Chapter 22: Sons of the Clan

Ru convinces his older brother Niko to skip school and slip into Little Hammer to watch Ayt Atosho duel Niru Von, arguing it will help Niko learn about a future rival. They travel incognito by subway, mindful of clan etiquette and danger in Mountain territory.

At the plaza, Ayt Ato basks in attention before the duel. The fight is controlled and public, with Niru mounting a credible but limited challenge before conceding. Ayt Ato claims victory graciously, reinforcing his image while Mountain leadership, including Aben Soro, watches.

Leaving, Ru praises Niko and repeats gossip about Academy ranks. They then encounter masked anarchists pasting posters denouncing Green Bone families, including their own. Outraged, Ru draws a talon knife, but Niko restrains him as onlookers begin to recognize them, risking escalation in enemy territory.

Juen Nu and Lott Jin arrive abruptly, scattering the vandals. A Mountain Fist appears; Juen coolly assures there is no incident and offers descriptions of the fleeing anarchists, preventing a confrontation. Juen then lambastes the boys, explaining the emergency search their absence triggered and how rumors could have sparked violence between clans.

Niko takes responsibility, framing the excursion as his initiative to study a rival and proposing Ru be returned to school while he faces their parents. Impressed by Niko’s composure and reasoning, Juen agrees, dropping Ru at school and taking Niko home to answer for their actions.