Saturday
August 14,2045
9:40pm
Saine district
The sun began its descent over the towering buildings of Neo Edo, casting elongated shadows across the bustling streets below. Among the vibrant multitudes, a young boy named Koyanagi Shinji skated fast down the sidewalk on his Flit board, gliding side to side as to miss the pedestrians. his jet black hair blew in the wind, his gaze fixed forward with unwavering determination. Shinji was a member of a sôrdēəm group known as Ayakashi, a gang that held dominion over the gritty lower east side of the Edo. They were a Yuukou organization, each member bearing their own stories, scars, and dreams. Together, they formed an unbreakable bond, navigating the labyrinthine alleys and dark underbelly of Neo Edo.
The world changed drastically, in the year 2026. An event come to be known as the Kardashev Nexus, saw the colonization of our planet by outer-galactic organizations. We had always thought we were the only organic life in the universe. I mean 8 decades of space exploration turned up nothing...I guess we just weren't looking far enough. The aliens brought with them technology and science only ever thought to be both science fiction and physically impossible. The power of levitation through vibration or even the tech to warp through space. The crazier part was some even looked like us.
With the introduction of these technologies and the new population of ET's. Large gangs and Mega corporations not only became technologically advanced but also fought over control of the influx of new resources. Some alien races like the Travantans formed alliances with corps turning most into mega powerhouses, and their CEO's rich beyond their wildest dreams. International marketing began to grow over a galactic scale, from trading resources to dealing illegal and sometimes alien contraband. OfCourse the gangs couldn't wait to get their hands in it, from guns to drugs, crime was at an all-time high. Eventually even law enforcement became privatized, where only being affordable to the most prestige and wealthy.
Without the proper protection, many districts began forming their own gangs for protection, but as we will come to see, it may cause more harm than good. With the formation of various gangs, most battle over territory and resources in the hopes of providing a better future for their district, With most gangs hosting thousands of members, almost on the verge of military strength. Aliens and humans alike formed most of the gangs, at first it seemed impossible to even consider it a possibility, but when you're both fighting for a place you call home, I guess people learn to compromise.
As Shinji continued his journey, the sounds of the city enveloped him—a symphony of car horns, hover cars whizzing through the air, animated conversations, and the occasional siren. Neon lights bathed the streets in a kaleidoscope of colors, illuminating the path ahead. It was a city full of life and vibrancy, but beneath its dazzling facade, violence simmered, fueling the rivalries that plagued Neo Edo. Our city was divided into 32 districts each its own little city with different cultures and populus, a city that boasted over 14 million residents.
Tonight, Shinji was on his way to meet his fellow Saine members at their customary meeting spot: a dimly lit alley-house tucked away from prying eyes. Together they controlled their small portion of the district against other gangs hungry for power. With most districts hosting multiple gangs the battle for blocks and sections is a common occurrence.
Shinji quickened his pace, anticipation mingling with a hint of apprehension. As he approached the alley, he caught sight of his comrades, their presence commanding and their camaraderie unshakable. Their faces bore the marks of countless battles fought and won, a testament to their resilience. Shinji often found himself in awe of the strength and unity his gang exuded.
They had become his family, filling the void left by his absent parents. Under their guidance, he had learned to fight, to survive, and to protect what he held dear. As he joined his friends, their greetings were filled with a mixture of warmth and a silent understanding. Their eyes spoke volumes, conveying the unspoken bond that tied them together. Tonight's meeting held weight, as rumors of a rival gang encroaching on their territory had reached their ears, igniting a flicker of tension within the group.
Ayakashi was led by Giro, a youth two years older than Shinji who was about to finish year 3 of high school. Giro was one of the oldest members and easily the strongest of Aya, having grown up in the harsh streets of NE, Giro was no stranger to getting his hands dirty. Tall with jet black hair and jet-black eyes, his appearance was one to scare even the toughest of men.
"Alright listen up!" Giro said, his voice commanded attention from everyone.
"The Fujiwara boys have slowly been trying to make claim to our section. For years we've sought complete control of the district and now is the time we rid it of competition!", he continued folding his arms across each other.
"But we won't let that happen, will we?",
"Hell no!", one voice called out.
"This is our turf!", another shouted.
A roar of different expressions crescendos throughout the alleyway.
" Saine district is our turf", he continued.
" We got intel that they plan on doing a raid in the next coming day or so", he says as he scans the group.
"We can't allow that to happen, can we?"
"So, I say let's take the fight to them!", he says as he throws his hand up in the air clenched.
The group erupts with chants and whoops. Fujiwara is a biker gang from the Askakibara section of Saine, a gang founded by their infamous leader Kal. Kal was a 17-year-old with the heart of a lion, during countless battles with other gangs he's always come out on top. This definitely was going to be the showdown of the century. This could decide the future for not only their gang but their home as well.
Since 2041 the numbers have only grown, from newbies just joining up, to some who were born into it. Saine currently sits at around 9000 active members and counting, some of which have been a part of it from the very beginning. Even though they were one of the smallest gangs, they could hold their own.
Shinji took his place among his close friend Inarwa. a young boy with blonde curly hair, and a gold hoop in one ear. Inarwa was the 6ths squad leader. as Shinji took his seat, his heart pounding with a mix of excitement and trepidation. He knew that this night marked another step in the war for dominance in his city, where the decisions he made would shape not only his own destiny but the fate of Saine. But little did he know that this night would be the catalyst for a series of events that would challenge his loyalty, unravel secrets within the gang, and force Shinji to confront the harsh realities of the world he had become entangled in. With the shadows of Neo Edo stretching before him, Shinji steeled himself for the trials that lay ahead, unaware of the love, tragedy, and profound growth that awaited him on this tumultuous path.
" Are you ready?" Inarwa said patting Shinji on the back.
"tomorrow's your initiation to senior officer dude, like holy shit you might be the youngest ever!" he continued, the light from the fire twinkling in his eyes like a star.
"To be honest dude, I don't know. it's kind of unreal, I mean to have people under my control and orders. Eh you know me I'm not real one to want to control people." Shinji said, shrugging and in the moment of pondering the decision, Giro turned his attention to Shinji.
" Shinji, tonight is the night you become a senior squad member." Giro said turning to face Shinji.
" I have a special assignment for you for your intimation, one that will make us a whole lotta cash." he continued rubbing to fingers together.
" His name is Yamamoto, the CEO of Garda bank and tomorrow he's flying in to conduct business. Tomorrow you, Ryo, and a small team will be on assignment to gain his Skada chip. Surely with his prestige we'll have enough to fund this upcoming war. I'll send Shinji the plans and method to extract Mr. Yamamoto's skada chip without corrupting it. Shinji this will be your chance to prove yourself worthy of a leadership position." he said beginning to pace back and forth.
"Then from there, we can start our domination!" he yelled, as the group all whooped and scream their war cries.
As Giro finished his speech, he presented a box and held it out to Shinji.
" I know you haven't done it yet, but I still wanted to present you with this, as a have no doubts in your ability." he said and handed the box to Shinji.
As Shinji quickly open the box, he pulled out a neatly folded button up, as he inspected it. He couldn't help but smile from ear to ear. The button up had been adorned with the number 8 and the words Ayakashi Squad leader on the back. This was the proudest moment in Shinji's life and at only 15, this was also monumental moment for Ayakashi introducing an 8th Squad to their ranks. As the sun started to descend the group dispersed in different directions in preparation for tomorrow.