The dinner came to a warm close, and the group stepped out into the cool evening air, chatting idly before parting ways at the intersection. Since Ethan and Madison lived in the same direction, they walked side by side down the quiet residential street.
"The food was amazing tonight," Madison noted, folding her hands behind her back.
Ethan nodded. "Yeah. And surprising for the price—didn't end up hurting Alberto's wallet as much as I thought."
Madison chuckled softly in agreement.
Ethan took a brief pause before speaking up again. "Madison... I actually need your help with something."
Madison glanced over at him, offering a quick nod. "Sure. What's up?"
"It's about Lucas," Ethan said. "He needs a hand."
"A hand with what?"
"You should've picked up on it by now," Ethan said, a faint smirk touching his lips. "He wants to set things up with Alice."
Madison's smirk widened. "Ethan playing matchmaker? Now that is rare."
Ethan shook his head quickly. "Hey, I'm just looking out for a friend."
"So he actually likes her?" Madison asked.
"Yeah. Big time."
Madison nodded knowingly. "Then we're definitely helping them out."
"Them?" Ethan repeated.
"Alice likes him too," Madison revealed with a bright smile. "Anyone watching the two of them can see it."
Ethan blinked, surprised. "Well... that makes things a lot easier. So, what's the game plan?"
"I don't know," Madison admitted. "We should probably consult an expert."
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Got anyone in mind?"
"Uncle Beast," Madison suggested instantly.
"NAH!" Ethan shot back without a second's hesitation.
"Why not?" Madison laughed.
"Because the second I ask, he's going to demand money, a huge amount!" Ethan grumbled.
Madison giggled. "Fair point. What about Uncle Benson then?"
"Never in a million years!" Ethan deadpanned, making Madison break into fresh laughter.
Ethan paused, thinking it over for a moment. "Actually... there is someone in our class. You know him too."
Madison looked at him, curious. "Who? Uncle Beast?"
"No," Ethan said. "I'm talking about Finn."
Madison tilted her head. "Finn? Is he really an expert on this kind of stuff?"
"I don't know about expert, but he's definitely experienced," Ethan said. "He's dating a third-year student."
Madison's eyes widened. "Wait, really?! A third-year?"
"Yeah. You've probably seen her around—her name is Himari."
"Oh! The white-haired transfer student from Japan?" Madison realized, giving a firm nod. "So, are you going to ask her?"
"No, not her. I'll talk to Finn directly at school tomorrow," Ethan said.
As they neared the corner of their street, Ethan's tone grew slightly more reserved. "Madison... can you get Allen to meet me tomorrow after school?"
Madison gave him a steady look, sensing the underlying seriousness. "Sure. I'll let him know."
Ethan walked Madison all the way to her front porch, making sure she was safely inside before heading to his own home down the block.
Prison
Enzo sat atop a mountain of groaning, battered bodies in the center of the subterranean holding area. His muscular frame was covered in fresh cuts and bruises, his chest heaving with heavy breaths.
The heavy steel door scraped open, and a solitary guard stepped into the cellblock. He surveyed the chaotic scene, looking at the dozen downed officers scattered across the concrete floor.
"Did you do all this?" the guard asked, his voice completely calm.
Enzo stood up slowly, a jagged scar stretching across the side of his face. "Yeah. And if you value your life, old man, you'll turn around and walk right back out."
The guard merely smiled. He stepped into the light, stopping just inches from Enzo. "Kid, you're taking me far too lightly."
Enzo glanced down at the metal name tag pinned to the guard's tactical vest:
T.K. SHOGUN.
Enzo grinned, cracking his knuckles. "New guy, huh? Well then, Mr. Shogun... why don't we throw some hands?"
In a flash, Enzo drove a lethal, full-power straight punch aimed directly at Shogun's heart.
CRACK!
Enzo's eyes widened in sheer horror. Shogun hadn't flinched. He hadn't even shifted his weight. Instead, the sudden impact cracked the bones in Enzo's own hand, sending a wave of agony up his arm.
Shogun stared down at him with cold, unyielding eyes. "Kid... you're getting released today. Don't make me kill you before you make it out the front gate."
Desperate, Enzo unleashed a heavy point-blank roundhouse kick to Shogun's midsection with everything he had left.
The kick connected like hitting a solid steel pillar. Shogun remained entirely unmoved.
"Strike one more time, and I end you right here," Shogun warned softly.
Enzo slowly stepped back, lowering his guard and steadying his breath as the cold reality of the power gap sank in.
Shogun gave a single nod. "Follow me."
As he turned to lead Enzo down the security corridor, Shogun grumbled internally.
What the hell was Sasaki thinking, ordering me to infiltrate as a prison guard...? At least he could have given me a valid reason.
That night, Enzo stepped out through the iron gates of the prison. His broken hand was tightly bound in thick bandages, his chest heavy with newfound caution. Outside, his entire gang stood waiting, roaring in celebration as their leader returned.
Loop's Main Headquarters
Inside the executive suite of Loop Headquarters, John Levi sat across an antique mahogany desk from Jake.
"Mr. Jake," John Levi opened smoothly, swirling his glass of bourbon. "It has been far too long since we last met face-to-face."
Jake sat back in his leather chair, completely unbothered by the heavy guard presence surrounding the room. "You've got some nerve calling me here directly. I'm surprised you aren't afraid I'll tear this place down..."
John Levi smiled softly. "Fear has nothing to do with it. I summoned you because I know for a fact you aren't working for him..."
Jake's eyes locked onto Levi's. "You brought me here to talk about him... Which means you already know..."
John Levi gave a satisfied nod. "Shall we begin?"
After a long pause, Jake gave a single, quiet nod of assent.
"Mr. Jake..." John Levi leaned forward, his grin sharpening into something deeply predatory. "You, me, and the rest of the underworld powers share only one true obstacle."
John Levi set his glass down on the desk, his voice dripping with venom.
"And that obstacle is him... Murphy. Why don't we take care of him... together."