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There is a legend in Lungmen.

The dark slums are a turbulent place where different factions cross paths. There, one must tread extremely carefully, lest one find oneself swept away by the roiling waves.

Yet there is one man who stands at the pinnacle, above all these different factions, and maintains order from the shadows. It could even be said that the entire slums move to his will alone.

There are many rumors about him, though few have actually seen him in person.

During his day-to-day life, he is no different from any other local. You could walk right past him without realizing his true identity.

You will never know if the random passerby you happen to lay eyes on is one of his informants. You will also never know if, in some dark corner, he is obliterating those foolish enough to stand up to him.

He is Lungmen's shadow, the embodiment of the slums.

And there are many who believe that this is no mere legend...

That's him? You absolutely sure? You're pulling my leg.

I've been watching him for a while now. Fits the leaked description to a T. It's gotta be him.

Man... He doesn't look like no pushover...

What do we do? Are we really jumping him?

The goods we lost are too important. We don't have a choice... What was the password again?

I remember it. It's...

Well, look at you. Business is going well. Not taking any time off for New Year's?

There's a lot of foot traffic at night. Figured I'd make a bit of money.

Here you go, Miss. Your spicy finballs.

Whoa, that smells so great! Here's the cash.

Mmm... Delish! Just what you'd expect from a finball stall that comes highly recommended in the Great Foodie Guide!

Hold on!

Huh?!

W-What's the matter?

You paid too much. Here's your change.

T-Thank you...

Um... May I go now?

What, you need something else?

N-Not at all! See you!

Looks like I scared off another customer...

Did I say something wrong?

Hohoh... You've been tending to the stall for a couple of days now. What's going on with Old Tung?

The weather's been cold, and he says that hurts his legs, so I'm helping him out more often.

Do you know Uncle Tung, Master Lin?

He's the finest finball chef in town. Of course I know him.

Since I'm here, I might as well give him a bit of business too. I'll have an order of finballs. Let's see how much you've learned from him.

Got it. One sec.

Four orders of finballs. Three curries and one mushroom soup.

Yeah, got it. I'll start yours after I finish the last guy's order.

Ahem. I said. Four orders of finballs. Three curries and one mushroom soup.

Yeah, got it. Three curries, one mushroom soup.

(What's going on?! Didn't you say that was the password?)

(It's gotta be! You know that Feline assassin? That's what she tells him every time!)

Master, your finballs.

Very good. Here's the money.

No need. You're Uncle Tung's friend, I can't take your money.

That won't do. Debts must be paid, and what must be done, must be done.

Isn't that right?

(What's going on? Did that old fart just glance at us?)

(Tsk... What a pain.)

Sir...?

You still want your finballs?

I... I...

If you don't know which flavor you want, I can give you two to try out—

What're you getting all feisty for?!

If we don't get the drop on him now, then when? After he wastes us?!

Now cut the crap! Let's drag him off!

Leave a message for the Lou Seois. We have their boss, and they gotta bring the goods tonight if they want him alive!

Now, now, young men. Don't overdo it. There are certain rules here in Lungmen that you don't break.

Shut up, Grandpa! This is business! Sit down and eat your finballs!

Interesting.

Ugh...

My head hurts...

What's this...? Where am I?

Yo, you're finally awake. Here, have some water.

Thanks—What's going on? Who are you people... and why am I tied up...?

Sorry, but we had no choice but to go to these lengths for someone of your stature. We didn't know the Lou Seois were working for you. Please forgive us.

That said, the Lou Seois started this. They're the ones who took our goods first. Not very reasonable, don't you think?

What goods? Fins? The boat was there at the docks, and I got there first. Of course I got all the freshest fins. What makes them yours?

(Did he just say, 'the docks'? Didn't our goods get lifted at the docks?)

(Right, I get it. 'Fins' is an euphemism. What he's saying is finders keepers. The goods belong to whoever gets their hands on them first.)

*Cough*... Alright, you have a point.

But there are rules in this business. We Char Sius have been dealing in this stuff the whole time. Don't you think you should at least give us a heads-up if you were going to edge into our business?

I've been running my seafood stall for years now. How come I've never seen you people around then?

(Is 'seafood stall' an euphemism too?)

(What he's saying is he's been in this business longer than us. We got here after him.)

Right... We know that. You're known far and wide all across Lungmen. We respect someone of your stature. That's why we're taking the time to discuss this all friendly-like.

If you want to get in on this business, we can talk, but the goods you stole are very important to us Char Sius. Please give them back, and this'll be easier on the both of us.

Known... all across Lungmen?

Um... I think you got the wrong person. Can I go now...?

Don't push it! That how you wanna play this?!

If it weren't for the respect we have for you, we wouldn't be here talking. We Char Sius ain't just gonna let you push us around!

I really don't know what you're talking about...

Still playing dumb, huh? Bring me the thing.

Take a look at this picture. Ring a bell?

Is this... Waai Fu?

Don't think we don't know. She's a hitman who works for you Lou Seois, and your bodyguard.

What...?

Late last month, she stopped by your stall for finballs. The very next day, the Lou Seois' biggest rivals got their crib trashed. They say it was a Feline with some weird kung fu skills.

And you're saying you didn't order it?

Why did she have to pick that time of all times to play hero...?

And what about this one?

Madame Oni from the L.G.D.?

Looks like it's not just us. The L.G.D. has had eyes on you for a long time.

Our guys have seen that Madame Oni hanging out next to your finball shack more than once.

Now why don't you tell me why an Inspector from the L.G.D.'s Special Ops Team be interested in some finball hawker?

This is all just a misunderstanding...

Hmph, don't you think you can fool us with your little switcheroo.

Admit it. That dude you guys call the boss is just a decoy, and you're the real boss of the Lou Seois!

(I should probably just shut up for now.)

Nothing more to say, huh?

Alright, no more talking. Let's see how much your goons care about their boss.

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!

Right, it's me.

The Char Sius' top assassin.

Yeek!

Please... Please don't hurt me!

I can overlook everything you just did, for now.

But listen up. I'll only ask this once. And if I don't like your answer...

Well, you'll see.

I'll talk! I'll talk! I'll tell you everything that I know!

Where are the goods the Lou Seois stole from us last week?

I don't know!

Why did you steal them? Who's the buyer?

I don't know...

Again you don't know?!

I really don't know!

I-I've only been with the gang for two months... I really don't know any of our big secrets!

Then what DO you know?!

It was last week! Our members stole something from the Char Sius at the port. The boss was real happy, but he went missing just a few days later.

We looked everywhere, but couldn't find a thing.

(So their boss really is missing.)

And then?

Then, we got your guys' message today. I figured there was going to be a fight, so I tagged along. Seriously, that's all I know!

(Hm... Looks like that's all I'm getting from this guy.)

*Cough*. I'll tell you this much. Your boss? We Char Sius kidnapped him.

Go home and tell your boss. Uh... tell whoever's calling the shots without him.

I'll give you one last chance to settle this peacefully. Meet us at the docks with what you stole. Midnight.

And I'd better see some sincerity, or your boss is dead meat.

Now scram.

Okay!

Phew...

Looks like he bought it.

It's not easy playing the villain.

Calm down. Calm down... Next up...

You idiot! Imbecile!

We had the guy tied up. How'd you let him get away? Now how are we supposed to negotiate with the Lou Seois?

What're you yelling at me for? You brought all those guys and still couldn't catch him!

Why you—

I heard somebody's looking for me.

It's you!

Yep, it's me.

Heh, I gotta hand it to you two. You've got keen eyes, being able to see through my act.

That's right. I'm the boss of the Lou Seois.

I knew it... W-What do you want?

It's very simple. The things we took from you? You can have them back. But we'll need an explanation for why you kidnapped me.

We'll be waiting for you at the docks with the goods, tonight at midnight. I want all of the Char Sius there.

I'll let you have what's yours, but I won't tolerate this disrespect.

(What should we do? Do we still want it...?)

(W-Wait... He's all by himself. We managed to knock him out earlier, maybe we can...)

Hold it right there!

T-That's the Feline hitman! It's her!

Heh, I let my guard down and got ambushed once, but did you really think I'd let it happen again?!

Sounds to me you don't know who you're dealing with.

*Cough*...

(What do I do now?)

(The wall. The wall!)

(Oh, right.)

Hah!

She knocked the wall down... in one strike!

I'll be waiting at the docks in two hours. You better show up if you know what's good for you!

What do we do now...?

What do you mean, what do we do? There's no running from it. We just have to go!

Wait, wait! Hold on! Why are we running so fast?

You still haven't told me what this charade's all about.

Phew... This should be far enough.

*Sigh* To tell you the truth, I don't really know what's going on myself.

Anyway, thanks for the help. I'll treat you to some finballs next time.

No worries. It's no big deal.

You really looked like some mafia boss just now, though. I nearly fell for it myself.

Do I really look like such a bad guy?

You're not hiding any secret identities from me, are you?

Come on, stop teasing me.

Eh, I'll head to the docks first. All of this should start to make sense come midnight.

Good. Right on time.

Heh, I could say the same to you.

Where're the goods?

Slow down. Where's our boss?

Don't make me laugh. You think you can just keep screwing with us like this?

Now cut the crap and give us what's ours!

In your dreams! Let us see the boss first!

Taking us for a ride, are you? You want to go again?

Let's do it! I ain't afraid of you!

Okay, let's drop the weapons. If you got anything to say, say it at the station.

Shit! It's a set-up!

All of you, come with me.

You're the one who called this in, right?

Yeah, that's me...

Mind telling me how you found out a deal was going down between these two gangs?

Uh... It's a long story...

I'm still wrapping my head around it, but that's about the size of it... Do you believe me?

Hahaha, don't be so nervous. The L.G.D.'s actually been following this case for a while now.

Guess there's no harm in telling you. Most of their weapon cache actually got strewn all over the streets after their last rumble. The L.G.D. tried to retrieve as much as we could, but the Char Sius still managed to get their hands on a decent chunk of what's left.

I-Isn't that dangerous?

Yeah, though they didn't have the guts to smuggle the weapons themselves.

They were thinking of taking out the brand new Originium Devices on the weapons, and selling those instead. Of course, that's illegal too.

The L.G.D. apprehended the Lou Seois' boss the other day. He was looking for a buyer for the stolen goods, you see.

He's pretty tight-lipped. Couldn't get much out of him. We owe you a great deal tonight. It's all thanks to your plan that we managed to apprehend all these people.

Though come to think of it, you really shouldn't do anything so dangerous again.

I see, so that's how it is...

Um, ma'am? If there's nothing else, is it okay if I go now?

Hold on.

Truth be told, I've actually been keeping an eye on you too. With your skills, I think you're a bit overqualified to be a mere street hawker.

I know a much better gig for you. How about it?

Well... I appreciate the offer, ma'am.

Though just as Lungmen needs police officers like you, it needs seafood hawkers like me too. It's not about qualifications.

Anyway, I don't think what I'm doing right now is so bad...

Haha, I get you. Of course, I'll respect your decision. If you ever have a change of heart, though, you know where to find me.

Thanks for your work. I'm gonna head back now.

Oh, and be sure to pay the L.G.D. a visit after the holidays for your certificate!

Oh, sure, when I have time.

Good kid. As expected from one of Tung's students. I knew I was right about him.

Several months later...

Hey, you see that finball stall there?

They're getting quite a lot of customers. Why don't we give it a try?

Hah, that's no normal finball stall. The stall's owner is actually the patriarch of the Lungmen Docks triads!

On New Year's Eve, he took on both the Char Sius and the Lou Seois all by himself, and you know what happened? He took down every last one! Also—

Shh! Quiet down. I think he heard that!

Yo, boss, how about some finballs?