The warm scent of grilled meat and spices filled the air as the café bustled with whisper amongst the men. Gapryong Kim leaned back in his chair deep in his thought, his large frame barely fitting in the cramped space.
He poured himself a drink, took a slow sip, and set the glass down with a quiet clink. His eyes landed on Ha-Joon.
"So," he began, his voice carrying a somber atmosphere: "what do you think about the rebellion?"
Ha-Joon, who had been idly picking at his food, finally looked up. His expression was unreadable, his gaze calm: "What about it?"
Gapryong chuckled, shaking his head: "You were in the middle of it. You must have an opinion. Shintaro killed Shingen, the rebellion ended, and now the Yamazaki family is in his hands. What do you think comes next?"
Ha-Joon took a moment to chew his food before answering: "War doesn't end just because a man dies."
Gapryong raised an eyebrow: "Smart answer."
He tapped his fingers against the table: "Shintaro got what he wanted, but ruling isn't as easy as taking. The family's in chaos. Old loyalties will, and those who supported him now may wonder if they backed the right man. Rebellions leave scars, Ha-Joon. And scars don't just fade away.
Ha-Joon paused for a moment and dismissed him: "I don't care about Shintaro's problems anyway."
Gapryong smirked: "Of course, you don't. You have your own goals, don't you?" He leaned forward slightly: "You're here in Korea for a reason, and I doubt it's to settle down."
Ha-Joon's eyes gleamed: "I'm here to take what I need."
Gapryong chuckled, shaking his head. "And do you think South Korea will just hand it over?" He leaned back, stretching his arms: "There are men here who've bled for their thrones. Regional kings who've ruled through nothing but brute force and cunning. You think they'll let you do as you please?"
Ha-Joon smirked: "I don't need permission."
Gapryong studied him for a moment before letting out a deep laugh: "Bold. I like that. But let me give you a warning, power isn't just about strength. You'll learn that soon enough."
The conversation settled into silence for a moment, for a while, the two of them didn't talk, and was leisurely eating their dish.
Suddenly, Gapryong smiled, lifting his glass in mock toast: "To the next war, then."
Truth to be told, He didn't want the new generation to start a war because of the greed and money. He, who had lived during the 0th Generation as the strongest may not necessarily know the sheer despair brought by the war, but he certainly did know that if they caused the next generation to start a war, it would definitely cause huge chaos and many would be hurt.
But alas, Age has caught up to him, as he couldn't possibly stop the impending Generational war. So, Instead of fighting, he choose to go with the flow. But who knew, he would be killed by his child and can't watch the chaos brought by the 1st Gen.
Ha-Joon raised his eyes and gazed at Gapryong, before smirking: "Haha.. To the next war."
And with that, the stage was set for what was to come.
And in the dim glow of the café, two men, one a legend of the past, the other a force of the future, shared a quiet understanding.
.....
As he approached the massive gray structure of the juvenile prison, his eyes took in every detail. The tall fences lined with barbed wire, the watchtowers looming above, and the heavy steel gates that separated the world inside from the outside.
He stepped toward the entrance, the cold stare of the guards meeting him immediately.
"Identification?" one of them asked, eyeing him from head to toe.
Ha-Joon handed over the required papers. The guard studied them before nodding and motioning for him to follow.
After going through multiple security checkpoints, including a pat-down and metal detectors, he was finally led through a long hallway filled with flickering lights.
Finally, he was brought to the visitation area. The room was divided by thick glass, with a single phone on each side of the table.
Then, the heavy door on the opposite side creaked open.
Gun Park slowly made his entrance.
Dressed in the standard juvenile inmate uniform, Gun had began to adjust at the atmosphere of the Juvenile. His hair disheveled, his knuckle bruised with inmates blood, which had been the sign of his recent fight, His eyes dull yet cold.
He smirked as he picked up the phone: "Took you long enough."
Ha-Joon lifted the receiver: "Busy setting things up outside. You surviving in here?"
Gun let out a short chuckle: "Surviving? You should know better. I'm thriving."
Ha-Joon's gaze flickered to the bruises on Gun's hands: "How many?"
Gun rolled his shoulders and spoke casually: "Lost count after the first few days. These kids think they're tough until they meet someone who really knows how to fight."
Ha-Joon nodded and added: "Good. I need you to keep growing stronger. It won't be long before I put things into motion."
Gun's smirk faded slightly: "And what about you? You finally met some real opponents here?"
Ha-Joon's mind briefly flashed back to his recent encounter with Gapryong Kim and Kwon Baek Ho. The intensity of their battle, the overwhelming strength they possessed, it had only fueled his hunger for more. But he simply responded: "I'm progressing."
Gun leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice. "And the Yamazaki family? Shintaro?"
Ha-Joon's eyes darkened slightly at the mention of that name: "Somi is handling it. She's inside, monitoring their movements. I'll know soon enough if they plan to interfere. And deal him as you see fit after the Juvenile."
Gun let out an amused chuckle: "So, you really trust her?"
Ha-Joon didn't hesitate: "I trust her to do her job. Nothing more, nothing less."
Gun leaned back, smirking again. "Fair enough. So, what now? You gonna keep coming here for tea and conversation?"
Ha-Joon scoffed: "No. Next time I visit, it'll be when you're ready to step out of here. And by then, I expect you to be strong enough to defeat me."
Gun's smirk widened: "You really think anyone in here can hold me back?"
Ha-Joon met his gaze with a, knowing grin: "Heh... Then prove it."
Gun exhaled softly: "You'll see."
The visit was nearing its end. Ha-Joon placed the receiver back down, standing up. Just as he was about to leave, he paused for a moment and spoke: "Don't disappoint me, Park Jung-un."
Just before he stepped away, Gun spoke one last time: "Ha-Joon."
"Don't lose out there before our confrontation. As I don't challenge losers."
Ha-Joon smirked slightly, before raising the back of his hand for casual wave.
....
( Sorry for delaying and comment, if ya'll find any mistakes. And now, King arcs begin from the next chapter so, Buckle up Guys.)