(THO) CHAPTER SIXTEEN

The abandoned trainyard had been empty for years. Rusted tracks curled up from the ground like old bones, and the chain-link fence surrounding the site was more rust than steel, torn open in so many places it barely counted as a boundary.

The abandoned trainyard had been empty for years. Rusted tracks curled up from the ground like old bones, and the chain-link fence surrounding the site was more rust than steel, torn open in so many places it barely counted as a boundary.

Kaiser had chosen the spot well. It was isolated, with plenty of cover for snipers or backup, and enough open space for a fight if things went sideways. But he didn’t come himself. Instead, he sent Hookwolf and Stormtiger, two of his more volatile and powerful lieutenants. They weren’t known as diplomats, but they weren't fools either, so he knew they could temper their violent tendencies when necessary.

Gojo stood alone in the center of the yard, wind teasing his blindfold hanging loose around his neck. His hair caught the moonlight, and his arms rested casually in his pockets, almost lazily, as if he was waiting for a bus and not a potential confrontation.

He wasn't worried. If anything, he was bored.

Hookwolf stalked forward first, grinning with too many teeth as metal jutted out from under his skin, the promise of a threat, curling into wicked-looking claws, knives, and spines across his shoulders and arms. Stormtiger remained behind, eyes scanning the perimeter, his breath faintly misting the air from whatever chemical compound he was exhaling.

“You Gojo?” Hookwolf called, stopping just short of striking distance.

“Depends,” Gojo said. He didn't look impressed. “You here to hand me a fruit basket, or waste my time?”

Hookwolf’s grin twitched. “We’re here on behalf of Kaiser.”

“Of course you are.” Gojo rolled his shoulders, gaze drifting skyward. “Let me guess: he’s upset I turned him down, and wants to offer me a second date.”

“We’re giving you one more chance,” Stormtiger said. His voice was calmer than Hookwolf’s, but colder. “Join us, and you will get protection, territory, and respect.”

“Unless you’d rather keep playing solo and hope no one knocks too hard,” Hookwolf added with a sneer.

Gojo actually smiled at that.

“I can have all three if I want,” he said. “The only difference is I won’t have to beg for it.”

Hookwolf frowned, metal claws unfolding in place of his fingers and dragging sparks out of the loose gravel on the ground. “We are being civil with you.”

“And I let you speak,” Gojo said calmly. “That’s my version of being civil.”

Stormtiger stiffened, but Hookwolf’s frown deepened further and he bit out, “You think this is funny?”

Gojo shrugged. “Little bit, yeah.”

That was the last straw for Hookwolf, it seemed, as he lunged with a burst of speed, metal screaming out of his body in roiling waves. His claws were aimed directly at Gojo’s throat.

He never got close. There was no warning as usual, just sudden stillness as his entire body locked mid-air, arms outstretched, and inches from Gojo’s throat.

“Still not touching me,” Gojo said, having not moved from his spot. For once, he didn't sound smug or even angry. He sounded done. “Do any of you people ever learn?”

Hookwolf snarled and strained against the hold, but try as he might, his muscles tensed and metal screeched to no avail.

“I’ll tear you apart,” he spat. “I’ll rip through your tricks, through your fucking skin and bones. I'll rip that stupid chi—!”

Gojo sighed. “You're very loud.”

Behind Hookwolf, a shimmer bloomed into a glowing blue orb, no larger than a fist.

Blue.

It pulsed once, and the orb collapsed inward, drawing air, dust, and Hookwolf’s body roughly toward it. The scream was loud and drawn out, ugly too. And then, silence. There was no more body, or even blood. The only sign that something had occurred there were the remnants of a nearby container.

Stormtiger had successfully escaped, though he lay frozen a few meters away, eyes wide, and chemical breath fogging in ragged clouds.

Gojo turned to him.

“I’ll say this once so relay my words to your boss,” he said. “If you're going to threaten me, you should do it in person. Don't send anyone else.”

Stormtiger ran. 

Gojo didn’t stop him or chase after him. Instead, in the ensuing silence, he stood alone once again.

. . . . .

Back at Medhall, Kaiser read the report from Stormtiger.

He said nothing after, but no further attempts were made to recruit Gojo Satoru. At least, not anymore. He knew better than to try his luck for the third time.