Benimaru and Daimon: "..."
We suspect you're throwing, and we have evidence.
...
The match officially began!
Round One: "Lightning Pretty Boy" Benimaru Nikaido versus the Todoh-style Kobujutsu heir—Kasumi Todoh.
This match was "dramatic" from the start.
Benimaru, the self-proclaimed "lady killer," immediately launched into verbal warfare against Kasumi.
"Oh, beautiful miss, your graceful form is like dancing cherry blossoms. You've utterly captivated me. Might I have the honor of... dining with you after the match?"
But Kasumi, this traditional "Yamato Nadeshiko" with a no-nonsense personality, simply...
Sighed expressionlessly.
Then, with a look that said "bless your heart," she replied flatly: "Sorry. My father says I'm not allowed to eat with men whose hair looks like a parrot's."
Benimaru: "..."
He felt his heart get stabbed.
Humiliated into fury, he finally unleashed his full power!
Lightning wreathed his body, making him look like a true "Thunder God"!
But Kasumi, like a small boat in stormy seas, always managed to redirect his violent attacks with her exquisite "yielding overcomes force" techniques!
Finally, after a grueling ten-minute battle, Benimaru eked out a narrow victory with a "Raikou Ken," winning only through his slight advantage in realm.
Round Two: The "Immovable Mountain" Goro Daimon versus... Mai Shiranui!
Everyone expected an exciting clash of "spear versus shield."
Instead, it was a one-sided slaughter.
"Go Mai! You've got this!"
From the VIP section, Cloud very "inappropriately" cheered for his "wife."
Loud enough for even Goro Daimon on stage to hear clearly.
Daimon: "..."
He felt... immense pressure.
The moment Mai heard her "beloved's" encouragement, her gorgeous almond eyes lit up!
Her crimson Absolute Domain 50% erupted!
The nine flame-tails behind her swayed wildly as if alive!
"Sorry about this, Daimon-san!"
With a spirited cry, she transformed into a nine-tailed fox dancing in flames!
"Butterfly Fan!"
"Dragon Flame Dance!"
"Super Crimson Hornet!"
She perfectly fused Shiranui ninjutsu with the buffs from her "Fox Spirit" skin!
Her movements became even more unpredictable, even more elusive!
Her attacks rained down like a storm, never giving Daimon a moment to breathe!
Poor Goro Daimon—this judo grandmaster renowned for his "defense"—under the "Fox Spirit's" relentless blitz...
...got completely dominated from start to finish!
He couldn't even find an opening for his prized "Tenchi Gaeshi"!
In the end, Mai blasted the "Immovable King" out of the ring with a dazzling "Phoenix Dance"!
Women Fighters Team ties it up!
...
Now all the pressure fell on Japan Team's final fighter—
The man who'd just returned from his "bathroom break."
Kyo Kusanagi.
He would face the equally uninjured Mai Shiranui.
"Kyo, please go easy on me~"
Mai flashed him a provocative, mischievous smile.
Kyo: "..."
His headache intensified.
He was so tired. Why did Cloud have so many women?
Last time it was Athena Asamiya. This time it's Mai Shiranui.
Fight?
Or not fight?
That was the question.
Win, and get "combo'd" by his little bro when he gets home.
Lose, and...
Where would he put his face?! Did Japan Team even want to perform well?!
Just as he sank into deep "philosophical" contemplation—
The Women Fighters Team collectively raised the white flag.
"We... forfeit."
Mai winked playfully at him.
They didn't want to make things too difficult for Kyo either.
And so, this semifinal match—rife with "gossip" and "throwing" accusations—concluded in the most dramatic fashion possible.
Japan Team advances to the finals!
All eyes now turned to the next match.
The atmosphere in Tokyo Dome grew heavier, more oppressive—the calm before a storm.
Everyone knew what was coming—the bloodiest, most brutal, least "sportsmanlike" battle of KOF 96...
A clash of Demon Kings!
The matchup:
[Yagami Team VS Iron Fist Team]!
"The Moonlit Madman" Iori Yagami versus "The Human Devil" Crown Prince An'un!
When these two teams—both radiating pure "villain" energy—appeared on stage simultaneously, tens of thousands of spectators unconsciously held their breath.
The air reeked of blood and "trouble."
"Hehehe... finally, it's our turn?"
On the Yagami Team's side, Mature—the dangerous, seductive femme fatale—stretched languidly, showing off her devilish figure.
She was the first to step onto the stage.
...
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