Alright, because of how the 'glitches' that are causing the latest chapters not to be properly seen, I'm just going to throw it in here anyway.

Anyway, enjoy the fic - please leave reviews/comics if you can, it keeps my motivated to write - especially nowadays. See you guys next time.

Let's go.

Ganton

Back on Grove Street, just a block from the bar, Naruto was already up early, sporting a few bruises of his own. After another long day of dodging cops in Seville, he had finally made it back to the neighborhood. But the bitter taste of what had gone down in East Beach still lingered.

"Damn you, Lance…"

Irritated, Naruto busied himself under the popped hood of his lowrider Savannah, trying to channel his frustration into fixing up the ride. He planned to take it out today—it was a sunny morning, the start of the weekend, and the forecast promised clear skies for the next few days.

"There, fixed it."

"Fixed what, stud?"

Naruto shut the hood and turned around, only to be caught off guard by Isabela's sudden appearance. Somehow, she had snuck up on him without making a sound. She wore a black sports jacket over black shorts, with a purple sports bra peeking out. Her hair was tied up in a knot, and she sported hi-top shoes in black, purple, and dark blue. A playful smile lit up her face as she approached.

"Jeez, Isabela, you know how to scare someone."

"Well, get used to it, 'cause I like scaring you." She grinned before glancing at the car. "This your ride?"

"Yeah, just tuning it up a bit." Naruto patted the hood. "Why?"

Isabela walked around the lowrider, admiring its custom rims and hydraulics. "Oh, nothing," she said, her tone carrying a hint of appreciation. "Just admiring." She hesitated for a second as if debating whether to bring something up.

Naruto raised an eyebrow. "As in?"

"There's a lowrider meet happening at Unity Station," Isabela explained, hopping up to sit on the hood, her smile turning a little more playful. "Thought it could be fun for the two of us."

Naruto crossed his arms, giving her a knowing smirk. "I assume there's more to it than just a car show?"

Her smile wavered slightly as she brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Well… only people with lowriders can attend. And I don't know anyone else who has a car like this that can get in." She paused, then added, "Camilo's gang will be there."

"His gang?" Naruto repeated, sensing there was still more to this.

Isabela exhaled. "The Aztecas. My father and uncle got into a confrontation with the same people who jumped Camilo… and I'm worried they…"

Before she could finish, Naruto stepped in closer, closing the gap between them. He leaned in slightly, his breath warm against her ear. Isabela's pulse quickened.

"Hmmm… sure, why not."

She felt a deep blush creep onto her cheeks, her confident exterior briefly cracking. The mix of motor oil and sweat clung to Naruto's skin, and for some reason, it made her heart race. A soft giggle escaped her lips before impulsively wrapping her arms around his neck, pulling him into a tight embrace. Her slender frame pressed against his solid build, the warmth of him grounding her.

"You would?"

Naruto chuckled, a glint of mischief in his eye. "That's what friends are for, right? To help each other out." He flashed a playful smirk before adding, "I'll just change into something nicer and clean up the ride. Sound good?"

Her smile deepened as she held onto him a little longer. It felt good to have the blond back.

Sweet's House

"I'm tired of you not listening to me, girl!"

"And I'm tired of you acting like you own me!" Kendl yelled back at her older brother Sweet, seen preparing a bag with her clothes inside of them, she walked past him grabbing something, "I can see who I wanna see."

"It just ain't right you seeing some cholo motherfucker," Sweet told her while following her around.

"Ohh, what?" Kendl snarled, turning around to face Sweet. "A no-good narrow-minded hypocrite gangbanger telling me what is right and what is wrong?" Kendl went on to grab a piece of clothing and told him off, "Let me guess, Sweet - senseless killing right, but a boyfriend from the Southside, wrong?"

Walking past him, Kendl kept hearing Sweet's disapproval. "Some things ain't just meant to happen, I mean what if y'all have kids. Leroy Hernandez? That don't sound good, girl."

"His name ain't Hernandez," Kendl told him, entering the bathroom to get a few items to pack with her.

"Well, Leroy López, then-"

"Or López either, you racist fuck." Kendl scoffed at him for that remark walking while pushing him aside, "That ain't how Moms raised us."

"I ain't racist, I just know how they feel about you," Sweet told her, following her back into her bedroom as she finished packing, "And look at you, you're dressed like a hooker!"

"Oh, and I guess you two would know what a hooker looks like, huh?" Kendl told him, finishing packing her briefcase just as CJ happened to walk in.

"You say it like it's a bad thing."

"Shut up, Carl!" Sweet and Kendl said together, shutting the younger Jonhson up.

Kendl then grabbed her briefcase and walked towards the door. At this point, Sweet tried again to change her mind.

"I'm just trying to protect you-"

"For what?" Kendl asked sternly, turning to her eldest brother. "So I can date one of your mindless friends? I don't think so."

Finished with the conversation, she turned on her heel and walked out the door, leaving the household for good. Both Johnson brothers stood there, watching her go.

"Don't say a word, Carl," Sweet warned before CJ could even open his mouth. "Just follow your sister—before you end up losing another sibling. Then you'll know exactly what my problem is."

He exhaled sharply, his voice edged with frustration. "She's meeting him at some Cholo car club."

Unity Station

The hydraulic-equipped cars bounce and sway in unison, their gleaming paint jobs reflecting the neon lights of Unity Station. The air thrums with bass-heavy music and the hiss of pneumatic systems as people cautiously mingle, admiring the custom rides on display.

Heads turn as an unfamiliar green Savannah rolls into the gathering. Behind the wheel sits a spiky-haired blond who stands out sharply—Naruto Uzumaki. Parking his ride, he scans the crowd warily with sharp blue eyes before activating his car's hydraulics.

Murmurs ripple through the assembled lowriders. The Varrios Los Aztecas—dominant in the area—exchange wary glances. Some instinctively reach for concealed weapons, while others stare in disbelief at the outsider who dares to enter their domain.

Naruto, sensing the tension, gives a simple nod toward the turquoise-clad gang members, acknowledging them without provocation. A few nod back, but others keep their hands near their belts, silently warning that they're armed.

"Naruto…"

"We're in it now…"

Isabela places a firm hand on Naruto's shoulder. "Let me talk," she offers. "Maybe they'll listen to me—"

"Hey, vato!"

A voice cuts through the crowd.

A bald man with a goatee, wearing a white shirt and black pants, steps forward. His gaze locks onto the gleaming Savannah as he approaches. His muscles are tense, and his hand hovers near his waistband. He circles the unfamiliar vehicle slowly, sizing up the driver.

Naruto remains motionless behind the wheel, fully aware of the growing tension. A sharp rap on the driver's side window breaks the silence. He lowers it cautiously, keeping a neutral expression.

"What's your business here, ese?"

"I come in peace," Naruto responds evenly, keeping his hands visible on the steering wheel. "Just here with my friend."

The gang member's eyes flick to the passenger seat. His expression shifts slightly in recognition.

"Isabela? That you?" His tone is still wary but tinged with surprise. "What are you doing with him?"

"Hey…José," Isabela replied slowly, her voice laced with nervousness. She steadied herself and continued, "I'm here with my friend. He just got out of prison and thought it'd be fun."

"Oh yeah?" José asks, then turns back to Naruto, his expression stern and suspicious, "Well, not everybody can just show up without knowing someone, vato. Where you from?"

"Ganton."

José scoffed. "Bullshit, you're from Ganton. You look like from Mullholand. Milkweed," His glare intensified and lowkey demanded, "So I'm asking who you are, and if you don't…"

Before he could finish, a few more Aztecas approached. Two stood behind José, while others positioned themselves around the Savannah, some lingering near the back, others closing in from the sides. Isabela shifted uncomfortably in her seat.

"Uhm… perhaps this wasn't a…"

"Naruto?"

A sudden voice cut through the tension.

The sound of rolling wheels followed, and a young boy in a white T-shirt, blue shorts, and sneakers wheeled himself forward. Camilo Madrigal, eyes wide with recognition, glided closer in his wheelchair.

"Is… is that you?"

One of the Aztecas turned toward him. "Hey, Cam, you know this fool?"

"Yes! That's Naruto - Naruto Uzumaki!" Camilo exclaimed, looking from the gang to his cousin. "Isabela!"

The energy shift was almost immediate. Some of the gang members eased up, their hands drifting away from their waists.

"Camilo!"

Isabela wasted no time. She pushed past José and rushed to embrace her cousin, further diffusing the standoff. The gang members exchanged glances as they watched her warmly hug the young boy.

José, still skeptical, turned back to Naruto, his expression unreadable. "Your name is Naruto?" he asked, his voice tinged with curiosity.

"Yeah," Naruto answered steadily, his posture strong and unwavering. His blue eyes remained locked on the cholo before him. "Are we gonna have problems?"

His words carried a quiet weight—a readiness for whatever came next.

"What's happening here, eses?"

A new voice entered the fray.

The crowd parted slightly as another Azteca stepped forward. Dressed in a white tank top and trousers, his arms bore visible tattoos, his short hair neatly styled, a goatee trimmed to precision. He scanned the scene, his gaze stopping on the blond.

Then his brows lifted in surprise.

"Naruto? Is that you, vato?"

Naruto's head tilted slightly, a flicker of confusion in his eyes before realization struck.

"Wait… Cesar?"

"Of course, holmes, it's me!" Cesar grinned wide.

Naruto's face broke into a matching smile as he stepped out of his lowrider. Without hesitation, he met Cesar in the middle, and the two clasped hands firmly in a brotherly shake.

The other gang members watched in quiet disbelief as their OG openly embraced the green-bandana-wearing outsider.

"Let me get you a beer, ese."

…

Hour later

With the lowrider meet still in full swing, the air pulsed with rhythmic beats, and polished cars gleamed under the neon glow. Competitions were in full effect, with vehicles bouncing on their hydraulics like mechanical dancers, while any earlier tension had long since faded into the night air.

Two striking Savannahs—one vibrant green and the other fiery red—belonging to Cesar were parked side by side. Nearby, he and Naruto stood, holding a cold bottle of beer, casually observing the rides cruising past.

Down the parking lot, Kendl animatedly chatted with Isabela and Camilo, their laughter occasionally cutting through the bass-heavy music.

"It's really good to see you, man. I mean it." Cesar cracked open another bottle from the ice-packed cooler and handed it to Naruto with a nod.

Naruto accepted it with a small grin. "Thanks." He took a sip, his sharp blue eyes scanning the lively crowd.

Further along, Cesar's crew—José and the other Aztecas—lounged around their custom rides. They conversed among themselves, but their occasional glances toward Naruto hadn't gone unnoticed. The earlier hostility had faded, but a subtle undercurrent of wariness remained.

Naruto, still on guard, turned to Cesar. "Your friends aren't exactly happy to see me." He nodded toward them. "Especially your buddy José."

"Don't worry about it." Cesar took a swig of his beer. "Told my carnales you're cool. They won't try anything." He exhaled, tilting his head toward José. "Him especially—he and I go way back, but he's always been cautious about outsiders at our meetups."

"I see." Naruto leaned back against the car, eyes still watching the gathering. "Must say, I was surprised to hear you took over as OG."

Cesar shrugged. "Just filling in the hierarchy, holmes. Nothing more." He tapped his bottle against the hood of his car. "Sure, I'm leading the Varrios Los Aztecas on the street, but I still answer to people."

Naruto arched a brow. "Oh? So it's tough being a top gangster, huh?" A curious glint flickered in his eyes. "And here I thought you grew up wanting to be one."

Cesar chuckled dryly. "Hey, it's tougher than you think. Half the time, I gotta keep my homies from doing dumb shit rather than shooting at enemies, eh?" He leaned back against his lowrider, giving Naruto a sidelong glance. "I hear from Kendl that her brother is in that position too, leading his cliqua."

Naruto exhaled sharply. "That's Sean for you." He paused, recalling the past. "He's been like that for years—ever since the last boss got killed in '84." His expression darkened slightly. "Sweet's a hard guy to deal with when it comes to gang politics."

"Is that why he disapproves of me and Kendl being together?"

Naruto immediately caught what Cesar meant without him needing to spell it out. A Mexican from the southside dating the sister of a Ganton gang shot caller—it was still a taboo topic in Los Santos, even in the '90s, especially in gang culture. Naruto had seen firsthand how prison segregation operated, but he had never let that mentality stick with him. Turning to his friend, he responded plainly.

"Knowing Sweet, it's not because you're Mexican. It's because you're an Azteca."

Cesar eyed Naruto skeptically, his voice tinged with disbelief. "You sure?"

"Listen, Sean might be grumpy and cautious," Naruto began, unraveling a mix of past and present, "but he ain't no racist. He never has been." He paused, letting the weight of his words settle. "Ma Johnson knocked that out of him a long time ago."

Cesar exhaled, relief flickering across his features. "That's good to hear—I met her, Kendl's mother." His voice carried warmth, tinged with respect. "She was a good woman."

Naruto gave a solemn nod. "She was."

Cesar's expression darkened slightly. "I can only imagine, wanting revenge."

Naruto's gaze shifted, locking onto a sleek silver Sabre as it rolled by. Three men sat inside, laughing, unaware of the silent storm brewing in Naruto's expression. His fingers tightened around his beer bottle, his grip just shy of shattering the glass.

Then, a sudden distraction.

"Hey, look at that!"

Both men turned their attention to the entrance of the meet. A flame-patterned Savannah rolled into the lot. One of the bald Aztecas—dressed in khaki shorts, a white shirt, sneakers, and a forehead bandana—stepped forward, approaching the vehicle.

The driver was CJ.

The Azteca stepped up to the window. "So, you think you can lowride? Well, let's see what you can do."

Naruto, observing from the sidelines, watched as CJ prepared to enter the lowrider competition. Kendl, spotting the commotion, walked up with Isabela.

"Is that Carl?" Kendl asked, surprised. "Why is he here?"

Isabela chuckled. "And really? A Savannah? Is he trying to copy you guys?"

Cesar leaned back, watching the unfolding event. "Let's see what he's got." He turned to Naruto. "Think he can handle it?"

Naruto took another sip from his bottle and then snickered. "Hey, Cesar."

"Yeah?"

A knowing grin spread across Naruto's face. "There's betting here, right?"

Cesar raised an eyebrow before chuckling, realizing where this was going. "You wanna test your luck, holmes?"

Naruto's smile widened. "Believe it."

…

As people milled around, exchanging bets and waiting for the competition to start, one of the lowrider meet girls—a Latina with vibrant hair and a sparkling crop top—sauntered over. CJ felt a rush of excitement as she slid into the passenger seat beside him.

"Let's see what you got!" she said with a bright smile. "Let's have some fun!"

CJ nodded, reminding himself why he was here but deciding to roll with it.

"Sure, I guess."

The beat of Odyssey by Johnny Harris pulsed through the air, setting the mood and charging the crowd with energy.

With eager anticipation, the competition kicked off.

The lowriders, primed and ready, gleamed under the bright lights as their hydraulics came to life. As the song's tempo built, CJ and the Azteca beside him matched their movements to the rhythm. The first bounce took them sharply to the right—both cars moving in sync with the track. They flowed smoothly back to the left, then right again, before swaying once more, earning cheers from the onlookers.

CJ focused, determined not to embarrass himself. From the corner of his eye, he saw the girl beside him spring up in her seat, pumping her fists in the air.

"Go on, papi!" she shouted over the music. "You're doing good!"

Her energy was contagious. Fueled by the crowd's cheers, CJ stepped it up. He timed the hydraulics perfectly, sending the rear of his car bouncing three times in rapid succession. The reaction was electric—eyes widened, and people cheered.

Adrenaline pumping, he switched it up, making the front of the car rise three times in a row. A collective gasp rippled through the crowd, followed by shouts of approval. Even the nearby gangbangers, arms crossed, exchanged impressed glances.

Returning to the competition's opening moves, CJ kept his lowrider swaying smoothly, the hydraulic system responding with precision. The front and back bumpers bounced perfectly in sync with the music, sending the girl beside him into laughter as she reveled in the thrill of the moment.

"He's really good!" someone in the crowd yelled, their excitement cutting through the noise.

CJ, fully in the zone, kept rocking the Savannah, pulling off stylish dips and lifts that earned roaring applause. He wasn't just here to participate—he was here to win. The two lowriders kept hopping, neither showing signs of stopping.

Then, as the music faded, the competition ended. Both lowriders eased back down, CJ's Savannah settling first, followed by the Azteca's white two-door Remington. The Azteca stepped out, walking over to CJ with an approving nod.

"You're pretty good for a beginner, eh?" he said, offering a compliment before heading back to his ride.

…

With "How I Could Just Kill a Man" by Cypress Hill blasting through the speakers, the lowrider meet at Unity Station was winding down. Lowriders poured out of the parking lot, their hydraulics bouncing before they hit the road, showing off one last time. Horns blared as drivers signaled to CJ, acknowledging his performance.

Still parked at the corner, CJ waved back at the passing lowriders, a few even giving him nods of approval. The girl who had been with him earlier was already off with friends on another ride, leaving him to soak in the moment.

"Hey, Carl."

Snapping out of his thoughts, CJ looked up to see Naruto approaching, a grin on his face and a bundle of cash in his hand.

"Hey, man," CJ greeted, dapping him up before nodding at the money. "What's that for?"

"It's for you. Catch."

Naruto casually tossed the stack of bills toward him. CJ caught it, looking down in confusion.

"Your share of the winnings," Naruto added.

CJ frowned. "Winnings? What winnings?"

Naruto smirked, jerking a thumb over his shoulder toward the lot. "What else? That lowrider competition. You made me a lot of money tonight!"

CJ shook his head, flipping through the cash in disbelief. "How the hell did I make you a lot of money?" Then, as realization hit, he shot Naruto a suspicious look. "Nah... not again."

Naruto beamed. "You know how lucky I am with bets and cards, Carl. I always win!"

"You did great by doing that!"

Isabela suddenly jumped in from behind, wrapping her arms around Naruto in an excited hug. He staggered slightly but quickly regained his balance, chuckling as she let go.

"Everyone's heading to El Corona for now," she informed him.

"Why's that?" Naruto asked.

"There's a party at Sunny's place, of course," Isabela said with a playful grin, smoothing out his shirt. "Maybe we could go and enjoy ourselves~"

Naruto laughed, resting his hands on her lower back. "I think I'd like that."

CJ, still holding the money, raised an eyebrow. "Hold up— El Corona?" His expression darkened slightly. "You goin' to—"

"That shit was alright! Aaaahhh!" Kendl cheered, squealing with excitement as she jumped into her brother's arms. CJ caught her, taken aback, but seeing how happy she was, he let her have her moment. Once back on her feet, Kendl grinned at him.

"So since when has my brother been a lowrider?"

"Since Sweet told me to keep an eye on you," CJ replied, walking her back toward his car. "Make sure that whatever you're dating don't get you in no trouble."

"¿Qué onda?" Cesar approached, giving CJ a nod before shaking his hand. "Nice hopping, holmes."

"Well," Kendl said with a smirk, leaning into Cesar, "you just shook that whatever's hand."

Cesar chuckled and pulled her in. "Come here, baby girl—"

"Hey, get your dirty hands off my sister!" CJ snapped, shoving him back. The sudden outburst drew the attention of the remaining spectators.

"Carl!" Kendl shouted, shoving CJ away. "What is wrong with you?"

"Yeah, Carl! Chill out!" Isabela jumped in, coming to Kendl's defense. "They've been together for years!"

Cesar started to speak, but Naruto subtly motioned for him to stay out of it. Meanwhile, Kendl and Isabela rounded on CJ, berating him.

"Nah, no way, Kendl, not with a—"

"A what?" Isabela cut in, her hands on her hips. The Madrigal daughter, usually composed, now showed a rare fiery side. "Go on, finish that sentence. What, a Latino?"

"What? No! Of course not!" CJ protested.

"Then what is it?"

"He's an Azteca—"

"So what if he is, estúpido!" Isabela fired back. "As if that matters! You're not as stupid as your brother, are you? Even your shermhead friend Lance is banging a Vago puta—and he's still seeing that bitch from time to time! And just the other day, your brother nearly got his ass shot by Familia members in Seville Boulevard! So what the fuck do colors mean?"

CJ stood there, stunned. Kendl, equally shocked, exchanged a glance with him before they both looked at Naruto.

"...Uh, Naruto?"

Naruto gave him a nervous chuckle. "Just don't fight it, CJ. Seriously, don't." He shook his head. "This isn't a battle you're gonna win."

"Órale, vato."

The tension wasn't over yet. A group of Aztecas approached, led by José—the same José Naruto had a run-in with earlier.

"Who's this pendejo?" José sneered.

"What?" Kendl snapped, suddenly furious. She turned on José, stepping in front of CJ. "Dickhead? That dickhead is my brother!"

"Easy, holmes," Cesar said, stepping between them and holding José back. "He ain't from nowhere. He's cool."

"Well, I say he ain't cool, holmes," José shot back, ignoring Cesar's gesture. His glare flicked between CJ and Naruto, eyes narrowing. "I say he thinks he's gangster, man, and I don't like it."

José stepped closer, his tone dripping with warning. "So you know what you can do for me, man? You can fuck off, pendejo, and maybe we cool. And you, Uzumaki—"

"No, you fuck off!" CJ cut him off before he could finish, stepping forward despite Kendl and Isabela trying to hold him back. "I'm talking to my sister! And don't talk to my homie like that!"

"Carl!" Kendl pleaded, struggling to push him away.

José's crew tensed, ready to escalate, but Cesar quickly intervened.

"José, c'mon, holmes, I can handle this," he said firmly. "This is important to me."

José hesitated, glancing back at his carnales before sneering at CJ. "Órale, pendejo, you lucky," he spat. "That's right, you lucky Cesar spoke for you."

Naruto subtly stepped in, keeping CJ at a distance with his arm. He knew better than to talk back to cholos in moments like this—better to stand his ground silently.

"Vámonos, muchachos," José muttered, turning back to his crew. "Let's get some fucking beer, huh? I'm thirsty."

As the Aztecas walked away, their glares lingered. The tension in the air slowly eased, but Kendl was still fuming.

"Carl! What the hell were you thinking?!"

"Look, baby—"

Before CJ could explain himself, Cesar stepped in. "Go get in the car, okay? I'm gonna talk to Carl."

"You too," Naruto whispered to Isabela. "I'll stay here for a minute."

CJ took a breath as Isabela walked over to Kendl, grabbed her hand, and led her toward Cesar's lowrider, helping her cool off. Now, it was just the three men left.

Cesar looked CJ in the eye. "Look, holmes, I love your sister. I honor her. She's my girl for life. That's why I stopped you from getting skinned just now." He motioned to what nearly happened, gesturing with his hands before leveling with CJ. "You got a problem with me? Fine. We don't have to be friends. But Kendl—she's happy with me, carnal."

CJ exhaled, glancing at Naruto, who crossed his arms, looking at him like he had just made a fool of himself. He knew he had nearly acted just like Sweet—and the last thing he wanted was to turn into him.

To save face, and seeing Naruto's silent disappointment, CJ offered his hand.

"...Yeah, okay. I guess we're cool. For now."

Cesar nodded shook his hand, and then introduced himself. "Cesar Vialpando."

"Carl Johnson. CJ."

"Cabrón!" Cesar laughed, eyeing CJ's lowrider as they both walked over to the side of the Savannah. "You got a nice ride there, holmes. Maybe we'll get to kick it again soon, eh?"

"Yeah, maybe," CJ admitted, having chosen the livery himself. He looked up at Cesar as the Azteca began to walk away. First, he exchanged a quick handshake with Naruto before heading over to his red Savanna, with Kendl by his side. As they drove off, CJ watched and felt the tension finally fade away.

"Hey, Naruto, do you trust him?" CJ asked.

Naruto turned to CJ upon hearing the question, fully aware of the reason behind it. He smirked before responding.

"Just like Brian—Carl—just like Brian."