Daniel Park awoke early the next morning in his smaller form, breathing in the chilly pre-dawn air that drifted through his window. The warmth of his birthday celebration—the handwoven bracelet from Duke's grandmother and the heartfelt gifts from his friends—still resonated in his mind. As he stretched, memories of yesterday's quiet triumph flickered through his thoughts: how Burn Knuckles had banded together to serve the older woman's store, and how Vasco, Jace, Zack, Jay, Mira, Zoe, and the rest had reaffirmed that their bonds were stronger than any individual ambition (Chapter 17).
Now, Daniel felt a new resolve stirring within him: it was time to leverage these friendships and shared ideals to create something larger than a single gang's influence—a collective organization that could protect, empower, and uplift neighborhoods far beyond J High.
He rose, rubbed his eyes, and then shifted seamlessly into his larger form. The sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon, bathing the room in soft gold. Daniel reflected on the past weeks: the countless sparring sessions (Chapters 6–7), the trust he'd built within Burn Knuckles, Jay's quiet generosity—already laying the groundwork to fund Daniel's dream dojo (Chapter 17)
—and the way even former bullies had begun to realign themselves toward justice (Chapters 8–9). That day, he would convene a council of his most trusted allies to outline this new entity—a unifying force he provisionally called "Vigilance"—though names could evolve. For now, "Vigilance" captured the essence: perpetual watchfulness over neighborhoods, "cleaning" them of crime and despair, starting from the circular area around J High and radiating outward.
1. Gathering the Founders
By midmorning, Daniel (in his perfect form) arrived at the Burn Knuckles' training grounds. Vasco and Jace were already sparring with military‐precision, their movements sharper than ever thanks to Daniel's tailored regimen (Chapter 11)
. Zack, now more focused and disciplined, served water bottles to other crew members—a silent testament to how much he'd grown from their earlier showdown (Chapters 3–4)
. Jay Hong arrived soon after, carrying a stack of binders—blueprints, budget projections, and location surveys—for the dojo, courtesy of his family's resources (Chapter 17)
. And standing just outside the ring was Little Daniel, observing his larger self with quiet pride. They had called this meeting to define the inner circle—those who would serve as the core pillars of Vigilance.
Big Daniel (Head): As the organization's visionary, Big Daniel would set overall strategy, ensure integrity, and personally lead high‐risk missions when necessary. He alone would hold the covenant that no innocent should suffer and that no Vigilance member would condone wrongdoing.
Little Daniel (Vice Head): Custodian of morale and training, Little Daniel would oversee day‐to‐day development—coaching recruits, vetting potential members, and ensuring everyone internalized the organization's ideology of compassion and strength.
Vasco (Field Leader): With his raw power refined by Daniel's teaching (Chapter 11)
, Vasco now embodied resilience. He would synchronously lead patrols, coordinate defense of vulnerable areas, and work directly with local residents to build trust and gather intelligence.
Jay Hong (Finance & Logistics): Jay's financial acumen and access to H Group resources made him the de facto treasurer. He would allocate budgets for supplies, manage donations, and invest in sustainable income streams—ensuring members could "earn a living without crossing the line" (see section 3). His early gift of land acquisition documents for Daniel's dojo (Chapter 17)
signaled a long‐term vision: Vigilance would not just be muscle, but a community institution.
As each founder took their place in a semicircle, Daniel began speaking in a firm yet gentle tone that mirrored his dual nature: compassionate but unyielding.
"Yesterday, Duke's grandmother reminded me why we fight—not for power, but for each other's safety and dignity (Chapter 17)
. We have witnessed how a single act of kindness ripples outward. Now, I propose we formalize our efforts into an organization that (a) protects J High's surrounding neighborhoods, and (b) offers a support network to anyone willing to stand for justice. I call this group Vigilance."
He paused, letting the weight of that word sink in. Jay nodded, already sketching the name across one of his binders; Vasco cracked his knuckles, eager for tangible purpose; Little Daniel's eyes glowed with determination; and Zack, still humbled by Daniel's past lessons, simply stood at attention.
2. Defining Ideology and Boundaries
Daniel continued, addressing them one by one:
Purity of Purpose
Clearing the Dirt: "Our primary ideology is to 'clean'—that is, to remove crime, exploitation, and fear—from defined zones. We begin with a circular radius centered on J High, encompassing (1/4 of Gangnam‐gu, 1/2 of Seocho‐gu, Jong‐gu, Seongdong‐gu, Dongjak‐gu), until Seoul is nearly crime‐free within our influence (Chapter 11)
. But let us remember: it's not about dominance or ruling; it's about service."
No Tolerance Policy: "No member may tolerate wrongdoing or be complicit in injustice. If you ever fight unwillingly, it should be only because you protect those who cannot defend themselves. If you have any doubt about a mission's morality, come to me or Little Daniel. We'll discuss it."
Earn with Honor: "Every member must earn money legitimately—so they can live decently and support loved ones (Chapter 1). If you're a fighter: you teach self‐defense classes at the dojo. If you're analytical: you help Jay with logistics or offer vocational training. We never let desperation lead to crime."
Membership Structure
Core (Inner Members): The "Big Four" (Daniel, Little Daniel, Vasco, Jay) plus a rotating council of trusted lieutenants—fighters, strategists, and community liaisons—who meet weekly to review territory needs, finances, and recruitment.
Associate (Outer Members): Burn Knuckles' broader crew—Jace, Zack, Mira, Zoe, and others—who volunteer in patrols, training sessions, and outreach events. Their role is to implement orders from the Core and to escalate concerns up the chain.
Allies (Trainees & Supporters): Local youth, former rivals, and everyday citizens who sign up for basic defense workshops, job‐placement programs, or scholarships funded by Jay's seed money. They pledge nonviolence except when defending themselves or innocents. These Allies form the grassroots that sustain Vigilance's legitimacy.
Rules of Engagement
Defensive Posture: "We do not initiate violence. If a gang or bully threatens residents within our radius, we intervene swiftly and decisively, but always with maximal force necessary. Our aim is disruption and domination over their mindset so that they would think thrice before engaging with us. "
Accountability & Transparency: "Every mission must be documented. Jay and Little Daniel will maintain digital logs—who we helped, how, and at what cost. No secrets from the Core."
Rotation & Rest: "Big Daniel and Vasco will rotate patrols every two weeks—active two weeks on, one week rest. We cannot protect anyone if we burn out. Our influence expands only if we remain strong."
Financial Code: "Jay will release monthly reports about where funds go—equipment, dojo upkeep, community events. We are guardians, not criminals."
Recruitment Standards: "No violent history beyond self‐defense. Each prospect must demonstrate both a strong moral compass and core competence (either physical prowess—boxing, martial arts, logistics, med‐tech, or communication skills). Jace will screen character references; Vasco will handle combat training; Big and Little Daniel will mentor leadership qualities."
3. Launching the First Operations
With ideology and structure agreed upon, Daniel outlined the initial rollout:
Community Defense Patrols
Objective: Establish a 24/7 presence in the circular area immediately surrounding J High. Two squads—one led by Vasco and Jace, one led by Little Daniel in smaller form and big danial —would patrol alternately, accompanied by four Outer Members each (e.g., Zack, Mira, Jace, and two volunteers from Duke's neighborhood).
Rationale: By splitting forces by body strengths (Big Daniel's imposing presence vs. Little Daniel's agility and covert approach), they can respond quickly to both open‐street conflicts and clandestine threats (Chapter 11)
.
Training & Outreach at Daniel's Dojo
Timeline: Within one month, Jay's donated property (from Chapter 17)
will be retrofitted into a dual‐function facility: a self‐defense dojo on weekdays and a community center on weekends (for job fairs, tutoring, and counseling sessions).
Programs:
Kids' Martial Arts Classes (3:00–5:00 PM): Free or subsidized for children from underprivileged families—led by Vasco and Zack once they're proficient (Chapter 11)
.
Job‐Skill Workshops (6:00–8:00 PM): Jay recruits local mentors (e.g., accountants, baristas, mechanics) to teach practical skills. Those who graduate receive micro‐loans to start small ventures.
Combat Clinic (Saturday mornings): Open to anyone seeking physical training; led by Big Daniel in his perfect form, demonstrating advanced Retaekwondo and perfect‐learning methods (Chapter 1)
.
Secure Funding & Sustainable Revenue
Merchandise Sales: Jay proposed selling "Vigilance" T-shirts, wristbands, and branded gym gear, with a 50 % discount for members and proceeds funding outreach.
Modeling & Sponsorship: Big Daniel will continue modeling gigs—every contract must allocate at least 20 % of his fee to a "Scholarship Fund" for dojo participants. Jay is negotiating a sponsorship deal with a local sportswear brand, leveraging Daniel's rising social capital (Chapter 5)
.
Temporary Security Contracts: Once the dojo is established, Vigilance can offer low-cost, short-term security (e.g., guarding local markets at night) so long as these gigs align with the organization's principles (i.e., no work for criminal syndicates). Jay will vet each contract meticulously.
Defining the "Circle of Influence" Map
Phase 1 (0–2 weeks): Ensure complete coverage of Jong-gu and Seongdong-gu neighborhoods closest to J High. Each patrol group receives GPS trackers so Jay can produce a heat map of incidents—tracking precisely where crimes declined after Vigilance's arrival.
Phase 2 (3–8 weeks): Expand into Seochu-gu's northern half, then Dongjak-gu. Little Daniel and Vasco will adjust patrol routes based on community feedback, housing density, and local crime rates.
Phase 3 (8–14 weeks): Collaborate with local authorities to formalize an "Advisory Council" comprising neighborhood leaders, allowing Vigilance members to co-manage community affairs—ensuring long-term stability beyond mere enforcement.
4. Embedding Core Values
No One "Above" the Organization
Daniel insisted that no founder is immune from review. Every quarter, Jay and Little Daniel compile a "Integrity Assessment" report—confidentially shared with Vasco and two senior Outer Members (e.g., Zack and Jace) who evaluate whether any leader has overstepped moral boundaries (e.g., unjustified use of force, financial misappropriation).
If any core member is found in breach, they face temporary suspension from active operations until reintegration via counseling and retraining.
"Protect & Provide" Ethos
Protect: Vigilance exists first to shield the underprivileged—kids, the elderly, single parents, and small‐business owners—from intimidation, extortion, and violence.
Provide: Every three weeks, Jay's team (with Little Daniel oversight) hosts a "Resource Day" at the dojo—food, clothing donations (coordinated with Duke's grandmother's network, Chapter 17)
, and legal aid referrals for those wrongfully targeted.
Merit & Mentorship
While physical strength is important, Daniel emphasized that "smart management" is equally crucial. Anyone lacking combat experience but excelling in logistics, communication, or problem‐solving can still become Inner Members—after mentorship by Jay or Little Daniel.
Weekly "Innovation Forums" invite members to propose new outreach ideas (e.g., mobile clinics, pop-up tutoring booths), and the best proposals receive micro-grants. This cultivates a culture of continuous improvement and prevents stagnation.
No sooner had the founding ceremony concluded (a simple handshake among the core five: Big Daniel, Little Daniel, Vasco, Jay, and Jace as witness) than an urgent message arrived: a local hoods-turned gang calling themselves the "Iron Fist Syndicate" had attempted to extort a nearby convenience store. The owner, a frail middle‐aged woman recalling Duke's grandmother's kindness, refused to pay. Word reached Jay that the Syndicate planned a violent reprisal tonight.
Daniel looked to Vasco and Little Daniel:
Big Daniel (calmly): "We've trained for this. Tonight, we split into two squads. Vasco, you lead the 'Shield' team—direct confrontation if necessary."Vasco (eyes blazing): "Understood. I'll be on their trail by 8 PM."Little Daniel: "I'll head 'Shadow'—swift, unseen. We'll flank them and cut off retreat routes."Jay (studying the binder): "I've already coordinated with local shopkeepers to stay inside. I've also uploaded tonight's patrol map to each member's phone. They'll know where they're heading."
At 7:30 PM, Outer Members (Zack, Mira, Jace, and two new recruits from J High's football team) assembled in quick‐dry gear at the dojo. Each wore a Vigilance crest—a stylized eye within a protective shield—prominent on black T-shirts (Jay's design, Chapter 11)
. A hush fell over them as Big Daniel addressed the group:
"Remember: We intervene to defuse, not humiliate. If the Syndicate tries violence, use maximal force with absolute domination and crushing effect. Our priority is protecting the store owner and destroying opponent's mindset Understood?""Yes, sir!" they chorused.
At precisely 8 PM, the Syndicate arrived: three hulking enforcers in leather jackets brandishing wooden bats. They forced open the door, eyes scanning for quick cash. Across the street, Vasco's Shield team waited in plain sight. In an instant, Vasco (in his usual heroic style) strode forward, crossing the dimly lit parking lot. The Syndicate's lead thug sneered at him: "Who the hell are you?" Vasco's response was a single, unwavering glare. The thug swung first—Vasco sidestepped, applied an arm lock, and incapacitated him with a swift takedown that echoed through the night. Zack and Jace moved in to secure the other two members, using nonlethal holds they'd drilled countless times (Chapters 3–6) .
Simultaneously, Little Daniel, Zack, and two recruits circled the building, ensuring no one escaped. Little Daniel's agility—honed through his perfect learning ability—let him dart between shadows, quietly subduing a Syndicate look-out who tried to flee. Zack and the recruits escorted the subdued members back to the store's entrance, where Jay directed them to wait for police escort. The store owner emerged, tears of relief streaming down her face as Daniel placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"No one will harass you again," Daniel promised, voice both firm and caring. "Vigilance stands guard."
The Syndicate members, bruised but conscious, were held in place until local officers arrived. Jay ensured the store owner received a stipend for repairs, funds Jay had set aside precisely for such emergent community needs.
As the police took the Syndicate members away, the Vigilance team regrouped in the alley. Exhausted but triumphant, they exchanged relieved smiles. Jay handed Daniel a hot cup of tea; Vasco cracked a rare grin. Little Daniel looked at them—his resolve shining brighter than his grin as he said:
"Tonight, we proved our purpose. We defended what's right. This is just the beginning. Our radius grows tomorrow."
As the dawn light crept through the dusty windows of the dojo the next morning, Daniel assembled the Core and Outer Members for a "Lessons Learned" debrief. He praised Vasco's controlled response, Jay's logistical foresight, and Mira and the recruits' swift flank maneuvers. Equally, he reminded them to remain humble—tonight's victory was because they stayed true to Vigilance's ideology, not because they craved dominance (Chapter 11)
.
Jace, recently promoted from Outer Member to Strategic Advisor, remarked:
"Your plan was flawless. But we also saw how powerful our unity is. If one squad falters, another fills the gap. That's the essence of Vigilance—flexible yet unbreakable."Daniel nodded, adding, "Trust is our greatest weapon. We must cultivate it daily."
That afternoon, as word spread of Vigilance's actions, local merchants and residents gathered at the dojo courtyard, offering thanks and pledging support. A hush fell as Jay formally announced that Vigilance would establish a monthly "Community Day," inviting all residents—young and old—to share concerns, report incidents, and receive training. Dozens of eager faces lined up for the first round of self‐defense workshops led by Vasco. At the same time, Jay distributed brochures about small business grants, and Little Daniel welcomed children to sign up for track and field drills.
As Daniel looked on, his two bodies shared a single thought: J High and its surrounding districts would soon witness a transformation—where fear was replaced by confidence, and apathy by solidarity. Tonight's mission had been their first real test with miminum danger level which was also test of purpose; countless more lay ahead. Yet, with Vigilance now formally born, the "circular radius" of safety would keep expanding, rippling outward until Seoul itself felt the protective shield they envisioned (Chapter 11)
.
Before stepping onto the makeshift stage to address the gathered crowd, Daniel glanced at each Core member—Vasco, Jay, and Jace—his heart swelling with gratitude. Their unity embodied the very essence of what he had longed for: a family larger than blood, bound by shared dreams , prosperity, and compassion. Now, he would speak the words that cemented their mission:
"This is the birth of Vigilance. Tomorrow, we add another district to our circle of influence; next week, a new host of recruits will arrive at the dojo. Through trust, courage, and unwavering resolve, we will ensure that no corner of these neighborhoods remains in darkness. Stand with us, and together, we will build a legacy that outlives us all."
As applause erupted, Joe—who had long admired Daniel from afar—slipped a supportive wink. Across the courtyard, Duke's grandmother beamed. From this day forward, "Vigilance" would be more than a name: it would be a promise to every child, parent, and elder who called these streets home.