“Hmm...Inner peace, inner peace.”
“Inner peace.”
Both father and son have reconciled and now they get along well with each other once more. Kuma’s stomach growls as he was literally very hungry and of course apologize for the embarrassing moment.
(“Sorry, Pops...My stomach tells me that I am hungry so may I go and get something to eat?”) growled Kuma as Heihachi still with his eyes closed smiles and kindly tells Kuma that he may go and get some food.
“Go ahead, Kuma...You may go and find something to eat.”
(“Thanks, pops...See you later.”)
Kuma heads out of the empty meditation room as Heihachi and Jinpachi chuckles.
“Well, son...You have certainly choose a good bodyguard.”
“Thanks, old man.”
“Well, this meditation really has made me feel a bit younger again.”
“Me too.”
“I reckon old age is catching up to me, son...I mean I am how many years old?”
“Hmm...About 115 or so, give or take a few years.”
“More or less.”
“Well, old man...You see look the same to me.”
“Thanks.”
Jinpachi smiles and he feels most happy that he and his son have become close once more.
“Son.”
“Yes, father?”
“About Sophie.”
“Oh, you mean my great-granddaughter?”
“Yes...You really think she could defeat Kazuya and end this Mishima family war?”
“Our family has been fighting for too long...Too much blood has been shred and now it is the new age for us, Mishimas to show people of the world that we are fighters with honour, dignity, loyalty and valor.”
“Well spoken, father.”
“Now, my son...The time would come for us to fight.”
“Yes...I cannot wait to get my hands on Kazuya for all he has done.”
“So do I.”
“And I regret what I did to him.”
“There’s no time for that, my son...What’s in the past is in the past. For now, we must focus on the current present.”
“Of course.”
“Well, the fight would be very soon...Let us get ready.”
“Very well, father.”
“Now let us spar like when you were still a child.”
“Okay...Let’s do it.”
Jinpachi and Heihachi spar with each other like a good father having some quality with his son.
Eventually, time passes as the moment has arrived with the second part of the ‘Round Robin’ rounds beginning again with the stadium seats once again filled with people. Lee Chaolan dressed in a black suit tuxedo and pins a nice red rose to the front pocket of his blazer.
“Welcome back, ladies and gentlemen...To the second part of the ‘Round Robin’ rounds!”
The crowd cheers loudly as the remaining fighters wait anxiously for their turn in the fighter assembly area.
“Now let us see who would be our next lucky three...Let the shuffling procedure commence!”
Once the shuffling procedure began, a few of the fighters were wondering if they might be the ones next. Asuka and Lili were both pumping for some action while Leo was feeling anxious herself but trusts that she can do it.
“Hey, Leo.”
“Oh, hi there, Alisa.”
“You nervous?”
“Of course...Are you?”
“No...I am just wondering the fact if you and I would be the next to fight?”
“Well, let us hope not.”
“That makes two of us.”
“Indeed.”
Sure enough, the first fighter was selected and it was none other than Samuel Wong.
“We have our first fighter, ladies and gentlemen...Please welcome, Samuel Wong!”
Samuel proudly enters the stage with the crowd cheering him on as did Joey personally wishing her good friend and love one all the best.
“And next up we have the strong and good looking, Ross Duggan!”
The crowd once again put their applause for Ross as he casually makes his way to the stage and stood right beside his good friend and class representative.
“Guess we are together in this, Sam.”
“So, it would seem so, Ross...Anyway, no hard feelings.”
“No hard feeling it is, Sam.”
“And our third fighter is none the famed king of Iron Fist...Heihachi Mishima!”
Once Heihachi’s name was announced, the whole audience boo him so long that it echoes the entire stadium itself. Kuma so disgusted that these people have no common respect for his master rushes out onto the stage as Lee amusingly announces why a bear has come out to the stage.
“Well, folks...Is this Heihachi Mishima? Are you going fight dressed up like a bear?!”
Amusingly, the crowd bursts into laughter as Kuma growls and stands up straight like a true grizzly bear as it puts its paw arms to its hips in a L-shape position and growls angrier at the crowd.
(“You think that’s funny? DO YOU? I WILL SHOW YOU!”)
Kuma lets his airbag tummy boost forward and then sinks it back and repeats this a few times as he growls at the crowd as they laughed and boo at the grizzly bear.
(“I WILL SQUASH YOU! I WILL SQUASH YOU ALL! I will...”)
As Kuma continues to scold at the audience Heihachi eventually enters to the stage and kindly asks his pet and bodyguard to step down.
“That would be all, Kuma.”
(“Uh, sorry about, pops.”)
Heihachi then puts a hand on Kuma’s chest and gradually told the intelligent grizzly bear he was most grateful for sticking up for him.
“Hey, Kuma...Thanks.”
(“Anytime, pops.”)
Kuma strolls off the stage as Heihachi makes his way to where both his two students were and literally the crowd continues to jeer and hooted him down.
“You are nothing, Heihachi Mishima!”
“You are a disgrace!”
“A phony!”
“Go suck a dick!”
Lee amusingly comments on the way that Heihachi (Being his adopted father) has certainly got the whole audience in a big uproar.
“Wow, look at that...Before the match has even started, the crowd sure show great distaste and displeasure for the famed king of Iron Fist. I hate to admit it, folks...Heihachi Mishima is really being unpopular and probably would be named the most unpopular man on the planet.”
Xiaoyu who was sitting in the MPGA stand as she was deeply angry of the way Lee Chaolan spoke of Heihachi and to think she had some trust and faith in him.
“Grrr...that Lee Chaolan. I will never forgive him for this!”
“Calm down, Xiao. No use to get worked up now.”
“Uh, you are right, Miharu.”
“Okay, folks...Time to see which of the three will fight once. Let the fighter selection commence.”
In an instant, the shuffling of three fighters begins and eventually finishes with Ross Duggan facing Heihachi Mishima.
“We have it, folks...The first match would be Ross Duggan against Heihachi Mishima!”
A mixture of cheer and boos were ended as the cheers are most likely for Ross and the boos and jeers are for Heihachi but he did not let that get the better of him as Samuel takes a seat nearby and watches while Ross and Heihachi stretch their arms and legs briefly before putting up their fists for a fight.
“You ready, Ross?”
“I am, sir.”
“Well, best of luck to you, lad.”
“Same to you, sir.”
“Now let this fight...BEGIN!”
The timer starts counting down as Ross does his best and fights against his teacher, the famed king of Iron Fist, Heihachi Mishima who was definitely no pushover. Heihachi eventually fight fair with Ross as after meeting Sophie and reconciled with Jun, Jin and Jinpachi, his personality changes but still burns for a strong hatred for Kazuya. He remains determine to put an end to the grave mistake he made in the past. Ross fought hard and although he did well he was defeated in the first round and of course, the crowd throws in big boos and jeers at Heihachi who didn’t seem to be bother by the scolding.
“And Heihachi Mishima wins the first round...Let the second round commence!”
The second round was like a real rollercoaster ride as Ross use all the marine combat training he knew against Heihachi who was quite amazed with the strength and stamina that Ross had possessed in him. Eventually, Ross was able to defeat Heihachi but just barely, which left Ross panting for breath and gently rubs the sweat from his forehead and face.
“Whew, what a workout.”
Heihachi was pleased to see Ross was certainly a worthy opponent and Ross helps his teacher up to his feet.
“Thank you, Ross...Well done, my lad. Not many people could best me in a fight.”
“Well, I don’t know what to say, sir.”
“Don’t be...Come on, let us keep fighting to our heart’s content. I promise I will go easy on you towards the end.”
“I understand, sir.”
“Now, let’s keep fighting to the very end.”
Eventually, the third and final round commences with both Ross and Heihachi striking each other with all they have got with Kazuya observing the whole match and showing some interest in Ross himself.
“Hmm...That fine young man sure has potential and willpower.”
Anna Williams show interest in Ross too and wonder does he have what it takes to beat down Heihachi himself.
“I like that young man too, Kazuya...But do you think he could win against your old man?”
“That remains to be seen, my darling.”
“Of course.”
The final round match was going back and forth until Heihachi takes the win by first head butting Ross in the face and finishes off with his lightning palm strike but ironically he didn’t put much force into it as the blow only knocked Ross out temporary. Once Ross was done, Lee announced Heihachi is the winner and in a way the audience react most amusingly.
“There we have it...Heihachi Mishima is the winner!”
The crowd boo even louder this time as Xiaoyu could not bear it and attempts to scold as loud as she could at the audience.
“How dare you...”
Miharu claps her hand over her mouth as Xiaoyu mumbles and ironically no one seem to have heard her, which was a good thing.
“Mmmphgh!”
“Keep your voice down, Xiao.”
“Mmmphgh!”
“Please...There’s no point in doing that. It’s not worth it.”
“Mmmmm.”
“What?”
“Would you let me speak?!”
“Oh, sorry.”
Miharu puts her hand away from Xiaoyu’s mouth as she gives a cough or two.
“Boy, were you trying to suffocate me?”
“I didn’t mean it, Xiao...You know scolding at the crowd could get you into serious trouble.”
“I know...However, I just can’t stand why the people here are so hateful of grandpa Heihachi?”
“Well, probably they are still see him as the power hungry man that he was in the past.”
“Perhaps so.”
“Anyway, that might change eventually.”
“You really think so, Miharu?”
“I am certain of it, Xiao.”
“Good...Look, Miharu. It looks like grandpa Heihachi is going to fight Samuel Wong.”
“Now this maybe a match to remember.”
“That makes two of us.”
Sure enough, Heihachi was pumped and ready to fight his second opponent, his student and the class representative. Heihachi wishes Samuel all the best and Samuel does the same to his respectful teacher.
“I wish luck, Sam.”
“The same to you, sir...It gives me great honour.”
“No, the real honour is mine.”
“Right.”
Samuel gets into his stance, which resembles the fighting stance of the Shaolin school and Heihachi gets into his trademark fighting pose. Lee then announces the match to begin with great charisma.
“Okay, let this daring match commence!”
Therefore, Heihachi and Samuel gets right into it sparing with each other pretty much like true warriors. Kazuya also finds Samuel to be a most influential warrior as did Anna Williams herself.
“This Samuel Wong also knows how to fight.”
“Indeed, Kazuya. However, he doesn’t stand a chance anyhow.”
“True...Too true.”
Samuel knew he might not be able to defeat his teacher, Heihachi but still believes in himself and manages to gain a slight upper hand that nearly defeated Heihachi but in the last moment, Heihachi counters with a strong head butt and finishes off with his three combo kick attack that knocks Sam down to the ground and securing his first round win.
“Well, that fight was definitely quite thrilling I must say...Even if it is the first round.”
“No doubt about that, Kazuya.”
“Yes, wonder if the next round would be just as exciting?”
“Let’s cross our fingers then.”
“Right.”
The second round was just as thrilling as the first with both combatants going neck to neck with each other as the crowd watched with great enthusiasm. Samuel and Heihachi fought hard with all the strength they could muster and overtime, Heihachi manages to gain the upper hand on Samuel but barely and Heihachi ends the match by knocking Samuel down with the same move he used to defeat Ross and secure his win.
“Well, this glorious match is over, folks...Heihachi Mishima is the winner!”
The crowd reacted just as Kazuya had predicted and they boo and jeer him as well as complaining that he cheated, which of course made Xiaoyu angry.
“How dare they...”
All of a sudden, Kazuya stands up from his seat as this made everyone in the stadium silent. Kazuya with a microphone pinned to his blazer spoke and reminded to the people that Heihachi, his father had won fair and square.
“It would seem that in my humble opinion that my father, Heihachi Mishima won fair and square.”
“Hey! Why do you stick up for your old man?! No wonder you are as pathetic as he is...”
uttered an old hippy guy as Kazuya made hand signals to someone who was perched on the scaffolding of the stadium holding a Lapua 308 marine’s sniper’s rifle while the hippy continue to bark his insults.
“You know what, Kazuya Mishima?! You are just as rotten as your old man and...”
Eventually, the complaining hippy was executed with a shot to the head as the shot echo throughout the stadium and the whole audience going silence and very much startled. Some of the fighters were a little tense by what just happened.
“Did I saw what I think I saw, Miharu?”
“Indeed you did, Xiaoyu.”
“Yes, someone has been terminated.”
“No kidding, Alisa.”
Kazuya then makes another announcement but this time he make it sound quite threatening.
“From now on...Whoever makes another ridiculous remark like that will end up just like that hippy.”
All the audience and spectators stay silent as Kazuya asks for them to nod their heads if they comply to what he had said to them.
“Now if you all comply with what I just said...Bow your heads.”
All members of the audience bow as Kazuya feels much more satisfied and ends with a much more pleasant sentence.
“Well, let’s move on, everyone...Let the ‘Round Robin’ rounds continue!”
“Excellent...Now let us move onto the next group. Shuffling procedure commence!”
All the screens show the remaining fighter’s faces as they were shuffled again and the first fighter was revealed.
“For the 10th match...Our first fighter is Josephine Houston!”
Joey takes a moment and heads out to the fighting stage where she sees Samuel giving her a wink and nod indicating that he wishes her all the best something she felt quite touched about.
“And our second fighter is...Steve Fox!”
Steve quickly heads out to the fighting stage and stood beside and stood right beside Joey who wishes her all the best.
“Good luck to you, Joey.”
“Thanks, Mr. Fox...It would be a great honor and privilege to fight you.”
“Same here.”
“And lastly...Our third fight is Lili Rochefort!”
Lili proudly enters the stage and stood in between her teacher Steve and fellow classmate, Joey.
“Well, all the best to you, Joey.”
“And to you, Lili.”
“Now let’s fight like the old times, Lili.”
“Yes, Steve...I mean, Mr. Fox.”
“Good.”
“And let us see which of the three will fight first?”
The three fighters waited as the shuffling of whom gets to fight whom begins and eventually, it was decided that Joey will be fighting against Lili.
“There we have it, folks...Our first match would be Josephine Houston and Lili Rochefort!”
“Well, I guess that’s us, Joey.”
“So, it would seem.”
“So, you ready for a good fight.”
“Ready when you are.”
Joey was a Judo specialist and Lili has developed her own fighting style, she had a taste of fighting ever since when she was young, she was kidnapped by terrorists and during the ordeal she fought hard with one of them literally beating him senseless thus begin her desire to fight.
“Okay, let this glorious match begin...FIGHT!”
The match begins as Lili lunges with a strong aerial kick as Joey blocks the attack with relative ease. The fight between went back and forth with the audience thrown off the edge of their seats as Steve watches from the sidelines and quite inspired at both the way Joey and Lili fought.
“Amazing.”
Joey and Lili eventually interlocks their fists with each other pushing forward hard. Lili was determined and resolute but Joey’s strong stamina and strength were more than a match for her.
“I guess there are some advantages for being taller and muscular.”
“Yes, but sometimes...Size matters not.”
“Huh?”
Joey then elbows Lili in the face stunning her and performs her desperation attack and throws Lili down to the ground and again and again until she laid flat on her back and no longer able to continue and thus Joey was the victor of the first round.
“The first round is Josephine Houston...Give her a big clap, ladies and gentlemen!”
The audience clapped for Joey as she helps Lili to her feet.
“You okay?”
“Yeah, I am fine.”
“You know I didn’t mean to hurt your face.”
“I know...I am getting used to be smack in the face.”
“I see.”
“Anyway, about what you said?”
“You mean...Size matters not?”
“Yes...There’s other ways to confront an opponent beyond your caliber.”
“I know...I heard that somewhere before.”
“Yes, I saw you having doubts so I thought I give you some advice.”
“How did you know that I was having doubts?”
“Well, just before the match, I notice you looking down at the ground and mumbling to yourself.”
Lili was astonished that Joey was able to read her body language as many of Joey’s fellow classmates are capable people of reading a person’s body language.
“I am impressed.”
“Yes.”
“Maybe someday you can teach me how to do it.”
“I will be glad to...So, shall we continue to fight?”
“By all means.”
Joey and Lili begins to develop a good friendship with one another as previously in the past both don’t really interact with one another. Joey and Lili prepares to fight again as Lee being his charming self as usual announces the fight for round two.
“Now let round two commence!”
Joey and Lili begins to fight each other again as both were evenly matched and literally this time, Lili gains the upper hand and secures her win.
“All right...I did it.”
“Nice.”
Lili in kind helps Joey up to her feet.
“You okay?”
“Never better.”
“So, shall we end the match with a good fight?”
“If you insist.”
“Wow...These two girls sure have a lot of energy and now let the final round begin!”
The third round went just as breathtaking as the first two with no one able to predict on who might win. Literally in the end, the victor was Joey as she manages to secure her win with a counter attack that ends with Lili being interlock by Joey’s long muscular arms and legs.
“We have a winner, folks! Josephine Houston is the winner and will advance onto the next round!”
Joey then helps Lili to get back up as the two shake hands with one another.
“You are a worthy opponent, Joey...Maybe one day we will fight again.”
“Of course...Just tell me when.”
While Joey sits in the bench next to Steve as he compliments her on her win.
“Well done, Joey.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“Looks like we will be up next...Up to it?”
“I am, sir.”
“If you win...I will buy you something to eat.”
“Done...Thank you, sir.”
Lili meanwhile heads to the MPGA area where Alcazar and Julia Chang were there as both often their compliments to her for fighting so well.
“You fought well, Lili.”
“Yes, quite an outstanding match.”
“Thank you, sir...Ma’am.”
“Anyway, why not join us here for a moment and watch how your new friend spar with Steve Fox.”
“Of course...I would love to see it.”
“Bet on a frozen coke that Steve would win.”
“You think so, sir...I am betting on Joey.”
“So, we have an accord?”
“Indeed.”
“Julia, take note of this, would you?”
“Of course...Whoever loses will buy the winner a frozen coke.”
“Well, here goes...This would be quite a match to remember.”
After fifteen minutes of rest, Joey and Steve steps up to the fighting stage where the two get into their fighting stances.
“You ready, Joey?”
“Ready when you are, sir.”
“Good...Now remember I never hold back during a fight.”
“I will bear that in mind.”
“Glad to hear it.”
“Okay, folks...Let’s see who will win this one? Would it be Josephine Houston, the newcomer or would it be the English boxing champion, Steve Fox?”
“Oh, man.”
“Something wrong, Joey?”
“You know I don’t like being called by my full name.”
“Of course I know.”
“Now let this match begin...FIGHT!”
Steve makes his move first and launches several punch attacks at Joey as she quickly blocks them with her arms as she then returns the attack with a knee attack right in his stomach that manages to push him back.
“Ugh.”
“Sorry about that, sir.”
“That’s all right...Good move though.”
“Thanks.”
Steve shows why he is an opponent not to be underestimated and launches many hard punches and elbow attacks at Joey who remains on the defensive most of the time as Steve is not giving her a chance to counterattack. Alcazar compliments that Steve is no pushover and an opponent to be reckon with.
“Steve sure knows how to show off.”
“He sure does...That is why he is a boxing champion in the U.K.”
“No doubt.”
Paul Phoenix doesn’t look too pleasing in the eye as he finds that Steve is being too soft on his opponent.
“Hmm...”
“What is it, amigo?”
“Miguel, do you see what I see?”
“See what specifically, amigo?”
“That Steve is being too soft on his opponent. He is not like that in the last tournament.”
“Si...I cannot agree with you more.”
“Right.”
Eventually, Steve wins the first match as he scores a hit right into Joey’s face knocking her down to the ground with Lee announcing his win.
“That’s a K.O., folks! Steve Fox is the winner of the first round! Now can he overwhelm his opponent so that he may take his place among the top 16 finalists?”
Steve feels quite proud of himself and helps Joey to her feet.
“You okay, Joey?”
“Yeah, I am fine, sir.”
“Sorry about that.”
“Oh, my face...No, it’s fine. I’ve had worse.”
“I understand.”
“Well, shall we continue with the fight?”
Steve smiles as he knew Joey can hang in there not to mention being a worthy opponent as well, which is something Steve himself kind of likes.
“I like that.”
“Okay, people...It’s time for round two. Now who will win this round, folks?”
Joey and Steve put up their fists to fight as Lee announce the round to officially begin.
“Round two...FIGHT!”
The second round commences with both fighters fighting their hardest with Steve unleashing lightning speed punches as Joey this time dodges and evades them using some fancy footwork. Although she was able to dodge the attacks, she most of the time had to block them. Sean, Chris as well as Veronica all gather together and notices that Joey may have a strong defense but lacks strong speed.
“Joey has a firm defense from the looks of things.”
“She does, Sean...However, she lacks speed.”
“I notice.”
“But she sometimes decide to use the heavyweight boxer strategy.”
“The heavyweight boxer strategy, Veronica?”
“Yes, standing to take the blows and then wait for the right moment to strike back.”
“Would it work?”
“Depends...Especially Mr. Fox is a boxer too so he might anticipate it.”
“So, what are you saying, Veronica...It’s just that it’s pretty much a 50-50 chance.”
“I have to agree with you on that one.”
“Come on, Joey...You can do it.”
“Yeah, show that you are a worthy opponent.”
Both Sean and Chris roots for their fellow classmate as Veronica does the same.
“You can do it, Joey!”
Sure enough, Joey remains firmly on the defensive until at the right moment, she evades the attack and strikes at Steve with a strong punch that slams him right down to the ground.
“Wow, folks...Looks like Josephine has won the second round!”
Joey feels proud of herself and helps Steve back on his feet.
“You okay, sir?”
“I am fine, Joey...I am fine.”
“Glad to know.”
“Nice punch by the way...The patient waiting to execute it. Very clever.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“So, shall we make this final round a match to remember?”
“Of course, sir.”
“Very well...Let’s get right down and dirty.”
“Well, folks...Time for the final round! Who will win? Let’s...FIGHT!”
The final round commences with Joey and Steve going all out at each other with the crowd cheering for both of them. Joey got some hits on Steve and vice versa until both opponents were panting with only less than twenty seconds left on the clock.
“Time to wrap this one up, Joey.”
“Indeed, sir.”
“Let’s give it all we got with our final blow.”
“Count on it.”
Joey musters all the strength she could while Steve does the same and eventually the two charges right at each other and both slams their punches right into each other’s face. The impact of the blows stops both of them dead in their tracks as there was a moment of silence with the audience wondering who has won. Joey falls to her knees in pain as everyone thought she was the one that lost but a split second later, Steve falls to his knees and then down flat on his back making Joey astounded.
“What the...”
“Well, that’s it, folks...Looks like Josephine Houston is the winner and will advance into the ‘Victory tournament’!”
Paul Phoenix gloats with laughter as he cannot believe that Steve Fox, an English champion boxer just got canned by a mere teenage girl.
“You suck ass, Steve Fox! YOU SUCK ASS!”
“I cannot believe my eyes, amigo.”
“Indeed, Miguel...Steve get clobbered by a mere teenage girl. That’s the funniest thing I have seen yet.”
Joey meanwhile helps Steve back to his feet and asks if he was okay.
“You okay, sir?”
“I am fine, Joey...I am fine.”
“That’s good.”
“Anyway, Joey...Well done. Not many people could get the best of a boxing champion.”
“I figure it was just luck, sir.”
“I don’t think so.”
“I see.”
“Just remember to keep focused and don’t doubt yourself.”
“I understand, sir.”
“Good luck in the ‘Victory tournament’.”
“Thank you, Mr. Fox.”
Joey and Steve shake hands as both Alcazar and Julia clapped their hands as did all the students even Heihachi, Jun and Zafina.
“Well, I never thought this fight would be won by Joey.”
“It surprised me too.”
“Well, I suppose I have lost the bet.”
“Indeed you did, Ramon.”
“Be right back...Excuse me, Heihachi, ladies.”
Alcazar races off to the cafeteria to buy something as Heihachi, Jun and Zafina gathers behind where Julia was sitting down.
“What was all that about?”
“Oh, the esteem general and I place a bet on who might win the match.”
“I see.” replied Heihachi with his arms folded.
“And the loser buys the winner a frozen coke.”
“Well, I take it you won because you bet on Joey?”
“Precisely, Jun.”
“Well, how amusing. Don’t you think so, Zafina?”
“Without a doubt.”
“I guess another one of my esteem students has made it through.”
“You must be quite proud of yourself, Heihachi.”
“I sure do, Julia...Being given the best class and all.”
“True.”
“I just wonder if you and I could be next, Jun?”
“We will find out eventually, Zafina.”
“Look, here they come.”
Both Steve Fox and Joey headed towards them as Heihachi congratulates on her win out there.
“Well done, Joey...Well done. You do make your class proud.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“Why don’t you go and get some rest? You will need it.”
“I will, sir.”
“Joey.”
“Yes, Mr. Fox?”
“One day we can spar again.”
“Sure...That would be good, sir.”
“Just tell me when, okay?”
“Okay.”
Joey heads off to the changing room to take a nice cozy shower as Steve sits down in a vacant chair beside Julia.
“You look tired, Steve.”
“I certainly do, Heihachi...Joey was certainly one of the strongest people I have ever fought.”
“Yes.”
“So, I guess there’s only six more groups to go, right?”
“That’s right.”
“Wonder if you both are up next?”
“Perhaps so, Steve.” replied Jun smiling casually.
“Guess we will find out soon enough.”
“Ladies and gentlemen...Now we move onto the next group of the night. Let’s see who would be our next three fighters?”
The shuffling begins as Jun and Zafina wonder if they would bet next and if they assume that they might be next they decide to head off to where the remaining fighters were.
“Well, we better go then.”
“Indeed, Jun...Hey, Julia, wish us luck, okay?”
“Luck to you both.”
Jun and Zafina manages to get to where the remaining fighters were as the next group of fighters have been chosen and their names and thumbnails appear on screen.
“Well, I guess I am up next.”
“Good luck, Sean.”
“Thanks, Veronica.”
“Hey, Sean...Make me proud!”
As Sean makes his way to the fighting stage he captures sight of Susan herself as she was among those in the MPGA area and waving at him.
“You can do it!”
“I will, Susan!”
Kuma realizes he was up next and literally so was Jinpachi as the time has finally come for them to fight.
(“Guess the time has come.”) growled Kuma stretching his paws and legs as Jinpachi too gets ready and does a few similar warm ups. (“You ready, grandpa?”)
“Ready as I will ever be, Kuma...Let’s get going.”
(“Understood.”)
Kuma, the bear bodyguard of Heihachi Mishima enters the stage and stood beside Sean while Paul Phoenix barks insults at Kuma as one he didn’t like the bear and second ‘he’ had kicked his ass before.
“You are going to lose, big fatso! YOU HEAR ME?!”
Kuma gets irritated by this and sticks out his airbag stomach in the direction where Paul was and scolds at him as he sinks it back again and does it a few times to get his utmost attention.
(“I will squash you! You hear me?!”)
Paul too stands up and he amusingly lets his airbag tummy boost forward and then sinks it back and repeats this a few times as he barks at the grizzly bear.
“OH YEAH! I WILL SQUASH YOU! I WILL SQUASH YOU...YOU UGLY BEAR!”
(“Go back to mommy, Paul Phoenix!”)
“Go eat bear shit!...Bear!”
“Whoa...There’s already a battle of scolds between Kuma and Paul Phoenix! It would seem their rivalry is truly ‘excellent’!” uttered Lee trying to draw the crowd as Jinpachi with help from Sean pulls Kuma away and Miguel pulls Paul away respectively.
“Calm down, Kuma...Don’t let it go to your head! Save it for the real fight!”
(“But...”)
“The youngster is right...Keep a cool head!”
(“I am sorry...Grandpa.”) growled Kuma apologizing to Jinpachi as he glances at where his son, Heihachi was as Heihachi gives his father a slight nod and even smiles a little as a symbol of gratitude to thank his father of helping his trusty bodyguard.
“Remember...You will get that chance soon enough.”
(“I understand.”)
“Glad to hear it...Anyway, young man. I believe we haven’t being probably introduced.”
“I am Sean Gray, sir...It is quite a privilege to meet you.”
“Hmm...My son tells me you are one of his students, yes?”
“That’s correct, sir.”
“Well, how are you finding my good son?”
“He is all right...I feel most honour to have someone of his stature to teach us.”
“Excellent...Well, I look forward to sparring with you.”
“And you, sir...However, I think I might take it easy on you, Mr. Mishima.”
“Ho ho...You don’t have to be so worried, young Sean.” replied Jinpachi as he gently pats Sean on the back.
“Really?”
“Yes...I am 113 years old but I still about fifty or so years younger.”
“That’s good to know.”
“Well, be prepared for the unexpected.”
“Now let’s shuffle to see who will be fighting who?”
The shuffling of the fighters begins with all three watching closely and literally the first match was Jinpachi Mishima against Kuma.
“There we have it, folks...The first match would be Jinpachi Mishima against the big grizzly bear, Kuma!”
The crowd puts a standard applause for the pair of them and it would seem that Jinpachi was not as unpopular as his son and the two combatants stood face to face with each other while Sean takes a seat nearby.
“You ready, Kuma?”
(“I sure am, grandpa.”)
“Now let the fight begin!”
Once the timer starts counting down, Kuma lunges forward with several swift paw attacks that Jinpachi evades with surprisingly speed despite his old age and all. Sean observes the old man carefully that he still has a strong fighting spirit inside him.
“Hmm...The old man sure still has a strong fighting spirit within him.”
Jinpachi literally fights on equal terms with Kuma and decides not to use his demon powers and Heihachi too watches the match carefully as both his father and pet bodyguard were fighting like a pair of titans.
“My, my...Old man still has a lot of strength up his sleeve and of course, my pet Kuma is not letting up either.”
Eventually, the match ends with Jinpachi scoring a victory as he manages to defeat Kuma with the traditional Mishima head butt that knocks the grizzly bear flat down on his back with him seeing many small Heihachi Mishimas flying around his head.
“Well, well...This old man sure has a lot of fight in him. Jinpachi Mishima has won the first round.”
The crowd claps as Jinpachi sees that the people are beginning to like him as the one he was many years ago before he was consumed by a demon.
“I forgotten how it was like to have people cheering...I can only hope they will start to see that my son has truly changed as well and no longer the power hungry man that he is.”
(“Uh, grandpa...Need a hand.”)
“Oh, sorry, Kuma...Here.”
Jinpachi extends his hand out and helps Kuma to his feet as Kuma was quite please with the strength of stamina of Jinpachi himself.
(“You are still a strong man, grandpa.”)
“Thanks...Now shall we continue to fight?”
“Of course...Let’s take a moment of rest before we continue, okay?”
“Okay.”
Kuma and Jinpachi rests for a moment and then both decide to continue fighting for the second round with Lee announcing the second round to commence.
“Now let’s see if this round would be as ‘excellent’ as the first one?”
“You ready, Kuma? I am coming at you with all I have got so don’t me or my son down, okay?”
(“Okay.”)
“Jolly good.”
“Now...FIGHT!”
Once the timer starts counting down again, both Kuma and Jinpachi come at each other with their strongest blows as the impact of it causes both to fly backwards but manages to regain their footing with the audience left in awe by their strength and power. Jinpachi then moves in and strikes at Kuma with many fast and powerful blows with Kuma remaining purely on the defensive. Heihachi observes that Kuma is being driven back and needs to muster a counter attack soon or it would be all too late.
“If Kuma doesn’t make a counter move then it would be bad for him.”
“I get what you mean, Heihachi.”
“Well, Julia...I have returned.”
“Oh, Ramon...I was wondering where you were?”
“Sorry...But the line there was just too long for comfort. Fortunately lady luck was with me and I manage to get the last frozen coke at the counter.”
“Really?”
“Indeed.”
Alcazar hands the frozen coke to Julia who first takes a quick sip to see if it tasted all right.
“Well?”
“Man, it has been much too long since I drank one of this.”
“Tell me about it.”
“I am just curious, Ramon...How did you manage to do that?”
“You mean get the last one of what you are drinking, Julia?”
“Of course.”
“Well, it’s um...Complicated.”
“Meaning?”
“You do not want to know.”
“Oh, very well.”
Eventually, the match ended as Kuma manages to win against Jinpachi but barely with a powerful focused claw attack that pounds him to the ground.
(“Oh, I am really sorry, grandpa...I truly am.”)
“That’s quite all right...Now I know why my son chose you to be his bodyguard.”
(“Uh...Indeed.”)
“Well, let’s make this final round a match to remember.”
(“Whatever you say...Grandpa.”)
“All right, people...This would be the final round between Kuma and Jinpachi Mishima. Who would win and join with the top sixteen finalists?”
“Okay, Kuma...This is it. Shall we?”
Kuma roars as Jinpachi knew what response it was and shows a smirk smile on his face.
“Good.”
“Now let the fight begin!”
The final fight begins as Kuma this time makes the first move with Jinpachi being driven back by his fierce attacks with the crowd throwing out a big cheer. Heihachi was pleased to see his pet bodyguard was fighting to his heart’s content.
“Well done, Kuma...Well done.”
The fight went on pretty much the same as the first two rounds and in the end, Jinpachi times it just right and strikes Kuma with a stun punch that was like the punch Kazuya would use and delivers the final blow but kicking Kuma to the ground as the grizzly bear was now lying on its furry back.
“There we have it, ladies and gentlemen...Jinpachi Mishima is the winner!”
The crowd claps as Jinpachi feels quite proud of himself as Kuma manages to get back on his feet.
(“Wow, that was some fight.”)
“Indeed it was...Thank you.”
(“No, grandpa...Thank you.”)
Kuma despite lose the fight still feels happy that he had a good and fantastic workout as Lee then announces that there would be a short rest for Jinpachi and that he would soon be fighting his next opponent that goes by the name of Sean Gray.
“Well, ladies and gentlemen...While Jinpachi Mishima takes a short and well deserved rest would he have got what it takes to face his next opponent, the newcomer, Sean Gray?”
Sean feels quite confident that he could do this as he notices Jinpachi was now doing mediation to calm his mind and regain his fighting strength.
“Hmm...For someone his age. He is still a worthy fighter.”
Kuma exits the stage and goes to where Heihachi was and along the way, Paul bark his insult at Kuma something that nearly made him unleash his uncontrollable rage.
“Kuma, Kuma...You are nothing but a pile of shit! You are as disgusting as that Heihachi Mishima!”
(“WHAT?!”)
Kuma growls angrily as not only does he hate Paul but also hates the way he vilify at him and Heihachi and prepares to settle the score with him.
(“YOU ARE GOING TO GET IT!”)
Kuma prepares to head to where Paul was as Heihachi along with Julia, Alcazar and Steve intervenes to stop the matter getting out of hand.
“Kuma, calm down!”
“Calm down, okay?”
“You keep a cool head.”
“Just ignore that guy, Kuma.”
Kuma begins to calm down as Heihachi tells him it wouldn’t be worth it because that was what he wanted and so Heihachi informs Kuma the best way to deal with the matter was to ignore him.
(“Pops, I am um...I am sorry.”)
“Don’t be, Kuma...I know you are loyal and I appreciate that. However, you cannot lose your temper every time someone utters an insult at you.”
(“I um...I understand, pops.”)
“Besides, I promise you one day you get to settle a score with that Paul Phoenix.”
(“You mean that?”)
“Of course...Heihachi keeps his word because I am the ‘new’ me.”
“Indeed.”
“Come, why don’t you rest and have something to eat? Julia.”
“Yes, Heihachi?”
“Mind helping me with that?”
“Be my pleasure.”
Sure enough, Lee announces through the P.A. that the next match between Jinpachi Mishima and Sean Gray will now commence.
“Okay, folks...Our next match would be Jinpachi Mishima against the newcomer, Sean Gray! Now can Jinpachi Mishima defeat him and move onto the ‘Victory tournament’ or would it be the newcomer himself?! Let’s find out!”
Sean was wearing his dark blue Chinese top with black track pants and black sneakers as he feels quite comfortable wearing them and also is one of his prefer fighting attires. He pays his respects to Jinpachi who kindly does the same.
“I am honoured, sir.”
“No, young lad...The honour is mine.”
Jinpachi still retains his kind of distorted voice but it has slightly changed and the voice is not as deep as it was in the past. He gets into his fighting stance and Sean does the same as his fighting style resembles both Wu Shu and the ‘Crane’ Chinese fighting stance.
“Ready?”
“Ready.”
“Now, folks...Let the match begin!”
The match begins as 60 seconds begins to count its way down and Jinpachi allows Sean to have the first move.
“You have the first move, lad.”
“Very well.”
Sean without hesitation lunges a kick at Jinpachi and lands it right in the chest and ironically, Jinpachi didn’t even block the move with his hands nor did he moved away to evade it. Something makes Sean realizes that his opponent possess incredible stamina and years of experience on his side.
“Hmm...The old man has seen many years of combat and defeating him will not be an easy task.”
Sean then exchange numerous punches with Jinpachi who despite being old and elderly was able to keep up without much trouble. Jinpachi then delivers the famous head butt and moves in with a combo attack that knocks Sean nearly senseless. Sean barely manages to regain his senses and promptly evades Jinpachi’s powerful blow and delivers a kick right into his knee as Jinpachi grunts in pain.
“That worked out well.”
Jinpachi compliments Sean’s skill with a smile on his face.
“Very good, young man...But remember the round is far from over.”
“I know.”
“Good.”
The match went on with Susan who was watching from the sidelines look extremely nervous.
“Oh, man...This match is really getting intense by the minute.”
“You okay, Susan?”
“Oh, hi there, Shirley.”
“Hey, Sean is doing great.”
“If you say so.”
In the end, Jinpachi defeats Sean but it was a narrow win and Sean didn’t seem to mind losing as he knew that he would have to keep training hard and observe others while fighting.
“You have done well, youngster.”
“Why...Thank you, sir.”
“So, you ready to continue?”
“Let’s take a break for a moment.”
“Indeed.”
Both fighters took a break while Lee graciously announce Jinpachi’s win and comments whether the old man could move on into the ‘Victory tournament’ itself.
“Well, it was quite an easy win for Jinpachi Mishima...Wonder if he could defeat this newcomer and join the final 16?”
Kazuya was also quite interested in the match and wonders if his grandfather whom he admired during his childhood can defeat this newcomer.
“Well, grandpa...Let’s see what you can do. Prove to me you are still strong.”
The next round soon begins with Jinpachi and Sean again fighting with each other as both opponents were fighting with all the strength they have mustered. Susan prays that Sean could pull this round off so that the odds would be even and that he might have a chance to move onto the ‘Victory tournament’ itself.
“Come on, Sean...You can do it. You can do it.”
The second round eventually went as Susan had predicted as Sean eventually beat Jinpachi Mishima but like the first round for Jinpachi it was a very close win. Lee was amazed at the thought of a newcomer could beat the likes of a Mishima.
“Wow, look at that, folks...A newcomer could best the might of a Mishima! This youngster sure knows how to fight!”
Kazuya takes an interest in Sean as seeing the youngster has true potential.
“Hmm...He is good. I give him that.”
Sean and Jinpachi both look quite tired and exhausted but both literally have the keen sense to continue.”
“So ready for fight the final round?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Jolly good.”
“Okay, let this final round begin! FIGHT!”
Both Jinpachi and Sean lunges straight at each other with a powerful punch as both manage to hit each other right in the face but obviously that one blow was nowhere enough to determine the victor. The fight continues on with Sean performing numerous fast maneuvers that nearly catch Jinpachi off guard as he was quite surprised by the youngster’s agile abilities.
“Hmm...I see the new generation has great potential.”
Sean did not disappoint Jinpachi one bit as the fight goes on until there were only ten seconds left on the clock meaning there was little time left to determine who will advance onward to the final 16.
“Well, ladies and gentlemen...Who will win? Man, these two sure know how to show off a good fight?”
“Let’s end this with great pride, Sean.”
“As you wish, sir.”
“Let’s go!”
“YAAAAH!”
Sean and Jinpachi charges straight at each other and both manages to score a hit on each other at a very fast lightning-like speed and the crowd was left at the edge of seats including Lee as well as both Anna and Kazuya wondering who has won.
“Wow...What an excellent fight to the finish.” muttered Lee to himself smiling as he always like to see a match that’s too hard to predict who will win.
“I wonder, Kazuya...Would your grandfather win or that newcomer guy, Sean Gray?”
“We will soon find out, Anna...Won’t we?”
“Of course...Only time will tell.”
Eventually, Sean and Jinpachi remain still for about thirty seconds before Jinpachi falls as it astonishes everyone and even Susan herself never expected that Sean could beat the likes of a Mishima, which was consider a remarkable feat.
“I um...I cannot believe I’ve won.”
“Well, what a remarkable feat, folks...Young newcomer Sean Gray has defeated Jinpachi Mishima and will advance onto the ‘Victory tournament’ itself! Let’s give him a big hand, folks!”
Everyone in the audience gave Sean a big round of applause as Sean found it the most breath taking moment he has ever had. He then notices Jinpachi was starting to get back to his feet and Sean kindly helps the elderly man up.
“You okay, sir?”
“Oh, I am fine, Sean...I am most impressed in the way you fought.”
“Well, I fought with all the strength and skill I have had, sir.”
“I noticed...You know that you can learn from your opponent’s tactics as well and combined them with your own skill.”
“Uh, yes...Yes, Mr. Mishima.”
“You have forever my respect and gratitude...Perhaps one day we will fight again.”
“Indeed.”
Both shook hands as Heihachi who was watching was too most pleased with the way Sean fought and the respect he showed to his father. Sean and Jinpachi then make their way to the MPGA area as Heihachi and Susan greet their father and lover.
“You still have got it, father.”
“So, it would seem, son...It has been quite a while since I had fought with a worthy opponent.”
“Oh, Sean...You were truly amazing.” uttered Susan as she gives Sean a warm hug.
“Uh, thanks.”
“I wish you luck, Sean...For the fight you will participate in the ‘Victory tournament.”
“I thank you again, Susan.”
“Well, Sean...Why don’t you go and get some much needed rest?”
“Yes, general.”
“I will walk with you.”
“Thank you, sir.”
Sean and Jinpachi strolls off as everyone present gave them both a round of applause. Susan curiously asks Heihachi of how old he was.
“Uh, sir.”
“What is it, Susan?”
“I have kind of a question that I would like to ask you.”
“Sure...Ask away.”
“How old are you, sir?”
“Well, give or take 75 maybe 76 years of age.”
“Wow, I thought you were 52 or something, sir.”
Heihachi chuckles as he tells Susan that he always feels young on the inside.
“I always thought about that you know.”
“I see, sir...So, that would make your father...”
“About 113 years of age...Give or take a few months.”
“Wow...He still looks well and healthy to me.”
“Yes, he does.”
Sure enough, Lee then makes his announcement that the next three matches will commence now as everyone in the audience still feels most excited about the upcoming ‘Round Robin’ matches.
“Ladies and gentlemen...Now let us proceed onwards and find out which of the remaining fighters will be fighting in the next ‘Round Robin’ match. Let’s find out!”
The shuffling procedure begins again as the remaining fifteen fighters wonder if it was going to be their turn next. Veronica feels a little tense but calms herself knowing she can do it.
“You can do it just keep a cool head, Veronica.”
Natsu feels eager to fight as she deep down has grown a bit tired of waiting.
“Come on, I am dying to fight.”
Panda growls as Leo who was nearby too wonders if she would get her chance to fight and wonders if she would be next.
“I know I could do it...But I wonder who I would be fighting next?”
“Come on, come on...I am dying to fight and clobber a hundred people!”
“Paul, amigo...You are all fired up.”
“Yeah, Miguel...I am eager to bust some heads.”
“That makes two of us, amigo.”
Asuka was eager to fight as she cracks her knuckles with Alisa and Catalina standing nearby.
“You ready to fight, Asuka?”
“Of course, Alisa...You?”
“Affirmative.”
“I am eager.”
“Glad to hear it, Cat.”
Eventually, the first fighter that would be fighting in the next match has finally being revealed.
“Look...It’s that strange looking fellow. You know the one wearing a cowboy hat, a ninja-like mask and smart casual clothes that resemble a suit with black leather shoes.”
“Yes, I can see that, Asuka.” replied Natsu as she feels a little disappointed but knew there was still a chance that she might be fighting next. “Oh, I just hope I would be next.”
“That makes two of us.”
Sure enough, the second fighter was then revealed and Miguel was proud that it was him.
“Finally...I get to fight after all, amigo.”
“I am glad for you, Miguel.”
“Wish me luck?”
“Of course...Amigo.”
“Jolly good.”
Miguel and Paul exchange a friendly firm handshake with each other as Miguel heads to the stage with Bryan, Craig, King and Marshall whom were now sitting in the audience seats cheered loudly for their friend and comrade-in-arms.
“Show the people what you can do, Miguel!”
“Yeah, go and kick some ass for us!”
“Grrr!” (Show your opponents no mercy!)
“Give those opponents of yours a good beating, amigo!”
Miguel feels grateful for his friends’ support and winks an eye back at them as a sign of thanks and he then stands next to the mysterious man who called himself: ‘Mr. J.’ Last but not least, the third fighter was revealed and it was Chris as he knew he would be fighting sooner or later.
“Well, I guess it’s time then.”
Chris then makes his way to the stage and sees his friends all cheering for him wishing him all the best as Chris stands right beside Miguel whom doesn’t look quite happy to see him.
“So, we meet again.”
“Eventually.”
“I look forward to fighting you.”
“I see you are looking for payback.”
“Hmm...You have a keen sense of eyesight. Let’s see if you really beat me in the ring.”
“Of course.”
“Now, ladies and gentlemen...Let us see which of three fighters would be the first to show off their daring fighting skills. Let the fighter shuffle procedure began!”
The shuffling of who would fight who begins as all three fighters watch as the first match would be Chris against the mysterious Mr. J.
“So, folks...The first match will now begin with newcomer, Chris Peasley against the mysterious and collected...Mister J!”
Miguel sits down in the sidelines as both Chris and the mysterious Mr. J stand face to face with each other as both did a feel warm ups and stretches before they start the match. Chris feels the man he was fighting looks a bit familiar but decide to not that distract him and instead to concentrate on the match.
“Okay, folks...Let’s see who will win? Ready and...FIGHT!”
The fight begins with Chris makes his strikes first as he was both fast, agile and strong and the mysterious Mr. J manages to block and evade very one of his blows. Chris then quickly uses a delay attack but first striking a kick at his opponent and stops for a moment or so before he struck his next blow at lightning speed that sends Mr. J down to the ground who surprisingly recovers and gets back on his two feet.
“Hmm...He is good.”
Xiaoyu and Miharu watch the match unfold and wonders if Chris is up to fighting this mysterious man.
“Xiaoyu...You think Chris can win?”
“Uh, hard to say.”
“That’s not a definite yes or a no, right?”
“Right.”
“Well, I bet Chris could win.”
“Okay, whatever you say.”
Chris gets into his stance and his opponent does the same as then Lee announces the match to begin.
“Now...Let the match begin!”
Once the clock starts, Chris lunges forward with fast and speed blows with the mysterious Mr. J moving back and evading every one of his blows with some fancy footwork. The crowd cheers for them both as Shirley who was watching nearby was most pleased with the way Chris fights.
“Oh, he’s good.”
“He is indeed.”
“That’s right, Sophie.”
Sophie, Shirley and Patricia were sitting together at the spectator seats and it was both Sophie and Patricia’s idea to bring along Shirley knowing she was feeling a bit down.
“You feeling better, Shirley?”
“Uh, more or less, Pat.”
“Well, glad to hear it...Because we don’t want to see you in a depress mood now would we?”
“Of course not.”
“Well, you feel anxious for the rescue mission?”
“In a way...But I have no doubt that we will succeed.”
“Glad to hear it...Don’t you think so, Sophie?”
“Absolutely.”
“You see, Shirley?”
“Indeed, Pat.”
“So, for now...Let’s focus on watching this wonderful match.”
“Agreed.”
The match continues on with both fighters going head to head with one another and no one in the crowd continue predict who will win. Kazuya notices something familiar about the fighter that calls himself: Mr. J.
“Hmm...That guy looks familiar.”
“What was that, Kazuya?”
“Well, it’s probably nothing, Anna...Must be my imagination.”
“You really think so?”
“Not really.”
The fight continues when Chris gains the upper hand and knocks the guy down to the ground earning his first round win.
“Well, looks like the newcomer has won the first round, ladies and gentlemen...Could he possibly beat him in the next round?!”
Chris was a bit worn out as knowing his opponent was really no pushover and quite a fighter himself.
“Well, you are good, sir.”
“Thank you.”
“So, shall we continue?”
“My pleasure.”
The second round commences with Chris and the mysterious Mr. J going head to head with each other once again and this time, Mr. J gains the upper hand and pushes Chris back considerably although Chris puts up quite a fight that inspires Mr. J himself. However, in the end, Chris was defeated with a fine swift blow to the head that knocks him down flat on his back and thus the second round’s victory goes to Mr. J himself.
“Well, looks like this Mr. J fellow has won the second round...Now let’s find out who will win and move onto fight the next fighter?!”
Chris takes a small break as he knew his opponent would be a most difficult challenge so he knew he would have to exercise extreme caution when fighting him in the final round.
“This guy is tough...I will have to give it everything I’ve got into this fight.”
Eventually, Chris and the mysterious Mr. J begins to fight for the final round and to determine who would move onto fight Miguel.
“Okay, folks...Let this final round begin!”
This time, Mr. J moves in first with a swift punch landing right into Chris’s face stunning him before he continues his attack as Chris quickly assumes the defensive.
“You are a strong opponent.”
“Yes, you are not bad either.”
Chris then out of the blue asks the man he was fighting that the name he was using was bogus.
“If I am not mistaken...Mr. J is not really your name is it?”
“Hmm...You are a smart young man. I applaud your wisdom. I think I know why you and your friends are here too.”
“How do you know that?”
“Does it matter? Just know this...We are fighting for the same thing.”
Chris was astonished as he wonders how could the man he was fighting knew what he and his classmates were up to.
“Listen, Chris...Your General Alcazar told me everything. You have a mission to carry out...I think we should end this fight since we have given the audience a good enough show.”
“I cannot say I agree with you...Then let’s end this like true fighters should.”
“If you insist.”
Both Chris and Mr. J lunges at each other with a decisive blow and both manages to score a hit on each other sending both opponents back with Chris being knocked down flat on his back as Mr. J was also in the same predicament as he was in. Chris tries to get up and sees that his opponent was also trying to get up as well.
“Okay, time to end this professionally.”
Chris then charges straight towards his opponent and attempts to finish off with one final kick but the mysterious Mr. J suddenly gets up with his aura exceeding at a high level and skillfully blocks Chris’s powerful kick as it surprised him.
“What the...”
Mister J then strikes back with a strong aura punch right into Chris’s torso that sends him flying and lands hard on the ground with him lying down on his back.
“Wow, that punch was tough and could have torn off if I was wearing something casual so thanks to me wearing this dance costume.”
Mr. J strolls towards Chris as he compliments on the way he fought with him.
“You fought well, Chris Peasley.”
“I guess you were not bad either...Thanks for a good fight.”
“Indeed.”
“So, I guess this win is...Yours.”
Chris then blacks out but literally he is just pretending so that Lee Chaolan would announce that he is defeated and his opponent would be declare the winner.
“Okay, ladies and gentlemen...It would seem the mysterious Mr. J has won and would be fighting against Miguel Rojo next!”
The crowd gave a round of applause as Kazuya informs Lee just a few moments prior that as part of the tournament’s rules all fighters must show their true face.
“Mister J...Under the tournament’s guidelines all fighters must show their true face and not wear a mask or something.”
“Why is that?!” asked Mr. J calmly and loudly.
“It’s the rules, sir. If you don’t take your mask off then you would be disqualified.”
“Oh, very well... I guess I was tired of wearing it anyway.”
The mysterious Mr. J then takes off the ninja-like mask and then his hat revealing his true identity. Ironically, the moment he does so shocks everyone in the audience all except for Sophie, Jun, Heihachi, Kazuya and a few others. Even Lee was speechless as he cannot believe he was still alive.
“No...No way.”
The crowd were all flabbergasted and astonished that the man who used a false name called: Mr. J was in fact really Jin Kazama himself. Chris was surprised as Jin helps Chris onto his feet.
“Are you okay?”
“Yes, yes...I am fine, Mr. Kazama.”
“Good.”
“JIN!!!”
Xiaoyu was totally overjoyed to see her longtime friend and after all this time, she still has a crush on him. Miharu who was sitting next to her was quite relief to see Jin all right.
“Oh, thank goodness he is still alive. You must be happy about this, Xiao?”
There was no answer as Miharu asks her again.
“Xiao?”
Miharu turns to find Xiaoyu completely has her eyes fixated on Jin and her eyes were now red love hearts.
“Oh, Jin...I am so happy I could go out there and hug you.”
Xiaoyu attempts to stand up and literally go out to the fighting stage to hug Jin as Miharu holds her down.
“I am coming, Jin!”
“Xiao, control yourself.”
“But Jin needs me...I need him.”
Xiaoyu was in a love trance as Miharu does everything she can to hold Xiaoyu back.
“Control yourself, Xiao...Please.”
Sophie was not surprised as she felt quite happy to see her newly met brother looking alive and well. Shirley and Patricia both were speechless about this.
“That’s Jin Kazama.”
“He’s still alive.”
“Yes...My brother.”
“Your brother, Sophie?”
“Yes, Shirley...It’s a long story.”
“Right, you better tell me the whole story because I am hungering for a scoop.”
“I promise you that when we get back home.”
“Done.”
Jun and Heihachi both knew Jin was alive as did Raven, Lars, Bob, Lei and Nina as they were well aware earlier Jin was alive and that he intends to now fight for the right reasons after he met his sister. Kazuya smirks knowing that Jin could never truly die not that easily while Anna was most astounded herself.
“This...This cannot be.”
“It’s all right, Anna...I knew Jin would not die that easily.”
“You knew?”
“Well, I had suspicions.”
“Right.”
“After all, he did me a favour of eliminating a necessary threat in the last tournament.”
“Oh, I think I know what you mean, Kazuya...My love.” replied Anna sounding most alluring.
“Good...After all, I will make sure Jin would remain popular.”
“How?”
“You will know soon enough, Anna...In fact, I might tell you the highlights of the plan.”
“I am curious...Who else knows about the plan?”
“Just Bruce and um...Lee.”
“That’s it?”
“Yes.”
“Good...Let’s hear it.”
Kazuya whispers to Anna about his plan to make Jin popular but what Kazuya was saying remains a complete mystery.
At that moment, Jin shakes hands with Chris thanking him for a good fight and Chris heads off the stage while Miguel Rojo was cracking his fist knuckles and his anger and rage just skyrocketed when the person he would be fighting is none other than the person who made her sister in demise and turn his life upside down.
“Finally...I shall have my vengeance.”
After a few minutes, Lee makes the announcement of the next fight as Jin has rested up and was more than ready to continue.
“Now, ladies and gentlemen...So, Jin Kazama has make a comeback and now he will face the mighty and headstrong fighter, Miguel Rojo. Now which one of these two would win? Let’s find out!”
Miguel and Jin comes face to face with each other and while Jin remains calm, cool and collected Miguel looks both furious and delighted as he could finally get the person for the death of her beloved sister, his hatred of Jin has truly awakening the darkness within him and now he is not the same man as he was back in the past.
“Oh, how have I waited so long for this day.”
Jin remains silent and just shrugs his shoulders casually, which only angers Miguel more.
“Listen up, hombre...I am going to bash you a good one and then I am going to melt you down to size and then...”
“Hey, why don’t we just cut the talking and let’s get with the fighting?”
“Grrr...”
“Okay, folks...Let the match begin!”
“Here I go!”
Miguel in a fit of rage lunges straight at Jin who quickly evades the attack as Miguel continues to attack Jin with all he has got. Hwoarang who was watching was too just as angry as Miguel and jealous that Miguel would probably gets his chance to bit the crap out of him before he could.
“Grrr...Jin Kazama, you bastard…I will get even with you!”
Hwoarang witnesses Miguel striking Jin with several powerful blows hinting he just might take him down for good.
“Damn that Miguel dude...From the looks of things he might beat me to it.”
Eventually, Miguel manages to win the first round as he felt quite pleased with himself and even taunts Jin that he is just beneath him and has gone soft.
“You’ve gone soft, Jin Kazama...You are weak and beneath me!”
Jin gets downright angry as Lee announces the second round as Miguel was eager to finish what he started.
“Come on...I am going to slug you a good one!”
“Round two...Fight!”
Miguel quickly slugs Jin a good one just as he said he would and eventually Jin captures sight of his mother as she was alive and well, which made him feel much more confident and grabs Miguel’s fist just as he was about to slug him.
“What the...”
“Looks like it’s my turn to fight back.”
Jin head butts Miguel right in the face stunning him before he quickly strikes with a fist combo attack that sends Miguel flying and lands flat on his back and Miguel manages to get back on his feet as he cannot believe that his opponent is now gaining the upper hand.
“Impossible! How could he...”
“Your anger and hatred would only be your downfall! Stop being stuck in the past and move forward!”
“Silencio! I will not listen to your insidious words anymore! You will pay for what you done to my sister!”
Miguel gets back on his feet and assaults Jin with all the strength he could muster as Jin dodges every one of his attacks and eventually Jin ends the match with a quick and powerful blow that knocks Miguel spark out when he left an opening in his attack.
“No...It cannot be.”
Miguel falls and Jin was then declared the winner of the second round and now the final round itself would determine who the victor would be.
“Well, folks...One more round to go before who the victor of this match would be. Would it be Miguel Rojo or Jin Kazama. Stay tune!”
The crowd cheers for both of them with half supporting Miguel and the reminder on Jin’s side. Jin knew he can do this as he began to realize that he is not evil and now he will walk the right path and fight for the good. Miguel however remains determined to get his payback for his sister’s death and would gladly kill Jin on the stage if he has that chance.
“I can do this.”
“Oh, I will gladly put you out of your misery, Jin Kazama.”
“Okay, this is the final round, folks...Let’s see who would win. FIGHT!”
Miguel lunges forward with a shoulder attack as Jin blocks the blow and the fight continues on with Miguel attempting to strike at his opponent with powerful and brutal style blows. Jin manages to evade his attacks with little trouble and Xiaoyu was watching with her hands sweating and looking most intense.
“Oh, that Miguel might get the best of Jin.”
“You don’t know that, Xiao...He will come through.”
“You sure of that, Miharu?”
“I am sure...You knew Jin for quite some time, yes?”
“Yes.”
“Then you would know he would never back down.”
“Right.”
The fight goes on with both fighters going neck to neck with one another and eventually Miguel intends to end the match with one quick and powerful blow one that would definitely make Jin see the stars.
“Okay, hombre...It is time to end this once and for all.”
“I knew you would say that.” replied Jin showing a slight confident smirk on his face.
“Fine.”
Miguel then musters all the power in his muscles and decide to put an end to only to the fight but possibly to his most hateful enemy.
“I will crush you...HA HA HA HA!”
Jin knew that Miguel’s laughter was the cue that he would soon strike at him with a fierce and powerful blow that would ultimately lead to his defeat. Jin quickly times it just right and waits as Miguel lunges his powerful and unstoppable punch at Jin declaring victory was his.
“Now...VICTORY SHALL BE MINE!”
Miguel knew he would win and get his revenge but much to his surprise, Jin catches the blow as his right arm was slightly engulfed with blue flames.
“No...No way.”
“It looks like I will be the victor.”
“Huh?”
Jin pulls back his left arm as it begins to spark with huge jolts of electricity and then he strikes his punch straight into Miguel’s chest that blasts him off his feet and he lands flat on his back and apparently unable to battle any more.
“How could I lose...Lose to the very likes of you?”
Jin towers over Miguel and tells him casually that hatred is what led to his defeat.
“It was your hatred that led to your defeat. I let go of mine in order to move on. That’s how I beat you.”
“It doesn’t matter...This is not over yet, Jin Kazama. This is not over!”
Jin walks off the stage as the audience gradually gave him a round of applause and Lee announces that he was the victor.
“There it is, folks...Jin Kazama is the winner and advance onto the next stage of the tournament. Now let us move onto the next group!”
Meanwhile, Xiaoyu decides to go and speak with Jin as Miharu suggests another time as Jin would probably need his rest after a hard fight.
“I think I should go and talk to him, Miharu.”
“Perhaps another time, Xiao...He must be tired from all that fighting.”
“Well, I guess you are right.”
“So, let’s sit back and enjoy the rest of the matches...What do you say?”
“Sounds good to me.”
The next match starts to begin with Lee announcing the shuffle process to begin and after a short while, the next three fighters were selected.
“Okay, ladies and gentlemen...These would be our next three fighters so let’s see who will fight first?”
Xiaoyu and Miharu realizes that both Jun Kazama and Zafina were among the three selected and their friend, Veronica Li was also among them.
“Wow, this would be interesting.”
“So, it would seem.”
“Wonder who will win this one?”
“Only time will tell, Xiaoyu.”
“Right.”
“Well, looks like it would be Jun Kazama against Zafina...Let’s see what these two fine women can do, ladies and gentlemen?!”
“So, you ready, Zafina?”
“Ready as I will ever be, Jun.”
“Good...Veronica.”
“Yes, Miss. Kazama?”
“You ready to face one of us when the time comes?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Good...You could learn something in this fight.”
“I suppose I will.”
“Ready to fight, Zafina?”
“I am ready when you are, Jun.”
Sure enough, both Jun and Zafina get into position to fight as both are looking forward to a good workout.
“Let’s give the audience a good show.”
“Ready when you are.”
“Okay...I figure Kazuya would be watching.”
“He is...I can feel him.”
“Yeah...Those devil eyes just watching us.”
Zafina glances up and could see that Kazuya was going to watch the fight between her and Jun.
“Well, let’s not disappoint him, shall we?”
“Of course.”
“Now let this match begin!”
The match starts off with both Jun and Zafina moving around with their fists held up and eventually Zafina strikes first using an animal-like stance that resembles a spider at Jun who manages to block her blows with little trouble. Kazuya was most interested as he could not take his eyes off them and Anna too sees that Kazuya was really into watching the two serious and beautiful women.
“Hmm...Nice.”
“You like them, don’t you, Kazuya?”
“The way they fight with each other...Yes.”
“I see. Well, you wonder who would win this?”
“Only time will tell, Anna.”
“I heard that somewhere before.”
“I think you have.”
Jin who was with Heihachi and the others in the MPGA stand watches closely of how his mother fights with her good friend, Zafina. Jin notices that the two of them were more than a match for each other and he was deeply amazed with the way her mother remains in tip top fighting shape.
“Mom...You truly are strong.”
“She is a fine woman, Jin.”
“He is...Grandpa.”
Jin and Heihachi stood close to one another and they have literally begin to get along well with each other. Heihachi takes this opportunity to make peace with his estranged grandson.
“I think it’s time we forget the past, Jin and move forward...Working together to fight the devil.”
Jin remains silent for a moment and eventually he realize that his grandfather indeed feels sorry and guilty for all the things he has done when he went power hungry and now he truly intends to make amends for all he has done.
“I understand...I do forgive you, grandpa.”
“Good...I hate to make Xiaoyu unhappy.”
“That makes two of us.”
“Yes...Isn’t it ironic though. You have just discovered you have a sister and I eventually realize I have a granddaughter.”
“It is indeed.”
“Well, I think we have a lot of challenges ahead of us.”
“I can’t disagree with you about that.”
Jin and Heihachi looks quite casual when suddenly, a tall giant-like elderly man strolls up between them as Heihachi knew it was his father, Jinpachi Mishima himself.
“Well, well...Looks like grandfather and grandson are making up to each other.”
“Father.”
“Great-grandfather.”
“Well, I think we all should walk the right path now...And confront this devil once and for all.”
“Indeed.”
Sure enough, the first round ends in a draw with both Jun and Zafina knocking each other down just as the timer hits zero with Lee literally being astonished and flabbergasted.
“Would you look at this, folks? Both combatants fought like true warriors to a draw...Let’s see if one could win against the other in the next round so...STAY TUNED!”
Jun and Zafina helps each other up as both were slightly panting as they were both quite tired from their first sparring match.
“That was a good workout.”
“You did well yourself, Zafina.”
“Thanks...So, ready for round two?”
“Ready when you are.”
Both Jun and Zafina were more than ready to fight again as Lee announces the round two match to begin.
“Round two...Let’s see who will win? FIGHT!”
As soon as the timer counts down, Jun lunges forward with a three combo leg sweep attack that closely resembles to that of her niece, Asuka who was most pleased with her aunt being a strong warrior herself.
“Nice.”
The fight rages on with both fighters making strikes at each other and blowing their opponent’s blows. No one could predict that the two fighters were evenly matched as once more, the round ends in a draw much to Kazuya’s astonishment and Anna being quite disappointed.
“Amazing...Both fight in superb fashion.”
“Really? I think they are both just fighting each other like an act.”
“I wouldn’t say that, Anna.”
“You wouldn’t?”
“No...Wait and see.”
Lee then declares the final round as he too was excited to have witness an awesome fight.
“What an excellent fight, ladies and gentlemen...Now let’s wonder if one would win and whoever wins will fight the next fighter in the group...So, buckle up your seats!”
“Well, this is it.”
“Yes, Jun...I think we have given the audience a good enough show.”
“So, one of us will have to defeat the other.”
“Let’s give it our all.”
“Agreed.”
“Let this final match...RUMBLE!”
“Let’s do this, Jun!”
“Same here!”
Both fighters lunge forward with their powerful blows and kicks as the crowd cheers for both of them with everyone wondering who will win.
“Can my mother win this?”
“Only time will tell, Jin...My grandson.”
“Indeed...Either way, it doesn’t matter.”
“It doesn’t, father?” asked Heihachi looking at his elderly father, Jinpachi.
“It doesn’t...I can tell from the looks on their faces that they are both enjoying themselves.”
“I see.”
“Anyway...I can vouch that Jun will be the winner.”
“You can?”
“Call it intuition, my son.”
“Right.”
Eventually, just as Jinpachi had predicted, Jun gains the upper hand and using a quick and decisive blow she was able to defeat Zafina and she lies flat on her back and Jun was declare the winner of the match.
“Finally...We have a winner! Jun Kazama wins!”
The crowd cheers as Zafina comes back to her senses.
“Wow...That was quite a fight.”
“It is.”
“You have beaten me, Jun. How good fortune for you.”
“Well, it was not luck.”
“Indeed, Jun...Indeed.”
“Here.”
Jun extends out her hand and helps Zafina to her feet as Jin smiles that her mother was always a person with a kind soul and seeing her makes him feel quite happy and disturbed like he was in the past.
“I never thought I would feel quite happy again...Seeing my mother alive and well.”
“Well, Jin...There’s still one evil left. You know what that is.”
“Of course, grandfather...This time, I will not let my anger get the best of me.”
“Glad to hear it, Jin.”
Sure enough, after fifteen minutes of much needed rest, Jun Kazama was ready to face her next opponent as Lee graciously announce the second match to begin.
“Well, well...Jun Kazama is the winner and will now move to fight her next opponent, Veronica Li. Please step forward, newcomer!”
Veronica proudly steps forward with the crowd throwing in a big cheer as Anna O’Connor who was among the spectators knew Veronica would definitely do her best and that winning or losing doesn’t really matter as what matters is to improve yourself of how to engage different kinds of opponents and of course, in defeat a lesson learned would be of benefit in the future. Veronica makes her way to the stage as she greets Jun Kazama with a proper Japanese style bow.
“It is an honour to face you, ma’am.”
“No, the honour is mine, Veronica.”
“I see.”
“So, shall we begin?”
“Yes.”
Both Veronica and Jun put up their fists to fight as at the same time, Veronica pulls out her whip-like ribbon as Jun anticipated she would use that in her fight and neither Lee or Kazuya see that as breaking the rules since Yoshimitsu, Andy Zhang and the Lau twins used swords or katanas in their matches.
“Now...Let this battle begin!”
The timer starts as Veronica used her ribbon to strike at Jun who dodges as Veronica does many whip-like attacks at Jun and Jun herself manages to grab a hold of the ribbon. With both fighters pulling back to gain the upper hand, Veronica manages to yank back her hardest thus making Jun lose her grip and eventually the fight went on and Veronica manages to earn her first win.
“All right, folks...The newcomer, Veronica Li has won the first round...Can she really defeat Jun Kazama?! Stay tuned!”
“You fought well, Veronica.”
“Thank you, Miss. Kazama.”
“Shall we continue with the fight?”
“Very well.”
“Then let’s get to it.”
“Now, ladies and gentlemen. Let’s prepare for round two...FIGHT!”
Round two begins and the fight went like a real rollercoaster ride with both fighters fighting to the hardest with the audience literally unable to predict on who might win the fight. Jin and Heihachi both wonder if Jun could stand against the agile and fast Veronica and her attacks but both know she can hang in there.
“They are both well-matched.”
“So, it would seem, Jin.”
Kazuya knew that Jun would not go down easily in a fight and has faith she could win and eventually just as he had predict Jun manages to beat Veronica in the second round but just barely. Everyone in the crowd were at the edge of their seats as all have no idea of who will win and advance to the final 16. However, Kazuya seems to be the only one who knows who might win but keeps this fact to himself.
“Well, folks...Last round. Let us wonder on who’s going to win. Would it be the newcomer Veronica Li or the beautiful and elegant Jun Kazama?!”
Veronica was feeling a little tired as she was wearing her pink dance costume and brushes the sweat off her forehead.
“I have to say that was a good workout.”
“You sure have impressed me, Veronica.”
“Thank you, Miss. Kazama.”
“So, shall we continue?”
“Indeed.”
“Let the final match...BEGIN!”
Veronica and Jun once again lunges at each other with everything they’ve got from punches, kicks and throws as members of the audiences haven’t got a slightest clue on who will win. Anna O’Connor knew her friend will do her absolute best as Sophie along with Shirley and Patricia all rooted for both Veronica and Jun.
“It must be kind of hard for you to cheer for, Sophie?”
“Not really, Shirley.”
“It isn’t?”
“Nope...I would be pleased on whoever wins since Veronica is my friend and Miss. Kazama is my surrogate mother.”
“I see.”
“Well, let’s like this battle will soon determine on who will win.”
“My thoughts exactly, Pat.”
Sure enough, the fight between Veronica and Jun Kazama continues with both combatants moving back and forward and eventually Jun successfully manages to disarm Veronica of her ribbon but nevertheless, Veronica kept on fighting with both her fists and legs as she was still a deadly hand to hand combat fighting that combines aspects of gymnastics and Wu Shu. The hand to hand fight lasted to near the end of the round as in the final five seconds, Jun counters Veronica with a swift attack and throws her down to the ground in a judo throw style and defeats Veronica with a blow to the head but not fatal and thus securing her win.
“Well, well...Jun Kazama is the winner and will advance to the final 16!”
The crowd cheers loudly as Jun helps Veronica to her feet and eventually compliments her for fighting well.
“You fought very well, Veronica.”
“Thank you, Miss. Kazama...Good luck to you in the ‘Victory tournament’.”
“Thank you.”
As both fighters head off the stage, Lee then makes the announcement of the next group of three fighters would soon commence as the shuffling will once more begin.
“Nine more fighters to go, ladies and gentlemen...Let’s see who would be our next lucky three?!”
The remaining nine fighters which consists Natsu, Panda, Catalina, Raven, Asuka, Nina, Leo, Alisa and Paul as they all watched as wondering if they would be next.
“I guess it might be my turn soon.”
“You think so, Natsu?”
“I am sure of that, Asuka.”
“Well, I think I would have to honor to fight you.”
“Thanks, Leo...Same here.”
Sure enough, the three fighters that would be fighting in the next match has been revealed and Natsu was very pleased that she now gets her chance to fight.
“Well, it’s about time.”
“I am happy for you, Natsu.”
“Thanks, Leo.”
“Well, it looks like Catalina is up next too.”
“Yes...Ready to rock and roll, Cat?”
“Ready when you are, Natsu.”
“And look...Looks like Panda is up next as well.”
Panda growls happily as finally she gets a chance to fight.
“You ready to fight, Panda?”
Panda nods and smiles as Catalina asks her the question as all three then make their way to the fighting stage as Lee announces the fighting sequence on who will go first.
“Now let’s see which of the three will fight first?”
The shuffling begins as all three wonder who will be facing who as Natsu was eager to fight either one and Catalina also knew she can do it as Panda growls happily as finally she gets to fight.
“Well, here we have it, ladies and gentlemen...It would seem Catalina and Panda will be facing each other first!”
“I guess I will fight either one of you eventually.”
“So, it would seem, Natsu.”
“Right...I think I will just sit back and watch.”
“Okay.”
Natsu takes a seat nearby as Catalina and Panda get themselves ready to fight with Catalina wearing her pink dance costume and ironically she doesn’t have her trusty umbrella with her as she wants to fight bare handed.
“Ready to fight, Panda?”
Panda nods as she was holding her paws high and growls meaning she was ready as Lee then announces the breath taking match to begin.
“Now...Let this battle get underway!”
The clock starts ticking as Catalina moves forward and makes a number of fast and speedy kick and punch attacks as they made Panda stumble several steps backwards as Xiaoyu roots for her pet bodyguard telling the intelligent Panda not to flatter.
“You can do it, Panda! Show the crowd what you can do!”
Panda immediately finds confidence within herself and launches a series of paw strikes at Catalina as she got one right in the chest but surprisingly her dress didn’t get torn at all and afterwards, Catalina evades Panda’s fast paw attacks and kicks the Panda right in the shin hurting her.
“Sorry.”
Catalina eventually apologized as she then slides right under Panda and quickly gets back up and tackles Panda getting her attention. Panda then moves in with her paws stretch out and ‘bear’ hug Catalina squeezing as hard as possible. Catalina was in great pain as the crowd begins to know that she would lose but Kazuya does not think so as he observes that this girl is more than meets the eye.
“Hmm...”
Panda continues to put the squeeze on her and although Catalina continues to groan in pain and agony, she endures it and eventually she slams her head right into Panda, which made her loosen her grip and finally, Catalina uses her strength to break free of the hold and lands back on the ground on her two feet when she quickly lunges at Panda with a strong punch that has hardly an affect as Catalina does it two more times before Panda uses her belly to knocks Catalina off her feet. Kazuya who was watching was rather taken in by the beauty and bravery of Catalina herself something that made Anna feel a little jealous.
“She is quite a young girl and a young strong warrior.”
“You like this girl, Kazuya?”
“Yes, Anna...My dear.”
“You really prefer her than me?”
“Of course not...There’s only one woman in my life which I adored and that is you.”
“Well, thank you...My dear Kazuya.”
“Yes...Very soon I will just see what they are capable of.”
“If you say so.”
Sure enough, the round ends in victory for Catalina as she manages to defeat Panda with a quick and powerful blow to the head as the large animal falls back to the ground flat on its back as Lee announces Catalina’s first round victory.
“Well, this is unbelievable, ladies and gentlemen...Catalina has won the first round and can she keep up the good effort?!”
Catalina breaths a little easier as Panda manages to get back on its two hind legs. Panda knew Catalina was no pushover and have earned its respect.
(“You fought well, Catalina.”)
“You have too, Panda.”
(“You have my everlasting respect...Shall we continue?”)
“My pleasure.”
Catalina and Panda get ready to fight again with Lee announcing the next round to commence.
“Okay, fans...Let’s see how these two fare in the next round...FIGHT!”
Once again, both Catalina and Panda attack each other with quick blows and kicks as it was like a duel of the titans. Catalina uses both agility and speed to fight while Panda relies on stamina and power, which was just as effective. Panda literally won the second round and in the final round, Panda was then defeated by Catalina who scores a direct hit right in the face knocking the large animal spark out as it lands flat on his back and because of the impact of its weight, the floor cracks and there was a small trail of it.
“The fight is over, ladies and gentlemen...Catalina Mastrogiorgio is the winner and will now advance to fight the next fighter...Natsu! We will take a short break but stay tuned!”
The audience gave their loud applause for Catalina as she felt quite proud of himself as she embraces Panda as it gets back up to its feet.
“You okay, Panda?”
(“I am fine.”)
“Good...You fought well.”
(“Same to you...You are a warrior to be reckon with.”)
“Well, I wouldn’t go that far.”
(“I hope we get the chance to fight again.”)
“Of course...Until then.”
Catalina and Panda bow to each other in respect as Catalina takes a rest by sitting next to Natsu as she was ready to go out and fight.
“So, you ready, Cat?”
“I am ready to fight...You?”
“Same...But I think you need a bit of rest to catch your breath.”
“Of course.”
After a short while, Catalina was rested up and ready to battle as Lee announces the match between her and Natsu to begin.
“And now, ladies and gentlemen...The match between Catalina Mastrogiorgio and Natsu will now begin! Let’s see who will win and whoever does will join the talented and strong sixteen finalists?!”
“I guess that’s us.”
“Let’s get up there.”
“Right.”
Catalina and Natsu therefore gets onto the stage as the crowd cheers loudly for both of them and in particular, Catalina herself as the audience has now high hopes for her.
“I think the audience has high hopes for you now.”
“Yeah...So, you ready?”
“Oh, I am pumped for some action.”
“Now, let the match begin!”
Natsu was the first to make his move as she lunges straight at Catalina with a powerful kick and afterwards she continues her attack with Catalina remaining purely on the defensive.
“You have a strong defense, Cat.”
“You are certainly all fired up.”
“Indeed I am...Let’s make this fight a good round.”
“I reckon we should save it for the final round.”
“Of course...Good idea.”
Catalina then evades Natsu’s punch as she quickly grabs hold of it and uses a jujitsu maneuver and throws Natsu right down the ground.
“Well, Cat’s got her now.” uttered Asuka deeply inspired of the way she fought.
“She is quite a fighter. Don’t you think so, Leo?”
“I reckon you are right, Alisa.”
The battle continues with Catalina and Natsu going head to head with other as both struck each other with punches and kicks. Now both were a bit tired and eventually Natsu takes the first win by knocking Catalina down to the ground with a ninja-like strike that made Catalina literally no time to react.
“Ow...Nice shot.”
“Thanks.”
“I take it you are a ninja expert.”
“Uh, more or less, Cat. My teacher taught me well.”
“Your teacher?”
“Yes, her name is Taki.”
“And how old is she?”
“A little older.” Replied Natsu as she helps Catalina to her feet. “You okay?”
“I will live, thank you...I think it’s time for me to show off all my strength and skill.”
“That makes two of us...You ready?”
“Ready.”
Both Catalina and Natsu have got back up and were ready to fight again as Lee once more announces the second round to commence.
“Okay, ladies and gentlemen...Let’s see who will win this round? FIGHT!”
Catalina this time strikes first as she attacks with fast speed punches and kicks, she even manages to use several jujitsu maneuvers on Natsu pushing her to the brink of defeat but Natsu quickly outmaneuvers her and manages to launch a series of fast ninja speed kicks at her sending her to the ground but not out as Catalina quickly gets back on her feet.
“Let’s keep going.”
“Oh, yeah...Now, this is what I am talking about.”
Natsu was feeling on fire as she and Catalina fought hard and both seem to happily enjoy it. Eventually, Catalina gains the upper hand and knocks Natsu down to the ground as she sighs with relief that she just might join the final 16.
“I cannot believe I just might win this.”
“Not until you get through me, Cat.”
“Of course.”
Catalina helps her up as the crowd throws in cheers and big claps with Kazuya deeply inspired that the young generation sure know how to impress the people.
“They both sure know how to earn the crowd’s attention.”
“If you say so, Kazuya.”
“That’s right, Anna...That is right.”
“I bet that Natsu is going to win.”
“Ten dollars say you are wrong.”
“Of course...You’ve got a bet, Kazuya.”
Sure enough, Catalina manages to defeat Natsu and earn her win in the second round as now it all comes down to this. All the members of the audience wonder which of the two will advance onwards and join the ranks of the top sixteen. The fighting gets intense as both combatants move forward at each other like they have nothing to lose and eventually Catalina and Natsu realize that one of them has to win.
“I say we have given the audience a good enough show...Let’s end this with our decisive blow so that neither one of us would be seriously hurt.”
“Good idea, Natsu.”
“You ready, Cat?”
“Ready when you are.”
Catalina and Natsu stood just within twenty yards of each other and both were panting as they were both literally quite exhausted and nearly worn out to the last straw but ironically both still had plenty of stamina and strength left in them.
“Ready.”
“Let’s rumble.”
Both charges straight at each other with both of them using their hyper fist and kick attack as eventually both landed their blow on their opponent. There was a tension and a moment of silence as no one could tell who has won or who has lost.
“Oh my...”
“Who has won, Sophie?”
“That remains to be seen, Pat.”
Many of Catalina and Natsu’s classmates were left wondering who would be the one to join other lucky fourteen that would fight in the ‘Victory tournament’. Eventually, Catalina and Natsu pull away their punch and kick as Catalina grunts and falls on her knees, which made nearly everyone believe that she was the one that was going to lose. However, in the next split second, Natsu falls down on her knees as well and then falls flat on her stomach.
“You win, Cat...You win.”
Lee then immediately announces Catalina as the victor as he too was quite taken in by the cute girl’s ‘excellent’ performance.
“Excellent performance by Catalina Mastrogiorgio...She’s the winner of this match and will advance onto the ‘Victory tournament’ itself! A round of applause for her win, ladies and gentlemen!”
The crowd gives Catalina a huge round of applause making her quite proud of herself as she then helps Natsu to her feet.
“You still in one piece, Natsu?”
“Indeed I am, Cat...Congratulations.”
“Thanks.”
“Well, I may have lost but it was a good fight for me.”
“I am glad you see things quite positively.”
“Yeah...Anyway, good luck in the ‘Victory tournament’.”
“I will...Pleasure to fight you, Natsu.”
“Maybe someday we will have a rematch.”
“Count on it.”
Catalina and Natsu then exits the stage both in happy spirits as Anna Williams gives Kazuya ten Macau dollars for losing the bet that she thought Catalina was going to lose to her opponent.
“I guess I lost the bet.”
“Don’t beat yourself about it, Anna...Sometimes we lose and sometimes we win.”
“I hope this time we will win.”
“So do I, Anna...So do I.”
Lee then announces the next set match as there are now only six fighters left as he announces the shuffling to begin and eventually the process will go much quicker as before because there are not many fighters left.
“Only six fighters to go, ladies and gentlemen...Let’s see which of them will join the ‘excellent’ fourteen and advance onto the ‘Victory tournament’ itself...Let’s begin!”
The shuffling begins as the remaining six fighters can only wonder if it would be their turn next and knowing if they are not selected for this ‘Round Robin’ match then they would fighting in the next match anyway.
“Wonder if my good for nothing sister would be next?”
“We will see, Anna...We will see.”
“So, did you check out her alibi?”
“Not yet...But I will.”
“Very well...I just cannot wait to see if she is her usual naughty self by lying to us.”
“I couldn’t agree more.”
Sure enough, the next three fighters were selected and Anna was pleased to see it was Nina’s turn to fight as she really wants to see her get a good beating.
“Finally...She gets to fight.”
“Yes.”
Besides Nina, both Asuka and Raven were selected as well, which brings to the conclusion that the last three fighters would be Paul Phoenix, Leo and Alisa as Paul cannot wait to get his hands dirty by pounding both young girls into submission.
“I cannot wait fight the two of you.”
“We are not afraid of you...Right, Alisa?”
“Affirmative, Leo.”
“Right.”
“Well, good luck to you...Or not.”
“You have a funny sense of humour, Paul Phoenix.”
“Ha ha...Funny.”
Eventually, Lee calls for Raven, Nina and Asuka Kazama to come to the stage as the shuffling procedure on who will fight who first will soon be determined.
“Let’s see who will fight who.”
The shuffling begins as Nina and Raven both wish each other all the best.
“Good luck, Nina.”
“Thanks, Raven.”
“Say, you can wonder what Kazuya is up to?”
“I guess...I manage to fool him into working for someone he knows.”
“He brought the story.”
“More or less.”
“Well, eventually he will figure it out.”
“I know...But he did tell me that he was going to put forward the ‘Two Stars initiative’.”
“The ‘Two Stars’ initiative?”
“I know it sounds weird but I try looking it up but nothing.”
“Must be in Kazuya’s secured files.”
“I did look into his files.”
“You did?” asked Raven surprised by remains in his calm and cool face.
“Yes, there was nothing on it.”
“I think he must have done something to them beforehand.”
“That’s a distinct possibility.”
“Well, for now...Let’s concentrate on the match.”
“Hey...What were you two guys talking about?” asked Asuka as fortunately she was too busy doing stretches to have bother to listen to both Raven and Nina’s confidential conversation.
“Oh, nothing.”
“Nothing of interest to you, Asuka.”
“What does that mean, Mr. cool dude?”
“It means it’s need-to-know and you do not need-to-know.”
“Oh, I see.”
“And there we have it, folks...The first match would be Asuka Kazama against Nina Williams.”
Anna Williams smiled as she could now finally get the chance to watch her sister take a good beating.
“Finally, I get to see Nina get a good beat by someone else.”
“Yes, Anna...Jin’s cousin is too a thorn on our side so we will let them fight it out and keep our ‘evil’ hands clean.”
“My thoughts exactly.”
Nina and Asuka stood within ten feet of each other face to face and held up their fists to fight while Raven promptly made his way to the side bench to watch.
“I have something to ask you, Miss. Williams.”
“What might that be, Asuka Kazama?”
“Is Jin still working on his diabolical schemes?”
“Not that I know of...No.”
“Are you sure?”
“Of that I am sure.”
“Right...But I still don’t buy it.”
“Fair enough.”
“Now let this darling match...COMMENCE!”
“Let’s fight then.”
“Aye!”
The timer starts counting down as Asuka lunges forward with a strong kick attack with Nina doing two back flips to evade and Asuka being quite aggressive when she needs to be and charges straight at Nina who dodges her fast and aggressive blows by moving side to side with very little effort. Eventually when the timing was right, Nina grabs hold of Asuka’s arm and throws her down to the ground as apparently it was an Aikido technique that Nina often uses as she is a master in Aikido as well as Koppo and other various martial arts. Asuka gets back on her feet as she brushes off the dust on her fighting outfit, the same one she wore in the last tournament. Light blue top with a blue sports vest, sports shorts along with fighting gloves and knee high fighting boots.
“Well, you think that move can put me down that easily?”
“No, I would know better.”
“Yeah.”
Nina was wearing her purple coloured assassin attire as Asuka continues to lunge numerous punch and kick attacks at her with Nina dodging and eventually waits for the perfect moment to launch a counter assault that knocks Asuka to the ground. Anna watching her sister was deeply not impressed that Nina is being too cautious as wonder how she does not fight like the two of them would in the past.
“Wonder why she is fighting so casually? She disappoints me.”
“Not exactly, Anna.”
“What do you mean, Kazuya?”
“She is merely being patient.”
“Patient?”
“She is merely tiring out her opponent and waits for the right moment to fight back.”
“Well, I um...”
“Yes, you could learn a thing or two from her...Despite she is a potential enemy to us.”
“Whatever, Kazuya...My darling.”
“Just bear that thought, my dear Anna.”
“Very well.”
The match continues with both combatants fighting their hardest without holding back and eventually it was Nina who deliver the final blow that earns her victory of the first round.
“All right, Nina Williams has won the first round...Can she keep it up and beat Asuka Kazama in the second?! Let’s find out!”
“Well, Lee always loves to use his charisma to draw others’ attention.”
“Indeed.”
“What a show off.” uttered Anna scoffing followed by a small sigh.
“Well, I have to say it, Anna but it looks like Nina pulled off the first round after all.”
“Yes, Kazuya...But that remains to be seen.”
“Of course...If I know Asuka Kazama she is not going to throw in the towel not without a fight.”
“I have to agree with you on that one.”
Asuka however being full of pride and energy refuses to give up as she promptly gets back on her feet.
“Okay, time to get really serious.”
“I am glad to hear that, Asuka.”
Asuka brushes off the dust on her clothing and gives Nina a smiling type of smirk.
“I am still pumped up for action.”
“I know you are.”
“Well, shall we continue?”
“The pleasure is mine.”
“Okay, it’s time for round two, ladies and gentlemen...Just who will win? Get ready...” began Lee as both Nina and Asuka once again get into their fighting stances and prepare to fight.
“FIGHT!”
“Let’s rumble!”
Asuka lunges forward again with normal kick attacks as she intends to lure Nina in a false sense of confidence by only using normal kick and eventually to normal punches while during midway she shifts to the advance techniques of the Kazama Traditional training arts and forces Nina to be surprised and had quite some difficulty in defending herself from her attacks. Kazuya was quite taken in as Asuka, her supposed niece was not a pushover as he had thought to be.
“Hmm...Not bad.”
Nina was then eventually defeated and knock down to the ground with a three-combo kick sweep assault before Asuka lands a blow in her face with Lee announces the round going to Asuka herself.
“And out of the blue...This round’s victory goes to Asuka Kazama! Now only the final round can decide on who will win to fight the next and last fighter opponent by the name of Raven.”
Eventually, Dragunov was in the spectator and watching Raven like a vulture as he still feels a little disappointed that he wouldn’t be able to fight his nemesis.
“...”
“So, this is it then...The deciding match.”
“It would seem that way, Asuka.”
“Come on, Nina...Nothing can stop me from moving onto the ‘Victory tournament’.”
“We will see about that.”
“Oh, yeah...I will not back down.”
“Either will I.”
“Now let this final round...BEGIN!”
“Okay, time to finish this once and for all.”
Asuka once again used the same tactic she did to Nina in the previous round. However, Nina being quite intelligent was able to ensure that she would not fall for the same mistake twice. Asuka being not as smart as Nina was didn’t know her plan of attack had been anticipated.
“This time...I will beat you, Nina!”
“Perhaps...But I wouldn’t bet on it.”
“Oh, we will see about that.”
Asuka then lunges straight towards Nina and use her three-combo kick sweep assault by this time, Nina was prepared and she leaps high up and back flips and was now at least five to ten feet away from where Asuka was standing.
“There’s a saying, Asuka...The same trick would not work twice.”
“Oh, I get it.”
“Shall we?”
“Indeed.”
Asuka then charges towards Nina and throws numerous fast punches that would have been quite damaging if not for Nina who manages to dodge side to side evading her attacks.
“Stop evading already!”
“It wouldn’t be of much point for me to take your hits like that.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean I am not a dummy for you laid your punches on.”
“Oh, I see.”
The fight continues with only less than twenty seconds left on the game clock as the crowd cheers for both of them as knowing one of them would win this. Jin watches his cousin as he makes a note that she may be strong and tough but lacks the decency to adjust and change her fighting tactics. A point where Jun, his mother also manages to see as well.
“Asuka hasn’t change a bit.”
“She hasn’t, Jin.”
“I have to tell you this, mother...She may be a tough opponent but lacks the will to change fighting tactics because when you use that tactic once, your opponent would not foolishly fall for it again.”
“Yes, I have to agree with you on that one, my son.”
Eventually, Nina continues to evade Asuka’s attacks, which in turn only made her more angry and frustrated.
“Would you stop dodging?”
Nina just smirks as Jin knew what Nina was up to and apparently Raven also knew Nina has a trick up her sleeve.
“She is up to something.”
“Good for you, Nina.”
Nina times is just right and manages to succeed in grabbing hold of Asuka as she attempts an overhead strike with her right arm but Nina has a tight grip and Asuka has no other choice but to belt Nina across the face with her left fist smacking two successful blows into her face.
“How do you like that?”
Nina remains calm and head butts Asuka in the face stunning her before uses an Aikido technique and throws her to the ground and strikes several punches to her face and literally knocking her spark out with her nose slightly bleeding like Nina’s was and her face slightly bruised. The crowd cheers loudly with Lee making the announcement on Nina’s hard fought victory.
“Well, there we have it, ladies and gentlemen...Nina Williams has beaten Asuka Kazama and will soon face her next opponent, Raven! For now, Nina herself can rest up and be prepared to fight in the next match...A truly excellent display of performance!”
Nina feels quite proud of herself and Asuka was beginning to come to her senses again.
“What the...”
Nina showing some form of kindness offers to help Asuka to her feet.
“Need a hand?”
“Well, I suppose so.”
Nina extends her hand and helps Asuka to her feet as Asuka compliments Nina for beating her.
“You fought well.”
“Yes, you were not as bad yourself.”
“Thanks.”
Asuka walks off as Lili who was watching was quite disappointed of her loss.
“Oh, what a big shame.”
Asuka was heading towards Lili and the others whom were all gathered under the MPGA area and met with Lili in person.
“I guess I lost like you did.”
“I suppose so, Asuka...Looks like the newcomers really pack quite a punch.”
“Tell me about it.”
Anna Williams shows great disappointment that her sister might make it to the final 16 but Kazuya assures her that everything is proceeding according to plan.
“This is not the way it should be, Kazuya.”
“There’s nothing to worry about, my dear Anna.”
“There is not?”
“No, everything is going as it should be.”
“Remind me why again?”
“They have already decided who would fight me in the final match.”
“Oh, I see.”
“So, you see there’s nothing to worry about.”
“Of course.”
Sure enough, after about a quarter of an hour later, Lee Chaolan then makes the announcement of the next match as Nina and Raven make their way to the fighting stage.
“And now, ladies and gentlemen...The next match between Nina Williams and Raven will now begin!”
The crowd gave their big round of applause as Nina and Raven stood face to face with each other ready to fight.
“You ready?”
“Ready.”
“Good...Let’s make this fight look good.”
“Okay, fans...Only one will win this so let’s find out!”
Both fighters were calm and cool as Lee then announces the match to begin.
“FIGHT!”
The match immediately begins with Nina and Raven moving around each other as Raven struck first with a light blow but misses as Nina leaps right over him with the two putting up a very good fight as Raven and Nina trade blows with both getting hit at least once or twice. The crowd roots for both of them as Kazuya watches the fight with amusement.
“Both sure can show off a good fight.”
“Tell me about it, Kazuya.”
“I love this...Getting our enemies to fight one other now that according to Lee would be an ‘excellent’ scheme.”
“I know.”
Eventually, Nina and Raven struck a strong blow at each other right in the face knocking them both down to the ground. In a split second later, both fighters slowly got back up on their feet with Raven using his lethal Ninjutsu to attempt to bring Nina down as Nina had trouble predicting of where would he try attack her from. In the end, Raven scores a direct hit and knocks Nina down to the ground and temporary knocked out earning Raven his first round win.
“There we have it, ladies and gentlemen...Raven has won the first round so can he really pull the next round off and advance to the final 16?!”
Raven helps Nina back to her feet.
“Thanks.”
“You are welcome.” replied Raven remaining cool and calm as he always does.
“I had to pretend to go down badly.”
“I figure...Your sister is watching, yes?”
“Yeah...Always like to see me take a beating.”
“Well, let’s try and disappoint her then.”
“I agree...Ready?”
“Ready.”
The whole crowd watches with tension wondering who will win as Anna Williams, Bruce, Jin, Heihachi, Jun, Sophie, Kazuya and others all wonder who would come out on top would it be lethal assassin, Nina or top of the line Ninjutsu expert, Raven? Lee makes the announcement for the second round as he too wonder who will win the next round with his bet on Raven.
“Well, folks...Looks like both opponents are getting ready to fight again. Just wonder who will win this round? My bet is on that Raven dude but who knows...Ready and FIGHT!”
The second rounds then commences with Nina making her first move as she lunges several strong lethal kick attacks at Raven who quickly evades her attacks with fast efficiency. Eventually, both opponents fought hard and it was nearly impossible to predict on who will win the round as Anna Williams knew Nina would lose but Kazuya knows that the outcome remains to be seen.
“I reckon she would lose.”
“You are certain of this, Anna?”
“Of course, Kazuya...I am sure.”
“Well, let’s not count her out just yet.”
“Well, all right.”
Sure enough, Nina manages to predict Raven’s point of attack as he uses a Ninjutsu maneuver and launches a speedy charge attack at her as she times it just right and catches him in mid-air and promptly throws him to the ground. Nina then jumps on him and pounds him in the face several times and eventually knocks him out but not fully. Nevertheless, Nina has won the second round much to her sister, Anna’s great disappointment.
“Well, looks like Nina Williams has won the second...Now there’s the final round so which of these ‘excellent’ fighters will win?!”
Raven quickly recovers as Nina stands over him and gradually helps him back up.
“You okay?”
“Yeah, I am.”
“Here you go.”
Nina helps Raven back to his feet as he shows a small but genuine smile on his face complimenting Nina on her able to intercept his speed attack.
“That was a great move you did, Nina...Great reflexes.”
“Thank you, Raven...So, you up for the final round?”
“Indeed. You?”
“I was born ready.”
“Good...Let’s make the best of it.”
Lee quickly announces the match itself to begin.
“NOW...FIGHT!”
The final round commences with Nina and Raven charging straight into each other as their fists smack again right into each other’s faces. The crowd cheers loudly as both fighters hit it off with both striking at each other back and forth with Kazuya continuing to bet that Nina would win but also knew Raven would not lose that easily.
“Well, both of them would not go down that easily.”
“I think you said that before, Kazuya.”
“Maybe...Maybe not.”
The fight went back and forth with Nina using all the techniques she could muster and Raven uses his great speed and agility to counter her attacks. Eventually, Nina gets the better of Raven and ends the round with some clever and tactical thinking. She literally used a delay attack move and fool him into striking vertical, which was perfect for her to use an Aikido type throw and throws him and finishes off with a fast and decisive blow to the head knocking him spark out thus earning her a victory.
“Looks like I win.”
Raven recovers and shows a small smile on his face congratulate Nina on her win.
“Nice going, Nina...Good luck in the final 16 matches.”
“Thanks.”
“Now I have got some other work to do.”
“Yes, be careful with that, okay.”
“Ain’t I always?”
Nina gradually extends out her hand and helps Raven to his feet as the whole crowd gave them both a big round of applause. Lee makes the great announcement on Nina’s win much to Anna’s great disappointment.
“Nina Williams is the winner and will advance onward to the ‘Victory tournament’ itself!”
Nina feels quite proud of herself as she and Raven walks off the fighting stage.
“I will find out in the shadows of what Kazuya has in mind.”
“Okay.”
“See you later.”
Raven then strolls off as Nina follows him but at a slower pace as she meets up with Jin who compliments on her win out there.
“Well done.”
“Thanks...I didn’t want to disappoint you.”
“Well, in fact you disappointed Anna.”
“It’s expected.”
“Yes.”
“So, Jin...How does it feel to know that people knew you were still alive?”
“Just groovy.”
“I see...I will bet Xiaoyu is happy.”
“I can imagine.”
Lee then announces the final three fighters as all three were eager to fight especially Paul himself as he was eager to show just why he is the number one fighter in the one.
“It’s about time...I am going for the gold!”
Leo turns to Paul as knowing he hasn’t change one bit at all.
“You certainly haven’t change, Mr. Phoenix.”
“I will crush you like a bug, Leo or whatever your name really is.”
“The feeling is mutual...Right, Alisa?”
“Affirmative, Leo.”
“Now, would the final three fighters step up to the stage? This final match of the ‘Round Robin’ would soon determine which of the three would advance and join the other fifteen fighters who will soon fight in the ‘Victory tournament’ round! Let’s stay tuned and see who will fight who first?!”
The shuffling process of the fighting sequence begins as it didn’t take very long as the first match was decide as Alisa herself will be facing Paul Phoenix.
“There we have it, ladies and gentlemen...Alisa Bosconovitch and Paul Phoenix will be facing each other in the first round of the last ‘Round Robin’ match!”
Paul smirks as he finally gets to fight and it was his and Kazuya’s arrangement that in the event he gets selected he will get to fight two fighters instead of one so that he could show the world why he is number one.
“All right...I am going for the gold!”
“Are you ready to fight, Mr. Phoenix?” asked Alisa nicely much to Paul’s amusement.
“Of course...I am going to beat you, robot. You want to know why.”
“Why?”
“Because I am number one.”
“I see...That’s a logical answer.”
“Logical? Just what do you think you...Oh, never mind.”
Sure enough, both Alisa and Paul steps up to the fighting stage as Paul held up his fists as Alisa just gets into her casual stance position. Lee then announces the match to begin.
“Okay...Let the battle commence!”
“Here I come!”
Paul move to attack first as Alisa dodges and Paul continues with attack Alisa with strong punch attacks.
“Take this! Take this and that!”
Paul’s punches were powerful but not fast enough to strike at Alisa who uses her robotic agility to successfully evade his attacks altogether. This made Paul twice as angry and arrogant and he growls like an angry bulldog.
“Quit dodging and fight already.”
“As you command...Attack mode.”
Alisa’s face changes into a more serious look as she rushes straight towards Paul and lunges a series of punch and combo attacks that were quite fast for Paul to react as he was struck in the face and torso numerous times but he didn’t seem to be bothered by it and instead all Alisa did was made him even angrier.
“Now I am angry!”
Paul lunges at Alisa with a powerful punch with his hand full of yellow ki that blasts her backwards several steps but manages to quickly recover and stands back on her two feet.
“Okay, time to see what I can do...Robot.”
“The feeling is mutual, Paul Phoenix.”
“Whatever.”
Paul then lunges another fierce attack at Alisa with Leo watching from the sidelines as she was not really fond of the way Paul fights as the way he is fighting was quite different than the way he did years back.
“Oh, man...The way that Paul Phoenix fights now is closely resemble to that of a wild dog.”
The fight continues on with Paul almost always on the offensive but Alisa hangs in there and eventually she throws her head at Paul as he amusing catches it, which in Alisa’s point of view was a ‘human’ response action.
“What the...”
“Explode.”
The head explodes blasting Paul off his feet as he lands on the ground but not hurt except with a cut or two on his face.
“Grrr...I always hated when she does this.”
“Commence attack mode.”
Alisa pops up a new head that’s completely identical to the one she used before and Paul quickly gets back on his feet and continues to fight with Alisa as the round was drawing to a close with only fifteen seconds left on the clock. Kazuya sees that Paul hasn’t really change much in his fighting style and recommends Paul should use a different way to fight.
“I reckon Paul should change his fighting style.”
“You really so, Kazuya?”
“Yes, Anna...He can continue to use the same martial art form but in a different way...A way where his opponents would find it hard to predict.”
“You think he can do it?”
“Of course, Anna...With some guidance from me. After all, not many people could fight me on an equal footing.”
Paul Phoenix is one of the few fighters not related to the Mishima bloodline to be able to stand toe to toe with a Mishima family fighter for more than a few moments. Paul and Kazuya met each other for the first time at the very first Iron Fist tournament where the two were able to fight on equal terms and earn each other respect. Kazuya would help Paul in any way and of course in return to do some favours for him.
Sure enough, the round ends with Alisa managing to knock Paul out of the fighting stage with a fast rocket fist punch at point blank range that blasts him out of the ring and according to the match rules. Whoever falls out of the ring instantly loses and Lee announces Alisa as the winner of the first round.
“There we have it, ladies and gentlemen...Alisa Bosconovitch has won the first round and can the so-called number one fighter, Paul Phoenix be able to make a comeback?! Stay tuned!”
Paul grunts and climbs back into the ring with Bryan, Miguel and others rooting loudly for him.
“You can do it, Paul! Show that girl what you are made of!”
“Don’t hold back, amigo!”
Marshall along with Craig and King also cheer for Paul to boost his level of confidence up.
“You are the world’s strongest fighter, Paul! Don’t let me down!”
“Yeah, crush that robot!”
“Grrr!” (Show them who’s the boss!)
These words lifted Paul’s confidence as Lee then announces the second round of the match to begin.
“Okay, folks...The second round would soon commence so let’s see if we can get a better match this time.”
Paul rubs his large and muscular hands together as he glares at Alisa like a dog ready to get back his bone.
“This time, robot...I will beat you.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure.”
“Oh, really...Let me guess. You robots never make mistakes in your calculations?”
“Never.”
“Then that is all about to change.”
“Round two...Fight!”
“Here I come...Prepare yourself!”
Paul once again launch the same attack assault as in the first round and Alisa anticipated this and quickly uses her cybernetic legs to dodge every single one of his attacks and she waited and launches a counter strike by kicking Paul right in the balls so hard that Paul grunts and endures the pain but eventually his face turns to a darkish blue as anybody would be in pain when they get kicked in the balls.
“Damn you.”
The fight continues as Alisa manages to score several punches and kicks onto Paul but ironically, Paul doesn’t seem to be hurt and the rage in him has gotten stronger.
“Okay, now I am mad.”
Alisa decide to end the fight by using her battle mode as she thinks it is time to put an end to the fight.
“Battle mode...Activated.”
Alisa’s arms detached and display her chain saws as they cycle when activated and Alisa shows her jet pack that comes out from her back and she charges at a very fast speed at Paul who manages to dodge the attack.
“Chain saws, huh? Well, I will not be intimidated by this.”
Kazuya decide that Paul would have no chance against Alisa when she is in her battle mode.
“Looks like Paul is at a disadvantage.”
“You want to help him, Kazuya?”
“Yes, Anna...You agree with me, right?”
“Right.”
“Good...Here’s what I want you to do.”
Kazuya whispers something into Anna’s ear and what Kazuya was saying to her remains a complete mystery.
Sure enough, Paul remains firmly on the defensive as Alisa constantly moves in with fast speed attacks. Her chain saws were quite deadly as Paul has to be extremely careful and takes advantage at certain times with a few blows when Alisa is off her guard.
“It’s like I am fighting a hundred Kumas with my hands tied behind me...Ugh!”
The fight rages on as eventually time runs out and the second round was declare a draw between them as Paul pants like a dog sweating from blazing heat.
“Okay, I still can do this.”
Lee then announces the draw of the round and gives the crowd a bit of wonder of who will win in the next round or two because Paul wins then the score
“Well, folks...A draw between Paul Phoenix and Alisa Bosconovitch. So, who will win would it be the android with a conscience or the self declared number one fighter?!”
Suddenly, Anna appears behind Lee as he tells and was quite happy to see her.
“Anna, my dear.”
“Lee...I trust you are enjoying your job as announcer.”
“Yes, my dear...It is truly an excellent job for me.”
“I see...Well, would you put the next round on hold for a moment?”
“For a moment? Sure...But why?”
“You will see.”
“Okay...I will do that.”
“Good.”
Anna heads off as Lee did exactly what Anna asked her to do.
“Ladies and gentlemen...We will give the fighters a bit of rest before the next round would commence. We apologize for any inconvenience.”
Paul sighs with relief as he sits down flat on the stage ground as Alisa sat down as well.
“What a relief.”
“Hey, Paul.”
Paul turns and finds Anna Williams waving at him and he stands up and goes over to where she was standing.
“What’s up?”
“I see you have manage to hold that android off.”
“Barely, Anna...I was about to become dog mince meat.”
“Well, you have a way with words.”
“Thanks.”
“Here...Compliments of Kazuya.”
Anna hands Paul a metal staff and at first, Paul was not pleased with the so-called melee weapon that Anna gave him because knowing chainsaws can cut through just about anything so he chose not to accept it.
“You have got to be kidding me...You know well that those chainsaws of that android could cut through this like um...Like sausages. Forgive me, Anna but I cannot accept it.”
“Well, I hate to tell that you are wrong...This metal staff is made of a very strong metal that’s very rare and not from this planet.”
Paul starts to show some curiosity about this and asks Anna again of what the metal staff was made of.
“What was that again? You saying this metal staff is made from a metal material not found...”
“On this planet.”
“You are serious.”
“Of course I am serious...How Kazuya was able to acquired remains um...Confidential.”
“I see.”
“Well, good luck out there...Trash that android for me.”
“It would be my pleasure.” replied Paul showing a wicked smile on his face.
“Good.”
Sure enough, Lee makes the announcement of the third round as Paul steps back up to the stage with a metal staff in his hand.
“Okay, ladies and gentlemen...The third round of the match between Paul Phoenix and Alisa Bosconovitch would now begin. So, wonder who will win?! Let’s find out!”
“This way, android...I will make a junk pile out of you.”
“We shall see...Battle mode prepare to ignite.”
“Ready...FIGHT!”
Alisa this time charges straight at Paul using her jet pack and Paul dodges her attacks as Bryan, Miguel, Craig, King and Marshall all begin to suspect that Paul would lose to Alisa.
“Oh, man...Paul is going to be hammered.”
“I would not be so sure about that, Craig.”
“What do you mean by that, Marshall?”
“I don’t know...But I just know.”
“Right.”
“Grrr?” (He can do it, right?)
“Yes, he can, King.” replied Bryan folding his arms. “Right, Miguel?”
“Right, amigo.”
The battle was one sided at first but eventually Paul fights back with his metal staff and manages to score a hit on Alisa that stunned her briefly. Xiaoyu and Miharu whom were watching urge Alisa to hang in there.
“You can do it, Alisa!”
“Hang in there!”
These words boost Alisa’s confidence as she fought back hard with her chainsaw arms as Paul too fights back like a cornered beast.
“This time...I will not lose.”
“That’s where you miscalculated.”
“We will see about that.”
Alisa throws her head at Paul but this time Paul was ready to counter it as he swings his metal staff back and begins to use it as though if it was a baseball bat.
“Batter up!”
Paul times it right and hits Alisa’s head back to her as it explodes in mid-air with smoke filling the stage area. Paul seizes this chance and lunges the metal staff forward pushing Alisa backwards.
“Now I’ve got you.”
Paul gains the upper hand and whacks Alisa’s head off and then tackles her to the ground just as the timer hits zero, which literally earn Paul his victory since he was the one still standing when time run out as according to the match rules made by Kazuya that whoever remains standing when the clock hits zero that person wins by default.
“Well, ladies and gentlemen...It looks like Paul Phoenix has made a comeback! Can he keep it up and earn his victory?! Let’s find out!”
Paul feels quite on fire now as Alisa gets back on her feet and then retrieves her head and puts it back on as it spins around 360 degrees first to lock the head to its torso.
“Prepare for combat.”
“I am ready when you are.”
Both combatants stand ready to fight as Lee then makes the announcement of the final round as this round would determine who will move on and fight against Leo herself in the next match.
“Okay, folks...This round will now begin with a big bang...FIGHT!”
“I will make sure you will regret facing me!” uttered Paul pointing his metal staff at Alisa who just casually smiles.
“We will see.”
Paul attacks first as he was quite skilled with fighting with a weapon as he often practices by wielding a baseball bat in his younger days when he needs to clobber or brutally beat someone he hates like Bryan Fury back when they were rivals but not have become very good friends. Paul went head to head with Alisa as Alisa launches her rocket fists as Paul manages to evade them by diving to the side in time as Alisa uses her chainsaws and strikes on the metal staff that Paul was wielding and much to Alisa’s surprise, the weapon did not split in two.
“Huh?”
“Caught you be surprise, didn’t it?”
Paul head butts Alisa and stuns her temporary before whacking her in the torso so hard it damage her left shoulder exposing her inside mechanical components. Xiaoyu who was watching was deeply offended by this as she cannot bear it any more.
“This is barbaric, Miharu...This is...”
“Xiao, don’t get too out of hand, okay?
“Oh, fine...But that Paul Phoenix is just like a um...Like a...”
“Like a wild animal?”
“I was going to say wild dog.”
“Man, don’t ever let him hear that, Xiao.”
“I know, Miharu...I know.”
“I just hope she could hang in there.”
“Me too.”
Sure enough, the fight went back and forth with both fighters fighting their hardest as Alisa then takes off into the air using her jet packs but Paul leaps up and swings his metal staff so hard that it slams Alisa back down to the ground at a great velocity that it smashes her jetpack rendering her unable to take flight again. Xiaoyu felt bad and distress as knowing Alisa just lost her flying advantage.
“Damn it.”
Alisa however did not despair as she then gets back up and continues to fight Paul by first stopping him from using his metal staff with one hand and punches Paul in the face with the other. She manages to hit him several times before Paul head butts her again and whacks Alisa on the left arm so hard her mechanical arm snaps off leaving her with only one arm left.
“How do you like that...Robot?!”
“ALISA!”
Xiaoyu was completely shocked of the way Paul brutally fights and it looks like from her point of view that she attempts to dismantle her in a brawl-like way.
“You monster! You cannot do that!”
“Xiaoyu, calm down.”
Paul apparently heard Xiaoyu belittle him but he didn’t seem to be bothered by this one bit and just smirks.
“Ha...Little girls would be little girls.”
“I am not finished yet, Paul Phoenix.”
“Oh, really?”
Paul and Alisa continues to spar and despite having only one arm and hand Alisa still remains a formidable opponent that inspires Paul a bit.
“Hmm...You are spry thought...I would give you that but do you really think you stood a chance against the strongest fighter in the universe?!”
Paul outmaneuvers Alisa and manages to hack off her chainsaw from her remaining arm but Alisa still has some tricks up her sleeve. Alisa points her remaining arm at Paul and unleashes another rocket fist.
“Target...Locked!”
Alisa fires her rocket fist as it exploded right in front of Paul throwing him to the ground while Alisa moves into finish him off but Paul manages to get back on his feet and whacks Alisa in the head causing it to turn to a backward position.
“Huh?”
“Now I got you!”
Paul with all his muscle might plunges his metal staff through her torso as it causes Alisa’s systems to slightly malfunction.
“Systems...Affected. Systems affected.”
Alisa was getting weaker as Paul shows no mercy and kicks her to the ground as he then battens her so hard that it literally disables Alisa completely as she utter her final words before shutting down.
“System error...Cannot restart. System...Shutdown.”
Paul battens Alisa a few more times with Xiaoyu watching as she was in tears and could not bear to cry out anymore with Miharu comforting her as best as she could.
“There, there.”
Eventually Alisa shuts down as Paul stops his attack as he knew he has done what Anna Williams had wanted.
“There...Done like a dinner.”
Paul was pleased that the android Alisa was now nothing but a junk pile just as Anna Williams had wanted not to mention both Kazuya and Lee Chaolan.
“Well, he did it, Kazuya.”
“Of course he did, Anna...Paul certainly lives up to his reputation.”
Lee was most pleased with the recent turn of events and utters his most favourite word.
“Excellent.”
He then announces the victor of the match with such charisma in his tone of voice.
“Ladies and gentlemen...We have a winner. Paul Phoenix! A big round of applause for the self-proclaimed strongest fighter in the universe!”
“YEAH!”
Paul raises his arms up in great joy as were Bryan, Miguel, Craig, King and Marshall while Xiaoyu was quite upset as was Jin who didn’t think someone like Alisa deserve it as did Lars who was watching in the MPGA stand was literally very angry to Paul’s ill doing on Alisa.
“Damn you, infidels! I will get you back for that!”
He grunts as his fists start to sparkle but someone strolls up beside him and calms him down as it was Jun Kazama herself.
“Calm down, Lars.”
“What? Jun.”
“We can make sure Alisa would be all right.”
“Yes, I certainly hope so.”
Alisa was carried off the fighting stage as Lars and Jin personally go to check on her.
“Can she be fixed, Jin?”
“Yes...It would take some time however.”
“You have all the time you need...I have a score to settle with Lee.”
“That makes two of us.”
After fifteen minutes as Paul had got the rest he needed, Lee announces the upcoming final match of the ‘Round Robin’ rounds.
“And now, ladies and gentlemen...Our next and final match would be Paul Phoenix against Leo. This final match of the ‘Round Robin’ rounds would determine the final fighter to the join in the ‘Victory tournament’.”
Paul decide to laid his metal staff aside as he would not be needing it for the fight as he moves towards Leo who makes her way towards him at the same time. They stop and stood face to face with each other standing no more than ten yards away with Paul towering down on Leo who was not the least intimidated.
“I will crush you like a boot stomping an ant.”
“You intend to step on me?”
“If that’s the way you see it...Yes.”
“Well, we will see about that.”
“Determined? I like that.”
“Okay, folks...The time has come to see which of these two will join our other top fifteen finalists? As you have a saying like ‘Winner’ takes all.”
Paul puts up his fists and was ready to fight as was Leo herself who gets into her stance that resembles Chinese martial arts.
“Here I come.”
“So am I.”
“Ready...FIGHT!”
Once the first round of the match begins as Paul strikes once with his fist as Leo quickly dodges the attack. Paul then continues with another swift punch that Leo catches it and strikes back with her own knocking Paul one to two steps back but he regains his footing.
“Good.”
Paul rubs his nose as it was slightly bleeding but he brushes it away and just smirks.
“Shall we?”
“Of course.”
Leo continues with her attacks on Paul as Paul manages to fend them both without much trouble with Kazuya watching.
“Paul has changed his way to fight.”
“Slightly if I may so.”
“Indeed, Anna...Indeed.”
“Do you think he will...”
“Oh, he’s on fire.”
Paul fights very hard and Leo finds it quite difficult to fend off his attacks and at the same time to find an opening. She knew she had to be patient and that the opportunity would literally present itself.
“I can do this.”
The fight rages on as Leo and Paul exchange blows with one another before Paul elbows Leo in the face stunning her and then finishes off with a very powerful fist punch.
“Phoenix...SMASHER!”
Paul’s powerful punch literally sends Leo flying as she lands on the ground hard and apparently unable to get up as the game clock hits zero and literally Paul himself was declare the winner of the first round much to Bryan, Miguel and others whom were all delighted and overjoyed.
“Yeah!”
“That’s the spirit, amigo!”
“Great work!”
“Yeah, way the go, Paul!”
“Grrr!” (You the man!)
“And there we have it, ladies and gentlemen...Paul Phoenix has won the first round!”
Kuma who was watching growled angrier at Paul as Paul just ignores the growling grizzly bear, which only made it more angrier.
(“You will regret this!”)
Paul was pumped up and ready to continue fighting as Leo gets back on her two feet with Lee announcing the beginning of the second round.
“Now we shall commence onto round two...Can Paul Phoenix secure this win and join the top sixteen or would Leo make a surprising comeback...Let’s find out!”
Paul smirks as he moves about on his legs with his fists held up.
“Let’s see how you fare against me this time...Leo.”
“I am ready when you are, Paul Phoenix.”
“Let’s play.”
“Aye.”
“Okay, round two...LET THE BATTLE BEGIN!”
“I will go...Take this!”
Paul charges straight at Leo with a tackle assault as Leo literally stood where she was as she apparently had some sort of trick up her sleeve. Paul continues with a brutal tackle attack that makes Leo dodging side to side to evade his attacks. She even taunts Paul that he is too much of a wild animal, which no doubt upsets Paul himself very deeply.
“You really thinking fighting like a wild animal can help you win?”
“You haven’t seen anything yet...Kiddo.”
Paul leaps high up into the air and prepares to deliver an aerial crushing blow on Leo but at the last moment, she dodges and catches his arm and then throws him down hard that causes the floor to crack.
“Ugh.”
“That’s counter...Comes in handy every once in a while.”
Paul truly hates counter attacks as to him they are nothing much cheap and Paul was not about to go down this fight with showing the tomboy who’s boss.
“This time, Leo...I shall crush you like the puny insect that you are!”
“Don’t count on it.”
“Oh, really...Never underestimate the strongest fighter in the whole universe.”
“Right...Let’s see just how great you really are?”
“You dare to mock me?!”
“You said it...I didn’t.”
“Doesn’t matter...Soon you would beg me with your life.”
“I think you should be the one to beg...Beg like a dog, right?
“OH! YOU HAVE GONE TOO FAR! I will make you eat those pathetic words of yours!”
“Well, shall we find out who is strong here?”
“Fine by me...Bring it, Little girl!”
The fight continues with both sides striking each other with fast and powerful blows leaving both of them quite badly bruised with Leo’s face entirely bruised and battered while Paul has hardly a bruise or two on his face. Paul soon notices Leo was panting with breath as she looks a bit worn out.
“Getting quite tired, are we?”
“Not yet...Not while I am still breathing.”
Both fighters hit at each other with all they’ve got as ironically it was Leo who emerge victorious in the second round by knocking him down to the ground with a counter attack, which made Bryan and the others not very pleased with the outcome.
“This is intolerable!”
“Grrr!” (You’ve said it!”)
“Do not worry, you two...Paul still has a chance.”
“Indeed, Bryan...One more round to go to determine the victor.”
“Right you are, amigo.”
Paul gets back on his two feet but still was quite pleased with himself.
“Well, I am pumped up for more action.”
“I hope you are.”
“You are good...But I will not let you get the jump on me again, Leo.”
“We will see about that.”
“Okay, ladies and gentlemen...” began Lee sounding most charming in his tone of voice. “One more round to go...Which one of these two will come out on top?!”
The crowd cheers for them both with half of the audience rooting loudly for Paul and the other cheering for Leo as this made Paul feel most excited now that he is getting famous by the minute and for Leo, she felt most honored and vow to do her absolute best.
“I will do my best...I will not let my friends and supporters down.”
“Well, it looks like the people are with me...I can already feel the power growing inside of me. HA HA HA!”
Paul was on fire as Leo was determined as well and eventually Lee announces the final round to begin.
“Now, folks...The final round of the match between Paul Phoenix and Leo will soon begin in three...Two...One and...NOW!”
“All or nothing!”
“Let us end this, Paul Phoenix!”
The final round begins with both Paul and Leo striking at each other with a strong blow that creates a shockwave that blasts both fighters back as quickly both got back to their feet ready to continue.
“Bring it on, tomboy!”
“Okay, if you insist.”
Leo then charges forward and manages to score a hit on Paul as Leo decide to use her speed and agility to defeat him knowing her short size would prove advantageous. At first, Paul was the verge of losing but eventually he remember the flashback of him and Kazuya fighting against each other years back during the 1st Iron Fist tournament. The two were evenly matched and gain each other respect and Kazuya back then told him that he was a strong opponent and never hesitate to hold back against your opponent. These words made Paul quickly come back to his senses and he swiftly catches her arm just as she was about to strike at him.
“Got you.”
“What the...”
Bryan and the others were overjoyed and cheer loudly for him.
“Well done, Paul!”
“Well done, my friend!”
“Finish it, amigo!”
“Crush that little brat...I mean girl!”
“Grrr!” (Finish it!)
Paul holds a tight grip on Leo who struggles to get her arm free and despite her best efforts she was not able to get her arm free.
“Let go this minute!”
“No way, little girl.”
“Let go, Mad Dog before I...”
“You what?” asked Paul sounding sarcastic at first and then he gets very irate and furious. “Mad Dog...I hate that name. DO YOU KNOW I DON’T LIKE BEING CALLED ‘MAD DOG’?!”
“Um...”
“You little brat! I will make a good example out of you for calling me that!”
Paul then twists Leo’s arm as she grunts in pain and cries out before Paul throws her to the ground in a judo-like fashion and strikes a crucial punch straight into Leo’s face effectively knocking her out.
“ALL RIGHT! I DID IT!”
Lee Chaolan smirks as he then announces Paul Phoenix as the winner of the match and Kazuya too was very pleased with the outcome.
“We have a winner, ladies and gentlemen...Paul Phoenix, the so-called number one fighter will join the others as the top sixteen in the ‘Victory tournament’. Please give him a big round of applause for his ‘excellent’ performance!”
The crowd cheers and gave Paul a big round of applause, which made him feel like a hero.
“I did it...I really did it! YEAH!”
Bryan, Miguel, Marshall as well as both Craig and King were utterly overjoyed of their friend able to succeed where they failed.
“Paul really did it.”
“He did, amigo.”
“He kicked that Leo girl’s ass.” muttered Marshall with a wicked smile on his face.
“He sure show her! Right, King?!”
“Grrr!” (He did, bud!)
Kazuya smiles and gives Paul a round of applause as well.
“Way the go, Paul...Way the go.”
While Bryan and the others cheered, Xiaoyu, Miharu as well as Asuka and Lili were most upset of what happen to their friends and fellow classmates.
“Poor Alisa...Leo.”
“They didn’t deserve that, Xiaoyu.”
Medics move onto the scene and carries the injured Leo out on a stretcher and Xiaoyu wonders how Alisa was faring since she was scarp into a junk pile.
“I can only hope Alisa is all right.”
“She will be, Xiaoyu...She will be.”
Sure enough, Lee announces that concludes the ‘Round Robin’ matches and that the sixteen winning fighters will then participate and fight in the ‘Victory tournament’, which would be held in the big main stadium the day after tomorrow. The idea was to give the fighters one whole day of rest, train and prepare for the matches.
“Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes the ‘Round Robin’ matches and the sixteen winning fighters will fight in the upcoming ‘Victory tournament’, which would be held the day after tomorrow to give our excellent fighters a day of rest. And now those sixteen winner fighters that will now be displayed on the big screen for everyone to look at.”
On Lee’s cue, the big television screens change and reveal the winning sixteen fighters that would fight in the glorious ‘Victory tournament’. Among them was Sophie, Vivian, Michelle, Anna O’ Connor, Sean, Catalina, Patricia and Joey from class A as others were Hwoarang, Bruce, Xiaoyu, Heihachi, Jin, Jun, Nina and Paul Phoenix. The whole audience applauded as Lee announces the end of the day as everyone slowly leaves the stadium but asks the winning fighters stay and assemble in the fighting stage area for a briefing.
“By the courtesy order of the host...Would all the winning fighters please assemble at the fighting stage for a small briefing? Thank you.”
Sure enough, there was hardly anybody left in the stadium as the sixteen winning fighters gather around by assembling in the fighting stage area as Lee personally greets them.
“Congratulations on your excellent performances today...” began Lee as Hwoarang rudely interrupted him.
“Hey, Lee...Just tell us what’s what and hurry, okay?! I am tired!”
“Patience, my good Hwoarang...Patience.”
“Whatever.”
“What’s the matter? The big bad wolf getting sleepy?”
“Well, look who’s talking? The dog with a straight hair style.”
“Says you!”
“Says me!”
“Gentlemen, please...Please. There’s no need to get all riled up with each other. So, might I suggest you save it for the fight ahead.”
“Well, you are right, Lee...I will save it for the fight ahead.”
“Excellent, Paul...You, Hwoarang?”
“I am cool with that as well.”
“Excellent...Now as I was saying. The ‘Victory tournament’ would be held the day after tomorrow so that you all could rest up and be ready for the tournament.”
“We know this, Lee...So, could you tell us what would be the rule?”
“Indeed, my dear Hwoarang...I was just getting to it.”
“Then hurry it up...I need some rest and fast.”
“Fine...Now, the rules of the tournament are very simple and very similar to the athlete screening rounds and the same as every other fighting match held like in the previous tournaments. One on one, with a field of ‘choosing’ and the conditions are simply...Knock out your opponent or kick the person off the fighting field.”
“Uh, I have a question?”
“Yes, my dear Xiaoyu?”
“How many rounds?”
“Rounds? Just one.”
“One?”
“That is correct...One.”
“Uh, okay.”
“And as you all know it would be held in the big main stadium and be there at 1530 hours day after tomorrow in the fighter assembly area located in the east wing of the stadium and there will be sign directories to guide you there so nothing to fear.”
“Is that all that we need to know, Lee?”
“That is all, Paul...Good luck to you all!”
Afterwards, Lee left the stage as Paul and Hwoarang stare at each other right in the eyes.
“I will crush you like a wolf pancake.”
“Oh, yeah...I will pound you like a dirty dog sandwich.”
“Well, gentlemen...Why don’t the two of you save the anger and hatred for the matches?”
Literally on Bruce’s suggestion, both appear to agree with what he suggested to the two of them.
“Fine by me.”
“Same here.”
“Good.”
Paul and Hwoarang headed off first followed by Bruce as Sophie and the others begin to leave as well.
“Say, Sophie.”
“Yes, Pat?”
“I wonder what would it be like during the ‘Victory tournament’?”
“Who knows.”
“Well, I for one cannot wait to find out.”
“So do I.”
Catalina and Vivian were both eager as Vivian remembers that she has a secret mission to attend to and decide that the first chance she gets she would take a dive and join the other members of the secret rescue team since out of the seven members of the group, she was the one who made it through the ‘Round Robin’ matches.
“Well, the first chance I get, Cat...I will drop out.”
“You mean...Take a...”
“Yeah. My fellow friends need me for the you know what.”
“Of course...Good luck with that.”
“Thanks...By the way, if I do get to fight you. Let’s put on a good show.”
“You can count on it.”
At that moment, Heihachi, Jin and Jun as were as Nina were walking beside one another as Heihachi could feel Kazuya was up to something.
“I have a feeling Kazuya is up to something diabolical.”
“He always is, grandfather...We will have to wait and see.”
“I can sense in his heart that he has something he plans to do...Something wicked and sinister.”
“What would that be, mother?” asked Jin calmly.
“I don’t know entirely, my son...But I know it is something very bad.”
“Maybe it is the ‘Two Stars initiative’.”
“The ‘Two Stars initiative’, Nina?”
“Yes, Jin...I am not sure what it means. Do you?”
“Not really...I need time.”
“Okay.”
“So, I guess we can rest for a whole day tomorrow before we fight in the ‘Victory tournament’. You all ready?”
“I am ready, grandfather.”
“Jun?”
“I am ready.”
“Same for me.”
“Good...Let’s go.”
Sure enough, all the fighters and members of the audience have left the stadium leaving Kazuya and Anna as Lee has also gone himself.
“Well, quite a show, wasn’t it, Kazuya?”
“It was, Anna...It was.”
“So, what do you plan to do now?”
“I don’t know...Rest up.”
“Yes...How about a massage?”
“Sure thing.”
“Yes...Pretty soon I will be able to get back at my sister.”
“I am sure you will, Anna?”
“And that Xiaoyu?”
“Of course...She still has our secured files.”
“You want those to be retrieved?”
“Yes, Anna...It contains part of my secret plan. But it cannot be decrypted.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes, only a G Corp computer can do it. It’s part of the safety protocols I put in place with Lee helping me design the system.”
“Lee?”
“Yes, he maybe a little odd but he is useful.”
“I can tell.”
“Besides, we have common goals to share.”
“Indeed.”
“Very soon, my dear Anna...I will be able to stand supreme all over the other Mishima family members and they will cower before me.”
“They sure will, my dear sweet Kazuya.”
Kazuya and Anna flirts with each other as at that moment, Sophie was on the hotel roof glancing up at the crescent moon that was shining down over the whole city area of Macau. She wonders how is Alex doing as knowing with each passing moment his chances of survival are dwindling.
“Alex...Hang in there a little longer. Our friends will come for you. I promise.”
Sure enough, someone joins her as it was none other than her brother, Jin Kazama who now thanks to the emotional support from his mother and the rekindled relationship between him and Heihachi, he has become quite social and even friendly than in the past.
“Sophie.”
“Brother.”
Both looked up at the quite elegant crescent moon in the sky as it was quite a wonder to look upon it.
“I feel much happy than I did before, Sophie.”
“Is it because...”
“Yes, my mother has returned and I have rekindled with my grandfather and now I have a sister...It makes me feel that I have a purpose to continue on with my life.”
“It does...I have something to ask you, Jin.”
“What is it?”
“Does it still bother you...That you have the devil gene inside you the same as our father?”
“It used to...But now I think I am going to use this curse to fight for the good.”
“Yes...I feel that it is our duty to defeat our father.”
“It is...If you need me, Sophie...I will always be there for you.”
“Thanks...Brother.”
Both of them look up at the clear night sky as Jun and Heihachi joins them both.
“It is quite a beautiful night.”
“Yes, grandpa...It is.”
“Jin.”
“Yes, mother?”
“You are ready to face him?”
“I am.”
“So am I...Mother.”
“Sophie...I know that your mother die before you knew her and that he was responsible for her death.”
“I know...I am now happy with many friends and allies. And to save the Mishima bloodline...I will fight my father the devil and end this feud.”
