Kamakura Taro looked at these thugs who had broken his expectations time and again, standing up resiliently like unkillable cockroaches, and finally completely lost his composure!
The calm and calculation on his face vanished, replaced by a twisted, angry, and incomprehensible rage!
"You guys... you damned bugs! Why won't you just obediently accept your fate! Why can't you be knocked down! The hot-bloodedness of thugs? Bonds? Loyalty? Such hypocritical and ridiculous things... such cheap emotions... how could they possibly stand against true power! How could they possibly stand against the rules of the yakuza!"
His roar was filled with the fury of challenged authority, and a hint of... wavering and fear that even he himself hadn't noticed.
The dark side of the yakuza, with its belief in the law of the jungle, which he had always adhered to, seemed truly intimidated at this moment by the incredibly pure and fervent light radiating from these thugs!
Yuwen looked at these scarred, swaying, yet stubbornly upright figures, a warm current surged in his heart, and he laughed hoarsely:
"You guys... each and every one of you looks like this, yet you're still trying to be cool... But... well done!"
Although he said that, he knew in his heart that Serizawa, Genji, and the others were completely relying on willpower, their bodies having long reached their limits.
Katagiri, Mitsuhashi, and Otokiri were slightly better, but definitely not in a state to fight.
Just as Yuwen was about to make a move—
Bang!
The rooftop door was violently kicked open!
A large crowd poured in like a tide!
It was the Suzuran and Housen executives and their elite subordinates who had been fighting bloody battles on different floors earlier!
GPS, the Army of the Hundred Beasts, and the Full-Time Student Faction rushed to the front, covered in scars and the smell of gunpowder. Behind them were more Housen executives and thugs with bloodshot eyes and undiminished fighting spirit.
Covered in scars and the smell of gunpowder, they were eager to know the outcome of the rooftop battle—the battle that would determine the ultimate victor between the two schools.
However, the scene before them stunned them all!
There was no one-on-one duel between Genji and Narumi as they had expected, nor were there any cheers of victory.
What met their eyes was:
Onizuka Goriki lying on the ground, blood bubbling from his throat, his eyes wide in death, and his broken sword.
A panicked Kamakura Taro and a few remaining Silver Dragon Society members.
Narumi Taiga lying in a pool of blood, with Yuwen performing some kind of operation on him.
And... almost all of them injured, swaying but still tenacious, Serizawa and the others, as well as that group of guys on the opposite side who didn't look like Housen thugs!
"What... what's going on?!"
"Narumi-Big Brother!"
"Genji! Serizawa-Big Brother!"
"Yuwen-senior!"
Cries of surprise, anger, and worry exploded instantly!
"It's those guys' fault!" Serizawa and Genji unhesitatingly pointed at Kamakura Taro, who was trying to hide: "Suzuran! Move! Let's clear out those scumbags first!"
"Don't just stand there! Fight them! Avenge Narumi-Big Brother!" Ogiri Rikiya also immediately roared at the bewildered Housen crowd.
No further explanation was needed; the common enemy and the tragic sight before them instantly united the Suzuran and Housen people in their shared hatred!
"Kill them!"
"Don't let a single one escape!"
A wave of fury instantly swallowed Kamakura Taro and his few remaining subordinates.
Facing the absolute numerical superiority and burning rage of the two schools' elites, the Silver Dragon Society's resistance was pale and powerless.
Kamakura Taro tried to say something, but the next second he was hit in the face by a heavy punch from Makise Takashi, followed by a flurry of punches and kicks. He was soon dragged aside like a dead dog and completely subdued.
The other Silver Dragon Society members were also quickly knocked to the ground one by one and firmly controlled.
Yuwen saw that his people had finally arrived, and the tension in his heart finally eased a little.
This feeling of relaxation caused his vision to suddenly black out, and a strong dizziness and feeling of exhaustion swept over him, almost making him faint on the spot.
But he bit the tip of his tongue hard, and the intense pain and metallic taste of blood instantly brought him back to his senses.
"I... can't fall," he told himself, there was still something more important to do.
He no longer paid attention to the commotion around him, all his attention returned to Narumi.
He pressed his hand firmly against the constantly bleeding wound on Narumi's abdomen, his brows tightly furrowed.
He recalled some medical information he had learned in his previous life.
How long it takes to die after being stabbed in the abdomen has no fixed answer, depending on the location and depth of the stab, whether major blood vessels or internal organs are damaged, the amount of bleeding, and the speed of treatment. The time frame can range from a few minutes to several days.
So, normally, penetrating the abdomen does not cause immediate death. The main cause of death is excessive bleeding due to piercing important organs such as the abdominal aorta or inferior vena cava.
Narumi's previous reactions and amount of bleeding indicated that vital organs might not have been hit, but his own act of pulling out the knife undoubtedly exacerbated the bleeding, and the situation was now extremely dangerous!
He looked at Narumi's face, pale as paper from blood loss, yet still bearing a hint of rebellious defiance, and remembered his final look of entrustment. He gritted his teeth fiercely:
'Narumi! You bastard! You owe me big time, I'm telling you! Hold on for me! Your Housen... is still waiting for you! Don't even think about dying so easily!'
He opened the system panel, scrolled to the very bottom, and found an item he had seen a long, long time ago. At the time, he thought he might never use it because it was too expensive, and he absolutely couldn't bear to use it!
He silently chanted in his mind: 'System! Redeem 'Emergency Medical Kit'!'
Emergency Medical Kit (Active / Consumable)
Effect: After redemption, obtain a one-time virtual "medical kit." When used, it simulates powerful hemostasis, anti-inflammatory, and minor tissue repair effects, rapidly stabilizing injuries of moderate severity or less (effect reduced for penetrating wounds).
The effect is direct, similar to a health potion in a game.
However, the consumption of Enhancement Points is enormous, 50 points per kit! And it's a consumable, only for emergencies.
The cost-effectiveness is too low to be used as a regular recovery method.
"Ding! 50 Enhancement Points consumed, redemption successful."
Instantly, a red package appeared in his hand, with a distinct cross symbol on it, looking exactly like a medical kit from a game—it was the model of the medical kit from "Left 4 Dead"!
He unhesitatingly placed the medical kit quickly and accurately on Narumi's terrifying wound.
Just then, the subsequently arrived Housen and Suzuran crowds had quickly brought the situation under control, completely subduing the remnants of the Silver Dragon Society.
They gathered around, nervously watching Yuwen and Narumi.
Some short-tempered Housen baldies, seeing Narumi-Big Brother on the verge of death and a Suzuran person "tinkering" with him, despite having just fought side-by-side, the long-standing animosity and worry for their Big Brother still caused some to become agitated:
"Hey! Suzuran guy! What did you do to Narumi-Big Brother?!"
"Let go of Narumi-Big Brother!"
"Are you Suzuran trying to take advantage and launch a sneak attack?!"
"All of you, shut the hell up!"
A furious roar exploded!
Serizawa Tamao, though barely able to stand and needing support, still let out a roar like the King of Beasts that shook everyone's hearts:
"A bunch of brainless baldies! Can't you see who's saving your boss?! Yuwen risked his life to take down that monster with the knife! Anyone who dares to disturb him now, I'll cripple them first!"
Takiya Genji also forced himself to step forward, his cold gaze sweeping over the agitated Housen crowd, his voice weak but carrying undeniable power: "Trust us. Or, do you want to start a fight now?" His words were brief, but weighed a thousand pounds.
The battle they had just shared gave his words even greater weight.
Katagiri Satoshi, Mitsuhashi Takashi, Ito, and other Full-Time Student Faction and Suzuran executives immediately led the still-able Suzuran members to firmly stand in front of Yuwen and Narumi, forming a human wall that, though battered, was exceptionally resolute.
Katagiri said in a low voice, "No one is allowed to pass now."
Mitsuhashi tried to put on a fierce expression. "Oh dear, if we start infighting now, those guys lying on the ground will laugh at us, won't they?"
Ito calmly analyzed, "If you don't want your boss to die, just watch quietly."
Tokio, Tokaji, Izaki, Makise, and other Suzuran executives chimed in:
"Are we going to fight again!"
Just as Suzuran and Housen were at daggers drawn, and the sparks of anger and distrust were about to reignite the conflict—
"Everyone, stop!"
A deep roar of fury erupted!
Otokiri Rikiya, a Housen executive, dragged his weary body and forcefully blocked the most impulsive Housen thugs. He scanned the people on his side, his voice filled with pain yet exceptionally firm:
"You idiots! Haven't you understood yet?! The ones who truly hurt Big Brother Narumi are those Silver Dragon Society bastards!"
Almost simultaneously, a bone-chilling voice, like a cold wind, swept through everyone's ears:
"Quiet."
Urushibara Ryo, at some unknown point, had also forced himself to stand at the front. The chill emanating from his eyes, which were so swollen he could barely open them, caused the restless atmosphere to freeze.
He had no superfluous words, but his aura of "whoever makes another sound will be killed" was more effective than any lengthy speech.
Seeing Otokiri and Urushibara Ryo's attitudes, Matoba Toushi and Shibayama Hayato, along with other Housen executives, immediately reacted and began to loudly reprimand and restrain their own members:
"Everyone, step back! Don't cause trouble!"
"Trust Otokiri! Trust Ryo! Now is not the time for infighting!"
Under the strong intervention of several influential figures, the restless emotions on Housen's side were finally temporarily suppressed.
The situation returned to calm, but this calm was suffocatingly heavy.
Everyone's gaze tensely turned to Yuwen in the center and Narumi Taiga, whose fate was unknown.
Yuwen was oblivious to the surrounding commotion and calm; his entire focus was on the medical kit in his hand and Narumi's wound.
Under everyone's tense gaze, as the red medical kit's light gradually dimmed, finally becoming illusory until it completely disappeared, the originally gruesome wound on Narumi's abdomen miraculously healed, leaving only a slightly pale, fresh scar.
However... Narumi still had his eyes tightly closed, his face pale, with no signs of waking up.
Yet, this almost divine scene, witnessed by the Suzuran and Housen crowd, did not provoke any shocked questioning or commotion.
"Ho... how could this be..." Serizawa Tamao's expression of anticipation instantly froze, turning into immense disappointment and anxiety. He slammed his fist on the ground, growling unwillingly, "Damn it! Why isn't he awake yet?!"
Takiya Genji said nothing, his tightly clenched fists trembling slightly from excessive force, his eyes fixed on Narumi's face, as if he wanted to awaken him with his willpower.
Next to him, Katagiri Satoshi's face was solemn, and he murmured in a low voice, "Is this the destiny of us thugs? No matter how hard we fight, we can only end up lying on the cold ground..."
Mitsuhashi Takashi also put away his usual cynical expression, his eyes complex: "In the end, it's still..."
Even Ito's calm tone carried a hint of sadness: "Perhaps... this is the weight of reality."
The Housen executives and numerous bald thugs, seeing this scene, had the flame of hope that had just ignited in their eyes instantly extinguished, drowned by immense disappointment and sorrow.
Many lowered their heads, letting out suppressed, painful sobs. A silent sorrow, like a thick fog, enveloped the entire rooftop.
Could it be that even the last miracle could not save the life of their leader?
Yuwen looked at the still unresponsive Narumi, his teeth clenched, a strong surge of unwillingness and anger rising in his heart!
'Damn it! Narumi! You bastard! Get up! Your Housen is still waiting for you! Are you content to end like this?!'
He shouted frantically in his heart, "System! Add points!"
He had already discovered the effect of charm, which was the strongest skill in Naruto—Talk no Jutsu!
What was needed now, perhaps, was not strength, but "words" to awaken Narumi's will to live!
[Ding! Reinforcement points consumed. Charm: 12 → 13 (Unique temperament, eye-catching → Radiant charm, captivating).]
An indescribable, gentle yet extremely penetrating energy flowed through Yuwen's entire body. He felt that his words, his gaze, and even his aura seemed to have undergone subtle changes, as if carrying a power that could more directly touch people's hearts and evoke resonance.
Yuwen took a deep breath, as if to pour all his belief and strength into his words. He stared intently at Narumi's pale face, his voice gradually rising from a low tone, like a war drum beating in everyone's hearts:
"Narumi Taiga! You are the leader of Housen! You are the man whom even Suzuran has to take seriously! How can you... how can you fall like this under such a dirty conspiracy!"
"Open your eyes and look! Your Housen is still waiting for you! Those brothers who believe in you and follow you, they are still waiting for their leader to return!"
"Matoba! Shibayama! Otokiri! Ryo! And all the brothers of Housen! They fought to the death until now, just to wait for your command! Are you going to let their future path lose its guiding lighthouse?!"
Yuwen's voice grew even more impassioned, as if carrying a scorching heat:
"They are waiting for you! Waiting for you to lead them down a path different from those rotten yakuza, a path of your own, shining with pride and righteousness!"
"They need you! They need your strength! They need your will! They need you to tell them that Housen's pride is not in vain!"
"Your life... no longer belongs only to yourself! Wake up! Bear all of this, like a true leader!"
Yuwen finally used all his strength to let out a roar that shook the rooftop: "Narumi Taiga!!"
This shout, full of power and belief, was like a giant stone thrown into a calm lake, sending ripples across the rooftop!
The Suzuran crowd was deeply shaken. Serizawa clenched his fists tightly, and Genji's eyes were sharp as an eagle's. They all felt the respect and calling that transcended "opponent" in Yuwen's words.
"Come back! Narumi Taiga! Our fight isn't over yet! The outcome between Suzuran and Housen is still undecided! You bastard... don't think you can just leave so easily!"
The Housen thugs, even more so, were already in tears. Many could no longer suppress their emotions, sobbing and growling Narumi's name.
"Big Brother Narumi!"
"Get up, Big Brother!"
"We need you!"
The entire rooftop, at this moment, was enveloped by an indescribable, fervent yet tragic bond.
Everyone's hearts were tightly bound together, bound to the unconscious king, bound to Yuwen who let out that cry!
In the boundless darkness and cold, Narumi Taiga's consciousness flickered like a candle in the wind, wavering precariously.
A voice, piercing through the thick mist, came from far away, growing clearer and clearer... Someone was calling his name.
It wasn't the mocking sneers of enemies, nor the sorrowful cries of subordinates, but a... familiar yet strange voice, calling him with a scorching power he had never heard before, a power that almost burned his soul.
The urgency, unwavering belief, and even a heavy entrustment contained within that voice seeped into his almost-silent heart, bit by bit.
Narumi's mind was confused: 'Need... me?... Does anyone... still need me like this... a failed... pinnacle...'
But that voice continued, undeniable, accompanied by more and more familiar sounds—the shouts of his Housen brothers!
It was the cheers of his Suzuran rivals, Serizawa and Genji!
These voices intertwined, like strong threads, forcefully pulling back his continuously sinking consciousness!
A powerful surge of unwillingness, like a dormant volcano, erupted violently in his heart!
'What a joke... How could I... fall in a place like this...!'
'I am... Narumi Taiga! I am the pinnacle of Housen!!'
'They... need me... My brothers... are waiting for me... The future of Housen... cannot end like this!'
'My body... move! I am... the master of this body! Who allowed you... to stop on your own accord!'
Along with this roar from the depths of his soul, a burning power seemed to break through some kind of shackles!
He used all his will to seize control of his body!
Fingers... move!
Eyelids... lift!
Finally, a faint sliver of light pierced the darkness! His heavy eyelids laboriously lifted a crack—
The first thing that entered his blurry vision was the figure of Yuwen, leaning over him, occupying his entire sight.
The sunlight shone from behind Yuwen, casting a dazzling golden edge around his silhouette.
Sweat trickled down his cheeks, mixing with blood, yet it couldn't hide the burning light in his eyes, a light that seemed capable of igniting all hope.
He was still shouting excitedly, his voice hoarse from exertion, but full of heart-stirring power:
"Narumi Taiga!"
In that instant, something solid within Narumi Taiga's untamed heart was completely shattered.
The image of his elder brother, Mito Makio, flashed through his mind; he was the only mountain he had ever looked up to.
And now, this figure before him, from Suzuran, yet fighting for him, calling out to him desperately, seemed to overlap with the mountain in his memory.
"...Yuwen..."
The only man he had ever acknowledged in his life.
Now, it seemed... there was one more.
The protagonist Yuwen was first stunned, then an expression of unbelievable ecstasy erupted on his face, almost making him collapse to the ground in exhaustion, his voice trembling with excitement:
"He's... awake! You bastard! You finally decided to wake up!" A huge weight was finally lifted from his heart, but it was followed by even deeper exhaustion.
"Narumi-nii!"
"Big Brother is awake!!"
The members of the Fengxian Army instantly erupted in thunderous cheers and sobs!
The immense joy overwhelmed everything; they surged forward like a white tide, excitedly pushing Yuwen aside and surrounding their regained pinnacle, shouting excitedly, some even shedding tears of joy.
At this moment, all the barriers between Suzuran and Housen were cast aside, leaving only the wild joy of Narumi's awakening.
The Suzuran crowd, seeing this scene, also let out a collective sigh of relief, genuine smiles and relief appearing on their faces.
Serizawa grinned broadly, but it pulled at his wound, making him wince in pain: "Hiss... Damn it, it wasn't for nothing after all!"
Genji snorted heavily, but his clenched fist relaxed, and a barely perceptible curve appeared at the corner of his mouth.
Katagiri, Mitsuhashi, Ito, and others exchanged glances, seeing relief in each other's eyes.
Yuwen was jostled backward by the excited crowd, fortunately caught by Katagiri and Mitsuhashi just in time, preventing him from collapsing directly.
They helped Yuwen to a relatively quiet spot to sit down, letting him lean against the wall and catch his breath.
Watching Narumi, who was tightly surrounded by the Housen members, weak yet still trying to straighten his back, Yuwen's extremely taut nerves could finally relax a little.
But then, a colder, more realistic fear suddenly gripped his heart!
Murder... I killed Onizuka Goriki... And, I used that medical kit that clearly didn't belong to this world... That supernatural effect... The terrifying scenes from movies of being caught, studied, and dissected flooded his mind uncontrollably, making him shiver and his face turn slightly pale.
But... wait... why do they all seem... to not have a particularly big reaction?
He couldn't help but look at Katagiri, Mitsuhashi, and Ito, who were relatively calm beside him, and asked in a low, slightly nervous voice:
"Did you guys... see that... thing I used just now? That... thing that instantly healed Narumi's severe injuries..."
Katagiri Satoshi heard this, nodded seriously, his resolute face filled with admiration:
"Ah, I saw it. A very powerful method, unheard of. Yuwen, you truly have hidden depths."
His tone was calm, as if evaluating a powerful fighting technique.
Mitsuhashi Takashi blinked, leaned over, and whispered:
"Super~ amazing! Can you get one for me next time?"
His focus was entirely on the value and practicality of the item itself, without the slightest fear of an anomalous phenomenon.
Ito tidied his sea urchin-like hair and said:
"The effect is extremely significant, although the principle is unknown. In such a desperate situation, possessing such a trump card is a manifestation of strength."
His attitude was more like evaluating a strategic weapon, and he automatically classified it as a "high-level skill that needs to be kept secret."
The reactions of the three were surprisingly consistent: they marveled at the effect, admired Yuwen's trump card, but showed no fear or questioning of the "supernatural" itself, as if it were just another, more powerful "technique" or "ability."
Why?! This is completely unscientific!
Yuwen was stunned, and then a dusty memory flashed through his mind: this world actually had superpowers.
—The Four Heavenly Kings of Majisuka!
Black, the girl with a weaker version of "Flash" super-speed movement ability, who could also jump out of shadows at night to fight, but after graduation, she worked as a cashier in a supermarket, using her super-speed to resupply customers... No one found it strange, they just thought she was "amazing."
Torikoya, a mental "mind-reading" attack, with a dual personality—normally quiet, but in combat, she had the ability to read memories, see through enemies' inner weaknesses, and "corrupt personalities." After graduation, she became a dancer.
According to a normal worldview, if she wasn't subjected to various blood draws and dissections for research, she would at least be locked up and studied!
But in this world, people seemed... accustomed to it?
At most, they considered them "gifted" extraordinary individuals.
This was only what he knew; perhaps there were other inexplicable existences in the world that he didn't know about?
So... this is the "common sense" of this world?
Supernatural phenomena or abilities, though rare, are not unacceptable, and certainly not considered anomalies that must be eliminated or studied?
They are just... part of an individual's "strength" or "trait"?
Thinking of this, the worry that had been hanging over Yuwen's heart finally eased a little.
This seemingly familiar yet somewhat distorted world, its underlying rules of operation, seemed to be... much more tolerant than he had imagined?
Yuwen still felt a bit uneasy. He leaned closer to Genji and Serizawa, who had just caught their breath, and casually asked, "Hey, what did you guys think about how I saved Narumi just now?"
Serizawa Tamao clapped Yuwen on the shoulder, a bit too roughly, causing him to wince in pain from his injury, but he still grinned and said, "What do I think? It was awesome! You were hiding that pretty deep! Why didn't you bring out such a good thing sooner!"
Takiya Genji just looked up at Yuwen and replied with three short words: "You're pretty good."
Though there was inquiry in his eyes, it was more an acknowledgment of a "strong person's methods," with no other unusual expression.
Seeing that even the two top individuals reacted this way, Yuwen finally let out a sigh of relief.
It seems this world has a very high tolerance for "unconventional" things.
So, the only trouble now was the gradually cooling body on the ground—Onizuka Goriki.
Earlier, with adrenaline surging and in the midst of a life-and-death struggle, he felt nothing. Now that the battle was over and his mind relaxed, Yuwen truly focused his gaze on Onizuka Goriki's lifeless body for the first time.
An indescribable sense of discomfort suddenly surged from his stomach, making his face pale and causing waves of nausea.
He remembered his previous life, the first time he handled live shrimp.
The shrimp were lively and full of life in his hands. When he trimmed their whiskers, the shrimp struggled painfully in his hand, and he started to feel a bit uncomfortable.
Later, when he cut off the shrimp heads and pulled out the shrimp brains, the shrimp struggled even more. That feeling of fresh life struggling in his own hands made him feel nauseous and disgusted.
The feedback from taking a life... made him realize that he wasn't a decisive person. Of course, perhaps it was because he hadn't killed enough?
And now, he had personally ended the life of a fellow human... This feeling was thousands of times stronger and heavier than handling shrimp.
Just then, Narumi, surrounded by Housen's followers, walked up to Yuwen, forcing his weakened body to stand.
Although his face was pale and he needed support, his eyes had regained their usual sharpness and the demeanor of a king.
Narumi Taiga gazed at Yuwen and said very solemnly, "Yuwen... this favor, I, Narumi Taiga, and Housen, will remember it."
Behind him, Ogiri Rikiya, Matoba Toushi, Shibayama Hayato, and other executives also expressed their gratitude. Many of Housen's bald-headed thugs looked at Yuwen with a mixture of gratitude, awe, and complex emotions.
Yuwen quickly waved his hand, suppressing the discomfort in his heart, and forced a smile: "Don't give me that. I just did what I had to do. If you want to thank someone, thank your own tough luck."
As the atmosphere eased slightly, everyone's attention inevitably turned to the remaining members of the Silver Dragon Society, especially Onizuka Goriki's body.
How to deal with this "big problem" became the immediate challenge.
A Housen thug muttered softly, "The person was killed by Suzuran... logically, they should handle it, right?"
These words immediately drew many glances, but before Suzuran's people could retort, Narumi and the Housen executives' cold gazes made the person shrink his neck and dare not speak further.
Narumi Taiga said in a deep voice, "The Silver Dragon Society's scum caused trouble on Housen's territory, and Narumi's life was saved by Yuwen and the people of Suzuran. Housen and Suzuran will bear this matter together." His statement immediately set the tone.
"If you ask me," a scarred Housen executive said sinisterly, looking at Kamakura Taro and a few Silver Dragon Society subordinates, who were tied up like zongzi, "kill them all, throw them into Tokyo Bay to feed the fish, and be done with it! Who would know it was us?"
This suggestion made many people's eyes flicker, and a dangerous aura of hostility filled the air.
Indeed, this was the "cleanest" method.
Hearing the Housen executive's murderous suggestion, Kamakura Taro and several Silver Dragon Society subordinates, who were tightly bound and thrown in the corner, immediately struggled violently. Their faces no longer showed any of their previous composure and calculation, only the most primal fear and despair.
Kamakura Taro's face turned pale, and cold sweat instantly soaked his back.
He could clearly feel the undisguised killing intent in the eyes of the thugs around him. These young people often acted without considering the consequences, especially in such a highly emotional situation.
He knew he had to say something to gain a glimmer of hope!
"Wait... wait!" Kamakura Taro's voice became sharp and trembling due to extreme fear. He tried hard to remain calm, but the panic in his words was fully exposed: "You... you can't do this! If you kill me... if you kill me, things will truly be irreversible!"
He panted urgently, trying to throw out his bargaining chips at the fastest possible speed:
"I am a young leader of the Silver Dragon Society! If I disappear without a trace, the organization will never let it go! They will investigate thoroughly! At that time, not only you personally, but the entire Housen and Suzuran will face the Silver Dragon Society's 瘋狂 revenge! That will be an all-out war! You cannot afford it!"
He saw that some people's eyes seemed to waver, and quickly struck while the iron was hot, his tone even carrying a hint of pleading, which was unimaginable for him before:
"Let... let us go! I promise! I guarantee, in the name of the Silver Dragon Society! We will absolutely not reveal a single word of what happened today! For Onizuka Goriki's death, we can fabricate a reason, say it was a shootout with another organization... Yes! Died in a shootout! It has nothing to do with you! We can sign an agreement!"
The few Silver Dragon Society subordinates next to him were already scared out of their wits, crying and shouting with tears and snot streaming down their faces:
"Have mercy! We won't say anything!"
"It was all Kamakura's and Mr. Onizuka's orders! We were just following orders!"
"Please! Let us go! We still have families!"
Kamakura Taro's face grew even uglier as he listened to his incompetent subordinates begging for mercy, but he couldn't care less now. He just stared intently at Narumi, Genji, Yuwen, and the others who could make decisions, his eyes filled with fear and a last glimmer of hope.
The yakuza rules, calculations, and power he had relied on before seemed so pale and powerless in the face of the naked threat of death.
But there was no response.
Narumi and several core executives looked at Onizuka Goriki's body, their brows furrowed.
They knew things weren't that simple.
Onizuka Goriki was a capable executive of the Silver Dragon Society, and his death would not be easily settled.
While there were many successful yakuza figures among Housen's graduates, it didn't mean they would approve of you or take on a murder charge for a junior they didn't know.
Especially after graduation, having been exposed to more of society's dark side, it was hard to say how much affection they still held for Housen.
Just as everyone was at a loss and the atmosphere became heavy again, Takiya Genji, who had been silent, suddenly spoke. His voice was not loud, but it instantly attracted everyone's attention:
"Let me handle this matter."
Everyone was stunned, their eyes all focusing on him, a mix of doubt, suspicion, and surprise.
Although Genji was strong, what could a thug like him do to handle such a yakuza-level aftermath?
Serizawa couldn't help but raise an eyebrow: "Hey, Genji, you..."
A very reluctant and awkward expression flashed across Genji's face. He clearly didn't want to rely on that man's power, but the situation was pressing.
He took a deep breath, as if having made some kind of decision, and interrupted Serizawa, saying in a clear voice, "Takiya Hideo—is my father."
As soon as these words were uttered, the entire rooftop instantly fell into a dead silence!
Takiya Hideo!
The president of "Ryusei-kai," one of the yakuza organizations!
This name was famous in both the thug world and the yakuza world!
All the people from Suzuran and Housen, including Narumi and Serizawa, stared at Genji in shock!
This man, who usually acted alone and climbed to the top with his own fists, actually had such a terrifying background!
Serizawa's mouth hung open for a long time before he finally closed it, muttering, "Damn... you bastard... you hid it even deeper than Yuwen..."
Narumi's eyes also flashed with great surprise, but then revealed understanding and a hint of complex emotion.
And the people of Housen were even more stunned into silence by this sudden information, their gazes towards Genji instantly filled with awe and disbelief.
The dark cloud hanging over the rooftop seemed to have been torn open by the revelation of Genji's identity.
Inside the training ground and training building, the scene was gruesome.
The Housen thugs in white special attack uniforms and the Suzuran thugs in black special attack uniforms lay scattered everywhere, like stalks of wheat broken by a storm.
Blood soaked the earth and the corridors, groans and cries of pain rose and fell, and the air was thick with the smell of blood and sweat.
Those with broken bones had twisted limbs, those with head wounds were covered in crimson, and everyone bore injuries, minor or severe, a testament to the brutality of the recent melee.
The Suzuran Full-Time Student Faction members, pale but with determined eyes, suppressed their fear and discomfort, moving among the injured, performing clumsy but earnest first aid.
Most of the Suzuran thugs resisted little, gritting their teeth and enduring the touch of the "nerds." Occasionally, someone would grumble in dissatisfaction, but seeing the looks from others, they would fall silent.
However, some of the bald-headed Housen thugs resisted strongly, rudely pushing away the outstretched hands and growling, "Get lost!"
It was at this moment, a mix of chaos and pain—
"Zzzzt…"
The broadcast system suddenly crackled with static, followed by a voice, weak yet carrying immense weight, that cut through all the noise, making every downed and struggling thug suddenly freeze:
Narumi Taiga (broadcast): "All Housen members… This is Narumi Taiga."
His voice was slow and clear.
"The battle… is over."
"Follow instructions… accept treatment from the Suzuran Full-Time Student Faction… This is… my command."
"Lay down your needless pride and hostility… We have shed… enough blood…"
Immediately after, another wild voice cut in:
Serizawa Tamao (broadcast): "Hey! All you Suzuran crows listen up too! Let those kids bandage you up properly! If anyone else makes a fuss, I'll come down myself and 'treat' you!"
Takiya Genji (broadcast) (concise): "Accept treatment."
These successive voices from the leaders of both sides, like a stabilizing needle, instantly calmed all the commotion.
Both Suzuran and Housen thugs fell silent.
They looked with complex emotions at the Full-Time Student Faction members beside them, whom they had once considered "weaklings." Finally, most closed their eyes, slowly loosened their clenched fists, and silently accepted the aid from those "weaklings" they had once disdained.
This was a complex surrender, and also a helpless trust.
Katagiri, Mitsuhashi, and the other Suzuran and Housen executives, seeing this, also dragged their injured bodies down to maintain order and comfort their subordinates.
Meanwhile, Yuwen, Serizawa, Genji, and the barely standing Narumi, having returned from the broadcast room to the top floor of the Housen training building, silently overlooked the hellish scene below, which they had collectively created and now collectively pacified.
The brutal sight impacted everyone's vision.
Yuwen looked at everything before him and slowly spoke, his voice not loud, but clear enough for the three beside him to hear:
"Hey, I'm asking… when you first chose to wear these special attack uniforms and embark on this thug path, what was it all for?"
"Was it to avoid being bullied? To become stronger? Or… just because you thought it looked cool?"
Narumi Taiga was silent for a moment, his gaze sweeping over the white figures, then he slowly said:
"To… no longer be looked down upon. To make the name 'Housen' a symbol of awe. Initially… perhaps it was just to become stronger, strong enough that no one could bully me or the people I cared about."
His answer carried the responsibility of a king and a hint of honesty in tracing back to the root cause.
Serizawa Tamao scoffed, then grimaced as he pulled at his wound:
"Why? There's no why! I just like to speak with my fists! If I don't like someone, I'll beat him! Stand at the highest place, make everyone fear and obey you! That's how I live! Simple! Satisfying!"
His reason was pure and direct, full of wild power.
Takiya Genji's answer was the shortest, yet heavy:
"To… prove. To prove that I'm worthy… and can also stand at the top." His eyes were sharp, clearly holding a personal knot that couldn't be shared with outsiders.
Yuwen's gaze swept over the scarred figures below:
"So, after fighting with all your might and climbing to the top? Did you find the answers you were looking for? And, after graduation… do you really plan to lead this group of guys who trust you, follow you, and perhaps haven't even thought carefully about their future, into the bigger quagmire of the yakuza?"
He paused, his voice carrying a sense of exploratory possibility: "Perhaps… there's another option?"
The wind on the top floor blew through, carrying the scent of blood and a faint smell of disinfectant from below, and the four fell into contemplation.
Downstairs, the figures of the Full-Time Student Faction members, on the battlefield like ruins, faintly but persistently lit up a glimmer of hope.
Yuwen's gaze swept over the scarred figures, his voice filled with deep emotion:
"Among them, perhaps some initially just wanted to study quietly, but because they were bullied and isolated, they eventually picked up their fists. But when they became thugs, they in turn started bullying weaker people, creating more thugs… Does such a cycle really have meaning?"
"Being at the top shouldn't just mean power, it should also mean responsibility! Responsibility to your followers! We can show them a better possibility, instead of leading them into deeper darkness!"
"Suzuran and Housen might no longer be sworn enemies, but allies who can stand side by side! Our juniors can choose fists, or they can choose books, instead of having only one path leading to darkness!"
Hearing Yuwen's words, Narumi's eyes flickered intensely, as if a deep-seated worry within him had been touched;
Serizawa put away his cynical smile, his brow slightly furrowed;
Genji's lips were tightly pressed, his gaze even more profound.
Yuwen paused, a hint of self-mockery entering his tone, yet utterly sincere:
"To be honest, compared to you, my original belief was very selfish. I just wanted to get into Todai for graduate school, find a good job, and enjoy life."
What he wanted was to enjoy life, not just to be born and survive like in his previous life.
Yuwen's gaze turned to the busy Full-Time Student Faction members downstairs, his eyes instantly becoming incredibly gentle and firm:
"However, it was this group of 'nerds,' 'idiots' in your eyes! When I needed them most, even though they were trembling with fear, they still stood up without hesitation! They were beaten until they vomited blood and fell, but they never gave up protecting me!"
"From that moment on, my belief changed! Even if it's just for these idiots who trusted me and shed blood for me, I will carve out a path and give them a glimmer of hope!"
"What they want has always been simple: just an environment where they can study in peace, without fear. Last time, they protected me with their slender shoulders. So this time… it's my turn! It's my turn to create a sky where they can study in peace!"
"Perhaps what I can do now is still very limited… but even if I can only illuminate a tiny corner, it's still better than eternal darkness! This spark of mine will try to ignite a prairie fire!"
Just then, an exceptionally bright ray of sunlight pierced through the clouds, precisely enveloping Yuwen, like a spotlight on a stage.
Sweat and blood stains shimmered in the light, making him appear as if he was glowing, and a warm, powerful aura named "hope" emanated from him.
Serizawa reined in his wild smile, muttering a low curse: "Damn it… even I'm getting a bit fired up…"
Genji's fingers, wrapped around his arms, tightened slightly;
But the impact on Narumi was the strongest!
He seemed to hear again, from the dark abyss at that time, Yuwen's shouts full of conviction, pulling him back from the brink of death!
That voice, along with this scene, these words, and the halo around Yuwen, were deeply etched into his heart!
His gaze towards Yuwen was filled with an unprecedented mix of emotions—shock, gratitude, and a hint of… a stirring for another possibility.
Yuwen in the sunlight, and the alternative future he described, at this moment, appeared exceptionally dazzling.
The outcome of The Three Heavens' battle was like a massive stone thrown into calm waters, creating enormous ripples in the thug world.
Well-informed factions quickly learned the result of the decisive battle between Housen and Suzuran—Suzuran had once again solidified its overlord position.
This sparked many discussions:
Some thug groups who feared Housen's strength or had been defeated by them found it hard to believe:
"On Housen's turf, with Narumi Taiga personally overseeing things, they were actually defeated by a Suzuran that isn't even fully unified yet? How is that possible?! Is there some hidden reason?"
The questions were tinged with confusion over Housen's sudden "decline" in strength and a hint of schadenfreude.
Meanwhile, those who had been severely taught a lesson by Housen felt complex emotions towards Suzuran, a mix of awe and a slight satisfaction of "getting revenge for themselves": "Even Housen fell... just how strong is that Suzuran?"
Of course, there were also voices of disappointment, mainly from forces hoping that the two powerhouses would clash and they could reap the benefits as a third party:
"Tsk, what a pity, they didn't fight to a mutual destruction! If Narumi, Genji, and Serizawa had all fallen, the situation for Suzuran and Housen would have been..."
However, most veteran thugs were not particularly surprised by this outcome.
In private discussions, someone pointed out the key:
"Actually, there's nothing strange about it. Except for when the previous generation's monster, Bitou Makio, was around and Housen could suppress Suzuran, for most of the time, Suzuran has been the recognized strongest thug nest. Oni-Dwell wouldn't even be qualified to be called one of 'The Three Heavens' alongside these two if it weren't for the 'monster' Murayama Yoshiki."
This statement highlighted Suzuran's deep foundation.
However, another piece of news that soon came from within Housen truly set the entire thug world ablaze—Housen, under the leadership of its top, Narumi Taiga, began to implement a system where the "Full-Time Student Faction" and the "fixed-time system" would run concurrently!
At this, all the thugs who heard the news were dumbfounded!
If Suzuran's previous move to establish the "Full-Time Student Faction" could still be understood as a temporary measure due to its internal factions and lack of unity, or a bizarre idea from one of its cadres, then now, Narumi Taiga, who had just gone through a major battle and had unified Housen, personally pushing for this "nerd" system, was completely beyond their comprehension!
"Has Narumi Taiga gone mad?!"
"Housen's bald guys are going to study? What kind of international joke is that?!"
"That Yuwen from Suzuran... what exactly did he do to Narumi? Brainwashing? Or does he have some leverage over him?"
"Suzuran and Housen... what in the world are they up to? Is the era of thugs coming to an end?"
All sorts of speculation, ridicule, and expressions of shock filled the streets and alleys, and every gathering point of thugs.
However, among the traditional thug circles and the hardline thug groups in various academies, it sparked overwhelming hostility and deep-seated fear.
"That Yuwen from Suzuran... he's a traitor! He's personally dismantling our thug world!"
"Let thugs go to school? A joke! This is fundamentally erasing the meaning of our existence!"
"Suzuran and Housen... two of 'The Three Heavens' have already been bewitched by him! Will Oni-Dwell be next?"
They hated Yuwen, believing he had defiled the purity of thugs, corrupting the passion of young thugs with the weak option of "studying."
But beneath this hatred was a deeper, inexpressible fear.
Because they clearly realized that the man capable of convincing Narumi Taiga and the leaders of Suzuran to take such "heretical" actions possessed strength and methods that were absolutely monstrous.
A great panic began to spread. If even the top "The Three Heavens" were successively "fallen," what future could the remaining thug forces have in the face of Yuwen, who advocated "separation" and "choice"?
Was the world they knew, one that revered fists and loyalty, heading towards its end?
That man was like a Sword of Damocles hanging over the heads of all traditional thugs, making them both want to eliminate him quickly and feel immense apprehension and powerlessness.
The name Yuwen, for the first time, truly entered the sight of all major thug forces in the region, and was shrouded in a mysterious and formidable aura.
At Majisuka Academy, a charming girl with a special attack uniform and captivating eyes listened to her companion's report, her face showing extreme interest.
Her streaked light-gold long hair, short motorcycle leather jacket with intentionally broadened shoulders, accentuated her slimmer waist.
Pink fingerless gloves hung at her waist, like a warning sign ready to punch at any moment.
Most striking were her eyes, with outer corners upturned, carrying the weary arrogance of an urban feline.
She licked her rosy lips and said to her stylish, equally imposing companion beside her:
"Suzuran and Housen... they're getting interesting. That guy named Yuwen, he can actually make Narumi Taiga 'go crazy' with him? Let's go, let's meet him! See if he's really that special!"
In an open area of Oni-Dwell, Murayama Yoshiki was lazily basking in the sun. After hearing the news brought by his subordinate, his previously half-closed eyes slowly opened, shimmering with an even stronger light of curiosity and excitement than before:
"Oh my, oh my... Full-Time Student Faction? Fixed-time system? That Narumi guy is getting involved too? Things are getting more and more fun..."
A signature, slightly mad smile appeared on his face.
And in a quiet training room, a studious-looking young man with glasses was quietly reading a book.
When he heard the news whispered by his friend, he gently pushed up his glasses, a glint flashing in his eyes behind the lenses, and a meaningful, almost silent smile curved on his lips.
"Yuwen... it seems you are even more interesting than I imagined. Perhaps... you are someone worth 'cooperating' with."
Undercurrents began to surge quietly, centered around Yuwen and "The Three Heavens."
As the news of Suzuran and Housen successively implementing the "Full-Time Student Faction" and "fixed-time system" spread like wildfire, its impact far exceeded the walls of the thug world, stirring up vastly different tidal waves among the broader student population.
In ordinary academies focused on academics, the "nerds" and well-behaved students, who were usually marginalized and even often bullied, once again turned their gaze towards that legendary thug nest—Suzuran.
The name Yuwen, in the information circulating privately among them, was no longer that of a fearsome thug leader, but like a ray of dawn cutting through the darkness.
"Have you heard? That Yuwen from 'The Three Heavens' Suzuran... he actually carved out another place at Housen where we can study in peace!"
"Is this true? Do we... also have hope?"
"If even the most chaotic Suzuran and Housen can change, then can our academy... also change?"
Hope, an emotion they had long not dared to dream of, quietly sprouted and grew wildly in the hearts of these studious students.
Some daring, or long-suppressed, students even began to secretly seek out Yuwen, just to get in touch with this incredible "creator," hoping to implement the 'Full-Time Student Faction' in their own academies, to secure a sanctuary where they could study in peace without constant fear.
Yuwen became the only possibility in their eyes to break the status quo.
The storm of change had already begun, scattering both fear and hope among different groups of people.
And the protagonist of all this, Yuwen, was in both pain and joy...
A traditional Japanese room, dimly lit, with a faint scent of tatami and cigar smoke lingering in the air.
Takiya Hideo—a middle-aged man with a composed aura and quiet authority, dressed in a refined dark kimono, knelt in the main seat.
An old-fashioned rotary phone rested on the low table in front of him.
Takiya Genji sat a little further away, back straight, expressionless, but watching his father with focused eyes.
Takiya Hideo slowly took a puff from his cigar, then unhurriedly picked up the phone receiver and dialed a number.
The moment the call connected, his expression instantly became as deep as a fathomless pool, showing no discernible emotion, yet an invisible pressure naturally permeated the room.
Takiya Hideo's tone was calm, even carrying a hint of politeness, but every word conveyed an unquestionable weight:
"Moshi moshi, is this Chairman Tsukikawa? This is Takiya of the Ryusei-kai."
A slightly surprised but quickly composed response seemed to come from the other end of the line.
Takiya Hideo continued calmly:
"I apologize for disturbing you late at night. However, there's been… an unpleasant incident involving young people from our two organizations' 'jurisdictions,' and I felt it necessary to personally explain it to Chairman Tsukikawa."
He paused, as if giving the other party time to think, or perhaps weighing his words.
Takiya Hideo: "Your organization's Wakagashira-hosa, Mr. Kamakura Taro, and a fighter named Onizuka Goriki, appeared at Housen. Furthermore, they seem to have been deeply involved in the 'game' between my good-for-nothing son, Genji, and Housen's Narumi Taiga."
His tone remained calm, but the word "game" was intentionally emphasized, carrying a clear hint of sarcasm.
Takiya Hideo: "As for the outcome of the incident… it's regrettable. Mr. Onizuka unfortunately passed away, and Mr. Kamakura and his remaining subordinates are currently 'guests' here with me. From what I understand, they also seemed to have attempted to assassinate Housen's top dog, Narumi Taiga. Chairman Tsukikawa, you should be very aware of the Yakuza rules—trouble does not extend to family, and one does not easily sever another's roots, especially… unformed saplings. Has your organization's reach extended a bit too far this time? And too carelessly?"
Chairman Tsukikawa on the other end was clearly explaining or deflecting, with some agitated syllables faintly audible through the receiver.
Takiya Hideo listened quietly, a faint, almost imperceptible cold smile appearing on his face. Only after the other party finished speaking did he slowly open his mouth:
"Heh… Chairman Tsukikawa, there's no need for further excuses. Kamakura Taro's confession, and so many eyes at Housen and Suzuran, saw everything clearly. You crossed the line, and you broke the rules."
His voice remained steady, but its temperature suddenly dropped.
Takiya Hideo: "I'm making this call today not to demand accountability, but to resolve the issue. After all, our two organizations have operated in Kanto for many years, constantly encountering each other. Escalating matters over a few ignorant juniors would benefit no one."
This was typical Yakuza rhetoric: first, pointing out the other party's mistake, showing one's own evidence and strength, and then offering the other party a way out, while actually setting boundaries and proposing conditions.
Takiya Hideo: "My proposal is: First, Onizuka Goriki's death was his own doing, unrelated to anyone else. I hope the Silver Dragon Society will not use this to cause trouble. Second, Kamakura Taro and his men, I will return them to your organization 'intact,' but I hope Chairman Tsukikawa can properly restrain his subordinates. I do not wish for similar incidents to happen a second time. Third…"
He paused, his gaze sharply sweeping over Genji beside him, then spoke into the receiver, word by word:
"…Young people have their own world. Let them resolve their own matters in their own way. We old guys should just watch from the sidelines. Chairman Tsukikawa, what do you think?"
This was the final ultimatum and the line drawn.
It gave the other party face (returning the captives), clearly defined the bottom line (no further interference), and warned the other party not to attempt revenge on the juniors.
A brief silence fell on the other end of the line; Chairman Tsukikawa was clearly weighing the pros and cons.
A full-scale war with the Ryusei-kai was certainly not a wise move, especially when his own side was in the wrong.
After a moment, Chairman Tsukikawa's voice, suppressing anger but forced to compromise, came through the phone.
A calm, expected smile appeared on Takiya Hideo's face: "Very good. Then, this matter is concluded. The men will be sent to your residence tomorrow. I hope the Silver Dragon Society… will conduct itself properly."
With that, he decisively hung up the phone, as if he had merely handled a trivial matter.
He put the cigar back in his mouth, took a deep puff, exhaled a wisp of smoke, and then turned his gaze to Genji, who had remained silent.
Takiya Hideo's tone returned to its usual indifference: "Did you hear? The matter is resolved. The Silver Dragon Society won't dare to trouble you guys again for a while. However…" He gave Genji a deep look, "That kid named Yuwen… his ability to stir up a situation truly surprised me. Tell your little friend that the world of the Yakuza is very deep. Next time… he might not be so lucky."
This brief conversation, devoid of fierce arguments, was full of hidden stratagems, accomplishing a clash of power and a division of interests under a calm tone, perfectly embodying the rules of the Yakuza world.
---
Inside the Housen training room, the atmosphere was heavy.
Sunlight streamed through the high windows, illuminating the dust motes suspended in the air, and also the faces of the diverse crowd below.
Housen's top dog—Narumi Taiga, even with the post-injury pallor still on his face, exuded unquestionable authority with his upright posture and sharp gaze.
He stood at the front, his gaze slowly sweeping over the group of Housen's thug leaders from various grades and classes.
These individuals were the backbone of Housen and representatives of various wills within Housen.
Among them were subordinates like Matoba Toushi, Shibayama Hayato, and Ogiri Rikiya, who supported Narumi with unwavering eyes and without reservation.
But there was also a small fraction of people whose faces showed defiance, or cold observation, or even thinly veiled schadenfreude.
Even those thug leaders who had merely observed when the crows attacked Housen.
In the past, Narumi had paid no mind to these thug leaders, simply believing he couldn't be as strong as Big Brother Makio, unable to completely unite Housen.
However, Narumi knew full well that the Silver Dragon Society's easy infiltration of Housen earlier could not have relied solely on Washio Gota; there must have been someone internally who provided assistance or chose silence.
The thought of someone daring to collude with outsiders, violating Housen's tradition of "frontal decisive battle," and even almost destroying the entire Housen, ignited an uncontrollable fury in Narumi's heart.
However, without concrete evidence, he couldn't immediately expose those parasites.
But that no longer mattered.
Now, he had something more important to do—change.
Narumi's gaze, like a tangible force, pressed down on the leaders with their varied thoughts.
Below, a wave of whispers and undisguised skepticism immediately arose.
A mohawk-haired leader with a scar on his face, arms crossed, tilted his head and mocked in a voice neither too loud nor too soft, but audible to everyone:
"Hmph, Big Brother Narumi? That's a familiar term. Beaten so badly by Suzuran's crows, almost losing your life, and now you want to learn from them and implement some 'Full-Time Student Faction' system? When did we Housen need to survive by imitating defeated foes?"
Another burly leader with fierce eyes stepped forward directly, pointing at Narumi without ceremony:
"Narumi! I admit you're strong, but I won't accept this! Why should we listen to a crow? What kind of bullshit Full-Time Student Faction? Making our brothers go to school? Is this still Housen, damn it? This is practically throwing Housen's face on the ground for all the thugs in Kanto to stomp on!"
Another sarcastic voice came from the back of the crowd:
"Exactly, I heard Big Brother Narumi's life was saved by that Yuwen? You weren't caught with some leverage, were you, forced to obey? Haha…" This sparked a small burst of low laughter.
Narumi's supporters immediately erupted.
"Bastard! What did you say?!"
"How dare you disrespect Big Brother Narumi!"
"If it weren't for Big Brother Narumi, Housen would have been finished this time!"
Matoba Toushi stomped forward, roaring: "All of you shut up! You idiots! Without Big Brother Narumi and Suzuran's support, would you still be standing here talking? You would have been gnawed to the bone by those Silver Dragon Society bastards!"
Shibayama Hayato also added coldly: "Short-sighted. True strength isn't about being stuck in old ways."
Ogiri Rikiya clenched his fists even tighter, glaring at the troublemaking leaders: "Whoever dares to question Big Brother Narumi's decision again, will answer to my fists first!"
The training ground was instantly filled with a tense atmosphere, as voices of support and opposition clashed fiercely.
Narumi observed everything, and he slowly raised his hand.
With just a simple gesture, the noisy scene instantly quieted down considerably; the prestige of the top was still present.
He did not immediately refute the doubts and taunts, but instead, with a calm yet powerful voice, he asked a question:
"Do you... still remember what Housen was like during the era of Big Brother Makio?"
This question plunged many old members into recollection and temporarily silenced those who were clamoring.
Narumi's gaze swept over everyone, and he continued, his voice gradually rising:
"It wasn't about scheming against allies from the shadows! It wasn't about colluding with outsiders to consolidate power! And it certainly wasn't about bullying the weak to assert existence!"
His voice carried pain, and an undeniable resolve:
"Our Housen's pride isn't for infighting and degradation! Look at us now! Then look at Suzuran! They can extend a helping hand in times of crisis, while some within our own ranks stab us in the back!"
"Change isn't surrender, but to reclaim what we've lost! To reclaim that dignified pride!" Narumi's voice boomed like thunder across the training ground.
"The Full-Time Student Faction isn't to make you useless! It's to give those brothers who don't want to rely on their fists their whole lives, or who have other paths they want to pursue, a chance at a choice!"
"As for those..." His gaze suddenly turned cold, sweeping over the most boisterous leaders like an icy blade.
"who still only know how to maliciously speculate, solve everything with violence, and even betray the very foundation of Housen..."
Narumi didn't finish his sentence, but the cold killing intent and resolute gaze had already said everything.
The powerful oppressive feeling made the faces of the instigating leaders turn pale, and they subconsciously retreated half a step.
"The new system will be implemented immediately," Narumi finally announced, his tone leaving no room for doubt.
"This is not a discussion, it's an announcement. Those who are willing to follow me, to follow Housen towards a new future, I, Narumi Taiga, welcome. Those who are not..."
He paused, offering the final choice:
"Can step forward now and reject me the Housen way — with your fists."
The training ground fell into a dead silence.
The sunlight shone on Narumi; though his wounds were not yet healed, his top-tier aura and determination for change were stronger than ever before.
As Narumi's words fell, the training ground plunged into a stifling silence.
The air seemed to solidify; only heavy breathing and the sound of some people swallowing nervously could be heard.
Under Narumi's powerful aura and reasonable explanation, the hostility in the eyes of some leaders gradually faded, and they chose silent compromise.
However, other leaders, who were already unruly or harbored ulterior motives, stared intently at Narumi's still pale face and the occasional frown caused by his internal injuries.
They exchanged glances, and greed and a sense of lucky sprouted like poisonous weeds—Narumi was undoubtedly weak now!
"Damn it... what's he putting on a show for! So heavily injured, I don't believe he can still fight!" A tall, thin leader with sinister eyes was the first to lose his patience, roaring as he charged out of the crowd, aiming a punch directly at Narumi's face!
With a leader to follow, several other leaders who had been itching for a fight immediately howled and pounced!
Their attacks were vicious, targeting Narumi's vital points, clearly intending to take his life while he was weakened!
"You're asking for death!" Matoba Toushi, Shibayama Hayato, and other executives were enraged by the sight and immediately moved to intervene.
"Stand down!" Narumi, however, issued a low but undeniable command; he pushed away Ogiri Rikiya, who was trying to support him, his eyes as sharp as a newborn hawk's.
"This is my battle... Housen's future path must be forged!"
He met them without fear!
Although every step pulled at the wound in his abdomen, bringing excruciating pain, his movements still carried the top's steadiness and precision.
However, his body was, after all, severely injured and not yet healed; his strength, speed, and reactions were far inferior to his usual state.
The opponents' attacks rained down like a storm; he could only parry and dodge with difficulty, each collision making his face a shade paler, and cold sweat beaded on his forehead.
"Hahaha! He's done for! Hit his stomach!" The sinister leader spotted Narumi's weakness and, with a sneer, delivered a vicious knee-strike straight towards Narumi's bandaged abdomen!
"Ugh!" Narumi grunted, and although he barely managed to block with his arm, the immense impact still caused the abdominal wound to instantly rupture, and fresh red blood quickly stained the white bandages, a shocking and alarming sight!
The intense pain almost brought him to his knees, but he stubbornly held on with sheer willpower!
His body trembled, but his eyes burned with an unyielding flame!
Below, the executives and thugs who supported Narumi clenched their fists until their knuckles were white, their hearts tight, wishing they could rush up immediately.
Meanwhile, the onlookers showed complex expressions; some were shocked by Narumi's tenacity, while others secretly hoped for his downfall.
In the fleeting moment when his consciousness blurred from the pain, two images flashed through Narumi's mind:
One was the broad back of Big Brother Muto Makio and his words: "Taiga... true strength isn't about how many people you can defeat... but about how much you can endure, and still... persevere..."
The other was Yuwen's fervent declaration about "future" and "choice" under the sunlight.
"The top shouldn't just mean power; it should also mean responsibility! Responsibility to our followers! We can show them a better possibility, instead of leading them into deeper darkness!"
"Our juniors can choose fists, or they can choose books, instead of having only one path to go down!"
These two forces seemed to materialize into tangible support, flowing into his body, which was nearing its limit!
"Ho... Ah!" Narumi let out a roar like a wounded lion, and despite the agonizing pain, he retaliated with a backhand punch that sent the sinister leader who had attacked his abdomen sprawling, his nose bleeding profusely, staggering backward!
He wiped a trace of blood from the corner of his mouth, his gaze sweeping over all his opponents, his voice hoarse but booming like thunder in everyone's hearts:
"Is this all you've got?! You want to deny my decision? You want to stop Housen's progress?"
"Can your fists... only strike your own people?! Is your fighting spirit... only dared to be used for bullying the weak and scheming behind backs?!"
"Look at yourselves! If Big Brother Makio saw Housen now... would he be proud of us?!"
"I, Narumi Taiga, stand here today... not for power! It's to carve out a path for all brothers who still believe in Housen... a path where they can live with their heads held high!"
"This path... no one will make me retreat a single step!"
This roar, full of conviction, seemed to possess a certain magic, causing the attacking leaders' movements to falter and greatly impacting the hearts of all Housen members below!
The ensuing battle was even more brutal; Narumi fought almost by trading blows, compensating for his physical weakness with sheer willpower.
Every time he fell, he struggled to get back up.
Every time his wound was struck, he gritted his teeth and continued to fight.
In everyone's eyes, his figure seemed to transform into an unyielding monument!
Finally, when the last challenger was knocked down by a heavy elbow strike and could no longer get up, the entire training ground was silent.
Narumi was covered in blood, especially from the wound in his abdomen; blood had soaked a large area of his clothes and dripped down his pant leg onto the ground, forming a small, shocking puddle of red.
His body swayed violently, as if he could fall apart at any moment, but he still stood, like a nail driven into the ground, by sheer willpower!
He surveyed the entire scene, and everyone who met his eyes, burning with the fire of conviction, involuntarily lowered their heads, including those who had initially been disgruntled.
At this moment, all doubts, defiance, and schadenfreude vanished, leaving only deep shock and awe.
"From today onwards..." Narumi used his last bit of strength to utter a faint but clear voice.
"Housen... will implement the new system..."
Before he could finish, he could no longer stand; his vision went black, and he fell forward.
"Big Brother Narumi!"
"Big Brother!"
Matoba Toushi, Shibayama Hayato, Ogiri Rikiya, and other executives rushed forward immediately, carefully catching his falling body.
Their eyes were red, not from sadness, but from excitement and admiration.
At this moment, Narumi Taiga, with his blood and will, truly and completely united the hearts of Housen!
Even those leaders who had been observing or even provoking silently lowered their heads; some even knelt on one knee, expressing their submission to this true king in this manner.
Bonds are not born naturally; sometimes, they need to be forged with hot blood and conviction.
And today, Narumi achieved it.
Yuwen stared at the system panel unfolding in his mind, his mood like an overturned spice jar, a mix of sweet, sour, bitter, spicy, and salty flavors surging through him—the perfect intertwining of the euphoria of harvest and the heartache of resources instantly vaporizing.
■ Attribute Panel ■
Strength: 13 (Muscles roaring, undergoing metamorphosis)
Agility: 13 (Body like flowing lightning, undergoing metamorphosis)
Constitution: 13 (Blood and qi like a tiger, undergoing metamorphosis)
Intelligence: 11 (Greyed out, locked)
Charm: 13 (Eyes shining, captivating hearts)
[Current Skill Tree Unlocked: Knowledge System 35.8%]
[Current Enhancement Points: 51]
[Inventory: (the resentment of mitsuhashi), (Ito's approval), (Urban Legend Value), (Girl's bustier of unknown origin), ... a bunch of miscellaneous, seemingly useless collectibles]
[Talent Skill "Berserker" (Green) Activated: Takes damage, significantly boosts physical attributes. When taking physical damage, pain is proportionally converted into instantaneous strength, stamina, and reaction speed boosts. The heavier the damage, the stronger the boost. Peak boost is influenced by skill level and host's will.]
[Skill "Bloodlock" (Green) Activated: Significantly increases the body's tolerance threshold for physical impact, significantly delays the onset of severe and fatal injuries. Can maintain mobility under non-lethal strikes. Defensive strength and repair efficiency are influenced by skill level and host's condition.]
[Skill "Mastery · Martial Arts" (Green) Activated: Significantly enhances fighting instincts and understanding of techniques. Integrates the essence of basic martial arts, significantly boosts attack accuracy, evasion efficiency, combo fluidity, and enemy prediction ability. Can instinctively apply more advanced joint locks, throws, and vital point strikes. Technique depth and practical application are influenced by skill level and host's comprehension.]
[Skill "Cell Activation" (Green) Activated: Actively activated, consumes massive stamina and mental power, significantly accelerates the metabolic rate of all cells in the body for a short period. Significantly boosts wound healing speed, accelerates tissue regeneration and repair, with noticeable effects on moderate injuries. Efficiently converts energy, rapidly clears metabolic waste. Duration slightly extended, side effects exacerbated (deep fatigue, extreme hunger, high risk of severe cellular damage).]
[Skill "Bioelectric Catalysis" (Green) Activated: Guides weak bioelectric currents to focus on target muscle groups, significantly enhancing nerve signal transmission efficiency, slightly increasing muscle contraction speed and reaction sensitivity. Boost effect is influenced by skill level and host's base physical strength.]
[Skill Name]: Mastery · Swordplay (Blue) (Kiwami · Goken)
[Skill Effect]:
Comprehends the realm of "controlling the sword with the heart." Integrates the essence of swordsmanship, excellently enhances absolute control over the sword, excellently boosts cutting accuracy, evasion efficiency, and fluidity of move transitions, and gains combat prediction ability beyond ordinary people.
When the skill is activated, enters a super-high-speed thinking state, excellently strengthening the ability to analyze the battle situation, able to precisely capture subtle signs such as opponent's muscle tremors, gaze changes, and breathing rhythm.
Green level advanced characteristic, comprehends "Chidori": The sword art attacks at an extremely high frequency, emitting sharp sounds like a thousand birds chirping, connecting a storm-like barrage of continuous strikes.
Sword moves connect like flowing water, able to instinctively combine various sword techniques in rapidly changing combat, forming a perfect combo rhythm.
Blue level advanced characteristic, comprehends the "Instant Slash" ultimate technique, consumes massive stamina and mental power, can complete an extreme strike from drawing to sheathing the sword within 0.1 seconds, the sword light tearing through the air like lightning, pursuing the most concise and efficient path of execution.
[Advanced Characteristics]:
Prediction Domain: Predicts opponent's actions 0.5 seconds in advance
Armor Break Specialization: Attacks automatically target weak points in defense
Combo Bonus: Damage increases by 30% when continuously hitting the same target
Clear Mind: Immune to mental interference skills
[System Prompt]:
"The ultimate of the Way of the Sword is not to cut down enemies, but to cut down confusion. When you can hear the sword's breath, it will tell you where to cut."
"Tsk, after fighting for so long, it was mostly fisticuffs, purely the romance of men exchanging blows, I barely paid attention to weapon skills," he rubbed his still aching back, recalling the dangerous scene on the rooftop.
That day, he was forced into a corner by Onizuka Goriki's blade, and in a hurry, he chose a sword skill similar to the 'Mastery · Martial Arts' routine, unexpectedly it was surprisingly useful... but the price, it was damn expensive!
Looking at the shrunken numbers on the panel, he felt a pang of heartache.
"I had painstakingly saved over two hundred enhancement points, feeling like I'd be well-off for a while. But as it turns out, exchanging for weapon skills, upgrading attributes, plus that exorbitant medical package to save Narumi... poof, almost back to square one!"
Looking at the only blue skill, he couldn't help but feel another pang of heartache. Exchanging for a weapon skill actually cost 5 enhancement points, advancing to green cost 15 enhancement points, advancing to blue cost 45 enhancement points, tripling each level... "System, are you robbing me?!" Yuwen almost vomited blood looking at the upgrade cost annotated in small print below the skill tree.
What made his scalp tingle even more was the growth pattern of attribute points—from 12 to 13 points required 8 enhancement points, following this exponential doubling trend, 14 points would need 16 points, and 15 points would shoot straight to 32 points!
He clutched the 51 enhancement points he had just acquired, which hadn't even warmed up in his hands, and suddenly felt these numbers become exceptionally hot.
Looking at the system prompt, Yuwen couldn't help but offer a somewhat philosophical jest:
"The ultimate of the Way of the Sword is not to cut down enemies, but to cut down attachment to enhancement points. When you hear your wallet crying, it will tell you which skill to allocate points to."
Yuwen stared at the panel in silence for a long time, finally gritting his teeth and squeezing out two words:
"So good."
What bothered him the most was that the reward had shrunk again and again!
[Mission Name: Housen Conquest (Hell Difficulty Experience Version)]
[Mission Content: Within the Housen area, personally defeat Housen delinquents. "100" people, "200" people, "300" people... Each time a stage is reached, a huge reward will be obtained! (Current Progress: 238 / ∞)]
[Mission Reward: 40 Enhancement Points, 5% Knowledge Value]
"Two hundred and thirty-eight people! System! Do you know how I got this number of over two hundred? Through wind and rain, fist to flesh! And you only give this much?"
He couldn't help but complain to the void, as if the system could hear his grumbling.
Just then, several new information prompts flooded into his mind consecutively:
[Ding! Hidden Mission Triggered: Cornerstone of Order (Housen Arc)...]
Mission Objective: Successfully implement a system of coexisting "Full-Time Student Faction" and "fixed-time system" within Housen.
Sub-objective A (Housen's Trial): Ensure that over 2/3 of Housen's ordinary students register as "Full-Time Student Faction" students. (Current Status: Completed)
Sub-objective B (Guardian of the Pure Land): Ensure that over 2/3 of all "Full-Time Student Faction" students can truly be free from thug harassment and study in peace. (Current Status: Completed)
Mission Reward:
Knowledge Value + 3% (Rewards your deep understanding and transformation of the ecosystem)
Enhancement Points + 30 (Rewards your efforts and battles in practicing order)
Ding! Hidden quest triggered: Watchman of Order...
Quest Description: Ruling is far more difficult than conquering. Please let your order stand the test of time.
Quest Requirement: Maintain the stable operation of the "Full-Time Student Faction / ""fixed-time system""" order in the areas where you have implemented the system. (The system will automatically evaluate and settle once a year.)
Reward Distribution Mode:
Annual successful maintenance: Gain Enhancement Points + 10 ~ 50, Knowledge Value + 1 ~ 10% (fluctuating based on local scale and activity of remaining chaotic forces)
Ding! Chain hidden quest triggered: Expedition of Order...
Quest Name: Expedition of Order
Trigger Condition: Successfully establish and stably operate the "Full-Time Student Faction / ""fixed-time system""" in two or more The Three Heavens-level academies.
Quest Description: Let the spark of order become a raging inferno. Please spread your philosophy to more academies.
Final Goal Reward:
Enhancement Points + 100
Knowledge Value + 10%
Exclusive Title: Order Keeper (Wearing Effect: Within any The Three Heavens sphere of influence, gain a small all-attribute bonus, and have a chance to make hostile thugs cower before fighting)
System Prompt: "The spark of order has been sown, but guarding the flame from extinguishing requires more sweat and blood than when it was ignited. Please carefully choose your next expedition destination."
After quickly browsing the quest details and rewards, especially seeing the generous final reward, the gloom in Yuwen's eyes was instantly replaced by a scorching light!
"It really works!" He suddenly leaped up from the ground, his fatigue seemingly dispelled by a new surge of motivation.
"Since it succeeded in Housen, then this path is the right one! The system also recognizes this 'order'!"
His gaze seemed to penetrate the walls, looking distantly towards a direction known for "chaos" and "toughness" — Oni-Dwell!
Under the dual stimulation of the belief in "changing the thug world" and the "system's generous rewards," an unprecedented drive erupted within him like a volcano!
This was far more meaningful and exciting than simply fighting to earn points!
Yuwen felt his whole body's blood boiling. He clenched his fists, facing the direction of Oni-Dwell, a smile mixed with determination and fanaticism appearing on his face, and roared out in a tone almost like a declaration:
"Oni-Dwell... just you wait! Your King has arrived!"
"I will make this 'fire of order' burn in all the places it should burn!"
"This time —"
He paused, his voice suddenly rising:
"I will liberate all souls bound by old rules! Even Jesus can't stop me! I said it!"
This chuunibyou and hot-blooded declaration echoed in the air, announcing that a new storm was about to brew.
--- Divider ---
The afternoon sun lazily shone on the sign of "Grandma Nakajima's Convenience Store."
Inside the store, Chiharu was nervously wiping the shelves with a rag, his eyes occasionally drifting towards the window, filled with unease.
He had just transferred to Oni-Dwell yesterday and, because he didn't understand the so-called "rules," accidentally clashed with Oni-Dwell's second-in-command, Furuya Hideto. As a result, he was chased and beaten all day, and today he was too scared to go to Oni-Dwell.
Behind the counter, the kind-faced Grandma Nakajima noticed Chiharu's abnormality and asked with concern:
"Chiharu-kun, what's wrong with you today? You've been out of sorts since you arrived. Are you feeling unwell?"
Chiharu snapped back to reality, forced a smile, and his voice was a bit shaky: "N-nothing, Grandma. Maybe I just didn't sleep well... Thank you for your concern."
He didn't dare to tell the truth, fearing that he would bring greater trouble to the store and Grandma.
However, trouble still found its way to them.
Outside the convenience store, several thugs wearing black special attack uniforms with "Oni-Dwell" embroidered on their collars were smoking cigarettes, staring maliciously at Chiharu inside the store.
An Oni-Dwell thug with a pompadour and a scar at the corner of his mouth spat:
"Tsk, what good luck, we found him already. This brat, daring to disrespect Furuya Hideto-san the moment he arrived, we have to teach him a good lesson."
A tall, thin companion with shifty eyes next to him hesitated slightly:
"Hey, this seems to be Suzuran's territory, right? If we fight here, won't it..."
Before he could finish, a brawny thug with a buzz cut and a tattoo on his neck interrupted him with a look of disdain:
"Why worry so much! Suzuran just finished a fight with Housen, they're probably licking their wounds now, they won't have the energy to bother with this crap! Besides..."
A look of extreme contempt appeared on his face, and his voice rose by an octave, as if deliberately speaking to his companions:
"What the hell is Suzuran? Do they even deserve to be compared to our Oni-Dwell? I heard they're doing some 'Full-Time Student Faction' thing now, making thugs go to school? That's hilarious! If you ask me, Suzuran is just a bunch of spineless wimps!"
"And that guy named Yuwen, he's just a smooth-talking sissy, coaxing a guy like Narumi to play house! In front of our Oni-Dwell, Suzuran is nothing! They're all trash!"
These extremely insulting remarks caused the others to burst into laughter, their initial concerns replaced by arrogant bravado.
The pompadour thug grinned and stretched his neck:
"Forget it! Grab him! Let this newcomer know Oni-Dwell's rules!"
Ding-a-ling-a-ling — The convenience store door was roughly pushed open, and the wind chimes rattled harshly.
When Chiharu saw these people, his face instantly lost all color, and he instinctively wanted to flee to the back storeroom.
The tall, thin thug darted forward and grabbed Chiharu's wrist tightly: "Trying to run? Kid, weren't you very arrogant yesterday? Come with us!"
Chiharu lowered his head and whispered: "Let's go outside and talk!"
Grandma Nakajima, seeing this, hurried out from behind the counter, spreading her arms to shield Chiharu:
"What are you doing! Let go of this child! I'm calling the police!"
The bald, tattooed thug impatiently reached out and shoved her hard: "Old hag, get out of the way! Don't meddle in other people's business!"
The elderly Grandma Nakajima was pushed hard against the nearby beverage cooler, letting out a dull thud, then painfully curled up and fell to the ground, emitting a suppressed groan.
"Grandma!" Chiharu's eyes instantly turned red when he saw Grandma Nakajima injured!
Fear was instantly drowned out by immense anger!
He violently broke free, turned around, and punched the thug who pushed Grandma in the face!
"Damn it! He dared to fight back!" The Oni-Dwell thugs didn't expect Chiharu to resist, and immediately surrounded him.
Two fists were no match for four hands, and Chiharu was quickly knocked to the ground, but he ignored the pain, got up, and rushed out of the store — he had to lead these guys away, he couldn't implicate Grandma and the convenience store!
"Damn it! Chase him! We have to cripple him today!"
The Oni-Dwell thugs cursed and chased him out, their footsteps fading into the distance.
In the convenience store, only scattered goods and Grandma Nakajima, clutching her waist and groaning in pain, remained.
The wind chimes swayed gently, as if lamenting the sudden brutality.