(A/N: The focus is shifted.)

Cue Opening Theme: Senpai Gone Love It - Oregairu vs. Jay Rock feat. Kendrick Lamar


TWG:R

~Endless Possibilities Arc~

Chapter 20: Los Marginada


Los Santos

Thursday

"So why do you want me to meet these guys near the Sisyphus Theater?" Fu asked as she leaned against the wall. "You trust them?"

"I trust her. She's the daughter of an old friend from Liberty…her dad. He called concerned saying something was up and asked me to look into it. I'm actually surprised she's in LS. She and a friend are going to meet you…there. You can give me the details later, it's my turn to bowl." Isaribi said before hanging up.

Fu groaned, really wishing she had some kind of ride. She noticed a car arriving, a black Shyster PMP 600 with a custom grille on the front. Out came a rather short and petite Japanese woman at Fu's height and build with fairly pale skin, large jade green eyes with faint bags, long straight black hair that she usually wears down on her shoulders, and a fairly small circular face. She wore a black ProLaps sports bra under an open gray track jacket (that sported a white Heat logo and side stripes), a pair of black track pants, and blue hi-tops.

"Wait, Tomoko? Tomoko Kuroki?" Fu said as she blinked.

"Fu?" Tomoko asked. "Well this is awkward."

"Wait a second, is V….Vanessa?" Fu asked. "Well shit, small world."

Tomoko had been around campus, having been a student, before withdrawing recently. It was awkward given the other had no idea they were involved in the 'life'. The two had an idle chat about their lives and Tomoko mused about why she withdrew.

"The CS program there is overly complicated in how many classes you have to go through. Some of them unneeded. I ended up connecting with someone who can teach me the trade of hacking…he was actually trying to become a professor there, but they rejected him…so he hacked the place. He discovered me after I was using his hacks to get away with shit." Tomoko remarked. "How's your bug degree?"

"Just about done, I just need cash to fund the home stretch." Fu remarked. "Considering how my name keeps getting botched on paperwork, I've put in a request to have my name changed from Fu to Fuu with two Us. It'll come into effect tomorrow. But eyy girl you looking better…"

"Let's just say my roommate has been another kick in the ass to do more to take care of myself." Tomoko admitted. "I saw a lot of the worst of myself in her."

Another car rolled up, a fancier onyx black Ocelot Penetrator with a carbon splitter on the front, and a carbon spoiler on the back. Out of it came Vanessa Danzi, one of the more popular girls in college. She towered over the two by six more inches with a modest bust nearly a size up from both Fu and Tomoko. She was pale with long brown hair, blue eyes, and an evident athletic build. She wore a black Nobody Loves Me logo t-shirt under her school's letterman jacket, tight black leggings, black calf boots, and a pair of Rimmers azure aviators. Despite being a goth, she oddly had pink lipstick.

"What is with Isaribi and knowing really hot chicks of the Italian variety?" Fu asked no one in particular. "Name's Fu."

"I know. We share a class." Vanessa said with a snicker. "Which makes this meetup could be about class notes to anyone who asks."

"Alright, fill me in." Fu remarked.

"Well, the reason I haven't been on the up and up with my dad is because I found out recently that all my stuff was bugged. So was Tomoko's." Vanessa said as Fu looked horrified.

"FIB, IAA, the cops?!" Fu asked.

"No, our piece of shit roommate." Tomoko said. "She's a part of the Invaders. Our other roommate is a Buffalo Gal, and Vanessa's a Saint."

"Why would you all live together?" Fu asked in confusion.

"Rent's expensive." Vanessa mumbled before Fu looked at the car. "I had that before I had to really focus on a budget. Plus, I needed an apartment because the Saints are dominating the doms."

"Why are you even with them?" Fu asked.

"Money. And to build myself up in the criminal underworld…but these guys are morons. There's little structure and the leader's a fucking womanchild. I could tolerate that, but not the fact that it's obvious her and the top brass of the group are fronting a poser as a gangbanger." Vanessa remarked. "Only thing legit about her is her mechanical skills."

"Well, if you want to work for an actual organization. You could join me and Isaribi." Fu remarked. "And help us take down the Saints by helping me."

"Oh I plan to." Vanessa said.

"But back to the matter of the roommate, she's a hacker from the Invaders. But she's sloppy both in her appearance and her hacking. She uses 'bugs' and 'trackers' that she plants to do her dirty work…as an easy way to hack into things. She's actually not that good…and she only got away for that long mostly because I wasn't using my own VPN and our other roommate isn't exactly computer savvy." Tomoko remarked bitterly. "I managed to find the tracers and got rid of them by planting them on burner stuff."

"I don't think we have a hacker in our group…so join us…not only will you be a great help…it'll help my standing." Fu remarked as they laughed.

"I'd have to meet with the head honcho, but I'll consider it. At the very least, I'd be willing to help you out with the Saints. I did steal one of her tracers to plant on that poser's computer and have been using it to gather intel…along with one on our roommate's computer." Tomoko mused.

"I don't think the bitch noticed yet." Vanessa said.

"But I need a place I can truly work on hacking Mandy's shit. A place where I can stash my computer…I can't keep carrying it in my car." Tomoko mused as Fu had an idea. "What?"

"My group has a guy looking into the Invaders. I can call him to help you on that…and if anyone asks, just stay, you're going out to go to the bar or study." Fu remarked.

"Well then, I guess after you make them call…I can give you some information." Vanessa said with a smirk.

~TWG~

As for those roommates back at the apartment, one was getting ready to leave for the meeting with the girls. She could not help but admire herself in the mirror. A tall hot all-American blonde with blue eyes, model thin, and in her prime. She fluffed her long hair before reapplying her lipstick.

"Fia, you've been eyeing yourself like that for the past twenty minutes."

"Mandy, you're actually taking a bath…color me impressed. The gremlin has hygiene." Fia said snarkily as Mandy just opened the door. "The hell, I'm…"

Mandy was, if anything, Fia's opposite being about as tall as Fu and Tomoko, chubby, freckled, and goth with her long (dyed) black hair and piercings on her ears.

"Going to be late seeing your cell has been ringing with some bitch's name on it. Amagahara." Mandy snapped. "And your shitty ringtone has been pissing me off."

"Shit!" Fia said, rushing out while grabbing her jacket.

Mandy rolled her eyes and reapplied her black lipstick before hearing the door slam.

"Stupid bitch." Mandy said under her breath as she went straight for Fia's room. "And you still don't lock your own damn computer or your bedroom door."

She had noticed that Vanessa and Tomoko were locking their doors when they left lately. Heck, trying to access her devices through her tracers was not netting her results lately. Not that it mattered at the moment.

~TWG~

Ella hated being on 'babysitting' duty. Yes, she was paid okay enough. Yes, the guy lived in a really nice apartment in Del Perro. But she despised Myne…and helping her lying to him. Ella would call Elio Robinson, far too good for the likes of Myne. He was a decent guy who made his living as an accountant and tried to further his skills via college. She could admire the hard work ethic he had. Hell, talking with him had them find they had a lot in common. He liked baking just like she did. He may have been a bit on the thin side, but he made up for it by being athletic and on the tall side. His quaffed black hair with the sides shaved, his hazel eyes, and his mocha skin all made him what she called tall, dark, and definitely handsome.

"Hey Ella, I really wish Myne wasn't such a workaholic that she'd even take time off to spend with me." He remarked as he was playing video games.

Ella sighed as she knew what Myne really was doing right now. Not working but getting dicked by her Vago 'boyfriend'. The thing that truly angered her was what Myne was pretending to be, a modest bookish virgin.

"With all that 'work' she'd be helping you with utilities or groceries." Ella mumbled to herself before asking, "Need a second player?"

He nodded and she tossed aside the magazine.

~TWG~

The Von Crastenburg Hotel at Vinewood was a swanky place to stay and Nathan revealed that the Vortex Organization knew people in high places. As he looked out the balcony of his hotel room, he thought of his friend, Renji. They did not start as friends, but Renji managed to play the long game…and he could not feel but have respect for it. Renji started with nothing and worked his way. Played sides, smooth talker, a ladie's man, and a skilled operator.

Nathan sighed remembering his ultimately to offer Renji a leadership position in Vortex. Nathan's pride was a bit dented by offering, but the end result made her for it. Renji made for a good leader and adviser to which Nathan saw fit to properly befriend him. He did not regret that because Renji knew how to rein him in and helped with his anger issues. His musing was interrupted by his phone ringing to which he put it on speaker.

"Hey Nathan, I got an update for you."

"Lay it on me." Nathan remarked.

"Ok, so it seems that not working with the Saints was a good thing. Hell, I can even say I told you so as it seems SecuroServ wants him and two other gangs in the city gone. I've been looking into those other groups. A real mess…but the SS is using one of their clients to wage the war for them. In fact, they also have your merch that the Saints failed to get." Renji said as Nathan perked up. "They're called Tidal Fox, and we are going to help them wreck these three annoyances. You already got the information on the Saints…and I've been looking into the Buffalo Girls. Turns out, I have a friend there. And while we're not close, an offer of cash so she can get out of LS got her to sing like a canary. Seems she was suspicious of their most recent associate Deja. No doubt she's a TF spy, and I got her number. Once Brooke nets me all the data, I'll wire her the money and she'll be out of the city before the end of the day."

Nathan remembered Brooke. Brooke Scott, the science nerd with a grudge against Victoria…for pretty valid reasons. Even Nathan thought Victoria was a total tool and was rather glad Renji took over as 'co-leader' putting her under heel.

"How'd you get her to turn?" Nathan asked.

"Simple. She's not really loyal to them…she worked for them as tech support. She tried to join the Invaders, but the person she connected to get in…backstabbed her. Used Brooke's code as her own to get ahead. She was planning to get in favor with Buffalos to get back at the backstabbers, but…that didn't work out. She wanted an out, and I gave her one. Even handed me information on the backstabber…so for now, you can arrange a meeting with Tidal Fox about the merch. I'll text you the number. Ciao." Renji said before hanging up.

Nathan smirked, grateful for things seeming to work out. His smirk only grew wider as the door opened. If there was anything he was grateful to Renji for, it was setting him up to meet Yakumo. She was a breath of fresh air compared to the girls in Vortex. She reminded him of Kate Marsh except a lot less repressed.

"I'm back from the spa. Maybe you should give it a go, and don't give me that 'real men don't go to the spa' stuff. I want you looking your best and you need to relax." Yakumo said, sitting next to him on the bed. "So how's work?"

"Coming along. Renji was right about the Saints." Nathan said dryly. "Total wash, but you know…maybe a massage or two won't be so bad. I have to meet another group that might be able to help us."

"Want me to come this time?" Yakumo said. "I'd rather not wait for you…I don't want anything to go wrong."

"I can handle yourself but y'know…"

Out from her long sleeve, Yakuma whipped out a kukri blade that she began cleaning.

"I'd think I want you to have my back again. We work wonders as a duo." Nathan said as she kissed his cheek. "And I love to watch you in action."

Nathan looked at his phone and decided to call up Tidal Fox.

"Hello and welcome to Tidal Fox. For your and our convenience, this line is now secured from prying ears. What can we do for you today?" Nora said.

"Excellent. My name is Nathan Prescott, co-leader of the Vortex Organization and two crates of my merch were stolen from me and were being used in a deal between the Lost MC and Vagos this week. I'm aware of the Saints attempt to steal and I am aware that your group has it. I wanted to inquire if it's still in your group's possession." Nathan said courteously.

"Let me check. And…yes, we still have it. If you are inquiring about getting it back in your possession, we'd have to talk a bit of a deal. We did go through the hassle of getting it." Nora said sharply.

"Oh I'm not mad about that at all. I believe 200 grand will suffice for it." Nathan remarked. "And that's not all for the merch, but for putting some fools in the dirt who deserved it. I've heard plenty about the organization. Fellow SecuroServ clients have to stick together, y'know."

"I see. I'll inform the bosses right away and get back to you. Have a good day." Nora said before hanging up.

"You know what, Yakumo? Let's do that spa thing. I could use it." Nathan said before leaving with her.

~TWG~

Naruto and Isaribi were more than sure that the 'System' had something to do with the Davis Mega Mall having an expanded underground shopping district. Though, they would not complain given the familiar shops from Saint's Row and vibe being ripped out of the game. Hell, there were 'free' Infernus and Blazers for the taking. At the moment, they were in Memory Lanes with Niko and company finishing a round of bowling.

Naruto and Isaribi's phone rang as they answered it to hear Nora telling them about the matter of the two crates they swiped while murdering Saints.

"Tell him we accept his offer." Naruto said. "Where do we meet for the delivery?"

Nora put the two on hold as Niko looked over.

"Good news, I assume?" Niko joked.

"Oh yeah, we just made a major payday." Isaribi said confidently.

"Look at you, already making major scores on your own. You've grown up so fast." Roman said dryly.

"McKenzie Field. I'll send you the data…you should deal with that now." Nora said.

"On it. Thank you, Nora." Isaribi said before they hung up. "Looks like I've got work, but this was a good time. You still got it, Rome."

"Ha. I tell Mallorie that all the time." Roman said as Mallorie playfully nudged her shoulder as Alex snickered. "Later on, kid."

Naruto and Isaribi made their leave, each stealing an Infernus from the mall, of course. After losing the police and stashing the cars in the garage, the pair were dropped off near the warehouse. They found a Brickade with the two crates in question loaded up.

"It's all loaded up." Jabari said coming out of the warehouse.

"Thanks." Naruto said as Jabari walked off towards a car to drive away. "That was weird…"

"I blame the System." Isaribi said getting in the Brickade with Naruto. "Let's just get this done."

~TWG~

"Thank you for dropping me at the airport, Deja." Brooke said getting off of her bike with her suitcase. "And not telling them I was leaving."

"You snitched on that, didn't you?" Deja asked bluntly.

"I did, Miss Judas." Brooke snarked as Deja blinked. "Yes, I do know, but I'm not going to tell them. I only told one other person and she was well on her way to dropping her flags. And there's another who suspects you…but he's not a threat to you."

"I'm going to need that name." Deja said darkly.

"Ella Beaufoy. And look, the Buffalo Girls are going to crash and burn with or without TF on their asses. Fukada? He's been plotting the leader's downfall for years…and the dumb bitch is giving him enough rope to hang herself." Brooke said, shaking her head. "I figured this out, but…I didn't tell her because well…I realized that the bitches I was working for are no better than the Vortex club back home. All I ask is you make sure Ella gets out alive, ok?"

Deja nodded saying that she had her word. Brooke gives Deja Ella's number before leaving for the terminal. Deja rode off texting Ella that they needed to meet up…and Ella invited her to the mall.

"Fuck it, I'm down." Deja said, speeding away.

~TWG~

Night fell as Isaribi and Naruto arrived at the delivery spot marked on their mini-maps where Nathan and Yakumo waited with a nearby plane and a pilot.

"Yakumo? Yakumo Kurama?" Naruto asked.

"Holy shit! Naruto, you son of a bitch!" Yakumo said excitedly, hugging him. "It's been so long!"

"You know each other?" Nathan asked.

"We went to primary school together." Naruto said before breaking the hug. "One of my few friends…before she moved away."

"Well that's great!" Nathan said with a wide grin before getting his phone out. "Any friend of Yakumo's is a friend of mine. I'll have the funds sent."

Both were now a hundred grand richer as a crew came out to load the plane and handle the Brickade.

"There's a Frogger for you to fly out in. A token of gratitude." Nathan remarked. "But please, I do want your number. My partner…the guy who leads Vortex with me spoke highly of you. He vouched to ally with your group…and I should have listened given this mess happened."

"We all make mistakes." Naruto said as he and Isaribi took the number.

Naruto remarked as Naruto started up the helicopter as Isaribi got in before they flew off.

"Tonight was a good night, my dear." Nathan said with a grin. "I suppose it's good TF was down to work with us."

"If I knew Naruto was running TF, I would have just told you to go with them." Yakumo said as Nathan chuckled.


Current Stats

Naruto - $347,946 - Current Weapons: Fist, Switchblade, Katana, Dual AP Pistol (Platinum/Extended Clip/Glided), Pistol .50, Pump Shotgun, Sawed-Off Shotgun, Micro SMG, MG, SMG, Special Carbine, Sniper Rifle, Grenades, Rocket Launcher

[PV: Dominator]

(Current Tattoos: None)

Isaribi - $665,975 - Current Weapons: Brass Knuckles, Antique Cavalry Dagger, Katana, Dual AP Pistol (Platinum/Extended Clip/Glided), Sweeper Shotgun, Machine Pistol, Combat MG, Carbine Rifle (Extended Clip/Grip/Flashlight), Marksman Rifle , Grenades, Sticky Bombs, Rocket Launcher

[PV: FMJ, PB: Hellfury]

(Current Tattoos: None)

Yara - $102,460 - Current Weapons: Brass Knuckles, Switchblade, Baseball Bat, Dual AP Pistol (Platinum/Extended Clip/Glided), Pump Shotgun, Micro-SMG, SMG, Assault Rifle, Carbine Rifle, Sniper Rifle, Minigun, Molotov Cocktails

[PV: Buccaneer Custom, PB: Bati 801RR/Custom]

(Current Tattoos: Custom (Upper Back))

(A/N: As promised, the LiS content comes around. If you're wondering about Miss Scott, she's going back to Arcadia Bay. While she did leave to get away from there, back there is her safest haven considering the Buffalo Girls. But I wanted to use this chapter to set the stage for what's to come while displaying some of the side characters. After talking with my group, it's been decided that the gang having the honor of getting the first crack at…is the wannabe Saints.)