Claws' phone vibrated incessantly. He stopped in the empty alley, taking a deep breath before unlocking the screen. A message from the group appeared prominently:
"Be careful with any gang. We can't get involved. Everyone sees us as traitors now."
Claws clenched his fists. He knew that every wrong step could put the group at risk. He quickly replied, reinforcing the warning:
"Do not approach any gang. Stay together and follow my instructions. If anything happens, stay hidden until I tell you otherwise."
Meanwhile, at home, Claws' parents were making a decision they had never made before. The weight of the situation was too great to ignore. They picked up the phone and, without hesitation, called Claws' grandfather.
— We need your help — said his mother firmly. — Claws is in danger.
— Is he safe? — the grandfather replied calmly, hiding any alarm.
— Not completely — insisted his father. — We need you to do something.
The grandfather took a deep breath, feigning hesitation.
— I can handle it… but not where I am right now. And there will be something in return. — His voice left the promise vague, and the silence that followed left the parents uneasy, unsure exactly what he meant.
---
At the same time, Claws decided he couldn't just protect himself; he needed to act. He headed to his gang's headquarters, where all the members were waiting anxiously. Upon his arrival, the atmosphere changed immediately.
— Claws! — shouted the members when they saw him.
— We've got your back — said one of the veterans. — The leader who's in prison has already ordered to protect you at all costs.
Claws took a deep breath, feeling a mix of relief and responsibility. He knew he couldn't fail now—not with the group or his gang.
— So this is it — said Claws firmly. — I'll face the two leaders who joined forces after the war and their imprisonment. We need to decide what to do before anything gets out of control.
The gang members nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. Everyone knew that the two leaders were dangerous and unstable, capable of creating chaos easily, especially with the police on their side.
---
A few hours later, Claws arrived at the agreed location, an abandoned building that served as a meeting point for the leaders. They were there, serious and imposing, waiting.
— Came alone — said one of the leaders in a harsh voice.
— We know why you're here — added the other, crossing his arms. — The situation is delicate. You must choose: hand over the traitor or prepare for a new war.
Claws swallowed hard, observing every detail. He knew that any decision could trigger immediate violence, and that both leaders would not hesitate to act.
— I can't betray my friends — said Claws firmly. — But I also don't want to start a war without a strategy. I want to prepare our group before any confrontation.
Silence hung in the air. Both leaders exchanged glances and, after a few seconds, nodded slowly.
— So you're willing to risk everything for your group — said one of them. — Very well. But know that the police are on our side, and chaos will be easy to create if we want.
Claws shivered. He knew the next phase would require extreme caution, planning, and courage. Every move would be observed, every step could be fatal.
— Understood — he replied, taking a deep breath. — We'll organize everything carefully. Nothing will be done without a strategy.
The leaders stepped back, but their words left a mark: any wrong action could result in immediate destruction. Claws knew he needed allies, information, and perfect timing to protect the group and survive this new challenge.
---
On the way home, Claws thought over every detail. The betrayal perceived by the gangs, the message he sent to the group, his grandfather promising help in exchange for something mysterious… everything formed a complex web of danger and strategy.
He decided he needed to tell his parents about every step, every decision, and every threat. Upon arriving, he found them waiting.
— How did it go? — asked his mother, worried.
— I managed to ensure my gang is on my side — replied Claws. — But the two leaders are dangerous, and everything could get out of control at any moment. The police are involved, and any mistake could be costly.
His father nodded, looking serious:
— Then we need to think through every step carefully. You're not alone, and now we all need to work together to protect not just you, but all your friends.
Claws took a deep breath, feeling the weight of responsibility. He knew the next phase would be critical: protecting the group, dealing with the unstable leaders, and maintaining control over a situation that could quickly turn into a full-blown war.
---
The chapter ends with Claws alone in his room, looking out the window at the city. The gangs were on alert, the leaders dangerous, and the school still full of mysteries. He knew every future decision would have serious consequences, and the group's safety depended on his leadership, intelligence, and courage.
The suspense was at its peak, and the next step would require perfect planning: the group would face real danger from all sides, and every action could be decisive for the future of Claws and his friends.