The streets of the neighborhood were even quieter as Mateus, Lucas, and Diego turned the corner. The heavy air seemed to stick to their skin. That's when a group of about seven boys appeared on the other side, taking up the entire sidewalk. Baggy clothes, caps, tattoos on their arms, and looks that left no doubt: they were gang members.
One of them, tall and wearing a chain around his neck, flashed a mocking smile.
"— Well, well… lost little tourists in our territory."
Another, with his face partially covered by a scarf, snapped his fingers.
"— I've never seen these two before. But you…" — he pointed at Mateus with his chin — "…look like you know where you're stepping."
Mateus didn't lower his gaze. His eyes hardened, his feet planted firmly on the ground, his posture that of someone ready to react if necessary.
"— We're not looking for trouble. Just passing through."
Diego, nervous, let out a corner-of-the-mouth laugh.
"— Yeah… just a quick stroll, all good."
But Lucas, unaware of the danger, spoke innocently:
"— Actually, we just came to look for Claws."
The atmosphere changed instantly. The name echoed as if it carried its own weight. The gang members exchanged glances, their expressions darkening.
"Claws, huh?" said the tallest one, his voice deep. "You think you can come into our patch shouting that name like that?"
Two of the boys started to advance, closing in. Mateus stepped forward, stretching out his arm to keep Diego and Lucas behind him.
"— Listen carefully: stay quiet. And if you run, run to Claws."
Mateus assumed a fighting stance, firm, breathing heavy.
"— If you want trouble, you'll have to get through me first."
Lucas froze. Diego held his breath. But before the situation could explode, a voice echoed from the next corner:
"— Hey."
Everyone turned. Claws was there, walking slowly, surrounded by his own gang. His presence was magnetic. The respectful glances of those accompanying him made it clear he carried weight here.
The leader of the rival gang twisted his mouth into a smirk.
"— Look… the man himself. No need to even look for him."
Claws didn't lose his calm. He stepped closer, his dark eyes locked on the other leader.
"— You know exactly where the line is. This territory isn't yours."
The tension thickened even more. The two leaders stood face to face, just inches apart. The silence was cutting, broken only by the distant sound of motorcycles and music.
After a few seconds, the rival broke the tension.
"— Fine. But tell these three… if they come through our area again, it won't just be talk."
He shot a cold glance at Mateus, Lucas, and Diego, then extended his hand to Claws.
Claws shook it firmly, without smiling. The rival added,
"— Control your friends. We won't go easy next time."
With that, the rival gang slowly backed away, disappearing into the alleys.