The first clash

In a bulletproof black car driven by men dressed in black, our next hero was waking up in this new world. It was Jack, who was also wearing a formal suit, albeit a bit disheveled. Upon waking, he began to observe his surroundings. The car moved slowly through traffic, and everyone inside remained silent, admiring the nocturnal cityscape through the windows.

In the front seats were two rebellious-looking twins, each with dyed hair and facial piercings. One was driving while the other sat in the passenger seat giving directions. Suddenly, their names surfaced in Jack's mind: Haruto, with violet hair, and Kaoru, with brown hair—both bearing the surname Yorukage.

On either side of Jack, seated in the back, were two other individuals in suits. To his left sat a young woman with short dark hair and tattoos, her face radiating calm. Her name was Akari Kuroyuki. On his right was an older man, perhaps in his thirties, dressed in a far more expensive suit. He had slicked-back dark hair and wore high-quality glasses. His name was Takumi Saionji, and he was the first to speak:

"Hey, Jack. Let the boss know we’ll be late because of the traffic."

"Huh? Who do you think you are, giving me orders, idiot?" Jack snapped at Takumi, glaring.

"Jack, I’m not in the mood for jokes. Do it before I cut off one of your fingers. Got it?" Takumi dismissed Jack’s anger and pressed him for action.

Reluctantly, Jack complied, all the while trying to grasp the situation he was in. Almost instinctively, he pulled a sleek, square silver device from his pocket—a cellphone. As if guided by muscle memory, his fingers moved on their own, entering a passcode he had just learned and opening an app labeled "Contacts." He selected the entry marked “Boss” and waited as the call connected.

"What is it, Jack?" answered a tired, elderly voice after a few rings.

"Old man, Takumi told me to inform you we’re running late because of traffic."

"No problem. Just try to hurry. The visitors are about to arrive, and I need you all here for tonight’s deal. Relay this to Takumi."

"Understood."

Jack ended the call and realized he had just spoken with someone as if they were long-time acquaintances, despite having no memory of them. Could this, too, be part of the goddess’s powers?

"How dare you call the boss 'old man’? If it were anyone else, they’d already have a bullet in their head. You’re lucky he respects you," Takumi muttered with a sigh. "Anyway, what did he say?"

"He said the visitors are about to arrive."

"Damn it. Haruto, step on it. We don’t want to be late."*

"At your orders, Takumi-aniki," Haruto responded, honking furiously and yelling out the window at other cars. "Move it, idiots, or face the wrath of the Tatsuhana family!"*

The mention of that name caused the surrounding vehicles to make way for the black car. Hearing it, Jack began to reflect. The goddess had said they wouldn’t have family or ties in this world, so he asked:

"Uh, sorry, but I think I’m still drunk from last night and forgot some things. Tatsuhana family—what’s that? And where are we headed?"

Jack relied on his usual foolproof excuse, which was sometimes true and sometimes not. The others were perplexed by his apparent amnesia, but Takumi seemed unbothered. He facepalmed and replied:

"Typical of you. Kuroyuki-san, could you explain to him, please?"

"Yes, senpai," the young woman replied, still baffled but obliging. "The Tatsuhana family is one of the two major yakuza clans in Tokyo, and we’re part of it. You and Takumi-senpai are the most reliable workers of the boss. Right now, we’re heading to a meeting with the Arashikage family, the other major clan, to discuss the issue of magical weapons that have been causing a stir in the world. Does that ring any bells?"*

As she finished, she looked at Jack, who now recalled his supposed role in this world. But what truly caught his attention were the magical weapons—something that could only be Hiroshi’s doing. Thinking about this, he smiled.

"Yakuza, huh? So I’m a criminal in this world too."

"Huh?" The young woman’s eyes widened in surprise at his remark.

"Don’t mind him; he’s probably still drunk," Takumi interjected, visibly exhausted by Jack’s antics.

The group fell silent once more as they continued toward their destination. Meanwhile, in another part of the city, another hero was waking up...

Verena found herself in an office bustling with people dressed in blue uniforms or brown suits, walking around and talking nonstop. Simultaneously, phones were ringing everywhere, promptly answered by those in blue uniforms, who would then rush outside. The commotion created a chaotic atmosphere that made it hard for her to focus.  

She was also wearing a blue uniform, typing in front of a flat box-like device with a glass screen displaying strange words that she somehow understood. The title read: **Report on Magical Weapons Trafficking**. Just as she was about to read it, a voice interrupted her, accompanied by a hand tapping her shoulder.  

"Did you already read my report, Verena?" The voice came from a man about her age, with messy hair, a brown coat over a blue suit, and a small box labeled "cigarettes" in his front pocket. His name was Tomoaki Kuroda, a detective at the precinct.  

Tomoaki glanced at the screen and exclaimed:  

"Hey, I told you not to change it! I was just about to give it to the boss." However, after reading it more closely, his tone shifted. "Wait… you improved it. You're really good with words. You're like a princess. Thanks, Verena."  

"But I really am a..." she began to say but stopped herself. This was a new world, and here, she had no royal title. As she adapted to her surroundings, she realized this place resembled a knights' barracks in her world, though here, they were called police officers. This was the organized crime division.  

While she was talking with her colleague, another person joined the conversation:  

"What are my dear old academy mates up to?" The voice was deep yet friendly. It belonged to a large, heavyset man with big cheeks, dressed in a dark blue uniform with a protective vest and helmet. His name was Takahiro Okabe, a patrol officer.  

"Oh, Taka-chan! Just got back from patrolling?" Tomoaki asked warmly.  

"Yeah, there was a protest against QuantumByte because their CEO is currently in Japan. I had to keep things in order. I'm exhausted—I just want to go back to my daughters! But first, I wanted to use these coupons to grab some ramen at *The Road of the Hero*. What do you say?"  

"I'm in. What about you, Verena-chan? You're awfully quiet."  

"Oh, yes, sure. Why not?" she replied, slightly flustered.  

Although she needed to find her companions, this gathering might be an opportunity to gather information about this world.  

"Great! Wait for me while I get changed." Takahiro was heading to his locker when Tomoaki's phone buzzed.  

"Hold on, Taka-chan, this might be important."  

After reading the message, a smile spread across Tomoaki's face.  

"Would you mind helping me with something first?"  

"What? I just got back and want to see my daughters. What could be so important?" Takahiro asked impatiently.  

"The fate of Japan and the criminal underworld might take a big turn today."  

"Huh?" Verena was confused. "What do you mean?"  

"Today, the two major families of Tokyo are meeting at the Tatsuhana headquarters. They'll likely discuss magical weapons and the rising trafficking issues. This could be a career-making moment for us. Verena, I need your wit, and Taka, your strength."  

An idea lit up in Verena's mind. This might give her clues about Hiroshi.  

"I'm in."  

"That's my princess."  

"Don't call me that," Verena shot back with a cold glare.  

The only one not convinced was Takahiro. 

 "Where did you get this information? And shouldn't the Magical Weapons Control Agency handle this?"  

"First, my source is reliable—it's someone inside the Tatsuhana family. Second, the MWCA won't respond in time; their chain of command is too slow, and they're probably busy preparing for the QuantumByte CEO's visit. Come on, Taka-chan, this is a chance for a better salary to support your family. And you owe me for all the times I let you copy off me during academy exams."  

"Don't say that out loud!" Takahiro yelled, covering his friend's mouth. "Fine, fine. But if this takes too long, I'm leaving."  

"You won't regret this. Let's go; we'll take my car."  

Tomoaki dashed toward the parking lot, followed by Verena and Takahiro. Despite Taka's grumbling, Verena confidently got into the car, hoping to finally get some answers.  

Half an hour later, they arrived at a spot near the Tatsuhana headquarters. Tomoaki pulled out binoculars and handed a pair to Verena, offering another to Takahiro.  

"I don't need them. I just want to get this over with quickly. Also, do any of you even know how to read lips?"  

"Relax, I have it all planned. My contact planted a microphone," Tomoaki said, pulling out a radio that emitted distorted voices.  

"Great. So we came here for nothing. I knew I shouldn't have let you drag me into this," Takahiro complained.  

"Wait, I'll fix it. Verena, keep an eye on the entrance." While Tomoaki fiddled with the radio's dials, Verena used the binoculars to observe.  

"Hey, someone's arriving—a large black car. Some important-looking people are getting out. Wait, is that...?" She froze as she recognized a familiar face: messy blue hair, a distinctive smile. It was unmistakable. "Jack!"  

"Let me see," Tomoaki said, grabbing the binoculars. After a moment, he confirmed, "You're right. That's Jack Stormrider and Takumi Saionji—two big names in the Tatsuhana family. See, Taka? I told you this was serious."  

"Yeah, whatever. Just don't get us into trouble."  

"Wait, you know Jack?" Verena asked, astonished.  

"Of course. Everyone in organized crime knows the top figures in the Tatsuhana and Arashikage families. Jack and Takumi are known for handling the dirty work."  

At that moment, Verena thought that no matter the world, she was destined to stand on the opposite side of Jack, no matter how much it hurt.  

"Wait, I have an idea," Tomoaki said, pulling out a pair of wireless earbuds and handing one to each of them. "Maybe you'll hear better with these."  

As soon as they put the earbuds on, the conversation below became much clearer.  

Down by the car, Jack and his companions were greeted by several men in suits, members of their family, who bowed deeply and enthusiastically called out their names.  

"We made it on time. Twins, stay here at the entrance. Kuroyuki-san and Jack, with me—we're going to greet the visitors; it seems they've arrived," Takumi ordered the group.  

Everyone nodded except Jack, who followed reluctantly, glancing around as they moved. The setting was an expansive garden filled with trees and flowers, surrounding a traditional Japanese house. Hundreds of bodyguards with weapons discreetly tucked away patrolled the area, giving Jack an uneasy feeling. Since arriving in this world, he'd learned about the yakuza, and they didn’t seem like the kind of people Jack would ordinarily associate with. He couldn’t help but wonder what the gods were thinking when they gave him this role in this strange reality.  

Inside the compound, an elderly man dressed in a dark kimono sat at a table. His wrinkled skin and graying hair suggested he was in his seventies. Standing behind him was another man in a suit, similar to Takumi in appearance but with a shaved head and his eyes closed. Across from them was a group of three: an older man in his sixties wearing a suit and sporting a sinister smile, flanked by two bodyguards. One had long, slightly curly dark hair and an intimidating gaze, dressed in a sweatshirt. The other was a younger individual with a cheerful smile and closed eyes, dressed formally.  

"You’re late, brother," said the man who resembled Takumi, his tone laced with irritation. "The guests arrived before you."  

"Relax, Shouma-san," the elder man interjected. "There’s no need to be upset with your brother. We were just about to begin. Come, take your seats," he added, his piercing gaze fixed on Jack.  

At that moment, their names surfaced in Jack’s mind: Shouma Saionji, Takumi’s brother and the captain of the Tatsuhana family, and Renkou Tatsuhana, the family patriarch.  

"Thank you, boss. It's an honor to see you," Takumi said as he bowed deeply alongside Akari. The two remained standing by Renkou.  

"Well, I prefer sitting, if that’s alright," Jack remarked, ignoring formalities and seating himself beside Renkou as if he held equal status.  

"Hey, Jack! That’s incredibly disrespectful!" Takumi snapped, trying to pull him back to his feet.  

"Calm down, Takumi," Renkou said. "I invited him to sit. Leave him be. You know how Jack is; it doesn’t bother me."  

"Thanks, old man," Jack said casually, staying seated, while Takumi straightened up and sighed in frustration.  

"Ahem. Now then, I apologize for the delay. Let’s begin the meeting between our two great families regarding the issue of magical weapons trafficking," Renkou announced, his tone turning serious. The room grew tense as his gaze shifted toward the opposing yakuza group.  

Hearing this, Jack realized the three individuals across from them were high-ranking members of the Arashikage family.  

"Alright, Renkou-chan, what do you want? What’s so important you had to call us here?" asked the man who appeared to lead the Arashikage.  

"Arashikage-san, I apologize for the sudden meeting today, but I wanted to discuss your new business venture," Renkou said.  

"Oh, Renkou-chan, are you looking to join the business? I don’t mind dividing up the territory. It’s quite lucrative," Arashikage replied, seemingly pleased with the idea.  

"No, in fact, I find this business to be an abomination to humanity," Renkou said, his tone darkening. "I’d like you to leave it behind."  

"Oh, you’ve got some nerve saying that. And what’s in it for me? I’ve never made so much money before," Arashikage retorted.  

"Honor," Renkou declared firmly. "The yakuza have lost credibility and reputation. We must not be a threat to civilians; they have nothing to do with us. Japan is one of the few countries that, for some reason, hasn’t fully embraced the magic trade, and that’s fine. We should respect that decision. We need to run a clean business and support the people, not terrorize them. Your new business is doing the opposite. The streets are in chaos, with destruction and death everywhere. If you’re truly a man, let it go now."  

Jack couldn’t help but respect Renkou’s passionate words, the mark of a true leader. For the first time, he began to understand why he had ended up in this family.  

But the rival boss’s response was far from encouraging.  

"Hahaha, I see what you’re doing, Renkou-chan. You want us out so you can take all the credit. Clever move, calling this meeting to improve your facade, but you can’t fool me. Jinpei, show them the strength of our family."  

"Yes, boss," replied the man with curly hair. A grin spread across his face as he revealed chains hidden in his sleeves, wrapped around his hands.  

With incredible speed, Jinpei attacked Renkou, binding him tightly with the glowing chains.  

"This is the new power of my family, Renkou-chan. And I think it's time for there to be only one family in this city. Jinpei, finish him."  

The chains began to glow even darker as Jinpei seemed to drain the elder's vitality. Renkou weakened rapidly, coughing up blood.  

"Boss!" the Tatsuhana family members shouted in unison, drawing their pistols and aiming at Jinpei.  

"Ordinary guns won’t stop me. Today is the dawn of magic!" Jinpei declared, intensifying the drain on Renkou.  

The family hesitated, knowing that any attack on Jinpei could harm their leader. Meanwhile, Jack remained seated, unfazed, lounging as if the chaos didn’t concern him.  

"Hey, Jack, you useless idiot! Do something!" Takumi shouted, furious.  

Jack, however, casually picked at his nose as if nothing was happening. Then, breaking his indifference, he addressed Renkou.  

"Hey, old man, do you really want to get rid of magic in this world?"  

"Yes... There's... nothing I want more..." Renkou managed to reply, struggling against the chains.  

"Good enough for me."  

Jack stood up, stretching lazily as he scratched his head.  

"Alright, how did it go again? What was the word to summon my spear? Andor? Anger? ...Armor?"  

At the utterance of the final word, a flash of light flooded the room, temporarily blinding everyone. When their vision returned, they saw Jack holding a radiant, sharp, blue spear that pulsed with an intense energy.  

"Jack... you..." Takumi and the others were stunned, unable to process what had just occurred.  

"Renkou, you bastard! You tricked me! You had magical weapons all along! All the more reason to kill you now," roared Arashikage, slamming his fist on the table in fury. "Jinpei, kill them all, starting with him!" He pointed at Jack, who grinned maniacally in response.  

"Come on, Jinpei, attack me," Jack taunted, remaining motionless and without taking a defensive stance.  

Jinpei released the elder from his chains and swung them toward Jack, who deflected them with his spear just in time.  

"Alright, let the show begin!" Jack exclaimed. In a flash of lightning-like speed, he launched himself at Jinpei, who quickly wrapped himself in his chains to shield against the assault.  

The impact of their clash was so immense that they blasted out of the compound, leaving a gaping hole as they hurtled through the city, smashing through buildings in their path.  

As the dust settled, Arashikage rose from his seat, dusting off his jacket.  

"As much as I’d love to stay and witness the end of this, I’m not risking it if you have more magical weapons. Farewell," he said, turning to his other subordinate.  

The silent subordinate nodded, drawing a knife and slashing the air to open a portal. Both men stepped through it, the silent one leaving with a knowing smile.  

Back in the room, the remaining members of the Tatsuhana family stood in stunned silence until Renkou spoke.  

"Takumi, did you know about this?"  

"No, boss. I just found out," Takumi replied nervously, bowing in fear.  

"Boss, if you want, I’ll deal with him later and take as many fingers as needed until he talks," Shouma offered in a grave tone.  

"No," Renkou replied after a moment, his anger giving way to calculation. "This could actually be useful. Let’s wait to see the outcome of this fight. Takumi, take your team and follow them closely. Make sure no one gets hurt."  

With those orders, Takumi and Akari rushed out of the building, sprinting after Jack and Jinpei.  

Meanwhile, police officers who had been listening from a distance were equally stunned by the unfolding events.  

"Damn, this is big. The Arashikage just declared war on the Tatsuhana, and now we know who’s behind the magical weapons trade," Tomoaki said, his excitement evident. "Let’s head back and report to HQ."  

"Wait! We can’t leave it like this. We need to stop them," Verena said, stepping out of the car. "We don’t know how much destruction their fight could cause. You call for reinforcements and secure the perimeter. I’ll distract them."  

With that, Verena took off running.  

"Wait! You can’t go alone, and you forgot your weapon!" Tomoaki shouted, but she didn’t turn back.  

"I don’t need it!"

"Let her be, Tomoaki. She knows what she’s doing. Let’s focus on getting help; this is big," said Taka, placing a reassuring hand on his friend's shoulder.  

As Verena ran, she couldn’t help but think about Jack and how she needed to stop him from causing more chaos.  

"Wait for me, Jack. Armor!"  

With those words, Verena’s police uniform slowly transformed into a suit of armor. A spiked mace materialized in one hand, and a small but sturdy shield appeared in the other. Fully equipped, she gathered all her strength in her legs and leaped across the city in a single bound.  

After tearing through half the city and leaving destruction in her wake, Jack brought his assault to a halt, slamming his opponent into a truck. Jinpei, still wrapped in his chains, freed himself and stood upright, visibly shaken but recovering.  

"You... what are you?" Jinpei asked, fear evident in his voice.  

"Just a simple lancer," Jack replied, raising his spear into an attack position.  

Jinpei hurled his chains forward, wrapping them around Jack’s spear. The chains began to glow as they absorbed the weapon’s power.  

"So much power..."  

"Ha, I don’t think you can handle it. How about giving it back?" Jack smirked, pulling his spear and yanking Jinpei forward with the chains. As Jinpei stumbled close, Jack landed a clean punch to his cheek, causing the chains to release the spear and sending his opponent flying to the other side of the city.  

"People here are fragile. What a disappointment," Jack muttered as he turned to leave.  

To his surprise, Jinpei managed to stand, coughing blood and with his jaw dislocated from the blow.  

"You bastard... You’ll pay for this! You won’t leave here unscathed!" Jinpei shouted, whipping his chains with incredible speed. Dark, swirling circles formed on either side of him, spinning at lightning speed.  

"You asked for it," Jack grinned, spinning his spear as storm clouds gathered above them.  

Without further words, their weapons clashed, unleashing a ferocious battle that destroyed everything around them. Jinpei’s chains darkened further, disintegrating anything they touched. Yet Jack, moving like a thunderbolt, dodged each attack, closing in to deliver precise thrusts to Jinpei’s critical points. Blood seeped from small, punctured wounds across Jinpei’s body as his strength waned.  

"You realize if you keep this up, you won’t live to tell the tale, right?" Jack warned.  

"I can’t leave this world yet! I have to rise to the top of the yakuza! Killing you will make my name known! I won’t stop until you beg for mercy!" Jinpei roared, unleashing a surge of black energy from his chains, blanketing the area in darkness.  

Hidden within the mist, Jinpei prepared to strike.  

"Big words for a small fry like you," Jack sneered. "I’ve never begged for mercy, not even when I stood before the Demon King."  

Jack spun his spear, summoning bolts of lightning that overcharged the weapon with electricity. He stood silently, listening for any sign of Jinpei's approach. The air grew still, broken only by the rumble of thunder.  

Jack closed his eyes, breathing deeply and relying on his instincts. Faint footsteps echoed behind him. As Jinpei leaped to attack, Jack turned, striking with his spear. The impact sent them crashing into a building, hurtling upward at incredible speed as though flying.  

At the rooftop, Jack hovered above, lightning striking his spear. He raised it high, preparing to end the fight.  

"Lightning Swallow!" he roared. Electricity formed the shape of a bird around him, the spear serving as its piercing beak. Jack dove, driving the electrified weapon into Jinpei’s abdomen.  

Jinpei collapsed onto the rooftop, his body charred and critically injured, blood pooling from a near-fatal wound.  

"Not enough, it seems. Any last words?" Jack asked.  

Jinpei coughed violently, blood dribbling from his mouth as he raised a trembling hand in a futile gesture of resistance, tears streaming down his face.  

"Yeah, I don’t care," Jack said coldly, plunging his spear downward.  

Before it could land, a wall of steel intercepted the strike.  

"We’re not here to kill outsiders, you maniac," came a firm voice.  

It was Verena. Her shield had expanded, becoming larger and more resilient to protect both herself and Jinpei. Her stern gaze bore into Jack, filled with judgment.  

"Tch, fine. You’ll regret sparing him. Always a pleasure, princess."  

"Likewise," she replied curtly.  

The tension broke as distant sirens grew louder, interrupting their exchange.  

"Reinforcements are on their way. You’d better leave before anyone gets hurt. I’ll make sure this one faces justice," Verena said, her tone resolute.  

"Thanks, princess, but we shouldn’t part ways so soon. We’ve only just reunited, and I don’t know how to find you again."  

"You’re right." Verena thought for a moment, then remembered a suggestion from Taka. "Meet me at the *Road of the Hero*, a ramen shop. Now go."  

"I don’t know what ramen is, but I’ll be there."  

With that, Jack leaped from the rooftop, vanishing into the streets of Japan, ready to explore this new world.