Despite the pain coursing through me, I washed quickly, not wanting to waste a moment. It was rare for a high-ranking member of The Hand to come to a place as broken-down as this—let alone for the Boss himself, Jinsuke Nakamura, to willingly come here. I’d never seen him in person, but Sensei had told me countless stories of his feats: how he, like me, had been born into harsh conditions, only to have the previous head of *The Hand* ruthlessly wipe out his entire family. I’d heard how he’d risen to fame as a feared Dungeon Raider among black market circles, successfully completing every mission thrown his way, even the most challenging ones—a stark contrast to me, still stuck with low-level tasks.

  And more than that, Sensei had spoken of how Jinsuke became one of the world’s most feared Reapers, forging alliances with other deadly figures. Then, when he was finally ready to confront his past, he stormed The Hand’s headquarters in Beijing, annihilating anyone who dared stand between him and his former boss. His thirst for revenge had been fierce, and, in the end, he emerged as the undisputed Leader of The Hand, carving his name into legend. He was rumored to possess a power so overwhelming that many of our ranks knelt before him, caught between awe and terror at his raw strength, said to rival even the world’s Top-10 Reapers.

  But what truly astonished me wasn’t just his rise or his power—it was that he had once been a student of my own Sensei. This fact alone filled me with confidence; if a monster like him could rise to such heights, becoming an international threat, then perhaps I could follow that path too. I aspired to be like him, to reach that level of strength, resolve, and dominance. I yearned for the power to burn the Ozaki family and everything they held dear to the ground.

  As I climbed out of the tub and headed to my room, I considered hiding the wounds I’d earned today. But then, I thought better of it—these marks were proof of my struggles, a testament to my grit. In some small way, I wanted to show my “hero” just how tough I was.

  My intention was to make him notice me, to let him know that i too – in this hole – aspired to be like him. And maybe, one day, he could take me under his wing.

  So, I decided to put on a pair of black track pants and a white tank top, the kind that made my abs and the scars along my arms—both fresh and faded—stand out. Each scar was a story etched into my skin, a testament to the battles I’d faced and the grit I’d developed.

  I knew that if I showed up looking like this, Sensei would almost certainly make me change. So, I stayed in my room, anticipation coursing through me as I waited for his arrival.

  Finally, I reached for a necklace with a rose pendant—a keepsake that had once belonged to Ariel. Ever since she left, I’d guarded it carefully. Part of me was determined to return it to her someday, in the not-so-distant future, and every morning, seeing my sister’s necklace reminded me of my original goal, fueling me with the drive I needed to face the day. Besides, this wasn’t the only way I had of keeping her in my life.

  I picked up a magazine called Youth Reaper Magazine—a publication covering everything about Reaper academies, from the latest tech experiments to the up-and-coming talents to watch. And there she was, right on the front cover: “The Chosen One”—Ariel Ozaki.

  Every time I saw her picture, I felt a surge of mixed emotions: sadness, pride, joy at seeing her safe and thriving. She was fifteen now, and her appearance had changed so much over the years. She looked more and more like Mom, though she’d kept Dad’s jet-black hair. I was sure that, with her beauty, she was already catching the attention of plenty of guys, and I wished I could be there with her, playing the overprotective brother, keeping her safe from anything that might harm her.

  But I couldn’t do that. And every time that thought crossed my mind, it was like something inside me was about to explode, threatening to ruin my mood.

  Calm down… don’t lose it… I told myself, fighting to hold back the anger simmering within me. Today was far too important—I couldn’t afford to show up with a scowl.

  I’d thumbed through that magazine countless times by now. With pride, I’d learned that Ariel had climbed the ranks to become one of the empire’s top prospects—5th place, to be exact. It was amazing, considering she’d only joined the Trinity Academy a year ago.

  I was so proud of her, but questions constantly gnawed at me: Were they treating her well? Was she happy? Did she miss me? These were the thoughts that flooded my mind every time I saw or read anything about her.

  Each time, I’d reassure myself, convincing myself that she must miss me. But the truth was, I didn’t really believe it. The memory of that day still burned into my mind—the day she, deceived by the lies of that bastard, looked at me with fury and disappointment, saying she never wanted to see me again.

  “No… she’ll understand one day… I’m sure of it,” I murmured, quickly flipping through the magazine pages, trying to drive out these thoughts that clung to the edges of my mind. But my focus broke when I heard someone call my name.

  “Ryu! Get down here, the guests are arriving!”

  Those few words were all I needed to snap back to the task at hand. I jumped up from my bed, a surge of excitement racing through me like a kid on Christmas morning. Practically flying down the stairs, I felt the excitement building, filling me up until I could hardly contain it.

  Within seconds, I’d burst out the door of our modest home, a little breathless, only to find old Fei Long already there, prepared to welcome the Boss. Several sleek, black luxury cars had begun pulling into formation, emerging from the narrow alleyways one by one until they were neatly aligned in place.

  “W-Wow… so many luxury cars…” I mumbled, not used to seeing such a display of wealth and power in one place.

  “...What the hell are you wearing?” Sensei grumbled, casting a look of barely-concealed disappointment over me. “Didn’t I tell you to dress well?”

  “Yes, but I wanted to stand out,” I replied, unable to keep from grinning. “I wanted to show off the results of my hard work,” I added, proudly.

  “All you’re going to show is that you’re an idiot…” he muttered, shaking his head with mild exasperation.

  While we were still bickering, one final car pulled up, positioning itself in the center of the others, its doors facing us directly. Immediately, the people from the other cars stepped out, forming an “honor guard” as they bowed slightly, lining the path with silent reverence.

  At last, the rear door of the center car opened, and two people emerged. The first was a man in his forties, dressed in a stunning black pinstriped suit with a red tie. He was tall, with a solid, well-defined build, not overly muscular but with an unmistakable strength. His medium-length hair, styled in a curtain cut, was dark gray, showing signs of age, and his beard was neatly shaved.

  For a moment, I thought he might be the Boss. The instant he stepped out, a chilling aura washed over me, making me shiver. Though no one else reacted, I felt like a tiny fish trapped in a tank full of sharks.

  But then, the man took in the scene before him, stepping to the side of the door as if waiting for someone else.

  And that’s when I felt it—a pressure, far greater and darker than before. The instant my body and mind registered it, every instinct screamed at me to back away. My feet took a step back before I even realized it.

  “This is a special day,” Fei Long whispered beside me, watching the scene unfold with quiet intensity. “Remember this moment. This is the height you’re aiming for, the monster you wish to become. Right now, you’re just a speck in the world of real monsters, so if you want to make it, keep working. But for the moment, observe him – observe the Boss.”

  In that instant, I realized just how far I still had to go. I had thought I’d grown stronger, but now I saw it was all a delusion. I was still barely at the starting line, miles away from where I wanted to be.

  My eyes locked back onto the car as the next figure stepped out—a man also in his forties, just as tall as the first, but with a build that was far more imposing, almost terrifying. His clothes—elegant trousers and a white shirt with rolled-up sleeves—seemed barely able to contain his frame, and I wondered how he could even move in such tight clothing. His face, square and scarred from countless raids and bloody fights, bore the marks of hard-won battles. His jet-black hair, slicked back, framed piercing, ocean-blue eyes that scanned the surroundings with a gaze as sharp as a blade.

  The boss glanced around calmly, letting every detail of the place resurface in his memory. He took a slow, deep breath, as if absorbing the essence of the room, then exhaled deeply after a few seconds of stillness. A faint, enigmatic smile played on his lips.

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  “This place… hasn’t changed much,” he remarked in a steady voice, moving confidently alongside his loyal right-hand man. Each movement radiated authority and respect, his presence filling the space with an aura of power and self-assurance.

  Though I was utterly captivated by his imposing figure, I couldn’t tear my eyes away. A deep sense of fear gripped me, an almost hypnotic terror I’d never felt before.

  “So… he’s really Jinsuke Nakamura…” I whispered, half in disbelief, half in awe.

  “Yes…” Sensei confirmed. Though his expression remained impassive, I sensed a hint of pride in his gaze as he looked at his first, unforgettable student.

  When they finally reached us, I avoided Jinsuke’s eyes. They were the eyes of a tiger waiting to pounce—full of restrained power and ferocity. I knew that if I dared to look directly at him, I’d buckle under the weight of his overwhelming presence.

  Then, something completely unexpected happened. That intense aura vanished in an instant, like mist evaporating under the sun, and Jinsuke—much to the surprise of even his men—bowed respectfully before Fei Long. Sensei, however, remained impassive, seemingly unaffected by the gesture.

  “Sensei, it’s an honor to see you again,” Jinsuke said in a solemn voice.

  [A powerful man like him… bowing to Sensei?] I thought, stunned. I knew Jinsuke had once been his pupil, but it seemed impossible that, after all those years and everything he had achieved through sheer strength, he would humble himself with such a gesture. Sensei, after all, was nothing compared to the powerful, feared figure Jinsuke had become.

  “You look well, Boss. I almost didn’t recognize you,” Fei Long observed, bowing his head respectfully. Jinsuke flushed instantly, his face reddening in embarrassment.

  “Old man! D-Don’t call me Boss. Just call me Jin, like old times!” Jinsuke replied, visibly uncomfortable, revealing a surprisingly vulnerable side, far from the dark, menacing aura I’d imagined.

  “No, you’re my Boss now, so that’s what I’ll call you,” Fei Long answered firmly. It was clear he had no intention of changing his choice.

  “…I don’t like it one bit,” Jinsuke muttered, annoyed. It seemed almost as if he resented being called that by Fei Long, as if his respect for him went beyond any title.

  Then, to my surprise, Jinsuke’s gaze landed on me. After seeing this more human side of him, his presence felt slightly less intimidating, though my body tensed in an uncontrollable shiver. [Oh no, he’s looking at me!] I thought, while my muscles were locking like concrete.

  “...Sensei, is he your student?” Jinsuke asked, scrutinizing me with piercing, intense eyes.

  “Hmm… yes, you could say so,” Sensei replied, placing a hand on my shoulder. It was the first time he’d introduced me to others as his student, a gesture that caught me off guard and filled me with unexpected pride.

  “...Really?” Jinsuke’s expression changed: from curious, his face quickly shifted to one of mixed disappointment and surprise.

  [W-Why is he looking at me like that?] I thought, struggling to understand his gaze, as though I didn’t measure up to his expectations.

  Sensing the tension, Fei Long quickly intervened. “…Would you care to take a seat, Boss? I’ve prepared a banquet just for you.”

  “Oh! It’s been a while since I had Chinese food!” Jinsuke exclaimed, shaking off any emotion and breaking into a smile. “Taejin! You have to try Sensei’s dishes!” he added, turning to his right-hand man, who had remained silent until now, simply nodding in agreement.

  “Then, follow me,” Fei Long said, turning to guide his guests to the dining room with the solemnity of someone ready to host someone special.

  The banquet was extraordinary, each dish arranged with care, reflecting Sensei’s love and dedication in its preparation. The colors, the intense aromas, and the flavors took me by surprise with every bite. Sensei had never cooked with such devotion, and a wave of respect and gratitude washed over me. While eating, I nearly forgot everything else, savoring the food that, somehow, made me feel at home.

  As the feast continued, Jinsuke began recounting stories from his youth, from the days when he was Sensei’s young pupil. He spoke of those years with a touch of nostalgia, and for a moment, I glimpsed the man behind the legend—a boy before he became the Boss. He spoke of training challenges, impossible trials, and a time when the world seemed like a continuous adventure. Each story he shared left me entranced, almost making me feel like a part of those distant memories. I found myself smiling without realizing it, delighted to witness such an intimate side of someone I’d never imagined knowing in that way.

  Next to him sat Taejin, his silent right-hand man. I observed him curiously; he hadn’t spoken a single word since the evening began, yet his presence was almost tangible. He felt like a quiet but constant shadow, a silent specter by Jinsuke’s side, with a mysterious air that made him slightly unsettling. I couldn’t read anything about him—his face was impenetrable, his eyes expressionless. It was as if he were there but also somewhere else, hidden behind a perfect mask.

  Yet one thought kept nagging at me, resurfacing now and then: that look Jinsuke had given me earlier. In that brief moment, his face had shown a strange combination of curiosity and disdain. It was a look I couldn’t fully comprehend, a silent judgment that left me feeling confused and uneasy.

  Lost in these thoughts, I was abruptly brought back to reality by Sensei’s calm, sharp voice. “So, what brings you here after all this time?” he asked, watching Jinsuke with a serene, knowing look. “It’s been twenty years since you last showed up, and I know you’re not one for casual visits.”

  Jinsuke avoided his master’s gaze, trying to deflect the question. “Sensei, really… it’s been so long. I just wanted to come back here, to see you again, the place where I learned so much…”

  But Fei Long didn’t seem ready to let him off the hook. With a slight smile, he said, “You don’t need to be afraid to tell me the truth, now that you’re my Boss. Don’t hesitate to say what you’re really thinking…” He finished as though hinting that he already knew the real reason Jinsuke was there.

  Jinsuke remained silent for a moment before his expression shifted to irritation. Then, the conversation took an unexpected turn.

  With a resigned sigh, he slumped back in his chair, clicking his tongue like he’d lost a bet. “Fine, Sensei” he began, fixing his gaze on Sensei. “I’ve heard some rumors… that you’ve taken on a new student.”

  His eyes shifted back to me, once again carrying that strange expression he’d had when he first looked at me at the restaurant entrance. “I came here to see if it was true. And I must admit, I’m surprised. I didn’t expect to find you here with a new student. I thought you’d stopped training altogether,” he concluded with a calm voice, though his expression held a trace of disappointment.

  Sensei sighed, answering his former student. “True, I hadn’t planned on taking another student. But… let’s just say I decided to take a chance.”

  Jinsuke smiled, but it was a cold, joyless smile. “Taking a chance on something—or someone—with good odds of winning is one thing. Like betting on a sure-footed horse,” he replied. “But it’s another thing to bet on a losing, subpar horse.” He paused, casting another brief glance at me. “I’d say this time, you’ve bet on the wrong horse.”

  I felt a chill wash over me. His words were a direct judgment, and I felt a surge of anger rise, but I forced myself to stay silent.

  It wasn’t so much that I was offended by his words—although, admittedly, I felt a bit stung—but because it felt as though, with those words, he was questioning Sensei’s judgment.

  Sensei, as always, replied with calm, “Perhaps you’re right. But sometimes, when you place a bet, there are qualities that can’t be measured at first glance.”

  Jinsuke scoffed, with a challenging smile. “Interesting words, Sensei. But let me tell you, those are the words of a dreamer. A man’s strength is seen in his eyes, in his determination. And honestly, in this kid…” he nodded in my direction, “I don’t see any of that.”

  Fei Long let out a calm chuckle, a laugh that seemed to hide a subtle reprimand. "Perhaps you're looking for something that isn't there, Jinsuke.” Sensei said, calling him with his name for the first time sinc he came here - “Not everyone has to flaunt their strength with arrogance and bravado, as you did—and still do."

  Jinsuke’s jaw tightened. It was clear Fei Long’s words didn’t sit well with him, and his patience was beginning to wear thin. Yet, he tried to keep his composure, though a glint of defiance sparked in his eyes.

  "Sensei, with all due respect" - he said, while clenching his fists slightly - "you were once a revered figure, respected by everyone. But time has passed, and I think you've lost the ability to recognize real talent."

  The remark hit like a knife. Those words struck me deeply, and I saw Fei Long's gaze drop just slightly. He maintained his composure, but Jinsuke's comment had clearly left its mark on him.

  I couldn’t stay silent any longer. The anger I’d held back until now burst out. "How dare you speak about Sensei like that?" I said, my voice thick with emotion. "He hasn’t lost his touch when it comes to recognizing talent. If he chose to teach me, it’s because he saw something—something you’d never understand."

  An icy silence fell over the table. [Oh, no… what did I just do?!] I thought immediately, realizing the gravity of my outburst. I had just spoken back to the boss—I’d just implied that he was wrong.

  I glanced at Fei Long, who was watching me with a look that seemed... amused? Curse that old man, he had the strangest reactions! What could possibly be funny about this situation?!

  I hurried to apologize, trying to fix this mess, but Taejin, who had been silent up until now, cut me off. He turned toward me with cold, menacing eyes.

  “How dare you…” he hissed, his voice low and sharp as a blade.

  The air in the room became thick and oppressive. My chest tightened, and my throat went dry. Taejin’s intimidating presence made it hard to breathe; my body trembled as I tried to hold his gaze. It felt like an invisible weight was pressing down on me, as if the entire room was closing in.

  I was sure that this mysterious man was ready to strike, but before he could act, Jinsuke raised a hand to stop him. “Enough, Taejin,” he said firmly. He looked at me with an icy curiosity, a mocking smile creeping onto his lips. “I have to admit, you’ve got some guts, kid. But honestly, beyond that, I see nothing special in you. Words alone don’t prove one’s worth.”

  I was shaken, but his words struck a nerve. I wanted to respond, but it was as if my voice had abandoned me, leaving me speechless.

  "Very well," he said, rising slowly from the table. "If you truly believe in what you’re saying, then prove it. Prove it with your fists."

  Fei Long glanced at him, looking briefly taken aback, then turned to me, his eyes showing a mixture of concern and encouragement.

  “We’ll have a little sparring match,” Jinsuke announced, advancing toward me. “I want to see if my old master’s judgment is still sound… or if it’s become as dull as I suspect.”

  A shiver of fear mixed with excitement ran through me. I knew I’d just made a mess of things; I hadn’t meant to provoke the boss—who, after all, was my idol. But at the same time, I saw this as an opportunity. The chance I’d been waiting for to prove myself. And though I knew this sparring would likely end in a beating, I was ready for anything.

  I'll show you that you’re wrong!