The host's voice boomed through the arena. "Unbelievable! Sol Mirek actually chose to continue the match—doesn't he need a break?"
"Let's see how many more victories he can deliver!"
The audience erupted in a roar that nearly shook the stadium roof.
"He's insane! Fighting the next top martial artist already!"
"One against many! This is true power!"
"Go, ultimate weapon! Show these foreigners the strength of martial arts mastery!"
In the Japan-America Alliance Team's preparation area, the fighters exchanged grave looks.
"So, who's next?" Oliva asked, stretching his thick neck.
Doppo Orochi's eyes lit with excitement. "I'll take this round. Sol is already building momentum. If we wait, it'll be harder to stop him."
"I'll see if I can break his rhythm," Doppo added, slowly removing his jacket to reveal a sharply defined, muscular torso.
"I'm curious how strong Sol has become," Doppo said, voice low and firm.
Oliva stepped forward. "You must succeed…"
"Don't worry, I can handle it," Doppo said, patting his chest with confidence.
Yujiro Hanma approached and clapped him hard on the back. "God of Martial Arts, don't get killed."
Doppo laughed. "I'd love to be beaten by Sol. That way, he'll manage Shinshinkai out of guilt for the rest of his life."
He strode down the aisle, entering the arena to deafening cheers.
"The Japan-America Alliance Team has sent out the God of Karate, Doppo Orochi! Can this master stop Sol Mirek's winning streak?!" the host shouted.
Sol finished meditating and slowly stood, calmly watching Doppo approach. "Mr. Orochi, long time no see."
"Sol Mirek, let's see how much you've improved during your training," Doppo said, grinning as he assumed a karate stance.
"Clang!"
The gong signaled the start of the match. Doppo immediately launched an attack, lightning-fast, his right hand shifting from palm to blade, striking toward Sol's neck.
Sol caught Doppo's wrist with his right hand and spun him through the air in a smooth throw.
Kaioh Kaku, watching from the preparation area, flinched at the memory—this was exactly how Sol had spun him like a top before, a humiliating display of controlled strength.
Doppo quickly adjusted midair into a defensive stance, anticipating Sol's next move. But Sol stood still, showing no intent to attack.
Confused, Doppo lunged toward Sol, using his momentum to attempt a "Falling Rear Naked Choke"—a secret Orochi-ryu technique designed to pin an opponent using body weight and impact. Even young Yujiro had fallen victim to it.
Baki observed. "Mr. Orochi is skilled. Even in a passive position, he doesn't panic and uses Sol's momentum to counterattack."
Sol remained motionless. As Doppo closed in, Sol's arm shot out like lightning, grabbing Doppo's ankle and executing a flawless over-the-shoulder throw.
"Boom!"
Doppo slammed into the ground, cracking the arena floor, yet sprang up with a carp leap, blood trickling from his mouth.
"The Falling Rear Naked Choke can be broken," Sol explained calmly. "React before it fully forms and use your strength to counter."
Doppo, stunned, wiped his mouth and backflipped to his feet. "You little brat… your strength has grown again."
"Mr. Orochi, please continue," Sol said, a faint smirk on his face, enjoying the high-spirited challenge.
In the waiting area, Oliva frowned. "Doppo's offense is completely suppressed…"
"No, it's not over yet," Yujiro Hanma said, grinning. "Doppo is getting serious."
In the arena, Doppo's stance shifted. Both hands rose to his chest in the Goten-te, or pushing-hands stance—a technique even young Yujiro had struggled against.
Doppo's title as God of Martial Arts was evident. His defensive stance was nearly airtight, muscles tensed, and his breathing slow and measured. The audience gasped at the display, witnessing a living iron wall in motion.
Sol studied Doppo's Goten-te with interest. It was powerful, but not enough to warrant his full technique.
In the next moment, Sol vanished from his spot, reappearing directly in front of Doppo, movements so fast they left afterimages. His right fist tore through the air with a whistle of displaced wind, striking Doppo's chest.
"Bang!"
A dull thud echoed as Doppo's feet dug two deep furrows into the stone floor. He maintained his stance, only a trace of blood at the corner of his mouth.
"He blocked it! Doppo Orochi blocked Sol's full-power strike!" the host shouted, voice trembling.
Baki's eyes widened. "He… he blocked it? Maybe Mr. Orochi really can stop Sol's momentum."
Oliva's gaze was grave. "No… look at his feet."
Indeed, Doppo's legs trembled, bearing the full weight of Sol's strike. His expression was unusually serious.
"Fast! Too fast!" Doppo thought. He had hoped to exploit a weakness during Sol's offense, but Sol's movement was instantaneous. Relying on his experience, he blocked the attack—but the momentum Sol had generated left him unable to counter further.
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