KOF: Rise of the King of Fighters

Haderen secretly infiltrated the lower deck of the ship, while Yan Yue followed closely behind him.

Yan Yue was using her [Perception Domain] to carefully probe her surroundings, while Haderen guided her to skillfully avoid the patrolling soldiers. They moved silently through the shadowy corners like ghosts, their movements light and agile.

Just then, the communicators on Yan Yue and Heidern suddenly rang, and Ralph's voice came through: "Sir, the upper monitoring room has been successfully taken over, and the match has entered the final critical moment. We have arrived at our destination."

Haderen's expression turned unusually serious. He lowered his voice and replied, "Stay alert, hide in the designated location, and await my further instructions!"

"Understood!" Ralph then hung up the phone.

……

Afternoon, Black Noah.

At the tournament, with the Ikari Warriors losing their match, the Japanese team and the Fatal Fury team faced off in the final battle. Both teams had suffered injuries of varying degrees, and now only Kyo Kusanagi and Terry Bogard would engage in a one-on-one duel.

The two engaged in a true combat duel, gradually pushing their strength and techniques to their limits.

【Wild Bite】!

[Flame Punch]!

Soaring flames exploded on the arena, creating a series of booming sounds.

[Seventy-Five Style - Modified]!

[Dunking]!

Their movements became faster and faster, each attack accompanied by a sharp whistling sound, as if the surrounding air was about to tear them apart.

Below the ring, apart from the Ikari Warriors who weren't present, everyone else was cheering for both sides.

Kim Kaphwan of the South Korean team was lecturing his students, while the three members of the American team were shocked by the duo in the ring.

The people of Southtown continued their cheerleading routine for Terry on stage, cheering him on.

Takuma Sakazaki, his face darkening, distanced himself from the cheerleaders; he simply couldn't bear the scene. After all, as a fifty-year-old man, and a grandmaster at that, asking him to dance like a young girl was far too much to ask. So, he went to the side and started chatting with Chin Gentsai, their expressions gradually becoming serious.

Kensou and Athena watched the fight on the stage with bated breath, their eyes fixed on the two fighters, silently praying for Kyo Kusanagi.

Benimaru and Goro Daimon, sitting next to him, were also cheering for Kyo Kusanagi. They even jokingly danced a cheerleading routine, their eyes fixed firmly on the stage.

Super Special Move: [Ura 108 Style - Orochi Nagi]!

Super Special Move: Energy Fountain!

"Boom!" Another loud noise rang out, and the dazzling flames assaulted everyone's vision. The audience below cheered and gasped in amazement.

"Terry truly lives up to his reputation as Yan Yue's senior; his strength is truly formidable!" Kensou exclaimed, watching the fight on the stage. His eyes widened in awe of Terry's displayed power. At the same time, he felt the gap between himself and Kyo Kusanagi widening.

Athena exclaimed, "Yes, Kyo has met his match this time. I've never seen him struggle so much." She frowned, her heart filled with worry. But at the same time, she had complete faith in Kyo Kusanagi.

As five minutes quickly passed, the game suddenly stopped with a long chime, and everyone stopped interacting and fell silent instantly.

Although Kyo Kusanagi and Terry Bogard were evenly matched, neither of them was seriously injured, only slightly exhausted. It was difficult for anyone to make a judgment at the moment.

After a lengthy evaluation by the judging panel, with replays and explanations shown on screen, Kyo Kusanagi ultimately won by a narrow margin.

The host immediately and excitedly announced: "We hereby announce that the champion of this year's King of Fighters World Championship is—Team Japan!"

A thunderous cheer erupted from the audience, who jumped and waved their arms excitedly, releasing their joy to the fullest.

The Japanese team's fans were ecstatic, screaming and chanting Kyo Kusanagi's name until their voices echoed through the sky. Some shed tears of joy, feeling incredibly proud of their team's victory.

While Terry's supporters were somewhat disappointed, they still applauded and cheered for his brilliant performance. This match was undoubtedly a clash of titans, with both sides displaying exceptional skill and unwavering fighting spirit.

In this enthusiastic atmosphere, the host walked onto the stage and handed the microphone to Kyo Kusanagi. He smiled and waved to the audience, thanking them for their support and expressing his commitment to continuing to work hard and bring them more exciting matches.

As the competition concluded, the audience dispersed under the guidance of staff, and the fighters also left the venue one after another. Next, the host announced over the loudspeaker that everyone would spend the day on a ship, which would soon be returning to Japan.

At that moment, Mai Zhuo, dressed in a black suit that exuded beauty and elegance, appeared in front of the three members of the Japanese team.

Kyo Kusanagi suddenly sensed something was wrong, turned around sharply, and saw Mature walking towards them.

She gave a charming smile, curtsied, and said respectfully:

"Nice to meet you. My name is Mai Zhuo, and I am an assistant to the organizer of this competition. Congratulations to the Japanese team for winning the championship. Please come with me to receive your awards."

Mai Zhuo's voice was clear and pleasant, revealing a sense of confidence and professionalism.

Kyo Kusanagi and the other two exchanged glances and nodded at Mature.

At the same time, Athena, who was about to leave, turned back and glanced at Mature with a puzzled look. Her expression suddenly turned panicked. Her brows furrowed slightly, and a hint of unease appeared in her eyes.

The observant Chin Gentsai noticed his apprentice's unusual behavior and asked with concern, "Athena, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

Kensou and Takuma Sakazaki also realized what was happening and turned around to look at Athena.

Athena took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down, but her voice was still trembling slightly: "No...it's nothing, I just think this person is a little strange."

Chin Gentsai stroked his chin, his gaze falling on Mai Zhuo again. After carefully examining her, he reassured her, "Don't worry, I think I know."

Although Kensou couldn't understand what everyone was saying, he patted his chest and said with a smile, "Yes, Athena, with me here, you don't need to worry about anything!"

Takuma Sakazaki understood Chin Gentsai's meaning and agreed, "That's right, let's go back first."

"Well, I see."

Athena calmly nodded and walked with everyone to the lounge.

……

Back in the lounge, the three Garou began packing their clothes, while Terry was tidying up his fighting outfit.

"Huh? Why is there something in my pocket?" He couldn't help but wonder, because he remembered that he never put anything in his fighting uniform.

"Could it be back then..." Terry recalled his fight with Ralph on stage, where Ralph had once grabbed him at close range. Although Terry used his energy to break free and wasn't seriously injured, the dazzling light from both of them blocked the camera's view. Shortly afterward, Ralph withdrew from the match, and the Ikari Warriors conceded defeat.

Curious, he took something out of his pocket. It was a slip of paper with a line of writing on it. Terry's pupils constricted sharply upon seeing the handwriting; he was greatly shocked. He recognized Yan Yue's handwriting.

"There are many bombs on the ship. Please be careful."

……

In the lower levels of Black Noah, Heidern and Flame Moon quietly awaited the perfect moment to strike. Concealed in the shadows, their eyes fixed on their target. Finally, the time was ripe. Heidern swiftly picked up his communicator and decisively issued the order: "Ikari Warriors, move out!"

"Roger!" With a chorus of responses from the three, the Ikari Warriors led the rest of the squad into action. They carefully tossed numerous small earrings a short distance from the guest quarters. These earrings appeared ordinary, but they were actually specially designed bombs. As the last earring landed steadily on the ground, Blade skillfully detonated them remotely.

"Bang bang bang bang..."

"Boom...Boom..."

In an instant, a series of deafening explosions rang out, like thunderbolts. The upper deck of the ship was instantly engulfed by numerous smaller explosions, and thick smoke billowed into the sky, blotting out the sun. The sudden turn of events plunged the passengers into extreme panic. They frantically ran out of their rooms and fled in all directions, creating utter chaos.

When Ralph and his two companions saw the tourists fleeing in terror, they suddenly realized that their superior had come up with a terrible idea.

Beside her, Blade shed her disguise, tearing off her mask, removing her military cap and sunglasses, revealing long, flowing blue hair. It was Leona, who was about the same height as Yan Yue.

Ralph immediately used the communicator to order the squad above him: "Keep the tourists under control and wait for the lifeboats. Leave the rest to the Ikari Warriors!"

……

Kyo Kusanagi and his two companions followed Mature cautiously through corridors until they arrived at the most luxurious hall on the lower deck of the ship. They pushed open the door and entered, where Rugal sat quietly on a lavish sofa, his eyes cold and calm, as if he had been waiting for a long time.

After Kyo Kusanagi, Benimaru Nikaido, and Goro Daimon entered the room, Mature walked up to Rugal, bowed deeply, and then silently turned and left, closing the door behind her.

The moment the door closed, a strange glint flashed in Mai Zhuo's eyes. She turned and left, muttering to herself, "Little Yan Yue, I wish you good luck from now on~"

"Welcome to my territory, Japan." Rugal's lips curled slightly upward, revealing a faint smile, but his eyes flashed with a cold light.

"Nice to meet you. I am Rugal Bernstein, the organizer of the King of Fighters tournament."

"Rugal? My father's disappearance is definitely related to you!" Kyo Kusanagi's eyes widened in anger, his voice filled with resentment.

"Hahahaha..." Rugal suddenly burst into maniacal laughter, his roar echoing throughout the room, sending chills down everyone's spines. "How could you ant-like mortals possibly comprehend my grand plan? If you want to know, defeat me first! Hahaha..."

"Hmph, don't even dream about it, Rugal! Today is your doomsday!" Benimaru Nikaido roared without backing down.

"Oh? Is that so? Then let's wait and see." Rugal was completely unconcerned about Benimaru's provocation. He slowly stood up, clapped his hands lightly, and dazzling lights immediately lit up on both sides of the hall, illuminating the dark corners along the walls.

Suddenly, numerous bronze statues appeared on the walls on both sides not far away. These statues were lifelike and looked exactly like real people. They were standing or sitting, all posing in various martial arts stances.

Goro Daimon felt that some of the bronze statues looked familiar. Upon closer inspection, he realized they were several famous martial arts masters who had long since disappeared. He couldn't help but gasp: Had Rugal killed all of them?

“Kyo Kusanagi, you are now qualified to be my collection, hahaha…” Rugal laughed triumphantly.

"What do you mean?" Kyo Kusanagi frowned, looking at the bronze statues on both sides, a sense of foreboding rising in his heart.

“It’s simple. Once I defeat you, I’ll make you one of my collectibles and put you here,” Rugal said with a sneer.

"You madman, stop dreaming!" A flicker of fear crossed Kusanagi Kyoko's face, but she quickly clenched her fists, ready to fight. "I will defeat you!"

"What? Could it be that these bronze statues..." Benimaru and Daimon also began to feel nauseous, a chill running down their spines.

"Haha, don't be in such a hurry, Kyo Kusanagi. But before that, you can admire my newly acquired power." Rugal stood up, radiating a powerful aura. The red light in his right prosthetic eye began to flicker abnormally.

As he moved, the entire room began to shake violently, and countless unknown energies converged on him from all directions. His muscles swelled continuously, his bones crackled, and his body grew taller and stronger.

"Drink!" With a roar from Rugal, an extremely powerful and terrifying aura erupted from his body, sweeping out like a surging tide. This powerful aura crashed against the ground with overwhelming force, and in just a moment, the originally smooth red carpet was shattered into pieces.

"What kind of power is this?" Kyo Kusanagi and the others stared wide-eyed, their faces filled with disbelief, as if they had witnessed the most absurd thing in the world. They stared blankly at the scene before them, their hearts filled with endless shock and fear. At the same time, the Kusanagi swords within their bodies began to stir, as if sensing some unknown threat.

A thought suddenly flashed through Kyo Kusanagi's mind. He recalled the scene when Mature appeared and what Engetsu had said to him. His expression grew increasingly solemn, his eyes gleaming with contemplation, and he murmured, "The power of Orochi?"

Just then, Yan Yue, who was far away, used his unique perception ability to successfully locate the place where Kusanagi Shizuru was being held.

It was a place that resembled a laboratory. Surprisingly, the soldiers guarding the entrance to the detention area were nowhere to be found, having obviously been dealt with beforehand. Only armed soldiers remained in the corridor.

"Who could it be? Mai Zhuo? Did she help?"

Before Yan Yue could even guess, she quickly turned to Haderen beside her and said, "Sir, we've found Uncle Kusanagi! There are very few soldiers around!"

"The Ikari Warriors have successfully caused chaos. While Kyo Kusanagi is dealing with the enemy, Heidern's eyes lit up, and he decisively ordered, 'Let's break through directly!' After saying that, the two of them sped off towards their destination without hesitation."

Yan Yue hurriedly activated his Nen and focused all his energy on breaking through. He sensed that Kusanagi Shizuru was emanating the aura of the Orochi clan, which made him somewhat hesitant.

[Nature Flow] Open!

[Mind Energy Protection] Activated!