"You're William?" Tony asked with a meaningful smile, eyeing William up and down. "I've heard about you from Edmond. I've been curious about what makes you so special, and today I get to see for myself."
Edmond usually lived at the dojo but rented a house in Maple Village to cover his living and school expenses. Edmond didn't mind drawing attention, as a naturally boastful person, especially after learning swordsmanship. Although not a typical bully, he was known to handle matters his way, occasionally teaching a lesson to tenants who tried to skip rent or sailors who got too rowdy.
Tony, meanwhile, was a big shot in Maple Village. His uncle was the village chief, so he gathered a gang of local ruffians, forming a group that lived off collecting protection money and smuggling at the docks.
Tony had heard of Edmond, but they usually avoided each other. Edmond, however, would never admit any hesitation towards Tony. When William asked Edmond to contact Tony, he initially resisted, fearing it would look like submission. Eventually, he reached out, and Tony agreed to meet William out of curiosity.
Tony's decision to meet was partly to see what kind of person could command Edmond's loyalty, as Tony had once tried to recruit Edmond to his gang but failed. Face mattered most to someone like Tony, so he couldn't resist baring his teeth when facing William, testing his authority.
Valon looked at Tony with a slight disdain and closed his book.
William smiled and curiously asked, "Oh? What do you think after meeting me?"
"You're just average," Tony waved dismissively. "Let's skip the small talk. Edmond said you had a money-making idea. I don't understand why we met in such a sneaky place."
Edmond frowned. "Watch your tone, Tony."
Tony leaned back and grinned at William. "How'd you fool him so thoroughly that he's doing whatever you say?"
Edmond angrily moved forward, but William restrained him. Seeing Edmond's stance, Tony's men also put their hands on their guns.
"Not too keen on talking with me, are you?" William asked Tony with a gentle laugh, maintaining his calm.
Tony spat with disdain. "You asked for me, so act accordingly. Tell me your plan. If I think it works, I'll work with you, but I'll take the bigger cut."
William turned to Valon and Edmond and said softly, "Gin was right. These petty thugs always prey on the weak."
"Can you speak up?" Tony frowned.
William didn't answer. He gave a hand signal.
A figure jumped down from the trees above, and Tony's shorter, stockier henchman, Angie, was struck and fell to the ground with blood streaming from his mouth. Manny, the taller, more handsome one, managed to dodge Gin's strike but couldn't escape. Gin swiftly stepped forward, striking Manny's chest, and bringing him down.
Meanwhile, Aramis charged at Tony. Though Tony dodged, Valon swiftly followed and rammed into him like a charging rhino. Tony flew back, hitting a tree with a "thud" and collapsing on the ground.
William walked over, and as Tony tried to aim a gun at him, William was ready. He stomped down on Tony's hand, sending the bullet who-knows-where. Tony let out a muffled cry, still gripping the trigger under William's foot.
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