KOF: Rise of the King of Fighters

The morning sunlight streamed into the busy airport exit. A young man, carrying a heavy backpack, frowned and walked with a hint of rebelliousness, a stark contrast to his father's steady demeanor beside him.

Kusanagi Shizuru, dragging a suitcase with one hand and gently placing the other on his son's shoulder, tried to convey a complex mix of expectation and sternness through his eyes. "Kyo, this martial arts tournament is an opportunity for you to witness the true spirit of martial arts. Don't act recklessly like you usually do." His words carried a hint of barely perceptible tenderness.

"Hmph, I'm not going there to play." Kyo Kusanagi shook off his father's hand and strode forward, but then unconsciously slowed down, as if waiting for his father to catch up.

The two walked one after the other through the bustling crowd, their occasional bickering mingling with the surrounding noise, creating a scene of father and son walking together that was both tense and heartwarming.

The airport lights began to illuminate the father and son, casting a soft yet resolute glow upon them. Kyo Kusanagi stopped, his gaze sweeping over the bustling crowd to the enormous martial arts tournament poster in the distance, a barely perceptible glint of longing and determination flashing in his eyes.

"Old man, do you think I can really find my own path in martial arts at this tournament?" Kyo Kusanagi's voice was less rebellious and more serious.

Kusanagi Shizuru smiled slightly and gently patted his son's shoulder. "Kyo, the path of martial arts is long and arduous, but it is these challenges that forge true warriors. You possess extraordinary talent, and as long as you dedicate yourself, you will surely grasp the true essence of martial arts. The fate of the Kusanagi clan will be in your hands from now on."

"Don't be so serious. You just couldn't stand Mom's discipline, so you made an excuse to sneak out." Kyo Kusanagi's eyes were full of disdain, but then he suddenly grinned mischievously and said, "Once I become powerful, you won't be able to control me anymore, hahaha..."

Duang!

Kyo Kusanagi received a sharp rap on the head from Shizuru Kusanagi.

"You brat, it's still early..." With that, the two walked away into the distance...

……

Yan Yue and his group arrived at the conference venue.

The so-called martial arts tournament was held in a stadium, which had eight fighting arenas, each with its own designated area for different sects to interact. Yan Yue and the others handed over their admission passes and went inside.

Inside the venue, the atmosphere was bustling with activity. Amidst the interplay of light and shadow, flags and weapons from various martial arts schools swayed gently in the breeze, as if whispering tales of millennia-old traditions and glory. Yan Yue and his fellow disciples, dressed in tailored white training uniforms, their bangs fluttering in the wind, their eyes gleaming with a thirst for and unwavering determination to face the unknown challenges, led their companions with steady steps through the crowd, each step exuding an extraordinary aura.

The Chinese people in this world wear all sorts of clothes, from trendy and retro to classic styles. Some men have long hair or braids, while most women wear cheongsams or Hanfu, and their hair colors are also very colorful.

Martial artists from all over the world gathered or dispersed, some exchanging insights, others closing their eyes and concentrating, adjusting to their optimal state.

In the center of the stage, a lithe martial artist was giving the opening performance, his punches whistling and his legs flashing like lightning, drawing cheers from the audience. Yan Yue and her group stopped to watch, their eyes filled with admiration and anticipation, as if they could already foresee themselves leaving a glorious mark on this stage.

As the opening performance ended, the venue gradually quieted down, and everyone's eyes turned to the center of the stage. A host dressed in a magnificent robe and holding a golden microphone slowly stepped into the spotlight, his voice amplified throughout the venue.

"Distinguished guests, martial artists who have traveled from afar, and all friends who love martial arts, good morning!" The host's voice was loud and magnetic.

He paused slightly, glanced around, and seeing everyone holding their breath in anticipation, nodded with satisfaction. He continued, "Today, we gather here on this stage filled with glory and dreams to witness the grand opening of the Martial Arts Tournament. This is not only a contest of skills, but also a collision of minds and wills, a fusion of tradition and innovation..."

After using various opening phrases, the host announced the rules of the conference.

"Before the tournament, each sect will select a young disciple as their representative, aged between 10 and 16. The disciple's information will then be displayed on the screen. When one sect applies for a challenge and the other agrees, they can go on stage to fight. Regardless of the outcome, the tournament will award prizes from the Chinese Martial Arts Association to the best performers."

"Please take your seats in your designated areas to rest." After the staff had settled each sect in,

The host took a short break and then solemnly announced: "The conference will last for three days. Let's begin!"

As the host finished speaking, an indescribable atmosphere of excitement instantly filled the venue. The large screen slowly lit up, clearly displaying the list and introductions of the participants from each sect. Amidst the interplay of light and shadow, each name seemed to carry the glory and expectations of its sect.

Kyo Kusanagi stood in the crowd, his eyes fixed intently on the screen, searching for his name. When the words "Kyo Kusanagi, 12 years old, Kusanagi-ryu ancient martial arts" appeared on the screen, a confident smile crept onto his lips, and a challenging glint shone in his eyes.

Yan Yue sat quietly in the "Wudang Mountain Bajiquan" area, sipping tea, since he couldn't see anything anyway. His fellow disciples around him were helping to keep an eye on the list.

"Senior brother's name is over there!" Mingtian Junxian shouted, "Yan Yue, 12 years old, Bajiquan Qi Refining Method."

“Sister Athena and Senior Brother Baozi have it too!” Shunying found their information and then looked at Tang Fulu, who had fallen asleep as soon as he entered the venue.

Shunying was speechless: "Grandpa and that old drunkard actually played mahjong all night long, and they did this at a time like this."

……

Not long after, the first match began. Two teenagers, around 14 years old, started their duel...

Kyo Kusanagi watched from the crowd, and said to Shizuru Kusanagi in a somewhat arrogant tone, "His strength isn't that great. I could easily handle him. Dad, go and apply for it for me."

Kusanagi Shizuru immediately saw his son's mood and helplessly pulled Kusanagi Kyo along, saying, "Kyo, this is only the first match. The strength of each fighter is limited. Come with me to find the Grandmaster of the Bajiquan Sect. I have some things to do there."

"Then why should I go with them? I want to play in the competition," Kyo Kusanagi said, shaking off Shizuru Kusanagi's hand.

Kusanagi Shizuru, used to his son's temperament, patiently said, "Kyo, it's useless to increase your strength on your own."

Kusanagi Shizuru's face darkened, his gaze becoming deep. He slowly turned around and pointed to an elderly martial artist in the distance who was resting with his eyes closed.

"Look, that's Tang Fulu, the head of the Bajiquan sect of Wudang Mountain. He has experienced countless trials and tribulations in his life, possesses superb martial arts skills, but is even more renowned for his peaceful state of mind. A true strongman is not only defined by his external moves and strength, but also by his inner resilience and tranquility. And look at his disciple, the one drinking tea with his eyes closed. Doesn't he have an air of composure that sets him apart from ordinary people? His name is Yan Yue, and he is the second purpose of my trip."

"Yan Yue? What's wrong? Is she very strong?"

Seeing that his son had truly taken his words to heart, Kusanagi Shibashu felt a sense of relief and couldn't help but smile. He then patiently explained, "Do you know? When En Yue was five years old and was taken in by Tang Fulu, he was blind and all the tendons in his body were severed! He was practically on the verge of death. Even if he had survived, it meant that he was destined to be a cripple for the rest of his life."

Hearing this, Kyo Kusanagi was deeply shocked, for he knew all too well the severity of the consequences of shattered tendons and veins. It was akin to having all the tendons and blood vessels in one's body broken, rendering the person completely immobile. However, when he looked at Engetsu in the distance, he found that the other appeared no different from a normal person, and couldn't help but ask curiously, "Then why is he a normal person now?"

Kusanagi Shizuru smiled slightly and continued to explain, "There is a certain element of chance involved. Old Master Tang once mentioned that Yan Yue's temperament is very mature, as if he has experienced countless hardships. His physique is as unique as our Kusanagi clan. He cultivates a kind of Nen technique that no one can currently master. He uses Nen to perceive the surrounding environment and control his body's movements, so he looks no different from an ordinary person. I've also heard that his internal strength is very strong."

Kyo Kusanagi stared blankly at Engetsu in the distance, and couldn't help but sigh, "So even someone as fragile as him can be so strong?"

Kusanagi Shizuru prepared to go over, gently patted Kusanagi Kyo on the shoulder, and said earnestly, "Kyo, you are exceptionally talented, but remember, in the way of martial arts, cultivating the mind comes first. If you can maintain a peaceful mind during the competition and not be swayed by victory or defeat, your strength will reach a new level. Come with me, let's go visit Grandpa Tang first, perhaps you can learn more about the true meaning of martial arts from him."

Kyo Kusanagi nodded obediently and followed Shizuru Kusanagi over, staring curiously at Engetsu, who was about the same age as him.