Chapter 1: prologue
Toshihiro, a young boy with bright eyes and a curious spirit, walks alongside his father, Kenji, a towering figure with a scar across his cheek. Despite his imposing appearance, there's a softer side to him that only Toshihiro brings out. He looks up at his father with adoration, holding his hand tightly as they walk.
As Kenji talks to Toshihiro about his day, sharing stories and answering the boy's endless questions.
They make their way through the busy streets, dodging vendors and other pedestrians.
Toshihiro's small stature makes it hard for him to keep up with his father's long strides, but he doesn't complain. Instead, he clings tightly to Kenji's hand, feeling safe and secure in his presence
Finally, they reach a quiet park, filled with the sound of birds singing and children playing. Kenji takes a seat on a bench, pulling Toshihiro up beside him.
"Toshihiro," he says softly, his voice carrying a fond affection. "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
"I want to be a firefighter!"
Toshihiro announces, a grin spreading across his face. His small fist pumps the air, determined and full of energy.
Kenji chuckles, ruffling Toshihiro's hair.
"A firefighter, huh? That sounds like a noble profession. But it's also dangerous."
"Are you sure you're up for that?"
"Of course!" Toshihiro exclaims, his face set with determination. "I'll be the bravest firefighter ever, and I'll save everyone from the fire."
Kenji smiles, proud of his son's ambition and courage. He pulls him closer, wrapping his arm around his shoulders.
"That's the spirit, little man."
As they walk through the alleyway, Kenji spots a group of men lurking in the shadows, their faces hidden by the darkness. He quickly glances around for an escape route, but the allies are too narrow and cramped to run away quickly. He knows he is outnumbered and outmatched, but he can't just give up without a fight.
He looks down at Toshihiro, who is still holding onto his hand
"Toshihiro, listen to me," he whispers urgently.
"I need you to hide and stay hidden. Don't come out no matter what you hear."
Toshihiro nods, fear and confusion in his eyes. His small body shakes as he crouches behind a dumpster, disappearing from sight. Kenji gives him one final glance before turning to face the approaching men.
As the men advance towards him, their weapons glinting in the dim light, Kenji steels himself for the fight. With a burst of speed and skill, he leaps forward, using his fists and feet to fend off the attackers. He blocks their blows, striking back with a ferocity born of desperation.
Despite the odds, he holds his own, his years of experience and training allowing him to dodge and parry the attacks. But the fight takes its toll on his exhausted body.
He knows that he can't hold them off for much longer. He glances towards the dumpster where Toshihiro is hiding, ensuring that he is safe. With a deep breath, he charges back into the fray, fighting with a renewed determination to protect his son.
As the fight rages on, Kenji begins to tire. Despite his best efforts, the sheer number of attackers soon overwhelms him. He takes several brutal blows, his ribs cracking under the impact of the attackers' fists. Just when it seems like all hope is lost, and Kenji is on the verge of giving up, something unexpected happens.
One of the attackers, taking advantage of Kenji's moment of vulnerability, whips out a gun and fires a shot. The bullet tears through Kenji's flesh, hitting him in the side.
He crumples to the ground, blood seeping through his fingers as he clutches at the wound.