When Cloud brought a thoroughly satisfied Kula—arms full of spoils (mainly snacks and plushies)—back to their temporary base, a "powder keg" of a figure blocked their path.
It was Angel.
"Oh, had fun, did we?" Angel leaned against the door with arms crossed, wearing an expression that screamed "did you two go on a secret date behind my back?" "I was wondering why I couldn't find you anywhere. Turns out you took this little refrigerator on a romantic getaway!"
Her tone dripped with jealousy.
Kula looked at her and instinctively hid behind Cloud, like a kitten encountering a stranger.
"What? Scared?" Seeing this reaction only emboldened Angel further. "Didn't get enough at the pier the other day? Want another round today?"
She cracked her knuckles with a series of pops, looking ready to throw down at any moment.
"Angel, cut it out." Cloud rubbed his temples with a headache.
He felt like a single father taking two "problem daughters" out in public.
One introverted and withdrawn, one aggressive and domineering, and both constantly at each other's throats.
"Who's messing with her!" Angel said defiantly. "I just don't like her! Walking around with that cold face all the time like everyone owes her money!"
"I... I don't..." Kula protested weakly.
"You do!"
"Don't..."
Seeing these two girls of completely opposite styles about to throw hands again over elementary-school-level reasons like "what are you looking at" and "I'm looking at you, so what," Cloud knew that if he didn't intervene, they'd demolish the hideout.
"Enough! Both of you, freeze!" His low bark released an invisible pressure that instantly enveloped them both.
Angel and Kula both felt as if a mountain had pressed down on them, instantly immobilizing them.
"From today onwards, you two are best friends," Cloud declared in a tone that brooked no argument.
"Who wants to be friends with her!" ×2
Both girls protested in perfect unison.
"Oh? Objections?" A "demonic" smile spread across Cloud's face. "You're welcome to keep them. But if I catch you two fighting again... then all your snacks, candy, and ice cream will be... confiscated!"
"!!!"
This move was a "dimensional strike," precision-targeting the fatal weakness of both "foodie" girls!
Angel and Kula exchanged glances, each seeing in the other's eyes a hint of "for the snacks, I'll endure."
And so, driven by "snacks" as their shared, noble objective, a miraculous friendship full of "plastic sisterhood" was dramatically born.
...
In the days that followed, Cloud lived a life that was both torturous and delightful.
He would take these two girls with their completely different vibes shopping together.
Angel would charge ahead like an "unleashed wild dog," frantically trying on revealing, sexy outfits, constantly asking Cloud "Darling, does this look good on me?"—drawing frequent glances from men nearby.
Kula, meanwhile, would follow behind Cloud like a little shadow, timidly peeking at the cute princess dresses with lace trim she didn't dare approach.
He would take them to all-you-can-eat buffets.
Angel would attack like a "food champion," stacking plates of meat into small mountains, eating with sauce all over her face, bold and uninhibited.
Kula would elegantly select only her favorite desserts and ice cream, taking small, delicate bites like a true princess.
Occasionally, the two would erupt into minor "wars" over issues like "who gets the last slice of strawberry cake" or "who Cloud should accompany to the arcade today."
But the moment Cloud deployed his "snack confiscation" ultimate weapon, they would immediately "shake hands and make peace"—sometimes even going so far as to politely defer to each other in a show of "sisterly affection."
Watching this spectacle, Cloud couldn't help but sigh: There's no "battlefield of jealousy" that can't be solved with one good meal. If there is, make it two.
...
In this atmosphere of "chaotic comedy" mixed with "sweet daily life," KOF 2000 officially began.
Fighters from around the world gathered once more.
Only this year, the atmosphere was more tense than ever before.
Because everyone knew that behind the fighting tournament lurked NESTS and their "Zero Cannon"—a threat to the entire world. This was no longer just a competition; it was a war to decide Earth's fate.
As a big shot whose power had long since broken through the "ceiling," Cloud chose not to participate directly this time.
In his own words: "With my strength, going down there to fight them wouldn't be a 'match'—it'd be 'bullying noobs,' a serious breach of game balance. I'd rather sit backstage, watch the show, and maybe do some sideline coaching. That suits my role as the puppet master better."
He lounged comfortably in the top-tier VIP box Norton had prepared for him, Mai Shiranui in his left arm, Kusanagi Aoi in his right, with Athena and Leona standing behind him ready to massage his shoulders and legs at any moment... Living the "simple and honest" life.
However, his leisurely "retired cadre" lifestyle had barely lasted a few minutes before the system notification chimed in his mind once again.
[Ding! Major world-line crisis detected! NESTS organization's ultimate conspiracy has been activated!]
[Main Quest issued: Wrath of the Azure Sky!]
[Quest description: Host, stop watching the show and get to work! According to top-secret NESTS documents this system has decrypted, the Zero Cannon threat is merely the beginning. NESTS's true leader, Igniz, is plotting an even more insane scheme aimed at achieving godhood! He plans to use the KOF 2000 tournament as a sacrifice, collecting combat data and life energy from fighters worldwide to complete the final molding of his artificial divine vessel! If he succeeds, he will become a madman wielding god-like power without a god's wisdom—and the entire Earth will become the testing ground for his divine ascension!]
[Quest requirements: Expose and crush Igniz's conspiracy. Completely erase the NESTS organization from the face of the Earth.]
[Quest rewards: Extremely generous rewards based on completion rate! Rumor has it there's a chance to obtain a trial voucher for Cosmic Power!]
[System's Hot Take: So, Host, stop lounging around! Get up and get hyped! For love and peace in the world! For your ever-growing harem! And more importantly, for those generous rewards... Go forth! Once again, save this world that needs you! Your slogan is: "I am Cloud—professional villain terminator!"]
...
Get 20+ chapters ahead on - P.a.t.r.e.o.n "RoseWhisky"