PLEASE DO NOT GET CONFUSED WITH THIS BEING ONLY 1 SINGULAR CHAPTER AS THE VOLUME ITSELF HOLDS ALL THE CHAPTERS LISTED BELOW.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Chapter 1: A family so perfect
Chapter 2: Renaitre
Chapter 3: What awaits beyond
Chapter 4: It's my time
Chapter 5: An opportunity in the making
Chapter 6: Something Sensible
Extra/Bonus Content (By the end of the Volume)

A boy named "Ryo Tokugawa" was born in a middle class household in Kyoto, Japan. His Mother was an accountant and his Father was in the police force. He was an only child with a dream of playing the piano as his profession, he always liked piano, his mother would frequently teach him how to play piano. Something about the piano gave him so much bliss it's impeccable but something wasn't quite right. His Father one day went on a mission in Tokyo and after a few weeks he never came back. He started to worry but his mother came to his aid to reassure him everything was gonna be ok.

"Mom... where's Dad?-... I miss him... I want to play a song for him" Ryo muttered

"It'll be ok my dear... you know your father, always so busy fighting crime in the streets... he'll be ok trust me." His Mom, reassuring him in a firm and modest tone

"Are you sure Mom?-... It's been a week since he left and I'm starting to think he's...." His Mom interrupted him

"Don't think that sweetie... he'll be fine... he'll come back just don't think about negative things about your Father's work and let him do his service..." his Mother reassured him again

"Mmmm... ok Mom... Maybe waiting for him won't be so bad..."

As weeks turn into months Ryo starts to wonder if his Father really is dead or just doing his duty as a police officer, as the days progress he knew something was up until something clicked on the news that day-on that day onward Ryo would never be the same ever again.

BREAKING NEWS: 49 YEAR OLD POLICEMAN PRONOUNCED DEAD IN DRUG COMPOUND DURING MASSIVE SHOOTOUT

He lost his life. Autopsy reports show that he was shot in the chest as he bled out, the men who tried to clean up the streets were reportedly some small-time criminals doing underground drug operations in Kyoto and Tokyo or someone far more sinister that Ryo doesn't know about.. perhaps one man capable of doing anything. Either way... this news devastated the boy as his Mother too was mourning the passing of her Husband to people who disregard human life all together. As for Ryo, he would never be the same.

At the funeral... both the Mother and Ryo were understandably devastated and in despair.

"He never deserved this... oh... Darling you never deserved this pain..." the Mother cried and groaned

"I never got to say my last farewell to him.. goddamn it... the world is so cruel I don't know why people would kill such decent people." Ryo clenched his fist in a frustrating surge of emotions.

"Why are people so cruel! I just don't get it!"

He was visibly stressed. He couldn't take anymore of this dread and so he decided to just let all of his anger out, he quickly approached his Mother to comfort her

"I'm sorry Ryo... I'm just so sorry I-...." Ryo hushed his weeping Mother

"You don't need to be sorry... it wasn't your fault... it never was your fault to begin with.." Ryo wiped his tears off from his face

"Dad might be gone but... I'm still here and you're still here with me... and that's all that matters." Ryo reassured his mother giving her a gentle pat before offering a tissue to his weeping mom

"Thank you dear... you sure do carry your Father's sweet attitude but... I'll never get to see him again..."

The environment became ever so quiet, it started to rain heavily on the 2 shattered and broken souls. Ryo luckily brought an umbrella and continued to soothe his Mother and mourn his Father's passing.

For a while the thought of his father still seemed to stick but it wasn't as severe. He's 16 now and it had been 2 years since his father's passing, but he didn't move on from his death,
and something was up. The house they lived in didn't seem to be safe anymore as recently there has been weird and intimidating messages that were sent at their doorstep, with threats such as "we'll make sure you'll pay for what you've done." The mother who coincidentally had a job opportunity at Los Angeles, California decided to move out of their old home and move to a new location free from trouble... They knew the place they settled in for years was no longer safe for settlement and so... As the days near the eventual departure from their old home they speak to each other before leaving to find a better life in Los Angeles.

"We're leaving because it's for our safety right Mom...?" Ryo said with curiosity

"Yes dear, with all these notes and a job opportunity... it's safe to say we have no other choice but to leave." The Mother muttered

"But what about my friends? I'll miss them- I'll never get to see them again-" Ryo replied still with a curios but a worried tone

"I'm sure you'll make new friends in our new home... it'll all be fine I promise sweetheart." The Mother cooed, kissing his Son's forehead, gentle and firm.

"Ok Mom... I trust you with all my heart..." he replied

As they both hug each other, the Mother wipes Ryo's tears. She comforts him with a gentle pat and a pat on his back, she spoke up to him and said

"I want you to say goodbye to your classmates and your friends and maybe give them a gift if you can! Just give them a formal farewell and that's all..." The Mother smiled

"Ok Mom... I'll be back it won't take long!" He exited the house running to find his friends

"That boy never changes..." she mutters as she packs their bags for the eventual departure

Ryo talked to himself as he ran to find his friends and classmates

"America is gonna be my new home..." he muttered as he ran

"I'm gonna miss Japan... but... I trust Mom... I trust her with everything, I just have to rebuild my life in my new home.

"Maybe this won't be so bad after all..."

End of Chapter 1

September 4th, 2008, Kyoto Municipal Shimogyo Miyabi Elementary School

Somewhere in the hallways... A familiar face was at the mercy of some despicable figures, one so tall it intimidates. It was Ryo and a bunch of bullies, he was rather in a sticky situation as he bumped into the bullies. The unnamed goon took him by the collar and shouted

"I was walking here PAL!"

Ryo was scared, he tried to free himself from his grasp but the goon continued to tighten his grip. Ryo begged for mercy and said

"Let me go please! I'm so-sorry for bumping into you sir! Please don't hurt me.."

The goons laughed at his plead, the goon that grasped him brought him close to his face and said

"You're gonna regret bumping into me, pal."

He dropped Ryo to the ground and the other goons proceeded to strike his cheek and shove him into a locker. Ryo cried and cooed from the sudden strikes and the bullies laughed as the goon muttered to him

"That'll teach ya to not mess with me."

The goons walked away with some of his lunch money, he cried as he couldn't fight back from the bullies. Instead he weeped in the shoved locker until someone came to his aid... it was a little girl.

"Are you okay? You look hurt..." the girl said

"No, I'm not okay... some goons shoved me into this locker and took my lunch money..." Ryo muttered with occasional sniffs

"You poor thing... Here let me help you up." She grabbed him and pulled him out of the locker

"What's your name?" She said in a calm and polite manner

"My name's Ryo... Ryo Tokugawa..." he replied

"That's an awesome name, Ryo! My name's Asuka Tatsumi! You can call me Asuka.." she smiled holding his cheek, comforting it from the damage caused by the bullies

"Thank you for helping me out of that locker Asuka..." the frown he had earlier turned into a small smile and wiped his tear right off

"It's all good! But... the bullies really struck you that bad didn't they..." Asuka caressed his cheek, continuing to comfort it from the damage

"Yeah... all because I bumped into them.. and they took my money to buy lunch.." Ryo sighed but Asuka hushed him giving a gentle pat

"Don't worry! I can share my lunch with you If you'd like that!" She smiled and patted him again

"I would... thank you so much Asuka..." he smiled clearly enjoying her presence

"It's no biggie!"

June 4th, 2014, Kyoto Tachibana Junior and Senior High School

Ryo has just finished the first year of Junior High School. Before he entered the school to start a brand new year, he took a deep breath before entering the school gate, anticipating what was about to come next. He entered the convoluted but tidy school-He tried to navigate and pinpoint his classroom and after a few moments he had arrived at his classroom.

He looked around the classroom, he eyed every bit and piece of the new room until a familiar face caught the attention of his eyes.. It was Asuka! But why was she here? It didn't matter so he approached her.

"Asuka?? What are you doing here! I thought you transferred schools!" Ryo exclaimed

"Oh! Hiii Ryo! I moved to this institute because I got into a bit of a complicated situation back at my old highschool." Asuka replied

"Ohhhh... complicated huh... well I'm glad you're here now! Seemed like a rough time hm?" He responds not wanting to question what the situation was to avoid being involved

"Mhm... those guys really were awful. I wished I never moved to be honest-" she answered

"Well you're safe here now right? It's not like anyone's going to mess with you now that you have me by your side right?" He said with a teasing expression

"Oh Ryo... you court jester.. you always know when to make me giggle!" She smiles and giggles from his teasing, clearly enjoying the attention she's receiving.

After a while of reuniting, they spend time together, doing projects together, studying together, spending time with each other, etc.. for a while it was perfect for the both of them, until the news of his father had been informed to Asuka.. one day they decided to meet up at the park. And so there they were at the meeting place.

"Hey Ryo... I'm sorry for your loss-..." Asuka states before stepping closer to Ryo

"It's ok-.. it's not your fault anyway." Ryo replied sitting down on a park bench

She would also sit on the bench next to Ryo and then she said "look.. I know you loved your father so much and that he would've been happy to see you if he was still alive but remember that he still loves you even though he's deceased..

Ryo sniffs and wipes off the tears from his face "I know I know it's just... it won't be the same without him. I'll never get to see him again and it's just tough y'know?"

Asuka wipes the tears from his face and gives him a gentle pat. "I know it's tough... but you have to understand that you'll have to move on from it since nothing will last forever..."

"I guess you're right Asuka... thanks for at least trying to brighten my mood." Ryo gives Asuka a hug giving her a pat on the back

"It's no biggie Ryo! And hey... let's do something else to get your mind off of that negativity eh? You can't just consume negativity forever.. Let's hang out!" She offered to hangout, reaching out for his hand

"alright... let's go!"

March 9th, 2016, before the departure

As Ryo and His mother were about to depart from Japan, Ryo had to say his last goodbyes to his friends and his classmates, most notably.. Asuka

"You're leaving...?" Asuka says with a hint of sadness in her eyes

"Yeah... it's for my own good.. some criminals are after me and my mom and I have to leave this place to even continue living on" he said following up with a gulp

"That's awful but... I hope you find a better life in America! It seems tough to deal with bad dudes like them!" she hugged him with a hint of content

"Thanks Asuka... I could never imagine if we never met..." Ryo hugged back patting her back

"It's no biggie! Oh and one more thing.." she hesitated for a moment but she held his cheek and then.. she gave a peck on the lips, pulling away from the kiss and saying "that's for luck."

She looks away in embarrassment as she says "I'm sorry Ryo I have to go... have a good life in America-!" she ran like the wind as she disappears into the sunset

"I- oh my-"

The voice of Ryo's mother with his name being called many times was echoing in his mind... Ryo was day dreaming.

"RYO! WAKE UP!" The mother shouted in the plane

"Gah! Wh- where are we?-" Ryo replied looking around

"you were out cold... We are 1 hour away from California sweetie... isn't that great!" She smiled and clapped in glee at the news

"Yeah... great... I just had a dream, that's all." He said before looking at the window of the plane.

A few hours later, as the plane lands at Los Angeles International Airport, Ryo and His mother enter the terminal to get their luggage. The time was around 7 am as they exited the airport and the mother called for a cab to their new house. The house was around a 30 minute drive from the airport, as they anticipated their new settlement.

At last, they appear at their new home... it looked great, it was renovated to the taste and the liking of the mother and Ryo. It was a 2 story house and looked rather modern. Ryo speaks up about the place.

"This house looks sick! Mom, how'd you get the budget for this??" Ryo said in Awe as he looked around the house

"Eheh... your mother knows best! Enjoy your new home sweetie!" she crossed her arms and smiled as she looks around the house

Meanwhile with Ryo, he went upstairs to check on the bedrooms. He found his bedroom and entered it, seeing the interior in surprise and excitement. He put all his stuff in their respective places as he laid down on his bed and relaxed, the moment of silence felt bliss and calming... he then spoke.

"This place is the best... I can't believe I'm living here now..." he said with a sigh

"I'm gonna miss Asuka, that kiss felt different... if only I could say my last goodbye... either way, I guess this'll be my new life..."

"One step at a time."

End of Chapter 2

The bedroom was silent, the wind was blowing from the outside, the air conditioning releasing cold wind... just peace and harmony. Ryo of course was sleeping but the peace and quiet was interrupted by his mother in which his mother shouted at him to wake up

"WAKE UP SWEETIE IT'S TIME FOR THE FIRST DAY!!" The mother turned on the lights lighting the room up

"Gah mom!-... I was sleeping so comfortably, what the hell?!..." he exclaimed, his groggy eyes barely keeping themselves open

"No time for complaints.. get ready for school, I made some omelette for you!" The mother guided his already groggy son to the kitchen table.

"An omelette? Haven't had that in a while, thanks ma..." he sat down on the chair picking up the fork and spoon as his mother replied

"You're welcome sweetie... eat up so you don't sleep in class!" She gave a pat on Ryo's head caressing his cheek as she went to do the dishes

As he finished his breakfast and had taken a bath, he got ready for school as he carried his backpack from behind. His school was not too far from home, he resided in East Hollywood which wasn't too bad for someone like him since he lived in the busiest streets of Kyoto. Nonetheless he called for a cab and off he went to Los Angeles High School (LAHS). Before he entered the cab he said his temporary goodbye to his mother as he entered the cab anticipating his first day of Senior High.

About a few minutes later, he arrived at the front gate. He paid his cab and entered the school, observing the interior of it. He was intrigued at the infrastructure as it was clearly different to the institute he used to study at back in Japan but nonetheless he persisted on to a quick tour of the high school. He was guided by the school's president of the student government. The school felt like a new level or location unlocked in a game, after the tour he went to the principal's office to receive his ID so that he could access the school's services.

Once he had received his ID, he went on to proceed to his classroom where he entered the halls of the school. Some kids eyed him, some with awe and some with hungry looks. He would occasionally get Hi's and Hello's as he walked to his class. At last he had reached the door of the classroom, he opened it and kids were talking and talking until some of them eyed him too, some didn't bother but nonetheless he went to a vacant seat and put his bag on the chair. He sat on his chair waiting for the bell to ring for class to start, so that he could formally introduce himself to the class.

As the clock turns to 8, the bell rings and everyone was at their vacant seats as the teacher approached the room. Everyone in the class stood up to welcome the teacher and he spoke.

"You may sit down."

As the class sits down, The teacher grabs a marker and wrote on the white board and spoke up

"I'm Mr. Octavian, your English AND History teacher. He wrote on the whiteboard as he spoke again

"Today we'll be introducing ourselves so that the class gets to know each other more. We'll start alphabetically..."

As Mr. Octavian calls out the names and the students introduce themselves, Ryo anticipates and waits for his turn. As his turn to introduce himself nears, Mr Octavian abruptly interrupts immediately calling up Ryo.

"Ah I almost forgot... There's a new student from Japan who just transferred here, stand up Mister."

Mr Octavian pointed at Ryo. Ryo stood up and went to the front, he stood up with proper posture and moderate composure ready and prepared to introduce himself.

"Konnichiwa, I'm Ryo Tokugawa, I'm 16 years old and I moved here in America because my mom had a job opportunity here. My keen interests are playing the piano and maybe playing video games. That is all for me, thank you."

The class is surprised at the fact they have an asian classmate. Ryo went back to his seat sitting next to a chill dude, the dude spoke up and said

"yo dude what's up?.." the guy greets Ryo with an essence of interest

"Uhhh hello! What's your name...?" Ryo felt dumbfounded at the fact he asked for his name when they just introduced themselves to the class

"Didn't you listen to the introduction dude? My name's Randal! Randal Pentz." He reached out for his hand, shaking it and giving him a fist bump.

Ryo fist bumped him back as a form of respect "it's nice to meet you too, Randal." He had a small smile on his face at the fact he made a new friend in the first day of senior high school

"So you're from Japan huh? I mean it's obvious from the name... did you get a tour of the school?" Randal asked with curiosity in his eyes.

"Uhh yeah, my name's pretty obvious hehe-... I got a short tour, maybe when it's lunch time we can have a more in depth tour." Ryo looked around checking the time as he turn his eyes back to Randal

"I see I see... let's take a little stroll after this period." He gave Ryo another fist bump before turning his attention back to Mr. Octavian.

A few moments later after a few lessons and introduction from teachers here and there, the clock struck 12 as Randal took his eyes at Ryo again as Randal spoke

"so, about that tour dude, it'll be brief since you know some of the locations already." he stood up

"Oh I almost forgot, Just wanted to introduce my friend to ya. This is Olivia, Olivia Everleigh." he pointed where Olivia was and Ryo eyed at Olivia

Olivia had a black sweater and black hair, she looked quite "emo" according to Ryo's first glance. Olivia spoke and said

"Hey... I'm the squirt's friend." She acted more playful rather than being emo which was nice to Ryo. Ryo replied

"Nice to meet you, Olivia! I'm Ryo." Ryo bowed to show respect

"You don't need to bow dude, this is America. A simple wave is enough to show respect!" She smiled slightly giving him a pat on the shoulder

"Oh alright- forgot I'm not in Japan anymore hehe." He went back to his proper stance as he stood up straight

Randal steps in anticipating to give Ryo a tour of the campus "Well then, now that that's settled let's get to touring shall we?

"Oh sure, Olivia you coming with us?" Ryo offered Olivia to come with a hint of content

"Alright, I don't mind lol." She stood up with the 3 of them

The 3 walked out of the classroom and to the hallways they went, they first started off with the gym.

Randal spoke up and explained some info about the gym "this is the gym... typically where some past fights happened."

"Fights? Interesting... my past school kinda had fights but they weren't as prevalent." Ryo muttered

"That's pretty odd considering the standards for japanese schools are heavily strict. How come fights happen in some cases?" Olivia questioned

"Not sure, I guess my classmates had no self control to ease their temper." Ryo giggled as he replied.

"Makes sense." Olivia responded as Randal stepped in to talk "this place is also where special assemblies or events are held, so that's a heads up for you." He stated

"Thanks for the heads up, let's go to the next location if there is any." Ryo replied

"There is, follow me" Randal spoke as he walked along with Olivia

They walked over to the oval field, it was relatively big in size spanning pretty wide.

"This is the oval field, this is typically where football or should I say soccer events are held." Olivia said in a modest demeanor

"Football huh..? That's interesting." Ryo replied

"It's where some PE activities are held and also where some people practice in, a big field with alotta things to do.." Randal added

"Interesting interesting... I'll come here sometime for some me-time if I can, I'm actually kinda getting hungry..." Ryo said as he held his stomach clearly urging to get a bite to eat

"Well let's go get lunch Ryo! I'm getting the munchies too..." Olivia exclaimed also holding her stomach

"Well let's go to the cafeteria!"

They went to the cafeteria to have lunch but a dark figure was lurking in the background of the fields. He blended in the shadows which made him hidden from the human eye, he went back into the shadows to conceal himself from the campus.

As they walked to the cafeteria, the 3 were wondering what to eat as they near the cafeteria, although Ryo's eyes were fixated on 1 girl, the girl had a rather preppy appearance. She wore a red sweater with a black long skirt and had brown hair. Randal took a keen eye and questioned Ryo

"Dude, are you really laying your eyes at the popular girl?" Olivia stepped in with a teasing expression

"Yeah you're really hyper fixated on Valerie Westbrook?" Olivia giggled and laughed at Ryo's hyper fixation

"Uhh- I don't have interest in her! Just curious as to why she's... dressed so comfortably." Ryo said, denying the claims as Randal spoke

"Yeah sure, whatever dude. We're here at the cafeteria anyway. We'll each order our respective lunches." Randal and Olivia part ways to order their respective foods..

As soon as Ryo was about to fall in line to get his lunch he was called upon by a dude right across the room as he shouted

"Hey you!" The dude shouted at Ryo signaling him to come over

"Huh? Uh-..." He slowly approached the dude's location, gulping a little bit. Once he had arrived around 36 inches away (3 feet) from him.

"Now I want to set some ground rules so you enjoy your stay here at this campus." The dude tossed his bag aside and went into a fighting stance before saying

"I wanna see what you're capable of, wimp." He signaled Ryo to get into position for an eventual fight.

"...is that so? Well then, if it's a fight you want it's a fight you'll ge-" he was abruptly interrupted by a strike to the stomach. He was sent flying across the cafeteria, his life flashing before his eyes... suddenly a familiar figure appeared in his vision, a voice spoke from it.

Fight back.

End of Chapter 3

A damp field is in the horizon, 2 figures are training with the arts of karate. It was a son and his father, the father spoke up and said

"Watch your guard, son.. Time your guards." his father said before preparing for another sideward chop

The son reacts quickly with a guard and responds with "Hai, Otosān (Father)."

They continue their training session, The son doing continuous punches as his father blocks him and gives him a tip for future fights

"Remember son, keep your striking discipline to deal more damage to the enemy. Otherwise your energy will dim by the wasted strikes." The father prepares for a sideward strike

The son initiates his guard and fends off the impending strike and said "Souka.... Otosān (Father)."

As the memory fades, Ryo regains his vision. He's in the gym with another dude approaching him rapidly with the intent to pummel him to the ground. As The attacker nears Ryo, Ryo prepares for a guard.

The attacker strikes! but...

Ryo blocks the attack!

Ryo initiates a guard, stopping his attack. Ryo held the attacker's wrist as he spun him to switch sides of the gym, ultimately the attacker was pushed and Ryo performs a side kick, sending him flying to the sides. The attacker is on the ground, at his own mercy but still had the spirit to fight as such he went for Ryo again to strike him but Ryo kept his guard and blocked every single strike the attacker had on Ryo.

Ultimately, Ryo was about to initiate a headbutt on the attacker but they were interrupted by a teacher who calls out the attackers name

"Lucas Grayson, to the office!"

As Ryo looks at the teacher he lets out a sigh of relief before he gets called too

"And you! To the office aswell."

Ryo stood up and agreed to go to the office. Once they were at the office, he sat outside and waited for Lucas to go out so Ryo could explain his side of the ordeal. As he waited a familiar face sat beside him...

"Eheh.. you look all messed up." It was Valerie!

Ryo responded to her in an out of breath manner "yeah, I got into a fight."

"I know, dude. I see the entire thing go down and I have to say you're a pretty good fighter." Valerie replied, a teasing and happy attitude in her demeanor

"Damn, thanks! My dad taught me how to fight..." he had a little smile on his face

"You're welcome new guy, what's your name by the way?" She asked calmly and politely

"Ryo... Ryo Tokugawa." He turned his glance to her

"Nice name... you must be the new transfer then, I'm Valerie... but you can call me Val." She patted him on the shoulder

"Alright, Val, and yeah I'm a new transfer. My mom got a new job here so that's why."

Valerie replied to Ryo and said "that's cool but don't you miss home? Your friends back home even?" she said in a curious tone

"Yeah I do... but I'm trying my best to make new friends here so I'll be fine." His smile grew ever so wide as he looked at her once more

"Hehe I know you will, but you have to watch out for guys like Lucas. Lucas likes to pick on fights so just try your best to avoid him alright?"

Ryo nodded, and spoke up "Souka... I'll try my best."

The vice principal calls out Ryo from the office signaling him to get inside

"Well that's my que..." Ryo stood up but Val grabbed his hand and spoke

"Before you get in there..." she gave out a small piece of paper with her contact information on it. "Have this, let's hang out sometime so we can get to know each other more." She smiled before waving goodbye to return to her friend circle "I'll be going now Ryo, bye bye."

As Valerie walks away Ryo puts the small piece of paper in his pocket, he smiles knowing he just impressed the popular girl as he said to himself

"I'll keep that just in case..."

He then takes a deep breath and walks into the office. Expecting to explain his side of the story. As he walked into the office, Olivia and Randal were watching the entire conversation with Ryo and Valerie as Randal spoke up

"Do you think they'll be a thing?

"Totally." Olivia giggled turning her eyes back to Randal

"We should probably go eat our lunch before it gets cold." Randal added

"Whatever you say, squirt." Olivia and Randal both go back to the cafeteria to eat their lunch.

After a few words in the office, he was free to go. As soon as he was out of the office he went into the cafeteria to get his food, it was still relatively early, 12:30 around 40 minutes until lunch break's over

After a while, he got his food and sat down with Olivia and Randal both of them gossiping and giggling.

"What's all the giggling about?-" Ryo steps in, interrupting their moment

"Oh nothing, fresh face. Just talking about your fight with Lucas." Olivia ate her food as Randal steps in

"You kicked that dude's ass! How'd you learn to fight this well, Ryo?" Randal munched on his food savoring every flavor

"well, I got my skills from my dad at an early age and I continued to adapt to my fighting through training I guess." He said munching on his food

"He sounds like a good guy then dude." Olivia spoke

"Yeah... he is a good guy." He didn't want to reveal the loss of his father at fear of bringing vibes, as such he continued to eat more to avoid talking about his father.

Either way they continued off their day after they ate. With more introductions here and there and so as the day ends, Ryo exits the campus to walk home to take a short route. He walks and thinks about his next cryptic endeavor.

The next day!

The birds were chirping... the sun was shining, Ryo was getting ready to go out with his friends. He wore his desired clothing and rushed out the front door before saying his goodbyes to his mother.

He went to the meeting place which was the park with the 2 waiting for him to catch up. Randal shouts and calls out Ryo's name

"RYO!! OVER HERE!!"

Ryo rushes to the 2, he runs like the wind and he had arrived on the exact spot where the 2 are standing right now.

"Took you long enough, Ryo." Olivia giggled playfully pushing him

"Yeah, we planned the whole day out it'll be fun!" Randal showed the schedule for today's outing

"Guess we are heading to the movies first." Ryo pointed out

"Yep, it's on me, so you two owe me a solid." Olivia chuckled nudging at Randal

"Especially you RANDAL.." Olivia laughs hard

"HEY! Ok now that's just prejudice!" Randal exclaimed as he followed Olivia out of the park and to the theatre

"You two are so funny when it comes to playful banter!" Ryo catched up with the 2 of them

"Nah... Randal is just so easy to tease that's why." She cackled and playfully nudged Randal

"I swear to god Olivia, this is just straight prejudice." Randal pouted as they near the theater.

"We're almost at the theater guys, tone down the banter!" Ryo stepped in to try and lower the stakes of their banter.

"You're safe for now, Twerp." Olivia winked and nudged Randal again

"Whatever you say, Everleigh." Randal sighed continuing to walk into the theater.

A few moments later, they finish watching their movie. Ryo speaks up

"That movie was interesting wasn't it?"

Olivia steps in and says "Meh, it was kinda cheesy but I'm pretty sure Randal liked it."

"Oh COME ON, will this banter ever end-??" Randal whined and groaned in the background as Olivia giggled

"Alright alright, where's the next location?" Ryo asked politely with a hint of anticipation

"I have somewhere to go, you and Olivia spend time together while I go check out the comic book store for some errands." Randal rushed to the comic book store 10 minutes away from the park

"Well guess it's just us eh newbie?" Olivia spoke up as the 2 of them walked back to the park

"Uh yeah! Just the two of us.. can you tell me a bit about yourself Olivia?" He asked in a polite manner

"Oh uh... I like sketching, I like cats and I sorta like keeping Randal out of trouble." She giggles checking her phone for the time

"How did you exactly meet Randal?" He replied

"Oh well we'll have to go way way back, 2nd grade. He gave me his lunch because I didn't have any that day, and that day on we became pretty good friends. Although I like to act like the older sister because I love teasing him." She states

"That guy hasn't changed it's almost robotic, but he has noticeably and drastically become more laid back which is a plus." She adds

"Well that's an interesting introspective! Gives more insight on Randal if I'm being honest, I also have a childhood friend, her name's Asuka."

Olivia's curiosity shines as she asks Ryo "Asuka? Tell me more about her."

"Well... Me and her met when we were both 8, she was really sweet and kind to me it's almost like a dream! She always made my day and warmed my heart by her shear presence. I miss her and someday I want to meet her again." He said smiling

As they walk around the park... The dark figure from the shadows appear from the trees, he watches the 2 walk around as his eyes narrow at Ryo, he hides back into the shadows concealing himself once again

Back to the 2, they both talk but a familiar face rushed at Ryo

"Hold on..." The 2 stopped walking as Ryo dodged the impending attack

Lucas Grayson wants a rematch!

Lucas appears and stops in his tracks looking at Ryo with a fierce demeanor as he spoke.

"There you are, new kid. We have unfinished business to take care of." Lucas tightened and cracked his knuckles

Olivia looked intrigued and so she sat down on a park bench and settled down to watch them both duke it out "this oughta be fun."

Lucas was in a fighting stance and looked at Ryo fiercely "Show me what you've really got, new guy."

Ryo bowed to him before he got into a fighting stance to show respect before the duel "goodluck."

As both of them get into a fighting position, Lucas rushed at Ryo first and struck him multiple times but Ryo did not let his guard down and decided to do some guards to deflect his strikes.

But the continuous jabs overwhelmed him as he was sent backward by the shear force of Lucas' strikes

Whiplash Kick!

Lucas' kick further sent Ryo backwards even knocking him down onto the ground. Ryo was laying on the ground, as Lucas speaks up and says

"Gonna give up yet new kid? You look pretty exhausted from all my strikes."

Despite the strikes from Lucas and that kick from him, he pulled through going on his guard again, Lucas exclaimed by the sudden recovery from Ryo and said

"How can you recover SO FAST?!"

Ryo replied "Determination and Perseverance."

Lucas rushed at Ryo once again throwing continuous punches and jabs

Ryo didn't say a word and just dodged his strikes to keep his guard. Ryo saw an unguarded part of Lucas.

Lucas Grayson takes a kick to the knees!

"ACK! YOU MOTHERF-" Lucas is cut off by a punch to the stomach from Ryo, Lucas was sent backward but Ryo caught up with him, He jumps and prepares for a move...

Mid Air Axe!

An axe drop kick in Mid Air!?

The Aerial Assault knocked Lucas to the ground shaking at the force of Ryo's kick, but he just didn't budge. Lucas got up and approached Ryo for a strike to the face.

Ryo reacts quickly by grabbing his fist and grabbing it tightly and saying "I thought we were done here, geez... do me a favor take a breather for me."

Ryo lets go of his fist, Lucas then grabbed his fist being mildly numb from Ryo's grip. He then fell to the ground from the shear exhaustion from the fight.

Lucas Grayson LOSSES!

The people around the area seemed to have disappeared from the sudden duel that took place. Some remained to take pictures and some just watched it all go down but anyway, all of them seemed to have gone back to what they were doing.

Ryo stood in front of Lucas' exhausted body with Ryo taking deep breaths after that exhilarating duel, Ryo then spoke up and said

"Good grief- that was an experience." He was then interrupted by Olivia who exclaims

"Holy crap, Ryo that was sick!! You kicked that dude's ass!" Olivia cheers and praises Ryo

"I gotta say, despite his efforts trying to break through your shield wall, you pushed through like a valiant hero."

Ryo smiled and closed his eyes in glee as he spoke up and said

"Thanks Olivia! I appreciate the compliments" the 2 of them smiled as Randal arrived with a few comic books in his hand

"I'm back... Hah... What did I miss?" Randal was out of breath since he had to run from the comic book store to here.

"You missed alot, twerp." Olivia pointed at Lucas' limp but conscious body groaning in exhaustion and pain from Ryo's Aerial Assault

"My dude looks war torn, what happened to him?" Ryo then spoke up, interrupting him

"He wanted a rematch so I gave him a rematch he'll never forget." He chuckled

"So you beat his ass? Serves him right to be honest." He replied

As the aftermath of the fight slowly comes to a close, the 3 continue on with their outing acting like nothing happened. Randal speaks up and says

"Yo Ryo, who are you living with exactly?"

Ryo replies "I live with my mom. Just her that is."

Randal seemed skeptical as to where his dad was so he asked "where's your dad? Is he still in Japan or something?"

Ryo starts to feel uneasy at the question, he starts to zone out a bit and have memories as to how exactly his father died. His face seemed emotionless until Olivia and Randal snap him out of the zone

"RYO!" The 2 shouted

"GAH! oh uh- I don't wanna answer at this current moment... Sorry-" he replied politely with a slightly anxious tone

"Well ok then dude, we won't disturb your personal space." Randal fist bumped Ryo

"Thanks Randal..."

End of Chapter 4

August 4th, 2014, Sanya, Tokyo...

A man with a bodycam was observing the area with his team of officers around the compound. The police force was planning on raiding the compound in hopes of trying to neutralize the area of drug use and or operations, the man spoke and said

"Clear to engage." As he signals the police force to raid, the police force then break into the compound and this sudden break in sparks a massive shootout between associates of said compound and the combined Kyoto-Tokyo police force.

The man who signaled the raid shoots out impending threats trying to find the one responsible for this big underground drug operation but another man appears, amidst in the fighting. Both men were slightly outside of the warzone that was the compound, the figure spoke to the officer and said

"My my, didn't know you would be here old friend."

Aku Kuragari, leader of the Sanya Independent Faction

The policeman looked at Aku with bitter eyes and said "not you!"

Aku laughs with a hint of content to kill him with his own bullets, Aku replies and says

"Oh you... Always has to be you. You always foil everything I do old friend."

He loaded his pistol with a magazine as the policeman tried to shoot his rifle at Aku

But the gun jams...

Aku laughs manically as he pointed his pistol directly at the policeman, he then spoke up to the policeman and said

"I should've done this so many years ago... But I just waited for the perfect time for you to suffer." Aku laughs even more as he does the unthinkable..

BANG!

The policeman is shot, blood splatters from the gunshot wound on the chest as Aku laughs once more, he then proceeds to make a run for it in hopes of escaping the police with a few of his goons still intact

The laughs of Aku echo as a voice could be heard, a shout to be exact. A shout of Ryo's name...

WAKE UP DUDE! Randal slaps Ryo back to reality as Olivia giggles in the background

"You never seem to stop zoning out, hm?" Olivia mutters and giggles once more

Ryo looks at Randal and Olivia as he speaks up "it's sort of an occurrence- I don't know why it starts it just starts."

Randal brushes it off as he says "yeah yeah you probably just didn't get enough sleep last night... Senior High is a workload y'know?"

Ryo replied and added it up with a thumbs up saying "I guess...."

As the two finish talking, Olivia ruffles both of their hairs as she speaks up "you two sure are good friends."

"Yah hah! I like Randal's personality. He's so chill most of the time!" Ryo exclaimed as Randal steps in and says

"Heh... Thanks dude, I appreciate the compliment." They both do a fist bump as the 3 of them all giggle

It was a Friday so tomorrow they have nothing to do other than hangout or mind their own business... It was at this point where Ryo remembers the contact info Valerie gave him and so after a long day at school he decided to go home and enter her contact info onto his phone, but he couldn't think as to why he thought of that memory back in class, he spoke to himself

"Why did he have to go... He never deserved it." He continued on to walk as he spewed out another word

"Why would they do this?"

The next day!

Ryo was wide awake as he sent his first text to Valerie, a simple "hi" as he anticipated as to what she would respond with, a "hello" was the reply he got as he was visited by his mother, his mother spoke up and said

"Ryo why are you on your phone so early?-" she asked politely

"Oh uh mom- I'm chatting with a friend." He replied modestly

She approached him with a smile on her face as she said "maybe put down the phone for a bit, you need to start the day mister! I made some eggs and bacon for ya!"

Ryo sighs and gives her a "brb, gotta eat" before he turned his phone off and replied to his mother "alright mom."

A few moments later, as Ryo finishes eating... He texts Valerie, asking if they could meet up. Ultimately Valerie agrees to meet up, TONIGHT. Ryo cheers in glee at the news, his Mother overhears this and speaks up

"What's my boy so joyous about this time?" She giggled as Ryo speaks up

"I'm meeting up with a girl mom!" Ryo exclaims as the mother smiles and pats Ryo as she speaks up

"That's great sweetie! Aw my boy's growing up so fast...! When are you two meeting??" She asked with a hint of curiosity and cheekiness

"Tonight mom!! I'm so excited but kinda nervous.." Ryo responds clearly anxious

"HEY! Turn that anxiety into courage, Mister. No Tokugawa quits an opportunity so easily! Keep your chin up dear and have fun with her! Ok?" She smiled once again, ruffling his hair "I want you to give her the best time of her life! Promise me that... Don't fail the bloodline or else... HAH I'm just kidding! But seriously... Give her all the time she needs dear!"

"Ok mom... I promise!" Ryo hugged his mother as the mother hugs back as she whispers to herself "You raised a good child, Rena..." She tightened her embrace on Ryo.

As the day goes on and the hangout nearing ever so closely to 6 pm, Ryo is getting ready for the hangout his mother couldn't help but smile by Ryo's preparation as she spoke up

"No need to rush my dear... She'll wait!" She playfully nudges Ryo as Ryo was done preparing he speaks up

"I know ma, I'm already done getting ready so I'll be going now." Before he could leave she grabbed him by the wrist and said

"Don't come home late! You know how worried I can get." She playfully gives him a pat on the head and speaks up again "have fun with her!"

Ryo nods and waves goodbye to his mother as she walked out of the front door, ready to meet his new cryptic endeavor as the mother speaks up again

"You did it again Rena... He's all grown up!"

As Ryo rushed to the park he anticipates on what's to come on this hangout, Ryo chats with Valerie for a bit as he nears the location of the meet up. A few minutes later Ryo had arrived, he was wearing a black t-shirt and beige pants for the occasion while Valerie was wearing a white t-shirt and black skirt.

Ryo speaks up and says "Nice clothes!" Valerie giggles and comments back "you don't look too shabby yourself!" The both continue to compliment themselves as they walk around the park. Ryo strikes up a conversation and sayd "so tell me a bit about yourself.."

Valerie thinks for a moment and speaks up "well for starters I definitely like to write. I love studying history and kinda like fashion, I take a keen eye on music and fashion so that's a plus. Ryo was in awe at how interesting she was to him.

He speaks up and says "that's awesome! I never knew you liked history." Valerie giggles "yeah, my family has a thing for history so that's why I study it! And you?" Ryo speaks up and says "well I like to play the piano, I'm sorta into history, I like to play video games and maybe I like some sports."

Valerie speaks up immediately and says "piano huh? Can you play me a tune sometime then? Just a request hehe." Ryo chuckles and responds "sure! Maybe come to my house sometime.." Valerie giggles back as she speaks up again "and Sports? Makes sense that you're pretty athletic considering you beat Lucas' ass back at school."

Ryo chuckled even more at the reminder of that fight "yeah... He was pretty difficult for me but not to a point where I struggled that I couldn't get back up." Valerie ruffled his hair as she spoke up "how come you can recover easily despite those heavy hitting jabs?" Ryo responded with "Determination and Perseverance help me get through any fight.."

Valerie giggles at the corny but true words that he said "gosh that sounds corny.. atleast for me! Maybe I'm just not used to it huh?" Ryo responds "hehe, I guess so!" Valerie chuckled before turning to gaze at him, Ryo speaks up again "so how's family life? Sorry if that sounded a bit personal-" Valerie responds with "you don't need to apologize goofy, this is America! I don't mind those types of questions. My family life is good." She gives him a pat as Ryo smiles "Oh oh! Ok..."

Valerie then suddenly speaks up in a different tone "but I'm kinda bummed out at the fact my mom and dad are always busy with his work and all of that.. it's pretty sad to just be in your room all alone while your dad is on a business trip."

Valerie looks down having a frown on her face as Ryo tries to cheer her up "Hey I feel your pain... Don't be bummed out, I don't even have a dad." Valerie widened his eyes in confusion as she spoke "what happened to your dad?-" Ryo hesitated for a bit having brief visions of the bodycam footage he saw of his father getting shot before speaking "he died in an operation back in Sanya, Tokyo. A drug operation and I still don't know who did it."

Valerie felt empathy for his loss and gave him a pat before they found a spot to sit down as Valerie spoke "I'm sorry that had to happen to you..." Ryo smiles despite the situation "yeah I know... He's in a better place now. I've moved on because I know he loves me up there." Valerie smiled and playfully nudged him "well that's good to hear, you almost made me shed a tear." Ryo chuckles and responds "hey that rhymes! And yeah real good.."

As both of them sit they think about what to do next, they thought about stuff for a minute before locking on the idea of going to the boardwalk. They have to take a cab for this since it's a bit far from where they are.

"Wanna go to the Santa Monica boardwalk?" Valerie states as Ryo replies "sure just gotta tell my mom I'm going to the Santa Monica boardwalk.. I do have some spare money to try some carnival games. Valerie giggles and pushes him "you never told me you had money. Alright let's go to the pier, we'll just have to find a cab."

A minute drive later they arrive at the pier as Valerie asks something "this is completely unrelated to our hangout but have you moved on from your father's passing?" Ryo responded "y-yeah... I have" he didn't move on, he still mourns his father's death from time time, he tried to slither his way out of the question to avoid any negativity.

Valerie replies and says "alright then... Which ride do we go on first then?" Ryo keeps his composure and speaks up "maybe the rollercoaster?" Valerie responds with "hmmm... Maybe the high tower so we can get a warm up of the extreme rides." Ryo nods and says "Alright, high tower it is." They both go to the high tower and wait in line in anticipation.

As they enter the high tower they sit next together, Valerie holding onto the harness and Ryo also doing the same. The tower slowly rises and Ryo looks at Valerie and says "you alright? You look a little uneasy!" Valerie speaks up "yeah!! It's just that I'm not too keen on high places Ryo!" As the ride nears it's summit, Valerie speaks up to Ryo "This is it Ryo! The summit!"

Before she could even say a word the projectile drops to the ground at a fast pace as, The other passengers screaming including Valerie herself as for Ryo, he remains calm but inside he felt a bit of adrenaline surging through. The ride comes to a halt and lands safely onto the ground, the passengers get off and so does Valerie and Ryo. Ryo speaks up and says

"THAT WAS AN EXPERIENCE!" Ryo exclaims as Valerie gets close to him shaking as she speaks up "EXHILARATING BUT A BIT SCARY!" Valerie cheers as she speaks up again "wanna try something else to ease our nerves a little bit?" Ryo agrees as he offers to play the carnival games "wanna play some carnival games?" Valerie looks at him and nods "sure sure carnival games that would be fun...

The 2 traverse through the pier trying to find a suitable game to earn themselves a prize, ultimately they go for the classic ball game. The game operator exclaiming "2 dollars for 3 balls! Knock these out and you can win a prize!" Ryo grabs 2 dollars from his wallet as he grabs a ball, he adjusts his stance and gets into position for a precise shot.

Precise aim!

Valerie was surprised at the precise shot from Ryo, Ryo then threw the remaining balls at the remaining targets. Ultimately he won a prize, a peach colored bear plush as Valerie rushes to take it as she says "MINE!" she hugs the plushie clearly admiring it as Ryo speaks up "Geez- I was gonna give it to you anyway." Valerie giggles and playfully nudges Ryo and replies "well thanks for winning this plushie for me Ryo!" Ryo responds "It's a pleasure, Val."

As the two continue to traverse around the pier, the hours weigh down ever so slowly. The time was around 9 pm as they go to their final ride, the ferris wheel. Ryo and Valerie both hopped on anticipating to get to the top. They were both eating some ice cream as Valerie eventually speaks up after a while "This has been the best hangout I've been in, Ryo..." Ryo replies with "really? Well glad that you're enjoying it!"

Valerie giggles, they were both sitting next to each other as Ryo speaks up "I really enjoyed this hangout too Val... It was really fun!" Valerie smiles and playfully nudges Ryo and says "well since we're going to the top let's just enjoy this moment while it lasts hm?" Ryo nodd and looks at the scenery below, he licks his ice cream as Valerie spoke again

"Y'know Ryo, I haven't met someone quite like you... Your personality really intrigues me and that's surprising considering most boys I've met only hanged out or dated me for my looks and acted like total joshes." Ryo smiled and got closer to Val as he responds "I never thought someone would think that my personality would be good.. I don't know what to say but thank you Val!" Valerie smiles and takes a good look at him "and you know... I think this moment will be the most unforgettable moment in our lifetimes and I don't wanna waste it so..." Ryo looks at Valerie back as he spoke up "unforgettable yeah..." Valerie and Ryo both laid their eyes on each other... As it happened.

Smooch!

They both have a passionate kiss as the ride slowly weighs down, the 2 pulling out of the kiss as Valerie pulled away blushing hard at the fact he kissed Ryo, she then spoke up. "OH MY GOD I'M SORRY RYO- OH MY GOD-" Ryo tried to calm her down with pats as he spoke "HEY HEY- It's ok it's ok- I don't mind the kiss but it was so.. SUDDEN!-" both look at each other again as the Ferris wheel fully comes back down, both of them having new sense of emotion surging through their minds.

As they exit the Ferris wheel they walk out of the boardwalk and to the exit of the boardwalk hoping to find a cab home as Valerie states "that was so fun Ryo..." Ryo smiled and responded "you could say that again... I loved that experience." Both of them blushed as Valerie steps a little closer to Ryo. Both end up finding a cab moments later, the 2 hopped in as they wait to get home

A few moments later, the cab driver arrives at Silver Lake, near where Ryo lived and Valerie's destination. Valerie speaks up after a while and says "I'll get going now Ryo... Goodnight and... I love you Ryo." She exits the cab and slowly approaches her house. The cab driver asks where Ryo will be going as he spoke "East Hollywood, Sir."

The cab driver takes a route to East Hollywood, Ryo sat back and smiled at the thought he had just gotten a girlfriend! The cab driver eventually arrives at East Hollywood as Ryo exits the cab and pays for the fare. He slowly walks to the front door as he speaks to himself before knocking on the door and his mother opening the door for him as he enters.

"That was fun... Hopefully soon we can hangout again."

End of Chapter 5.

The sounds of laughs and gunshots echoed in Ryo's mind, the sounds of his dad screams echoed as well. Ryo was clearly having a nightmare as his mother noticed his son struggling as she tried to wake him up

"RYO!- Wake up!!" Ryo woke up looking really shaken up as his eyes watered by the nightmare as he spoke up "M-mom-!" Ryo wraps his arms around her as Rena spoke "shh... Did you have another nightmare about your father?-" Ryo nods embracing her tighter but she reassures him by saying

"Cheer up... I'm here dear! Let's get you ready for school.." he held his hand to the kitchen for him to eat his breakfast. Ryo speaks up "it's just... So hard to move on from him, mom..." The mother pulled his son's cheek and caressed it "don't be sad dear... I'm sure your father still loves you up there! Now eat up so you can come early to school."

Ryo responds "ok mom... Thanks for the reassurance.." she smiles and ruffles Ryo's hair before going back to doing the dishes. A few moments go by as he had finished his breakfast and had gotten ready for school, Ryo speaks up and says "will you be home tonight, mom?" Rena replied "I'll be home late! So much work to do that's why- so you have the house all to yourself!"

Ryo smiles and gives her a thumbs up before opening the front door and speaking up "alright mom I'll get going now." Rena smiled back and waved goodbye to him as Ryo took a cab to his school. As the cab traverses through East Hollywood, they eventually arrive at the high school as Ryo pays the fare and walks into the school through the front gate.

Ryo enters the school building meeting up with Randal but it was just him, Olivia wasn't there and Ryo pointed it out by saying

"Dude, where's Olivia?" Randal speaks up about the question and says "oh she's sick, it's just you and me today dude! Isn't that fun?" Ryo nods and fist bumps Randal.

The 2 walk to class as Ryo bumps into Valerie, their eyes meet each other as Valerie smiles and giggles "Hi Ryo..." Ryo blushes at the sight of Valerie as he replied "U-uh.. hi Valerie! Where are you off too?"

Valerie chuckles once more playfully nudging him "I'm going to history class, and you?" Ryo replies "no way! Me and My friend here also have history class."

Valerie giggles as she spoke "well why don't I walk to history class with you and your friend hm?" Ryo speaks up and says "that'd be cool!" Randal was much obliged from the offer as the 3 of them walked to history class with Val introducing himself to Randal

"The name's Valerie by the way.. nice to meet you!" Randal gives her a handshake and replies "much of a pleasure, I'm Randal."

Val and Ryo were both holding hands as Randal notices this and talks to Ryo about it "Are you two dating bruh??" Ryo blushes out of pure embarrassment and pushes him jokingly

"Uhhh- yeah!" Randal was really happy for Ryo as he ruffled his hair and says "wait a go dude! You're pretty lucky to have her." Val overhears this and replies "looks like you two are happy."

Randal chuckles and states "hell yeah, you two are dating! Of course I'm gonna be happy for Ryo." Valerie chuckles as she looks at Ryo standing closer to him "Yeah... Me and Him are officially dating."

Ryo blushes hard as they continue to walk to history class. As they take a stroll around the halls they finally enter Mr Octavian's class as he spoke

"Alright class, today's topic is Ancient Civilizations, starting with... Mesopotamia." Mr Octavian begins the lesson as Ryo and Randal sat next to each other with a bit of gossipping to pass the time.

"So how did you two become a thing??" Randal asks with a hint of curiosity as Ryo responds with "Me and her just went on a date yesterday at the Santa Monica pier and we just... Hit it off!" Randal chuckled and muttered "that's awesome dude." Mr. Octavian caught an eye to this as he speaks up to the 2 boys

"Pentz and Tokugawa, no talking in while I teach for my class please." Randal nods as Ryo speaks "sorry Mister Octavian-" As the 2 quiet down, He continues on with his class as Randal whispers to Ryo "We should probably talk about this later." Ryo nods and says "yeah we should."

As the class comes to a close the 2 of the guys proceed to their next class as Valerie follows suit with her friend group Infront of them, she speaks up "what was all that about back there?" Ryo responds with

"Oh nothing... Just stuff Randal kept asking, mostly about our relationship and all that." Valerie giggles and says "oh alright... I'm going to chemistry class so I'll see you after 4th period ok?" Ryo nods and replies "ok, Val! Good luck.." Valerie chuckles and kisses his cheek before running to her friend group

The 2 then proceed to their next class as Ryo anticipates on what was to come for Lunch. Hours pass as they came out of their 4th period classroom and then proceeded to the cafeteria with Randal

The 2 find Valerie sitting with a bunch of girls, As Randal and Ryo approach the friend group, Ryo states "may we sit here?" It was a relatively big and wide table so Valerie obliges and says "ofcourse you may, Big Shot." She teases before the 2 boys sit

Ryo sits next to Valerie while Randal sits next to Ryo. Ryo stammers at the fact the friend group is eying at him and Valerie "why are they staring at me like that?-" Valerie giggles and pushes him slightly in a playful manner

"I'd like you to meet my friend group.. one by one let's start." She introduces her friend group one by one "that's Abigail." Abigail looked at Ryo with a arrogant look and said "Hello, Much of a pleasure to meet you hot stuff." Valerie looked kinda pissed but she just didn't bother

"Ok, Abigail... That's Roxanne, my bestie!" Roxanne waves at Ryo saying something with an amused mood "Heyyy, you must be the lucky one." Ryo waves back smiling as Valerie speaks up "ehehe... And that's Audrey." Audrey looked at him with a devious look and said "Hiiiii, Ryo." She winked at him as Ryo waves back

Valerie looked pretty frustrated but let it slide as she continued to eat his food looking back at Ryo and saying "so how's your day going Hun?" Ryo looked back as he was eating lunch and responded "it's going good! Thanks for asking" he smiled before going back to eating

Roxanne spoke up and said "you two look so cute together it's almost funny." Randal stepped in added "more like frightening." Roxanne giggled and responded "I guess that's one way to put it."

Across the cafeteria a guy was looking at both of them looking visibly pissed before saying "I'll show you who her heart belongs to." The boy walked away still looking angry and pissed.

As the bell rings the group of girls and the pair say their goodbyes as they move on to their respective classes as the part ways..

A few moments later...

As the bell rang signaling the end of the day, Ryo walks with Randal to the front gate of the school but to no surprise they saw Valerie alone walking. Ryo notices this and Randal leaves Ryo alone before speaking "Since you're gonna go with Val, I'm gonna go visit Olivia, dude."

He walked up to Val as he speaks "Hey! Are you going somewhere?" Valerie notices Ryo's presence, delighted to see him as she speaks up "eheh... Yeah I'm going home, Ryo." Ryo follows her as he responds "Oh alright! So how was your day??" Valerie smiles brightfully at the question before saying "It was good... but felt kinda empty without you."

Valerie gives a peck on Ryo's cheek as Ryo blushes deeply, before Ryo could speak he gets hit with something...

POW!

Ryo gets knocked with a punch from the back of his head making him tumble to the ground as Valerie Exclaims "RYO!!" Valerie runs to his aid---she turns around to see a familiar face and adds "KENNETH WHAT THE HELL!?"

Kenneth Brooks, Valerie's First Ex

"WHY VALERIE... JUST WHY." Kenneth shouts at Valerie before slowly approaching her "First you CHEAT on me for that JOCK!" Ryo slowly wakes up from the strike "THEN you go for a dude that DIDN'T EVEN LOVE YOU." Ryo slowly arises from his KO in a battle stance but was shaking from the unexpected punch

Kenneth notices Ryo getting up as he picks up the pace by adding "Then.. you get with The Vice Principal's son from SOPHOMORE YEAR!" he runs at Ryo preparing for a punch "NOW, YOU GET WITH THIS NEW KID!?"

POW!

Ryo Tokugawa initiates a Guard!

Ryo deflects Kenneth's jab sending him backwards as he faces to shout at Valerie "Valerie, leave! I can handle this." Valerie has second thoughts and says "BUT YOU'LL GET HURT!" Ryo abruptly interrupts her by shouting

"JUST STAY FAR FROM THIS AREA AS POSSIBLE, JUST GO NOW!" Valerie eventually agrees and backs away a little bit from the fight as Kenneth speaks up "I'll go easy on you, new kid." Ryo bows before he gets into a fighting stance

Kenneth says something before getting into his stance "don't come crying to your girlfriend when I beat you, Newbie."

As both of them are now in their fighting stances Ryo charges at Kenneth, giving him continuous jabs and punches, but Kenneth dodged and blocked his assaults before grabbing both his fists and headbutting him

Ryo was sent backward, shouting in pain from the headbutt as Kenneth sees the perfect opportunity to strike his cheek

BASH!

Ryo Tokugawa performs a block!

Kenneth steps back from Ryo as he speaks up "I must say, You're really good at blocking my attacks." He rushes back at Ryo and gives him continuous punches but Ryo quickly guards and dodges them

But Ryo was pretty overwhelmed by Kenneth's strikes as he eventually succumbed to the strikes, he gets struck 2 times in the face but tried to hold the pain in as he took deep breaths.

Ryo then strikes back by running at him---giving him an unexpected front kick, knocking Kenneth to the back. This enrages Kenneth---he gets back up and tried to kick him in the balls before saying "YOU'RE MAKING A BIG MISTAKE DATING HER PAL!"

Ryo takes a keen eye at his oncoming kick by kicking him in the shins, this made Kenneth fall to the ground screaming in pain before saying "ACK!! MY DAMN SHIN-!" Ryo backs away a little still on his guard

Kenneth gets up, his affected area clearly still shaking from the assault on his own shin as he spoke "you... YOU... I'M DONE WITH YOU!" he takes off his jacket and clenches his fist slowly running at him before adding "I'M GONNA MAKE YOU FEEL THE WORST PAIN OF YOUR ENTIRE DAMN LIFE, KID!"

Ryo saw this as he prepared for a punch, Ultimately Kenneth didn't land his punch as Ryo took the jab first... Straight to the face

SHING!... BOOM!

Kenneth Brooks... LOSSES!

The force from his punch created smoke from the aftermath, Kenneth was sent backwards, stumbling to the ground, unable to recover from Ryo's forward assault.

Ryo looked surprised by expressing it with a "Woah-" Valerie rushes to him and sees in awe as Ryo kicked Kenneth's ass as she spoke up "wow Ryo... You totally kicked his ass." Valerie giggled, smiling as Ryo replies "Thanks! That punch though was pretty strong-"

Valerie comments on it and says "Yeah, there was literal smoke from the aftermath! Isn't that cool??" Ryo chuckles and replies "Mhm! It was!-"

The two sought to go home after that ordeal, so they walked together to wait for a cab, Valerie held Ryo's hand as she spoke up "Say Ryo... You're so brave for standing up to protect me from Kenneth.." Ryo replies with "I'd protect you even if it meant risking my life for you to live happily."

Valerie smiles and blushes while stepping closer to him "whatever you say, cute stuff! You're making me blush." The 2 of them continue to walk as Valerie spoke up again "Hey uh Ryo... Have you ever found out who killed your father exactly?"

Ryo tried to think through the immense pain and bad memories coursing through his mind but he had no luck on who killed his father so he replied

"No---I never really delved into that topic because I was so busy mourning about him I never delved into that, I do remember tokyo police never catching the perpetrator responsible..." He scratches his head as Valerie replies "Well maybe someday he'll get caught but who knows---what if it was YOU who would catch him?"

Ryo was completely flabbergasted at the thought of HIM catching the one responsible for his father's murder---he responds with "ME!? no... Never! I'd probably get slaughtered then and there because the cops said the guys that killed him were dangerous."

Valerie giggles and nudges him "I'm just playing silly goose... I don't wanna risk my man getting slaughtered by a damn gang." Ryo chuckles and replies "hehe! Right right..."

As they continue to walk, Valerie and Ryo managed to get a cab, they entered the cab as it speeded away to their respective locations---away from the school...

Beyond the school, a man comes out of the shadows and reveals himself before pulling up his phone and saying "he's a natural boss." The man from the phone speaks up and says "good good.. continue to analyze him and we'll send out some goons for him to fight someday." The man outside the phone then responds with "yes, boss. Will do."

Beep.

As the perspective shifts to the man from the phone, he speaks... "Ryo Tokugawa..." he laughs wickedly before adding "I'll make sure to wipe you off this world clean."

The perspective shifts back to Ryo and Valerie as they arrive at Val's house, Val waves goodbye before saying "Byee Ryo, See you again tomorrow!" Val shuts the car door as she rushes to her house. Ryo then calls Randal and speaks up

"yo dude you're never gonna believe what happened earlier..."

"Not right now dude.. I'm kinda busy-" Randal spoke with a rather anxious tone

Ryo catches an eye at the anxiousness and says "What's with the anxious tone?-"

Randal spoke up and tried to reassure him "it's nothing dude! Just personal stuff.. you don't need to worry about me-"

Ryo responds one last time and saying "ok then bruh... Have a nice night."

Beep

End of Volume 1

Thank you for reading!

ALL CHARACTER VISUALIZATIONS:

Art Versions

Ryo Tokugawa:

Randal Pentz:

Olivia Everleighgh

Valerie Westbrook

Picrew Versions

Asuka Tatsumi:

Kenneth Brooks:

Rena Yasuda (Ryo's Mother):

Lucas Grayson: