"Norton?" Cloud picked up the invitation and glanced at the signature. "The American software mogul, world's richest man?"
"That's the one." Yamazaki nodded. "Mr. Norton has a fascination with martial arts and the occult. Especially... the legendary Divine Tribe."
Cloud understood immediately.
So the behind-the-scenes organizer of KOF97 had changed to a "deep-pocketed patron" with intense curiosity about Orochi.
"So his purpose for hosting this tournament is to lure out all these monsters, then... enjoy the show up close?" Cloud's tone dripped with amusement.
"You could put it that way." Yamazaki shrugged. "Rich people always have such... simple and unadorned ideas. And me? I just do what I'm paid for. Mr. Norton offered compensation I couldn't refuse, plus a promise to help me build my criminal empire. So for now, I'm his employee."
"Employee?" Cloud laughed. "Funny, I heard you Hakkesshu already have a big boss called Orochi."
Yamazaki's expression soured slightly.
"That's corporate culture. The company vision." He curled his lip dismissively. "I'm just a front-line worker. I've got zero interest in that pie-in-the-sky nonsense. I care more about my salary and bonuses."
This borderline treasonous statement thoroughly confirmed Cloud's assessment.
The man before him was the Hakkesshu's prime "insider threat" candidate—the kind ready to jump ship at any moment!
"Interesting perspective." Cloud set down the invitation and gave Yamazaki a meaningful smile. "Mr. Yamazaki, would you be interested in... switching bosses?"
Yamazaki's pupils contracted sharply.
Yamazaki ultimately didn't give a clear answer, only leaving a "I'll think about it" before hurrying away.
But his wavering eyes had already told Cloud everything.
A seed of doubt and desire had been planted in his heart.
Shortly after Yamazaki left, Chizuru Kagura's direct line rang.
"Cloud, you received the KOF97 invitation, right?" Chizuru's voice came through the phone—cool yet tinged with worry.
"Got it. Even had a yakuza boss personally deliver it to my door. Quite the VIP treatment."
"Stop joking around." Chizuru's tone turned serious. "This tournament is anything but ordinary. According to Kagura clan intelligence, Orochi's seal has loosened to its absolute limit. The remaining Hakkesshu members will very likely use this tournament to gather enough spiritual energy to complete the final unsealing ritual!"
"Therefore," she took a deep breath, her voice utterly solemn, "I hope... you'll join us as the Three Sacred Treasures team's secret weapon!"
"Oh? You want the champion to be your ringer?" Cloud chuckled. "That's going to cost extra."
"As long as you come, name your terms!" Chizuru's tone brooked no argument.
"Deal."
Hanging up, Cloud stretched lazily. Things were getting more and more interesting.
On one side: Norton, the "deep-pocketed patron" who wanted to watch the excitement without caring how big the mess got, and his scheming "double agent" Yamazaki.
On the other: the "Three Sacred Treasures" alliance, armed to the teeth and ready for the final showdown with Orochi.
In the shadows: Yashiro, Shermie, and Chris—three "ticking time bombs" on the verge of awakening.
Plus: Mature and Vice, the "golden sleeper agents" he'd successfully turned, ready at any moment to stab their "former employer" in the back.
Add one more: Iori Yagami, the berserker whose power had skyrocketed and who was "grinding levels" in some hidden corner...
This year's KOF tournament was shaping up to be an absolute circus of monsters and demons having an all-out brawl!
"This is... exciting."
Cloud stood and gazed at the distant sky, as if already seeing the massive storm called "KOF97" that was about to sweep across the world.
He knew it was time for him, the "Final Boss," to have a proper "chat" with this tournament's other "puppet master."
"System, locate this Norton guy."
"It's time to teach him a lesson."
"Some spectacles in this world aren't meant for ordinary mortals to witness."
A conversation between "big shots" was about to begin.
And the entire trajectory of KOF97 would be completely... rewritten.
Ryuji Yamazaki had been busy lately.
Ever since Cloud's "switch bosses" comment had left him unsettled, he'd outsourced most of his "yakuza business" to subordinates and devoted himself to his promising career as a "courier."
His main job was driving the flashy purple Lamborghini sponsored by Mr. Norton around the world delivering KOF97 invitations.
Today, his "delivery route" brought him to Japan—the Kusanagi clan's dojo.
Knock knock knock.
He rapped on the Kusanagi estate's ancient door with an impatient, debt-collector's intensity.
The one who answered wasn't Kyo Kusanagi, but a young man in a blue high school uniform with short brown hair, his face written with "hot-blooded" and "chuuni."
"Um... can I help you?" The boy saw this man at the door—dressed like a "host" but radiating an aura more yakuza than yakuza—and instinctively stepped back.
"Is Kyo Kusanagi here?" Yamazaki picked at his ear with an "I'm your daddy" tone.
"Master! Someone's here for you!" The youth bellowed toward the dojo's interior.
Before long, Kyo Kusanagi ambled out in casual clothes, yawning.
The moment he saw Yamazaki, his sleepy demeanor vanished instantly, replaced by full alertness.
...
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