Everyone was dumbfounded.
Kyo was dumbfounded.
Terry was dumbfounded.
They looked at Iori—one second ago swagger personified, the next transformed into a "raging emperor"—feeling their worldviews violently assaulted.
This... this is still that aloof, arrogant Iori Yagami?
This is clearly... a terminal sister-complex... old father!
And in the contestant area, only one person could understand his current feelings.
Ryo Sakazaki.
This equally "sister protection maniac" "Invincible Dragon" looked at Iori frantically outputting "trash talk" at Cloud, his face showing an extremely complex, "we're fellow sufferers" expression of mutual understanding.
He silently walked to Iori's side, heavily patting his shoulder.
Then in a tone full of "been there" weariness, slowly said: "...I understand you."
Iori Yagami: "..."
He looked at this suddenly appearing man with an "empathetic" face, feeling his rage... had nowhere to vent.
Meanwhile, our protagonist Cloud watched this utterly "dramatic" scene, feeling utterly exhausted.
He just wanted to quietly take two girls and compete.
Why...
Why is it so difficult?
...
KOF 95 World Fighting Championship, preliminaries, Tokyo Dome.
Thunderous voices, tsunami-like roars.
Unlike last year's Colosseum filled with classical and primal atmosphere, this year's Tokyo Dome brimmed with modern technological and otaku fervor.
Massive holographic projection screens floated above the stadium, looping fighters' "support MVs"—so edgy and passionate that uninformed observers might think some idol group was holding a concert.
Among countless fervent spectators, one seat qualified as "VVIP among VIPs," commonly called the "cash ability" special seat.
Best view, best service, no riffraff within ten meters.
Cloud—this freshly minted "King of South Town"—currently lounged with crossed legs, wearing sunglasses, comfortably enjoying top-grade Blue Mountain coffee on a plush sofa.
As last tournament's "King of Fighters," he had privileges—no need to participate in early "noob fights" preliminaries, direct advancement to semifinals.
Therefore, today's job wasn't contestant but... gold medal commentator slash part-time nanny.
"Cloud-oniisan, look look! The Women Fighters Team is up! Mai-oneechan is so beautiful!"
On his left, Kusanagi Aoi excitedly waved her small fists, those bright eyes identical to Kyo's full of little stars seeing idols.
She'd completely transformed into Cloud's "little fangirl," finding no one as amazing as her "Cloud-oniisan."
"Hmph, a bunch of women flaunting themselves, nothing worth watching."
On his right, Yata Tsukihime crossed her arms, slightly turning her head in that signature 45-degree-angle-looking-at-sky tsundere pose, issuing a disdainful snort.
That exquisitely perfect face wrote "you mortals don't deserve my attention" aloofness.
Cloud sipped his coffee, lips curving in an amused arc.
If not for the "tsundere translator" system notifications madly scrolling in his mind, he'd almost believe it.
[Ding! Target Yata Tsukihime's affection changed: +1 (Wow! That red-dressed sister has such a good figure! Bigger than mine... seems... a bit bigger... damn! So jealous! She seems close to Cloud!)]
Cloud: "..."
Women.
"Alright, alright, the match is starting." Cloud cleared his throat, forcibly entering "commentary mode." "Aoi, Tsukihime, watch carefully. Next up is the Kyokugenryu Karate representative team facing Korea's Kim Kaphwan education... ah no, Kim Kaphwan representative team."
On stage, Ryo Sakazaki, Robert Garcia, and... energetic Yuri Sakazaki faced off against Kim Kaphwan and his two "accessories"—Chang Koehan and Choi Bounge.
"Kyokugenryu emphasizes one-hit-kill ferocious power." Cloud began his live teaching. "Look at Ryo Sakazaki—his aura is steady as a mountain, every punch containing the Invincible Dragon's dominance. Meanwhile Robert leans toward technique and speed, with leg techniques as gorgeous and swift as flying swallows."
"What about Yuri-oneechan?" Aoi asked curiously.
"Her..." Cloud smiled. "She's Kyokugenryu's version answer—responsible for being cute and surprising."
"Tch, this three-legged-cat kung fu, my Yata style..." Tsukihime was about to deliver "expert commentary" when the stage battle suddenly took an unexpected turn even she didn't anticipate!
First match: Yuri Sakazaki versus "Iron Ball Man" Chang Koehan!
Everyone expected this would be a comedic "cute girl VS creepy uncle" match.
However, facing Chang's terrifying iron ball capable of flattening cars, Yuri not only didn't dodge but took a deep breath and assumed a standard Kyokugenryu stance!
"Whooom—!!"
A pure, solid power full of youthful vitality actually erupted from her petite body!
Absolute Domain 3%!
That genuine powerful fighter's aura instantly plunged the venue into deathly silence!
"Holy... crap?!"
In the spectator seats, some fat guy eating a hot dog was so shocked his hot dog fell.
"Yuri... she... she actually also..." Terry and Andy watching from backstage wore "seen a ghost" expressions.
"Oh my god! Cloud-oniisan! Yuri-oneechan she... she's also glowing!" Kusanagi Aoi covered her mouth in shock.
Even Cloud raised his eyebrows in surprise.
...
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