Tournament Grounds – Morning
The sky burned gold as the rising sun stretched over Ryujin Island.
Energy surged in the air—raw, sharp, and brimming with anticipation. A sea of spectators and fighters gathered at the grand circular arena carved into the mountain's heart, where smooth stone met ancient carvings of dragons and warriors past.
A gigantic screen flickered to life. Announcer Mimi, clad in a dazzling red qipao, stood with her usual flare, microphone twirling between her fingers.
"Ladies and gentlemen, warriors and masters! The Ryujin Tournament continues! After the brutal showcase from Juliet Carls, it's time to turn the heat even higher!"
Beside her, Diego Ramirez—his legs freshly casted and suspended—held a mic with one hand from a special commentary chair.
"My bones may be shattered, but my spirit ain't, baby! And this next match... ooooh-ho-ho, it's gonna be wild!"
Mimi raised her voice as the crowd leaned in.
"Introducing, from Mishima Prefectural High, the boy with a burning legacy—GENJI TAKASHIMA!"
The gates opened. Genji stepped out, wearing a crimson gi top over black wraps, the red phoenix pendant glinting around his neck. His red eyes blazed beneath calm brows.
Cheers erupted, but some murmured. The last match had ended so violently, some feared Genji might not survive.
"And his opponent! A prodigy from the Mishima-affiliated Kaiba Dojo! The man who controls nerves like a pianist does keys—TAKESHI KAIBA!"
Takeshi emerged with silent footsteps. Clad in a silver-blue sleeveless uniform, his hair tied back in a sleek bun, he moved with precise calm. His fingers flexed absently.
Chris Navarro crossed his arms from the stands. "Takeshi's no joke. He's not flashy. He's lethal."
Blaze Kuronuma, watching nearby, grunted. "He specializes in pressure point manipulation. If he hits the right spot, you're done."
The arena darkened slightly, light focusing on the two fighters.
DING.
The match began.
Genji dashed forward first—low stance, fists ready. Takeshi sidestepped, brushing his hand across Genji's bicep with surgical finesse.
Genji's arm immediately went numb.
He narrowed his eyes. So fast.
Takeshi didn't let up. He spun and slammed a heel into Genji's shoulder. Genji reeled, but twisted, landing a blow on Takeshi's ribs—only to feel a sting as Takeshi's fingers jabbed into his lower back.
Genji's legs trembled.
From the stands, Xao Min Feng gasped. "He's disrupting Genji's nervous flow! I can see it!"
"He's trying to shut down his limbs," Kazuya growled. "Damn it. Genji needs to back off."
Another flurry. Takeshi landed a rapid combo of palm strikes, each punctuated by a subtle flick to a nerve point. Genji's arms seized.
Then—
CRACK.
A spinning crescent kick landed on Genji's jaw.
He flew back and crashed into the arena wall.
Silence.
Asumi stood, eyes wide. "GENJI!"
Smoke swirled around his body.
Juliet Carls, watching from her high perch, narrowed her eyes. "If that took him out... he doesn't belong here."
Suddenly—
FLASHBACK
Young Genji stood in a clearing, fists bruised, eyes burning with frustration.
Naomi Takahashi knelt before him. Her voice was gentle, but unwavering.
"Fighting isn't about power alone, Genji. It's about the will to stand when everything in you screams to fall."
He looked up. "But I'm not strong enough."
She cupped his cheek. "Then grit your teeth... and fight anyway."
BACK TO PRESENT
Rubble shifted.
Genji stood.
His body trembled. Blood dripped from his mouth.
But he smiled.
Takeshi's eyes widened. "You shouldn't be able to move."
"I don't care," Genji growled. "My will doesn't need permission."
His right foot crackled.
Electric-red energy began coiling around his shin.
"What... is that?" Mimi gasped.
Double-Paced Sensei's eyes bulged. "Oh mama! He's channeling chi straight through his damaged nerve systems—he's going full override!"
Takeshi leapt into a striking stance. "Then I'll shut you down completely."
He launched forward with surgical precision.
But Genji vanished.
"RAAAHHHH!"
A lightning scream tore through the arena.
Mid-air—
RED THUNDER KICK!
His foot collided with Takeshi's midsection. Thunder cracked. Wind exploded outward.
Takeshi's eyes bulged as he was hurled like a ragdoll into the ground—breaking stone beneath him. The arena shook.
Dust clouded the sky.
Silence.
Then... cheers.
Wild. Deafening. Uncontrollable.
Juliet stood. Her lips curled. "Interesting."
Chris Navarro whistled. "Now that's what I'm talkin' about."
Xao Min leapt over the railing and ran toward the arena. Asumi followed.
Genji stumbled, but Asumi caught him.
"Idiot," she whispered, hugging him. "Don't scare me like that."
Xao Min smiled and put a hand on his back. "That was insane. And beautiful."
Blaze let out a whoop. "Hell yeah! That's how you answer back!"
Up above, Ken watched the monitors, rubbing his chin. "Override through nerve damage... what a beast."
Beside him, Shin Mishima finally smiled for the first time.
"He's no pawn. He's something more."
Mimi held her mic tightly, voice bursting with fire.
"GENJI TAKASHIMA IS THE WINNER! And folks... this tournament just got its storm."
---
Backstage - Infirmary Tents
Kaiba sat up slowly on the bed, wincing.
Genji stepped in. Kaiba raised a brow. "Come to gloat?"
Genji shook his head. "Came to thank you. You pushed me further than anyone else has."
Kaiba chuckled dryly. "You're different than I expected."
Genji offered a hand. "Next time, let's go even harder."
Kaiba took it, nodding. "Next time."
---
To be continued