Suzuki distributed the story script to Shutaro Oba and Masami Kurumada, handing the floor to Takuya. "The story is set in a fictional American city called South Town, a chaotic place where wealth and crime intertwine, beyond the reach of official law."
"The city's true ruler is Geese Howard," Takuya said, slowing his pace to emphasize the name. "He's no ordinary mob boss but a formidable martial artist, master of the fierce and dominant Bajiquan. Through iron-fisted control and cunning, he's built a vast underground empire, reigning as South Town's absolute king and the game's final boss."
Kurumada's fingers paused their tapping on the table, his eyes flicking to Suzuki.
"Rumor has it," Takuya continued, "Geese possesses fragments of an ancient text, the Secret Scrolls of Qin, said to hold world-altering power, adding a mystical aura to his rule."
"This ties into what I mentioned earlier—some characters accessing forces beyond normal understanding."
"The story's core driver is revenge." Takuya took a deep breath.
He looked at Kurumada, known for his passionate manga, likely familiar with such themes. "Years ago, Geese had a friend, Jeff Bogard, who also pursued martial mastery. But Jeff despised Geese's ambition and methods, leading to a falling-out. In the end… Geese schemed, stole Jeff's fragment of the Secret Scrolls of Qin, and killed him in front of his two adopted sons, Terry and Andy Bogard."
The room fell silent for a few seconds. Oba's brow furrowed, likely picturing the scene's dramatic weight.
"Those two boys, Terry and Andy, swore to avenge their foster father," Takuya's voice lowered. "They parted ways, each embarking on grueling training. The elder, Terry, trained under Chinese martial arts master Tung Fu Rue, learning the bold, sweeping Sacred Bajiquan, his personality becoming as fiery and free-spirited as a flame."
"The younger, Andy, traveled to Japan, studying the swift, secretive Shiranui Ninjutsu, growing calm and composed." Takuya paused, adding, "They have a close friend, Muay Thai champion Joe Higashi, who joins their quest for vengeance."
"To solidify his rule and eliminate threats, Geese hosts an unprecedented fighting tournament in South Town," Suzuki said, a slight smile forming. "This is our heroes' stage."
"The tournament draws all sorts," he continued. "There's Billy Kane, Geese's loyal enforcer, wielding a staff to crush challengers to Geese's authority; Duck King, a street-dancing fighter opposing Geese's rule; Richard Meyer, a wealthy boxer aiming to break Geese's economic grip; and even villains like Hwa Jai, a Muay Thai fighter bought by Geese."
"Terry, Andy, and Joe fight through this mixed bag of competitors," Suzuki's pace quickened. "They battle their way to Geese's headquarters, the skyscraper symbolizing power and sin—Geese Tower."
"There, the brothers confront their father's killer in a fated showdown," he described. "In the end, Terry, with unyielding will and honed skill, defeats Geese using his signature moves—Power Wave and Burn Knuckle."
"Defeated, Geese refuses surrender or capture, laughing maniacally as he plummets from the tower's top, vanishing into South Town's night, his fate unknown." Suzuki spread his hands. "The story can pause here."
"After victory, Terry doesn't claim Geese's empire but stays in South Town as a wandering hero, protecting its people, becoming a legend. Andy continues his ninja training, and Joe returns to Muay Thai. Their friendship remains a vital bond throughout."
"Oh," Suzuki added, as if recalling something, "Terry recovers part of the Secret Scrolls of Qin from Geese, but its powers and secrets remain largely unsolved, leaving room for future stories."
He finished, looking at the two masters. Kurumada's eyes gleamed with a creator's excitement for a compelling theme, while Oba removed his glasses, wiping them slowly, his gaze deep, likely already storyboarding in his mind. The room's stifling air lifted, replaced by a surge of creative energy.
Takuya then presented carefully prepared materials.
He shared character design concepts and key "special move" sketches, handing them to Oba and Kurumada.
Kurumada's eyes lit up at the sketches, blending realistic fighting techniques with supernatural energy, evoking both authenticity and visual flair, reminiscent of his early work, Fuma no Kojirou.
Reflecting on his recent failure with the realistic Otoko Zaka versus the successful, fantastical Fuma no Kojirou, he seemed to grasp something.
Muttering, Kurumada said, "Yes… this is it… Fuma worked. This direction… it's not just fists and feet, it's momentum, spirit… maybe even protection?"
He slipped into his creative world, eyes alight with fervor.
He immediately asked Oba for paper and pen, moving to a corner to sketch rapidly, oblivious to others.
Oba, understanding Kurumada's state, didn't interrupt.
He studied Takuya's story outline and sketches, showing keen interest in the intense action and character conflicts.