|Weak Hero| Change the Fate's Design

Chapter 5

While Gray was focused on his studies, Silver was planning his own devices. He started working out even more to increase his physical strength. 'I know I most likely won't be able to get to the same strength as Donald by the time he reaches high school, especially with the five year age difference. I'll have to still also rely on techniques and skills like how the White Mamba fought,'

He knew it was possible to win against someone older, such as when he and the Union had defeated Cheongang, but there was a difference between a seventeen year old fighting some guys probably in their twenties versus a twelve year old fighting a seventeen year old.

'I should try to also prevent his Union from becoming as powerful as mine once was,' Silver thought. 'Jake Ji only joined to avenge his brother after Manwol crippled Kenny. To prevent him from joining the Union, I'd have to either prevent Kenny from getting crippled or somehow help Jake destroy Manwol without him going to the Union for help,'

'Think. How can I destroy Manwol? Even if I got rid of their businesses, it wouldn't really do much since Manwol was more of a typical gang relying on gaining money through protection fees rather than how I conducted business. The only way to get rid of Manwol is through fighting them. I know they have many members and even I would be overwhelmed if I face all of them alone,'

One specific person popped into his mind: Ben Park. 

'But would he be willing to help? He never cared about Manwol in my world and the only reason he ever decided to fight against the Union was because Jimmy messed with him and his friend first,' An idea formed. 'Maybe I'll just need Ben Park and Alex Go to cross paths with Manwol even if I have to set the scene up myself,'

But not right now. It was too early to act. Both he and Ben Park, as well as Jake Ji, were too young. They wouldn't be strong enough to take on Manwol yet and Kenny Ji hadn't considered leaving yet either. Silver would need to wait but he was a very patient boy.

XXX

Two years had passed. Gray was now fourteen years old and attended Byuksan Middle School. Silver was now nine years old.  Silver had saved up all of his allowance money, not really having any interest in buying anything except a bunch of chocolate and a new book from time to time. He decided to begin traveling to Yeongdeungpo more often.

Silver located Jake at a manga shop. He kept an eye on Jake's movements and made a grab for the same manga at the same time as Jake. "Oops," Silver pulled his hand back. "Sorry big bro,"

"Here," Jake handed the book to Silver. 

"It's the last copy," Silver said. 

"I'll just swing by and get it later," Jake smiled. "It's nice to see another Two Piece fan,"

"You like Two Piece too?" Silver mustered up the widest eyes possible. He had read all of the current chapters in order to prepare for any interactions with Jake.

"Yep," Jake nodded. "I've got to be the biggest Two Piece fan in all of Yeongdeungpo!"

"Can...can we be friends?" Silver was hoping that his childish act would fool Jake. "I don't know anyone else who likes Two Piece so it's a bit lonely,"

"Of course we can be friends!"

"Even if you're older than me?"

"Listen here," Jake place a hand on Silver's shoulder. "You can be friends with anyone no matter the age. Think of the crews in Two Piece. The members are all varying in ages, yet their bonds run deep and they'll give their life to protect each other. You and I are friends and nothing can change that, okay?"

"Okay," Silver nodded and held his hand out. "I'm Silver Yeon,"

"I'm Jake Ji," Jake introduced himself as he shook Silver's hand. "Nice to meet you,"

XXX

For the time being, Silver focused on expanding his friendship with Jake. It was relatively easy to do since Jake was so trusting. Jake quickly introduced him to his friend, Dean Kwon. Silver noted the lack of Timothy Park and Eunchan Hong, but realized that he must've met them later in middle school.

"Jake, did you force the kid to join your Two Piece cult?" Dean deadpanned.

"I did not!" Jake denied. "He was already a fan of Two Piece when I met him at the manga shop,"

"Do you want to play soccer?" Silver asked, wanting a break from all the Two Piece conversations he had with Jake.

"That sounds like a great idea," Jake agreed. "My brother should still be practicing at the park right now so we can recruit him so the teams will be even,"

"Practicing?" Silver pretended to be confused.

"My big bro's dream is to become a professional soccer player," Jake proudly told him. "Since you're younger than us, you can be on his team,"

The three arrived at Yeongdeungpo Park where Kenny was. Kenny introduced himself to Silver and the soccer game began. To everyone's surprise, Silver was really good at playing soccer. Although he had never played it before, he had read books and studied MeTube videos on skills and techniques. He also knew that the older boys would underestimate him.

After Jake and Dean lost several rounds against Silver and Kenny, they decided to switch up the teams. They played several more rounds and Silver actually enjoyed playing. He actually enjoyed being an equal member of a team rather than being a leader or dictator.

Once they were all completely exhausted, Kenny decided to treat everyone to some ice cream. Silver happily bit into his fudge bar and allowed the frozen treat to cool him down and replenish his energy. 

'I originally intended to just use Jake and Ben as tools,' Silver thought as he headed home. 'But I wonder...having actual friends doesn't seem like that bad of an idea. I really enjoyed spending time with Jake, Dean, and Kenny, so I guess I'll attempt to form a genuine friendship with them. This is a fresh start for me so I can actually try befriending them,'

Word Count: 1020

The Power of Friendship prevails!