The pitiable Orochi became the biggest "loser" of this tournament.
He woke up from his slumber to find his account stolen, his power reduced to a tenth of what it was—and that wasn't all. His capable subordinates had been poached and collectively jumped ship.
When he finally prepared to unleash his ultimate and wipe the server clean, someone "impersonated" him and beat him up with his own technique.
In the end, he'd been terrified for nothing, beaten to a pulp, and locked back in his little dark room.
All he could do was obediently go back to sleep.
Being a god like this was truly tragic enough to make listeners weep.
The setting sun, like a cup of spilled aged wine, dyed Tokyo's sky a intoxicating orange-red.
Above the ruins of the KOF 97 tournament, smoke and dust slowly dispersed with the evening breeze.
The post-survival clamor and cheers gradually subsided, replaced by a tranquility full of "peace."
Fighters departed in twos and threes. They needed to go home, take a hot shower, eat a proper meal, reassure their families they were safe, and properly digest today's "battle of the immortals" that had overturned their worldviews.
Meanwhile, our protagonist Cloud stood alone atop the highest remnant of Tokyo Dome, feeling the evening breeze, contemplating life.
No—to be precise, he was checking his system account that had gone into the negatives, contemplating how to pay off his "credit balance" going forward.
Transforming into Orochi had overdrafted many Source Points. Even counting the system rewards, it wasn't enough to pay back.
"Sigh, saving the world not only comes with no salary, I actually have to pay out of pocket. Being a hero sure isn't easy these days."
Just as he was lost in sentiment, a clear, gentle voice tinged with relief came from behind him.
"You're talking nonsense again."
Chizuru Kagura had already changed out of her combat shrine maiden garb into an elegant white dress. The sunset's afterglow outlined her in gold, making her dignified, classical beauty appear even more sacred and captivating.
She walked slowly to Cloud's side, standing shoulder to shoulder with him, gazing at the distant horizon. Her eyes held depths of tenderness that couldn't be dissolved.
"Without you, this world would have returned to nothingness long ago."
Hearing this, Cloud turned to look at this orchid-like shrine maiden. Feeling playful, he deliberately adopted a pitiful tone: "Then after all my hard work, isn't there some reward? Like a loving hug?"
Chizuru's cheeks flushed slightly, but she didn't shyly retreat as usual.
She gazed deeply at Cloud, as if trying to etch his image into her soul.
Then she rose on tiptoe, tilted her head up slightly.
Under the witness of the evening clouds filling the sky, she gently pressed her soft, cool lips against Cloud's.
A kiss as brief as a dragonfly touching water, yet containing a thousand years of waiting and guardianship.
After a long moment, their lips parted.
"Is that reward satisfactory?" Chizuru's eyes sparkled with flowing light, carrying a hint of mischievous smile.
Cloud touched his lips, smacking them thoughtfully, then evaluated with complete seriousness: "Mm... not bad flavor, just a bit short. Next time we could—mmph!"
Before he could finish, Chizuru, embarrassed and annoyed, pummeled his chest with her small fists.
They looked at each other and smiled. Everything was understood without words.
...
Not far from this warm, romantic "public display of affection," a "wives' group" of beautiful women was quietly "spectating."
"Wow~ Sister Chizuru is so bold! She just went straight in!" Yuri Sakazaki excitedly pumped her little fists, her face clearly showing a "I'm shipping this so hard" expression.
"Hmhm, this is exactly the kind of energy our Cloud Fan Club should have!" Mai Shiranui puffed up her chest proudly, as if she'd been the one doing the kissing. "Finally, she's officially staked her claim!"
"Yes, Miss Chizuru has been waiting a long time for this day." Athena Asamiya pressed her palms together, her face showing sincere blessings...
That's right—Mai Shiranui, Yuri Sakazaki, Athena Asamiya... these heavenly beauties sought after throughout the fighting world had, without realizing it, been quietly conquered by Cloud, this "time management master," becoming members of his vast "harem group."
So at this moment, their eyes held not a trace of jealousy.
Only a sense of "our sister has finally achieved her goal" satisfaction, and a small anticipation of "I guess it's my turn next."
This was probably... the legendary "harmony of the harem"?
"Boss~"
A languid, seductive voice carrying a hint of danger broke the warm atmosphere.
Shermie, who had changed into a sexy black leather outfit that accentuated her breathtaking figure, had appeared at some point.
Like an elegant black cat, she approached Cloud, extending her slender fingers to lightly adjust his collar—which wasn't actually disheveled.
"As your most loyal inside agent, I more than exceeded my mission, you know." Her red lips nearly brushed his ear, her breath fragrant. "So, according to our agreement, shouldn't I... claim my reward now?"
Seeing this "cream-stealing cat," Chizuru arched her beautiful eyebrows slightly but said nothing, simply watching Cloud quietly, curious to see how he'd handle this "legacy issue."
"Of course." Cloud smiled, then said to Shermie in a tone that brooked no argument: "Your reward is—from today on, you're free."
Shermie's alluring eyes flickered with momentary surprise.
"However..." Cloud's tone shifted as he used a finger to gently lift her chin, looking directly into her eyes. "Your freedom is under my management. From now on, no more contact with anything Orochi-related. Just focus on being my exclusive fashion designer. Understand?"
Shermie gazed into Cloud's eyes, deep as a starry sky, stunned for a moment. Then she burst into laughter, her whole body quivering with mirth.
...
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