High & Low ~The story of SWORD~

Act 16: An obsolete rival

And so it began.

Sannoh Rengokai were the first to take the treacherous path toward the inevitable confrontation with Kohaku and the Mighty Warriors. They couldn't allow Kohaku's descent into chaos to bring ruin upon SWORD. Each rider mounted their motorcycle like it was second nature—as if riding into battle had long become a ritual of blood and brotherhood.

Cobra slid behind the oversized fairing of his touring bike, a machine both solid and reliable. With a quiet motion, he turned the key. The engine purred beneath him, a low, mechanical heartbeat. He remained still for a moment, eyes fixed on the horizon, absorbing the gravity of what lay ahead. Then, without a word, he throttled forward. The others followed in seamless unison, engines roaring in the wind. Kasumi, despite being told to stay behind by the leader of the Hoodlum Squad, refused to be left out. She raced after them with fierce determination.

They tore through the streets toward the coastal district where the Mighty Warriors resided. No one cared for speed limits. Throttles were wide open, the hum of rebellion echoing through every alley. Cobra rode at the center, his presence anchoring the group like a steady flame. Though they weren't great in number, the members of Sannoh Rengokai made up for it with raw skill and unshakable resolve.

On their way, they encountered three familiar figures—Murayama, Furuya, and Seki from Oya High. The three stood in wait, a quiet storm on the edge of the road.

"Yo, Cobra-chan!" Murayama called out with a smirk.

Kasumi chuckled softly. That nickname—Cobra-chan—only Murayama dared to say out loud. It was strange how well it suited the moment.

Cobra brought his bike to a slow stop, boots touching the ground as the engine continued to purr beneath him. He met Murayama's gaze. "Murayama," he acknowledged with a calm but resonant voice.

Dan leaned forward slightly on his handlebars. "Is it just the three of you?"

Murayama responded evenly. "You guys aren't exactly a full army either. And besides... Oya High isn't part of this anymore."

Yamato narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean?"

Furuya stepped in, explaining calmly, "We're about to graduate."

Murayama nodded, his voice steady but filled with weight. "I couldn't bring the rest of them into something this dangerous. They've fought enough."

Cobra looked at Murayama, the corners of his mouth twitching in what might've been a small smile. He understood—perhaps more than anyone—what it meant to bear the weight of others' lives. Had Dan, Tettsu, and Chiharu wished to stay behind, he would've respected that. Murayama's choice wasn't weakness. It was growth. It was leadership.

With a shared glance and a nod, Sannoh Rengokai moved on, engines rising again in unison.

But then, two enormous trucks rumbled into view behind them, trailing dust and determination. Todoroki had done what Murayama wouldn't: he'd rallied Oya High. Students crowded the truck beds, fists clenched and spirits high. Murayama turned in alarm, but all it took was a single hand signal from Todoroki. Murayama exhaled and gave his silent consent. His men had made their choice.

As they moved forward, more allies joined the march. White Rascals rolled in from one street, the Rude Boys from another, and Daruma Ikka fell into line beside them. A mosaic of fierce faces and loyal hearts.

The road to war was now paved with unity. And the storm was only just beginning.

SWORD was finally answering back!

That same evening, S.W.O.R.D. reached the territory of the Mighty Warriors.

The sound of engines echoed like a war cry across the quiet harbor as they parked and dismounted. Cobra stood at the center, firm and resolute—the one who held the fractured world of S.W.O.R.D. together when everything else threatened to fall apart.