When Dragon Nation Team crushed the Congo Team in what could only be described as "dimensional superiority," the entire atmosphere of KOF 94 shifted.
If before, people had treated this as just another fighting tournament gathering the world's best...
Now, after witnessing Commander Zuo's supernatural "immortal arts" and Baobao's back-to-basics "street smarts," everyone realized—
The waters of this KOF ran deep. Terrifyingly deep.
Some teams that had come with a "vacation and sightseeing" mentality promptly withdrew to protect themselves.
Seriously, competing against suspected "cultivators" and "strangers"? That wasn't asking to get beaten—that was asking to die!
The teams that remained were true powerhouses. The casual dismissiveness in their eyes had vanished, replaced by unprecedented gravity and fighting spirit.
The real competition started now.
And the second match of the Round of 16 immediately pushed that tension to its first climax!
[Round of 16, Group B, Match 1]
[Japan Team VS Korea Team]
The instant the matchup appeared on the massive screen, the entire Colosseum erupted like an ignited powder keg!
"Holy shit! Holy shit! Holy shit!"
"Opening with a bang! Japan Team versus Korea Team! Kyo Kusanagi versus Kim Kaphwan! Isn't this supposed to be a semifinal script? How are they meeting in round one?!"
"The organizer 'R' really knows how to drive engagement! Maximum hype!"
"Kyo! Kyo! Kyo!"
Amid the thunderous cheers, Kyo Kusanagi's fans went absolutely wild supporting their idol.
Their fervor rivaled an Athena Asamiya concert.
In the spectator area, Cloud perked up with interest.
"Oh? Here comes the main event." He tugged Baobao along, eyes full of anticipation.
"One's the 'Son of the Plane' in the KOF world, the other's the embodiment of 'justice.' This is going to be good."
"Boss, that dummy in the white clothes looks real serious," Baobao commented while licking her lollipop.
"Hmph, just two fame-seekers," Commander Zuo maintained his "you're all trash" expression.
But his gaze locked onto Kyo Kusanagi, clearly regarding him as a formidable opponent.
Under everyone's watchful eyes, the two teams representing the pinnacle of Japanese and Korean martial arts slowly ascended the stage.
On the Korea Team side, Kim Kaphwan radiated righteousness, his gaze iron-hard, emanating "the light of the righteous path."
Behind him, Chang Koehan and Choi Bounge were chained up, but their eyes burned with violence and bloodlust as they stared at Japan Team.
Japan Team presented a completely different picture.
Goro Daimon stood silent as a mountain, eyes closed, steady as a peak reflected in still waters.
Benimaru Nikaido, on the other hand, was like a peacock spreading its feathers. His golden hair stood up in a flamboyant style, his designer shirt unbuttoned three buttons to reveal toned pecs.
He was busy winking and blowing kisses at the beautiful women in the audience, drawing waves of squeals.
"Hey, my sweeties! Look over here! The victory lightning will shine for you!" He even threw a sexy wink at the camera.
"Christ, this guy... he's even showier than Robert," Cloud couldn't help but comment, watching Benimaru's playboy act.
And at the front of the team, Kyo Kusanagi blocked out all the noise.
Hands stuffed in the pockets of his school uniform pants, the corner of his mouth curved in a smirk of absolute confidence.
His eyes, burning like flames, casually swept across the arena—like a king surveying his domain.
That innate, sun-like brilliance and kingly aura made him the sole focus of the entire Colosseum!
"Round one! Japan Team, Benimaru Nikaido, versus Korea Team, Choi Bounge!"
With the announcer's roar, the two speed-focused fighters took the stage first.
"Hehehehe! Let me slice your face into little pieces!" Choi cackled like a maniac, bouncing around the stage like a rubber ball at high speed, his iron claws tracing deadly arcs through the air.
"Oh, baby~" Benimaru flamboyantly flicked his long hair and beckoned Choi with a finger.
"Shorty, your speed looks like slow-motion replay to me. Let me show you what REAL lightning is!"
The instant those words left his mouth, Benimaru moved!
CRACKLE—!
Golden electricity exploded across his body!
He transformed into a bolt of golden lightning, so fast he left a series of afterimages in the air!
"Raijin Ken!"
An orb of pure lightning shot from his hand like a striking serpent, precisely targeting Choi mid-air!
Choi's face went pale. His prized speed was completely outclassed!
He frantically blocked with his claws but the violent electric force numbed his entire body, sending him screaming to the ground.
"Shinkuu Katategoma!"
Benimaru pressed his advantage. His body spun like a high-speed top, crackling with electricity, instantly closing in on Choi!
A barrage of dense, lightning-enhanced attacks rained down like a storm!
Choi lasted less than ten seconds before Benimaru's stylish "Electrigger" (super move) left him charred black, foaming at the mouth, and flat on his back.
KO!
"Victory... belongs to beautiful me!" Benimaru caressed his own cheek and struck another perfect pose for the cameras.
In the spectator area, Cloud nodded to himself in appreciation.
This Benimaru Nikaido might look like a showoff, but his skills were definitely legit.
His precise control over electrical power rivaled some top-tier psychics.
...
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