Ten years ago – Arashi Family Dojo
"Kaito, stand up."
The seven-year-old boy gasped for air, blood dripping from his split lip. His frail arms trembled, barely able to hold his stance. Standing before him was his grandfather — Ryuji Arashi, a former world champion and one of the deadliest mixed martial artists in history.
Kaito's training was not normal. It was brutal. Inhumane.
"No crying," Ryuji said coldly, standing with his fists clenched. "The world won't care if you're in pain."
Kaito bit his lip hard, swallowing the sob. His grandfather moved like lightning — a vicious front kick buried into Kaito's stomach, sending him crashing to the ground.
"Stand up, Kaito. Or stay weak forever."
---
One year later – Underground Fight Clubs
At the age of eight, Kaito was thrown into underground fight clubs — not as a spectator, but as a fighter. His grandfather believed in only one thing: a warrior's strength is born from hell itself.
Kaito fought grown men twice his size. Broken ribs, dislocated shoulders, and black eyes became his daily routine. Every night he collapsed, and every morning his grandfather forced him up again.
"You'll thank me one day," Ryuji said.
But Kaito didn't understand.
---
Age 12 – First Kill
Kaito was placed in a private underground tournament — fighters only, no rules, no mercy.
His opponent was a 23-year-old man, built like a tank. The crowd roared as the bell rang.
The man laughed. "Kid, you're dead meat."
Kaito's gaze was cold. The man charged.
In less than seven seconds, the man was unconscious — his arm snapped, jaw broken, and teeth scattered on the floor.
The crowd fell into stunned silence.
Kaito didn't flinch. This was his normal.
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Age 14 – Death of His Grandfather
Kaito stood over his grandfather's hospital bed. Cancer had eaten him alive. Despite their harsh relationship, a hollow pit formed in Kaito's chest.
"Listen carefully, Kaito…" Ryuji coughed. "The world is a predator. If you become the apex predator… no one can ever hurt you."
Kaito clenched his fists. "…I never asked for this strength."
His grandfather smiled weakly. "But you have it now. Use it… or it will consume you."
And then he died.
Kaito left the fight circuit that day, vowing never to use his strength again.
---
Present Day – Shibuya High
Kaito sat on his bed, staring at his calloused hands. The ghosts of his past still clawed at him.
I didn't want this power.
But I can't escape it.
The beast inside him wasn't asleep — it was caged, waiting to be unleashed. And now, with the MMA gangs crawling toward him… that cage was starting to crack.