Chapter 7: Human Engine
Having no job meant Ace could train whenever he wanted. His body ached from the dojo workouts, yet he still pushed harder.
He hit the neighborhood calisthenics park for pull‑ups and other basics. His new crew trained with him.
Their matching black tracksuits and shaved heads spooked passers‑by, so Ace made them wear caps. They even ordered caps that said "Don Capo," which got kids laughing. When kids laughed, adults chuckled too and wished the group a good workout.
The guys froze whenever someone cheered. Alex blinked, unsure whether to smile or scowl, and the others’ faces twisted.
"What’s this feeling?" they muttered.
A week had passed since Ace took them in. Like him, they drilled different martial arts.
Discipline had started to sink in. The simple fact that strangers treated them like normal people hit harder than any punch. Kids even laughed and slapped their shiny heads.
"It must be because of Don Capo’s caps."
"We also don’t reek of cigs!"
"Our breath isn’t stinky with beer!"