However, facing this lethal strike that could instantly kill most experts in the world, the Emperor's face remained calm.
He slowly raised his right hand, neither dodging nor evading, simply pushing forward gently.
An equally powerful domain force—but with an entirely different aura, one filled with imperial majesty—erupted from within him!
That power was terrifying enough to reach 94% Absolute Domain!
No one had ever known that this Emperor, who had always lived reclusively, was such a terrifying master.
The golden lion collided with the Emperor's domain power, producing no sound, yet creating spiritual waves that reached the heavens.
The air in the entire Phoenix Hall seemed to freeze solid.
Finally, the flame mark's power was exhausted, slowly dissipating.
The Emperor remained seated steadily, though the sleeve of his extended right hand had crumbled to ash.
He looked at his slightly trembling palm, then at Director Konoe who had collapsed into a puddle of terror. His eyes filled with unprecedented gravity.
He understood.
This wasn't an assassination. This was a warning.
The man called Cloud was using the most direct, most domineering method to tell him: "I can take your life anytime, anywhere. You'd better not provoke me."
"Good... very good, Cloud!" The Emperor's voice carried emotional fluctuation for the first time—shock, anger, and a hint of excitement at meeting a worthy opponent.
News of Cloud's defiance of the Imperial family and crippling four Chrysanthemum Guards with one finger spread like wildfire throughout Japan's martial arts world and financial circles.
Everyone was stunned by Cloud's audacious actions.
"Is this guy insane? He actually dared to clash head-on with the Imperial family?"
"The Imperial family may have kept a low profile these years, but their depth is unfathomable. Cloud kicked an iron plate this time!"
"Just wait and see—Imperial retaliation is coming soon."
However, what awaited them wasn't Imperial retaliation, but a political and economic storm that swept through Japan's entire upper class.
The next day, the Kusanagi family was first to speak. Patriarch Saisyu Kusanagi personally held a press conference, publicly declaring: "Cloud is a core member of the Kusanagi family. Anyone who opposes Cloud is an enemy of the Kusanagi clan!"
Immediately after, the Nikaido Financial Group announced suspension of all investments related to the Imperial household and would conduct a "risk assessment" of Imperial assets.
Subsequently, led by the Kagura Financial Group, dozens of Japanese martial arts families and business giants jointly issued a statement.
They expressed "serious concern" over the Imperial household's "baseless accusations against the KOF champion" and demanded "a reasonable explanation."
For a time, all of Japan erupted.
This wasn't "serious concern"—this was clearly a "palace coup" drama orchestrated by Cloud from behind the scenes!
Everyone could see clearly now: Cloud was no longer a simple "fighter."
Using his overwhelming personal strength as the core, he had leveraged the two ancient families of Kusanagi and Kagura, then allied with commercial battleships like Nikaido, forming a terrifying coalition capable of upending the nation's power structure!
"Holy crap! This plot is more exciting than the actual KOF tournament!"
"This is what you call an international superstar! This is the prestige of the King of Fighters!"
"The Imperial family played themselves this time. Thought they'd squeeze a soft persimmon, ended up grabbing a grenade—one with a remote detonator!"
Facing this overwhelming pressure, the Emperor—this supreme master who had hidden for decades—finally made his response.
A challenge letter personally penned by the Emperor was delivered to all major Japanese media outlets and the heads of every major faction.
The content was brief: "One week hence, atop Mount Fuji, I shall engage the King of Fighters, Cloud, in a death match... to decide the future of Japan!"
When the news broke, the entire world was in uproar!
The Emperor would personally face Cloud in single combat?!
This was no longer a simple personal grudge—this was the ultimate showdown between new king and old, with everything on the line!
In Kagura Shrine, Cloud looked at the challenge letter in his hand, his face showing an "I knew it" smile.
"Trying to resolve all troubles with a duel?" He tossed the letter aside. "Not a bad approach."
Chizuru looked at him with concern. "Cloud, are you... confident? Outsiders don't know, but we're well aware—every generation of Emperor has possessed unfathomable power..."
Cloud walked over and gently flicked her nose, smiling. "Relax. He's just some shut-in Emperor. I've already tested him."
He turned to face the direction of the Imperial Palace, battle intent blazing in his eyes.
"Actually, before KOF 97 arrives, having a worthy punching bag to warm up with isn't bad at all."
He spoke to the empty air, his voice not loud yet seeming to reach across all of Tokyo: "I accept this challenge."
...
Get 20+ chapters ahead on - P.a.t.r.e.o.n "RoseWhisky"