The Bad Luck That Follows

"Nobody lays a finger on Kuro Sama's best friendo. I said, nobody. But you dared to touch him. You're gonna die."

'I don't even know who the heck Kuro Sama is! What's happening here?'

"Ha. I'm not scared of you."

Scoffed Kakuzo, the leader of the golden yukata team. He brandished his katan.

"Let's go," roared Haruki, charging forward with his katana held high.

Axel just stood there, sensing he'd accidentally stumbled into an epic samurai showdown. He felt like he was getting dragged into something big and terrible, and he sure as heck didn't want any part of it.

But whatever, he was about to witness a serious throwdown between two of the five gangs running the show in Little Maw. Nobody had full control over the place, and nobody dared to go all stabby-stabby in broad daylight. That would just kick off a full-blown war between the clans.

If any Authority types tried to throw their weight around, the five gangs would team up and push back against any threat, except each other.

Kenji, the guy who called Axel his best friendo and went by the title of Roaring Lion of Little Maw, raised his sword high. The steel glinted, and sparks of electricity danced along the blade.

With a mighty swing, a surge of lightning erupted from the tip of his blade, crashing into Kakuzo's blue katana.

BOOOOMMM!!

A thunderous explosion echoed through the area, and thick smoke enveloped them. Axel coughed as the dust cloud filled the surroundings.

"Holy heck! How can a regular katana defend against that?" 

As the smoke began to clear, his best friendo emerged, gracefully stepping onto the ground after being propelled back. The scene was nothing short of awe-inspiring.

"Plasma energy? Nice upgrade, but it won't save you from me, Kakuzo!"

Kakuzo, with his slender build, stood in stark contrast to Kenji's imposing size; the difference between them was as clear as day and night. Yet, in the midst of their exchange, it appeared as though they were on level ground, each holding their own.

'Perhaps the Cyberware or Bioware enhancements tally them.'

"For today, Kenji, I'll spare you. Consider it an act of mercy," Kakuzo declared, lifting his katana.

Something shimmered around the blade—it was plasma energy. A versatile force with numerous applications, depending on its wielder's skill.

It could form an energy shield, capable of protecting anything depending on its size and the power of the battery. It was also used in weaponry like plasma guns.

And now, it crackled around Kakuzo's katana.

"Yeah, me too. I'm too letting you go," Kenji said.

In the background, their shenanigans were causing a ruckus. Every now and then, fire would burst out unexpectedly. One of them even had a long katana sword that stretched out for several meters.

For a second both of them locked eyes. Dust and spark flew from behind.

"Ah! Your hand must be in pain from hitting my plasma shield. Is that why you aren't attacking me?" Kakuzo taunted him, laughing out loudly.

"Blasphemy! You must be shocked after tasting my electricity."

"What are they talking about? It doesn't seem like they're actually fighting."

Axel scratched his head in confusion. It felt more like a performance or something staged. There hadn't been any actual exchanges of blows. He couldn't even see the first clash; it was just dust and sparks. Something didn't add up. It all seemed extremely fishy.

'Is this some kind of act they're putting on? Are they actually friends?'

"Shut up!" howled Kakuzo.

"You shut up!" yelled Kenji.

"Drop dead."

"Kneel in front of me."

"Knock, knock!" Kakuzo called out.

"Who's there?" Kenji responded.

"Your sewed-off balls!" Kakuzo retorted with a smirk.

"This fucker!!"

'These two are definitely friends. Why the heck are they trying to kill each other?'

"Meow!"

Even Byte seems to agree with them. Axel couldn't help but think these must be old pals or something. Due to their family differences, they had to put on this act in public.

It was pretty hilarious to watch.

"You're the one who started it. If you hadn't tried to take out my best friendo, none of this mess would've gone down."

Kenji accused, lifting his hand and jabbing his index finger at Kakuzo.

"Well, your best friendo shouldn't have wandered off like that."

"Shut up."

"You shut up."

"No, you."

"You."

"Get lost!"

'Ah, they are best friendos for sure.'

The whole situation felt like a bad TV show. You know, the kind where the actors are trying too hard, making everything seem forced and awkward.

Besides Axel couldn't just walk away. He needed the Data Card that the scrawny kid was holding onto. Without it, he wouldn't stand a chance of surviving.

"I'm heading out. Okasan (mom) made chili dumplings. I can't waste any time here."

Kakuzo announced, sheathing his sword. He reached behind, and the kid handed him the Data Card.

Kakuzo tossed the small card at Axel. He caught it and let out a sigh of relief.

"Thank you so much."

Relief washed over him as the Data Card rested in his hands. It was safe now. All he had to do was follow the directions, head straight to the Golden Snake bar, transfer the Credit Stick, buy the darn thing, and return.

Axel couldn't help but think he should've listened to Byte earlier; none of this would have happened.

Regrets always come too late.

"Best friendo, next time, be careful. Some of these guys are serious and won't hesitate to kill you," Kenji cautioned. 

As soon as the words left his mouth, a loud cry erupted from the background fighters. Everyone engaged in combat froze mid-action, their attention now drawn to the unexpected interruption.

Bodies piled up, and suddenly, all eyes shifted to two figures.

Haruki, one of Kenji's men, stood with his sword piercing through the mouth of one of Kakuzo's men. The blade emerged from the back of the poor boy's head, spraying blood and flesh in all directions.

A hushed silence fell over the scene as the impaled boy slid off the katana and collapsed to the ground. His body twitched once before going still, the life draining from him as his form grew cold.

Axel really should've listened to Byte. Little did he know, this was just the beginning of a chain of events that would test him in ways he never imagined.