The fight ended quicker than expected.
Blood dripped from Kaito's knuckles as the last of his attackers groaned on the pavement. He hadn't come to Jinsei looking for trouble, but trouble had a way of finding him.
"Not bad," came a voice from above.
Kaito turned. A boy sat atop a ledge, one leg dangling over the side, watching with interest. He had dyed silver hair, sharp eyes, and a lazy smirk.
"You don't hold back, huh?" the boy continued. "That last guy won't be walking straight for a while."
Kaito narrowed his eyes. "Who are you?"
The boy chuckled. "Name's Riku Hanzo. But most people here call me 'White Vulture'."
Kaito had heard of him. A second-year with a reputation. He wasn't part of any faction, but nobody messed with him.
"You're not from here, are you?" Riku said, hopping down. "You don't fight like some nobody."
Kaito exhaled. "I don't care about rankings. I came here for my own reasons."
Riku tilted his head. "Oh? Sounds like a good story."
Before Kaito could reply, a loud buzzing sound echoed through the yard.
A dozen students turned toward the school entrance. A group of upperclassmen in black jackets strolled in.
The Black Talons.
Jinsei High's most dominant faction.
Their leader, a third-year named Kuzuryu, scanned the crowd. His gaze locked onto Kaito.
"You," Kuzuryu said. "You're new."
Kaito met his gaze without hesitation.
"Welcome to Jinsei High," Kuzuryu continued. "But you made a mistake today."
A warning. A threat.
Kaito remained silent.
Riku sighed. "Guess you've got a target on your back now."