The King Of Fighters

Naruto strolled into King's bar, his usual confident demeanor evident in the way he carried himself. "King, I got an invitation to the Tournament of Power," he said, his voice direct and unembellished.

King, ever the composed proprietor, turned from serving a customer with a raised brow. "Well, that was straight to the point. Let me guess—you're here for the latest intel and maybe a little help getting there?"

Naruto grinned as he slid onto a barstool, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp with purpose. "If you wouldn't mind," he replied smoothly.

King crossed her arms and leaned back slightly, her expression thoughtful. "Word on the street is that Ryu's signed up, and so has Terry Bogard. Between the two, Terry's the one to watch. Most people are betting on him to take the championship unless he slips up."

Naruto's brow furrowed slightly, his interest piqued. "Must be one heck of a guy," he mused, leaning forward on the bar.

King chuckled lightly, shaking her head. "You don't know the half of it. Terry's a legend—not just for his raw power but for his experience. He's fought everything from crime lords to otherworldly opponents. Every fight he's been in has only made him stronger. Ryu's close, but he's still missing that edge that Terry has. The man's lived and breathed the fight life, and he enjoys it all—fighting, eating, traveling, and… other pursuits."

Naruto smirked, leaning back. "I like this guy already. Do you think he'd join my team?"

King gave him a look, her tone flat. "He's the leader of his own team in the King of Fighters tournament. So no, I highly doubt it."

Naruto clicked his tongue in mock disappointment. "Damn. Guess I'll have to beat him into submission then."

"What?" King blinked, her expression shifting to one of concern.

"Nothing," Naruto said with a charming grin, waving off her reaction. "I said I'd try to befriend him." Standing, he stretched and made his way toward the back. "Gonna use the shower, by the way," he called over his shoulder.

King shook her head, amused. "You're something else, Uzumaki."

From a nearby table, a familiar voice chimed in. "You're not going to tell him that I'm joining too?" Ryo Sakazaki asked, casually leaning back in his chair.

King smirked, glancing at him. "Does it really matter? Terry's going to beat you regardless."

Ryo feigned a hurt expression, clutching his chest theatrically. "Ouch, that stings. I thought you believed in me."

King rolled her eyes but softened her tone. "I do. But this tournament will be a lesson for you—and for Yuri. She needs to stop spreading herself thin and focus on one thing. Her potential's too great to waste."

Ryo sighed, his expression turning serious. "I know. I've been trying, but it's tough. She's my only family, King. She looks up to me, but I can't be too harsh."

"She's better than both of us," King said firmly, her eyes locking with his. "You know that. We just need to help her see it."

Ryo nodded, his determination reignited. "I'll make sure this tournament is a turning point for her."

As the two shared a quiet moment of understanding, the sound of water running in the back signaled Naruto's shower, his presence still lingering like the spark of excitement he always carried into a room. The Tournament of Power promised to be a spectacle, and with fighters like Naruto, Ryu, Terry, and now Ryo in the mix, it was bound to be unforgettable.

As Ryo and King discussed Yuri's future, Naruto had entered the guest room upstairs. His tattered clothes hung loosely on his frame, bearing the marks of countless battles and training sessions. He gave them a cursory glance before peeling them off, sighing at the state they were in.

I really need some new clothes, Naruto mused, folding the worn garments neatly and setting them aside. His thoughts drifted as he made his way to the bathroom, his mind wandering to strategies and refining his combat style for the upcoming tournament.

Inside the bathroom, steam lingered faintly in the air. The soft hum of running water had been a subtle background noise he hadn't noticed in his distracted state. Completely lost in thought, Naruto stepped in naked, stopping in front of the sink. His eyes stared blankly at his reflection as his mind delved into tactics and techniques.

Unbeknownst to him, he wasn't alone.

Mary Ryan—known to most as Blue Mary—stood near the shower, a towel draped over her shoulders. Her short blonde hair glistened with moisture, and her piercing blue eyes widened in surprise when she noticed Naruto. His obliviousness to her presence would have been laughable if not for the awkwardness of the situation.

Mary's gaze flitted down and then away quickly, her cheeks reddening slightly as she processed what was happening. Of all the nerve… this guy walks in here, stark naked, and doesn't even notice me? she thought, caught between annoyance and disbelief.

"You're lucky I'm feeling generous, or I'd break your legs for this," Mary muttered under her breath, stepping toward the door.

At that moment, Naruto's daze ended. As he blinked and adjusted to reality, his peripheral vision caught movement. He shifted his focus to Mary, his eyes locking onto her. Time seemed to freeze for a moment.

He stared.

Mary stared back, half-expecting him to look away or show some semblance of embarrassment. But Naruto did neither. His gaze, though appreciative, lacked the lecherous glint she was used to from other men. It was honest admiration, which made it both flattering and slightly infuriating.

Mary cleared her throat, breaking the silence. "Why don't you look away now?"

"It's hard to look away from such a beautiful form," Naruto replied sincerely, though he closed his eyes as if to honor her request belatedly.

The genuineness of his words caught Mary off guard. She felt a twinge of warmth in her cheeks but quickly masked it with a sharp glare. "Perv," she muttered, stepping past him. Her shoulder bumped against his as she moved, intending to give him a minor jab as a warning.

Instead, she recoiled slightly, feeling the unyielding firmness of his muscles. Is this guy made of steel? she wondered, her pride stinging.

Naruto, noticing her reaction, tilted his head in concern. "Are you okay? Please avoid trying to attack me. I know you're strong, but unless you charge your Ki, it won't even tickle me." His tone was apologetic, but the words came across as unintentionally condescending.

Mary clenched her jaw, annoyed by the paradox of his kindness and how belittling it felt. I can't believe even kindness could sound so disrespectful.

"Fine, just be careful next time," Mary said curtly as she moved to leave.

Naruto's voice stopped her at the door. "What's your name?"

She turned slightly, narrowing her eyes. "Mary."

"Naruto," he introduced himself with a soft smile.

Mary nodded once, muttering, "Don't make this a habit," before stepping out of the bathroom.

As the door closed behind her, Naruto shook his head and chuckled softly to himself. "That could've gone a lot worse," he muttered, stepping into the shower to wash off the remnants of his night-long training. At least she didn't actually try to break my legs.

After his refreshing bath, Naruto stepped into the common area of the establishment, his senses immediately picking up the lively conversation and camaraderie of the group seated around a table. It was a rare sight for him to see so many renowned fighters gathered in one place outside of a tournament setting. At the center of it all was King, her calm demeanor radiating a sense of confidence, surrounded by individuals who shared a passion for martial arts and a history of struggle and triumph.

Naruto's sharp eyes recognized each of them instantly, thanks to his prior research and the countless battle profiles he'd studied. Among them was Ryo Sakazaki, the epitome of a martial artist with a storied history. His legacy as the master of Kyokugenryu Karate was known far and wide, though the name "karate" barely scratched the surface of the comprehensive and adaptable style he wielded.

Ryo's appearance reflected his disciplined lifestyle. His build was solid, a testament to years of rigorous training, and his sharp eyes betrayed the depth of his combat experience. The orange gi he wore was plain but carried the weight of tradition, with scars and marks that told a story of countless battles fought. Naruto could feel the strength in his presence, but more importantly, the unyielding determination that defined him.

Naruto had read extensively about Ryo's life, and seeing him now, the man's journey felt even more vivid. As a child, Ryo had been shaped by tragedy and the harsh lessons of self-reliance. The death of his mother and the mysterious disappearance of his father had forced him to grow up quickly. Left to care for his younger sister Yuri, Ryo had taken on grueling jobs and turned to street fighting, honing his skills out of necessity rather than choice.

Through years of hardship, Ryo had transformed from a reluctant fighter into a celebrated champion. His principles, passed down from his father, Takuma, were etched into his very being: strength wasn't just about fists; it had to come from the heart and mind. His journey had taken him to the underbelly of Southtown, where he'd confronted crime lords like Mr. Big and Geese Howard, ultimately rescuing his sister and reuniting his family.

Despite his achievements, Ryo remained humble, crediting hard work and experience for his success. He often described himself as neither smart nor talented but saw these as hurdles to overcome rather than limitations. This unyielding belief in effort over innate ability resonated deeply with Naruto, who shared a similar philosophy.

Naruto noted how Ryo's relationships with those around him reflected his character. His bond with Robert Garcia, his best friend and sparring partner, was built on mutual respect and rivalry. Meanwhile, his relationship with Yuri, his younger sister, was a mix of protective instincts and a desire to see her grow into her potential.

Then there was King also known as Grace Jones, his partner in life and crime-fighting. Their connection wasn't just romantic but deeply rooted in shared experiences. Ryo had supported King during her most vulnerable moments, helping her brother recover from an illness that had plagued their family. In return, King had become a steadfast ally and companion, grounding Ryo in ways that only she could. Their chemistry was apparent even now, as they exchanged subtle smiles and quiet words.

Naruto couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for Ryo. The man wasn't just a fighter but a protector, a teacher, and a symbol of resilience. In many ways, Ryo reminded Naruto of himself—a man who had overcome adversity and risen to prominence through sheer determination and a refusal to give up.

Approaching the group, Naruto greeted them with a warm smile, his usual ease breaking the slight tension that accompanied his sudden arrival. "Yo, King! Hope I'm not interrupting anything important."

King gestured for him to join, her smile welcoming. "Not at all. We were just catching up. Naruto, this is Ryo Sakazaki."

Ryo stood and extended a hand, his grip firm yet respectful. "I've heard about you, Naruto. Your matches are something else."

Naruto grinned, shaking his hand. "Coming from the invincible dragon of Southtown, that means a lot."

As Naruto took his seat among the group, his gaze shifted to the man sitting opposite Ryo—Robert Garcia, Ryo's best friend and future brother-in-law. Robert's demeanor was markedly different from Ryo's. Where Ryo exuded discipline and seriousness, Robert carried an air of casual charm, a relaxed yet confident energy that made him instantly likable. Dressed in a tailored white suit with an open-collared shirt, he looked every bit the suave billionaire, yet his easy smile and approachable nature spoke volumes about his grounded personality.

Naruto recognized Robert immediately, not just as a fighter but as one of the wealthiest men in Europe. Despite his status as the heir to the Garcia Foundation, Robert was renowned for his humility and genuine love for the martial arts. His journey, like Ryo's, was one of dedication and growth, but it was tinged with the weight of familial expectations and a rebellious spirit that refused to be confined.

Robert had been born into luxury, the only son of Alberto Garcia, a powerful Italian businessman. From a young age, his life had been meticulously planned—his education, his role in the family business, and even his future as the head of the Garcia Foundation. But Robert was no ordinary rich kid. Beneath the polished exterior of wealth and privilege, he yearned for something more fulfilling, something that couldn't be bought with money.

As a boy, Robert would often sneak away from his gilded home to watch the training sessions at the Kyokugenryu Dojo, captivated by the rigorous discipline and raw power of the martial art. It wasn't long before his curiosity turned into a burning passion.

When Robert finally ran away from home to demand training from Takuma Sakazaki, the dojo's master, it was clear that his determination outweighed his privilege. Takuma, impressed by the boy's tenacity, accepted him as a student, and Robert quickly became Ryo's sparring partner. Unlike Ryo, who had to struggle to learn each technique, Robert was a natural. His progress was swift, and his mastery undeniable, earning him Takuma's respect and, to some extent, Ryo's envy.

However, their friendship endured. The two boys became inseparable, bound by their mutual love for martial arts and a shared journey of self-discovery. Robert was there to support Ryo during the most challenging times of his life, even when circumstances forced them apart.

When Robert eventually returned to Italy to shoulder his responsibilities, he didn't abandon his martial arts training. Instead, he used it as a grounding force, a reminder of the values he had learned at the dojo. Over time, he grew into a formidable fighter and a successful businessman, seamlessly balancing the two worlds.

Despite his corporate duties, Robert never lost touch with the Sakazakis. His feelings for Yuri, Ryo's younger sister, were an open secret, and his patience in waiting for her to come of age was a testament to his loyalty and respect for the family. Though Ryo and Takuma's overprotective nature created its share of obstacles, Robert's charm and sincerity made it hard to dislike him.

As Naruto listened to the group's banter, he couldn't help but be intrigued by Robert. Here was a man who had everything—wealth, status, and talent—but chose to pursue a life of simplicity and genuine connection.

"You're Robert Garcia, right?" Naruto asked, leaning forward with interest.

Robert chuckled, raising his glass in acknowledgment. "The one and only. And you must be Naruto, the rising star everyone's talking about. I've seen your matches—impressive stuff."

"Thanks. Coming from someone like you, that means a lot," Naruto replied, grinning.

Robert shrugged modestly. "I'm just a guy who got lucky. Besides, it's the effort that counts, right? That's something I see a lot in you."

Naruto nodded, appreciating the compliment. Despite their different backgrounds, he felt an instant camaraderie with Robert. Both of them had walked paths that required defying expectations and carving their own identities, even when the odds were against them.

"You know," Robert added, a playful glint in his eye, "you remind me a little of Ryo when we first started training. That same fire, that drive to prove yourself."

Naruto laughed. "I'll take that as a compliment. Just don't expect me to wear an orange gi."

The group erupted into laughter, and in that moment, Naruto felt a deeper connection to the fighters around him. It wasn't just about strength or skill—it was about the stories they carried, the struggles they had overcome, and the bonds they had forged along the way.

Naruto's eyes lingered for a moment on Blue Mary, seated with the others, her trademark leather jacket draped casually over her shoulders. Her confident posture and sharp blue eyes gave her a commanding presence, one that immediately marked her as someone who had seen her fair share of battles. She was undeniably attractive, with her short blond hair and athletic build, but it was her air of resilience and strength that truly stood out.

Mary Ryan, known in the fighting world as Blue Mary, was a legend in her own right. She wasn't just a fighter; she was an expert in Combat Sambo, a grappling-heavy martial art that blended speed, precision, and raw power. Her unique mastery of ki had allowed her to develop an ability that defied conventional physics: she could ignore the weight of her opponent, lifting and throwing them as if they were weightless, provided they weren't too large. This ability made her one of the most dangerous fighters on the circuit, capable of dismantling even the most physically imposing adversaries.

But Mary's journey wasn't solely defined by her strength. Her story was one of heartbreak and perseverance. She hadn't always been a fighter; her path had been shaped by tragedy. Her father and her lover, Butch, were both killed in the line of duty while protecting the president. The loss had shattered Mary's world, leaving her with a leather jacket as the only tangible memory of the man she had loved.

Determined not to let her grief consume her, Mary had turned to the skills Butch had taught her, becoming a private detective and freelance investigator. Her cases often brought her face-to-face with the darker corners of the world, and it was during one of these investigations that she crossed paths with Terry Bogard. Their friendship was a turning point for Mary, helping her slowly come to terms with her past. Though their relationship had flirted with romance, it never fully blossomed—Terry's free-spirited nature wasn't suited for settling down.

Mary's current mission had brought her to Southtown, where she was investigating the actions of dangerous organizations like NESTS. Her reputation as a detective and fighter had earned her respect and allies in the community, including King, who had invited her to the gathering today.

Despite the hardships she had endured, Mary's personality remained warm and approachable. She had a playful side, often teasing those around her, but her flirty demeanor never crossed the line into insincerity. Beneath the surface, Mary longed for a genuine connection, a relationship built on trust and respect—something she hadn't been able to find since Butch's death.

Naruto leaned back in his chair, his gaze sweeping over Mary as he listened to her talk with King. He could see why she was considered one of the most formidable women of her generation. Her every movement radiated confidence, and the ease with which she bantered with the group spoke to her experience and strength.

He remembered their brief but memorable encounter earlier, the awkwardness of him walking into the bathroom unannounced and the quick but genuine apology he had given her. It had been enough to pique his interest in her character.

"She's something else, isn't she?" Robert remarked, catching Naruto watching Mary.

Naruto chuckled, nodding. "Yeah, she's got that... presence. Like she's been through hell and back but came out stronger for it."

"She has," Ryo added, his tone serious. "But Mary's not the type to let the past define her. She's one of the strongest people I know—not just in fighting, but in life."

"Sounds like someone I'd want on my team," Naruto said thoughtfully.

"Good luck with that," King interjected with a smirk. "Mary doesn't just follow anyone. You'd have to earn her trust first."

Naruto grinned, undeterred. "Challenge accepted."

As the conversation shifted to lighter topics, Naruto couldn't shake the feeling that Blue Mary's story was far from over. In her, he saw not just a fighter, but a kindred spirit—someone who had faced loss and risen above it, someone who fought not just for herself but for the world around her. If their paths were destined to intertwine further, Naruto was determined to make the most of it.