The man was back!
The Police Guard specially dispatched a plane to transport Aomori, Bang, and Bomb back to the arena.
When they arrived over the fighting ring, the three of them immediately jumped out of the plane.
"Aomori! Aomori! Aomori!"
The moment Aomori made his appearance, a massive cheer suddenly erupted from the stands.
Bang and Bomb quietly withdrew, allowing Aomori to enjoy his moment alone.
The host timely offered him a microphone.
Aomori thanked him, smiled, and took the microphone. His gentle yet penetrating voice echoed throughout the venue via the speakers.
"First, I want to thank everyone who supports me. When I was attacked by the Monster, more than my own safety, I worried about not making it to the competition venue. Because I know that many people who like and support me traveled far and wide just to see me. I didn't want to let them down."
"Aomori! Aomori! Aomori!" Many fans were moved to tears, and the cheers resumed.
Aomori waved his hand, waiting for the cheering to subside before continuing: "It was my fault for not arriving at the venue on time, and the organizer had no choice but to improvise. I hope everyone will not be too harsh on him."
"Aomori-san..." Oomoto never expected Aomori to defend him. The flood of grievances and gratitude in his heart surged out, and tears streamed down his face. "Thank you!"
"Now, please enjoy the clash of martial arts. Thank you, everyone!"
Amidst the screams and cheers, Aomori greeted his first opponent.
"Competitor Daraba looks like he's about to cry. Understandably, who wouldn't be discouraged after witnessing Competitor Aomori's performance in the live stream?" The host was back online, providing expert commentary on the match.
"Oh, it seems Competitor Aomori said something to him. Competitor Daraba looks less nervous now. Wow, Competitor Daraba is moving! He's charging in! Competitor Aomori remains motionless, simply raising his hand to block the attack. Competitor Daraba is getting hyped up and launching continuous attacks! As the successor of Devil Karate, his attacks are incredibly tricky. However, his opponent is Competitor Aomori. These attacks, which could easily kill an ox, look like a child playing in the mud in front of Competitor Aomori."
"The match has entered the fifth minute, and Competitor Daraba is still attacking, while Competitor Aomori remains absolutely airtight in defense. Hey, Competitor Daraba has stopped. He looks exhausted. Oh, he's raising his hand to signal the referee. Competitor Daraba has surrendered! Facing the fortress-like Competitor Aomori, he has wisely forfeited the match. Let's congratulate Competitor Aomori on his victory and his advancement to the semi-finals!"
"Aomori! Aomori! Aomori!"
"Now, let's interview Competitor Daraba. Competitor Daraba, Competitor Aomori seemed to say something to you right after the match started. Are you willing to share what it was?"
"Uh, I was so nervous then, my mind was blank, and my hands and feet wouldn't listen. I was ready to give up immediately. Then Aomori-san said to me, 'If you give up like this, your fists will cry. Relax and attack; I'll catch everything you throw.' His voice was so gentle. My nervousness immediately melted away. Aomori is like my father, sniffle..."
"What is the demeanor of a master? This is the demeanor of a master! Competitor Daraba is truly lucky to face such a kind opponent as Competitor Aomori. I'm sure his martial arts journey will proceed smoothly from now on."
"Alright, now let's move on to the first match of the semi-finals, featuring Competitor Garou against Competitor Suiryu! Please welcome both competitors to the ring!"
Garou walked out of the competitor's tunnel and happened to meet Aomori, who was exiting the stage. Their eyes met, and fighting spirit flared between them.
"Don't lose."
"You too. Suiryu isn't a pushover."
"In front of me, Garou, he's just a joke!"
"Then start your show."
Aomori and Garou passed each other. Aomori returned to the competitor's lounge, sat down, and closed his eyes.
He needed to seize the time to adjust his condition to its absolute best.
Whether it was Garou or Suiryu, he had to win!
"Alright, both competitors have entered the ring. The first match of the semi-finals is about to begin. This is a true clash of titans; neither competitor is easily dealt with. Competitor Suiryu, needless to say, is the reigning champion, his strength already proven. Garou, on the other hand, is the head disciple of Bang-sensei and has defeated all his opponents with a single blow in the preliminary rounds, displaying impressive strength. Bang-sensei, who do you think will win?"
"In the preliminaries, neither of them used their true power, so even this old man cannot tell yet. But, if Garou loses, he can prepare to go without food."
"Hahaha, Bang-sensei is certainly strict!"
In the ring, Garou and Suiryu faced each other.
"I know, you and I are the same kind of person," Suiryu said to Garou with a smile.
"Huh?" Garou looked puzzled.
"You're a genius, aren't you? I've known since I was a child that I'm a genius. Martial arts that others have to painfully train for, I master with a single glance. Now that I've grown up, wealth, fame, and women are easily obtainable. This lack of challenge is truly boring."
"So?" Garou's expression remained unchanged.
"Don't you understand? We are the same. Only a genius like you can pique my interest slightly. Oh, by the way, you and that Aomori are from the same school, right? I envy you. To have someone with greater talent and a handsomer face constantly overshadowing you, that kind of life must be quite stimulating." Suiryu rubbed his chin, smiling.
"Are you... trying... to die?" Garou's eyes began to look ferocious.
"Whoa, whoa, don't be so angry. I'm only speaking the truth. It looks like you hold a deep grudge against Aomori. Me too. He stole the spotlight that rightfully belonged to me. I'm very annoyed right now. Once I beat him down, the audience will know who the true powerhouse is, right?"
"Aomori is my prey!" Garou's fighting aura exploded.
"Heh." Suiryu also became serious.
At that moment, the referee announced: "First match of the semi-finals, Competitor Garou versus Competitor Suiryu. Ready... Begin!"
Surprisingly, Suiryu was the first to attack.
"Oh, Competitor Suiryu launches the first offensive! His speed is incredibly fast! As I speak, Competitor Suiryu has already closed the distance to Competitor Garou and raised his long leg, kicking towards Competitor Garou! Wow, Competitor Suiryu's leg is kicking so fast that it's leaving afterimages! You can imagine how fast his kicks are."
Suiryu utilized the advantage of his long legs, continuously attacking with kicking techniques.
Garou countered every move, raising his hands to block the incoming strikes.
"The match seems to have reached a fever pitch right from the start! The sound of their fists and feet colliding can be heard clearly all the way up here at the commentary desk, which tells you how much force they are exerting! From the current situation, Competitor Suiryu's fierce offense seems to have completely suppressed Competitor Garou. Will the winner be revealed so quickly?"
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You can read the ahead chapter on Patr-eon if you're interested: p-atre-on.c-om/Overgod [Just remove the hyphen to access normally]