KOF: Rise of the King of Fighters

The turmoil has ended, but some potential crises still exist. In order not to alert the enemy, everyone decided after discussion not to leave Nanzhen for the time being. So, everyone gradually settled down in Nanzhen in their own way.

While Ryo Sakazaki still received prize money for winning the King of Fighters championship, it was significantly less than before. However, the South Town Foundation still awarded him $30. Engetsu had never seen so much money in his life, and he was quite tempted. However, Ryo Sakazaki generously shared the prize money with everyone. Perhaps he did this out of gratitude for everyone rescuing Yuri and Takuma.

King's financial situation had been precarious due to the expensive medical expenses for her younger brother Jane. Yan Yue, who also didn't have much money and was currently short of funds, readily accepted Sakazaki Ryo's offer. However, the members of the Garou Team refused the gift. They stated that they had already received too much help from the Kyokugenryu Dojo and felt embarrassed to accept further money.

After receiving the money, Yan Yue pondered how to make more money, while also thinking about another important matter.

……

Three months have passed in the blink of an eye. As the seasons change, autumn fades into the distance, and winter quietly arrives. Near the Kyokugenryu Dojo, a barbecue restaurant called "Dragon Tiger Hungry Wolf" is bustling with activity. This barbecue restaurant is a joint venture funded by En Yue.

At this moment, Yan Yue, wearing sunglasses and a neat white Chinese chef's uniform, was diligently working in the shop. He was focused on his work, preparing to cut various fresh meat ingredients on the cutting board into even pieces. These ingredients had been carefully selected to ensure the tenderness and delicious taste of the meat.

Yan Yue neatly arranged the ingredients on the cutting board, then concentrated and mobilized the Nen energy within her body.

[Nature Flow] Open!

The Chinese kitchen knife in his hand began to gleam with a pale blue light.

Immediately afterward, Yan Yue wielded the cleaver with lightning speed, his movements skillful and fluid. Each cut was precise, neither too forceful nor weak. Under his masterful skill, the ingredients were chopped into uniform pieces in the blink of an eye, each piece being the same size and shape.

In the blink of an eye, the ingredients on the cutting board had been processed, covered with neat knife marks. With a gentle push, Yan Yue scattered the pieces of meat to the side. Then, Yan Yue arranged them one by one onto a plate.

Yan Yue sensed that the ingredients had been cut and turned to Terry, saying, "Alright, Senior Brother, take them to the guests."

“OK!” Terry, dressed like a restaurant waiter, saw that Yan Yue had finished cutting the ingredients, immediately placed the plated food on the cart, and turned to push it out.

Not long after, Dong Zhang, also dressed in restaurant uniform, hurriedly walked in and shouted, "Yan Yue, table number two, order one serving of Chinese fried rice; table number three, order one serving of Kung Pao chicken."

"Received!" Upon hearing that a customer had ordered stir-fried dishes, Yan Yue immediately turned around and walked to another stove, skillfully lighting the fire, taking the wok out, and beginning to cook with great care.

Standing at the cashier, Robert looked at the packed restaurant and exclaimed, "I never expected Yan Yue's cooking skills to be so outstanding, attracting so many customers."

"Indeed, it's amazing that you're blind. But it's all thanks to your business acumen." Andy, leaning against the counter, nodded in admiration as he looked at the bustling crowd inside the store.

Robert responded with a smile: "After all, I can't tarnish the family's reputation."

Just then, Yuri Sakazaki, dressed in her work clothes, walked briskly over. Her long braids and cheerful, spirited face made her look incredibly cute and charming, and people couldn't help but take a second look when they saw her pass by.

At this moment, Lily anxiously said to Andy, "Andy, hurry up and go get some beer from Sister King! We've sold out of beer here!"

Upon hearing this, Andy rushed out of the shop without hesitation, got on his motorcycle, and quickly headed to King's bar.

Phantom Bar is a bar opened by King with the help of Ryo Sakazaki and Robert. The bar boasts excellent facilities and an elegant ambiance, attracting many customers. Furthermore, Mai Shiranui and Angelina Jolie also work there, further enhancing its appeal with the presence of these three beauties.

Angelina, a long-time nightclub enthusiast, was already accustomed to this environment. She skillfully moved between tables, chatting happily with customers and mixing them various delicious cocktails. Mai Shiranui was relatively shy, but with the company of her close friends, she gradually got used to the atmosphere. Sometimes, Yuri Sakazaki would come to help, filling the bar with laughter and joy.

Because Phantom Bar has a close connection with the most famous and invincible dragon in South Town, the legendary Garou, gang members dare not cause trouble there. They are well aware of Ryo Sakazaki and Terry's strength and are unwilling to offend them easily. Therefore, Phantom Bar has become a safe and comfortable place to relax, attracting more and more people to patronize it.

At this moment, three beautiful and charming women are relaxing in a corner of the bar, enjoying fine wine and chatting about everyday life, their laughter as clear and melodious as silver bells.

Mai Shiranui took a sip of her drink and said with a smile, "I didn't expect King-nee to be so popular, with so many suitors, hahaha." Her eyes sparkled, and a mischievous smile played on her lips.

Angelina picked up the conversation, laughing and teasing, "Yeah, all those people want to pursue Queen, but they don't know that our Queen already has someone she likes! Don't you even remember who helped open this bar?" She winked and looked at Queen.

Hearing their teasing, King blushed slightly, lowered her head shyly, and said softly, "Don't talk nonsense. I only consider Ryo Sakazaki a friend." Her voice was somewhat shy, like that of a little girl.

"Oh? Just friends? Then why does King's gaze soften so much whenever she sees Ryo Sakazaki?" Mai Shiranui teased King deliberately, her eyes full of amusement.

Angelina chimed in, "Yeah, and King always smiles so happily when she's with Ryo Sakazaki. That's not just how friends act!"

King became increasingly embarrassed by their words, her cheeks flushed, and she lowered her head, not daring to look at them. After a while, she raised her head and said firmly, "Okay, actually I have feelings for Ryo Sakazaki, but I don't know how he feels about me."

Seeing that the usually strong and capable leader had completely changed, Mai Shiranui and Angelina exchanged a smile, then comforted King, saying, "Don't worry, Queen, Ryo Sakazaki definitely has feelings for you too. After all, you're so beautiful and outstanding, who wouldn't like you?"

Angelina then joked, "And I heard that when you first met, Ryo Sakazaki got into a fight because he didn't know you were a girl, and then... um..."

When King heard his sisters telling him about his embarrassing moments, he became nervous and blushed even more, quickly covering Angelina's mouth.

"Stop talking, or I'll dock your pay!"

Mai Shiranui's curiosity was instantly ignited by King's actions: "But I really want to know..."

Suddenly, a handsome young man in a restaurant uniform ran in from the doorway, looking around as if searching for something.

"Andy! Over here." Mai Shiranui spotted him immediately and quickly waved him over.

Andy, upon seeing Mai Shiranui and the others, smiled and hurried over. "The shop's sold out of alcohol..."

……

As night fell, moonlight spilled onto the street, illuminating the busy figures of Yan Yue and the others. They were diligently cleaning the shop to ensure they could welcome new customers the next day.

"We'll head back to the dojo to rest now, bye-bye." Sakazaki Yuri waved goodbye to everyone and then walked towards the Kyokugenryu dojo with Robert.

Meanwhile, Yan Yue, the three hungry wolves, and another blond boy named Locke were doing the final cleaning. Although Locke was only 9 years old, he actively participated in the cleaning, helping to carry the garbage bags outside.

Terry noticed Locke struggling to carry several garbage bags and said with concern, "Locke, let me carry them."

“Okay.” Locke nodded obediently, then handed the trash bag to Terry and ran back into the store to help tidy up the tables and chairs.

……

Locke Howard relied on his mother from a young age. Although their life was hard, Locke still felt complete maternal love. However, fate played a cruel joke on Locke. When he was only seven years old, his mother fell seriously ill. Young Locke was powerless to help, but he heard his mother repeatedly calling out one name—Giss.

It was from that day that Locke realized he was Geese Howard's son. He rushed to Geese's building, found Geese, and begged him to save his mother. But Geese coldly refused him and kicked Locke out.

Later, a heartbroken Locke could only watch helplessly as his mother passed away. At the tender age of seven, he had to struggle to survive alone in South Town, but a flame burned within him, yearning for power and justice, and longing to one day defeat Geese and avenge his mother.

It wasn't until he heard that Terry and his two companions had defeated Geese that Locke began searching for them, eager to see the heroes for himself.

Three months ago, Yan Yue's injuries had just begun to heal, and he was planning how to find Locke and take him in. However, unexpectedly, Locke came to the Kyokugenryu Dojo on his own initiative. Perhaps this is what they call fate. Although Yan Yue interfered with history, the deep bond between Terry and Locke remained unchanged.

When Terry and Angelina heard about Locke's tragic past, they couldn't help but think of their own past. Terry and Andy lost their family at a young age, but were fortunate enough to be adopted by Jeff Bogard. It was Jeff's upright and kind character that influenced them to achieve what they have today. Now that Geese is gone and Locke has no other relatives, Terry naturally wants to take him in, just as Jeff had done for him.

Since receiving Geese's patronage, Angelina, though merely a tool for making money, had lived a life of luxury and had never experienced much hardship. When she saw Locke, Geese's son, living such a miserable life, a feeling of pity welled up in her heart.

Ultimately, the two resolutely decided to adopt Locke. Locke was very obedient, often helping out in the shop with Yan Yue and the others. Looking at the well-behaved Locke, Yan Yue couldn't help but think of her two junior brothers from Wudang Mountain.

……

Back in the present, Yan Yue was resting on the steps outside the shop. Locke followed him over and asked curiously, "Brother Yan Yue, what kind of people were those two junior brothers you mentioned last time?"

"You mean Shunying and Tomorrow-kun? I'll introduce you sometime. They're two well-behaved handsome young men, just like you," Yan Yue replied with a gentle smile.

"Oh? So do they also know Chinese martial arts?" Locke asked curiously, his eyes gleaming.

“Yes, just like your brother Terry, he practices Bajiquan.” Yan Yue nodded and said.

"Wow!" Locke's eyes lit up with admiration. "Can I learn that too?"

"Yes, you can. Just train with your brother Terry if you're willing," Yan Yue said with a smile, patting Locke's head.

Yan Yue recalled information about Locke from her previous life. It seemed that Locke's fighting style was related to her own bloodline; he knew both Geese and Terry's moves. This filled Yan Yue with anticipation for Locke's future; perhaps he really could become a powerful fighter.