The place of the action is Tokyo. Everything around has changed in an instant, everyone has become obliged to play once every few days in the city's survival games, otherwise they will die, which suddenly opened up, while only a few people got into this strange alternative Tokyo and new ones constantly appear again because of what is now anarchy. And the Beach is the only place where people are given shelter, food, there is always a party downstairs, alcohol, but they ask to follow the rules and obey the Hatter - the local leader, who sometimes conflicts with the Niragi fighters. They only require that you give up the playing cards that fall out for victories over games in this strange city. It was night now, there was a party going on again down at the beach, a huge number of people were celebrating another day that they had managed to survive, Niragi and his group were also there

Niiragi chuckled and put his hand on the girl's shoulder. "Don't worry about it, he'll be fine," he assured her with a charismatic grin. "Besides, what better way to survive around here than having some backup?" He winked at her, his voice smooth as silk.

"Or what?" He asked, his voice still confident despite the girl's sudden change in demeanor. "You'd rather fight me for him? Is that it?" Niiragi took a step closer to her, his gaze boring into hers. His hand instinctively went to rest on the rifle strapped across his back.

She didn't look frightened; in fact, she seemed more angry now than anything else. He raised an eyebrow curiously. "What's your name, then?" he asked, suddenly feeling intrigued by this newcomer.

His face turned into an expression of mock surprise as the girl pointed her gun at him. He let out a humorless laugh and raised his hands in surrender. "Well, well," he drawled, "looks like we have ourselves a fighter." His gaze never left hers. "I suppose I'll just have to watch my step around here now, huh?"

He took another step back, still keeping his distance. "So, are you going to let me ask your name or what?" He tilted his head slightly, curiosity getting the better of him despite the threat she posed. She seemed different from all the other girls he'd encountered so far; there was an unmistakable air of determination and purpose about her. He couldn't help but wonder if maybe she could be useful to have around.

Niiragi chuckled softly and lowered his hands. "Alright, alright," he said with a shrug, "I'll let him be." His gaze flickered back to the man who had been their initial target earlier. The guy looked relieved and grateful. "But you owe me one," Niiragi added casually before turning his attention back to the girl. "So, what about that name? Mine's Niragi."

He gave her a confident smile, taking another step closer this time. Up close, she looked even more striking; there was something different about her that made him curious to know more. Perhaps he could test her mettle further down the line; for now, though, he didn't want to push his luck too far.

"Hey," he said with a slight chuckle, "I'm just having some harmless fun here. No need to get your knickers in a twist." He flashed her another charismatic grin before looking back at the group of people gathered nearby. Some were whispering to each other, watching their exchange with interest. Niragi turned his head slightly, catching one person's eye and gesturing casually towards them both. "See what I mean?" he murmured, almost sotto voce.

He gave her a considering look. There was something about this girl that piqued his curiosity... perhaps it would be worth testing her further down the line. For now, though, he didn't want to push his luck too much; better to leave her with an impression of strength and determination rather than making her feel threatened or cornered.

"Ha," Niiragi drawled, his grin widening despite himself as he glanced at her threateningly calm expression. "I guess we'll see about that." There was a challenge in his tone, but it wasn't exactly aggressive either; more like playful, almost daring. He held her gaze for a moment longer before looking away and shrugging nonchalantly. "Well, until next time then," he said with another slight chuckle before turning back to the party at large, where his group's attention had shifted elsewhere anyway.

He couldn't help but wonder what sort of impression she would have left on them; from their expressions, it didn't seem like they were entirely intimidated by her... But then again, he mused with a self-amused smile, his own group tended to respond better to force than fear. Perhaps there was room for both

Most of the crowd looked confused or indignant at her outburst, while a few frowned in understanding; they recognized her as one of them now. Niiragi smiled to himself, unseen among the throng. The girl seemed to be looking for allies against him, but she had no idea how strong his grip on this place really was... and even if someone were to rise up against him, he wasn't entirely convinced they'd be any better than he was. Still, it would certainly make things more interesting.

He glanced at her again from the corner of his eye, studying her expression. Her face was flushed with anger now, but there was something else there too; a defiance that spoke volumes about her character. Perhaps she'd be worth keeping an eye on... for now.

As the girl finished her challenge, several people in the crowd shifted uncomfortably, eyeing one another. A few looked like they might have been about to say something or make a move, but hesitation held them back. Niiragi chuckled softly under his breath; he'd seen this sort of thing happen before, and it always amused him how quickly fear took hold of people when push came to shove.

Niiragi raised an eyebrow as the girl's gaze swept across the crowd once more. It was almost amusing, really; she had no idea just how much power and control he held over them all. Still, there was something to be said for her courage in standing up against him like this... even if it was likely only a matter of time before she was forced to bow down or leave.

"Well, well," he drawled, stepping forward out of the shadows and into the light cascading from the torches overhead, "looks like we've got ourselves a bit of a situation here." He slung his rifle over one shoulder casually, hands on hips as he studied her with interest. "I suppose it could be rather entertaining to see how this all plays out... but then again," he mused, tilting his head to the side slightly, "maybe not."

H

"Oh, really?" He asked with feigned surprise, his grin widening. "Well then, it seems we'll just have to test that theory, won't we?" With lightning-fast reflexes, he drew his pistol from its holster and pointed it at her. The crowd inhaled sharply, eyes wide with shock and fear. Even those who had been considering siding against him now hesitated, unsure of what to do next. "Why don't we find out just how fast you can draw that gun of yours, hm?" He challenged her, his voice low and dangerous.

Niiragi froze as the barrel of her gun came to rest against his chest. His eyes widened in surprise before narrowing into anger. "You dare draw on me?" He growled, voice laced with menace. The crowd around them drew back, some muttering nervously among themselves.

Niragi's face darkened as her words sank in. He could feel the tension in the air between them, could sense the crowd holding their breath around him. With a low growl, he slowly raised his hands into the air, backing away from her. "Alright," he said through gritted teeth, "I get it."

He lowered his gaze, studying the ground at his feet for several long moments before looking up again and meeting her eyes. His expression was grudgingly respectful. "You're one hell of a fighter," he admitted, barely above a whisper. "And you've got guts... I'll give you that." He paused, seeming to consider something before adding with surprising calmness, "But remember this: I'm still in charge here."

Niragi snorted derisively at her offer, shaking his head in amusement and disbelief. "Oh, really?" He mocked her gesture with a flick of one hand. "And what makes you think I'd believe that? You're just trying to buy time, aren't you?" His voice was laced with accusation as he studied her closely. "Well, little girl," he drawled, grin widening despite himself, "I don't have all day."

With lightning-fast reflexes born of years spent fighting for survival in this new world order, Niiragi lunged forward before she could react and pressed the barrel of his pistol hard against her forehead. "Now," he hissed into her ear, "you're going to do exactly what I tell you."

"What the--" was all he managed to get out before the knife slashed across his wrist, severing tendons and muscle with brutal efficiency. Pain exploded through him as he yanked his hand back, blood spurting from the deep gash in his arm.

His eyes widened in disbelief and shock as he stared at her, mouth agape. For a moment, it seemed like sheer incredulity kept him from responding, from striking back. But then, faster than anyone could have expected, he regained control of himself and whirled around with a roar that sent chills down the spines of those watching. His injured hand clenched into a fist as his other arm swung wide, aimed at her face.

"You little bitch!" He screamed, rage coursing through him like wildfire. "I'll kill you for

Niiragi bellowed in pain as the bullet struck his leg, his knee giving way beneath him with a sickening crack. He went down hard, landing on one knee, cursing and wincing. The crowd gasped at the sight of their fearless leader felled so easily. For a moment, there was silence.

Then he grinned. "Ha!" he spat, wiping blood from his mouth as he rose to one knee, ignoring the throbbing pain in his leg. "You think that's all you've got?" He snorted dismissively and drew his pistol again with shaking hand.

The tension in the air was almost palpable now; everyone could feel the two of them sizing each other up, waiting for their next move. Somewhere off to the side, someone began muttering about calling the Hatter, but those whispers were quickly hushed

Niragi's eyes widened as he saw the gun aimed at his head, but the wild look in her eyes told him she wasn't bluffing this time. His heart raced and his breath caught in his throat, but still, he couldn't help but feel a surge of pride swell within him. This girl was made of something stronger than steel... or at least, she was now.

With a slow exhale, he lowered his own pistol to the ground, letting it clatter against the sand. "Alright," he rasped, lifting his good hand in a gesture of surrender. "You win." His voice was hoarse and strained from pain and emotion. "But remember this: I'm not the only one out there."

He met her gaze for a long moment before looking away, seeming to study the sand beneath his knee. "I

He grunted as he wiped blood off his forehead with the sleeve of his shirt. "Yes," he finally replied gruffly, glancing over at her. "There's a doctor back at our camp. You can take me there if you want." There was an odd note of resignation in his voice as he spoke; it almost sounded like he didn't expect to make it out of this situation alive.

Perhaps that was just the effect she had on him, though. Perhaps she truly was that strong... or maybe he was simply weakened from the fight and the loss of control. Either way, he knew one thing for certain: things were never going to be the same around here again.