The next morning, sunlight streamed over the circular stone arena. The stands were packed with martial arts enthusiasts from around the world, their eyes fixed intently on the center of the arena as enthusiastic cheers echoed across the coliseum.
The ten fighters of the China Team and the Japan-America Alliance Team faced each other in the center. Sol Mirek stood calmly, surveying the five top-tier opponents.
His gaze passed over King Jikai, Doppo Orochi, Baki, and Oliva, finally resting on Yujiro Hanma, the strongest being on Earth. A suffocating pressure filled the air, silencing the audience, each person holding their breath for the unprecedented, world-shaking confrontation about to unfold.
The host's voice boomed across the arena:
"Ladies and gentlemen! Today, we witness a historic moment! The centennial Great Raitai Tournament introduces a new team match format!"
"The China Team will face the Japan-America Alliance Team!"
"The Japan-America Alliance's Samwan Haiwang has been replaced by Doppo Orochi, the God of Neon Karate, making their lineup even more formidable!"
"The martial arts world faces its greatest challenge yet!"
"With both sides making critical changes, no one can predict the victor!"
"Will the China Team suffer a humiliating defeat? The title of Sea Emperor, sacred and untouchable by outsiders, hangs in the balance!"
"How will the team urgently assembled by Kaioh Kaku, the national master, fare against this new alliance? Can they protect the glory of five thousand years of martial arts? Today, the answers will be revealed!"
"Kid," Yujiro's deep voice cut through the tension.
"Hmm?" Sol replied, his tone calm, eyes locked on the towering figure before him.
"The big words you spat at me in the lounge earlier, I'll return them, word for word."
"I'll meet you in the final match. After I defeat you, I'll take down the rest of your team—every last one of them!"
Hahaha! Yujiro laughed, a feral grin spreading across his face, as if victory were already in his grasp.
The host narrated passionately: "Yujiro laughs as though victory is assured! Does the Japan-America Alliance have some secret weapon?!"
"Now, both teams, exit the arena and finalize your strategy!"
Kaioh Kaku and the others immediately left, leaving Sol alone in the center, sitting cross-legged.
"Eh! What is the China Team doing? Already decided on a strategy?" the host exclaimed.
"Since they sent out their ultimate weapon first, they must be aiming for a swift victory!"
The audience erupted in deafening cheers, the sound waves shaking the arena. Sol's previous performance had been astonishing, but the immense shockwave left spectators unable to see how he dispatched his opponent. His reputation for unfathomable strength only fueled anticipation for what was to come.
In the Japan-America Alliance's preparation area, the five fighters strategized with intense focus.
"China is no soft target. They've declared complete victory for a reason. They must have thought this through," Yujiro said, his expression serious.
"Baki, I respect their five thousand years of martial arts history, but that doesn't mean I'll let them make fools of themselves. Can you help me make them regret it?" Yujiro's eyes gleamed with arrogance.
Baki hesitated. "I still agree, in part. There are countless inferior styles, and truly brilliant ones are few. Many have absorbed elements from Chinese Martial Arts, but they grow complacent, unwilling to adapt. They've been trapped in past glories too long. I'll show them otherwise."
Doppo added quietly, "We must use airtight attacks. Sol's strength and reflexes are extraordinary. He hasn't had proper combat experience in five months, but his speed and instincts are terrifying."
"Five months?" King Jikai, Doppo, and the others all widened their eyes. Even Yujiro's expression flickered with disbelief.
Baki slowly spoke. "I can attest to that. His first fight was with me. His moves were unrefined, just raw punching. I thought it was a unique style, but now I see—it's just overwhelming strength. I only managed to graze him once in the entire fight."
"And in four months, he mastered the Principles of Boxing that took Kaioh Kaku 146 years," Doppo added, his words like a hammer striking the team's hearts.
"Anything else?" King Jikai asked, desperate for more insight.
Doppo shook his hands. "That's all he shared. He trusted me to tell you. He hopes your efforts to defeat him will strengthen his martial arts journey, hahahaha!"
Doppo's laughter echoed in the preparation room, imagining the monster Sol Mirek rising to the position of Vice President of his Shinshinkai.
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Just finished a Presentation, and I low-keyinely think I flopped it 😭