Chapter 1: The Beast Awakens
In a world where strength defined status and power ruled over all, human limits had ceased to exist. Society was a battlefield where brute force, agility, and sheer dominance dictated one's place in the hierarchy. From martial artists who could split boulders with their fists to gang bosses who ruled the streets like kings, peace was a fragile treasure reserved for those who held the power to demand it. For the powerless? Life was a relentless struggle.
Riku Sato was an anomaly in this chaotic world. Average in studies, unremarkable in sports, and seemingly uninterested in the pursuit of strength, he was invisible on paper. But in reality, his life was anything but ordinary. With sharp, brooding features and an uncanny streak of luck, Riku had inadvertently become a living legend. Misunderstandings, rumors, and coincidences painted him as a shadowy figure feared by all—the "Beast of Asakami."
Yet, Riku himself was clueless about his fearsome reputation. He just wanted to survive high school.
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The Jungle of Takemori High
Takemori High School, or “The Jungle,” was infamous as a breeding ground for chaos. Gangs ruled its halls, and delinquent students turned classrooms into battlegrounds. Despite the school's unruly nature, Riku, a seemingly ordinary 17-year-old, had somehow gained a terrifying reputation. Whispers of his supposed exploits echoed through the corridors:
"He took down a gang of ten with a single glare."
"He broke a steel bat over his knee."
"Even the police bow to him."
Riku? He had no idea where these rumors came from.
It all started one fateful school day. Sitting in the back of the class, Riku stared blankly at the board as the math teacher droned on.
“Riku Sato, where’s your homework?” the teacher asked hesitantly.
“Uh… I forgot it at home,” Riku replied with a sheepish shrug.
The teacher paled, her hands trembling. “N-no problem, Sato. Just bring it tomorrow.”
The room buzzed with whispers.
"See? Even the teacher’s scared of him."
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"Yeah, he’s probably too busy fighting off gangs to do homework."
Riku buried his face in his hands. Why do they always assume the worst?
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A Fateful Encounter
After school, Riku’s luck—or lack thereof—struck again. On his way home, he accidentally bumped into a towering man with scars covering his face. Before Riku could apologize, the man froze.
“B-Big Brother?!”
Riku blinked. “What?”
The man, none other than the infamous leader of the Black Fang Syndicate, bowed deeply. “Where are you headed, Big Brother? Planning to take down another gang? Just say the word!”
Riku’s heart raced. Why is this scary guy calling me Big Brother?
“Uh… I just want to go home,” Riku muttered coldly, masking his internal panic.
The gang boss straightened, nodding respectfully. “Understood, Big Brother. Please send my regards to Aunty!”
From nearby windows, teachers and students stared in stunned silence. One teacher whispered, “Even the Black Fang bows to him… How do we discipline someone like that?”
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The Legend Begins
The origins of Riku’s fearsome reputation could be traced back to a bizarre accident years ago. On his way home, Riku had tripped over a trash can, setting off a domino effect that inadvertently thwarted an ambush on the Black Fang Syndicate. Their leader, Kaito “The Fang” Arata, had misinterpreted the accident as a masterful display of strategy and strength. Since then, Kaito had idolized Riku as a mysterious protector who operated from the shadows.
“You’ve watched over us without asking for credit,” Kaito had said reverently. “A true leader.”
Riku had scratched his head, unsure how to respond. “Uh… sure. No problem?”
From that day on, the Black Fang regarded him as their untouchable “big brother,” further fueling the myth of the Beast of Asakami.
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Family Ties and New Troubles
Riku’s family, the Satos, lived a modest life running a small bookstore in the chaotic Asakami Ward. While Riku tried to keep his head down, his younger sister, Aoi, struggled with her own battles.
“Riku!” Aoi cried one evening, running into the house with tears in her eyes.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
“Some classmates are bullying me again,” she said, her voice trembling.
Riku frowned. “They bully you because you’re weak.”
“Not everyone is like you!” Aoi snapped, storming off to her room.
Their mother, worried, asked Riku to accompany Aoi to school the next day to address the bullying. With a sigh, Riku agreed, unaware of the storm brewing ahead.
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The Queen of Hoshikawa Academy
The next morning, Riku escorted Aoi to her prestigious school, Hoshikawa Academy. Unlike Takemori, Hoshikawa was a pristine institution divided between academic achievers and elite bullies.
As Riku entered the school grounds, whispers spread like wildfire.
"Riku Sato is here!"
"Why is The Beast at this school?"
The top dog of Hoshikawa, Renji Arai, descended from his throne on the second floor. Renji’s family controlled much of Asakami’s underworld, and his word was law within the school. But when he saw Riku, his confident smirk faltered.
Approaching cautiously, Renji bowed. “Sato, to what do we owe the honor?”
Riku’s voice was calm but firm. “Some students bullied my sister. Make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
Renji paled. “Your sister? I’ll make sure she’s treated like royalty from now on.”
Aoi stared at her brother in disbelief. “Riku… what are you?”
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Police Interference
Just as the situation seemed resolved, sirens blared as police cars surrounded the school. A rookie officer stepped out, his hand on his holster.
“You there! Hands up!”
Before Riku could react, the senior officer intervened, bowing deeply. “Apologies, sir! My subordinate didn’t recognize you.”
The rookie blinked. “What? He’s just a kid!”
The senior officer glared. “Do you want to lose your badge?”
Inside, Riku was panicking. Why does everyone keep acting like I’m someone important?
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The Shadow of Misunderstanding
As Riku walked Aoi home, he reflected on the day’s events. No matter where he went, people treated him like some untouchable legend. Whispers of the “Beast” echoed across Asakami, and in the shadows, powerful figures watched him with growing interest.
Unbeknownst to Riku, his misunderstood reputation was no longer just a local myth. It was the beginning of a legend that would shake the very foundations of their world.
And as Riku pondered his so-called “luck,” a sinister figure smirked from the shadows.
“So, the Beast doesn’t even know his own strength… How fascinating.”
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Epilogue: Ripples of Chaos
The Black Fang Syndicate whispered his name with r
everence. Gangs spoke of him in hushed tones. Teachers feared him. Even the police tread carefully.
Yet, Riku Sato?
He just wanted to live a normal life.