---
Standing in front of the city's public school was a man calmly talking on the phone. His red hair burned in the sunlight, and a serpent tattoo slithered up the side of his neck. A worn white t-shirt, faded black shorts, old sandals—he looked like nothing special. But his sharp, predatory eyes betrayed the truth: this was no ordinary man.
Red-haired man:
— Yeah, boss… I started by wiping out some random civilians. That way the other two won't suspect they're the real targets.
Boss:
— Good. Anak, remember—your top priority is Gon and Taeki. They're the only ones dangerous enough to push back against us. Kill them. No hesitation.
Anak:
— Understood. As long as it's just the two of them, I'll manage. Hanging up now.
He slid his phone into his pocket, lips curving into a cold smile.
---
In the schoolyard
Professor Adam, early thirties, average build, stood in the cracked concrete courtyard, arms folded, watching with a tired scowl. The city's public high school—nicknamed the capital of lawless zones—was notorious. Here, students ruled the grounds. Adam wasn't even a certified teacher. Did he enjoy this job? Not at all.
And the reason was right in front of him: two of his "special" students—Gon and Taeki—locked in yet another brutal fight.
A roar broke out.
A tall teen, nearly 6'1", in a red-and-black tracksuit, black hair messy and falling forward. His dark eyes glimmered faintly blue, like something inhuman burning beneath. Gon.
Gon:
— Still not giving up, huh?!
He sprang into the air, muscles coiling tight, and whipped his left leg downward like a blade. The air cracked with the force. His opponent dodged, countering instantly with a straight punch that cut through the air like a bullet.
THUD! Gon blocked with his shin midair. The sound of bone on bone rang sharp and brutal.
The other fighter, bun tied tight, white shirt and black joggers, narrowed his eyes. Taeki.
Taeki (spitting blood-tinged saliva):
— Start praying, Gon… today's the day I break you!
He lunged. Gon swung another high kick at his head. WHAM! Taeki caught it on his guard, the impact rattling his forearms, skin bruising instantly. Ignoring the pain, he stepped in close, driving a fist deep into Gon's gut.
BAM! Gon's breath burst out of him, spit flying, body folding slightly. Before he could recover, Taeki slammed an uppercut into his jaw.
Taeki (snarling):
— This ends NOW!
He cocked back for another strike, but Gon spun on his axis, leg whipping wide.
CRACK! His roundhouse smashed against Taeki's face, snapping his head sideways. Blood sprayed from his nose as his body lifted off the ground, legs dangling helplessly.
Gon (grinning cruelly):
— Sorry, cheap boxer knock-off, but you're still way below my level.
He didn't stop. Gon's legs blurred in motion, kicking relentlessly. THUD! WHAM! CRACK! Every blow dug deeper—ribs, chest, jaw, stomach. Each strike echoed with sickening sounds of impact. Taeki's body became a ragdoll in midair before slamming violently into the ground, coughing blood, face a mask of swelling and red.
Gon (casually shrugging):
— That makes 51 wins for me… 51 losses for you. But hey—you're improving.
He turned to walk away, but a hoarse voice dragged him back.
Taeki (shaking, wiping blood from his brow):
— Don't… don't you walk away. I'm not done with you yet…
Gon stopped, then let out a dark chuckle.
Gon:
— See? Told you. You've gotten stronger. Strong enough that I might actually need to take you seriously.
Both of them launched forward again. Gon's leg snapped up, loaded with lethal force. Taeki clenched his teeth, pouring everything into one final punch. Their attacks were seconds away from colliding—
---
When suddenly, another voice cut in, sharp and irritated:
???:
— Hey, you two! Cut the shit already! Lina dragged me into this dump, I'm already pissed enough—don't make it worse.
A young man had stepped between them, effortlessly catching Taeki's fist in one hand and Gon's kick in the other. The sound of their attacks stopping dead in his grip sent a shockwave of silence through the yard.
About 5'11", sky-blue t-shirt, black shorts, relaxed stance—but his hands were like iron clamps. His gaze was calm, yet heavy.
Gon (eyes narrowing):
— You… who the hell are you?
???:
— Me? Zack.
He released them, locking eyes with both, unflinching.
---
The air was thick, heavy, dangerous. Zack hadn't intervened to play the hero—he simply knew that if Gon's last kick had landed, Taeki might not have stood up again. But what would come now, he hadn't thought through.
And then—
Professor Adam (voice cracking like a whip):
— YOU THREE! That's enough! Detention. All of you! NOW!
Zack (pointing at himself, incredulous):
— … Me too?
Professor Adam:
— YES, you too!
Zack:
— … Great. I already regret coming here.