Dawn was about to break, and gray mist piled up over the ocean, with an island faintly visible ahead on the horizon.
Yuan Liu Island had arrived.
"This gloomy atmosphere is truly suitable for slaughter," Nogi Hideki remarked, standing by the ship's rail.
He had led the other Kengan Association members in initiating this Deathmatch.
If he ultimately failed to win everything, then his company would have to disband on the spot.
This was the biggest gamble of his life.
He was no longer young; if he didn't go crazy now, he'd be old.
Win or lose, at least he had lived for himself.
In doing so, he had already distanced himself from those mediocre talents who sat by, waiting to be swept into the trash heap of time.
"Yamashita, do you think I'll win?" Nogi Hideki asked, looking at a Japanese middle-aged man beside him, who was as ordinary as could be.
The man's name was Kazuo Yamashita.
Three hundred years ago, his ancestor was also a Kengan Association fighter, known as "Kengan Eye" Yamashita Ichinojin, possessing a pair of eyes that could see through all attacks.
Yamashita Ichinojin died in a match to contend for the Kengan Association Chairman position, to help his employer win the Kengan Matches, and also for friendship.
And his employer was named Nogi!
The Nogi Group had been searching for Yamashita Ichinojin's descendants to repay their kindness, and finally, Nogi Hideki found him in this generation. Moreover, he had inherited his ancestor's Kengan Eye, making him a perfect strategist for this Deathmatch.
"You will win, Mr. Nogi!" Kazuo Yamashita said firmly.
If he won, he would enjoy a good life with Nogi; if he lost, they would fall into the abyss together.
"Hahaha." Nogi Hideki laughed heartily, pointing at the Yuan Liu Island ahead, and recited, "When I win everything, I will level this mountain, I will fill this sea, I will make it so this sky can no longer block my eyes, I will devour the five continents and drink the three oceans, but alas, I have no wings or limbs and can only sigh at my helplessness against the sky! My name is Nogi Hideki, the man who will become the Kengan Association Chairman!"
Kazuo Yamashita cheered with raised arms: "I believe in you, Chairman Nogi!"
Akiyama Kaede quietly retreated a bit, lest she be infected with some strange illness like "Chūnibyō adolescent fantasy syndrome."
Just as the two middle-aged men were brimming with passion, spectators and leaders of various large corporations also arrived on deck one after another.
Yukishita and the others were still resting in their rooms, so Su Ze came to the deck alone. His gaze was drawn to the group from the Nogi Group.
Four young women he had never seen before stood there, in the prime of their youth.
[Name: Hongou]
[Keywords: Beautiful Girl, Superhuman Strength Girl, Sweet, Yandere, Revolutionary Princess]
[Hobbies: Fighting, Fighting, Fighting]
[Psychology: Fighting]
[Introduction: Valkyrie's ace member, trained brutally since childhood in the secret organization "God's Army," proficient in modern combat techniques, possesses excellent physical talent and flexibility, capable of performing difficult movements at astonishing speeds, with tendon strength far exceeding that of ordinary people]
A superhuman strength girl with a mind full of fighting, somewhat like a female Li Kui.
"Alas, this world is indeed in peril."
God's Army was another hidden force, quite religious in nature, constantly researching the secret of immortality.
Hongou was the adopted daughter of the God's Army's leader.
Su Ze rubbed his forehead and looked at the next guest.
...
[Name: Tenma Nozomi]
[Keywords: Goth Girl, Yandere]
[Hobbies: Fighting, Making Money]
[Psychology: Finally arriving at Yuan Liu Island]
[Introduction: One of Valkyrie's founders, expelled from her original fighting organization because her fighting style lacked entertainment value, suffers from an eye condition, still harbors the dream of returning to the ring, currently lives in extreme poverty, surviving on instant noodles]
Good figure, a perpetually gloomy expression, surprisingly endearing.
A certain eccentric's sweet spot.
...
[Name: Mitani Kana]
[Keywords: Classical Beauty, Long Black Hair, Yakuza Young Lady]
[Hobbies: Fighting, Making Money]
[Psychology: Using an island as a fighting venue, Kengan Association is really rich... Too bad we can't even afford the ticket for the Fist Fight Number]
[Introduction: One of Valkyrie's founders, leader of the Jinguji Group and manager of the Jinguji Ramen shop, a kimono enthusiast, quite strong, skilled in grappling and defensive techniques, nicknamed "The Elegant Yakuza," rumored to be the illegitimate daughter of the leader of Renwa Group, one of Japan's three major yakuza syndicates]
A gentle-looking, mature beauty with a complex background.
...
[Name: Iori Ichika]
[Keywords: Policewoman, Bossy Woman, Violent Woman]
[Hobbies: Punishing evil]
[Psychology: None]
[Introduction: One of Valkyrie's founders, good sister of Mitani Kana and Tenma Nozomi, currently a police officer, constantly being undermined by her superiors due to her rough conduct, with dim prospects]
A female version of the Serious Crimes Unit's Tiger.
...
Su Ze stroked his chin, checking the information of all four, and simultaneously made his assessment.
Mitani Kana also noticed someone looking at them, and quietly walked over, asking with a smile, "Do you know us?"
Ever since this man came up, his gaze had been fixed on them, which made Mitani Kana a little curious.
"Sort of," Su Ze nodded.
"That's great! Since you know us, you must also know Valkyrie, right? We're looking for investors recently. Would you like to join us? I guarantee your investment will pay off!" Mitani Kana said with a hand over her mouth, smiling.
Those who came to the Kengan Matches were all important figures.
She believed Su Ze was one of them.
In fact, this wasn't the first time she had promoted Valkyrie, but she hadn't reached an agreement yet.
Either they thought Valkyrie had no potential.
Or they wanted to see suggestive content.
Not a single person truly recognized women's fighting.
After a moment of thought, Su Ze said, "You are very short on money, and you really want to hold high-quality matches, right?"
"Uh-huh," Mitani Kana nodded repeatedly.
"How about this, after I win the Deathmatch, you come and help me manage the Kengan Association. At that time, I will establish a women's division," Su Ze said, his eyes flashing.
"Eh! You're a participant?" Mitani Kana exclaimed in shock. "And what you mean is, you want to acquire Valkyrie?"
Su Ze nodded with a smile: "That's exactly what I mean."
Mitani Kana didn't hesitate and agreed immediately: "It's an honor for Valkyrie to be valued by such a prominent figure as yourself."
It was a blank check anyway, so agreeing now didn't matter.
Moreover, if this man truly achieved final victory, Valkyrie would have ascended to the heavens in one step.
This was equivalent to a newly established game company being acquired by Nintendo. She naturally had to firmly seize such an incredibly fortunate opportunity.
"Do you have any connection with the Nogi Group?" Su Ze showed a satisfied smile, his gaze turning to Nogi Hideki.
Mitani Kana chuckled:
"Uh-huh, we all came through the preliminary tryouts. Boss Nogi said that as long as we sign a contract to designate him as the Kengan Association Chairman if we win the final championship, he'll cover the 5 billion yen challenge fee for the Deathmatch."
"Heh heh, how could we possibly become champions!"
"It's like a fairy tale!"