Ren froze. The bat trembled in his hands.
The biker on the ground cowered, arms raised over his head.
Matsuno walked over to him. "It's over. Let him go."
Ren's fingers loosened. The bat slipped from his grip and clattered against the pavement. His knees buckled as the adrenaline finally drained away, vision blurring again.
Strong hands caught Ren before he hit the ground. "Easy," Matsuno said quietly. "You did good."
Around them, the alley was quiet. All fourteen Kotekai bikers were down—unconscious, groaning, or fleeing on their motorcycles, their engines roaring as they disappeared into the night.
The leader was the last to retreat, limping toward his bike, blood streaming from his nose and mouth.
"This isn't over! You guys are crazy! You hear me?! CRAZY!" he shouted over his shoulder as he climbed onto his motorcycle.
He revved the engine and disappeared into the darkness.
