One day, a boy walked down a narrow alley, hands shoved in his pockets, eyes scanning the cracked walls and flickering neon signs above.
Suddenly, a group of thugs stepped out from the shadows, blocking the way.
"Hey, brat," one sneered, "give us some money."
The boy tilted his head, unbothered. "No. Anyway… what's this city name, you guys?"
The thug scowled. "Stop changing the topic!" He lunged forward, swinging a heavy fist.
The boy's hand shot out, gripping the thug's wrist. With a swift twist, he threw the man aside like he weighed nothing.
Then, almost casually, he drew his sword. The metal gleamed under the weak alley light.
"Anyone else?" the boy asked, voice calm but sharp.
The thugs froze for a moment, staring at the blade. Then, one by one, they turned and ran, tripping over each other in panic.
The boy let out a quiet sigh, sheathing his sword. "Kids these days," he muttered, glancing around the empty alley.The boy walked slowly through the alley, eyes moving over the worn buildings and scattered trash, taking in the city's atmosphere.
Ahead, a weathered sign caught his attention. He squinted at it, reading aloud, "Oh… Jokun City."
A few steps later, he spotted a small ice cream stall tucked between two shops. The cheerful colors of the cones and tubs seemed almost out of place in the gray surroundings.
He grinned slightly. "Well… don't mind me," he said to himself, stepping up to the stall to buy some ice cream.The boy walked up to the ice cream seller. "One vanilla ice cream, please."
The seller nodded and handed him a cone. Saito took it with a small smile, then sat down on a nearby bench. He licked the ice cream and muttered, "Dang… this ice cream is good."
Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a girl standing near the edge of the stall. Her clothes were messy, and she just stared at the ice cream, hesitating.
Saito stood and walked over. "Hey, kid."
The girl jumped slightly, stepping back in surprise.
"Hey, it's okay," Saito said softly. He followed her gaze toward the ice cream stall. "You want some?"
The girl nodded shyly.
Saito grinned and went to the stall, buying a chocolate ice cream this time. He handed it to her, and her eyes lit up. Carefully clutching the cone, she sat down next to Saito.The girl took a small bite of her ice cream and said softly, "Thanks, sir."
Saito smiled. "What's your name?"
"Tina," she replied.
"I'm Saito," he said, nodding at her.
Tina licked her ice cream thoughtfully, then asked, "How much is it? I can pay you back."
Saito shook his head. "No need. It's free."
Tina's eyes widened a little, and a small smile appeared on her face as she continued to enjoy her ice cream next to him.
Saito took another lick of his ice cream and asked, "So… where do you live?"
Tina pointed softly. "Just a village… at the east."
Saito nodded. "Well… take care, okay?"
Tina gave a small nod in response, clutching her ice cream.
With a final glance, Saito stood up and started walking away, disappearing into the streets of Jokun City.Saito walked through the streets of Jokun City, the neon lights reflecting off the wet pavement. As he turned a corner, a poster on a cracked wall caught his eye.
"Wanted: Silent Killer," he read aloud, tilting his head. Then a grin spread across his face. "Well… let's give it a try."
He set off through the city, asking locals if they knew anything about the Silent Killer. Most of them avoided his gaze, mumbling or shaking their heads nervously.
Finally, one timid man spoke, his voice barely above a whisper. "He… he's at the abandoned apartment… at the corner of the city."
Saito's eyes gleamed. "Perfect. That's where I'm headed."Saito arrived at the abandoned apartment, the building creaking under the wind and neglect. He paused in front of one room that looked… suspicious.
Carefully, he pushed the door open and stepped inside.
The room was messy—clothes and papers scattered across the floor, a thin layer of dust on the furniture. Nothing seemed immediately dangerous.
Saito frowned slightly, glancing around. "Huh… that's it?"
He took a few cautious steps forward, scanning every corner, ready for whatever—or whoever—might be hiding there.Suddenly, a knife pinned itself against Saito's neck, sharp and cold.
A voice hissed from the shadows. "Why are you here?"
Saito tilted his head calmly. "Here… there's no need for that knife."
The man's grip tightened slightly. "Why are you here?"
"Just… want to talk to you," Saito replied, his tone steady.
"Are you here for my head?" the man demanded, eyes sharp.
Saito shook his head. "No, of course not. I'm here as a guest. And it's rude to treat a guest like that."
The man hesitated, then slowly lowered the knife. "You… have a minute."
Saito looked around the room. "It's messy here."
A sharp voice cut through the air. "Don't change the topic, kid. You're new here, aren't you?"
Saito nodded. "Yes… it's a different environment from where I've been."
"So why are you here? Or should I slice you before you tell me?" Kaito asked, the knife still poised.
"I'm Saito," he said calmly. "And you are…"
Kaito remained silent.
"I'm here… to recruit you into my crew," Saito continued.
Kaito's eyes narrowed. "So you're just like those weak gangsters—try to find me and use me?"
"Of course not," Saito said. "I'm not using you. I just want your help… to support me."
"Why should I do that?" Kaito asked, suspicious.
Before Saito could answer, the sound of footsteps echoed outside. Kaito leaned against the window and let out a quiet sigh. "They're here again."
Saito's eyes gleamed. "How about this—I defeat them, and you join me?"
Kaito tilted his head, considering. "Hmmm… if you die, I will be at peace. So go ahead."
Saito nodded, gripping his sword, and walked outside.
Saito stepped out to face the thugs.
One of them sneered, "Hey, brat, did you see Silent Killer?"
Saito smirked. "Yes… but first, you have to fight me."
The thugs laughed. "Go somewhere else to play, kid. We want to kill that guy."
Saito crossed his arms. "Fine. Then I won't move."
The thugs grunted, then lunged at him.
In an instant, Saito appeared behind one of them. Before the thug even realized it, his hand was sliced. He cried out in pain.
"How dare you!" the other thugs shouted.
Saito's grin widened. "This will be fun."
He lunged at them, swift and precise.
Moments later, Kaito stepped outside. All the thugs lay on the ground, defeated.
Kaito's eyes scanned Saito calmly.
Saito wiped his sword and said, "So… we had a deal."
Kaito nodded. "Fine. It's… nice to see someone like you struggle."
Saito laughed. "Yay! Let's go, then. I'll buy us some treat."
Saito walked down the street with Kaito by his side.
All the civilians stepped back as they passed, some quickly closing their windows and doors.
Saito glanced at Kaito with a grin. "They're scared of you."
Kaito's eyes stayed calm, almost cold. "I'm a former assassin. You have no idea who you recruited."
Saito shook his head, smiling. "Former or not, I don't care. If you join, that means you're my friend. And I have to protect you."
Kaito let out a quiet sigh. "Fine, newbie… but I don't need your help."
Saito laughed lightly. "Don't worry, I'm not trying to help. I'm just making sure we both survive."