he evening air was crisp, carrying the faint hum of distant traffic and the occasional shout from the streets below. James Lee sat in his room, the faint glow of the QuestSim system interface illuminating the walls. The first step had been completed—Yamagishi had agreed to join him—but now came the real work: formalizing Valhalla.
He pulled out a notepad and pencil, sketching designs with careful precision. His first priority was the gang jacket, the emblem, the colors—everything needed to command respect while remaining practical for the streets.
[Valhalla Jacket – Design Phase]
Base: Jet black leather
Accents: Deep crimson stitching along the seams
Emblem: Stylized "V" with sharp wings on the back
Clasps: Gold for authority
Hidden Features: Pockets for small weapons or tools
Satisfied, he uploaded the design into the system. QuestSim interface confirmed:
[Gang Outfit Template Saved: Valhalla Jacket – Level 1 Complete]
"Perfect," James Lee muttered. "This will be the symbol of loyalty and strength. Those who wear it… will be recognized instantly. Valhalla begins with this."
Next came training Yamagishi. He wanted the first recruit to embody the values of Valhalla: loyalty, observation, adaptability, and obedience.
"Alright," James Lee said calmly, turning to Yamagishi who stood nervously in front of him. "The first thing you need to understand: this isn't just a gang. It's strategy, power, and influence. You need to see, think, and act. That's how Valhalla survives."
Yamagishi nodded. "I… I understand."
James Lee moved to a small rooftop area outside his building. "Your first exercise: observe the school grounds. Report back three behaviors or interactions you notice that could be useful in a conflict or negotiation. Focus, pay attention."
The system tracked Yamagishi's progress:
[Candidate 1: Yamagishi – Observation +2][Candidate Confidence +2][Recruitment Loyalty: 50%]
James Lee's eyes gleamed faintly. The boy was learning fast. This was how a gang began—not with brute strength, but with intelligence and discipline.
With Yamagishi steadily improving, James Lee moved to scout additional potential recruits. Using his knowledge of the Tokyo Revengers timeline, he identified key students who could be molded into reliable members:
Kazutora, impulsive but strong—could be controlled with calculated influence.
Chifuyu, loyal and intelligent—ideal second-in-command once trust was earned.
Takemichi, unpredictable but connected—valuable later for information and influence.
He observed Kazutora first, noting his aggressive tendencies and how he interacted with his peers. Subtle intimidation and careful gestures of authority could be used to bend him toward loyalty.
Chifuyu's intelligence and loyalty patterns were perfect for someone who could act as a strategist beside him once Valhalla grew. Takemichi's unpredictability made him a wildcard—but his connections could be leveraged once the gang was established.
James Lee began plotting his first formal recruitment sequence. Each candidate would be approached subtly, tested for loyalty and adaptability, and then offered a role once the initial evaluation was complete.
Back in his room, the system chimed with a new hidden quest:
[Hidden Quest: Expand Valhalla Core]Objectives:
Recruit at least three additional members.
Complete first training exercises for each recruit.
Equip first member with official Valhalla jacket.
He smirked. "Step by step… methodically. Loyalty and strength, observation and obedience. Valhalla doesn't grow recklessly—it grows strategically."
James Lee glanced at Yamagishi, now wearing the first prototype jacket he had fabricated himself. The emblem gleamed faintly under the ceiling light.
"Remember," James Lee said, voice calm but firm, "this jacket isn't just clothing. It's a symbol. Loyalty, unity, and strength. Wear it with pride, and you'll survive. Fail… and you won't even know what hit you."
The system pinged softly, confirming:
[Gang Formation Progress: 60% Complete]
James Lee stepped back, analyzing the scene. One recruit, trained, equipped, and loyal. The rest to follow. Every step, every move, calculated. Every interaction feeding the system. Every decision shaping the timeline.
Outside, the city of Tokyo glimmered under neon lights, unaware that a new force was rising. A force built not on chaos, but on strategy, influence, and foresight.
Valhalla had begun.
And James Lee… was already thinking five moves ahead.