2025-05-20 14:27:57“But look at him,” Gary said, pointing at Dane. “He’s breathing too fast—like he’s completely out of breath. It won’t be fair if I fight someone who’s already tired, especially since he’s quicker than me.”
Gary’s words made sense, and Butcher nodded slightly. Then he turned his eyes toward Dane.
“Then go sit down. Just sit on the ground there for two minutes,” Butcher said, voice steady.
Dane shook his head. “Nah, I think I’m good. I’ll just stand.”
Butcher’s expression changed instantly. His face hardened, and his tone turned ice cold. “I said sit on the ground. Now.”
His clenched fist tightened slowly, veins rising under his skin. The air shifted, pressure building. No one said a word.
Dane hesitated. He felt everyone’s eyes on him—Lily standing nearby, her face unreadable. Jane, who had been watching quietly. A few of the generals leaned in, sensing the tension.
No… why me? Dane thought. Why do I have to sit on the ground like a child? Lily’s here. Even Jane is watching. I’ll look pathetic. Why does Butcher always do this?
But the pressure from Butcher’s presence was too much to resist. Dane slowly lowered himself to the ground, feeling the weight of humiliation settle on his shoulders. A couple of generals pointed at him and chuckled, whispering behind their hands. It stung, but he said nothing.
Exactly two minutes passed. Butcher glanced at the sky, then turned to Dane.
“Stand up.”
Dane rose, brushing the dirt from his hands and legs, still quiet, still ashamed.
Then Gary stepped forward. “Let me say something, Butcher. You were talked about Lily’s speed… but if I fight her, she’s not going to win. I’ll beat her.”
Butcher looked at him. “Will you win easily?”
“No,” Gary replied with a short laugh. “I’ll have to go all out. She’s fast. But if I land one punch at full power—that’s all I’ll need to take her down.”
“You’re right,” Butcher said. “But don’t go thinking you’re fast. You’re not. That’s something you need to keep training for.”
Gary nodded. “I know.”
“And let me tell you this,” Butcher continued, turning his voice to everyone, “none of you are faster than a gun. No human is. You can train for years, but you’ll never outrun a bullet. That’s not how it works.”
The compound was silent now. The generals were listening closely.
“Some people think they can dodge bullets,” Butcher said. “But they’re wrong. You can’t dodge a bullet. You can dodge the shooter—you can read their body, their hand, the way they move before they fire. But once the bullet’s out… it’s too late.”
Gary chimed in, “Yeah. I don’t dodge the bullet. I watch the shooter’s hand. That’s how I move before they pull the trigger.”
“Then let’s begin.”
Butcher nodded. “Exactly. You have to stay calm. Watch your opponent. Every blink, every shift of weight, every breath. Panic and you’re finished. Stay sharp, and maybe you survive.”
He walked toward Gary, his eyes sharp and serious. “Speed without wisdom is useless. Train your eyes more than your fists.”
Gary bowed his head slightly. “Yes, sir.”
“Now,” Butcher said, voice rising, “come forward!”
The generals stepped back, forming a wide circle in the compound. Everyone knew what was about to happen.
Butcher walked slowly into the center of the circle, his steps deliberate and calm. His coat shifted with each step, his fists relaxed but ready. Gary followed him, cracking his knuckles, his expression focused. He wasn’t afraid. He was ready.
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Eyes Before Fists
“But look at him,” Gary said, pointing at Dane. “He’s breathing too fast—like he’s completely out of breath. It won’t be fair if I fight someone who’s already tired, especially since he’s quicker than me.”Gary’s words made sense, and Butcher nodded slightly. Then he turned his eyes toward Dane.“Then go sit down. Just sit on the ground there for two minutes,” Butcher said, voice steady.Dane shook his head. “Nah, I think I’m good. I’ll just stand.”Butcher’s expression changed instantly. His face hardened, and his tone turned ice cold. “I said sit on the ground. Now.”His clenched fist tightened slowly, veins rising under his skin. The air shifted, pressure building. No one said a word.Dane hesitated. He felt everyone’s eyes on him—Lily standing nearby, her face unreadable. Jane, who had been watching quietly. A few of the generals leaned in, sensing the tension.No… why me? Dane thought. Why do I have to sit on the ground like a child? Lily’s here. Even Jane is watching. I’ll look
Who Has What It Takes?
Butcher’s gaze swept across the room, meeting the eyes of each general with steady resolve. “I know some of you are still doubting Dane. Even though I’ve said he’s strong, that he has potential, some of you aren’t convinced yet. That’s understandable. New blood in this world always raises questions.” He paused, letting the words settle. “But here’s the truth—Lily, with her full strength, will beat Dane every time. If she uses a knife, there’s no contest. You all saw it with your own eyes. The moment she went all out, Dane barely survived. There was no chance for him to win.”He stepped forward, voice dropping slightly as if revealing a secret. “But what if they fought without weapons? Just fists. Big hands, bare knuckles. What do you think would happen then?”The room grew quiet, the generals exchanging glances, weighing their thoughts.Butcher’s voice came back, confident and clear. “One thing I can guarantee—Lily will be faster. No question. Her speed is unmatched. But if Dane manag
First Strike
Before anyone could call for the fight to begin, Lily was already in motion. Without warning, she lunged, her knife slashing toward his neck.Dane’s reflexes kicked in just in time. He jumped back, eyes wide, breath caught in his throat.“What the hell?!” he shouted. “No one said we started!”Lily tilted her head. “If your enemy’s trying to kill you, do you think they’ll announce it first? You think they’ll wait for a bell or whistle?” She stepped forward again, eyes narrowing. “No. Because now, I’m your enemy. And you’re mine. Understand that.”“I told you—I’m not holding back,” she continued. “I aimed for your neck. But I’ll admit—you dodged it. So maybe you’re not all talk. Maybe you’ve got a little speed. Or maybe that was just luck.”And then she charged again.The second strike came faster. The blade sliced through the air, aimed at his chest. Dane shifted, barely twisting in time. He remembered Butcher’s words during training—Always move. Always expect the unexpected. Blend. Be
Unarmed Against a Knife
She paused mid-step and looked over her shoulder. “Yes, boss?”He took a step forward, eyes locked on her. “Do you want to use a weapon?” he asked, his tone unusually thoughtful. “If so, which one would you prefer?”Lily gave a half-smile. “A knife,” she said simply. “I’d love to use a knife. It’s what I’m best with.”Butcher nodded slowly. “Do you want me to get someone to prepare one for you?”Lily shook her head without hesitation. “No need. You know I always carry two.” She tapped the side of her legs lightly. “One on the left, one on the right. I’m never without them.”Butcher allowed himself a small smirk. “That’s what I like about you. Prepared. Focused.”She gave him a short nod of respect, then turned on her heel and walked confidently toward the compound.The others were already gathering, circling the training yard like spectators at a gladiator match. The sun glared overhead, casting long shadows on the dirt. Everyone could feel it—this wasn’t just a test for Dane. It was
Survive the Circle
“Yeah… we’re sorry,” Kenny replied quickly, backing off.Butcher straightened and took a deep breath. “I want to make something else very clear. You all saw the news about what happened to Kenshi. The Yakuza crossed a line. Some of you might’ve guessed it was me. Some of you didn’t. But now, let me say it plain—I was the one who took him out.”Murmurs echoed across the room, but no one dared speak.“And this is the law from now on,” Butcher continued. “Any time, any group, any gang, or any mafia dares to disrespect the Butcher Mafia—our full name, the Butchara Mafia Group—there will be no forgiveness. None. That group, or person, must be eliminated. No second chances. Understood?”“Yes, sir!” they all shouted, almost in unison.Every general repeated it—yes, sir! Even Dane joined in, though he wasn’t one of them. Not yet.Butcher looked around, then locked eyes with Lily.“A fight. Between Lily and Dane,” he said calmly.Lily’s brows rose slightly, amused. “Really?”Gary frowned and l
Two Faces
Dane blinked, stunned by the sudden shift in tone. It was like Kenny had two completely different personalities—one joking and easygoing, the other fierce and deadly.“The only reason I haven’t done anything is because what you said was a real challenge,” Kenny continued, voice hard and steady. “A challenge that I respect. I could kill you right now. But I’m not going to.”Then Kenny’s face broke into a sly smile.Dane’s mind raced. Shit. This dude’s no joke. He’s almost as strong as Butcher. When it comes to strength, it’s crazy. Like two people in one—one moment angry and serious, the next calm and smiling.As Dane watched, all the generals were called to the table by Butcher’s sharp voice.“Generals! To the table!” Butcher commanded.One by one, the generals filed over to the large wooden table where Dane and Kenny sat. Butcher took the seat at the head like a king.“I want you all to meet Dane,” Butcher said in a deep voice that filled the room. “His name is Dane.”The generals ex
Taking Over the Table
He wore the robe of a monk, simple and clean, with prayer beads wrapped tightly around his hand. He was small, bald, and looked peaceful—but everyone knew that peaceful look could flip in an instant. He was silent but deadly.And then came the sixth general—Kelly. Beautiful, with a soft yet sharp appearance. Her long hair was parted into two high ponytails. She wore a yellow dress that stood out in the room of dark clothes and black jackets. Her round face and wide eyes made her look innocent—but her silence hinted at something more.The seventh general, standing still and quiet, was Jane. She wasn’t as strong or feared as the others, but she had earned her place. Everyone knew she had potential. But right now, she couldn’t stop glancing at Lily. And then back at Dane.Butcher stepped forward and cleared his throat.“You all know why we’re here,” he said. “This is Dane.”All eyes turned toward Dane.Butcher continued, “He’s the reason I changed plans. I want you to see what I see in h
The Seventh General
The air outside was hot, and the sky above was clear. Butcher drove without saying a word. Dane stared out the window, his fingers tapping lightly on his bat. He wasn’t sure who these people were that they were going to meet, but if Butcher was bringing him along, it meant something serious. Butcher didn’t do social visits. Not unless it involved business, power, or plans.They drove for nearly thirty minutes, past traffic, past rows of buildings, into a more secure-looking district with private roads and high walls. Finally, As they arrived at the large compound, they were immediately surrounded by armed men. Dane remained still in the car, eyes fixed straight ahead, his face calm but alert. He looked out the window, his expression unreadable. Butcher told him to get out, then added, “Wait—open the door. We go out at the same time.”Dane nodded and opened his door. Butcher did the same. Both men stepped out of the car together. As soon as Butcher’s shoes hit the ground, every armed g
The Meeting Moved
“Dane! Wake up!” Butcher snapped as he tapped Dane’s leg. “I changed my mind. It’s no longer next week. It’s now.”Dane groaned, turning his face lazily. “What do you mean now?” he mumbled. He squinted, still half-asleep, trying to make out Butcher’s face.“We’re going to meet the general I’ve been telling you about. Today. Not tomorrow. Not next week. Now.”“Wow, Butch… please,” Dane murmured, his voice hoarse. “Just five more minutes. If I sleep for five more minutes, I swear I’ll be recharged. I’ll have more strength.”Butcher narrowed his eyes, then shouted, “Will you get your ass off that fucking bed now?”The voice thundered through the room like a gunshot. Dane shot up immediately, startled. He didn’t even argue again. He stumbled off the bed, scratched his head, then dragged himself into the bathroom. He took a quick bath, came out, dried himself, and dressed fast. He didn’t want Butcher coming back to scream again.He wore a black fitted shirt, tactical boots, and jeans. He l
