It was a bright, lively day—the kind that stirred excitement in the air and painted Tokyo's streets in gold. Keisuke revved his bike with a grin, his GSX250E gleaming under the sun, as he made his way to Manjiro's house.
Today wasn't just any other hangout. They were all headed to the shrine—friends gathering not just to pray, but to plan. Something was about to begin.
At a red light, Keisuke glanced at the others and smirked.
"My GSX250E is the best in all of Tokyo," Baji said confidently, brushing a hand through his windswept hair.
Behind him, Mikey sat slumped, eyes half-lidded, head wobbling slightly with every bump.
"My Zephyr's the best in Japan," Draken replied, his tone dead serious, gripping the handlebars like he was already in a race.
"My Impulse is the best in the world, my friends. Y'all think too small," Mitsuya added with a calm smile, his voice laced with humor and charm.
Kazutora let out a carefree laugh, his eyes reflecting a warmth they hadn't seen in him for months. "My Rocket's the best in the whole damn universe!"
Meanwhile, Mikey mumbled, "I'm getting sleepy…"
Then, out of nowhere, Pah-chin's voice cut through the friendly banter. "My CBX400F is the best! Let's race to the shrine!" he shouted, speeding off without warning.
"Oi! Pah, you idiot!" Keisuke yelled, twisting the throttle. "Mikey, wake the hell up! You're gonna fall off, dumbass!" He looked over his shoulder to make sure Mikey didn't slip off the seat, keeping one arm steady just in case.
Everyone hit the gas, their engines roaring to life like wild beasts let loose on Tokyo's roads.
---
At the shrine, the others were already there, catching their breath.
But Baji? He was late.
He appeared at the base of the stone staircase, sweaty and huffing, with Manjiro lazily slung over his back like a sack of rice.
"Damn, you're so heavy, Mikey," Keisuke grumbled, dragging himself up each step like a soldier carrying a comrade. "How do you sleep like this?!"
As he finally reached the top, the group turned toward him and burst out laughing.
"He actually fell asleep?!" Pah said in disbelief.
Mikey opened his eyes halfway, blinking at the sunlight and his amused friends. "You can put me down now, Baji," he mumbled. Keisuke obliged with a grunt, letting Mikey slide to the ground with a thud.
Dusting himself off, Mikey walked to the wooden paddock fence and leaned on it. His gaze shifted from the view to his friends.
"Do you guys know about the Black Dragons?" he asked, voice low but firm.
Mitsuya tilted his head, thoughtful. "I've heard they're brutal. Three years older than us, right?"
Mikey nodded. "Yeah. Kazutora… why didn't you tell us?" His eyes met Kazutora's. "Baji told me everything. You've been fighting them alone."
The silence that followed was heavy. The kind that speaks of regret and care.
Draken broke it. "Wait… are you planning to throw down with the Black Dragons, Mikey?"
Mikey's face remained calm. "They're strong—really strong. If we want to fight them, we need a reason. A real reason."
Keisuke stepped forward, eyes gleaming with determination. "Then why don't we start our own gang?" Everyone turned toward him, curiosity sparked.
He continued, excitement coloring his words. "We've already got the team—our commander's gonna be the most powerful guy in the universe, the cocky little shit, Mikey!" He pointed dramatically at Manjiro, who grinned at the title.
"Our vice-commander is our dependable big bro—Draken," Keisuke added, and Draken chuckled in response.
"Mitsuya, our calm and balanced mediator, will lead our elite guard," Keisuke said, with a nod of respect.
He looked at Pah. "You'll carry our banner, powerhouse."
Turning to Kazutora, Keisuke smiled and extended his hand. "You and I… we'll be the attack unit."
Kazutora stared at him, stunned. Something in his chest stirred—something he hadn't felt in a long time. Belonging.
Manjiro stepped forward, the sunlight catching in his hair. "Then I'll name our gang," he said proudly. "Tokyo Manjiro Gang!"
Everyone groaned in unison.
"Lame!"
"He's so bad at this!" Mitsuya laughed.
"Let's not let him name anything ever again," Pah whispered.
"You guys are mean," Mikey pouted, rubbing a fake tear from his eye.
Keisuke grinned. "How about Tokyo Manji Gang?"
"That's cool!" Mikey lit up. "You got it, bro. That's a cool name."
Everyone cheered, the moment feeling like the birth of something real.
"Let's go buy some lucky charms!" Pah suggested excitedly, and soon enough, the group was at the shrine shop—only to freeze at the sight of the prices.
"These are damn expensive," Mitsuya muttered.
They pooled their coins together like kids scrambling for arcade tokens.
"We can buy one if we chip in," Draken suggested.
When they did, Mikey turned to Baji. "You keep it, Keisuke. You helped create all of this."
Keisuke took the charm, his eyes soft. "I'll always keep it safe."
---
Later that day, at SS Motors…
"Shinichiro!" Mikey called, standing outside.
Draken waited nearby, his posture protective as always.
Shinichiro stepped out, cigarette dangling from his lips. "What is it?"
"I wanted to talk. It's about the Black Dragons," Mikey said, eyes serious. "They're hurting my friend. We're thinking of fighting them. I want your permission because that gang is very important to you right."
Shinichiro exhaled slowly, his gaze unreadable. "Do what you want."
"They're not like they used to be. The eighth leader ruined them, Shinichiro replied, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "So go ahead. Handle it your way."
Mikey nodded. "Thanks."
---
As they walked away, something caught Mikey's eye.
"Asuka?" he whispered.
She was at a vegetable stand, examining tomatoes like she was studying treasure.
"Let's go there, Ken-chin."
They approached.
"Yo, Asu-chin," Mikey called.
She turned, surprised but smiling. "Mikey? What are you doing here?"
"Helping you pick vegetables," he said with a cheeky grin.
"Think you can handle it?"
"Of course! I used to help Emma all the time. Someone special told me to."
"Oh? Someone special?"
"You," Mikey said, tossing a carrot into the basket with flair.
"Oh didn't know I was that someone special, Asuka said with a smile."
"Want me to walk you home?" he asked, casually lifting the bag of groceries.
She hesitated, then nodded. "Sure. If you've got something to talk about."
"I do. I'm starting a gang wanna join me."
She froze for a second. "A gang? Thats cool but I'm sorry i can't but you can always talk about anything with me you see I'm there for you, asuka said."
"That's more than enough," Mikey said with a soft smile.
At her door, he handed her the bag. "Take care, Asu-chin."
He turned.
"Hey Mikey…" Draken said as they walked away, "You like that girl, don't you?"
Mikey smirked. "She's strong… she can fight."
"That's not what I asked," Draken said, raising an eyebrow.
Mikey stuck out his tongue, grinning like a kid caught red-handed.
Draken chuckled, watching his friend walk ahead.
And just like that, Tokyo Manji's story began—with laughter, loyalty, and something stronger than any gang: family.