---
When he first arrived, Kai came alone. Now, he returned with a fleet of dozens of vehicles.
It is often said that it is better to leave quietly at night than to return home flaunting wealth.
Yet this was not a humble homecoming.
At best, Kai's return could be compared to that of a newly rich man returning to his village.
Under Kai's direction, the Daybreak Group established a branch office in the city closest to Meteor Street.
To secure control, Kai personally took action and brought the entire city under the Group's influence.
A massive campaign of procurement followed.
As seasoned pirates have their own ways of survival, so too do gangs shifting from criminal enterprises to more legitimate fronts.
Kai spent freely, purchasing vast quantities of supplies — clean water systems, simple housing materials, medical equipment, cosmetics, and various other portable essentials — and delivered them all to Meteor Street.
He showed no hesitation in his generosity.
When these goods arrived, the residents of Meteor Street were stunned.
"These things... are for us?"
For centuries, the people of Meteor Street had known only persecution, massacre, and abandonment.
Never had they encountered anything like this.
For reasons they could scarcely explain, a powerful sense of attachment grew toward the new authority that had replaced the old governing council.
In truth, it went beyond mere attachment — it was gratitude.
It was something deeper: faith.
It was not simply because the Daybreak Group provided material benefits.
Rather, it was because they offered respect.
Through every action, the Daybreak Group made one thing unmistakably clear:
They regarded the people of Meteor Street as human beings.
"We want to join!" came the cry from countless residents.
Kai had not anticipated this reaction.
What began as an unplanned gesture had transformed the Daybreak Group's standing among the people, multiplying their influence almost overnight.
It was as if abandoned stray dogs, shown even a shred of kindness, would return loyalty greater than that of any domesticated pet.
In no time, the Daybreak Group's control over Meteor Street expanded dramatically.
Watching it all unfold, Machi and the others were deeply moved.
They alone knew that Kai was not a native of Meteor Street.
They knew he had no profound ties to this place.
Thus, his efforts could not be explained by sentimentality.
If anything, Kai's commitment was for the sake of the Daybreak Group — but even more so, for them personally.
"Nurturing Meteor Street" — it was a promise Kai had made early on.
Now, he had fulfilled it.
---
Kai, unaware of their silent admiration, spent half a day managing local affairs.
During lunch, Uvogin suddenly grinned and slung an arm around Kai's shoulders.
"Kai, let's spar!"
At these words, Nobunaga and Machi immediately put down their utensils and turned to stare at Kai, anticipation gleaming in their eyes.
Kai smirked slightly as he glanced around.
"It seems you've all made some progress."
Although Uvogin was a battle maniac by nature, past defeats at Kai's hands had taught him caution.
As Nobunaga had once said, even the most brainless beast knows when to retreat.
That they were now actively seeking a match suggested something significant.
Kai's gaze swept briefly to Silva Zoldyck, who maintained his usual impassive expression, detached from the situation.
"Alright," Kai agreed easily.
After lunch and a brief rest, the "friendly" sparring began under the watchful eyes of Silva and Zeno Zoldyck.
What exactly transpired was unclear, but the results were obvious:
The next day, Uvogin walked with a limp, and Nobunaga sported a heavy bruise around his eye.
Kai, too, did not escape unscathed.
Caught off-guard, he had taken Uvogin's "Super Destructive Punch" to the waist.
The jolt of pain had left his face ashen.
A blow like that could affect any man's... dignity.
In his mind, he could not help but curse — one moment of negligence might have cost him dearly.
Enraged, Kai retaliated with a ferocity that left Uvogin battered, while Nobunaga, who had been watching and laughing, found himself blindsided by a stray punch as well.
Thus, what began as sparring quickly devolved into a chaotic brawl.
Watching the three roll around like thugs, Machi's face darkened with exasperation.
Without a word, she and Silva retreated.
Only Zeno Zoldyck remained, observing with great interest.
---
With Kai's return, life on Meteor Street resumed a steady rhythm.
Training continued, affairs were handled, and occasional sparring sessions took place between Kai, Silva, and even the old master Zeno.
Yet inevitable trouble was brewing.
One day, a call came from Aruba, the Daybreak Group's intelligence officer.
"Boss, urgent news — multiple forces are planning to move against you."
"Especially the Ten Dons," he added anxiously. "They seem furious."
"I've heard they intend to dispatch their special forces."
Aruba's voice trembled slightly.
Although he was unfamiliar with the strength of most enemies, he had heard enough of the Ten Dons' special unit — a reputation built on blood.
He now understood:
They were a squad of Nen users with overwhelming combat ability.
"I see," Kai replied calmly. "Stay alert. Protect yourself. Don't get yourself killed."
After ending the call, Kai murmured to himself:
"The Ten Dons' special forces... the Shadow Beasts?"
He did not think highly of these so-called monsters.
If their strength mirrored their portrayal in the original story, then Uvogin alone — even in his current state — could likely wipe out half of them.
Together with Nobunaga and Machi, the Daybreak Group had overwhelming advantage.
Furthermore, with the Zoldycks present, success was all but certain.
"I just hope nothing unexpected happens," Kai mused.
Taking no chances, he relayed the intelligence to his subordinates.
Immediately, Meteor Street shifted into a state of combat readiness.
Even civilians, despite their lack of fighting skills, became vigilant.
Given the political ramifications, a large-scale attack was unlikely.
Marching openly against Meteor Street would create a public relations disaster — especially when the world had long dismissed this place as a no-man's land.
Suddenly admitting the existence of ten million people would be self-defeating.
Thus, it was clear:
The attackers would focus on eliminating the leadership.
Destroying Meteor Street itself was not their goal.
The site remained a valuable asset.
Two days later, information arrived:
Peripheral gang members reported the approach of three groups toward Meteor Street.
Their numbers were unknown — the scouts sent to monitor them had been killed within minutes.
"They don't even bother hiding their movements... They really underestimate us," Kai said, flashing a bloodthirsty grin reminiscent of Uvogin.
Very well.
Let the games begin.
At the Daybreak Group's headquarters, the alarm blared across Meteor Street for the first time:
Battle stations!
---