No Kingdom for Gangsters

The logic of the Witch Kingdom is dark and cold.

Down in this underground commune, packed with backstabbin' and power plays, you don't survive on ideals alone...

Every witch builds her own crew and gathers muscle.

And to keep those crews in line, the Witch Queen? She doesn't care how it's done. Any means will do.

Me—Snorky. I once took over the Witch Kingdom's back alleys with nothing but my fists. But I fell for the Queen's setup... and ended up a witch thrown straight into the pit.

Sharpenin' the blade of revenge... I clawed my way out.

Ah... How long has it been?

The same musty underground smell as always.

I really missed it.

So the rumors were true. Never thought I'd see my ol' friend again like this.

Huh? You're...

Canta from the spinning top joint...?

Long time no see, Snorky.

How'd ya get out of that endless pit? Did the Witch Queen forgive ya or something?

Belita, forgive me? Don't make me laugh.

Can't you see?

With these two hands o' mine. I climbed out.

The pit may have no bottom, but it has walls.

I've always been confident in what I can do with these two fists.

Though it did take longer to get out than I thought...

Yer as impressive as eva.

Just like the one who held down a corner of our Triangle Alliance.

Here, eat this. Made it specially for ya.

Ah... Tofu? Always a savory, nutritious snack.

I hear that in some worlds, they hand ya tofu the minute ya step outta the joint.

Funny, ain't it? Like it was made just for my situation.

But Canta. Why are you the only one here?

I don't see that loan shark or any of my underlings...

Snorky.

Don't ya know how much time has passed since ya fell into that pit?

Everyone went their separate ways.

Are you saying... my gang has fallen apart?

Those disloyal bastards...!

C'mon, Snorky. Isn't that just how Witches are?

With the boss gone, what could they do?

The Witch Queen must've been countin' on that.

Belita... Damn her!

So, whatcha gonna do now?

Ya plannin' on trackin' down them punks who tossed their loyalty aside?

Hmph, those mugs were never trustworthy to begin with.

People who turn their backs when the boss lands in the can ain't even worth layin' a hand on.

'Sides, I ain't got no clue who the traitor was.

Right, was one o' yer own crew who ratted ya out in the first place 'n got ya hauled off.

I still got plenty of muscle left in me. And crawlin' my way outta that hole made these fists a whole lot meaner.

As long as I got strength, the gang can always be put back together.

Yo, Snorky, startin over from scratch now ain't gonna be easy. This ain't the kinda era where ya rule the Back Alley with just yer fists anymore.

Whatcha getting at?

Well, I got a bright idea.

Hah? So you didn't come all this way just to congratulate me on gettin' out?

Well, a sprite that sucks the poor dry wouldn't show up empty-handed.

What are ya proposing?

Up top... I mean, on the surface, there's this pretty damn solid new gang makin' a name for itself.

So what about it?

I'll be yer guide... How 'bout takin' em over?

Gettin' a seat at someone else's table is always the easiest and most fun, right?

Well, depends on what kinda table it is.

What's the name of this gang?

The Yggdrasil... Order!

Order...? A cult gang?

That side o' the business is a little too filthy for my taste. Ain't exactly somethin' I'm eager to get mixed up in.

Snorky, no other gang is hotter than that one right now, ya got me?

If ya take down their boss and take over, you'll be the ruler of all back alleys in Elias.

Well, for now... I'll give it a shot.

Got nothin' left to lose anyway, might as well go all in.

If I succeed, what're you gettin' out of it?

The order's got itself an annex, a banquet hall tacked on the side.

I wanna make that place my base. Even got a sweet name for it already, ehehe.

A name? What, like Cantaland or something?

Cantopia.

……….

……….

Canta, ya haven't changed one bit.

Ain't that the same for ya too?

Hmph, then show me the way.

Running my mouth ain't my style.

Yer right, you were always that 'chivalrous thug' leading with yer fists.

Take me to where the Don of that Order Family.

A pathetic sprite gang like that? I'll take it over today.

Hey!! Tell the boss to come out here!!

Wh-Whoa! Who the heck are you two?!

Who said you could run a business here without askin' permission, huh?!

From now on, this is my spinning top joint. Ehehe.

Huh? Whaaat?!

Y-You're... Aren't you Snorky, the one who used to rule Witch Kingdom?!

The one who got caught illegally distributing soy milk, what are you doing here...?

Hm? Wait, you're a witch? What're you doin' here?

When Sensei is away, I sometimes watch over the Banquet Hall...

What? Are you some kinda part-timer?

I'm practicing to become like Sensei!

Calling your boss "Sensei"...Y'all must be pretty close, huh?

Looks like the Order Family boss ain't 'round right now. How 'bout we take this one hostage. Hehe.

Ahhh! Let go! You're gonna regret this!

You think Sensei's gonna let you get away with this?! No wait, the Head Priestess will cut you down first!

What? Head Priestess?

Like an underboss or something? Hehe, don't matter who it is—I'll fold 'em with one good punch.

Stop right there, bee!

Huhhh?

What, a bug?

Not a bug, I'm Jubee, bee!

I came to donate some honey to the Banquet Hall and see you thugs are causing a ruckus, bee?!

Uhm... Snorky, watch out.

Watch out for what? It's just a fly.

That one's stronger than she looks.

She's part of the Royal Jelly Family. Got a base in the Misty Forest.

What? Even bugs like that have gangs now?

The upper world is really ridiculous.

So whatcha gonna do, fly? Yer gonna come at me? Buzz around?

If ya wanna fight, I'll give ya one.

Master is a premium Jubee customer, bee. I won't forgive anyone messing up the Banquet Hall, bee!

Premium customer? Is the boss of this Order Family running some kinda cartel on the surface?

This Order Family seems to be a tougher gang than I thought.

Get out of the Banquet Hall right now, beeeee!

Ha! Chargin' straight at me like that makes it too easy!

Gwahhh! My wings... losing strength, bee....

Jubee! Nooo!

Figures, Snorky. Not a bit o' rust on ya at all!

Who does this lil' fly think it is, crawlin' up to me? Huh?

Ughh... she hit me with that rolled up wall calendar and my wings went all limp bee... Dirty witch, bee...

Ugh... so dizzy, bee.

Well then, how 'bout we get back to business?

Stop, bee!

Huh? What? How did ya get up?

Didn't I cripple your wings with an instantaneous air burst?

Huh? Wait?

S-Snorky! Look around!

How dare you hit Jubee, Jubee won't forgive you, bee!

An attack on one Jubee will be considered an attack on all Jubee, bee!

Th-this thing...!

Why are there so many? Are you using some kinda clone jutsu or what?!

Jubee! Did you come to save me?

The Jubees came to save Jubee, bee. I don't even know who you are, bee.

I know Picora, bee. I also know the Jubee next door, bee.

Oh, that Jubee was this Jubee? Sorry, haha. All Jubees look the same, it's confusing.

Bringin' yer whole gang to a one-on-one duel, how dirty!

Jubees don't care about that sort of thing, bee.

This is just payback for hitting Jubee, bee.

Wh-Whoa!

There's too many! Retreat!

Canta, you rat?! Where d'you think you're runnin' off to? You said you were gonna back me up!

It's a cold-hearted world, Snorky!

Cantaaa!!

Prepare yourself, bee.

Jubees won't hesitate to gang up for revenge, bee.

Ugh, ah?

Kyaaaah!!!

Eek? Jubees are scary! I thought they were just cute mascots...!

Gaahhh! You cowardly flies! Stop hitting meee!!!

Ugh...

Ugh... Where am I...

Don't worry, you're in the hospital.

Jubee said you'd probably come to your senses by now and dumped you at the door before leaving.

Damn it... To lose to a bunch of nobodies like that...

Does that make me yesterday's news now?

Don't get too worked up. Your wounds will get worse.

What're you talkin' about? Now that you mention it... I can't feel my arms or legs at all. The hell's goin' on here?

This is called a cast.

It's probably an unusual treatment for you.

I gave first aid to your bruised limbs.

Bruises? Bruises you say?! Bruises heal on their own!

Even small ailments have great meaning to me.

What? Stop talking nonsense and take this off!

Please listen to me.

Lady, you won't be able to leave the hospital until you're fully recovered.

Wh-what?

What the hell do you think you're doing?!

It's called inpatient treatment. This must be a first for a witch like you.

Don't worry. I'll take good care of you.

Rest assured, just trust me and I'll put you to sleep.

Hiiiieek?!

Put me to sleep? Put me to sleep?!

Aaaaah! What are you trying to do to me?!

Aah?! The patient is escaping?! Stop right there!!

D-don't follow me! Get away!! Get away from me!!!

Huff, huff...

What kinda freak is that?!

That's the first one since Belita who's given me the creeps just by talkin'.

What the hell happened while I was crawlin' out o' that hole?

The surface was always a world of idiots and fools...

So this Master must've went and made a place this brutal their own territory, huh?

Master... Just how amazin' can you be?

I gotta see for myself.

And... if I get a chance to 'take over'... maybe that'd work?

……….

I pledge myself to you as the boss! Just say the word, Boss—I'll do anything you ask!

I know the front's gotta look legit on the outside, Don.

I may not look it... but I've been rollin' around in this world long enough to pick up on that much.

Ah, I understand.

Of course, MASTER.

Sensei!

Snorky's no good! Snorky's the one who came into the Banquet Hall yesterday and caused a scene fighting with Jubee!

Huh?! Y-you little?!

Don, I just didn't know how things worked on the surface!

If I'd known Don's true character, I never would've been so rude from the start!

I'm sorry! I'll... I'll even get on my knees!

So you'll accept me?

Sensei!

Snorky was a notorious troublemaker even in the Witch Kingdom!

When Lady Belita created the Milk Prohibition Act banning milk...

She openly rebelled by making illegal milk and building up her own gang!

There was a trend where people claiming milk was a perfectly balanced food were harassing consumers of other health foods!

Right. It was a tragedy caused by "milk supremacy."

It was the darkest of times.

Yes! The entire Witch Kingdom was basically a den of evil!

Yes! Milk made from soybeans... soy milk!

The Latte di Soia Gang where Snorky was the boss is still infamous!

Phew... If you can't trust me because of my dark past, guess there's nothin' I can do about it...

Huh? Th-Thank you?

Sensei! Why are you ignoring what I'm saying! I'm telling you Snorky is really dangerous!!

Hmm... well, well.

Slippin' in as a low-level grunt with the Order Family? That part went smooth enough.

After a few days of keepin' my head down and feelin' things out, this is more or less how their setup looks.

Hmm... the underboss guarding Master's side, also known as Head Priestess Ner.

She swings around an axe, stirrin' up fear.

Seems like she was someone in the past. Her actual fightin' power ain't half bad either.

Best to eliminate Master when this one ain't around.

Under her's Tig—the former boss of the Chow Rebels. Got swallowed up in a merger.

Together with two dedicated underlings, she doesn't hesitate to cause trouble.

She's the Order Family's enforcer—the type who's always pickin' fights wherever she goes, just to kill the boredom.

There's a rumor that without weapons she's all bark and no bite... I should look into that later.

And then there's Sticker Book Picora who's watching me with suspicion.

She used to be the Thorn Witch's disciple, but it looks like she jumped ship to the Order Family to play the angles.

Always got her nose buried in a book... maybe she's the brainy type handlin' the Order's accounts?

The Order Family... is a more tightly organized group than I thought.

Their reputation and image seem pretty good too...

Unlike what Canta claimed, this wasn't a gang I could take over with nothin' but my fists.

Tch, what a bother.

That rat Canta, fed me nothin' but empty rumors and made me look like a fool!

Not to forget, she abandoned me and ran away... I'll deal with her lat—

Whoa?! Don! When did you arrive?!

Ah! S-Sorry, Don!

I was sleep talking and accidentally...!

Understood. But... why were you looking for me?

An initiation? A loyalty test? That what you're tryin' to pull?

Who should I take care of, Don?

Just say the word and I'll handle it swiftly!

Kyah... Don's broad generosity, looking after even the lowly underlings....

I truly don't know what to do with myself...!

But may I ask one thing?

That long piece o' paper you're holdin' there... what're you plannin' to use it for?

...Huh? Bread bill? Wrecked a bakery...?

Given that length, the amount must be insane... Is the Order's operation really okay...?

Wh-what?! Half the operatin' budget?!

Huh? What's happenin' today... don't tell me!! Are we lookin' at a full-on street brawl over who owns the turf?

Y-Yes! Take care, Don!

Phew, I almost got my plan exposed. Good thing I pulled through.

Guess that's what happens when you're the head of a big gang...

The boss just keeps lettin' plenty o' useful info slip while talkin'.

Half the monthly operatin' budget goes to bread bills—or rather, protection money...?

I don't know how many this "Queen" character is shakin' down, but...

If the Order stays afloat despite bleedin' all that cash every month like Master said...

That means this gang's got some serious bank, right?

In other words, there's gotta be an outside money source fundin' the Order Family...

Yeah, no matter how I twist n' turn it, the Head Priestess most likely is the one in cahoots with the money source.

It's risky, but I gotta get close to the Head Priestess and find out where their money's really comin' from.

Once I figure that out, takin' down the Order Family'll be just a just a matter of time.

And once that happens...

They'll descend into total chaos, and that's when!

I swoop in and gobble up their gang! Muhahaha!!

Hmm... Now where could that Head Priestess be?

I haven't been a member long enough to know where anythin' is...

Oh? Wait, didn't Master mention goin' to see the Head Priestess earlier?!

Don! Big boss!! Head honcho!!!

Agh, Master!!!! Where are you!!

Sensei! Are you there...?

Whoa, that scared me!

What the? I came to see Sensei... why's she running out like that?

Hmm... This is weird, way too weird!

It was already strange that Snorky joined the Order in the first place...

And now she's rushing out with that panicked look on her face—suspicious!

Wait, could she be going to wreck the Banquet Hall again?!

Ugh... I'm gonna tail her and expose who Snorky truly is!

What's going on? Is there some kind of meetin' goin on?

Why are there so many members out in the hallway?

The crowd is huge, I can't even spot Master.

Damn it, everyone hurry up and move along...!

The Head Priestess didn't come out today?

Nope. It can't be helped.

The Head Priestess is super busy with other stuff too.

Hm? They're talkin' about the Head Priestess?

I'm just gonna listen for a bit...

Oh, now that you mention it, she always does look incredibly busy.

Really? I thought she's been dozing off a lot during mass lately?

Isn't she tired from being so busy?

I heard Priestesses don't sleep of their own will though? I wonder what's going on?

Maybe she was just making excuses for nodding off? Out of embarrassment?

Well, she's always busy so she could be tired.

Oh yeah, that's right! She's always tapping away at her calculator.

When I was coming by earlier, I saw her meeting with a golden dragon in the back alley...

Is that about money too?

Probably? Seeing how she meets with that dragon all the time, wouldn't that be it?

That dragon was so shiny in the sunlight! I didn't even notice the Head Priestess was there until much later!

Hm? A golden... dragon?

She met a golden dragon in the Back Alley?

Golden Dragon... if it's golden... Goldy? I remember a Dragon named Goldy.

So Goldy is the Order's money source!

Kehehe, I got a feelin' about this. Sounds like she's movin' money on a pretty big scale, huh?

What perfect timing to catch intel this huge!

Well, well, ain't things goin' a little too smooth all of a sudden?

The whole Sprite Kingdom is helpin' me get into the boss seat.

Alright... I'll go check it out right now...

Hmm? Who's there?!

...What? Could've sworn someone was hidin' there just now...

Ahhh! I almost got caught!

Is someone tailin' me?

Then again, ain't it natural to keep an eye on a newbie with a shady background?

I'd do the same.

Better watch my step from here on out.

I shouldn't go meet Goldy in person and stir up suspicion. It might take longer, but sendin' a letter and checkin' with her... that's the safer play here.

Ugh... Where's she going now...!

Ugh, this is exhausting! Can't she just walk for once...?

She's so fast because all she does is throw punches...!

Ugh... Sensei! Just wait a little longer! I'll bring you solid proof!

Don, you there...?

Hello? You're not here, right?

...Really not here? So the business trip to the elven city wasn't a lie.

Let's see, got paper and pen... Perfect, and here's the official stamp too!

How should I start the first line...?

Hey, Goldy.

I'm the boss of the Yggdrasil Order in the Sprite Kingdom, the Master.

Let me get straight to the point. I expect an honest answer to my question.

You wouldn't be conductin' secret dealings with the Head Priestess of the Sprite Kingdom, right?

By secret dealings, I wonder if you're funding the Sprite Kingdom...

In exchange for compensation from the Head Priestess.

I trust you'll give me an honest reply, so I don't gotta settle this with a little hands-on conversation.

If you really are doin' that kind of business with the Head Priestess that I'm thinkin' of...

Let me say this: I could be the perfect partner for you.

P.S.

This is a secret letter, so don't you dare go blabbin' about its contents to anyone!

Stamp it here with a thump! Hehe, perfect!

Done!

With the Master's stamp on the envelope, ain't no way it's not sent with top priority, right?

Will I get a reply by tomorrow...?

Phew... never thought I'd end up doin' this kinda dirty work—figured all I'd ever need was my fists.

Writin' is actually pretty tirin' too.

*Huff, huff* Snorky... where are you?

Hmm... Guess I'll call it a day and go to bed!

Eek! S-Snorky?! Why is that witch coming out of Sensei's room?!

Usually I only see that "my precious, my precious"-sprite once in a while...

What the heck is she plotting?

But... that alone probably won't make Sensei suspicious yet.

Sensei didn't seem to care much about the illegal soy milk incident either...

I have no choice but to keep observing her until I get solid evidence...!

I just saw that yellow one on her kickboard come 'n go...

...Right, here it is! It really didn't even take a day?

Master's seal really works! Muahaha!

Let's see... what was her reply?

Hello, Master. Or should I call you Boss? The title's a bit confusing.

I've sold goods to the Head Priestess before,

but I've never funded the Sprite Kingdom or the Order. I think there's some misunderstanding.

I told you the truth, so please, there's no need for a "hands-on conversation"...?

What? She seems... utterly clueless?

What the hell's goin' on?

Rumor was a golden dragon met with the Head Priestess...

Huh? If the golden dragon isn't Goldy...

Wait... could the golden dragon that the gang members saw... not actually be golden...?

Then... could it be?!

Whoa, that scared me!

Oh, hi Snorky...? J-Just by p-pure coincidence coming out o-of Sensei's room...?

Hmm, so it was you... who was hidin' and spyin' on me?

No wonder it felt half-baked...

Wh-what? Are you done talking?!

Shut it. I ain't got the time to play house with you here, so move aside.

Hey, hey! Stop right there!

Grrr... I won't let this slide. I'll chase you to the end and catch you red-handed, Snorky...!

You're so busted!!

Gah—?! Who the hell slammed the door like that, gora?!

It's me, Pira.

Aaaah?! Snorky? You gotta be kiddin' me!

Snorky's here?! Ya made it out in one piece!

Well, well! Long time no see. Canta's here too... Guess that makes it a full Triangle Alliance reunion for the first time in ages. Kahahaha!

Canta? So you ditched me the second I was gettin' jumped by those bugs, and now you're just loungin' around here like nothin' happened?

Aw, why bring up old news between us!

Hmph. But what's with this office, Pira?

Looks like you've grown quite a bit while I was gone?

Ha! This place? It's nothing...

I was passing by and someone went and abandoned a perfectly good office...

So I snatched it up before anyone else could! Kahahat!

So what, have you fully planted yourself up on the surface now?

That's right! Just like you crawled out of that pit, I crawled up to the surface too! Haha!

Well, well! And damn—crawling your way out of that pit, huh... Gotta hand it to you, you've got some real guts!

Pira, lemme ask you somethin'.

Girl, we finally meet after all this time and you're jumping straight to business?

Pira, have you been to the Sprite Kingdom recently?

Huh? How'd ya know? I was just there yesterday, had a meeting with the Head Priestess.

You met the Head Priestess? Why?

Why else, girl. Business, of course.

You think I'd haul myself all the way there for anything but money?

But why are you asking?

So it was her who played at bein' a golden dragon and wormed her way close to the Head Priestess.

And she's met her not once, but several times... This is gettin' troublesome...

Hey hey, Snorky! Why are you asking whether I met the the Head Priestess?!

Kekeke... I think I know?

Canta, you punk! If you know, spill it!!

What's your plan here?

Ah... well...

Dammit, Picora must've followed me and is probably eavesdroppin' on everythin'...

But if I wanna get the full story from Pira... I need to play along.

Hmmm... you might know how to move money, but you're still slow on the intel front, Pira.

Ah, what the! What is it, gora?!

Ahh, it ain't nothin'. Just tryin' to get back to the way I was before I ever landed in the can.

Canta set up a really nice spread for me.

I'm startin' to slowly build up my power.

Kihihi! I told her 'bout the Order Family.

Had to be somethin' that big to get Snorky puffin' out her chest like that...

In the end, ain't it good for us too? Kekek.

Kehahah! What, you're trying to take a bit outta the Order Family by toppling their highest official, the Head Priestess?

Well, if you put it that way, yeah.

Wow wow! Snorky! You're still alive and kicking, gora?

Haven't changed one bit from the old days! Hahaha!

But listen, Snorky! You better watch your back, got it?

Wanna hear something interesting?

Top-shelf intel—something that'll be a huge help to your plan. Heh-heh.

Intel you say?

Snorky, do you have any idea how much I've loaned that Head Priestess?

If I had to guess, more than half the Order Family's finances right now are probably stuffed full of special gold, courtesy of oresama, gora!

W-Wait—are you tellin' me the Head Priestess never noticed any of this till now?

Damn, that makes this a hell of a lot more serious than I thought.

Hehehehe! Don't you dare underestimate oresama's alchemy, yeah?

On the surface, you can't tell it apart from real gold at all, gora!

While that Head Priestess was nodding off, I even pushed some contracts through with a little sleight of hand...

Felt kinda off from the get go. Doin' a deal that big and noddin' off...

She's turnin' into a full-on idiot like the queen. Hehehe!

She's actin' all sharp 'n quick on the daily, but soon as sleep comes knockin' she get real honest, huh?

Did Pira sharpen her skills since back then?

I figured she'd be makin' chump change with loan scams at best...

Are you plannin' to bring the whole Order Family down by bleedin' it dry financially?

Huh? Right now? Nah, not yet! I'll wait and do it later. Later, later.

My plan was to buy it all back for dirt cheap once the value tanked, gora! Hahahah!

But Snorky, you're saying you wanna swallow the Order Family whole right now...

Well, it's not like I can't help you, gora!

I could spoon-feed you the entire Order myself, ya know? How about it?! Ahahah!

That Pira... Rotten to the core as ever.

Actin' like she's lookin' out for me, when all she really wants is to dump a mountain o' debt in my lap?

I got it now! Set me up as a puppet boss and run her loan shark business behind my back.

The Order Family falling apart like that.. I can't let that happen.

First things first—gotta wipe out the debt that con artist saddled 'em with!

Heh... Guess I didn't even need to pass Snorky the intel after all?

Snorky—nah, I mean boss o' the hotshot new gang! Congrats on the comeback. Haha!

You're good at management, Snorky! Hell, oresama could even set up my loan-shark business in Sprite Kingdom, gora! Kehahah!

If they keep snoozin', Snorky takes over the Order Family, and I take over the banquet hall...

Ain't this the baddest plan the Triangle Alliance ever cooked up? Pure genius!

Tch... head-on... guess that's the only way left.

...Snorky? What're you thinking, gora?

Oh my oh my! Are you getting drunk on dreams of becoming the oyabun again and reliving the glory days, gora?

What? Snorky? Where ya headin' off to?

I'm goin'.

Snorky? Hey! Hey! Where the hell are you suddenly going you punk, gora?! Hey!!

Ugh... got a bad feelin' about this...!

Excuse me?

Snorky looked like she was about to gamble big, didn't she? Those who make that face at the spinning top table always pull somethin'.

Huh? Snorky's the ride-or-die type~ Do you really think she'd betray us?

Can't shake the unease though...

Shouldn't we make a move before she turns into a problem?

Hah? Kisama...

Huh? Kiss my what...?

Think it through properly before you start swinging, yeah?

Hehehe! An old relic like Snorky can be dealt with later, you know? For old times' sake, matte a chotto!

Hmph. Well, if that's how ya see it, guess there ain't nothin' I can do...

Just remember this, Pira. Snorky can't ever be tamed...

I know Snorky's habits all too well, gora. The Wild Witch... a witch so wild, she makes even ya mama tremble... hehehe!

Monatium Back Alley

Pira's the worst kind! Lendin' fake gold, collectin' the real thing.

If the Order Family doesn't learn the truth...

It'll collapse exactly how I wanted, once the money line snaps...

Sure, I could swoop in then and snatch the boss seat for myself...

……….

Still... it don't sit right with me.

While I was crawlin' my way outta that pit, I did a lotta thinkin'.

Thought about gettin' revenge on Belita for wreckin' my soy milk business.

I was gonna build up my muscle and come at her head-on...

But takin' over a gang that's already in tatters? That ain't gettin' me anywhere.

And Master...

Even with Picora givin' me the side-eye...

Master brushed it off and took me in when I had nowhere to go.

That's a real heavyweight... First boss like that I've ever met. Funny thing is... I used to try bein' that kinda boss myself.

Betrayin' someone after bein' shown that kinda grace... Yeah. That weighs on me...

……….

Before I was the soy milk gang boss... I was a chivalrous brawler outta the Witch Kingdom.

Somewhere along the way, smugglin', dealin', runnin' with scum like Pira and Canta... I lost sight o' who I really was.

Maybe I...

Maybe this is my shot at takin' back that chivalry I left behind.

That's enough, you bean gangster!

Hmm? What, Picora?

I was hiding outside the building earlier and heard everything!

I heard you conspiring with that strange dragon and sprite!

I'm telling sensei!

Hmm.

Alright, I've made up my mind!

Which path I should walk...!

Wh-what? Eek! Where'd you get that orange juice bottle? Don't come near me!

Are you gonna hit me with that bottle?! That's gonna hurt like hell!

Just follow me quietly!

Don!!!!

I've got somethin' to say, Don.

Sensei! It's dangerous! Snorky is trying to do something to you!!

That's right! I, Snorky, hereby challenge you for the position of boss of the Order Family!

I'm Snorky, the Witch Kingdom's legendary brawler!

I gotta see for myself if you're really fit to be the boss of the Order Family!

No more talk!

Only fists do the talkin' now! Take this!

You're in danger, Sensei!!!

Uwaaah! Snorky, you dirty cheater!

How can you kick after saying you'd throw a punch?!

If you're Elias's top bruiser, you should've seen through a fake out like that!

Sensei! What do we do!

Lemme stick a band aid on you!

You really think this is enough to protect the family?!

Uuugh... Sensei was always a weakling!

You barely even survive the Sprite Queen's one-punch!

Sensei doesn't rely on brute force like you—Sensei wins with smarts and wits!

That's exactly why it's dangerous! Shouldn't the boss at least be able to protect themselves?

What's Master gonna do when the muscle turns on 'em?!

That's not how the Order works!

That look in your eyes has changed... guess you're finally gettin' serious.

S-Sensei?

Are you serious, Sensei?

C'mon, Don! I'll take you on anytime!

But hear this: if you lose here, the Order Family's mine!”

Huh?

Enough yappin'! Fists Only!

Wh-what?! What did you just say?

Suddenly pushin' your underling to the front...! Is that all you've got?!

Sensei! Are you sure?

Hmph! Well, whatever! But know this! This match will decide who becomes the boss of the Order Family!

Y-yes, but... this is kind of weird!

Enough yappin'! Fists Only!

Ah, whatever! I can do this too, fashionistaaaa!

Hey, what the hell're you doin'? Why're you stickin' somethin' on your forehead?

Gyaaah!! My head hurts!!

Hmph! You call that an attack?

Gah! What are you...

Knock it off! That hurts!

Wh-whoa... Sensei is scary!

S-stop! I said stop! I'm done! I lost!

Ha! You think I'd fall for that kinda bluff?!

That's right, Snorky! The era of settling things with strength and fists is long over!

Elias overcame that age of savagery eons ago!

Ugh... but the back alleys before I got thrown into that bottomless abyss were...!

Not being able to adapt isn't something to be ashamed of!

I was the same! But you just have to ask for help!

I was lost too, but sensei saved me!

Ugh... Grrr...

Face reality, Snorky! You got cocky relying on your fists and got beaten by Jubee!

*Sob...* *Cough, cough*

Don...!!

Snorky got down on her knees, sensei...!

I yield! I'm sorry, Don!

You beat up sensei and think just saying sorry is enough?!

That's why I'm on my knees! I won't ever challenge your authority again, Don!

I knew I was outta line. If you send me back to prison, I won't complain.

There's no romance left in Elias's back alleys anymore.

My old crew I thought were bound by honor and loyalty... They changed too much after I was gone.

That's why I had to know if you were really someone worth followin', Don.

If you could bring romance back to these back alleys!

I'll abandon any thought of takin' over the Order Family.

Oh, that's right, Sensei! I even saw Snorky scheming with some dragon and sprite!

Don, my old crew's pushin' counterfeit gold.

If we act now, it can still be fixed. Return the borrowed gold.

Are you really helping us, Snorky?

I've got nothin' left to hide.

It might sound presumptuous, but I acknowledge your authority, Don.

I'll come clean and admit everything. I'll become a loyal dog of the Order and accept any punishment.

I want to be forgiven by any means for testin' you, Don.

I'll start over at the bottom, scrubbin' halls if that's what it takes.

Or... If you tell me to crawl back into that bottomless abyss, I will.

Sensei. I think Snorky is sincere.

*sob* You... you're really forgivin' me?

Understood, Don! I can tell fool's gold from the real thing! I'll purge every last fake from the Order's vault!

Whatever judgment you pass, I'll take it.

I swore my loyalty, didn't I?

From now on, wherever you go, I'll follow like your shadow and protect you.

Protectin' the boss is only natural, ain't it?

Th-that's... I...

I'll rise up again, from rock bottom.

I'll earn trust, not just from you, but from everyone in the Order Family!

Maybe one day...You'll look at me and think this whole organization would be safe in my hands.

I'll wait for that day.

Huh...?

N-no, I understand!

If it's your command, I'll follow it without question!

Because you, Don... I mean, Master, are the true ruler of Elias.

From here on out... I'm in your hands.