In the Alleyways of Tokyo
"Let me tell you about peace and non-violence, alright? It's so much more fun to solve conflicts with hugs than with punches, don't you think? I mean, who really wants to live in a world where you have to fight to be heard? Peace, my friends, is like a good cup of coffee: it warms the heart and does wonders."
"Piece of shit! Wiping your shoe on my head, does that promote peace too?!"
"Of course, it promotes my peace and warms my heart, lol."
The boy, casually sitting on the back of an unconscious man, flashed a mocking smile. He pressed his shoe harder onto his victim's head before glancing at his latest opponent, an older man clenching his fists, his face bruised and bloodied.
"Lol? Go fuck yourself! You gambled and lost! All I want is my money back!"
The young man raised an eyebrow as if he had just heard the funniest joke in the world.
"Wait… Are you telling me that a guy as handsome as me went to gamble, lost, and now has to fight a whole bunch of people I owe money to?"
He burst into laughter while glancing around him.
On the cobblestone floor of the alley, a dozen guys lay unconscious. The air was thick with the scent of blood and sweat. He wasn't in better shape himself: a split lip, a bruise covering half his face, and his right fist numb from too many punches.
Then, in one swift motion, he stood up.
"Where… Where are you going?! My mooooney!"
But he was already gone.
"I’ll kill you, kid!!! Wherever you are, I’ll find you!"
---
That’s me, Renjiro Tanaka.
My friends – well, if you can call friends people who are 10 to 30 years older than me – prefer to call me by my last name. "Ren" apparently doesn’t suit me. Too cute, too romantic.
Whatever. I like to fight.
I think I got that from my mom. She loves a good brawl and always pushes me to the brink of death with every training session.
Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.
Today, I might’ve gone a bit overboard. My right eye hurts like hell, my shoulder is on fire, and I’m limping slightly. Normal when you’re facing a bunch of adults and you're just a 16-year-old high school student.
But hey… that’s life, right?
I sigh as I check the time: 6:20 PM.
Shit. My roommate should be arriving any minute now.
Yeah, I’m sharing my apartment with someone I’ve never met. All I know is that he goes to the same high school as me.
Honestly, I hope he’s cool.
Please, God, let him be stylish. Amen.
---
After 5 minutes, then 10, then 20 minutes of walking, I finally arrive in front of my building.
I grab the door handle, ready to enter when…
Fshhh…
A sharp whistling sound echoes in my ears. A moment later, my body collapses.
What…?
My vision blurs. I try to move, but my limbs aren’t responding anymore.
I open my eyes with difficulty.
Where… am I?
A cold metallic feel against my wrists. My arms and legs are tightly bound. A flickering pale light on the ceiling. The smell of leather and cold cigarettes fills my nostrils.
I try to speak, but…
My mouth is taped shut.
My breathing quickens. I look up: I’m in a black car speeding down the road.
Two bodybuilders are sitting on either side of me.
Shit… I’ve been kidnapped?!
I struggle, but the ropes are too tight.
Fuck!!!
Of all nights, it had to be tonight… I was planning to binge-watch Perfect Run all night…
---
The car drives for a long while before stopping in front of…
A luxurious mansion.
Its white walls reflect the light from the street lamps, and large golden inscriptions adorn the facade.
One of the goons lifts me up like a sack of potatoes and drags me inside.
CLACK.
The door slams shut behind us.
As my eyes adjust to the light, I see…
An old man sitting in an armchair, a steaming cup of tea in hand.
The old man stares at me for a moment before folding his hands under his chin.
"Renjiro Tanaka, right?"
His broken Japanese clearly shows he's a foreigner.
I can’t answer because of the tape on my mouth, but my eyes shoot daggers at him.
He sighs and gives a nod.
One of the goons steps forward and rips the tape off with a swift motion.
"FUCK!"
My voice echoes in the room.
I take a deep breath before shouting:
"WHO THE HELL ARE YOU, YOU BUNCH OF IDIOTS?!"
The old man doesn’t flinch. He just pours some tea into his cup.
"Peace, my friend, is like coffee: it warms the heart and does wonders. Hahaha, that's right, my boy? You’re interesting, ah, youth, hahaha."
… Huh?
Did he just quote me from earlier?
I wanted to ask, but that wasn’t the most urgent thing right now.
"If you wanted to send me a message, there were other ways than KIDNAPPING ME!"
He smiles.
"I’ve always believed that communication works best face-to-face."
I roll my eyes.
"Yeah, sure. And I prefer talking without being tied to a damn chair."
He ignores my remark and continues, in a calm tone:
"Tell me, Renjiro… What do you think of the United States?"
…
What?
I furrow my brow.
"Uh… I don’t know, it’s cool, I guess? The burgers are great."
He nods thoughtfully.
Then, without a word, he pulls a photo from his jacket and places it on the table.
I glance down.
A girl. Light skin. Sky-blue hair. A cold gaze.
If you know anything about the United States like I do, you’d immediately recognize who this girl is.
Scarlett Bidan.
My heart stops.
Why… Why is he showing me this?!
A bad feeling crawls up my spine.
In a deep voice, he finally says:
"This girl will be your new roommate."
…
…
Scarlett Bidan…
Bidan…
My eyes widen and slowly raise my head.
I stare at him.
His imposing figure. His impeccable suit. His face so familiar…
…
Oh shit.
A chill runs down my back.
This isn’t just some eccentric rich guy…
The man in front of me…
HE’S THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES!!!
Oh. My. God.
I swear on my life, the devil must’ve taken over my body because there’s no way I’m about to say something like this:
"What the hell are you talking about, you crazy bastard?"
DZ: Read at least until chapter two. If, after that, you haven't smiled even once, I’ll agree that you can abandon the story. But I bet it won't happen!