Immediately after, another team with an even more "distinctive" vibe noisily entered.
Leading them was a Korean youth in a white taekwondo uniform, his face radiating righteousness, handsome to an almost unreal degree.
Behind him, bound in chains, were two "heavyweight" oddballs.
One was a giant over seven feet tall wielding a massive iron ball. The other was a scrawny man wearing iron claws, his laughter shrill as an owl's screech.
[Electronic Announcement: Korea Team has arrived! Captain: Kim Kaphwan, master of taekwondo, embodiment of justice! He leads two 'misguided' criminals—Chang Koehan and Choi Bounge—on a KOF journey of 'punishing evil and promoting good'! Let's applaud his 'rehabilitation' efforts!]
"Let me go! I want meat!" Chang struggled against his chains, drooling, eyes locked on the football player from the USA Sports Team.
"Hehehehe! So many people! So many necks! Let me cut one! Just one!" Choi cackled maniacally, his iron claws slashing the air.
"You two! Show some manners!" Kim effortlessly pinned both "problem children"—their combined weight exceeding five hundred pounds—to the ground with one hand each. "Before the tournament begins, recite the 'Ethics and Self-Cultivation Manual'!"
Baobao's eyes lit up at this scene. She felt she'd... finally found her people.
She ran over to Kim and stared blankly at the two weirdos pinned to the floor.
Then she turned to Cloud: "Boss, look. Those two dummies look even weirder than me. Which zoo did they escape from?"
Kim: "..."
Chang and Choi: "..."
The entire rest area fell into eerie silence.
Cloud buried his face in his hands, feeling he'd never been this embarrassed in his entire life.
...
Just as the awkward atmosphere peaked, an even bigger commotion erupted from the entrance!
This time, true stars had arrived!
"Look! It's Team Japan!"
"Oh my god! It's Kyo Kusanagi! It's really him!"
Three young men walked in, surrounded by a swarm of media and fans.
The leader had chestnut-brown short hair and wore a modified school uniform with a massive sun emblem on the back.
His features were handsome, his lips curved in an insouciant, supremely confident smirk.
His eyes burned like flames—wild, untamed, as if he held no hero in the world worthy of his regard.
Just standing there casually, an innate, sun-like radiant kingly aura washed over everyone!
He was the heir to the clan that guarded one of the Three Sacred Treasures—the Kusanagi Sword—the once-in-a-century fighting genius: Kyo Kusanagi!
His two teammates were equally remarkable.
One was a mixed-race model with long golden hair, so beautiful even women would be jealous—Benimaru Nikaido.
He was currently posing for cameras, throwing flirtatious looks to screaming fans, every gesture radiating "electric" charm.
The other was a mountain of a man in wooden sandals, his face rugged and ancient, silent and stoic—the judo master Goro Daimon.
His eyes were closed, seemingly indifferent to everything around him, yet his aura of profound stillness commanded respect.
"Kyo Kusanagi..." Cloud's expression turned serious.
He could clearly "see" it—inside Kyo Kusanagi's body burned what seemed like a miniature sun!
That scorching, domineering flame power was unlike anything he'd ever witnessed!
[Ding! Child of Destiny 'Kyo Kusanagi' detected. Power Rating: S+. Potential Rating: SSS. Warning: This individual is a 'Son of the Plane' in this world, possessing powerful 'protagonist halo.' Host is advised to proceed with caution.]
Meanwhile, Commander Zuo's gaze had locked onto Kyo as well.
For the first time, his ancient-well-still face showed gravity.
"Demonic energy... such powerful demonic energy!" he said in a low voice.
Cloud: "...Commander Zuo, that's not demonic energy. That's bloodline power."
"Hmph. In my view, all inhuman power is demonic! It must be purged!" Commander Zuo gripped his blade hilt.
Cloud nearly jumped out of his skin and quickly grabbed him: "Don't be rash! Commander! He's a teammate! Wait, no—he's an ally! AN ALLY!"
Just as tension peaked, Terry and Ryo arrived with their respective teams.
Their appearance triggered another wave of excitement.
As legends of South Town, they were also championship favorites.
Terry spotted Kyo and grinned, waving from a distance, battle-hunger blazing in his eyes.
Ryo maintained his "tough guy" expression, but his gaze swept between Kyo, Heidern, and Commander Zuo—clearly marking them all as his greatest rivals.
Between the strong, a single glance conveyed a thousand words.
Just then, a clear, melodious voice called out from behind Cloud.
"Cloud!"
He turned to find Athena Asamiya walking toward him with a radiant smile.
Today she wore a modified white qipao, looking youthful, vibrant, and full of energy.
Beside her were an honest-looking young man (Sie Kensou) and an old man in kung fu attire carrying a wine gourd, appearing sage-like but with shifty, darting eyes (Chin Gentsai).