Claws' house was quiet, but the atmosphere was tense. He sat on the couch with his parents, waiting for the conversation that would change the family's life.
— Claws — his father began, his voice serious — your grandparents called yesterday. It seems there's a solution… but we need to listen carefully.
His mother continued:
— They're willing to help us, but there's a price to pay.
The phone rang, and soon Claws' grandfather appeared in a video call. The image showed an elegant man, with a firm gaze and an authority that conveyed power without raising his voice.
— Good evening — said the grandfather, Cláudio Mendonça. — I've heard about the problems you're facing. I can fix everything, but we need an agreement.
Claws felt a chill run down his spine, unsure of what to expect.
— What's the agreement? — asked his father.
— You will move to a middle-class neighborhood, close to the school — Cláudio explained. — This ensures safety for Claws and the group. But in the future, he will have to take over my businesses. — The grandfather smiled discreetly, as if saying something that only he understood.
Claws frowned:
— Businesses? What kind of businesses?
The grandfather looked away, giving only a hint:
— Legal businesses for the public, but… some truths will only be revealed with time. Now, focus on the move. It's the best way to keep everyone safe.
---
Meanwhile, Claws' grandfather's gang was on the move. The vice-leader, Renato, was sent by the grandfather to deal with the two gang leaders who had joined forces after the war and their imprisonment.
The two leaders, Miguel and Vinícius, were expecting no surprises when Renato and his men arrived. But the scene changed rapidly:
— What's this? — Miguel asked, confused, as Renato and five more men advanced.
There was no conversation. Renato and his team began physically attacking Miguel and Vinícius' gang members, demonstrating brutal strength. Sticks, punches, and kicks spread chaos.
Soon, more members of Cláudio's gang arrived, armed with sticks and some discreet weapons. The tension was at its peak.
— This childish gang nonsense is over — said Renato, his voice firm, echoing through the space. — The new owner of these territories is now Cláudio Mendonça.
The grandfather's power was clear. He wasn't just a whiskey salesman, as most imagined; beneath the surface, he was the head of a massive gang, with discipline and influence no other leader could match. Every move was strategic, every action coordinated.
---
As the violence unfolded, Claws and his parents watched from a distance, safe, observing the display of power. Claws felt a mix of respect and fear. His grandfather was serious; the gang's level of control and strength was absolute, capable of dominating entire territories with ease.
— He's… always been more powerful than we imagined — murmured Claws' father, reflecting on all the years of suspicion without proof.
— Now we understand — said his mother. — And Claws will have to learn, sooner or later, to maintain this power.
Renato, noticing that Miguel and Vinícius' leaders were on the verge of collapse, gave the final warning:
— This region, these streets, these neighborhoods… are now under my boss Cláudio Mendonça's control. Any resistance will be eliminated swiftly.
Miguel and Vinícius, realizing they had no way out, backed down. The violence and authority of Cláudio's gang left no doubt: the one at the top wasn't just strong; he was unbeatable.
---
Claws took a deep breath, understanding that everything was changing. The group's safety now depended on his ability to comprehend and, eventually, take over his grandfather's power. Every step he took would be observed, every decision would have a direct impact on the gang, the school, and the lives of his friends.
— Understood — said Claws, his voice firm but full of responsibility. — I'll learn, prepare, and protect the group.
The chapter ends with Claws looking out at the city at night, aware that the game had completely changed. The school, the gangs, and the mystery still continued, but now he knew he had an even greater force on his side — his grandfather and the powerful gang that controlled everything behind the scenes.