Chapter 5: Job Hunt

In the early morning hours when the mist still lingered on the streets of Kyoto, I took the first step on a new path. Leaving familiar places behind, I headed towards Tokyo, a city where, I hoped, I wouldn't encounter my fellow clan members.

Without money and documents, the journey to Tokyo turned into a test of endurance and resourcefulness. Unable to use public transportation, I walked, avoiding encounters with the police and trying to find food where possible. Sometimes I asked for leftovers in cafes, other times I rummaged through trash bins. At night, I found shelter in the shadows of parks or abandoned corners of the city.

Survival skills acquired in the clan proved useful, but modern devices and technologies presented a real challenge. Everything around seemed so unfamiliar and complex.

As I entered Tokyo, the city was bustling with life. Skyscrapers, the hum of the streets, an endless flow of people – all of it was new and unfamiliar to me. Even irritating, but where there are many people, there are more opportunities for life.

The first day in the new city was coming to an end. Standing on a bridge and gazing at the water's surface, I yawned from exhaustion.

"...Strange, I'm supposed to be free now, but there's some kind of unease inside," I muttered, turning around. "What now?"

"Without education and documents, finding a job will be difficult," I thought, settling down for a moment. The ground was cold; winter was in full swing. "Tomorrow, I'll sneak around the area and find a place to work."

The next day, I explored the city, trying to find less prosperous areas. In one café, I was offered a janitorial job, but the pay was meager. Then I approached a small shop where an assistant was needed, but they required documents I didn't have. I even tried to get a job on a construction site, but they turned me away, saying I still needed to grow for that kind of work.

Evening came, and angry and hungry, I noticed a neon sign of some club. At the entrance stood two guards. Seeing them, an idea crossed my mind. I headed towards them.

"Hey, you guys got any work for me? I'm pretty strong and agile, I'm sure I can be useful."

Both guards glared at me grimly.

"Get out of here, kid; you're still too small for this kind of business," one of them smirked.

"Listen, I've been wandering around the city all day looking for a job," I replied irritably. "Just take me to your boss."

"Get lost," the second guard replied and grabbed me by the shoulder, trying to push me away.

I didn't even flinch at his actions. Grabbing his hand, I slowly moved it away from my shoulder and twisted it to the side until I heard a crunch. The man's face twisted in pain, and his eyes widened with surprise. He tried to break free, but I held him firmly, showing that I wasn't as easy as he thought.

"Maybe now you'll call your boss?" I calmly asked, not releasing his hand.

The man whose hand I twisted managed to squeeze out a rough "fine" through his teeth. His companion, who was smirking earlier, now looked at me with evident bewilderment.

"Okay, I'll call him," he said, not taking his eyes off me.

I loosened my grip, releasing the guard's hand. He stepped back, massaging his wrist and throwing a disdainful look at me.

After a few minutes, a middle-aged man in an expensive suit came out of the club. His gaze was piercing, and his manners were confident.

"So, you're looking for a job?" he asked, assessing me from head to toe.

"Yes," I nodded. "Heard there's an opening here."

"And why do you think you're suitable for a security job in my club?" the man skeptically inquired.

"I'm strong and know how to handle trouble," I replied, recalling my recent actions.

The man looked at his guard with the twisted wrist, then back at me.

"Alright, let's give it a try. If you prove your usefulness, the job is yours," he said and turned to go back into the club.

I nodded. For the first time in a long day, I felt some relief. I managed to find a job.

Stepping inside the club, I immersed myself in its dim atmosphere. Soft, muted lighting created a relaxed setting. The walls were painted in dark shades adorned with abstract paintings and neon installations.

Music played deep and rhythmic, filling the air with bass vibrations. The bar counter, adorned with chrome elements and colorful bottles, caught the eye. Behind it was a bartender skillfully mixing drinks.

Club visitors represented a diverse crowd: from young people in fashionable clothes to older guests seeking relaxation after a day of work. They talked, laughed, and drank, seemingly forgetting about the outside world.

In the corner of the hall was a dance floor where crowds of people moved in unison with the music.

I paused for a moment, looking around. All of this was new to me.

Soon, the second guard I had just encountered led me through the dance floor to the staff room.

"During the first two weeks, you'll be on probation," explained the man, handing me a security guard uniform. "Wear this for now. After the probationary period, you'll get a uniform in your size."

"Understood," I nodded, starting to change. "And what about payment?"

"Three thousand yen per day, five thousand after the probationary period," he replied, folding his arms across his chest.

"Hmm... don't security guards usually get paid a bit more?" I asked, buttoning up my shirt.

He smirked, "They do, if they have documents and a license. By the way, what's your name?"

"Toji," I answered, extending my hand for a handshake.

"I'm Akira," he shook my hand. "Nice to meet you."

My working days at the club began to fly by unnoticed. Two weeks of probation quickly passed, and I finally rented a modest one-room apartment not far from work. The room was small and simple, with minimal amenities, but that didn't matter. I just needed a shelter where I could rest for a few hours before the next shift.

Between work shifts, I found the perfect place for myself – a gym where I bought a membership. The gym was spacious and well-equipped. Mirrors and motivational posters adorned the walls, creating an atmosphere of determination and success. The machines occupied most of the space, offering a variety of exercises for all muscle groups.

I was particularly drawn to special machines for people with quirks that enhanced strength. Standard weights were too light for me, but these machines allowed me to really exert myself and develop my abilities. With each passing day, I felt my muscles getting stronger, and my body becoming more resilient.

Evenings were spent working at the club. The job of a security guard was monotonous, but it gave me the opportunity to observe people, learn to understand their behavior and motives. I quickly adapted to my new role, becoming part of the team and gaining a certain authority among colleagues.

Now, standing by the window of my small room and watching the morning hustle of the city, I realized that these few weeks had completely changed my life. I found a new home, a job, and even a place where I could pursue my interests. Despite all the difficulties and challenges, I felt free and independent.

Yawning, I headed towards the bed, and after a few minutes, I fell asleep.