The Masked Gunslinger (MHA Wild West AU)

Chapter One - A New Bounty

At a brothel, the Gunslinger Snipe gets off of bed after having a night with a prostitute. As he opens the door, he sees a bunch of Union Soldiers aiming their Winchester Rifles at the bounty hunter.

Snipe: What can I do for you gentlemen? 

Union Soldier: Are you the bounty hunter called Snipe?

Snipe: Might be. Who's asking? 

As Snipe asked, the captain of the Union forces makes himself known as he approaches Snipe. 

Union Captain: My name is Nezu and the US Government is looking to hire your services. 

Snipe: Couldn't send me a telegram? 

Nezu: Not many others are wanted criminals for murder. 

Snipe lets out a small chuckle from beneath his mask. 

Snipe: Everybody's a goddamn critic. Why ask me for a job then?

Nezu: How about we discuss this somewhere more......decent. 

Nezu then leads his men out of the brothel as they make way to their camp with Snipe behind them. After a day's ride, they make it to the Union camp where Nezu takes him to his private tent.

Snipe: So what's job?

Nezu: In the town of Musutafu, a vicious gang has taken over the town. This gang is calling themselves the Shie Hassaikai. 

Snipe: I've heard of them. Organized type. Got their fingers in plenty of pies.

Nezu: Their leader is a vicious gunslinger by the name of Overhaul. He rules the town with an iron first and the gold deposits on the land.

Snipe: So why not send the cavalry down their to sort them out?

Nezu: We can't. We're spread too thin trying to bring law and order in the frontier. Not to mention our war with the Apaches. Any government that was there is bought and paid for by Overhaul who operates it like a personal kingdom. 

Snipe: I guess this is where I come in?

Nezu: We want you to go in the town and eliminate him. We'll pay you a very substantial reward for their elimination.

Snipe: How substantial are we talking here?

Nezu: $25,000

Hearing that caught Snipe's attention. $25,000 was a lot of money for what seemed to be a simple job. Despite the money, Snipe still saw the danger.

Snipe: This job ain't gonna be cheep. What's stopping them from hiring me? 

Nezu then takes out a piece of paper and puts it on the table, catching Snipe's attention. 

Nezu: This paper right here is a pardon authorized by the President himself. Once you complete this job, not only will you get paid, you'll also be pardoned for any past crimes you've committed. Even Overhaul can't top that. 

Hearing that made this job much more interesting to Snipe. The money was tempting enough but with a pardon thrown in, Snipe was now convinced. 

Snipe: With a deal like that, how can I refuse?

Nezu was pleased at Snipe accepting the bounty. 

Nezu: Good. There's a contact here that will help you once you get to Musutafu. An honest lawman by the name of Shota Aizawa.

Snipe: Hhm. An honest lawman in a town full of outlaws with the law in their pockets. I'm surprised that he's not in a hole somewhere.

Nezu: Aizawa's a resourceful one. 

As Nezu and Aizawa discuss this, a Union soldier steps into the conversation.

Union Soldier: This is a waste of time Captain! We don't need no lowlife bounty hunter! Let me take some men and we'll clear out those damn outlaws root and stem!

Nezu: That's enough soldier! Snipe could be a very useful asset. We can't afford an all out war against a gang of outlaws like the Shie Hassaikai while fighting the Apaches!

Snipe: Guess that's my cue to leave then. I'll be seeing ya when the job is done.

Snipe then leaves the camp as he gets on his horse and makes his way to the town. Meanwhile in Musutafu, the Shie Hassaikai leader Overhaul finishes having sex with a prostitute named Nemuri Kayama.

Overhaul: Goddamn that was something! Guess that's why they call you Lady Midnight!

Midnight: Were you ever in doubt?

Midnight didn't like the idea of being Overhaul's personal whore, but she had no choice. As Overhaul prepares to have sex again, someone knocks on the door.

Overhaul: Goddamn idiots!

Overhaul gets off of bed and walks to the door. When he opens it, he sees his right hand man Hari Kurono.

Overhaul: What the hell is it this time?! I thought I told you I wasn't to be disturbed!

Kurono: We caught someone trying to steal from us.

Hearing that greatly angered Overhaul.

Overhaul: Bring that thieving son of a bitch to the town square! We're gonna show this town what happens to those who steal from me!

Kurono did as Overhaul ordered as he brought the thief to the town square where the whole town were gathered. The thief was restrained by two Shie Hassaikai gang members.

Overhaul: Did you think you could steal from me and get away with it?!

Thief: It's all a big mistake Overhaul! I wasn't trying to steal from you! I swear to fucking God!

Overhaul pulled out his Revolver as he nodded to the two gang members. They let go of the thief.

Overhaul: Run. Now.

Without hesitation, the thief began running for the stables. Once he gets on a horse, he attempts to ride away. As he gets to the gate, Overhaul shoots and kills the thief. As the crowd was silent, Overhaul prepares a warning.

Overhaul: Let that be a lesson to the rest of you! Steal from me and you die! Demonstration done.

Overhaul then loads another bullet into his Revolver as he smokes a cigar.  With that demonstration, the town of Musutafu were now even more scared as Overhaul and the Shie Hassaikai Gang tightened it's grip on the town and it's citizens.