembling all over.
Kamakura Taro's eyes flickered slightly, a calculating gleam, imperceptible and like discovering an interesting toy, flashed through them, but he didn't linger, leading his men directly out of the training room.
After the Silver Dragon Society members left, the training room was silent.
A subordinate who had clearly been tempted earlier hesitated, then mustered up his courage and stepped forward, asking their leader in a low voice:
"Narumi… why… why did you refuse them? That's the Silver Dragon Society… and a chance to become a wakashu directly…"
Many Housen members also showed complex and puzzled expressions.
Narumi Taiga didn't answer immediately. He just silently looked at this subordinate, his calm yet extremely penetrating gaze making the subordinate gradually uncomfortable, causing him to instinctively take half a step back.
Then, Narumi Taiga raised his hand—the subordinate instantly closed his eyes nervously, thinking he was about to be hit—but the large hand merely rested heavily on his shoulder.
Narumi Taiga's voice was steady and powerful, echoing throughout the training room:
"What do you think the yakuza is? Passion? Loyalty? The Silver Dragon Society is no longer the organization that earned its reputation through fists and feet! His gaze swept over all his subordinates:
"What kind of business are they involved in now? Drugs! Forcing people into prostitution! Loan sharking… For money, they do anything dirty! They have long forgotten the 'honor' of the yakuza! We Housen can fight, we can bleed, but our backbone cannot bend!"
He suddenly raised his voice, like a clap of thunder:
"We Housen! We pursue ultimate 'power' and pure 'confrontation'!"
"Housen!!" All the executives and members were ignited by his words, their blood boiling, and they roared in unison!
"We will conquer our own world with these fists!!"
"Housen is about ultimate showdowns! It's pride earned with fists! Not alms begged for by wagging tails!" Narumi Taiga roared:
"Remember! Housen's men only kneel to worthy strong individuals, and only follow worthy beliefs! Not become tools for profit!"
Matoba Toushi was the first to roar in response: "That's right! Narumi! Our fists fight only for Housen!"
Shibayama Hayato: "Exactly! Who wants to do those despicable things!"
Ogiri Rikiya: "Housen is invincible!"
Instantly, the entire Housen training room was submerged in fervent fighting spirit and shouts!
"Oh—!! Housen!! Housen!! Housen!!"
All doubts and hesitations were swept away, leaving only the desire for the top and absolute trust in their leader!
Housen's roar seemed to shake the roof!
As for Kamakura Taro, after leaving the Housen entrance, he looked back at the "Housen Academy" sign, a cold, sinister smile on his face:
"A bunch of fools… However, that kneeling waste is quite interesting… Perhaps he can be put to some use. Narumi Taiga… just wait, you'll soon know the consequences of refusing the Silver Dragon Society."
---
On the Suzuran rooftop, the atmosphere was equally tense.
Takiya Genji's GPS was gathering.
Takiya Genji looked at the assembled GPS members and elite class leaders, his brows furrowed, and he irritably took a drag from his cigarette, complaining to Izaki Shun beside him:
"Is this all we have? What a joke!"
Izaki Shun calmly analyzed, with a hint of helplessness in his tone: "Genji, Suzuran's crows are not sheep; they won't all gather so easily. You should know this."
Genji took a deep, frustrated drag from his cigarette, exhaling thick smoke: "Tsk!"
Izaki Shun looked at the injured Makise and other executives and some GPS members: "This is Housen's challenge."
Tamura Chuta came over, anxiously saying: "Boss! We have to find a way!"
Mikami Brothers: "That's right! Otherwise, they'll definitely pick us off one by one!"
Makise Takashi folded his arms, saying in a deep voice: "If we go head-to-head, we're at a disadvantage with our current numbers."
Other leaders: "But with just us… can we do it?"
Izaki Shun ignored the discussions, saying to Genji in a grave voice: "If we don't find a way to unite the entire Suzuran, we will be completely crushed by a unified Housen."
Takiya Genji took a deep drag from his cigarette, then harshly extinguished the butt: "Then, what should we do?!" He lacked the strategic mind to unite the whole school.
Izaki Shun stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over everyone present, finally settling on Genji: "Leave this matter to me first. Until I say so, Genji, don't do anything."
His tone held resolve and a hint of gravity.
---
The Serizawa Army's stronghold was filled with the heat and idleness of the afternoon.
Suddenly, the light at the entrance was cut off by a figure.
Izaki Shun, one hand in his pocket, walked steadily through the sitting and lying Army of the Hundred Beasts members, stopping directly in front of Serizawa Tamao.
He looked directly at the lazy overlord without reservation, his expression calm, his eyes unusually firm:
"Serizawa."
"Fight me."
"Give me some face—if I win," he paused, each word thudding into the suddenly silent air:
"You, with your Army of the Hundred Beasts, will join GPS."
The previously noisy rooftop instantly fell silent.
All the Army members stopped their movements, staring in astonishment at the man who had come alone to issue a challenge.
Under the deathly silent gaze, Serizawa Tamao slowly raised his head.
He was slightly startled at first, then the corners of his mouth gradually spread into a wild, arrogant smile, a mix of surprise, amusement, and extreme danger.
The Suzuran bicycle parking area.
In the empty space, only Serizawa Tamao and Izaki Shun stood facing each other.
Serizawa had his hands in his pockets, a casual posture, his eyes holding a hint of understanding, and his tone playful and probing:
"Fighting so desperately… is it for that brat Genji?"
Izaki Shun's gaze remained sharp, his voice steady yet firm:
"You can have any reason you want. For Genji, for GPS, for conquering Suzuran, or… just to end this damn chaos."
He paused, looking around the academy where he had fought for many years, his tone carrying a hint of weariness and resolve:
"Since I entered Suzuran, I've never seen a good view… chaos, fighting, endless internal strife…"
His gaze refocused on Serizawa, his words becoming more direct:
"If I think about it, because you've always been here, blocking the top like a mountain, the view has become so terrible."
Upon hearing this, Serizawa not only didn't get angry but instead grinned, a smile of someone seeing something interesting:
"Heh… heh heh… now that you mention it, it seems you and I have never really had a serious fight, have we, Izaki?"
Izaki did not respond again.
He replaced words with action—a sudden lunge, a swift straight punch aimed directly at Serizawa's face!
Serizawa reacted extremely quickly, easily blocking Izaki's punch with his thick arm, and at the same time, throwing two heavy counter-punches!
Bang! Bang!
Izaki stumbled backward, a dull pain in his chest, but he gritted his teeth, forcibly stopped his retreat, and lunged again!
His attacks were even more ferocious, a combination of punches with low kicks!
But Serizawa still calmly blocked or dodged all attacks one by one, then landed several more precise heavy punches on Izaki's body!
Bang! Bang! Poof!
Izaki's lip split, blood seeping out, dripping onto the ground.
Serizawa looked at the man before him, who, even injured, didn't flinch, disheveled but with stubborn, unyielding eyes, and a complex expression flashed in his eyes—there was surprise, a hint of admiration, and perhaps something else.
Izaki gasped for breath, pain almost drowning him, but he steadied himself again, roaring as he launched a third assault!
This time, his will surpassed his physical limits, and a punch finally broke through Serizawa's defense, landing squarely on Serizawa's cheek!
Slap!
A crisp sound!
Serizawa's head snapped to the side, and he paused, seemingly not expecting Izaki to actually hit him.
Immediately, instead of anger, he let out an excited roar of laughter: "Haha! Good! That's more like it! Izaki Shun!"
He stopped defending, letting loose completely!
"Come on!!!"
The two, like mad bulls, completely abandoned blocking and dodging, and began the most primal, most passionate, most manly brawl!
Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!
Heavy fists continuously slammed into each other's bodies and faces, each hit making a heart-stopping thud!
Izaki's consciousness began to blur, his body swaying precariously.
In a daze, he seemed to see many images—those subordinates who had always believed in him and followed him… the GPS executives, Tamura, Makise… and that stubborn yet simple fool who placed all his hopes on him, waiting for his news—Genji!
His promise to Genji!
"Leave it to me!"
I promised Genji! I have to help him reach the top of Suzuran!! How can I… fall in a place like this!! Serizawa—!!!
"Ugh ah ah ah ah!!!" Izaki suddenly opened his eyes, which were swollen to mere slits, using his last shred of willpower to support his collapsing body, and roared at Serizawa:
"Serizawa!!! Suzuran… can't go on like this anymore!!! To end all of this… it starts with defeating you!!!"
"Hooah!!" Serizawa, too, was ignited by this extreme passion and will, roaring excitedly in response!
He leaped up suddenly, a flying double kick, like a cannonball, slamming heavily into Izaki's chest!
Bang!!!
Izaki's body, like a kite with a broken string, flew backward, crashing heavily onto the ground.
He tried to struggle but could no longer move.
Just then, the sky, as if touched by this duel, began to shed a light drizzle, which quickly became dense.
Izaki lay powerlessly in the rain, looking up at the gray sky, feeling the cold raindrops hitting his face, mixing with sweat and blood.
'Ah… as expected… it's still… not enough…' His consciousness was gradually swallowed by darkness and the cold rain.
Serizawa looked at Izaki, lying motionless on the ground, the excitement slowly fading from his face, his eyes and expression becoming complex—there was the pride of a victor, a hint of regret, and even a touch of… emptiness?
He swayed his body somewhat weakly.
He saw a discarded umbrella in the corner of the wall, so he staggered over, picked it up nonchalantly, and held it casually over his head, shielding himself from the increasingly heavy rain.
Just as he was about to leave the corner, the corner of his eye suddenly caught something on the ground, soaked by the rain—it was a relatively intact, dropped packaging bag for a red bean bun, and the bun inside didn't seem completely wet yet.
Serizawa's footsteps halted.
He stared at the bun, silent for a full dozen seconds.
At this moment, time seemed to be frozen by the rain, with only the sound of raindrops hitting the umbrella and the ground.
Serizawa stared at the bun, his Adam's apple unconsciously bobbing.
He seemed to have made up his mind, twisted his neck, and his gaze sharply swept around—confirming there were no onlookers.
Then, he walked over without hesitation, as if it were some crucial trophy.
He bent down, picked up the soggy packaging bag, shook off the water, and then… unhesitatingly tore open the packaging, stuffed the somewhat swollen bun, soaked by the rain, into his mouth, and chewed it heartily.
He frowned, trying to chew the dry bun with a hint of rainwater smell, wanting to swallow it to replenish his strength, but it was truly difficult to swallow, and he ultimately could only regretfully spit it out with a "Ptooey."
Then, he threw away the broken umbrella, tilted his head back, opened his mouth, and directly caught the falling rain from the sky, gulping it down in large mouthfuls, trying to wash away the discomfort in his throat with the cold liquid, and also slightly alleviate his physical weakness and hunger.
After a few gulps of cold rainwater, feeling a little better, he wiped his face, and prepared to leave.
However, when he looked up ahead—this habitually arrogant King of Beasts, his usual calm eyes and lazy expression, instantly froze completely, solidified in the rain.
Yuwen had appeared there at some point, holding a black umbrella, accompanied by Tanaka, who was shivering and trying to hide himself.
Yuwen was smiling and raising his hand to greet him, as if he had just coincidentally run into an old friend.
"Yo, Serizawa. A walk… in the rain?"
I always knew Serizawa was poor, but I never expected him to be this poor…
The dimly lit basement of a bar.
The air was thick with the stale smell of cheap whiskey and tobacco.
Under the dim light, Takiya Genji frowned, looking at the powerful man who had his back to him.
"What are you doing?" Genji's voice carried his usual impatience and a hint of imperceptible tension.
The man slowly turned around, the light illuminating his chiseled, naturally imposing face.
He was none other than Genji's father, Takiya Hideo, the chairman who controlled the massive yakuza organization, Ryusei-kai!
This overlord, who dominated the yakuza world, had single-handedly built the Ryusei-kai, renowned for its formidable style and tight organization, an existence revered and feared by countless thugs.
Yet, here he was, in this unassuming basement, scrutinizing his rebellious son.
Takiya Hideo didn't answer Genji's question, but instead, he sized him up with his sharp, penetrating eyes and asked in a deep voice:
"What kind of… fist do you have?"
Genji was stunned for a moment, not understanding his father's abrupt question: "Huh?"
"Punch me." Takiya Hideo's tone was unquestionable. He slightly turned to the side, signaling Genji to attack him:
"Let me see your fist."
Genji looked at his father's unfathomable eyes, his brows tightly furrowed, and stood there motionless.
He didn't know what his father was trying to do.
"Punch!" Takiya Hideo's voice rose a few octaves, carrying urgency and provocation:
"Hurry up! What? Scared? Scared to hit your old man?"
Genji still pursed his lips, not responding.
This inexplicable demand irritated him.
Seeing this, Takiya Hideo's tone carried a hint of faint mockery:
"You're scared… aren't you?"
"Are you out of your mind?!" Genji was finally provoked, roaring out loud.
Takiya Hideo stopped talking, merely watching him silently with his extremely oppressive gaze.
Under the pressure of this stare, Genji felt an unnamable anger rising within him.
He no longer hesitated, let out a low shout, and threw a straight punch fiercely at his father's face!
However, Takiya Hideo merely tilted his head slightly and casually, and Genji's fist grazed his cheek, missing its target.
At the same time, Takiya Hideo's fist, launched later, arrived first, like a cannonball, accurately and heavily striking Genji's abdomen!
"Ugh!"
Genji instantly felt his internal organs shift. The intense pain made him grunt, his body uncontrollably bent over, and he stumbled backward, clutching his stomach and hitting the wall behind him. Cold sweat instantly beaded on his forehead, "It hurts…"
Takiya Hideo withdrew his fist, his voice calm but lashing at Genji's heart like a whip:
"In your fist… there's only anger. That won't do, Genji."
Genji leaned against the wall, panting heavily. The sharp pain in his abdomen and the contempt in his father's words made him clench his jaw, his eyes filled with defiance and stubbornness.
He struggled to stand upright, staring intently at his father.
Takiya Hideo watched him for a moment as he recovered slightly, then spoke again, his tone growing even colder and harder: "Again. Punch me."
"Damn old man…" Genji squeezed the words through gritted teeth, his unyielding will overriding his complex emotions towards his father.
He gritted his teeth again, gathered his strength, and unleashed another heavy punch. This time, it was faster and more powerful!
But the result was the same!
Takiya Hideo seemed to anticipate all his movements, effortlessly dodging again, while simultaneously throwing another punch. This time, it landed heavily on Genji's face!
Bang!
Genji had no time to react. He felt his vision go black, and an excruciating pain, as if his bones were cracking, shot through his cheek. The sheer force of the blow knocked him directly backward onto the ground, his ears ringing.
Takiya Hideo looked down at him, shaking his head, a hint of disappointment in his voice:
"There is no love… Love, Genji. If pure violence has nothing it wishes to protect, no 'love' strong enough to bear that power, then it is merely savage destruction, worthless, and unable to truly command respect."
Genji sat on the ground, clutching his burning, painful cheek. His father's words struck his heart like a heavy hammer.
He wanted to retort but found the words stuck in his throat.
'Love?' In this kind of bare-knuckle fight, was that kind of thing necessary? He thought in confusion.
He struggled again, shakily standing up, his gaze even more stubborn, yet also tinged with a hint of bewilderment.
Takiya Hideo looked at his son like this and continued, every word landing heavily on Genji's heart:
"Hmm… Being admired by people, standing at the top for the first time… Right now, in your head, there's probably only yourself, isn't there? You're arrogant and conceited, blinded by power. With this mindset, you can't control people at all, let alone lead them to victory."
Genji suddenly looked up, wanting to argue, but found his father was no longer looking at him.
After saying these words, Takiya Hideo turned and left the dimly lit basement without a second glance, leaving Genji alone, standing in place, enduring the physical pain and the immense impact of his father's words.
After a long while, Genji finally struggled to get up and walked out of the bar, his mind a mess.
He walked aimlessly down the street, every word his father had said echoing in his mind.
Click… click… Genji irritably pulled a cigarette pack from his pocket, shook out a cigarette, put it in his mouth, and fumbled for his lighter.
But the lighter only sparked, refusing to ignite.
Just then, a hand holding a silver Zippo lighter reached out. With a "snap," a steady flame ignited before him.
Genji was momentarily stunned. He followed the strong, well-defined hand upward.
The firelight illuminated a chiseled face.
The man's shoulder-length hair was casually tied back, and his eyes were calm and sharp.
His physique was lean and muscular; even in simple clothes, one could feel the explosive power contained within that body.
The other person was also sizing up Genji with a hint of curiosity and interest.
The two men thus scrutinized each other under the dim streetlights, the air filled with the subtle intuition unique to skilled individuals.
Genji hesitated for a moment, then slightly lowered his head, lit his cigarette with the other man's flame, took a deep drag, exhaled smoke, and mumbled:
"…Sorry."
The long-haired man didn't withdraw his lighter. Instead, he offered it to Genji, watching him calmly, his voice low:
"If you like…"
Genji looked at the man, then at the seemingly expensive Zippo lighter, and frowned: "…Thanks."
He paused in silence. Although he found it strange, he still took it.
Seeing that he had accepted it, the long-haired man said no more. He simply nodded slightly, turned, and walked away, his figure merging into the night.
'The man who defeated Serizawa Tamao… Takiya Genji, huh?'
At the entrance of Housen Academy.
A chilling atmosphere enveloped the entrance of Housen.
A uniform line of bald heads and crisp white tokkō-fuku (special attack uniforms) stood in formation.
The cadres of the Fengxian Army—Shibayama Hayato, Matoba Toushi, Ogiri Rikiya, and others—stood grim-faced at the very front, like a white wall.
Behind them was a dense mass of Housen bald-headed thugs, numerous and imposing.
Opposite them, the numbers seemed much thinner.
Takiya Genji stood at the very front, a cigarette dangling from his mouth, its crimson glow particularly striking in the oppressive atmosphere.
Behind him were the GPS cadres, led by Makise Takashi, Tamura Chuta, Mikami Manabu, and Mikami Go.
The GPS cadres faced the massive Fengxian Army without flinching, their momentum surprisingly not falling behind.
Genji took a deep drag from his cigarette, slowly exhaling smoke, his icy gaze sweeping over the vast Housen lineup opposite him, finally settling on the cadres.
Just then, the center of the Fengxian Army parted like a tide, creating a passage.
Housen's pinnacle—Narumi Taiga—slowly emerged from the depths of the crowd.
His steps were steady, his robust physique exuding an invisible pressure, instantly making him the focus of the entire scene.
He walked to the front of the formation, his calm gaze meeting Genji's.
Genji looked at Narumi Taiga, who had just walked out, first stunned ed for a moment, then a smile mixed with surprise and arrogance tugged at the corner of his mouth:
"Oh? It's you..." He flicked away his cigarette butt, crushing it with his foot, his eyes sharpening:
"Never mind, it doesn't matter. I came here today to inform you—Housen, get ready to be crushed by our GPS!"
Narumi Taiga faced Genji's direct declaration of war, not with anger, but with an amused smile:
"How interesting. When?"
"Tomorrow," Genji's reply was simple and direct.
Narumi Taiga raised an eyebrow slightly:
"Where?"
Genji's gaze swept past Narumi, surveying the clean yet oppressive Housen Academy building behind him, his tone full of aggression and provocation:
"Let's make it here. We'll completely capture your stronghold!"
Upon hearing this, Narumi Taiga's smile widened a bit, a proud acceptance of the challenge: "Very well. Then I… look forward to your visit tomorrow. Don't disappoint me."
After the main business was concluded, Genji turned to leave with his subordinates.
But after taking two steps, he suddenly paused as if he had remembered something.
Under everyone's puzzled gaze, he abruptly turned around and actually walked towards Narumi Taiga again!
Although the Mikami Brothers, Makise, and Chuta didn't understand why, they immediately followed without hesitation, guarding Genji's sides, their eyes vigilantly fixed on the opposing Fengxian Army.
Narumi Taiga watched Genji, who had returned, still standing in place, making no move, only with a hint of inquiry in his eyes.
And when the Fengxian Army saw the Suzuran people return and approach their boss again, they immediately erupted!
"Bastard! What do you want?!"
"Stop! Don't you dare get close to Narumi-Big Brother!"
A group of bald-headed thugs roared and were about to rush forward to stop him!
But Genji completely ignored the commotion and threats; his gaze was fixed solely on Narumi Taiga.
He walked straight up to Narumi, the two of them very close.
Then, under the fiery gazes of almost all Fengxian members, he reached into his jacket's inner pocket, fumbling for something.
Just as the Housen people were about to lose their patience and attack, they saw Genji pull out—not a weapon, but a pack of cigarettes and a lighter.
From the somewhat crumpled pack of cigarettes, he skillfully flicked out a cigarette, and then… to everyone's surprise, he directly reached out and placed the cigarette on Narumi Taiga's lips!
Narumi Taiga was clearly not expecting this either; his brows furrowed instinctively, but he didn't move away.
Genji ignored Narumi's puzzled gaze and the deathly silence around them, striking the lighter with a "snap," cupping the flame with his hand, and leaning in to light the cigarette in Narumi's mouth.
After doing all this, he put away the lighter, looked at Narumi Taiga, and said in a calm yet clear tone:
"I'm returning the favor."
With that, he didn't linger for another second, turned around, and, with his equally bewildered subordinates, strode out of Housen territory under countless angry, puzzled, and complex gazes.
Narumi Taiga stood in place, the newly lit cigarette dangling from his mouth, watching Genji's retreating back, first a little startled, then as if he understood something, he shook his head and chuckled softly.
This man, who had defeated Serizawa Tamao and was about to lead Suzuran to attack his stronghold… was indeed quite interesting.
---
The corridor of Suzuran Academy Junior High had an atmosphere distinctly different from the noisy main campus area, with a rare sense of order.
As Yuwen walked by, the "Full-Time Student Faction" students, dressed neatly and carrying books, stopped in their tracks, their faces beaming with genuine admiration and gratitude.
"Good morning, Yuwen-senpai!"
"Thank you very much, senpai!"
"Yuwen-senpai looks so handsome today…"
Greetings filled with respect rose and fell.
These "students," who once had to be cautious at Suzuran, fearing to anger any thug, now had eyes sparkling with hope.
It was because of Yuwen's appearance and his implementation of the "Full-Time Student Faction" that they were able to study with their heads held high for the first time in this violence-dominated academy, without worrying about being bullied or extorted at will.
Yuwen saw the genuine admiration and gratitude in the students' eyes, and a sincere and infectious smile appeared on his face as well. He responded warmly, occasionally patting a nervous student's shoulder:
"Oh! Study hard!"
"Keep it up!"
Everywhere he went, he seemed to bring a completely different, hopeful atmosphere.
He finally stopped at the door of the training room occupied by the Ebizuka Trio and pushed it open.
Inside, Kirishima Hiromi, Honjo Toshiaki, and Sugihara Makoto, who was about to start training with his twin ponytails, instantly tensed up when they saw his sudden arrival, instinctively adopting defensive stances.
Yuwen seemed not to notice their tension, his gaze falling on Sugihara Makoto's conspicuous twin ponytails.
He pulled over a chair for himself and pointed to Sugihara Makoto: "Sugihara, sit."
Then he took off the single-shoulder bag he was carrying, and from it, he actually pulled out a set of professional hairdressing tools!
The three looked at the gleaming scissors and clippers on the table, completely bewildered, exchanging glances, not knowing what this guy intended to do.
Without explanation, Yuwen pressed the still-dazed Sugihara Makoto into the chair, draped a cape around him, picked up the electric clippers, and started operating them, the buzzing sound particularly clear in the quiet room:
"We and Housen are going to war, a full-scale war."
His tone was calm, as if he were talking about an everyday matter.
Kirishima Hiromi frowned deeply and asked in a low voice:
"Housen… and us?"
He deliberately emphasized "us," trying to draw a line.
Yuwen's hands didn't stop, precisely clipping off one of Sugihara's ponytails:
"When the time comes, let's all go. Suzuran needs everyone who can fight."
Kirishima Hiromi's eyes flickered, and he tentatively asked:
"All together? Joining GPS? Or the Serizawa Army? Or…"
He looked at Yuwen: "Are we following you, Yuwen-senpai?"
Honjo Toshiaki crossed his arms and scoffed, expressing his displeasure:
"What a joke! What does this have to do with us! That's your upperclassmen's war!"
Yuwen chuckled softly, the clippers sweeping past Sugihara's ear:
"What does it have to do with you? If we win, Suzuran will truly be the 'pinnacle.' If we lose, do you think Housen will spare anyone from Suzuran? Can your small 'Ebizuka' remain untouched?"
Sugihara Makoto, with half his hair clipped, said sullenly:
"We admit… Takiya Genji, who defeated Serizawa, is very strong! But!"
He stuck out his neck: "That doesn't mean we have to follow his orders and join him!"
Honjo Toshiaki chimed in, looking annoyed:
"Exactly! Being subordinates to GPS? Just thinking about it makes me super uncomfortable!"
Upon hearing this, Yuwen smiled instead, resumed clipping, and uttered the words that were enough to shake the trio's mental defenses:
"When Genji, Serizawa, and the others graduate… I'll help you three reach the pinnacle of Suzuran."
If you can beat that man next year, you won't need his help; you three can go straight to the rooftop.
These words exploded in the training room like a clap of thunder!
"What?!"
The three instantly changed color!
Their pupils dilated, and their breathing quickened!
The pinnacle of Suzuran!
This was a goal they yearned for but knew was out of reach!
Kirishima Hiromi's voice was somewhat dry; he suppressed the shock in his heart and asked the most crucial question:
"Why? Yuwen-senpai… Why do you want to help Takiya Genji? And why… do you want to help us?"
Yuwen didn't answer the question directly, only focusing on the task at hand.
Soon, the last strand of long hair fell.
He put away his tools and nodded with satisfaction: "Done. This is much neater, more like a proper thug."
Those twin ponytails had been annoying him for a long time; now he felt relieved.
Sugihara Makoto suddenly picked up the small mirror nearby and looked—in the mirror was a clean, buzz-cut head!
His iconic twin ponytails were gone!
"My… my hair that I painstakingly grew for so long…"
Sugihara Makoto looked at his unfamiliar reflection in the mirror, his face instantly filled with indignation and disbelief, his voice tinged with a sob:
"My 'Mad Dog' image!!! Yuwen-senpai! How am I supposed to get by now!!!"
The shocking discussion about the pinnacle was instantly overshadowed by this "huge" loss.
Suzuran training ground.
Takiya Genji's GPS army was making its final assembly, but the atmosphere was suffocatingly oppressive.
Mikami Manabu and Mikami Go, the Mikami Brothers, irritably counted the numbers, and after repeated tallies, they could only exchange a grim look – at most, there were only about sixty people.
Ever since that night when the executives were ambushed by Housen, many thugs under them had lost faith in the executives, believing they couldn't lead them to victory, and had chosen to withdraw or wait and see.
Most of those who remained also had low morale, their faces etched with anxiety about the impending major battle.
Genji stood alone, leaning against a distant wall, his head down, his bangs obscuring his eyes.
The cigarette he held in his mouth had burned a long way down, and the greyish-white ash hung precariously, as if it could collapse at any moment, much like the morale of this team, making him appear exceptionally lonely.
Izaki Shun walked up to him and reported in a heavy voice:
"Genji… things are worse than we thought. Housen… will definitely have no less than two hundred people… maybe even more. We…" He didn't finish, but the meaning was already clear.
Upon hearing this, Makise Takashi slammed his fist into a nearby pillar with a dull thud, and roared angrily:
"So what?! Good! Just take out three each! What are those bald thugs from Housen?! Genji! Let's go do it!!" His roar tried to ignite the atmosphere, but only drew a few scattered agreements.
Tamura Chuta also stepped forward, looking at Genji with determined eyes: "That's right! Genji! Let's go! We're with you!"
The Mikami Brothers exchanged a look, then gritted their teeth and shouted:
"Brother! Give the order!"
"Sixty people are enough! Let's fight!"
All the executives and members of GPS held their breath, their gazes fixed on their leader, awaiting his decision.
Genji slowly raised his head, his gaze sweeping over the subordinates who were willing to follow him into battle.
Dozens of faces, some resolute, but more showing unease, yet they were all still here.
At this moment, his father Takiya Hideo's cold words once again exploded in his mind:
"Hmm… Praised by others, standing at the top for the first time… Right now, your head is probably only thinking about yourself, isn't it? Arrogant and overconfident, blinded by power. With this mindset, you can't even control people, let alone lead them to victory."
Immediately after, Yuwen's question also echoed in his ears:
"Does your GPS currently have a hundred core members who can fight and are wholeheartedly loyal to you?"
'My whole life… my whole life I've been told by that man that I'm not good enough…' Genji's heart felt as if an invisible hand was tightly clutching it, bringing waves of sharp pain and suffocating tightness.
'Coming to Suzuran, fighting with all my might, even defeating Serizawa… just to climb to that peak he never reached… wasn't it to prove to him… to prove that I am worthy?'
'And what's the result?'
'Sure enough… in the end… I only thought about myself… I simply… I simply don't know how to lead everyone… How can someone like me… lead them into battle?'
Grievance, powerlessness, and helplessness instantly overwhelmed him, but the stubbornness in his bones made him clench his jaw tightly, not letting vulnerability completely defeat him.
Genji suddenly lowered his head, his shoulders trembling slightly, and let out an extremely soft, self-mocking laugh, a layer of moisture uncontrollably welling up in his eyes, but he desperately held it back.
He suddenly raised his head, forcing his eyes wide open, not allowing those shameful tears to fall.
He forced his facial muscles to tense, struggling to maintain an arrogant and aloof expression, as if using all his strength, he squeezed out two cold words from his throat:
"Disband."
"What?!"
"Brother?!"
"Genji?! What did you say?!"
These two words were like ice water poured into a hot oil pan, instantly causing all GPS members to erupt!
Everyone was stunned, looking at Genji in disbelief!
Disband? At a time like this? Retreat without a fight against the powerful Housen?
"I said—GPS, disband now!"
Genji almost roared as he repeated it, his voice hoarse, yet carrying an undeniable resolve.
He didn't dare to look into his comrades' eyes, and after speaking, he abruptly lowered his head, feigning indifference, hands in his pockets, and walked towards the training ground's main gate, wanting to escape this suffocating place as quickly as possible.
'I'm sorry…' Each step felt like treading on broken glass, his heart screaming and struggling wildly.
'But I can't… I can't watch you guys follow someone like me… to your deaths… you bastards!'
A huge, self-loathing pain almost tore him apart.
Watching his resolute retreating figure, the members of GPS fell into immense shock, confusion, and despair.
Morale was already low, and their leader's sudden abandonment dealt them a fatal blow.
The light in many eyes extinguished, and they stood frozen in place, at a loss.
However, just as Genji was about to walk out the gate—
"What the hell?!!!"
Makise Takashi's roar exploded!
He suddenly rushed in front of Genji, spreading his arms to block his path, his eyes bloodshot from excitement and anger:
"You say disband and we just disband?! What do you take us for?! Trash that you can summon and dismiss at will?!"
"Exactly! Genji!" Tamura Chuta also rushed up, his voice choked with tears, "We stayed because we believed in you!"
Izaki Shun walked in front of Genji, his voice still calm, yet imbued with power:
"Genji, it's too early to give up now."
The Mikami Brothers and the remaining GPS members also gathered around, they didn't speak, but their eyes said it all—they hadn't left, they were still here!
Genji looked at his path completely blocked, looking at the stubborn faces in front of him, faces that were willing to believe in him, and his father's words suddenly became distant and blurry.
A surge of warmth suddenly broke through all his defenses and pretenses.
He gritted his teeth, his jaw tight as iron.
That last bit of pride wavered before the intense emotion, but he forcefully pushed back the bitterness welling up in his eyes, and all the surging feelings transformed into burning flames in his gaze!
The veins on his neck bulged, no longer showing any confusion or struggle, and with all his strength, as if to scream out his soul, he let out a roar that shook the entire training ground, directed at all the GPS members:
"You… idiots!!!"
This time, it was no longer an order to disband.
Just as Genji's inner defenses crumbled, and the GPS members were agitated yet at a loss—
"Genji—!!"
A familiar yet annoying voice came through with extreme penetration.
Genji suddenly looked up, his eyes blurred with tears as he looked at the source of the voice, but he instantly froze.
Yuwen was seen leading the charge, enthusiastically waving at him, a brilliant smile on his face, as if he wasn't going to a life-and-death battle, but to a lively festival.
He shouted loudly, his voice filled with inexplicable confidence and encouragement:
"Genji! Take down those baldies! You're the coolest guy in Suzuran!"
It was that same line again! But now... behind him, there was a vast crowd!
Serizawa Tamao brought his Army of the Hundred Beasts—Tatsukawa Tokio, Tsutsumoto Shoji, Tokaji Yuji, and all other elite cadres were present!
Although their expressions varied, some lazy, some unruly, their powerful collective presence was undeniable!
Even more surprising, even the junior Ebizuka Trio—
Kirishima Hiromi, Honjo Toshiaki, and short-haired Sugihara Makoto also brought their subordinates, following closely behind!
At this moment, the originally desperate and oppressive training ground was instantly injected with a powerful stimulant by this sudden and strong reinforcement!
Genji looked at Yuwen, who was walking at the very front, smiling carelessly but seeming to glow all over.
This guy, who always acted strangely, appeared again and again when he was at his most pathetic and most in need, bringing aid that was impossible to refuse.
An indescribable, complex emotion mixed with gratitude, as if a huge and warm light source had been forcibly shoved into the darkness, dazzling but dispelling the cold.
Yuwen completely ignored the heavy atmosphere and the tear stains on Genji's face, walking straight to him.
He suddenly reached out his arm, hooked Genji's neck, and half-forcibly embraced him, walking a few steps to the side, cleverly using his body to block the view of others, so that GPS and the members of the Army of the Hundred Beasts couldn't see Genji's current disheveled state.
Genji subconsciously wanted to struggle and resist; this posture was too embarrassing!
But feeling the harmless force from Yuwen's arm, Genji's tense body suddenly relaxed, and the stubborn resistance in his heart quietly dissipated, allowing Yuwen to lead him aside.
After walking a certain distance, ensuring no one could see Genji's face, Yuwen finally released his arm.
Genji immediately turned his head, quickly wiped away the remaining traces on his face with the back of his hand, forced a stern expression, and resumed his usual aloof and rebellious look, trying to maintain his dignity:
"...Meddling. I didn't ask you to come."
Yuwen chuckled, not exposing him at all, just patting his shoulder, his tone relaxed yet meaningful:
"Who's laughing at you? I'm here to invest in the future 'The Three Heavens'. Don't make me lose everything, Genji."
At this moment, behind the two, GPS, the Army of the Hundred Beasts, and the Ebizuka combination, these three groups of people, also converged, making the scene a bit subtle and noisy for a while.
Makise Takashi looked at the Serizawa Army, and although grateful for the assistance, still spoke with GPS's arrogance, asking in a rough voice:
"You guys... how did you end up here too?"
Serizawa Tamao yawned, looking lazy and unwilling to explain much, pointing his chin at Yuwen in front:
"Ah... just owed a troublesome guy a favor. And..."
He glanced in Housen's direction, his eyes sharpening a bit: "If the baldies get too cocky, that'll bother me too."
Tatsukawa Tokio smiled and put on a white hat, looking out of place yet somewhat cute.
The Mikami Brothers were immediately drawn to it, saying curiously:
"Hey! What's that? That hat? What a cool hat!" As he spoke, he gave Tokio a thumbs up.
Tokaji Yuji walked over to Izaki Shun, saying with a hint of provocation:
"Hey, Izaki. Don't drag us down; if there's an opening, I'll take you down with them."
Izaki Shun calmly retorted: "You're the one, take care of your own men. Save your energy for Housen."
The Ebizuka Trio looked at these big shots, and while they didn't want to lose in terms of aura, they were still junior.
Kirishima Hiromi crossed his arms, trying to make his voice sound cool:
"Hmph, don't get the wrong idea. We're not here to help you GPS."
Honjo Toshiaki chimed in: "Just here to see what this so-called 'The Three Heavens Battle' is like."
Sugihara Makoto rubbed his spiky buzz cut, adding with indignation and stubbornness: "...And to see if there's an opportunity! We Ebizuka aren't to be trifled with either!"
Thus, three distinct teams, normally even hostile to each other, converged into a massive torrent for various reasons and through the machinations of a certain man.
They followed Yuwen and Genji, who were walking side by side at the front, marching grandly towards the final battlefield.
When Yuwen and Genji led Suzuran's combined army to Housen's training ground, the sight before them made all the crows gasp!
In the center of the training ground, Otokiri Rikiya, one of Housen's Four Heavenly Kings, was leading a dense mass of Housen's bald army, standing ready!
Their white special attack uniforms were like a cold tide, exuding a murderous aura.
And when their gaze turned to the Housen training building next door, an even more chilling scene appeared—every floor's corridor was densely packed with Housen's bald thugs!
They were like silent white sculptures, their cold eyes looking down from above at the uninvited guests below, an invisible pressure like a giant boulder weighing on the heart of every Suzuran member.
"Hiss... This... This is too many, isn't it?!"
"You're kidding... How are we supposed to fight this?"
"It's like poking a bald hornet's nest..."
Even the belligerent members of GPS and the Army of the Hundred Beasts couldn't help but utter shocked whispers.
The oppressive feeling brought by the absolute numerical disadvantage was real.
Yuwen looked at the lineup before him and couldn't help but take a deep breath.
Although he knew that Housen had been completely unified under Narumi Taiga, he hadn't expected such terrifying cohesion and strong mobilization capabilities!
But then he thought, this was Housen's stronghold after all, possessing an absolute home-field advantage.
Even if there might still be some unruly guys internally who weren't convinced by Narumi, when faced with an invasion from an outside school, especially their sworn enemy, the Crows, they would temporarily put aside internal conflicts and unite against the external threat.
This was the foundation of a top-tier thug group!
He looked back at the "allied forces" he had brought:
GPS, after losing members, now only had about sixty people left.
Serizawa's Army of the Hundred Beasts was slightly better off, with about ninety people, also significantly reduced from its peak.
Then he looked at the "junior allied forces" brought by the Ebizuka Trio... which was even more speechless.
Their so-called "unified junior" merely meant they had beaten their classmates into submission, and no one dared to provoke them, far from achieving true subjugation.
Out of over a hundred thugs in the six classes of the entire junior department, they could only rally about twenty small crows.
Suzuran's Crows really were... Yuwen's eyes involuntarily showed a hint of disdain and helplessness, and this subtle change was immediately caught by the sensitive Ebizuka Trio, who felt greatly offended but couldn't retort, only blushing.
Suzuran had less than two hundred "Crows" at full count, facing a well-trained, geographically advantaged, and numerically superior "Bald" army!
The atmosphere was extremely heavy!
Otokiri Rikiya stepped forward, a ferocious and mocking smile on his face, and shouted loudly at Genji:
"Hey! Takiya Genji! Narumi-Big Brother is waiting for you on the rooftop! I'm just afraid you won't even be qualified to reach him! Hahaha!"
Genji clenched his fists tightly, veins bulging on his forehead, all hesitation and unease ignited at this moment, transforming into the purest rage and fighting spirit!
He suddenly raised his head and roared with all his might:
"Cut the crap! Housen's baldies! Today, we'll crush all of you right here!"
"Oooohhhhhh!!!"
"Kill them!!"
"Charge!"
The roars from both sides instantly tore through the heavy air, like lighting the final fuse!
Blood thoroughly boiled, passion burning away the last vestiges of reason!
All-out charge!
Just at this critical moment, in Yuwen's mind, the cold system prompt sounded again, but its content had undergone an astonishing change:
[Ding! Detected host actively intervening in a super-large-scale "The Three Heavens" level conflict, and located in the core area of the hostile force "Housen"! Meets the trigger conditions for "Extreme Challenge Mission"! Special Area Mission released!]
[Mission Name: Housen Annihilation (Hell Difficulty Trial Version)]
[Mission Content: Within the Housen area, personally defeat Housen thugs. "100" people, "200" people, "300" people... Each stage achieved will grant massive rewards! (Current progress: 0 / ∞)]
[Mission Hint: A lone wolf entering a lion pride, only by being fiercer than the lion king can it survive. Flatten Housen, or be buried here. Fearless? Or ignorant?]
The mission target changed from Suzuran to Housen!
The difficulty soared to hell level!
System, you think too highly of me.
But in Yuwen's eyes, a light even hotter and more excited than before instantly ignited!
He didn't even wait for the main force behind him to fully mobilize; he charged forward like an unbridled wild horse, even surpassing Genji, who had been the first to rush out!
"Housen's baldies—!"
He roared, his voice full of surging power, and he, alone, rushed headlong into the Housen army, which was surging like a white tide!
"I'll take this great gift first!!"
His figure appeared so thin before the massive Fengxian Army, yet he carried an unstoppable, insane momentum capable of tearing through anything!
This scene was deeply imprinted in the eyes of all the Suzuran "Crows" behind him, greatly shocking and igniting their blood!
"That lunatic..." Serizawa spat, but then grinned a wilder smile, "Don't think you can hog all the glory alone! Army of the Hundred Beasts! Follow!"
"GPS! Crush them!!" Genji, also spurred by this insane vanguard charge, roared and accelerated!
"Oooohhhhhh!!!"
Led by Yuwen, this "arrowhead" charging like a madman, the Suzuran allied forces' morale was pushed to an unprecedented climax!
Everyone felt as if they had been injected with a stimulant, following that madly charging back, violently crashing into Housen's white tide!
The great battle erupted instantly in the most intense and passionate way!
And Yuwen had already transformed into the sharpest blade of this storm!
The two torrents of black and white collided fiercely, like cold water poured into a boiling oil pot, exploding instantly.
"W-o-o-o-o-h!"
Yuwen let out a battle cry, like lightning tearing through the night sky, and was the first to smash into Housen's white tide!
The Berserker's talent burned in his blood, pain and impact transforming into more savage strength.
He didn't seem to be fighting at all; it was more like he was performing a wild concerto with his body.
His fists flew left and right, simple and crude, yet containing astonishing amplified power, instantly sending two Housen thugs flying off their feet, knocking down a group of people behind them.
"Those who block me die!" he roared with laughter, his movements incredibly sharp, like a tiger charging into a flock of sheep, overturning everything in his path, tearing open a gap in the dense formation!
Closely following him was the sharp-eyed, silent, yet explosive Takiya Genji.
And Serizawa Tamao, like a awakened lion, exuding wild power all over his body!
"Don't let that guy steal the show!" Genji growled, landing a precise heavy punch on the face of a Housen thug attempting to ambush Yuwen from the side, directly knocking him out!
"Heh... Looks like I'll get a good fight today!" Serizawa Tamao was even more brutal and unrestrained.
He grinned, grabbing a bald thug by the collar and swinging him around like a heavy human sandbag, spinning half a circle before slamming him hard into the Housen crowd attempting to regroup, instantly clearing a small open space!
"Follow the boss! Break them up!"
Behind them, the executives and members of the allied forces such as GPS, the Serizawa Army, and Ebizuka also roared and joined the fray, as the black tide finally surged forward completely!
Makise Takashi, like a true Berserker, completely disregarded defense, roaring and wildly throwing punches, enduring the attacks of three or four people, and knocking them down one by one with even fiercer strength!
Tamura Chuta and the Mikami Brothers formed a solid triangular formation back-to-back, tacitly fending off attacks from all directions and efficiently counterattacking!
Although Izaki Shun and Tokaji Yuji didn't see eye to eye, they cooperated surprisingly well at this moment; one opened a breakthrough with precise punches and kicks, and the other immediately followed up to expand the gains!
Even Sugihara Makoto, with his buzz cut and indignant expression, erupted with "mad dog"-like combat power, howling and pouncing on opponents!
Kirishima and Honjo of Ebizuka also worked hard to demonstrate their worth, fighting fiercely.
However, Yuwen, in his fierce advance, keenly sensed a change in pressure.
The average individual combat power of Housen might be slightly inferior to Suzuran Crows, but their team consciousness and coordination far surpassed Suzuran's scattered individuals!
Four or five Housen thugs did not directly engage Yuwen, Genji, and other fierce individuals at the forefront, but instead quickly retreated, while companions on both sides immediately filled in, attempting to cut off Yuwen's connection with the subsequent team!
At the same time, several others tacitly attacked Yuwen's supporting leg and waist simultaneously!
"Tsk! Troublesome!" Yuwen clicked his tongue, forced to abandon the pursuit and spin to block.
Although he forcibly shook off two people with his stronger power, his offensive was also stalled.
On the other side, several isolated GPS members were targeted more obviously.
Three Housen thugs simultaneously advanced to entangle one person, one suddenly bent down to grab a leg, one locked an arm for control, and the third mercilessly struck his abdomen with a heavy knee!
Their coordination was skilled and calm, instantly incapacitating the roaring GPS member, who was quickly dragged to the rear.
"Bastards! Let him go!" Makise roared, trying to rescue him, but was cleverly blocked by two other groups of Housen thugs forming a moving human wall, preventing him from getting close in time.
Housen was like a well-trained war machine, relying on local numerical superiority and exquisite coordination to gradually erode Suzuran's forces.
However, Suzuran Crows were, after all, strong individuals selected from countless internal struggles; their personal combat ability and will were extremely formidable!
Whenever a slight gap appeared in Housen's formation, or someone slightly detached from the group, they would immediately be met with a thunderous strike from a Suzuran thug!
In one-on-one contests between Suzuran and Housen, it was often the Housen person who ultimately fell.
Tsutsumoto Shoji of the Serizawa Army spotted a Housen thug attempting a sneak attack, and with a hand like an iron clamp, directly grabbed the opponent's bald head and slammed it to the ground, instantly resolving the situation!
Mikami Manabu grabbed a Housen thug whose punch missed, and with a beautiful over-the-shoulder throw, slammed him hard onto the ground, his movements clean and precise!
Even Honjo Toshiaki of Ebizuka seized an opportunity, performing an agile slide tackle to trip a Housen thug chasing a companion, then quickly followed up with a kick!
Genji, moreover, pushed his personal bravery to the extreme.
Once he spotted a bald head slightly separated from his companions, his heavy punches and sharp kicks would arrive in an instant, almost incapacitating the opponent with a single blow!
The battlefield was completely engulfed in a chaotic and intense vortex!
The white Housen tide and the black Suzuran torrent fiercely collided, intertwined, and tore at each other!
Roars, cries of pain, and the thud of flesh against flesh rose and fell, as hot blood and passion ignited the entire Housen training ground at this moment!
Yuwen licked the blood from the corner of his mouth, which he didn't know whose it was, and the red glow in his eyes intensified; the Berserker state made him relish the pain.
He laughed and charged again into the densest part of the crowd: "That's it! This is exciting enough! Housen!"
Housen rooftop.
Narumi Taiga, the pinnacle of Housen, stood alone on the edge of the Housen training building's rooftop, like a king surveying his domain, looking down at the fierce and chaotic battle on the training ground below.
The earth-shattering shouts of battle and the dull thuds of fists on flesh came in waves like a fervent symphony.
His muscular body stood motionless in the wind, his sharp eyes scanning the battlefield, taking in every detail.
Watching his white Housen Army and black Suzuran Crows fiercely fight, his bronze face showed no worry; instead, a wild and excited smile slowly formed, his chest gently rising and falling with surging fighting spirit.
"Heh... It's really lively..." he murmured, his voice deep and full of power.
He could feel a long-lost passion slowly boiling within him; this scale and quality of battle was the pinnacle showdown he craved.
But he knew that while such large-scale melees were brutal, the scales that ultimately determined victory often depended on the clash of the two sides' leaders.
Once the opponent's leader was defeated, even the largest army would crumble.
His gaze, like a hawk's, searched the chaotic battlefield, finally locking onto a few of the most dazzling figures.
He first looked at Takiya Genji, who was like a sharp knife, darting left and right through the white tide.
"Takiya Genji... the new force that defeated Serizawa? Indeed like a sharp blade, full of unyielding drive and potential... But is that all?"
His eyes held scrutiny; he appreciated Genji's sharpness, but it seemed to lack some refinement.
Then, his gaze turned to Serizawa Tamao, who advanced steadily like a heavy tank, each blow heavy and powerful.
"Serizawa... King of Beasts. Your power is still so reassuring, this purity... it's been a long time coming."
The smile on his lips deepened; for this old rival, he gave a higher evaluation, Serizawa's strength was time-tested.
However, his gaze ultimately lingered on an even crazier, more unpredictable figure—
That was Yuwen, who weaved through the battlefield with a seemingly chaotic yet highly efficient fighting style, a wild, almost enjoyable smile always on his face!
"It's still you..." Narumi Taiga's gaze deepened, filled with intense interest and a hint of wariness.
"Yuwen... Suzuran's 'Full-Time Student Faction'? What exactly is your purpose? Is it merely to fight for the sake of fighting?"
He watched as Yuwen sometimes cooperated with Genji to tear open defenses, and other times charged alone into the densest areas, causing chaos. This fighting style, with its strange rhythm amidst the disorder, made him unable to easily comprehend it.
"Who will truly be Suzuran's pinnacle?"
Narumi Taiga folded his arms, his strong fingers lightly tapping his elbow, muttering to himself.
Will it be Genji, representing the new generation?
Will it be Serizawa, the King of Beasts, with his deep roots and absolute power?
Or the elusive Yuwen?
This battle for the top seemed more interesting than he had imagined.
He took a deep breath, the air around him seemingly thick with the scent of blood and violence.
His innate fighting instincts were fully awakened, yearning for a thrilling, pinnacle showdown that matched his status and power.
"Come on..." He looked down, his voice low but filled with confidence and anticipation:
"Let me see... who among you is worthy of standing before me!"
Dust flew, and shouts mixed with the dull thud of fists hitting flesh, intertwining above the Housen training ground.
Yuwen laughed wildly, sending the bald thug in front of him flying with a punch, his body like a bowling ball knocking over several Fengxian delinquents attempting to rush him from behind.
"Haha! Come on! The more, the merrier!" He felt every cell in his body roar, the Berserker's blood burning.
His gaze swept across the battlefield. He saw Takiya Genji, like a black reef trapped in a white vortex, still fierce. Every punch and kick could take down an enemy, but the surrounding Fengxian delinquents, relying on their numerical advantage, were relentlessly engaging him, clearly intending to wear him down through attrition.
"I can't let you waste your stamina here..."
Yuwen mumbled, then instantly exerted force, plowing through several people blocking his path like a tank, heading straight for Genji's battle circle.
Like a raging hurricane, he smashed through every obstacle in his path, reaching Genji's side. His solid back slammed against Genji's, blocking the assault from the other side.
The scent of sweat and dust mingled, hot and raw.
Yuwen's voice trembled slightly with excitement, yet carried a fervent belief that cut through the surrounding clamor:
"Genji! Your battlefield isn't here! Look closely, your sky is higher up!"
Genji had just knocked out an opponent in front of him with an elbow strike, his chest heaving violently, breathing hot air.
His eyes held a deeply buried fire, ignited by the words.
Genji's voice was low and hoarse, yet contained immense power:
"...Can you handle it alone?"
He knew Yuwen was strong, but the Fengxian Army below was still massive.
On the other side, Serizawa Tamao had just knocked down an opponent with a punch. Hearing the shout, he wiped the dust from his cheekbone and laughed wildly:
"Oh? You want to play such a big game alone? Don't get gnawed down to the bone!"
"Less talk!" Yuwen didn't even turn his head, kicking another Fengxian thug who tried to approach.
"Narumi Taiga upstairs is worthy of being your opponent! Leave this to me! Go quickly!"
Genji gave Yuwen a deep look, no longer hesitated, and yelled in a low voice:
"...Don't die." With that, he turned sharply and rushed towards the entrance of the training building.
Serizawa grinned, patting Yuwen's shoulder hard:
"Haha! Good! Then I won't be polite! I'm leaving this to you, make sure you hold out until we come down!" With that, he followed Genji and rushed off.
Yuwen watched their backs disappear into the stairwell, and breathed a slight sigh of relief:
"They finally went up... If I let them keep grinding experience here, I..."
Just as he was distracted, a heavy fist slammed hard into his cheek!
Bang!
Yuwen's head snapped to the side from the blow, he swayed, and dust kicked up from his feet.
The Fengxian thug who hit him had just shown a hint of satisfaction on his face... Yuwen slowly turned his head back, licked his slightly broken lip, and instead of pain, his eyes gleamed with even greater excitement:
"...Hey, you don't need to be so enthusiastic when greeting me, do you? That hurt."
Before he finished speaking, his fist shot out like a cannonball!
The Fengxian thug had no time to react. He was lifted by a huge force, flying backward into the crowd of people rushing up behind him, instantly knocking down several others and causing a commotion.
Yuwen looked at the still dense, seemingly endless Fengxian Army in front of him. Instead of fear, he showed a satisfied, excited smile:
"That's more like it... Experience packs are only good when there are enough of them!"
However, his smile twitched a little the next second.
Because out of the corner of his eye, he noticed that Izaki, Makise, the Mikami Brothers, Chuta from GPS, and Tokio, Tsutsumoto, Tokaji, and others from the Serizawa Army, though also wounded, were still fierce, fighting back and forth with the Housen members, with bald Housen thugs constantly falling at their feet.
"Hey, hey, hey! You guys..." Yuwen suddenly felt a pang of heartache:
"Those are all my experience and enhancement points! Don't steal my kills!"
He abruptly changed direction, no longer focusing on the main force in front, but instead charged towards the cadres' battle group.
"Makise! Get out of the way!" he shouted, delivering an unceremonious side kick, the force perfectly controlled, sending Makise Takashi, who was fighting enthusiastically, stumbling out of the battle circle.
"Chuta! You're in the way too!" Then came another sweeping kick, forcing Tamura Chuta, who was coordinating the fight, to retreat.
"Yuwen! You bastard! What are you doing again!" Makise Takashi steadied himself, veins throbbing on his forehead with anger, roaring at Yuwen.
Tamura Chuta also looked startled and displeased: "What are you doing?!"
Izaki Shun calmly parried an opponent and looked over with a frown.
The cadres of the Army of the Hundred Beasts also stopped their movements, looking at Yuwen, who had suddenly disrupted the situation, with confusion.
Yuwen ignored their anger, pointed at the training building entrance, and shouted rapidly:
"Stop dawdling here! Genji and Serizawa are already upstairs! They need manpower! The rooftop is where the decisive battle will be! This place—I alone am enough! Go quickly and help your leaders!"
He said no more, abruptly turned, and like a rampaging wild ox, launched a furious charge towards the entrance of the training building!
Every punch was delivered with full force, no longer blocking, but pure destruction and crushing!
Wherever he went, Housen's formation was plowed through as if by a giant plow, people flying everywhere, forcibly tearing open a brief, fiery passage through the impenetrable white wall with their flesh and blood!
"Now—follow him!" Izaki Shun, precisely seizing this fleeting opportunity, commanded.
On the other side, Tokio and Tokaji's gazes met instantly. No words were needed; the same resolve burned in their eyes.
"Army of the Hundred Beasts! Follow!" Tokaji Yuji's voice almost cracked, filled with unprecedented fervor.
The cadres of GPS and the Serizawa Army, and all the Suzuran elites behind them who could still fight, felt their blood ignite at this moment!