School never interested me—books, exams, the drone of teachers explaining concepts I couldn't care less about. My chances in the job market? Slim. But what I did have were fighting skills and an unyielding mindset. In our family, RyuuKen, a subsidiary of the Kobushi Clan, strength and loyalty were paramount. For 30 years, the Kobushi Clan reigned over Tokyo, thanks to wise leaders and fierce members who gave their all. Our family code? "A friend or an enemy, the fist will guide us." Aggressive, perhaps, but it was through combat that our clan prospered. And I intended to continue down that path.
My father wanted me to lead a normal life. But I'd prove him wrong. He promised that if I proved myself during high school, showing maturity, he'd welcome me into the family business. He likely wagered I wouldn't amount to much, but I was too stubborn to entertain such doubts. I was determined to succeed.
These were Kenji's thoughts on his first day of high school. Little did he know what destiny had in store.
Kenji: Class D-1? Damn, that's a trek.
Stranger: Good morning!
Kenji: Who are you?
Stranger: My apologies. I'm Shinji Sayama. I noticed you seemed lost, thought I'd say hi.
Kenji: I'm Kenji RyuuKen. Just call me Ken.
Shinji: Ken-Kun, welcome to our school. You'll have a blast here.
The teacher was tardy, but the class was full. Surprisingly, Kenji found himself seated in front of Shinji. The teacher droned on for four hours about the curriculum and behavior code. Kenji, meanwhile, watched the clouds, contemplating how he'd manage his family's affairs once he joined the yakuza.
Ding Dong!
Kenji: Already midday. Time for lunch.
Stranger 1: Hold on, kid.
The stranger grabbed Kenji's arm and ushered him outside.
Kenji: What's the deal?
Stranger 1: Listen up, I need to talk to you.
Five students materialized out of nowhere.
Stranger 1: I'm Isen Ryuuzaki. From now on, you'll address me as Boss.
Kenji: Screw you.
Isen: You've got guts, talking to me like that while surrounded.
Kenji shed his school jacket, revealing a muscular physique adorned with scars.
Isen: Who are you?
Kenji: Doesn't matter.
Another figure arrived on the scene, running.
Shinji: Found you. Let's go, Ken.
Kenji: Not now. I've got business to settle.
Isen: Shinji? My apologies, I didn't know he was your friend.
Shinji: It's fine. I'm just here to pick him up.
Shinji: Let's go, Kenji. Don't waste your time.
Kenji: Fine.
And so, Kenji Ryuuken's first day at Onodera High School came to a close.
Little did he know, he wasn't the only one with a mysterious past joining the school.