"Hahaha!"
David couldn't help but laugh, nodding as he said, "Sister, I'll take your good wishes. Maybe one day, I'll beco a legend in Night City."
"You've got the guts, kid. I believe you can do it."
Claire's smile was warm as she wiped her hands dry. "Anyway, stay safe these days. I've got work to do."
With that, she headed off to serve drinks, leaving David alone at the bar.
He glanced at the glass in front of him, swirling the amber liquid with a slight tilt. 'Qin'... huh. That's pretty interesting.
First, there was "Jack Wells," the drink nad after Jack. Now, Claire had made one nad after him. David chuckled at the thought. Maybe one day, everyone in his crew would have a drink nad after them—alive and kicking, of course.
"Yo, yo, yo! Hermano!"
A familiar, booming voice echoed from the entrance.
David glanced over and saw Jack striding into the bar, his usual grin plastered across his face.
"Evening!" Jack called, making his way over.
David smirked, shaking his head. "Jack, you're out every night. Aren't you afraid your mom's gonna give you a beating?"
"Eh, it's nothing. My mom's not that strict." Jack waved it off and leaned on the bar, eyes glinting with excitent. "Hey, David—about last night in Kabuki District... was that really you?"
David simply shrugged, his expression unreadable.
"Ah, co on, man! Don't play dumb with !" Jack slapped him on the arm, his grin widening. "We were drinking together last night! When did you sneak off to take down Jotaro Shobo?"
"Accepted a job, that's all." David took a sip of his drink, speaking as casually as if he were talking about the weather. "Jotaro was scum. He had it coming."
"Dios mío, you're insane!" Jack clapped him on the shoulder again, harder this ti. "Next ti, call ! Don't hog all the glory, hermano!"
"Haha, sure thing." David chuckled, shaking his head at Jack's enthusiasm. "By the way, I moved near Sakura Street. You see that building over there?" He pointed through the bar's open doorway. "That's our team's new base. Swing by whenever you want."
"Seriously?" Jack's eyes lit up. "Sweet! But hey, that's not the only reason I ca by tonight."
"Oh?" David raised an eyebrow. "Who's the lucky guest?"
"Who else? My buddy, V!" Jack leaned in with a conspiratorial grin. "You know how it is with Arasaka—they work you to the bone, day in and day out. I practically had to drag V out tonight."
Jack slapped the bar, laughing. "But hey, hermano, this guy's solid. Real reliable. Take a good look at him when he shows up—he could be a great addition to Team 'David'!"
David chuckled, nodding. "Sure, I'll et him." He glanced at the clock on the wall. "But you're a bit early, Jack. What, you couldn't wait to start drinking?"
"Hey, don't judge !" Jack scratched his head, feigning innocence. "Two glasses of Jack Wells, please! Let's get started!"
David shook his head with a smile as Claire served the drinks.
While the two of them drank at the bar, another storm was brewing in Night City.
The Tiger Claws had already begun their search.
In the heart of Kabuki District, mbers of the gang combed through bars, clubs, and alleyways, gathering information from rcs and scavengers alike.
It didn't take long to find what they were looking for:
David. A young man from the East, working at Afterlife.
News traveled fast in Night City.
Takeyama Masaiko, the Kabuki branch leader of the Tiger Claws, didn't hesitate for a mont.
Grabbing his nano katana, he barked, "Boys, let's move!"
Thirty Tiger Claws fell in line behind him, each ard with kinetic pistols or blades of their own.
Together, they marched toward Little China, their mission clear: capture David and bring him back to the Kabuki branch for execution.
Back at Afterlife, David and Jack were mid-conversation when a familiar voice rang out from the entrance.
"David!"
Both n turned to see Rebecca standing outside, waving her arms to get their attention.
"Huh?" David blinked in surprise. "What's she doing here?"
"Isn't that the girl from last night?" Jack chuckled. "The one who tried to snatch you from our team?"
David shot him a look. "Jack, wait here."
Setting down his glass, he headed to the entrance, where the security guard stood firmly in Rebecca's way.
"What's going on?" David asked.
"Oh, Mr. David," the guard greeted him with a nod. "This young lady tried to force her way inside. She's alone, so I had to stop her."
"Co on, you blockhead!" Rebecca huffed, her hands on her hips. "I told you I'm here to see David! What's the big deal?"
"Sorry, but the NCPD's cracking down lately," the guard replied. "Minors aren't allowed in without an adult."
Rebecca's cheeks puffed out in frustration. "Ugh! If you weren't working for Afterlife, I'd shoot you!"
David chuckled despite himself. "It's okay. She's with ."
The guard stepped aside, and Rebecca stomped past with a triumphant smirk, sticking her tongue out at him for good asure.
David led her back to the bar and took a seat beside Jack.
"Rebecca, what are you doing here?" he asked. "Where's Maine? Pilar?"
"Pfft. Who needs them?" Rebecca muttered, her arms crossed. "I ca to see you, not them."
"You seriously ca all the way here by yourself?" David raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah! What, you think I can't handle myself?" she shot back, eyes blazing.
Jack burst out laughing. "Man, this chica's got spirit!"
Rebecca ignored him, leaning closer to David. "Listen, I heard what you did last night—the whole city's talking about it. So, what's the deal? You taking jobs now?"
"Yeah, sothing like that." David took another sip of his drink, keeping his tone casual.
"Well, then hire !" she declared, pounding a fist on the bar.
David nearly choked on his drink. "What?"
"You heard !" Rebecca insisted, eyes fierce. "I'm fast, I'm a good shot, and I'm not afraid of getting my hands dirty. I can handle myself in a fight—better than most of those rcs out there!"
Jack let out a low whistle. "Damn, she's serious."
David studied her carefully. Beneath her fiery deanor, there was determination—and maybe a hint of desperation.
"Rebecca, you know our line of work isn't exactly safe, right?" he asked.
"Duh!" She rolled her eyes. "You think I don't know that? I'm not a kid—I can handle danger."
"You're still young—"
"Don't you start that 'too young' crap!" Rebecca interrupted, her voice rising. "I'm not so helpless little girl! I've lived in Night City long enough to know how things work. I'm sick of being treated like a kid just because of how I look!"
Her eyes blazed with frustration and sothing deeper—sothing David couldn't quite put his finger on.
"Besides," she added, her voice quieter now, "if I don't start making a na for myself, I'll never get anywhere. I need to prove I can stand on my own."
David exchanged a glance with Jack, who shrugged as if to say, It's your call.
Sighing, David ran a hand through his hair. "Alright, Rebecca. I'll think about it. But no promises, got it?"
Rebecca's eyes lit up. "Really? You an it?"
"I said I'll think about it. I've got to see what you can do first."
"Hell yeah! Just give a chance—you won't regret it!" She practically bounced with excitent.
Jack clapped David on the shoulder. "Man, looks like your crew's already expanding!"
David chuckled. Yeah, maybe a little too fast for comfort.
But before he could dwell on it, sothing cold crept up his spine—a gut feeling that danger was approaching.
Out in the night, the Tiger Claws were getting closer.
And David had no idea that their eyes were already set on Afterlife.
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