The morning breeze in Japan carried a gentle chill. Alex sat on a wooden bench near the riverside, wearing a simple grey sweater, his hands tucked into the pockets. The golden sunrise spilled across the water like molten light, reflecting on the buildings and filling the whole place with a calm, positive warmth.
For the first time in days, Alex felt at peace.
Then—someone quietly sat beside him.
???
"Isn't Japan beautiful in the morning?"
Alex raised his eyebrow slightly.
That voice didn't belong to a tourist.
He turned and saw a slim man in his mid-20s, black hair neatly combed, sharp eyes but a friendly smile.
Alex
"Who are you, really?"
The man placed a hand on his chest politely.
Shin
"My name is Shin Kage."
Alex's eyes softened with curiosity.
Alex
"So… looks like you came with a purpose, Kage."
Before Shin could answer, a wave of movement appeared behind them.
Dozens of men in black suits.
Two lines of luxury cars: Mercedes, Lexus, Rolls-Royce.
All of them stopped in perfect sync.
The car door of the center vehicle opened.
A large man stepped out—towering, broad-shouldered, wearing an expensive suit and polished shoes. His posture alone screamed authority.
Shin immediately stood, bowing slightly.
Kage Defense Unit Leader
"So, you're Alex Hunter?"
He extended his hand.
Alex got up from the bench and shook his hand firmly.
Alex
"I heard a bit about the Kage clan."
The leader stepped aside, motioning to the open car door.
Alex blinked.
His eyebrow shot up.
Alex
"Y-you want me to follow you?"
The leader nodded once, serious but respectful.
Leader
"Yes. Our clan leader wishes to meet you."
Alex hesitated for half a second… then got inside.
Arrival at the Kage Mansion
The drive took them far from the city—into the countryside where cherry blossoms lined the road. After a while, a massive white mansion appeared behind layers of trees and flower gardens. Dozens of rare animals roamed the grounds. The entire estate looked like it belonged to royalty.
Alex's jaw dropped.
His eyes widened like a kid seeing Disneyland for the first time.
Alex
"So… this is what a mansion looks like?"
The leader smiled slightly.
Leader
"Follow me. I'll take you to the clan leader's room."
Alex walked behind him through long hallways filled with golden ornaments, ancient swords, scrolls, and expensive art pieces. The entire mansion felt like a museum owned by a billionaire warlord.
They finally stopped in front of a sliding door designed in old Japanese style.
The leader turned to him.
Leader
"Our leader is behind this door. One more thing—prepare yourself. You won't expect… what happens inside."
Alex nodded.
Alex
"Okay."
He slid the door open.
The Dojo Test
Alex stepped into what looked like an indoor dojo—tatami mats, wooden pillars, and in the center… a boxing ring.
Surrounding him in a perfect circle were thirty men, all staring at him like predators analyzing prey.
On the ring sat an old man with long grey hair tied back, tattoos covering his arms and chest.
Alex barely took two steps in when—
They charged.
The first two came fast.
Alex reacted faster.
HOOK! HOOK!
Both dropped instantly.
Another man swung a wooden staff.
Alex caught it mid-air, swept his leg—
BAM!
Down he went.
Two more stepped forward—one throwing punches, the other kicking. A third rushed in with a wooden knife.
Alex weaved under a punch, grabbed the kicker's leg, and threw him across the room.
He slipped under the next punch and countered with a rib-crushing hook.
WHUD!
The wooden knife attacker lunged. Alex caught his wrist—
CRACK!
Wrist broken.
A knee to the stomach finished him.
One by one, they fell until the entire circle of fighters lay unconscious on the floor.
Alex stood alone, breathing calmly.
The Old Lion
The old man on the ring finally stood.
He jumped down effortlessly, his muscles surprisingly well-defined for someone his age. Tattoos of dragons and kanji spread across his chest. His aura was heavy—warrior aura. A living relic of battles.
He drew a katana.
The blade gleamed.
He slashed—
SHHHING!!
Alex dodged narrowly, the air cutting beside him.
Another horizontal slice came—
CRASH!!!
Everything behind Alex—bags, pillars, equipment—was sliced in half. The dojo was nearly destroyed in one single motion.
Alex's eyes widened.
He'd seen strong men before.
But this was something else.
The old man stared at him with a cold, evaluating gaze.
Ryu
"So you are Alex Hunter… the one everyone talks about."
Alex nodded.
Alex
"Y-yeah."
The old man sheathed his katana and smiled warmly.
Ryu
"They were right. You're strong."
Alex stood firm like a soldier facing a general.
For the first time in a year… he felt fear again.
The old man stepped closer.
Ryu
"I didn't expect Generation 1 to have someone like you."
Alex blinked.
Alex
"Generation…? What do you mean by that?"
The old man turned away.
Ryu
"Follow me. We shouldn't waste time with empty talk."
Alex followed him into a dining room with low tables and traditional decor.
Ryu sat.
Ryu
"Sit, Alex. Don't feel guilty. You passed."
Alex sat cautiously.
Alex
"So… what do you want from me?"
Ryu chuckled.
Ryu
"I want to know if you'd like to work with me."
Alex froze.
Work with… him?
His eyes widened.
Alex
"Um… can you give me some time?"
Ryu nodded kindly.
Ryu
"Of course. Think first. But let me explain the generation system."
Alex nodded again.
The Generation System
Ryu
"There are generations of fighters in this world."
He began counting slowly with his fingers.
"Pre-Generation"
From ancient fighters—before and after Masihi.
Every country named this era differently.
"Generation Zero"
Born in war.
WW1, WW2, Winter War—those who survived hell.
"Generation 0.5"
Born right after the war.
The gang era.
Law was weak. Violence ruled.
"Early Generation 1"
Not familiar with gadgets yet.
Still holding old traditions of brutality.
"Final or Edge Generation 1"
Ryu pointed at Alex.
"That's you."
Ryu
"People say your generation is weak… soft… fragile."
He leaned back.
"But I believe they are wrong."
Alex nodded slowly.
Alex
"So… this is how history worked back then."
He checked his watch and stood.
Alex
"Sorry for bothering you. I think I should go."
He walked out of the mansion, looking back at the massive estate.
Alex (thinking)
So that's… the other generations?
He took a taxi back to the town.
Night at the Hotel
Alex entered his small hotel room and sat on the bed.
He stared at the ceiling.
Alex
"Well… I guess that sponsor wasn't a waste of time.
I've got nothing to do tonight anyway."
He laid down, closed his eyes…
and finally allowed himself to rest.
Sleep came quickly.