(chapter 1) Bloodied Knuckles and Heartfelt Sacrifices

The sharp smell of exhaust fumes mingled with the tantalizing aroma of sizzling street food, assaulting my senses as I weaved through the vibrant, neon-lit streets of our bustling city.

My long, wavy black hair whipped around me in the breeze, sending a chill down the exposed skin of my neck. I adjusted the collar of my leather jacket and pushed forward, navigating the tangled web of people like a predator stalking its prey.

"Emi-chan!" Mika's voice rang out from behind me, drawing my attention to her petite frame as she squeezed through the throng of people. I grinned at my friend, reveling in our shared connection as members of the Sukeban gang, a sisterhood of fierce, rebellious young women, bound together by loyalty and determination.

"Yo, Mika!" I called back, raising my hand in greeting. She returned my wave with a grin as we continued on our separate paths for the day.

As I walked, I could feel the way the crowd seemed to part ever so slightly before me. A testament to the reputation I've earned within both the gang and the community. My 5'10" height towered above most, and my mixed heritage lent an exotic quality to my features. But it was my fiery spirit and love for combat that truly set me apart.

My mind wandered as I strolled, recalling past battles and victories, each one feeding the burning passion for fighting within me. I reveled in the clash of fists, the adrenaline coursing through my veins, and the satisfaction of kicking people's asses. And yet, there was another side to me that few were privy to, a secret passion for anime, particularly Dragon Ball Z.

"Watch where you're going, girl!" a gruff voice snapped me out of my reverie. I looked up to see an annoyed looking old man glaring at me, his face flushed red with anger.

I really couldn't take him seriously as the old balding fat man tried to look intimidating I couldn't help but snort and jammed my fist into his gut causing him to drop to the floor while coughing.

"You must be knew here, so I'll let you off with a warning," I said as I forced him to look at me with my foot. "You better remember next time, or I wouldn't be as nice" and on that mark, I kicked him in the stomach. Looking down at him with disgust.

I would have to let some of the girls that worked the streets know to not let any piggies near them. I had made sure that any girl working on our turf was above the age of 18, the younger ones were used as errand runners for us. this at least would keep them out of trouble for now.

Everyone else acted as if what was happening around them didn't happen. 'That's right none of you saw anything' I said in my head. Pathetic was the word that kept replaying in my head as I looked at the people. As the commotion settled, I quickly resumed my brisk walk, my heart still pounding with residual adrenaline. I found solace in the familiar streets, eventually stumbling upon an anime store that beckoned me inside.

I couldn't help but stand there looking in at the many figures and mangas that filled their shelves. "Oh shit, is that the new Broly figure?" I thought as I looked at it. Maybe I could go in and buy it, but what if one of the other girls from the gang saw me?

"Emi, looking for ugly bastards to beat up again," a teasing voice drew me back to the present. I turned to find Yumi, another member of our Sukeban gang, smirking at me. "We've got work to do."

"Right," I said, shaking off the remnants of my musings. It was time to focus. For now, the world of anime would have to wait. My sisters needed me, and nothing, not even the allure of my secret passion, could keep me from standing by their side.

Together we made our way through the city, turning a corner and entering an alley where other girls stood around, some with bats others with bike chains. But we all had the same thing in common, that being the symbol on the back of my jacket. With a nod of my head, the girl who had been standing guard at the back of the ally, in front of the door moved to the side and bowed "Welcome back Emi"

The familiar sight of the other girls inside the room, mostly resting in the chairs or smoking was a comforting sight for the next hour all I did was sit and begin to read while one of my headphones blasted the song Power by Divide Music in my ear.

"Emi, we've got a situation," Yumi called out as she burst into the dimly lit, cramped room that served as our gang's headquarters. I looked up from my battered copy of Dragon Ball Z that was hidden in another book to make sure the other girls never noticed my interest.

"Spill it," I said, my voice steady and commanding. The other girls in the room fell silent, their eyes trained on me, waiting for instructions. I felt the weight of their trust and loyalty. It was a feeling I could never get used to but I would feel lonely without it. Though id never tells them that.

"Rival gang on our turf," Yumi reported, her face etched with urgency. "Seems like they're itching for a fight again."

"Perfect I was getting tired of beating up old men," I muttered under my breath. These rival gangs never seemed to learn their lesson. My fists clenched at the thought of this pain in the ass starter group again, that kept trying to encroach upon what we had fought so hard to build.

"Alright, gather everyone and make sure they're ready for anything," I ordered, my tone leaving no room for argument. The girls dispersed, running off to mobilize our forces. As I rose to get the long white trench coat that every enforcer had to wear, while I fixed the white medic mask on my face.

"Emi," Yumi said softly, her expression filled with concern as she placed a hand on my shoulder. "You don't have to handle this alone. We've got your back."

"I know," I replied, offering her a tight smile. "But I won't let anyone threaten our family. It's my job to protect us."

As the enforcer of our Sukeban gang, I was both respected and feared by other groups in the city.

"Let's go then, shall we?" I said, striding towards the door. Yumi followed close behind, I caught her gripping her bat from the corner of my eye.

The sun dipped below the skyline, casting an orange haze over the city as we assembled in our usual spot – a dimly lit alleyway that served as our sanctuary. I could feel the tension pulsating among my fellow gang members, their nervous energy rubbing off on me. One look at their faces told me that they were ready.

"Alright, girls," I said, clenching my fists. "I don't know what these punks are planning, but we won't let them take our territory without a fight."

"Damn right, Emi!" Yumi barked, which in turn caused the other girls to shout in agreement.

"Remember to watch each other's backs," I reminded them, my voice dripping with excitement. They nodded in unison, and we set off into the night.

Just as we reach the river bridge we came face-to-face with the rival gang. Their leader, a tall, lanky guy with a sneer that made my blood boil, stepped forward.

"Thought I could just waltz in here and claim this turf" he taunted, his gang members snickering behind him.

"Back off," I warned, narrowing my eyes. My heart pounded in my chest like a war drum, urging me into battle. Deep down, I knew it wasn't just about defending our turf it was about me getting a chance to beat the ever-living shit out of these punks.

"Make us," he spat, lunging forward.

That was all the invitation I needed. As I rushed forwards swinging my fist which he side step and throw his own punch. As his fist whizzed past my face, time seemed to slow down. I ducked, the wind from his punch grazing my cheek. Seizing the opportunity, I unleashed a powerful counterattack, driving my fist into his gut. The impact sent him sprawling to the ground, gasping for air. His gang members rushed to retaliate, and we clashed like two storm fronts colliding. With each blow I delivered, a surge of conflicting emotions coursed through me. While the thrill of battle consumed me.

I fought with everything I had, unleashing a flurry of punches and kicks that left my opponents reeling. My instincts took over, guiding me through each skirmish with almost supernatural precision. And as I battled,i couldn't help but wonder if this was what they felt when they fought.

But it wasn't enough. For every enemy I took down, two more seemed to take their place. My gang members fought valiantly beside me, but we were outnumbered and outmatched.

"Emi!" Yumi cried, her eyes wide with fear as she struggled against her own opponents. "We have to retreat!"

"Keep fighting," I urged them, refusing to back down. There had to be a way to turn the tide of battle.

"Emi, please," Yumi pleaded, desperation lacing her voice. "We can't win this one."

As much as it pained me to admit it, she was right. We couldn't keep fighting like this, not without risking everything we'd worked so hard to build. So, with a heavy heart, I shouted the order to retreat, hoping against hope that we'd live to fight another day.

"Emi, watch out!" Yumi's voice cut through the chaos like a knife.

I spun around just in time to see an enemy gang member charging toward me, a wild look in his eyes and a makeshift weapon raised high above his head. In that split second, I made my decision.

"Yumi, get everyone out of here!" I shouted, my voice cracking with emotion as I braced for impact. "I'll hold them off!"

"Emi, don't!" she cried, but it was too late. I sprinted toward my attacker, every muscle in my body tensing as I prepared to meet him head on.

The clash was brutal. My fists connected with flesh and bone, sending waves of pain shooting through my arms, but I refused to back down. I could feel my body weakening with each blow, but the thought of my friends, and my family kept me going.

"Yumi," I gasped between punches, "please, just go!"

"Emi, I can't leave you!" she protested, her voice laced with anguish. But I couldn't let her stay. If Yumi and the others didn't escape now, then my sacrifice would be in vain. The other girls grabbed her and took her away to safety.

"Yumi," I whispered, my vision blurring from the pain and exhaustion, "you have to lead them now. You're strong. I believe in you." And as if she could hear me.

"No, Emi, we need you!" she choked out, tears streaming down her face.

"Please, Do this for me," I whispered as i punched one of the men in the throat.

For the briefest moment, our eyes met, and I saw the fire of determination in hers. She nodded, swallowing hard, and turned to rally the others, shouting orders as they began their retreat.

As my gang disappeared into the distance, I knew what I had to do. Like Goku facing Frieza, I would give everything I had for the people I loved the only family I ever had. Even if it meant my own life.

"Is that all you got?" I taunted my enemies, a fierce smile spreading across my bloodied face as I raised my fists once more. "Come on! Show me what you're made of!"

They came at me like a tidal wave, their numbers seemingly endless. But I stood my ground, fighting with every ounce of strength left in my battered body. Each punch, each kick, each desperate gasp for air – it was all for them.

"Yumi...everyone...please be safe," I prayed silently as my vision began to fade. My legs buckled beneath me, and I felt myself falling, the cold concrete rushing up to meet me.

As darkness claimed me, one final thought flickered through my mind: I did it. I protected them. And with that, my fighting spirit resonated until my last breath.