At Yongyu Park, a tense face-off was unfolding between two teenagers: Johan, with his blonde hair, and Shinsei, with his long black hair.
Johan's eyes narrowed as he studied Shinsei's features. 'Those eyes... Is he related to Gun or something? And they look a lot alike too!' Johan thought to himself, his mind racing with curiosity.
"Did Gun send you?" Johan asked, his tone cautious.
Shinsei's brow shot up in confusion. "Gun? Who the fuck is that?" he replied, his tone nonchalant.
However, Shinsei's expression belied his true thoughts. He had actually heard of Gun from Kaito, who had once mentioned that Shinsei bore a striking resemblance to him, especially in the eyes. But Shinsei chose not to reveal this information, instead opting to play dumb.
"Since you don't know Gun, what the hell do you want from me?!" Johan questioned, his guard still up and his eyes flashing with anger.
Shinsei exhaled slowly, a calm smile spreading across his face. "Haaa... Okay, then I'll get straight to the point. My name is Shinsei, and I want you, Johan, to work for me."
Johan's face twitched in outrage. Who did this kid think he was? Even Gun had to beat him senseless before he agreed to become the owner of Gangbuk. Yet here was this arrogant kid, spouting nonsense like he was some kind of authority.
"I know your reply already... So I'll let you decide after we're finished~" Shinsei said, his figure blurring as he moved.
Johan's eyes widened as he struggled to keep up with Shinsei's speed. He couldn't see when a fist hit him or when he was kicked in the ribs. All he knew was that he was suddenly in agony.
"Ack!" Johan grunted, clutching his left ribs where he had been hit.
'What the fuck was that just now?' Johan thought, staring at Shinsei in shock. The other boy still stood with his arms slumped in his pockets, a smug grin plastered on his face.
"Oh, and here I heard you're the genius of fighting~" Shinsei taunted, his eyes glinting with amusement.
"Tsk, fuck you!" Johan cursed, his face twisted in anger and pain. Despite his injuries, he bolted towards Shinsei with surprising speed, sending a powerful right hook towards his face.
However, his fist swung through empty air, barely grazing Shinsei's cheek. Johan's eyes widened in confusion. "What the...?" he mumbled, stunned.
Before he could recover, a voice sounded behind him. "Is this what you wanted to do?" Shinsei questioned, his tone playful.
Johan spun around, but it was too late. Shinsei's right hook connected with Johan's jaw, sending him flying across the park. Johan crashed to the ground, dazed and disoriented.
Shinsei strolled over to him, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Ack, my fist! I put only 5% power into that punch, and I'm feeling this much pain~" he said, playfully swinging his fist as if it hurt.
Shinsei's comment about using only 5% power wasn't a boast; it was a genuine concern. He couldn't afford to unleash his full strength, not even close. If he did, he would lose control, transforming into a wild beast driven solely by instinct.
Like Shingen Yamazaki, Shinsei struggled with the unpredictable nature of his UI mode. To avoid destruction on a catastrophic scale, he had to constantly suppress his true power, keeping it locked away beneath the surface.
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'What the fuck...' Johan cursed inwardly, his eyes fixed on the sky as he struggled to process the beating he had just received. He couldn't believe that Shinsei had taken him down without even breaking a sweat, and without Johan landing a single hit. At least when he fought Gun, he had managed to make the other man work up a sweat. But Shinsei was on a whole different level.
As a rare copy genius, Johan's abilities relied on his capacity to observe and replicate his opponents' moves. But how could he copy what he couldn't even see? Shinsei's speed and agility had left Johan in the dust.
Just as Johan was starting to come to terms with his defeat, Shinsei's voice cut through the air. "Johan, I haven't come here to beat you up senseless, but to recruit you into my gang. I recognize your talent, and I believe you'd be a valuable asset to my team."
Shinsei continued, his words dripping with sincerity. "I don't know why you're running a one-man gang, taking protection money and giving it to some unknown person. But what I do know is that if you join me, I'll do everything in my power to help you achieve what you want."
Johan's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with questions. What did Shinsei know about his operations? How did he know about the protection money Johan collected and handed over to Johan's mysterious benefactor?
"What is your aim in creating this gang?" Johan questioned, his voice laced with skepticism, after pausing for a moment. His eyes locked onto Shinsei, who gazed up at the sky, as if searching for inspiration.
Shinsei's response was straightforward and truthful. "Well, I ultimately plan on taking over Seoul."
Johan's eyes widened in astonishment, his mouth agape. He wanted to retort, to mock Shinsei for his audacious ambition, but something about Shinsei's tone made the words die on his lips. It didn't sound like an empty threat; Shinsei's conviction was palpable.
With a sigh, Johan resigned himself to his decision. "Okay, then I'll join you, but you'll have to answer to Gun when he comes at the end of the month."
Shinsei's face broke into a wide grin as he stretched out his arm. Johan took it, and Shinsei's grip was firm. "Welcome to Ryūjin-kai, Johan Seong."
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