Marvelous Dragon ball

'Kid, don't get so cocky!' Yang snapped, his voice laced with menace.

"Yang spun around, a cruel smile twisting his lips. 'When you're in my presence, you kneel for mercy! Now, try that again. If I don't like your tone, you won't be walking out of here.'"

"A light flickered on, revealing a line of men in black, their semi-automatic rifles trained on Rex. He hadn't noticed them before, but they were now pointing their weapons at his head and chest. He felt a cold dread as he realized he was surrounded."

"Adrenaline surged through Rex's veins, but he forced himself to breathe deeply. His body remained rigid, but his mind was sharp. 'Boss Yang,' he said, his voice steady, 'would you please have your men lower their weapons? After you've heard what I have to say, if you're still unhappy, they can riddle me with bullets.'"

"Yang snorted and waved his hand dismissively. His men lowered their guns. 'Talk,' he said."

"Rex's words struck Yang like a thunderbolt. 'The pier you want? The ones behind Rand Enterprises are The Hand!'"

"'Everyone, leave us alone!'" Yang exclaimed, his shock evident. He turned to Rex. 'I apologize. I had no idea who you were. I didn't mean to offend you!'"

"'No, Boss Yang, it's a misunderstanding. Don't be nervous. I'm not with The Hand. But Ward Meachum, the one running Rand Enterprises and Joy's brother, he's part of Madam Gao's faction.'"

"'What?' Yang's eyes widened in fear. 'You mean Madam Gao made the decision to buy the pier? The Old Lady, one of the Five Fingers?'"

"Yang wouldn't be so afraid of the other Fingers. He could flee to China if needed. But Madam Gao? She had operations in China. To cross her meant certain death."

"Rex nodded with a smile. 'You're getting it. You hurt Joy, you provoke Ward, and that means you've provoked Madam Gao. I think you're pretty happy about what I did today.'"

"'Enough,' Yang said, his smile strained. He extended a hand. 'You're right. I should thank you. Thank you for stopping my men from making a huge mistake. If anything had happened to Joy, we would have been in deep trouble.'"

"'If he knew everything I know, I wonder if he'd thank me just for telling him this.'"

"'As long as what you're saying is true, you're safe.'" Yang said

"Yang was almost certain Rex was telling the truth. Who else would know about The Hand, let alone Madam Gao? 'I'll verify this,' he said. 'You don't have to stay if you don't want to.'"

"Rex was ushered out, his relief palpable as he wiped sweat from his brow. He had escaped a near-death experience."

"'Getting into the Hatchet Gang's nest is no joke!'"

"Rex had expected armed men, but the dozen semi-automatic rifles were more than he'd anticipated. One wrong move, and he'd be leaving in a body bag."

"'That was too close!'" Rex said, calming himself down as he headed home. 'It's finally over.'"

"Little did Rex know, this was just the beginning..."

"As Rex hailed a cab, NYPD Police Chief George Stacy (Gwen Stacy's father) stared at the horrifying report of the four injuries. He tapped his finger on the desk, then said to the detective, 'Gather all the information and report it to the FBI.'"

"'FBI?' the detective exclaimed. 'This case involves Rand Enterprises. If we dig too deep, the Commissioner will be upset.'"

"George frowned. 'The Commissioner can worry about Rand Enterprises cutting donations. Our job is to protect the people. Do your job, detective.'"

"'Yes, sir!'"

"George watched the detective leave, then sighed. 'What in the world is happening to New York? Superpowers are popping up everywhere! It's like they're on sale!'"

"He picked up the reports again, as if speaking to the person responsible for the injuries. 'If you're like Jessica Jones or Luke Cage, I might let this slide. But if you turn into a maniac like the Punisher, you'll be treated like any other criminal!'"

"..."

"Rex stepped out of his taxi, feeling a sense of satisfaction as he looked at the newly installed glass door."

"As he walked in, Lorna greeted him. 'Boss, you're back!'"

"'Yes,' he said, examining the door. 'Lorna, why is all the other glass changed too?'"

"'They replaced it with bulletproof glass, just like the door. Didn't you ask for that?'"