The stadium floor had been scrubbed of blood. The scent of adrenaline still lingered.
Dozens of fights had come and gone. Warriors from every corner of the world—grapplers from Greece, kickboxers from Thailand, rogue monks from hidden monasteries, and even underground fighters from Tokyo's infamous alleys—had poured everything into the preliminaries. Now, only twenty-five remained.
The arena lights dimmed. A spotlight gleamed as announcer Mini stepped into the center once again, practically bouncing with energy.
"WHAT A TOURNAMENT!!" she screamed, her voice echoing like thunder. "You all witnessed history being written today! And now, from nearly two hundred fighters… only twenty-five remain!"
Beside her, Double Pace Sensei stepped forward, arms crossed and expression solemn.
"They fought with everything they had," he said, voice calm and respectful. "Some will carry scars… others, lessons. But the ones we are about to name? They have earned their right to face the fires of the next trial."
Mini raised a gloved hand toward the giant screen above.
"Behold! The Ryujin Twenty-Five!"
One by one, names began flashing across the screen in glowing crimson letters.
---
THE RYUJIN TWENTY-FIVE
1. Genji Takashima – Japan – Phoenix Blood Martial Arts
2. Blaze Kuronuma – Japan – Baek Won Kick Style
3. Asumi Maoshinara – Japan – Phoneix Blood Art
4. Xao Min Feng – China – Wing chun Form
5. Hassan al-Rafiq – Egypt – Tahtib ( Traditional Stick Martial Art )
6. Riku Minowa – Japan – Wushu Art
7. Nikolai Dragovich – Russia – Kunckle Boxing ( Kulachiny Boy )
8. Kai Fushida – Okinawa – Mantis Kung Fu
9. Sakura Jinrai – Japan – Aikido
10. Taye Mbeke – South Africa – Zulu
11. Jinbo Takeshi – Japan – Black Belt Jujutsu
12. Nash Carter – USA – Urban MMA Hybrid
13. Chris 'Steel Knees' Navarro – Chile – Bonebreaker Kneestrike Style
14. Inoue Shido ( Kurosawa - Masked Demon ) – Japan – Shinmei Sword School
15. Hikaru 'Bolt' Shinji – Japan – Thunderbolt Kickboxing
16. Leif Arngrimson – Norway – Valknut Wrestling Arts
17. Natsuki Muroi – Japan – Crimson Snow Form
18. Diego Ramirez – Mexico – El Tigre Combat Lucha
19. Wu Yanyun – China – Whispered Crane Technique
20. Ayame Tohno – Japan – Mist Flower Kenpo
21. Erik Janzen – Germany – Iron Counter Discipline
22. Takeshi Kaiba – Japan – Bakunetsu Fist School
23. Maël Rousseau – France – Savate & Psychic Combat Fusion
24. Zhang Renshu – China – Sky Fang Form
25. Haruka Mikado – Japan – Reverse Moon Kenjutsu
---
The crowd erupted with cheers. Fighters who had fallen watched with admiration—or envy.
Genji stood silently, hands in his pockets, eyes fixed on the screen as his name glowed. He could feel something inside—not pride—but pressure. Destiny was shifting.
Beside him, Blaze pumped his fists in the air, fire crackling along his knuckles.
"HA! Knew I'd make it!" he shouted.
Asumi simply nodded, arms folded, calm but fierce. Xao Min Feng brushed her silver hair back and exhaled softly. "And now the true challenge begins."
Mini's voice broke through again.
"And that's not all, my sweet battle maniacs! These chosen warriors will head to…"
A heavy drumroll resounded.
"…Ryujin Island!"
Gasps filled the air. Fighters murmured. Even Genji narrowed his eyes.
Double Pace Sensei spoke next. "A hidden arena… nestled within the sacred Dragon Isles. There, you will not just fight for victory… but for recognition by the one who controls it all."
Mini grinned mischievously. "That's right! You'll be performing… in front of Shin Mishima himself!"
The crowd went wild. The name carried power like thunder.
Shin Mishima. CEO of G-Corporation. The man behind the Ryujin Tournament. Billionaire, fighter, rumored to possess a bloodline older than the samurai themselves.
"One more thing!" Mini added. "The next arc of the tournament is called…"
She raised her arms.
"WHEN BLOOD BOILS!"
---
Later That Night – Departure Port
The fighters were led to a private harbor. Military-grade ships with dragon emblems floated under the moonlight.
Genji stood beside Asumi and Blaze, watching the sea. In the distance, Ryujin Island loomed like a shadowed mountain clawing out of the ocean.
"Intense, huh?" Blaze said, adjusting his gloves.
Genji nodded. "It's like the air's different. Heavier."
Xao Min Feng stepped up. "That's because we're approaching a sacred battleground. Many have died there… and many more will."
Asumi smiled faintly. "You're poetic tonight."
Xao turned. "Only when I sense war."
They boarded the ship.
To be continued