LOCATION: SHOTO'S DOJO.
Adrian initially, desired to acquire the dojo for himself but, due to some circumstances, he had to change his plans. If he was permitted to rent a room or maybe a basement, he could establish another indoor grow room potentially doubling or even tripling his weed production.
Hatsuki was torned between two posts. It was always her wish to carry out her father's dream that's why she loved teaching martial arts. Whenever she taught martial arts, it reminded her of her father and his origins.
The little moments they shared together were the best in her life.
Even though she was part American, her father instilled in her the manners, culture and virtues of the east. She loved him dearly and would not like his legacy dying out with her. That's why she needed the money.
But on the other line, this wannabe gangster before her could bring unwanted trouble to her door step with this deal.
Gangsters already had eyes watching this place. Especially the infamous [Street Tigers]. They were already a thorn in her flesh. The fuckers had no respect. Only lust for her and business which they made apparently clear when she strolled around the neighborhood.
She had to know more about this boy, before deciding whether to agree or not.
Adrian saw the contemplation on her facade. He to push a little to get her a bit more convinced.
"Listen I know you don't trust me, a fifteen year old who is already embroidered in the dark side. But, I wish no harm to come to you."
Taking a deep breath he spoke further.
"If you agree to this, not only will you have substantial profit, but also protection. Maybe you could fight off three or four enemies. But what about a whole mob of them. If you train my men capably, you will have no reason to fear as they will protect you"
Hatsuki thought extensively of what Adrian said. She weighed the pros and cons of the deal. Each word that came out of Adrian held utmost sincerity and the plead to be given a chance.
In her mind she was already considered agreeing but, she had to make sure she was not making a mistake by doing so.
"How do I know for certain that you are different from those 'street thugs'."
Adrian eyes turned sympathetic. He sighed heavily. His countenance dulling as his eyes became dark.
"Cause I've been there. I know what loss is. The pains, the yearning, the emptiness, the darkness, I've known them all still, I refuse to succumb to it."
" I keep my eyes ahead hoping to see the sunset. Demolishing any encumbrance that stands in the way of my happiness. *Sigh* Our lives are not written by fate, but by the choices we make. And trust me, this one, you will not regret"
Silence could be heard in the room for some time as both Adrian and Hatsuki were both drawn towards distant and dark memories. For Hatsuki, it was that of her parents. Adrian's was of his past life and the choices he was forced to make
At that moment, both seemed to find a bit of kindred spirit in one another. They stare at their feet. Dark memories haunting them. It continued until Hatsuki cleared her throat.
*AHEM*
"I will agree to this deal. But I shall your every move and if I feel you like are going any trouble, I will call the cops"
Adrian nodded in conjunction. He further proceded to harsh out more details of the rent.
"As I said, you will help train my men. Double the wage will given to you. This training will have a life span of three months. The rent on the other hand, depends on the size of the room am renting."
Hatsuki stood up from the couch and began walking in the direction the main door. Adrian did not need an invite. He followed after her quietly.
Adrian was directed back to the small hallway. Hatsuki opened one of the doors leading them into a 20x20 or 400 ft room.
Largely empty with the exception of some boxes covered with dust. There was a window in the room.
Hatsuki had an expression of melancholy on her face.
"This room belonged to my mother. She died when I was seven. Much that I know of her came from my father. All he said was, she was the kindest person in the entire world"
Adrian nodded towards her. His way of showing sympathy. He would have pattec her shoulder but, they were not yet fully acquainted only united in their shared grief.
He spoke again after a minute or two.
"I will pay the rent monthly. A total sum of 1000dollars"
Hatsuki's spirit was lifted. This money combined with that of the training, would mean a substantial increase in her financial strength.
Adrian reached into his pocket and brought out a stack of bills numbering around 1500dollars. Handing it to Hatsuki he explained.
"That is my rent for this month. Between the week, I will send the persons to be trained."
The grateful Hatsuki accepted the cash. Then thanked him.
"Thank you Adrian. This means a lot"
Waving his hand in dismissal, Adrian countered.
"Think nothing of it. It's our agreement. Tomorrow I will begin the reforming of the room so I plead that tomorrow you teach not"
Hatsuki nodded
Afterwards they both walked back into the main dojo. Mariam seeing both of them nodded then carried on with her doings.
Adrian bid his farewell to Hatsuki.
"Have a good day miss Hatsuki. I hope for a fruitful relationship between us"
The beaming Hatsuki accepted the said.
"You too, Mr Sinclair. I will see you tomorrow"
Adrian mounted his scotter and rode steadily out of the parking space. His journey back home flowed into the late afternoon.
Tomorrow he would begin the purchase of materials for another indoor grow room. This time bigger and better. A more advanced room will lead to faster and surplus yeilds.
But for now, He, Michelson and Pierce will begin their first recruitment attempt of the gang.
**************************************
An organized crime group is never complete without the mob characters. The auxiliary members responsible for carrying out orders, gang wars, shoot outs, smuggling or just plainly spying on someone.
They obey the hierarchy of the group strictly. Repercussions will be incured if a member of such group violates the order of things.
Although numbers had nothing to do with the strength of an organized crime group, it still played a pivotal role in making such group important. If a gang had up to three hundred members, such a gang will be feared in a particular neighborhood.
For The Bronx, there were not many gangs whose numbers where in the hundreds. The city mafias make up a majority of the organized crime groups. Next were the [Crimsons] and [Walkers].
These were some of the influencial groups in The Bronx. And due to their large sizes, they could afford to bully just about anyone.
Adrian held quality paramount. But quantity also had its perks and would be useful in certain situations.
Upon reaching home, Adrian called for Pierce,Vivian and Michelson. They appeared almost immediately. After sharing the results of his journey to them, he concluded that it was time to get on with the recruitment process.
They moved towards their rooms, getting themselves a change in outfit. A good outlook could influence how you are addressed. Walking up to recruit a homeless man dressed as one will not accomplish the intended.
Adrian had a wardrobe change for the house. For the recruitment process, they each wore a long sleeve black cotton turtleneck, black leather pants, and some white sneakers.
Covering himself with an overcoat, Adrian felt like a more modern version of the peaky blinders.
They walked towards the city area having flames of hope in their beings for what layed ahead.
*************************************
The Bronx had the highest rate of homeless people as at 2015 in NYC. This parallel universe had The Bronx as the poorest borough in the city.
The homeless and the poor littered the streets. Having nowhere to go, job vacancies were already filled. They had to resort to thug life which at the end would get them killed or in jail.
Most of them were immigrants. Stranded in a foreign land without any means of livelihood could cause people to do terrible things to survive.
Adrian had a plan in mind. Not all the homeless were qualified to be recruited as there was a criteria in check for each of them.
He could check one by one but, that was too slow. So moving into an alleyway where the intended persons where concentrated, Adrian, Pierce and Michelson stood. Adrian walked slowly forward. He took out a ward of cash from his overcoat's pocket.
He spoke in a soft voice his eyes ever cold.
"My name is Adrian. Adrian De Sinclair. I am here to offer you a job opportunity. If you so wish to leave this filter life behind and enjoy the wonders of this world, come work for me."
Not two seconds later they swarmed him.
"Boss"
"I will serve you and your generations kid. Just give me a hundred"
"Shall I kiss your feet m'lord"
"Boss pick me. Am one of the latest homeless, I've only been here for like a week"
"ENOUGH!. Kid, don't come in here with your parents money trying to play us into becoming your slaves. Aren't you supposed to be in school. You know what just drop the money and leave and I promise, no harm will come to you."
A gruff voice cut through the chaos of the alley with a yell. A tall man walked straight towards Adrian causing the others to move back a bit.
Adrian stared at the man and a sadistic smile graced his features.
'Finally. A scapegoat'