"Next, the Fatal Fury Team! The eternal Legendary Wolf, Terry! Andy! And Joe Higashi! A reminder to Mr. Terry once again—please stop throwing your hat into the audience. Our security budget exceeded projections last year because of that!"
"Ohhh! The Kyokugenryu Karate representatives! They're here! Look at those pristine white gis—each supposedly hand-sewn by Italian master tailors, with generous sponsorship from Mr. Robert Garcia! Poverty truly limits our imagination!"
...
One team after another made their entrances, each wave of cheers crashing higher than the last.
Cloud and his two "otherworld blind box" teammates sat in the VIP spectator section designated for competitors, feeling like an old father who'd brought two kids to a concert.
"Wow! That guy with the broom-head hair—what a unique style! How much hair gel does it take to go anti-gravity?" Yun Ying pointed at Benimaru Nikaido on the screen, utterly amazed.
"The blonde man with the hat looks so warm and sunny—he must be a good person!" Nakoruru watched Terry, quietly delivering her "good person" assessment.
"Nakoruru!" Cloud corrected her. "In the fighting world, the sunny-looking types are often the ones who hit hardest. You see that punch of his? He can crack open the ground with it."
Just then, the atmosphere in the venue suddenly changed.
"Up next is an entirely new combination! A team personally invited by the mysterious Mr. Norton to provide security services for this tournament—the '97 Special Team!"
Where the spotlight gathered, three figures slowly emerged.
Leading them was the erratic, snake-like Ryuji Yamazaki himself.
Today, he'd actually put on a black suit, though he'd left it hanging open to reveal the flashy Hawaiian shirt underneath. His face wore that unhinged grin as he stuck his abnormally long tongue out at the cameras, provoking screams from female audience members—half from excitement, half from horror.
Cloud saw right through it instantly. This guy was clearly here on "company-sponsored business travel," using the opportunity to "recruit" and "scout" for his underworld empire.
Just look at those eyes—they weren't evaluating opponents. He was obviously sizing up "can this one fight," "does that one qualify to be my subordinate," and "that technique could be useful for demolition work."
At his side stood Blue Mary in her practical jacket, hands in pockets, chewing gum, face clearly saying "don't bother me, I'm just here for the paycheck."
At the back of the formation was Billy Kane. This former captain of Geese's personal guard now looked somewhat... down on his luck.
He gripped his staff tightly, but his eyes had lost their former swagger, replaced by the fatigue of someone worn down by life's struggles.
"Billy..." Cloud narrowed his eyes. He knew that after Geese's death, Billy's circumstances had been difficult.
Especially with his chronically ill younger sister Lilly, who still needed care.
This guy is definitely here for the prize money, Cloud thought. To pay for his sister's medical bills, even the mighty Staff King has to take security gigs on the side. There's no easy mode in adult life—only KPIs to chase.
Immediately after, another team caused a sensation throughout the venue.
"Oh my! Look at the big screen! The Women Fighters Team has a heavyweight new addition! She is the guardian of the Three Sacred Treasures clans—Miss Chizuru Kagura!"
When Chizuru Kagura appeared on the giant display in her classic shrine maiden attire, her elegant, almost otherworldly grace on full display, the entire stadium exploded.
"Wow—! Lady Chizuru!" Mai Shiranui instantly transformed into a complete fangirl, gazing at Chizuru beside her with starstruck eyes. "You're absolutely my idol! Look at my new fan—it has your portrait printed on it!"
Nearby, King pressed a palm to her forehead, feeling like their team's image had rapidly careened from "sexy fighters" to "giant fan meeting."
Chizuru Kagura only smiled gracefully, politely acknowledging Mai's enthusiasm.
But her gaze passed through the crowd, briefly meeting Cloud's eyes across the distance, and she gave a subtle nod.
Cloud understood—this was her signal: everything was proceeding smoothly.
Through Cloud's behind-the-scenes coordination, Chizuru Kagura had successfully joined the Women's Team.
Her objective was clear: Orochi.
Speaking of Orochi...
BOOM—!!!
With an opening heavy metal riff, the stage lighting suddenly took on an eerie quality.
Yashiro Nanakase, Shermie, and Chris made their spectacular entrance as "The Hell Band (C.Y.S)."
Rather than traditional fighting attire, they wore visual-kei band costumes, looking ready to launch into a concert at any moment.
Yashiro shouldered a bass guitar, his expression one of wild arrogance; Chris held a microphone, his smile innocent yet somehow unsettling; and Shermie stood between them, blowing a kiss at the cameras that ignited the entire venue.
"Those three... feel strange." Nakoruru had sensed something. Mamahaha in her arms raised its feathers, releasing a warning cry. "I can sense it—they carry an aura... that makes nature weep."
"Exactly right. They're our main targets this time." Cloud kept his voice low. At that same instant, his gaze intersected briefly with Shermie's.
Shermie playfully winked at him—a signal only the two of them understood.
Cloud silently acknowledged it.
Just as all the teams had finished their introductions and Norton was preparing to declare the tournament open, he suddenly cleared his throat and spoke in an absurdly theatrical voice: "Everyone! I have one more special announcement to make!"
"Given that our distinguished, three-consecutive-time KOF champion—the living legend of our era, Mr. Cloud—possesses power that far transcends the level of ordinary competitors! In order to ensure both fairness and entertainment value, after unanimous agreement by the entire organizing committee..."
Norton stretched out the words, milking every drop of dramatic tension.
"We have decided to grant Mr. Cloud and his Three Clouds Team... a Champion's Privilege!"
...
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