Fighting maniac

Kai walked through the city streets, hands in his pockets.

Getting stronger was great and all, but it didn't change the fact that he still had a debt to pay off.

He had checked out a few convenience stores and cafés, but none were hiring—or at least, none were hiring a high school student with no experience.

Just as he was about to give up for the day, a familiar voice called out.

"Kai!"

He turned to see Daniel jogging toward him.

Kai raised an eyebrow. "What are you doing here?"

Daniel grinned. "Looking for you."

Kai sighed. "If it's about that video—"

"Nah, forget that. I've got a way for us to make serious money."

Kai's eyes narrowed. "...Go on."

Daniel smirked. "I'm talking about starting a business."

Kai gave him a blank stare. "What kind of business?"

Daniel leaned in slightly. "One that could make us hella rich."

Kai crossed his arms. "You gonna keep talking in riddles, or are you gonna explain?"

Daniel chuckled. "Alright, alright. You know how every high school in our district is run by those bully gangs?"

Kai nodded. It was no secret—most schools had an unofficial hierarchy, with the strongest groups running things from the shadows.

"Well," Daniel continued, "I know how to fight a little, and you? You've already got a reputation."

Kai frowned. "What are you getting at?"

Daniel grinned. "We start our own organization."

Kai blinked. "...Excuse me?"

Daniel threw an arm around Kai's shoulder. "Listen. We recruit people from our school, set up fights, and charge an entry fee. We use the abandoned factory near the school as our base. Tournaments, betting, all of it."

Kai pulled away. "And who the hell is gonna pay to join?"

Daniel smirked. "That's the beauty of it. Every participant pays $100 to enter. Spectators pay $50 each to watch."

Kai raised an eyebrow. "And the winner?"

Daniel shrugged. "We give them $1,000."

Kai crossed his arms. "And where the fuck are we getting $1,000 from?"

Daniel grinned. "Think about it. If we get just 20 fighters, that's $2,000 already. And imagine 50 spectators at $50 each? That's $2,500 more."

Kai thought for a moment. It did make sense. If they pulled it off, they'd be making money fast.

Still, he wasn't convinced. "And how do you plan to get people to join?"

Daniel's grin widened. "Simple. We use your fight video to promote it."

Kai sighed. "Of course."

Daniel clapped his hands. "Think about it, man. If this works, we can expand into other businesses. Betting, private matches, real money."

Kai ran a hand through his hair. "I don't give a damn about all that. I just need money to pay off my debt."

Daniel smirked. "Then let's get started