The air was tense before it even began. A man charged at Arashi, fist swinging, full of rage. Arashi didn't flinch. Not a muscle moved. His calm eyes met the attacker's, and it was enough to make the man hesitate.
"It seems you want to entertain me," Arashi said quietly, his voice flat but sharp. Something in it made the others uneasy.
He moved first, placing his hand lightly on the shoulder of the nearest man. With a swift spin, he hit the man from behind. The impact sent the man flying into a trash container, the metal groaning under his weight. Another man lunged, but Arashi kicked, and the attacker slammed against the wall, staggering, his face pale.
"Next," Arashi said, almost lazily.
From across the street, the teacher barked, "Attack him! I want him dead in front of me!" His eyes burned with anger, watching every move from a distance.
A young thug stepped forward. "Your orders, sir. I'll show him his place." He rushed at Arashi, swinging wildly, but Arashi dodged with ease, as if he had all the time in the world. A swift kick caught the man in the chest, sending him spinning backward.
Arashi's tone was calm, almost mocking. "Keep going. Let's see if you can do anything. Honestly, you look like trash."
The words were enough to ignite their anger. They attacked without thinking, fists and knives flying. Arashi moved like a shadow, every kick and strike calculated. He didn't even need to throw a punch with his hands; his legs were enough.
One man screamed, "I'll show you who's trash, kid!"
Arashi's response was a faint smirk. He lifted his leg, striking repeatedly. Each hit landed perfectly on the man's face. Blood spread across his skin, his nose and lips swelling grotesquely.
"Didn't you see what happened to your friend?" Arashi said. "You're even dumber than him." Some of the gang hesitated, stepping back as fear began to creep in.
Without breaking his rhythm, Arashi grabbed one thug by the collar and hurled him toward a car. The car shattered under the impact, metal bending and glass flying everywhere. Flames erupted, smoke curling into the sky. By the time the fire died down, the gang was in ruins.
Arashi stepped out of the smoke as if nothing had happened, brushing dust from his clothes. "Annoying," he muttered.
He looked around, scanning the street. "These gangs… they're multiplying. Something's behind this, I can feel it." He shook his head, pushing the thought aside. "I'll deal with that later. First, home."
The apartment was a mess. Dust coated the furniture, trash scattered across the floor. Arashi sighed and grabbed the broom. He moved quickly, efficiently, cleaning each corner. Even the small chores felt like a battle sometimes, but he finished it all.
As he prepared to sleep, his phone rang. Rin's name flashed on the screen. Her voice was soft, warm. "Hello, Arashi. You forgot your ring last time we met."
"I'll take it in the morning," he said.
"Okay, goodbye."
Arashi hung up and stared at the ceiling. "I should get her a gift," he muttered. But he didn't have much money. Still, he couldn't let it go.
Night fell, and he left his apartment. Shops lined the streets, lights casting soft glows. He examined every item carefully, finally choosing a beautiful doll. It wasn't extravagant, but it felt right. He returned home, placed the gift on the table, and finally slept.
In the night, a dream came. His parents appeared, calm, gentle. "Arashi… use your power for good."
Arashi's chest tightened. "I always do," he whispered, tears forming in his eyes. When he woke, the room was silent. The tears on his cheeks were quickly wiped away. "Don't weaken… it was only a dream. They're gone."
Morning came. Routine resumed. Breakfast, the bag slung over his shoulder, walking to school. The city was waking up, people rushing by, unaware of him moving among them.
On the way, a friend waved. "Hey, Arashi."
"Hey, Zanori," Arashi replied. "How's it going?"
"Good. And you?"
"Great."
"So, you're in a relationship, right?" Zanori teased.
"Yeah," he said with a smile. "You don't think about that?"
"Not really," Arashi said. "No one's on my mind. You know me."
They walked together, teasing and laughing lightly. At school, Arashi slid a small paper to Rin. She replied with another, saying, "Alright… after classes."
The bell rang, and he made his way to the rooftop. Rin arrived, her hair flowing in the soft breeze. Arashi's gaze lingered on her for a moment too long.
"I brought the ring," she said, smiling.
"I brought something too," he replied.
"What is it?" she asked.
"Sit… and I'll show you," he said, feeling the weight of anticipation settle around them.