strong

Meanwhile...

Yo, Second Bro, we finally have news about the boss!

Where is he?!

The Char Sius just sent us a message. Apparently they took him hostage.

They sent us an address, and told us to bring the goods if we want the boss alive.

Dammit, I knew it was them! Get the whole gang! We're settling the score with the Char Sius tonight!

So are we bringing the goods or...?

'Course not! They think we're pushovers, huh? Get your weapons! Those punks are going down!

Thought it through yet, 'Boss'?

Your lackeys got the message already. Hand over the goods, and no one has to get hurt. Wouldn't want your pretty face getting messed up in a struggle, would you?

Why'd you send them a message? What if they actually send people here to fight you guys?

You got balls, punk, still trying to threaten us!

That's not what I was—*Sigh*... never mind.

(What do we do? He's got a point. If it comes to a fight, we're way outnumbered here.)

(Well, why didn't you bring more guys then?!)

(You're the one who wanted to keep this on the down low!)

(Well, I didn't expect him to not talk!)

(Whatever, just keep an eye on him... If you can convince him to cough up the goods, all the better. I'll go get the others.)

*Cough*...

Thought it through yet, 'Boss'?

If you know what's good for you, you'll hand over the goods now, and we can still do this peacefully.

Mind if I ask what 'goods' we're talking about here?

Cut the crap! Your gang beat up our guys at the port just to get your hands on them! You know what they are!

Heh, only you freaks would try to take a dangerous job like this from us.

Did you just say 'dangerous'?

Stop playing dumb! If you guys had the balls to snatch this job from right under the L.G.D.'s nose, you knew what you were getting into! You knew it was gonna be a big payday!

Um... It's just you and me here right now, right?

Fine, I'll tell you where they are.

Oh? Now that's more like it. Talk.

Come closer, you never know who's listening.

Alright, now spit it out.

Closer.

Enough chit-chat. Just—

Uncle Tung was right. Better to use your head than your fists.

You guys really tied me up good, huh... Sorry, I'm borrowing this knife. I'll give it back if we ever see each other again.

I don't know who you're looking for or what you want, but you've got the wrong guy. I ain't anybody's boss.

*Sigh*... But listening's not your strong point, is it? Anyway, I'mma split here.

Ugh, my head hurts...

This is the place. Now where are the Char Sius?

Look over there. Some guy just came out of that building with a knife. I bet that's our contact with them.

Hold up, doesn't that guy look kind of familiar?

Now I remember! He's that top assassin who's always disguised as a seafood hawker! Last time he skinned twenty people alive with a scaling knife! I saw it with my own eyes!

I didn't know he was with the Char Sius! What do we do now...?

Calm down. Let's try talking to him first.

No one came after me. Guess I lost them...

*Sigh*... It's New Year's. I haven't even closed the stall yet. What is going on...?

Hey, you.

Huh? Me?

This the Char Sius' hideout?

(The guys from before said they're from the Char Sius, didn't they?)

Yeah, that's right.

Get him!

Where's our boss?!

How would I know?!

Heh, I know you Char Sius got numbers, but that doesn't mean jack against us!

You got the wrong guy—

He took down Second Bro in just one hit! I knew it! That's their top assassin!

Not another version of this...

Don't worry! We got the numbers! Even he can't take on all of us at once!

With me, guys! We're saving the boss!

Well... Guess I better make a run for it first...

Don't let him get away! After him!

Alright, they brought their people with them.

Let's go, boys! Get 'em!

Heh, an ambush, huh?

Don't be afraid, boys! Let's show 'em who's boss!

Hand over the goods!

Hand over the boss!

Uh, how come you guys are fighting? Take it easy. There's no need for violence.

Uh... *Sigh*... I guess I'll go back and close the stall.

What're these 'goods' I keep hearing about, anyway...?

Good evening, Uncle Wong.

Well, hello there, Jaye. What's up? I don't have any fresh fins for you at this hour.

No, I just have a question.

Have you seen any big fights here lately?

Oh, don't make me laugh. There are more fights here on the docks than we have fins for sale. What kinda fight are we talking about here?

I don't mean a normal street fight. I mean like two gangs of mean-looking people fighting each other.

Eh, that's probably not the best way to describe it... Uncle, have you seen any new faces at the docks lately?

The docks are huge. How am I supposed to remember every single person I see?

*Sigh*... Now that you mention it, though, this is starting to ring a bell.

For a while last month, there was a group of people hauling crates here every night.

Normally I wouldn't give it a second thought, but all their crates were wrapped up in black. It all looked very shady.

Do you remember what those people looked like? Where did they take the crates?

I was busy closing up. You think I'd remember something like that? Not everyone's got a good memory like you.

(So those must be the goods the Char Sius kept talking about.)

(What are they planning...?)

Ai-yah, I didn't even notice, but look at those bruises. You were fighting again, weren't you?

Here, put some ice on it.

Thanks...

You know, you seem like the honest sort, but how come you always have all these scrapes and bruises?

Uh... I didn't really mean to—

I've known you for a long time now. You're a good kid. You're patient, and you can't stand injustice. That's why you always end up fighting those punks.

No, it's actually all just a mis—

I know your heart's in the right place, but you need to protect yourself too. If something happens, let somebody else take care of it. Don't go looking for trouble with people you shouldn't mess with. Got it?

Yeah, I got it. Thanks. I have something to take care of tonight though, and I know how to handle it.

Oh, right, is it okay if I borrow your phone?

Goddamned Char Sius. They sure put up a good fight...

Now where is everyone...? So quick to run. Where'd they go...?

Oh, good. There's still one of you left.

I-It's you!