HOMRA (Part 1)

Homura [Part 1] is the first chapter of K: Memory of Red.

A young man named Shōhei Akagi aspires to become a member of one of the most infamous and feared gang in Shizume City, Homura, led by the equally legendary Red King. However, he develops both friendships and animosity between the current Homura members even before he takes the official test.

Summary
In Shizume City, there's a legend about a red king with demon-like abilities that single-handedly created the Homura organization. As long as you get accepted into Homura, you can gain extraordinary powers. Seeking this power, a young man heads to the headquarters of Homura where he states his desire to join. He is greeted by a man wearing glasses and upon hearing his name mentioned, turns around to find Totsuka Tatara taking a video of him, explaining that the meetings must be recorded. Yata Misaki takes a look at Shōhei, telling him not everyone who wants to join is able to, though kindly Izumo tells him to stop.

Upon going inside, Shōhei recognizes his childhood friend San. Despite Shōhei's enthusiasm, San acts angrily with him and says he won't be able to join Homura. Totsuka states it isn't San's decision and brings Shōhei with him to meet the 'King'. Upon opening the door to the King's room, the two find a young girl in the room with the King sitting in a chair behind her, making Shōhei nervous. Shōhei states his wish to join Homura, at which point Suoh offers him a hand. Though intending to shake, Shōhei backs off when Suoh's hand is engulfed in flames. Telling him he ought to shake if he wishes to join, Shōhei bravely puts his hand forth, surprised that upon the handshake ending, the flames are not hot. With that, Suoh declares him a member of Homura.

Later on, Shōhei gathers with the other members in the kitchen to talk. San appears as well, insisting that Shōhei call him Bandō San due to his seniority in the organization. Instead, Shōhei acts casually with him, much to his anger. Over the next several days, Shōhei is strictly instructed by Bandō about the business of Homura such as the link between partners, the hierarchical relationship and the respect for the king. Eventually, other members get angry with Bandō, even slapping him and berating him for the way he treats Shōhei, commenting that he's gone too far. As Bandō is punished, Totsuka tells Shōhei he can talk to him about what he needs.

As Kamamoto Rikio and other members of Homura take care of Shōhei, Bandō watches on from afar in surprise. As Shōhei leaves for the day, Bandō begins complaining again about the attention he gets as the others ask him what he has against Shōhei, even forcing his mouth shut. Izumo also takes Bandō aside and talks to him, scaring him with his way of speaking.

Bandō soon explains the first time Shōhei made him angry, by kissing his crush back in kindergarten even though he didn't like her. When confronted, Shōhei claimed he kissed her cause she wanted to kiss him. As Izumo comments on the speed of the girl's maturity, Bandō continues to get angry as he keeps listing the ways in which Shōhei has upstaged him all their life. As he continues to get angry, the other members soon stop listening.

Elsewhere, with the power he has gained after joining Homura, Shōhei prepares to test himself. Back at Homura, Izumo and Totsuka are told of what Shōhei did. At a bus stop, Totsuka sits with Bandō and discusses his problems with Shōhei, which he finds to be petty. Despite beating him, Shōhei considers Bandō an equal, perplexing Bandō. Totsuka tells him that Shōhei is in a battle and asks what Bandō will do to help

On the street, Shōhei recalls a conversation he had with a girl who was dating a leader of Rakshasa. Upon commenting that they were dangerous, the girl brushes it off but asks Shōhei to save her if anything should happen. While Suoh is told of the ongoing incident with Shōhei by Anna, Bandō rushes to save him.

Characters In Order Of Appearance

 * 1) Shōhei Akagi
 * 2) Izumo Kusanagi
 * 3) Totsuka Tatara
 * 4) Yata Misaki
 * 5) Saburōta Bandō
 * 6) Anna Kushina
 * 7) Mikoto Suoh
 * 8) Kamamoto Rikio
 * 9) You Chitose
 * 10) Unnamed Female Individual
 * 11) Masaomi Dewa