The first weekend of August, Tokyo, Chiyoda Ward.
Morning sunlight hadn't yet dispelled the thin mist, and the Budokan stood quietly in Kita-no-Maru Park. But this calm was soon shattered. Crowds surged from all directions, like ants returning to their nest, converging on this hall of glory and dreams. Excitement was plain on every face, many sporting Fatal Fury character T-shirts.
Massive Fatal Fury National Finals posters fluttered in the morning breeze. These posters, featuring eight characters (excluding Geese), were a hard-won effort by Takuya, who had persuaded Masami Kurumada, amidst Saint Seiya's hot serialization, to create vivid, life-like artwork that drew fans for photos.
Colorful sponsor banners lined the path to the Budokan, festive as a carnival, with Sega and Fuji TV's logos most prominent.
Media vans had claimed prime spots, cameras ready, signaling the event's extraordinary attention.
Inside the Budokan, lights snapped on, illuminating the arena like daylight.
Rows of gleaming new arcade cabinets stood under spotlights, each linked to massive CRT screens at the venue's corners, ensuring every spectator had a clear view. The commentary booth, referee desk, and media area were meticulously organized, reflecting Sega's immense effort and professionalism.
Compared to the somewhat rushed Tokyo Tech gymnasium, the Budokan was a true top-tier battlefield.
The audience, already seated, buzzed with excitement.
"This national finals is stacked with talent! The regional qualifier clips were insane!"
"No kidding—top players from every prefecture! I came all the way from Hokkaido!"
"I'm betting on Tokyo's team. They've got Kenta Nagai, the 'Wandering Warrior.' His Joe Higashi tore through five arcades in Osaka!"
"What about that high schooler, Hakuya? Tokyo's dark horse—his Andy is godlike. Can he go all the way?" a bespectacled young man asked, pushing up his glasses, voice full of anticipation.
"Hard to say. The nationals' format is different from the qualifiers. He's young—might lack experience," his friend replied.
Journalists, more analytical, clutched detailed dossiers on every qualifier standout.
"Tokyo's team is the favorite. The Television's coverage made them stars—practically an all-star lineup."
"Yeah, with 'Wandering Warrior' Nagai leading. But don't sleep on other regions—Osaka and Fukuoka have monster newcomers with razor-sharp play."
"I think mentality matters more than skill in a tournament like this."
Takuya Nakayama stood in the backstage control room, watching the growing crowd through one-way glass.
Fuji TV's broadcast team was in place, the director finalizing details with the host. Everything was set. Takuya felt a surge of confidence—this battle had to be a triumph for Sega.
At 9:00 a.m. sharp, rousing opening music filled the Budokan, dazzling lights crisscrossing the arena.
First to enter were nine meticulously crafted Fatal Fury cosplayers, circling the main stage twice, striking signature moves and poses, igniting the atmosphere.
As the cosplayers lined up at the stage's edge, the host, mic in hand, strode to the center, brimming with energy.
"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, here and watching at home!"
"Welcome to the highly anticipated Sega First Esports Tournament—Fatal Fury National Finals!"
Thunderous applause and cheers drowned the host's voice, the floor seeming to shake.
The host smiled, waiting for the noise to subside.
"Today, top fighters from Japan's forty-seven prefectures will battle for glory and dreams!"
"They're their regions' pride, the supreme warriors of Fatal Fury!"
The big screen flashed player headshots and bios, cheers erupting for well-known names.
"This national finals introduces an electrifying team format!"
"Each team has three players, submitting their lineup order: Vanguard, Midfield, Anchor."
"Teams start with a one-on-one Vanguard duel."
"The loser exits, the winner faces the opponent's next player, until one team's roster is eliminated!"
"A brutal gauntlet testing not just individual skill but team strategy and resilience!"
"Yesterday's draw set today's elimination bracket!"
"Now, let's give a roaring welcome to the first matchup's teams!"
As the host spoke, two teams emerged from the tunnels, taking their match zones.
The atmosphere hit fever pitch from the start.
When Tokyo's team was announced, Hakuya's name sparked a stir. Eyes locked on the high schooler in a faded uniform, backpack slung, trailing Kenta Nagai and their third teammate. Unlike his nervous regional qualifier days, Hakuya's gaze was calm, his steps steady.
The grueling match against Nagai and his third-place victory had honed him like a whetstone sharpening raw jade.
In recent days, Nagai had mentored him, sharing targeted advice on mindset and tactics against varied playstyles. Insights on character mastery, spacing, and mental games proved invaluable.
Tokyo's first match was against Hokkaido. Hakuya was slotted as Vanguard.
His opponent, Hokkaido's Vanguard, was a burly, bearded middle-aged man who chose Terry Bogard.
The match began.