KOF: Rise of the King of Fighters

"Oh, it's Kasumi Todo. I remember she was a member of the women's martial arts team. I can't recall anything else..."

Yan Yue watched with a smile as Toudou Kasumi devoured her food, her mouth bulging.

Engetsu suppressed a laugh and replied softly, "Kasumi, my name is Engetsu."

Upon hearing the name, Kasumi Todo suddenly stopped chewing, muttering indistinctly, "Engetsu... Engetsu..." She frowned, trying to think, as if it sounded somewhat familiar.

Just then, Yan Yue's expression turned serious, and she said decisively, "I accept your duel challenge!"

Upon hearing this, Kasumi Todo was taken aback at first, then a glint of excitement flashed in her eyes. Without hesitation, she stood up, clenched her fists, and assumed a fighting stance. However, she was completely unaware that her mouth was still full of food, and her lips were smeared with grease. The sight was quite comical.

Yan Yue couldn't stand it any longer and quickly spoke up to stop her, "Wait, Kasumi, you should finish your meal first..." As he spoke, he covered his mouth with his hand, afraid that he might burst out laughing.

Upon hearing this, Kasumi Todo looked down at the uneaten food on the table, hesitated for a moment, and ultimately decided that she couldn't waste food.

"Oh right... then wait until I finish eating..." So she obediently sat back down and continued to eat heartily.

Seeing that Kasumi Toudou had sat back down, Yan Yue kindly reminded her, "Look at you, how can you so easily believe what the Kyokugenryu people say?"

"That's right! I'm not afraid at all! Since I've agreed to the duel, I'm determined to settle things once again!" With that, she stood up again, ready to go out and engage in a fierce battle with Yan Yue.

"Hahaha... Oh dear, that's so silly... Hahaha..." Yan Yue covered her head and finally couldn't help but laugh. Teasing this girl was too much fun.

Seeing Engetsu's playful expression, Toudou Kasumi suddenly realized what was happening, abruptly stopped, glared at Engetsu with a mixture of embarrassment and anger, and said coquettishly, "You rascal! How dare you tease me!"

Upon seeing this, Yan Yue smiled slightly and replied without hesitation, "If you want to fight, no problem, but first you have to pay for the meal."

Upon hearing this, the other person's eyes widened in astonishment, and they exclaimed, "What? I have to pay? You're the one who invited me over to eat!"

Yan Yue was taken aback at first, then burst into unrestrained laughter, her laughter filled with mockery: "Hahahaha... So that's why you're so silly!... Hahahaha..."

"My wallet is gone..." Kasumi Todo was so angry that her face turned pale. Her mouth was still full of food, but she couldn't swallow any more.

Tears welled up in her eyes, and she looked like she was about to cry from Yan Yue's anger.

Yan Yue suddenly realized why he was so hungry, and her heart softened. She quickly comforted him, "I'm sorry, I was just joking! Relax, this meal is on me, you don't need to pay..."

However, upon hearing Engetsu's words, Kasumi Toudou's expression softened somewhat. She gave Engetsu a playful glare and pouted, saying, "Hmph, I won't believe you so easily..."

Seeing this, Yan Yue scratched her head helplessly, then explained earnestly, "Really, since you've already started eating, please don't waste any food..."

And so, Yan Yue patiently continued to soothe her emotions with various words. Gradually, Toudou Kasumi's tense nerves finally began to relax.

After a long while, Kasumi Todo finally calmed down from her earlier excitement and appeared exceptionally peaceful and serene.

After the meal, filled with gratitude, she slowly turned her gaze to Yan Yue, who was sitting beside her, stood up, and respectfully gave him a proper bow, softly thanking him, "Thank you so much..."

But Yan Yue cut straight to the point and asked, "Let's put aside these polite words and ask why we're seeking out the Extreme Flow."

Faced with Yan Yue's sudden question, Toudou Kasumi was taken aback for a moment, but she remained silent, seemingly a little embarrassed.

Seeing Kasumi Toudou's reaction, Engetsu frowned slightly and continued to ask, "Are you here to challenge us?"

This time, after hesitating for a moment, Kasumi Todo nodded slightly and whispered, "Mmm..." Her voice was so soft that it seemed only she could hear it.

Kasumi recalled how she had just caused a ruckus at the restaurant, turned the yakiniku place into a Kyokugenryu dojo, and almost ate and dashed. A wave of shame washed over her, and she felt completely at a loss.

Yan Yue could see that although Toudou Kasumi was pure and kind-hearted, she was somewhat careless and reckless.

So, Yan Yue said slowly, "Alright, the dojo is not far ahead. I'll take you there." As soon as she finished speaking, Yan Yue started walking towards the direction where the Limitless Flow Dojo was located.

Seeing this, Kasumi Toudou quickly took a few steps to catch up with Engetsu, and said somewhat embarrassedly, "Um... thank you so much..."

Yan Yue shook her head and replied nonchalantly, "Forget it, I'll pretend I didn't see what happened just now."

Yan Yue couldn't help but recall the comical scene of Kasumi mistaking the signboard, and for a moment, she couldn't suppress her laughter, "Hahahaha..."

Hearing that unrestrained laughter, Kasumi Toudou's face instantly turned bright red, and she muttered through gritted teeth, "...Hmph! Damn it..."

However, she dared not utter a single complaint and could only silently quicken her pace, following closely behind Yan Yue.

Before long, the two arrived at the entrance of the Kyokugenryu Dojo. Inside the dojo, most of the Kyokugenryu disciples had finished their training and dispersed, but Yoshimasa Sakazaki was seriously instructing his younger sister, Yuri Sakazaki, in taijutsu.

On one side of the field, Locke stood quietly, watching the two practice intently, occasionally taking notes in a small notebook.

After a fierce sparring session, Lily was panting heavily, drenched in sweat, and exhausted. She was leaning on her knees, gasping for air, clearly unable to continue fighting.

Looking at his exhausted younger sister, Ryo Sakazaki said earnestly, "Yuri, given your current physical condition, it's probably unrealistic for you to learn the 'Dragon Tiger Dance' technique. After all, it requires extremely high levels of physical strength and speed, and your current stamina is clearly not up to par."

Lily raised her head, looking at her brother with a determined gaze, and retorted defiantly, "Couldn't we find a way to simplify the [Dragon and Tiger Dance]? Maybe then I could perform it."

Ryo Sakazaki frowned and warned with a serious expression, "Yuri, it is absolutely taboo for a martial artist to always think about taking shortcuts to become stronger quickly!"

Lily quickly waved her hand and explained, "Oh, brother, I didn't mean to be lazy and take shortcuts. I just thought that since boys can use [Dragon Tiger Dance], is there a version specifically for girls? Like one with lighter and more agile movements or something?"

Ryo Sakazaki shook his head, denying it: "There is currently no such thing as a 'Dragon Tiger Dance' specifically for girls. And even if a similar move were created, its power would definitely be greatly reduced compared to the original."

However, Lily showed no sign of discouragement. She stubbornly raised her chin and confidently declared, "Hmph, if there isn't one already, then I'll create my own [Dragon and Tiger Dance] that belongs to us girls!"

Faced with his stubborn yet energetic younger sister, Ryo Sakazaki could only sigh helplessly, shake his head slightly, and say with a wry smile, "Fine, fine, do whatever you want... Hopefully, this time will be different..."

Ryo Sakazaki knows his younger sister well. Although Yuri Sakazaki is indeed very talented in martial arts and can be called a martial arts prodigy, she is usually only enthusiastic for a short time and only has a superficial understanding of everything she learns.

As Engetsu and Toudou Kasumi entered the dojo, Locke immediately spotted Engetsu. He excitedly ran over, "Big Brother Engetsu!"

"Hello, Locke, studying?" Yan Yue patted Locke's head.

"Yan Yue, who is this...?"

At this moment, Ryo Sakazaki and Yuri Sakazaki also noticed the woman behind Engetsu. Ryo Sakazaki found Kasumi Toudou's fighting outfit somewhat familiar.

……

Inside Strathheim Castle, Germany.

In the spacious and brightly lit hall, the dazzling golden decorations were breathtaking. Krauser, clad in golden armor, sat as firmly as a mountain on the throne symbolizing supreme power and majesty. His posture was upright, his bearing imposing, and he exuded a powerful aura that could not be ignored.

Beside Krauser stood two of his most loyal subordinates.

One of them was named Lawrence, the commander of the entire castle guard. He was dressed in an exquisite and ornate set of matador's light armor, and a bright red flag hung high in his hand, fluttering gently in the breeze; at his waist was a gleaming European-style short sword.

The other man was named Axel. He was tall and imposing, like an unshakeable mountain. His bare upper body was muscular and well-defined. He wore heavy boxing gloves, looking every bit the professional boxer. Axel was not only a renowned underground boxing champion in Europe, but also Krauser's most formidable and capable henchman.

At this moment, Krauser's eyes were fixed on the man in front of him below the stage. His eyes revealed an undisguised mockery and contempt. "Gis, I never expected that you would still be alive and kicking." Krauser's lips curled up slightly, his tone full of disdain.

At this moment, Giss was completely wrapped in thick bandages, with only his eyes and mouth showing. He sat helplessly in a wheelchair, his body appearing extremely weak. However, when he heard Krausa's sarcastic words, Giss did not fly into a rage like most people would; instead, he smiled helplessly.

Just then, Billy, who had been standing behind Geese, could no longer contain his anger. He stepped forward, pulled out his red staff, stared at Krauser, and roared, "Krauser! Show some respect!" Billy's voice echoed in the hall, and the atmosphere instantly became tense.

"Billy? You? Hahaha..." Lawrence let out a piercing laugh, his once handsome face contorted by the exaggerated laughter. Axel, standing to the side, crossed his arms, a smirk playing on his lips, clearly unfazed by Billy's taunts.

Upon hearing their mockery, Billy's face instantly darkened, veins bulging on his forehead. His eyes were fixed on Lawrence, and he roared through gritted teeth, "You two bastards, bring it on!"

Just then, Giss, who had been silent all along, suddenly shouted angrily, "Enough!"

Giss's voice suddenly boomed, making everyone present tremble. "We're not here today to watch your pointless bickering and attacks! We're here to negotiate!"

Upon hearing Geese's reprimand, Billy's anger vanished instantly. He dared not show the slightest disrespect and quickly bowed his head, replying, "Yes, sir!" He then obediently retreated behind Geese, standing respectfully.

Krauser was slightly taken aback by Giss's assertiveness, but he quickly waved his hand, signaling his men to cease their agitation. A brief silence fell over the scene.

After a while, Giss cleared his throat and broke the silence: "Klaussa, even though my power is not what it used to be, it probably won't be so easy for you to take over South Town, will it?"

Giss continued, "'Mephisto' and 'Sanction Alley' are not so easy to deal with, especially since Yan Yue and the other two are also in South Town."

Krauser sneered and replied disdainfully, "So what? Compared to your brother, who only knows how to kill to solve problems and is extremely stupid, I am much better."

"Klaussa, I sincerely hope that you will join hands with me this time." For once, Geese put aside his pride and looked earnestly at the indifferent Krauser opposite him, his tone carrying a hint of pleading.

Klaus's lips curled into a disdainful sneer: "Heh, do you think I'd believe that? You're already at your wit's end, your power is gone! What makes you think you can get me to join forces with you?" He crossed his arms, looking at his once arrogant brother with a mocking gaze.

Gis gritted his teeth, as if he had made up his mind, and said, "I also control a portion of Rugal's underground arms industry... If you're willing to help me, all of these can be yours..." He paused here, observing the changes in Krauser's expression.

Sure enough, Krauser's expression changed drastically upon hearing this, a look of surprise flashing in his eyes: "What? There are still so many resources? How is that possible..." Clearly, this news was completely unexpected for Krauser.

"Now that Rugal is dead, his underground arms industry has been seized by the military. But I left some assets behind from my previous deal with Rugal."

Krauser exclaimed, "Wow, this is truly unexpected..."

However, before Krauser could recover from his shock, Giese continued, "All I've done is try to reclaim Southtown, which holds the weight of my life's work! If you're willing to lend me a hand, once it's done, you can also develop the outskirts of Southtown."

After speaking, a fleeting, almost imperceptible glint of cunning flashed across Geese's eyes. At the same time, Geese's expectant gaze locked onto Krauser, quietly awaiting his response.

Krauser listened intently to every word Geese said, pondering whether the deal would truly be a win-win situation for both of them, as Geese claimed.

His brows furrowed slightly, and his face showed a hint of hesitation, clearly indicating that he was struggling intensely and weighing the pros and cons.

However, at that moment, a deafening, almost manic laugh suddenly came from outside the door, shattering the peaceful atmosphere.

"Hahaha..." This sudden burst of wild laughter made everyone present tense up, their bodies involuntarily stiffening. They quickly turned their alert gazes towards the direction from which the sound came, each person's nerves like a taut bowstring, ready to deal with any possible danger at any moment.

In an instant, everyone's pupils contracted sharply, their faces filled with disbelief and shock. They stared dumbfounded at the figure slowly walking towards them, as if they were witnessing something extremely terrifying or unexpected.

"Rugal!" Krauser abruptly stood up, glaring at the tall, imposing man before him through gritted teeth, spitting out the three words. Krauser knew what Rugal's easy entry into the hall meant.

Outside the castle, blood flowed like a river, and a large number of corpses lay on the road leading to the hall. The entire guard outside the castle seemed to have been killed in an instant, and the stench of blood permeated the entire castle.

At this moment, Rugal exuded an undeniable and powerful aura. He was still wearing that bright red evening suit, and the mechanical red light of his right prosthetic eye was flashing abnormally. His right hand seemed to have been severed and was also fitted with a mechanical prosthetic.

Behind him followed two graceful and alluring secretaries—Mature and Vice. The three wore mocking smiles and glanced at Geese, Krauser, and the others with disdain, as if they were a group of clowns to be manipulated at will.