In the arena, Yujiro Hanma's towering figure advanced at an unhurried pace, his wild red hair blazing beneath the stadium lights. With every step he took, the crowd fell into uneasy silence.
"Isn't that the captain of the Japan America Alliance Team?"
"This might be the hardest match yet. Yujiro Hanma is the strongest on their side. He defeated Kaioh, the so called God of Fighting, in three moves."
"The ultimate weapon against the strongest creature alive. This is a clash people will talk about for decades."
The host's voice shook with excitement. "The Japan America Alliance Team has sent out their captain, Yujiro Hanma. They intend to decide the winner right here."
Yujiro's sharp eyes swept across the stadium. His deep voice echoed through the arena.
"Five straight victories. That is the promise made by Sol Mirek, the ultimate weapon of his team."
"And now, he stands ready to prove it."
He paused, his tone calm yet cutting.
"I once thought martial artists from that side of the world had grown stagnant. Before Sol appeared, their strongest fighter was a one hundred forty six year old relic. That alone said enough."
A faint grin tugged at his lips.
"But Sol Mirek is different. He is a product of every lesson, every defeat, every sacrifice carved into martial history. Millions dedicated their lives to chasing strength. Many fell to illness. Others broke under injury. Some lost heart. Most were bound by time."
His voice grew heavier, more intense.
"And now, before me stands someone who has surpassed all of it."
"A monster with perfect balance between strength and technique. Eighteen years old. Four months ago, an ordinary high school student. Now, a fighter walking a road no one else has ever walked."
Yujiro spread his arms wide.
"You can take pride in him. But if he falls to me, those three victories mean nothing."
He threw a casual punch into the air. The wind pressure alone rippled across the arena.
"As long as Sol Mirek does not defeat me, the title of the strongest creature on Earth remains mine. And it will stay mine."
His roar shook the stands.
Across from him, Sol rose from his seat. He slipped off his white training jacket, revealing a fitted black shirt that outlined a lean, honed frame. His expression carried a light, almost playful smile.
He rolled his shoulders once, then looked straight at Yujiro.
"Let's clear something up."
His voice was relaxed, almost amused.
"You are the one challenging me."
The air around him seemed to tighten. A subtle pressure spread outward from his body.
"You're the challenger."
Yujiro's pupils narrowed. His red hair shifted as if stirred by a sudden current. Then he burst into laughter.
"Ha ha ha! Good. Let's see who proves that claim."
A gong rang out across the arena.
"The match begins!" the host shouted.
Yujiro moved first.
He vanished from his original position, his right fist slicing through the air with explosive force as it hurtled toward Sol.
Sol did not step back. He did not dodge.
He punched forward.
The collision detonated like a bomb. A violent shockwave tore across the arena, knocking spectators from their feet. Hats flew. Dust exploded upward as cracks splintered across the ground beneath them.
When the dust began to settle, stunned gasps rippled through the crowd.
"That first strike did that?"
"This is unreal."
The host gripped the microphone tightly. "Their opening exchange alone has shattered the arena floor. Their power is beyond estimation."
At the edge of the arena, three injured fighters forced their way forward on crutches, refusing to miss the fight. They reached the preparation area just as the dust cleared.
In the center, Sol and Yujiro stood locked in place, fists pressed together. Neither yielded an inch. Muscles along their arms quivered under immense strain.
Neither had used technique.
This was pure strength.
A direct contest to determine who stood higher.
A low grinding sound echoed between them as bone and muscle pressed against bone and muscle.
Yujiro's grin widened. "Not bad, kid."
Sol's eyes gleamed with a teasing edge. "You're holding up better than I expected."
In his team's preparation area, Retsu Kaioh finally loosened his clenched fists. He had feared Sol was making a reckless choice by clashing head on.
But Sol had not been pushed back.
Not even slightly.
"I never imagined he would grow this much in four months," Retsu murmured.
Beside him, Kaioh Kaku observed from his wheelchair, expression unreadable. He noticed what others did not.
Sol's arm trembled less.
If this stalemate continued, Sol would win the raw power contest.
On the opposite side, Doppo Orochi leaned on his crutch, eyes wide.
"Yujiro is being suppressed in strength," he muttered. "After three fights, how is he still this powerful?"
Baki pressed a hand against his abdomen, his gaze fixed on the center.
"He's suppressing Yujiro without even changing his state."
But Baki knew something the others did. From Mitsunari Tokugawa, he had learned of Yujiro's ultimate transformation.
The Demon Back.
If that appeared, everything would change.
Back in the arena, neither man moved.
Then Yujiro laughed again.
"You are good. Very good. But this is not enough."
His voice dropped.
"Now I will show you real power."
With a roar, his muscles expanded. The fabric of his training clothes strained violently. Veins bulged. His red hair flared as if alive.
Then his back shifted.
Muscle fibers twisted and rose, forming the grotesque outline of a demonic face beneath his skin.
The Demon Back.
The atmosphere changed instantly.
An invisible pressure crushed down over the entire arena. The cheers died. Even the air felt heavier.
Yujiro stood there, transformed, radiating overwhelming dominance.
And he smiled.
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