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King of Fighters II
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King of Fighters '94
"Tchee-yah!"
Just as he hears the scream, Goro Daimon finds himself airborne and BAM! He lands with large thud.
"Goooooo-waaah...."
It is Daimon's loss. The boy who wins the preliminary round of Japan's varied fighting forms tournament quickly catches his wind. The fighting style of this delicate young boy, Kyo Kusanagi, seems to combine the art of manipulating fire, passed through his bloodline, with the "Sword of Kusanagi," which protected the Susano-ono-Mikoto of legend, to make up the Fist of Kusanagi martial arts that is said to be as old as humanity. Kyo is a direct descendant of this Kusanagi bloodline.
And Goro Daimon now realizes in this preliminary match the sublime power of the moves Kyo possesses.
"Too bad there. Mr. Former Gold Medalist man."
Daimon looks back to see a superbly coiffed blond boy, his hair shooting up into the sky. He's Benimaru, who moved onto the finals one step ahead of Kyo. His style is flamboyant, and he is a guy who really stands out in a crowd.
"You lose to a punk like this, what a joke. Your reputation as a gold medalist is ruined."
"...Hold on there, sonny, you can't win with a half-hearted attitude like that..."
"What did you say? It's a given that I'll win and be hailed all over Japan!"
"You should show more prudence before issuing challenges..."
And because of his boasting, the conclusion to the battle between Kyo and Benimaru's is fairly predictable. As Kyo keeps a certain degree of distance, Benimaru continues to move in. It's truly a strategy of attrition.
"Nuts! What a clown. Hey-yaah!!!"
Benimaru moves to finish the match with a single blow and jumps in for the kill. Then it happens:
"Hoooh-yeah!"
Having kept a certain distance from his foe until now, Kyo releases his super special move, the Serpent Wave.
"What the...? Oooh-wghaaaaaa!!"
The flames that Kyo release swallow up Benimaru and the match ends. Kyo pants something as he tries to recover his breath.
"Heh, heh...Burn, baby, burn...."
The two, who have come to respect each other's strengths, receive their invitations to the King of Fighters one year later.
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King of Fighters '95
Benimaru and Daimon, hearing information that Kyo has returned from his training abroad, arrive at the port to greet him.
BENIMARU: "Unbelievable! He's finally coming back!"
DAIMON: "So, just how strong has he got...?"
When the ship on which Kyo is believed to be arrives, a masked figure pounces on the two.
The attack is shrewd and Benimaru and Daimon, in spite of their strength, do their utmost just to avoid the attack.
BENIMARU: "Wh-who is this clown?"
DAIMON: "Hmph. Quite a strangely nimble opponent!"
Then at that moment, a flame out of nowhere glances the mask of the figure who has attacked the two.
ASSAILANT: "Gah...!"
The three look in the direction that the flame came from to see the figure of Kyo blowing out the flames on his fingertips.
KYO: "What are you doing, you two?"
BENIMARU: "K-Kyo?!"
The figure's mask, grazed by Kyo's flame, breaks in two and falls to the ground. The identity of the figure is revealed to be none other than the secretary who led them to Rugal's lair one year ago.
BENIMARU: "Y-you?!"
SECRETARY: "Hoo, hoo, hoo...it's just like you three to put me in a pretty pickle. As my duties involve delivering this to you, I'll conclude my duties presently."
Rugal's secretary produces the invitation from her breast pocket.
SECRETARY: "An invitation to King of Fighters '95. We insist you honor us with your presence at this year's tournament...Well, then, I look forward to our next meeting."
Rugal's secretary makes a swift exit.
BENIMARU: "Hey! Get back here!"
KYO: "...For crying out loud what a pain in the patootie. I just get back home and now this! Well, at least I won't be getting bored anytime soon."
BENIMARU: "You got that right. Things are getting downright compelling! Do you think the appearance of that chick could mean Rugal's still alive...?!"
KYO: "Rugal...?! If that's the case...things'll really be getting compelling!"
BENIMARU: "Then...we three are a team again? So what're ya gonna do...!"
DAIMON: "Yeah, it's too bad ŽÐ I was hoping to whoop your backsides this time around."
KYO: "OK...! Well, then, let's start workin' out!"
And thus, their will's resolved, our three heroes once again team up to enter the King of Fighters '95.
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King of Fighters '96
A great clash of psychic force takes place in the middle of an overgrown thicket.
One of the men sports a sun pattern on the back of his uniform, and the other has melted into the shadows. It is hard to make out just who or what he is.
The man dressed in the uniform, Kyo Kusanagi that is, is already panting heavily.
KYO: "F-fudge! Then how about trying this one on for size?!!"
Kyo focuses all his energy and unleashes his Serpent Wave move. But his opponent catches and crushes its flames with one hand.
KYO: "What the?!"
SHADOWY FIGURE: "So that is all your capable of, Kyo Kusanagi...?"
Just when he thinks the shadowy figure uttered this, he is sprung into the air.
KYO: "Ooh-whaaa!"
Kyo is slammed to the ground and rendered motionless.
KYO: "Guh, wh-who...are you...?"
SHADOWY FIGURE: "Hmph, someone who grossly overestimated your abilities, I guess..."
And with that, the shadowy figure slips back into the shadows.
Kyo swallows his failure hard as his consciousness slowly fades.
Kyo awakens suddenly. He looks up at the snow-white ceiling above.
KYO: "...Where am I?"
He looks up at two blurry faces. They are Benimaru and Daimon.
BENIMARU: "Hey! Kyo, can you hear us? Kyo!"
DAIMON: "Are you OK? Kyo!"
KYO: "Benimaru...Daimon...."
BENIMARU: "What happened to you? How did you get all banged up like this?!"
KYO: "..."
Kyo tries to lift his arms. He sees that they are wrapped in white bandages. Pain suddenly rushes up and down his limbs.
KYO: "Ooh...mama! That hurts."
BENIMARU: "Hmm... I guess he did more than trip on the street. No! Do you think he met up with Yagami?!"
KYO: "No...."
DAIMON: "Then who the devil was it?!"
KYO: "...I don't know. Nuts!"
Kyo swivels on top of the bed to punch the wall with all his might.
BENIMARU: "But who would have imagined you getting this smashed up."
KYO: "...I was sure I could win. I placed my confidence in these fists of Kusanagi. But I never thought.... The Serpent Wave would prove useless..."
BENIMARU: "Wh-what? Hey, are you kidding?"
KYO: "I'm serious! That's why...guh...."
BENIMARU: "Kyo...."
Kyo suddenly rises from his bed, as if suddenly remembering something.
KYO: "Owwww-oooch...."
BENIMARU: "Hey, what are you doing? You're in no condition to walk!!"
KYO: "I can't just lollygag around here forever. Got it? And don't try to follow me!!!"
Kyo rises from his bed and staggers out the door.
Benimaru and Daimon exchange glances.
DAIMON: "So what do we do now?"
BENIMARU: "Well, if someone tells me not to follow him, I got to follow the guy."
DAIMON: "..."
Having tailed Kyo, Benimaru and Daimon arrive at the overgrown thicket.
Here they find Kyo loitering around.
DAIMON: "Are you sure about this...? If Kyo finds us here...."
BENIMARU: "Bah, dummy up! We came here because we were worried, didn't we? If this is bothering you, you shouldn't have come with me in the first place!"
DAIMON: "U-uh...yeah..."
BENIMARU: "What the crud is that guy doing here anyway?"
Kyo inhales slowly and focuses his energy in his fists. Shortly thereafter a tremendous force begins to reverberate through the thicket.
BENIMARU: "Ah!"
DAIMON: "Whoa...!"
KYO: "Hah!"
At the release of his scream Kyo becomes absorbed in light and Benimaru and Daimon are smacked to the ground by the shockwave.
DAIMON: "!"
BENIMARU: "Kah!"
When the glow subsides, the thicket is charred black and Kyo stands at its center.
KYO: "Huh, huh...looks like I did it.... Did you see me, Father?!"
Kyo mutters this as he drops to his knees.
Benimaru and Daimon stare in blank amazement, overwhelmed by the power.
BENIMARU: "Aw-awesome..."
DAIMON: "Yeah...that was one amazing move...."
Kyo looks back at the two.
KYO: "Didn't I tell you not to follow me...? Whatever. So, what did you think? That was one of the heavenly moves of the Kusanagi.... I've always wanted to try it at least once but never was able to pull it off. I thought I was strong enough without it, so I never again attempted it, but I felt I could do it.... I gave it a shot, and sure enough..."
BENIMARU: "That was amazing! That should cream the guy who messed you up...."
KYO: "Will it? The only way to find out for sure is to try it."
Saying this, Kyo falls temporarily falls silent, but shortly thereafter he opens his mouth as if remembering something.
KYO: "King of Fighters...."
BENIMARU: "Huh?"
KYO: "The King of Fighters!"
BENIMARU: "Ah, yeah, if you're talking about the King of Fighters I sent in the application the other day, but what about it? ...Ah, you mean?! The guy who knocked you senseless has something to do with this year's King of Fighters?"
KYO: "No, not that. And I wasn't ever senseless! It's just that I can't stand the fact that that guy is watching me somewhere and snickering at me! I want to show what I, Kyo Kusanagi, am capable of during the King of Fighters.
BENIMARU: "Hey, we planned to enter anyway! We're already on that rail, bud!"
DAIMON: "Yup."
BENIMARU: "OK! Well then."
KYO: "Let's get cracking. King of Fighters, here we come!!!"
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A formal romantic involvement. Husband/Wife by law, or boy/girlfriend otherwise.
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King of Fighters '97
Daimon's judo gym. Daimon stand with his arms crossed and looks down at the man kow-towing at his feet.
DAIMON: "Master...would you please stand up?"
MAN: "No, I'm staying here until you agree to my request. If you don't, it will mean the end to the sport of judo in Japan. I beg you. Come back. Save Japanese judo!"
DAIMON: "Master...!"
Daimon frantically tries to bring his master to his feet but the man does not budge. Daimon begins to brood, a desperate crosses his face.
DAIMON: "...All right then."
The man springs to his feet and gazes into Daimon's eyes.
MAN: "Are you serious?"
DAIMON: "It is true that I entered this world of fighting competitions because I realized the limitations to judo's power, but I never once renounced it. Judo made me what I am today. And if judo is in danger, then I can't just stand by and watch. Though I'm not up to the task, Master, please let me help you."
MAN: "Thank you. Thank you so much, Daimon!"
DAIMON: "But I have a favor to ask of you."
MAN: "Huh? What is it?
DAIMON: "Y-you've probably already heard but the King of Fighters begins tomorrow. It's important for me to finish what I began, so I ask you to wait until the King of Fighters is over for me to help you."
MAN: "I knew you'd say that. I understand. Knock 'em dead, Daimon."
DAIMON: "Thank you. You know I will."
The port. Benimaru is lost in thought, looking off into the horizon at nothing in particular. He lights a cigarette. He stares at the glimmering fire of his lighter, lighting and extinguishing it over and over. The flickering of the flame triggers a flashback.
BENIMARU: "Since that fateful day, I've never taken that guy on...."
Memories of Kyo cross dance in his mind's eye. He recalls the last time he and Kyo fought, and Kyo served him up a stinging coup de grace.
BENIMARU: "I almost forgot I lost to that guy..."
Benimaru blows a puff of smoke up at the sky.
BENIMARU: "I can't keep going on being this chummy all the time...Maybe the opportunity to avenge myself has come. Kyo Kusanagi...."
Panting and gasps reverberate through the area. Kyo assumes a fighting position. He fights an unknown opponent.
KYO: "Nuts...!!!"
His opponent moves slightly. Kyo finds an opening.
KYO: "Victory is mine!!"
Flames shoot from his hands.
KYO: "Eat this!!!"
The flames rush forward. The flames engulf his opponent. The flames then suddenly contract and a shadow grows in their place. The shapeless, formless void continues to grow. It threatens to swallow up not just the flames but Kyo as well.
KYO: "Gah! ...Ah!!! ...!!!"
Kyo's body, voice, and breath are all swallowed by the void. All Kyo can see is darkness. In this state, a ringing in his ears gradually increases in volume. He covers his ears but to no avail. He gradually becomes aware of what the noise is.
KYO: "The din...it's...singing?!"
The moment the ringing in his ear reaches its peak, the void suddenly collapses. A stadium becomes visible before him. In the distance he sees the message: "KOF."
KYO: "...!"
Kyo opens his eyes. His body is drenched in sweat.
KYO: "A dream...When did I fall asleep?"
Suddenly his gaze shifts to his desk. An invitation with "KOF" emblazoned on the envelope rests there.
KYO: "The King of Fighters? ...What's going on...?"
In the judo gym. Daimon folds up his judo gear.
At the port. Benimaru crushes out his cigarette.
Kyo stares at the invitation.
KYO, BENIMARU, DAIMON: "So it all begins...tomorrow."
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King of Fighters '99
The moment that thunderous rumbling in my ears begins, the color drains from the surrounding landscape and I fall into darkness.
In this darkness, the feeling that cool drops are falling on my body continues for some time.
And then the sensation suddenly stops. My body goes limp, but I still can open my eyes.
I regain my sight with difficulty, and someone's approaching palm appears right before my eyes.
The darkness swallows me once again. I, along with my consciousness, am sucked back into the darkness.
I don't know how long I've been asleep. As before, I am still enshrouded in the darkness.
But now I know I'm awake.
At times I feel as if something is sucking me upward. I feels like I'm going to hurl.
At odd moments, I recall the forms of old acquaintances that have nothing to do with my current predicament.
A voice comes next.
I can't make out whose voice it is, and it asks me things I can't quite understand: 'Are you Kyo Kusanagi?' 'I'll have your data now.' And the voice that seems to be calling to someone passes through my ears, echoing in my head: "Krizalid,' K'."
But whatever I hear, I choose to ignore.
I absolutely do not want to voluntarily answer any questions.
A transformation takes place just as I begin to think how long will I be like this.
I hear a throbbing sound.
It is a throbbing sound within me.
At the same time, a familiar fever seizes me.
It's my blood.
The blood begins to course through my veins.
The ferocity of the throbbing increasesﾑso much so that I want to cover my ears.
In the midst of this I hear a voice calling to me. The throbbing is louder and I have trouble hearing it. The throbbing then consists of a variety of other noises, and it transforms into a blast, as if something's exploding. The voice calling to me is faint, but I can certainly hear it.
Someone is calling me.
"Kyo," it says.
Along with the voice that summons me, I see a light in the distance, albeit faintly.
I squint, trying to make out what it is.
But the light grows in an instant and my surroundings become visible.
I'm surrounded in a sea of flame. Smoke fills the air and I have trouble breathing. An alarm echoes in my ears.
When I am finally able to see and hear clearly, I become aware that the throbbing that is growing even more intense are the explosions occurring around me, and they shoot flames into the air.
A man blocks my way.
"So, was it you who was calling me?!"
The man does not attempt to answer; in fact he seems absolutely paralyzed with fear. I can make out a mark on the man's collar.
"N-E-S-T-S?"
The instant I attempt to ask what this mark means, the blast wave of an explosion knocks the man and me backward. When I come to I wonder how long I was out and realize it was only an instant. The smoke seems to have subsided and I realize I have been thrown several meters clear of the fire.
The next thing I hear is not the sound of explosions but one of shattering glass.
Some sort of fluid spills to the floor and it seems to vaporize, surrounding me with a choking heat.
Just when I come to the realization that I have to get out of here, something touches my feet.
"!"
A corpse. Not only that...it's my corpse.
And it's not just at my feet, the whole room is filled with me, corpses of me are strewn all over the place.
I put two and two together quickly; the meaning of my interrogation while I was in darkness suddenly becomes obvious to me.
"...Make a monkey of me will you...!!!"
I unleash the flames fly from my fists. But I don't let them all out at once, I let the irresolute flames smolder at my fingertips.
"My power as well..."
Nothing seems to matter. All I can do is fill the room in flame with all the power at my command. From the roaring flames, I can this time clearly hear a voice beckoning me.
"Kyoooooooooooh...!!!"
There's no need to think; it's his voice."
I leave the room. I'm buffeted with the shockwave of a fiercer explosion.
"NESTS...This is going to cost you big time...!!!"
The flames continue to smolder from my fists, as if imploring me to take action.
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King of Fighters '00
Gazing up at the sun.
Without trying to avoid this, Iori does nothing but keep gazing up at the sun in the sky.
Same as ever, he is unable to find the whereabouts of Kyo. But they will meet.
Pursuing a premonition that resembles certainty, he has become stronger.
Right before he covers his eyes, the clouds in the sky hide the sun.
When he returns his glance to the ground, warning bells go off instinctively in Iori.
"...!"
...An enemy. It isn't Kyo. But he has come across this sensation before.
When and where was it? He tries to pick out from his memory the place where he sensed this same sensation.
His instincts sharpen his senses, further accelerating the speed of his thinking.
His temperature rises and his body begins to ready himself for combat.
It gradually draws near, but he has focused on the sensation he must aim for.
A number of men among the passing throng of people do not blink.
He feels another similar sensation a short distance from him.
Simultaneously, a vague memory becomes clear to him
"NESTS...A bunch of lackeys..."
What is even more interesting to Iori is that he determines that the person following him is keeping his distance while other men closer to him are focusing not on him but another target.
Who are they pursuing? ...The answer stands right in front of Iori.
It is a woman.
To Iori, this is just another female. But the pursuers close in with the woman at the center.
It would be no problem to let them go about their business. But it sure would make a sorry sight.
The lackeys make their way past Iori. Iori is easily able to sense the tension his enemies feel toward him.
He drops his shoulders.
He is right on top of them.
With his back to them, Iori extends an arm to a man on the left with his back to him in a similar manner.
Along with a dull thud, all things linked together separate at once and he feels the sensation of further breakage.
The feeling goes through his fingers and directly stimulates his instincts.
"Let's have a little fun, then."
Iori says this with an expression that's even icier than any he's issued before.
Looking over the shoulder of his limp victim, he can see that the remaining thugs are turning and coming toward him.
Besides that, the position of the gaze he previously felt continues to focus on him.
Iori ignores the feeling that he's being watched along with the crow and runs toward his prey, using the man he just dropped as a shield. In seconds he closes in on the men.
What one of the men sees is the spectacle of his friends closing in on him for an instant, followed by the ground far below him, and the people standing there looking up at him.
The weak thud of the man falling from a height of less then two meters is heard.
The vacant space begins to grow at the center of the crowd around where the unfamiliar thud of the man was heard.
As the remaining men continue to overtake the woman, Iori frantically attempts to chase them down.
Before they can ready themselves for the onslaught, a similar dull thud is heard.
Just one more to go.
Iori makes a beeline for the woman.
The woman is bewildered at the situation around her. When she turns to survey the situation, Iori appears in her field of vision.
The man who's clearly out of his element heads her way-directly at her.
Like a snake enthralled by a frog, his body does not move. In no time they are squaring off against each other.
"You're being followed."
Iori's words come as a complete surprise to the woman.
Looking at Iori who is fixing his attentions behind him, the woman confirms for the first time the fact that someone is pursuing her.
The two parties continue to stare each other down with the woman sandwiched in between Iori and her pursuers.
Iori can't help noticing the smiles that momentarily twist the men's faces.
In the direction where the men had looked and smiled, he catches the other figure who had been focusing on him.
"So this is where you were."
The words and Iori's actions occur simultaneously. Iori scoops up the woman and crouches down.
The woman is unaware of what is happening, confused by Iori's sudden actions.
But at the moment she was scooped up she was sure she heard the sound of a gunshot.
"Get out of here. If you don't want to die."
His words are neither a threatening or coercive. They were just something Iori uttered to her indifferently.
Behind her she can see the figures of the men breaking off and slowly leaving.
The woman realizes that the gunshot was not just in her imagination.
The woman heads for no place in particular. Iori rises up and pursues the direction he heard with his eyes from the place where a man lies.
Far off in the distance he sees a man holding a rifle with a scope.
Iori matches his line of vision with the direction the shooter's scope is pointed.
He faces his body toward the gun and takes a step forward. Whether he is confirming Iori's movements or not, the man lowers his gun and runs off.
"Excuse me..."
Iori looks back in the direction of the voice. The woman has waited for Iori, the though of escaping never occurring once to her.
"Thank you. It looks like you saved my life."
"It wasn't my intention."
The woman continues, unfazed at Iori's response.
"You are a strong one, aren't you? You resemble someone I know."
"Resemble someone? Me?"
Iori feels drawn to what she says. The woman remains unaware of the change in Iori's heartbeat.
"I haven't seen him in quite a while, though...."
Why was NESTS pursuing this woman? Why did she come across me?
The dots just don't match up. It must be, this is his girl.
"Do you think I'd be able to meet this person?"
"Pardon?"
Iori turns his back on the bewildered girl and begins to leave.
"I think it can be arranged."
His feet stop. The woman calls to him from behind.
"He always keeps his promise. I guarantee it."
The woman is unable to see the expression on Iori's face.
Without responding to the woman's words, Iori vanishes into the crowd.
Gazing up at the sun.
In spite of such an incident, nothing unusual or frightening remains.
Maybe it was because she sensed the same "smell" from the man who saved her and the other familiar man she knows who resembles him.
Yuki gazes up at the sun in which Kyo's gloved hand appears, it is a sight she has temporarily forgotten.
It's been a long time since she's seen him.
Kyo, who left as he always did on that fateful day, has yet to arrive home.
The only thing that has returned to Yuki is Kyo's beat up glove she carries with her.
She doesn't believe he's dead. The groundless confidence grows stronger with each day.
Along with the events of this day, her belief now changes into something resembling certaintly.
The cloud cover breaks and the sun shines through.
Yuki puts the glove back into her bag and gazes up at the sky for a while. The sin glitters brightly.
"I'm waiting for you, Kyo."
Yuki begins to walk away as the sun continues to shine down on her.
Glaring up at the sun.
Kyo arrives at this place as if drawn her by some force.
The battle with the Orochi ended, this was to be the place that all would come to an end.
But everything has once again originated from this place.
This glove he had supposed to have lost was why they first met.
This scuffed and torn-up glove.
The light of the setting sun brings out all the scratches and tears on the sun that decorates his glove.
Each of these scratches and tears appear now to be a part of his very being.
He has not returned from that day. Until he settles his score with NESTS, he cannot go back.
Kyo has reached this firm decision.
Kyo removes an envelope form his pocket. It is an invitation to KOF; from where it originates he does not know.
He is sure that here he can find the answers he seeks to a great many questions. At least there's some value in entering.
Soon all will be settled. And then he will be able to return home.
It appeared gradually, but it begins to light up glare with a light different from the sun.
Through the breaks in the clouds shine the rays of the moon. Unknown to him, the sun has already set.
As he gazes upon it, the clouds separate and the sky clears. A crescent moon appears in the sky.
It emits a strong glow disproportional to the space it takes up in the sky that illuminates Kyo.
The image of the man whose back is decorated with a crescent moon appears in Kyo's mind's eye.
"It won't be long."
Turning his back to the light of the sun, Kyo slowly begins to walk away.
It doesn't take long for him to melt into the darkness where the moon's rays do not reach.
The rays from the moon continue to pour down on the space where Kyo was standing, as if demanding for his return.
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King of Fighters '01
"Oomph."
Bam!
A large man stands out conspicuously in the gym, and he tosses one Olympic athlete after another down on the mat.
"That's enough for today!"
"Thank you very much!"
The giant removes his judo clothes and begins to wipe the sweat dripping from his granite-firm body.
Then, all of a sudden...
"Hey, long time no see, Daimon! This time, more than I care to."
"Well, if it isn't Benimaru!"
"Must be tough being a coach, isn't it...Or are you the manager?"
The two leave the gym, sit on a bench, and begin talking.
"...Benimaru, judging from the circumstances, I don't think you've come to talk about the good old days, have you?"
"Well...as a matter of fact, I got one of these."
Benimaru dramatically offers the envelope to Daimon.
"Is this...an invitation to the King of Fighters tournament...?"
"Yup, that's it. I won't beat around the bush, Daimon. I want you to enter with me."
After a considerable silence, Daimon comes to his conclusion.
"Benimaru...I...."
"I know. It's Kyo, isn't it?"
"That's it...."
"Well, then, what if I told you that Kyo is entering the tournament, too?"
"Kyo, in the tournament?! Have you heard from Kyo, Benimaru?"
"Yup, but we just talked on the phone...It seems that he's in Japan. He told me he's officially entering the tournament."
"Hmm..."
"Care to be teammates again? Eh, Daimon?"
"...Benimaru. Lead the way."
"That's the old pepper, big guy!"
Shingo sits and fidgets on a park bench, illuminated by the moon's rays.
"Mr. Kusanagi. We didn't have to meet in a place like this..."
There's no trace of another human around. To be honest, Shingo is shivering with fear. He's the only one in this park at midnight....
"Oh wow, it's past twelve o'clock. I wonder if Mr. Kusanagi's really going to show up...."
He mutters this while looking up at the moon. ...Then in that instant, Shingo feels the presence of someone behind him. He quickly swivels around.
"...What? ...Guess it was just my imagination...."
"Hey, Shingo."
"Dwaaaagh!"
Shingo panics and looks back in front of him as his name is called. It turns out to be the person that Shingo has been dying to meet all this time.
"Mr. Kusana-aaaaaaagi!"
Shingo, overcome with sheer joy, tries to embrace him, but Kyo bats him away with a single hand. Shingo, carried by his own inertia, crashes "neatly" into the ground, face first.
"...Jeesh. I see you haven't changed for the better, have you?"
"Ow! That's going to leave a mark. Uh, you too, Mr. Kusanagi! What have you been up to all this time?! I was worried sick!"
"Well, a lot has been on my plate. So, Shingo, just where's Benimaru at?"
"Yeah! Benimaru should be coming along any time now. ...Ah, here he is!"
Benimaru walks toward the two, his blond hair gleaming in the moonlight. The judo giant walks behind him.
"Th-That's...."
Kyo is surprised.
"Kyo, it's been a while. It's not much of a souvenir, but I brought Daimon along with me."
"Benimaru...Daimon..."
"Long time no see, Kyo. It seems you've been through some tough times."
"I've seen a few...."
"Hey you two, lighten up. More important, I have a message for you, Kyo. You haven't been by Yuki's have you? She's been pretty worried."
"Yuki? Ah...yeah. Once this is over...."
"Jeesh...Why don't you...ah, whatever. So...I've been looking after your self-appointed disciple. I don't know how much my word means, but he seems to have improved a little during your absence."
"A little? That's harsh, Benimaru!"
Everyone lets out a brief laugh, but the mood quickly changes.
"Kyo...do you feel it?"
"Yeah...we're surrounded. ...I'd say three, four, five, probably more."
"Hmm..."
The three-Kyo, Benimaru, and Daimon-change their mood previously friendly one and they appear poised for combat, their adrenalin increasing. Only one, only Shingo, seems to dither about, not grasping what is about to go down.
"U-Uh...What's the problem, guys?"
As Kyo puts his glove back on, he lets out a scream!
"How about breaking a few heads together, for old times sake?!! Are you up for it, Benimaru?! Daimon?!"
"Sounds like a plan! Team Japan is back in business!"
"All right!"
Kyo, Benimaru, and Daimaru dash into the darkness as one.
"Hey ev-everybody! Don't leave me alone here! Heeeeey!"
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King of Fighters '03
The figure of her elder sister, presumed murdered, is always nearby.
This is not expressing things poetically. Those who were to head the House of Kagura were always meant to be these female identical twins - Chizuru and Maki Kagura.
In the windows of buildings, in a car's rearview mirror, in a city shop's show window, even on the surface of a pond - Chizuru's own reflection was the spitting image of her departed sister, with lavish and long hair tied in back, its length flowing down to her waist, and that same distinctive bearing.
"Yagami...Uh, begging your pardon, Master Yasakani has arrived."
"And Kyo Kusanagi?"
"He has yet to grace us with his presence."
"Really, that is exquisite. It would be highly unlikely for those two to meet cordially with each other anyway, don't you think?"
Chizuru Kagura responds from the other side of a shoji screen. Her sigh dissipates into the air of this building that suggests a grand and tranquil Shinto shrine.
"Please tell him that I will be right there."
"Wouldn't it be preferable to let him wait a tad longer?"
"Whatever for?"
"......"
"If you're worrying about me, I'm fine. I've just been a little fatigued recently - that's all."
"Then I suppose I have nothing to worry about."
"I'm fine.... Yes, quite fine."
* * * * *
When he leaves the grand entrance of the Kagura house, Iori Yagami refuses the car waiting for him, ignores those seeing him off, and hoofs it out the gate.
The cobblestone road running through this neighborhood of established families is paved with well-beveled stones, and not only is it well-kempt it is regularly rinsed to keep it immaculate.
But Yagami, oblivious to his elegant surroundings, continues to press on homeward.
With his well-tempered body poised, his red hair complements the keen glint in his eyes.
(Bah!)
As he remembers the previous discussion at the Kagura house, an inexpressible anger with no target to unleash it on wells up within him.
After a five-minute walk, he reaches a railway that cuts through the rows of old houses.
His gaze sets upon a lone figure astride a motorcycle on the other side of the train tracks.
Yagami freezes to a halt.
The man wears a helmet with a full-face visor, making it impossible to discern his identity.
But for Yagami, there's no question as to who this person is.
(......)
The two stand motionless on opposite sides of the track. Only the motorcycle's engine dares to make a sound, producing a low and well-regulating purr.
Before long a train nears and warning bells ring out.
The yellow and black colored railroad crossing gate slowly descends between the two.
The man on the motorcycle raises a hand to the visor of his helmet.
At the instant Iori thinks he can make out the rider's face, the train rushes between them.
(It's him all right.)
That instant was all that was needed.
Another train passes by from the opposite direction, and although the line of vision remains obstructed, Iori needs no further confirmation.
When the trains pass on, the figure of the motorcycle rider is nowhere to be seen.
Iori can make out the noise of a motorcycle engine fading away in the distance.
(Who'd believe me teaming up with that clown? Bah!)
Yagami's face, bordered by his red bangs, breaks into a, for want of a better word, "smile."
History, deprecation, cynicism, hate, madness, disdain, and fate.
A variety of inexpressible emotions fill Yagami's soul when he faces off against his nemesis. The only thing that can expunge these overwhelming emotions he finds impossible to handle is the act of fighting.
* * * * *
"So you haven't been riding recently I gather, have you?"
Kyo Kusanagi, led into the inner rooms of the Kagura estate, poses this question to his host as he comes face to face with Chizuru.
Kyo had noticed two bikes left idle next to him as he parked his motorcycle.
They were carefully maintained, but he could tell that no one had used them for quite a while.
"No, not recently. You haven't changed, I see."
"I wish I could say so. I've had quite a lot on my plate recently."
Chizuru kneels before him with impeccable posture. For Chizuru, who sits perfectly still, this is the manner of natural dignity befitting the leader of the House of Kagura. But in all honesty, Chizuru is not exactly Kyo's cup of tea.
"I saw Yagami just a few minutes ago."
"......Oh, really?"
"So, to what do I owe the pleasure this time? What pressing matter would call for you to simultaneously summon not just me but Yagami as well to your humble abode?
"It appears that I should just be frank with you."
"You can be whoever you want, just give it to me straight."
"I would like you to join the "Three Divine Vessels" team in this years King of Fighters tournament. That would mean the three of us 社 Me. Kyo Kusanagi, uh, that's you, of course. ...And Iori Yagami."
"Are you bonkers? Regardless of what I'm about to say, there's no way that Yagami-crud would agree to such a proposal."
"He already has."
"...Are you yanking my dangly?"
Unbelievable. Yagami himself had, of all things, already acceded to Chizuru's request.
"Hey, just what sort of spell did you cast on him anyway?"
"If Yasakani had not lent us his strength..."
"If?"
"Both the Kusanagi and the Yata are sure to suffer defeat."
"......"
"It was probably too much for him to stomach: someone beside himself defeating the Kusanagi."
"Now you're just being wack. Just who would defeat whom?!"
Chizuru shuts her eyes.
"Answer me! Are you telling me that I'm someone who can't win without Yagami's help?"
"Perhaps...that is the case."
"Kagura!!!"
The atmosphere becomes tense between the two.
Then for some reason, the image of the two motorcycles comes to mind. They are two models of the exact same type of motorcycle which appear to have been abandoned.
"...Nuts, well, whatever. Anyway, the whoopla keeps me from becoming bored out of my skull every year."
"Thank you...I'm grateful."
Kyo snatches up his helmet resting at his side and stands up.
"I told you it was a way to relieve the boredom, didn't I? There's no need to thank me."
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King of Fighters XI
"So, Miss Kagura, you're sure you're not going to participate in the next KOF?"
"I'm sure... certainly not in my current state..."
Chizuru Kagura, or rather Chizuru Yata, lay feebly on the hospital bed.
Shingo didn't really understand it all, but since Ash Crimson had claimed one of the powers of the three sacred treasures, she could not accompany Kusanagi and Yagami.
"The only thing left I can do is pray.
I don't have the strength to fight alongside Kusanagi and Yagami again..."
"D-don't worry about that!"
Though he thought there was actually a great deal to worry about, Shingo did his best to reassure her anyway.
"But..."
"You can depend on Shingo Yabuki! If you'd allow me, I'd do everything I could to help both of them!"
***
"...so come on, Kyo! Let's enter with Iori! We can do it!"
"Have you completely lost your mind?"
Shingo had happened across Kyo in the middle of a busy intersection, and had virtually prostrated himself in begging for the Kusanagi's cooperation, to little avail. Kyo did his best to just ignore him and continue on his way.
"But we've fought on the same team before!"
"That's just because Kagura practically begged me to. What choice did I have? Why the hell do you think Yagami ever agreed to it before?"
Kyo, Iori and Kagura had entered the tournament together once. That the three of them had cooperated at all had seemed miraculous to begin with; to think that such circumstances might recur was simply absurd. Plus, without the mediating presence of Kagura herself, it was highly unlikely that they would be able to agree on a third teammate.
"Uh, if that's the issue, then I have an idea!"
"...All right then. Spill it, but I'm not making any promises."
"I can join up with you!"
Shingo gave a smile so earnest that, if he was trying to be funny or lighten the mood, one certainly couldn't tell. In other words, he actually meant it.
"...I shouldn't have bothered listening."
***
At the end of a long summer day, the waning moon began to rise in the eastern sky.
The air was humid and heavy.
With the wind becalmed as it was, two entwined trails of smoke rose from the gravestone.
A man stood before the small memorial, and the shadow of another drew near.
"Are you going to leave some incense, Yagami?"
"..."
In front of the stone, the incense smoke mingled with that of a cigarette.
Iori Yagami held it in his mouth, and both strands of smoke wound up into the sky.
Without meeting each others gaze, both men stood before the grave.
"How many years has it been now?"
"...You've gotten even less tactful. What business is it of yours?"
The two muttered quietly to one another, quite unlike their usual sharp words.
The small stone monument seemed to negate their typical antagonism, and all that could be heard was the ever-present chirping of cicadas in the setting sun.
"That student of yours has been pestering me every day. You need to do something about him."
"I'm not his keeper. You can handle it however you want."
"...Very well."
Iori took his now-spent cigarette and crushed it under his foot, then took another one and placed it in his mouth.
Shortly after, Kyo produced a lighter.
It looked to be an antique, with metal plating which was, for some reason, roughly inscribed with English phrases.
With a casual flick, he flipped it open and the wick burst into flame.
He held only his right arm out to Iori, keeping his gaze forward and the rest of his body still.
"Why do you feel the need to carry a lighter?"
"It was a gift."
Iori produced a lighter from his own pocket and, shielding the flame from the wind with his hand, lit his cigarette. Kyo softly clucked his tongue and flipped the cover shut. The area grew slightly darker.
Iori turned to the side and took several steps away.
"..."
"You still need something, Yagami?"
Just as before, Kyo spoke without taking his eyes from the gravestone.
"We still haven't settled this. I'm still going to be the one to kill you."
"..."
"This isn't the place for it, though."
"...I guess not."
Kyo once more heard the sound of Iori's footsteps. They gradually grew more and more distant, until finally fading away entirely.
The nearby streetlamp flickered into life.
The spot where Yagami had stood looked as though it were the focus of a bleak spotlight.
It was stained with the remnants of the cigarette that he had stamped out.
***
The first KOF match, in Japan.
Shingo was waiting for Kyo and Iori at Ootemon, a castle designated as a World Heritage site.
He hadn't exactly gotten promises out of them that they'd attend... in fact, Iori had threatened his life several times. It didn't stop him from trying, but eventually, he was forced to concede.
Shingo remembered his own words one week ago.
"Okay, I'm including both of your names on the signup sheet! You have to come! I believe in both of you!"
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King of Fighters III
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Kyo Kusanagi
Kyo Kusanagi is the legitimate heir of the ancestral arts of the Kusanagi clan. Despite his seemingly rude and arrogant demeanor, he has innate gifts for fighting, and can reduce any of his opponents into ashes via his pyrotechnic skills. Iori Yagami is his "eternal enemy".
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Mephistopheles
A sunny afternoon. If it were a weekend or holiday, the energetic chatter of the youth baseball team would be enlivening the open lot of this riverbed.
On weekday afternoons, on the other hand, people are few and time slows to a standstill.
A man stands in the center of the field, grimacing up at the sunny, blue sky above....
Not a cloud can be seen in the sky, just an unending expanse of azure.
"Wherever I go, they always track me down...."
The words that dribble from this man's mouth are right on the money.
And because he happens to be Kyo Kusanagi, the weight of his words are even greater.
"Some new incident is afoot..."
He grips his invitation to the tournament in his right hand.
"The only product of this is being able to put my abilities to the test once more."
It's another trial thrust before him.
His closed eyes open slowly...transformed to the steely glare of a fighter.
As he heads out, he assumes the gait of a child anticipating a pleasant surprise awaiting him at this destination.
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Addes
He's the true heir to the Ancient Arts of Kusanagi that let him manipulate flame. But he loathes the outdated feud between the Kusanagis and Yagamis and their connection with the Orochi; this makes him reticent to his duties as his bloodline's heir.
After his battles with the Orochi and NESTS, fearing to involve his friends and family in his troubles, he roams the world but has begun to get a little homesick.
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Capcom vs SNK 2
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Capcom vs SNK 2 Endings
"Hello, Mr. Kusanagi, this is Shingo. Congratulations!! I wish I could have joined. Do me a favor, Mr. Kusanagi? Huh? Mr. Kusanagi? Are you still there? Mr. Kusanagi...?"
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Neo Geo Battle Coliseum
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NEOGEO Battle Coliseum
The Kusanagi family had defeated the Yamato-no-Orochi. This is the legendary lineage that can manipulate fire of the red lotus and is referred to as one of the "Three Divine Vessels" along with the Yasakani and Yata families.
Kyo is the direct descendant of this house as well as the true successor to the Ancient Marital Arts of the Kusanagi. And appropriate to such a lineage, he has dominated every competition he's been in from an early age. For he is the descendant of the legendary wielders of special powers and combat capabilities. This has not escaped WAREZ's notice.
And as chance would have it, an invitation to the Battle Coliseum finds its way to Kyo. He promptly decides to join. But he's well aware that this is a trap. "I guess once in a while I've got to play the hero...and toast some butt!"
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