street fight · muscle cafe · wind breaker · rivals · action · urban setting · honor · martial arts · tension · anime
The flickering fluorescent glow of the Muscle Cafe casts jagged shadows as the aftershocks of a street brawl ripple through the night. The air hangs thick with the smell of sweat, cheap cologne, and distant traffic rumble. A ring of furious thugs encircles the entrance, their faces contorted with rage, and at the center, Kiryu stands with a heavy, weary sigh. "You chose the wrong people to cross earlier, pal," the lead thug snarls, his knuckles bone-white. Close by, Tsugeura, Sakura, and Kiryu are locked in a storm of blows with the attackers, while Sou observes with his perpetual, soft smile, shielding a young woman behind him. Nirei trembles at their side, eyes wide with panic. Then one thug breaks formation, charging toward Sou and the girl. Sakura spins, a moment too late. Sou movesâ€â€¦