In a dark Tokyo alley, far from the neon lights, a massive figure in a dark green cloak pried open a manhole cover.
Clang!
The metallic crash echoed through the alley, drawing curious pedestrians to the scene. They froze as crimson eyes, sharp and predatory, met theirs. Heart pounding, they stumbled back and fled without a second glance.
Satisfied that the manhole was secure, Dorian leaped into the abyss. His cloak flared behind him as he fell, landing with a muted thud. He walked through the long tunnel toward the dimly lit exit, leading to a spacious underground shelter.
Yellow light revealed a wartime fortification converted into a hideout. Dorian inspected the mechanisms and supplies; everything was as he had left it.
Finally relaxing, he slumped onto a makeshift bed, the iron frame groaning. Alone in this hidden refuge, he felt safe.
He picked up a bottle of vodka, using it to disinfect his burns.
Hiss!
The alcohol seared his skin, making him grimace. Veins bulging, Dorian gritted his teeth, scooped ointment with trembling fingers, and applied it evenly.
"That damned brat…" he muttered, wrapping his chest in layers of bandages. Leaning against the wall, he drew in a ragged breath, feeling the cooling relief of the medicine.
Tap, tap, tap.
Dorian looked up to see a man in a green tracksuit and flip-flops leaning lazily against the doorway, one hand in his pocket.
Kato Kiyosumi, Katsumi Orochi's master, a fighter who valued actual combat over dojo tradition, had found him.
"Found you," Kato said casually, walking inside.
"You expected me?" Dorian asked, calm and composed. He had already researched Shinshinkai's top fighters before his last challenge. Kato was just another master to him. Only Doppo Orochi could truly match his level.
"I see I've disappointed you," Kato said, raising an eyebrow at Dorian's nonchalance.
"You're not strong enough," Dorian replied, swigging vodka. "It's too soon for me to lose."
Tch! Kato's fists cracked audibly.
"We'll see about that," he said, leaping down the stairs. Flip-flops striking the floor, he scanned the shelter with disdain. Dorian, a death row inmate, was just a rat hiding underground.
"But I'm surprised you know a place like this," Kato continued, eyes narrowing.
"This spot's perfect," Dorian said, setting down the empty bottle. "I've used it for over fifty years."
"During the war?" Kato asked, surprised.
"It was a military facility, later repurposed. I was just a low-ranking private running errands."
Kato scratched his head, stepping closer. "For such a senior, shouldn't I offer a gift…"
"No way!"
Kato lunged with a front kick aimed at Dorian's face.
Slam!
The kick hit only a falling bedsheet. Dorian had vanished like a shadow, reappearing beside him.
Hmph!
With a palm strike, he sent Kato flying like a cannonball. Bang! Iron barrels and wooden crates absorbed the impact. Kato's face twisted in pain, sweat beading across his forehead.
"Chi… martial arts," Kato muttered, stunned.
Clink, clink, clink.
Dorian smashed empty bottles, shattering the floor into shards. He grabbed an iron can, dipping his hands into a viscous lubricant.
"If you judge strength by reputation," he said, "then I hope you pray for me."
He coated his fists in the high-viscosity substance and stuck glass shards on them.
"Those who fight me either die or are crippled. Feigning weakness is just a step toward victory. This method comes from the streets, a brutal style developed before Prohibition to annihilate opponents."
Kato's pulse raced.
"Come along," Dorian said, raising his glass-covered fists. "If you want to decide the winner, step up."
The air felt solid. Kato could hear his heartbeat, sweat streaming down. The man before him was no ordinary opponent—he was a beast forged in death matches.
Hmph!
"I won't be taught by a death row inmate!" Kato spat, blood at the corner of his mouth. He adopted his practical karate stance, eyes sharp.
"I will win my own way," he growled. Pride of Shinshinkai burning in his chest, he refused to back down.
___
The 40% discount on Patreon will end today.
You may want to join now to secure the offer and gain early access to chapters in advance
Minimum 40 chaps, Maximum 100 chaps depending on tier.
Patreon.com/Zphyr