KOF: Rise of the King of Fighters

"Since you know who I am, is it strange that you came to the music club?" Yan Yue looked at Iori Yagami with some curiosity and answered with a casual excuse.

"..." Iori Yagami remained silent.

Just then, Yan Yue's gaze fell on the bass bag that Iori Yagami was carrying, and a surge of curiosity welled up within him. He couldn't help but ask, "Is this your new performance venue? Have you formed a new band?"

However, when faced with Yan Yue's question, Iori Yagami simply replied with a disdainful look, "Boring..." His tone was cold and arrogant, as if he had no interest in the question at all.

Iori Yagami didn't even glance at Engetsu again before turning around and walking backstage.

Yan Yue couldn't help but sigh helplessly, muttering to herself, "He was beaten half to death just two months ago, but his temper hasn't changed at all..."

What exactly do the two Tanaka sisters like about him? Besides being tall, handsome, a fierce fighter, musically talented, having good taste, and rich, Yagami doesn't seem to have any other redeeming qualities…

Speaking of Konoe and Kiku, Engetsu hasn't seen them in a long time. It seems they haven't returned to South Town, and he doesn't know if Kiku's condition has improved at all.

However, Yan Yue stopped thinking about it and decided to ignore this plague god, as long as Iori Yagami didn't inexplicably start a fight with her.

So Yan Yue quickly ran out to find a long-distance phone booth, as she urgently needed to contact Qian He.

Inside the music club, the three members of the Seven Yashiro Society still displayed perfect teamwork, passionately performing songs on stage.

The stage lights intertwined like a dream, Yashiro played the guitar skillfully, each note like a dancing flame burning in the air; Shermie plucked the keys gracefully, each of her playing like weaving a beautiful dream; and Chris, with his unique voice, sang out the emotions and stories in the song.

Finally, as Chris finished singing the last song, the music from Yashiro and Shermie gradually came to an end.

"oh--!"

"Wow——!"

The cheers and applause from the audience mingled together, and although it wasn't very enthusiastic, it was still quite good compared to the previous bands.

"Then our performance is over..." Yashiro said with a smile.

He and Chris bowed solemnly to the audience.

"Thank you everyone for listening to our performance~..."

Shermie waved her hands and blew kisses to the audience.

"Mmm...mmm..."

Her smile was radiant and captivating, and each whistling kiss caused a surge of bosom around her, leaving the audience looking on with lustful expressions.

……

Backstage at the music club, the lights were dim, and the atmosphere was relaxed and cheerful. Yashiro, Shermie, and Chris were busy packing up their instruments, their faces beaming with smiles as they chatted and laughed, sharing anecdotes from their performance on stage.

Shermie suddenly stopped what she was doing, turned to look at Chris, and asked in confusion, "Chris, were you singing a little too fast just now? I feel like I'm a little behind your rhythm..."

Chris scratched his head, a shy smile appearing on his face. He looked at Yashiro, seemingly seeking some confirmation from him, and then said, "No... I just followed Yashiro's lead..."

Hearing their conversation, Yashiro stopped what he was doing and explained with a smile, "I didn't play that guitar solo very well just now, but it doesn't seem to have much of an impact on the overall performance..."

"Hahaha..." The three of them laughed in unison, their laughter echoing backstage.

Just as they were laughing and chatting, a figure walked past them.

That's Iori Yagami. He's already hooked his bass onto the straps, ready for the next performance.

Suddenly, as if sensing something amiss, Shermie's gaze involuntarily drifted towards Iori Yagami. The instant their eyes met, her eyes lit up, as if she had discovered some priceless treasure.

"Wow, handsome, your bass looks so exquisite!" Shermie made no attempt to hide her admiration, her voice revealing obvious excitement and curiosity. "With this quality, it must be quite expensive, right?"

Upon hearing Shermie's words, Iori Yagami's steady steps suddenly faltered. He slowly turned his head, looking at Shermie expressionlessly, but did not respond.

Meanwhile, Chris, who was standing to the side, was also drawn over by Shermie's exclamation. He curiously leaned forward, carefully examining the bass in Iori Yagami's hands, and then exclaimed in surprise, "Wow, isn't that the one in the magazine? I remember it cost tens of thousands of dollars!"

"Really?" Hearing this, Shermie also turned her head, her gaze fixed on Iori Yagami, her surprise deepening. Not only that, she seemed to have developed a strong interest in Iori Yagami's good looks, a slight smile appearing on her lips. "Such a beautiful zither, of course only a handsome guy like you is worthy of it...hehehe..."

However, in the face of Shermie and Chris's praise, Iori Yagami appeared somewhat indifferent, revealing a disdainful smile, and coldly said, "Let's not talk nonsense, you annoying guys!"

"Uh...?" Shermie was somewhat surprised.

After saying that, Iori Yagami continued walking forward without looking back.

"Hey! Redhead!" Seeing this, Yashiro felt a surge of dissatisfaction. He couldn't help but shout, his voice revealing a hint of anger.

However, Iori Yagami seemed to completely ignore Yashiro's calls and continued walking forward without stopping.

Seeing this, Yashiro's expression grew even more unpleasant. He quickly caught up with Iori Yagami, grabbed his sleeve, and forced him to stop.

"You jerk, that's incredibly rude!" Yashiro glared at Iori Yagami, indignantly saying, "We were just praising you, and you didn't even respond?"

Iori Yagami slowly turned around, looking at Yashiro Nanakase expressionlessly, but the corners of his mouth were slightly upturned, revealing a mocking smile.

"Do I need praise from you third-rate band guys?"

Yashiro, Shermie, and Chris looked on in astonishment: "!"

Iori Yagami's voice was cold and tinged with disdain, "I've already heard your song. To me, it's nothing but a pile of worthless junk."

"What!" Yashiro glared angrily at Iori Yagami, his veins bulging, wanting to rush forward and start a fight with him.

"Yashiro, forget it... don't bother with him..." Shermie grabbed Yashiro's arm anxiously, trying to calm his anger.

"..." Chris also sighed helplessly. He was also dissatisfied with Iori Yagami's attitude, but he still said rationally, "Since you are so arrogant, then prove yourself with your strength."

"Hmph...! Then you can just watch!" With that, Iori Yagami left the backstage area on his own.

However, Yashiro's anger did not subside despite Shermie's persuasion and Chris's words. He glared at Iori Yagami's departing figure and gritted his teeth, saying, "That redhead is so annoying! He deserves a beating!"

Seeing Yashiro's anger, Shermie and Chris exchanged a glance, both seeing worry in each other's eyes.

They knew the temperament of the Seven Yashiro; once they got into a fight, they couldn't stop.