The King Of Fighters

Kyo grimaced subtly, feeling the sharp twinge of pain radiating from his hand. The fracture wasn't severe, but it was a stark reminder of the physical gap between himself and someone like Naruto, whose raw power and unyielding physicality were leagues beyond his own. Kyo wasn't a brute-force fighter; his style revolved around the elegance and precision of flame-based techniques, a legacy that had been refined and passed down through countless generations of the Kusanagi clan.

The Kusanagi style of ancient martial arts was a unique hybrid, blending traditional Japanese karate's disciplined structure with the fluidity of Chinese kung fu. Its roots were weapon-based, a tradition tied to the Kusanagi clan's sacred treasure: the Kusanagi Sword, one of the three relics used to seal Orochi nearly two millennia ago. Over time, the style evolved to focus on integrating the practitioner's pyrokinetic abilities, making the user's fists an extension of their fiery will.

Every technique in the Kusanagi arsenal was meticulously cataloged with numerical designations—methods that reflected both mastery and creativity. Moves like 88 Shiki (Method 88) and 182 Shiki were signature attacks that combined explosive fire with precise martial strikes. The advanced techniques, known as Ura Shiki (Reverse Method), were devastatingly powerful but required immense control to execute safely.

Unique to the Kusanagi style were the Ge Shiki (Outer Method) techniques, which allowed for versatility, and the infamous dark techniques that hinted at the latent danger of the clan's pyrokinetic lineage. Practitioners who delved too deeply into this darker side risked falling into a berserker state, akin to the Riot of the Blood seen in the corrupted Yagami clan, or the infamous Satsui no Hado of martial legends.

Kyo had taken this legacy and made it his own, incorporating elements of Kenpo to enhance his mobility and adaptability. While he was a natural genius, his experiences in the King of Fighters tournaments and the harrowing encounters with opponents like Terry, Rugal, and his mind-controlled father had humbled him. Those battles exposed the gaps in his power and the risks of relying solely on natural talent.

Determined not to stagnate, Kyo had spent the last six months undergoing brutal training deep within the earth, immersing himself in molten magma to amplify the potency of his flames. This extreme regimen had doubled his overall power, and his flames had grown three times hotter—capable of melting steel with a mere flick of his wrist. Yet, even with this newfound strength, Kyo knew the dangers of pushing too far. The dark side of the Kusanagi flame loomed over him like a specter, whispering promises of unparalleled power at the cost of his humanity.

Kyo's concern wasn't unfounded. The Kusanagi style's darker side had claimed careless practitioners in the past, transforming them into mindless berserkers consumed by their flames. Ignoring this aspect entirely would limit his growth, yet embracing it recklessly could lead to disaster. Unlike Iori Yagami, whose Kin Shiki (Forbidden Method) techniques drew heavily from the corrupted blood of Orochi, Kyo sought balance.

He had resolved to master this darkness without succumbing to it, drawing inspiration from others like Ryu, who struggled with the Satsui no Hado, and Akuma, who embraced it to an extreme. Kyo wanted neither extreme. He aimed to walk a middle path, controlling his flames without losing himself.

As Naruto released his grip, Kyo's flames dissipated, leaving faint scorch marks on the ground where they had stood. Despite the pain in his hand, Kyo smirked, his cocky demeanor undiminished.

"You've got some grip, Naruto," Kyo said, flexing his fingers as if to shake off the ache. "But don't think that's all I've got. My flames are hotter than ever. You might even break a sweat."

As Kyo's flame burned golden, the fracture in his bone mended itself effortlessly. The golden hue of his flames reflected his mastery over his pyrokinetic abilities, a rare feat even among the Kusanagi clan. The heat dissipated as quickly as it had come, leaving Kyo's hand as good as new. He flexed his fingers, testing the restored strength, and smirked.

"Payback for the flames, huh?" he teased, meeting Naruto's gaze. "Guess I earned that one."

Naruto gave a short laugh, impressed but unsurprised. "Just making sure you're keeping up."

Kyo didn't seem the least bit fazed. Injuries like that were nothing to him, especially with the regenerative power of his flames. Still, he enjoyed the playful rivalry forming between him and Naruto. It reminded him of the bonds forged in battle, even if the stakes here were far higher than a mere tournament.

"Alright, that's enough of the macho posturing," Mary interjected, rolling her eyes but smiling slightly. She gestured toward the plane, parked nearby with its engines humming softly. "Save the fireworks for the mission, boys. Get on the plane already."

Kyo and Naruto exchanged a glance, both shrugging as they made their way toward the aircraft. The rest of the group followed, and Mary gave them all a slight shove to hurry things along.

Once inside, the plane's interior was spacious but utilitarian, outfitted with minimal comforts to keep the team focused. They found their seats, and as the engines roared to life, the aircraft lifted off smoothly. The group settled in for the long flight ahead, each mentally preparing for the mission.

Their destination was the Kunlun Mountains, a remote and rugged region in China where Leona's team had identified a base. It was an ominous location, rumored to house some of the most well-guarded facilities of their adversaries. While the team had been hunting for a base in Japan, this one had been located first, and its significance couldn't be overstated.

Mary addressed the team as the plane leveled out. "We'll be rendezvousing with Leona and her team once we arrive. The area is crawling with patrols and surveillance, so we'll need to move carefully. No flashy fights unless absolutely necessary."

Kyo leaned back in his seat, resting his arms behind his head. "Sounds like a party to me. Haven't seen Leona in a while. Think she's missed me?"

"Doubt it," Ryo said with a smirk. "But she'll definitely make sure you don't slack off."

Naruto chuckled, glancing at Kyo. "You sure you're ready for this, golden boy? This isn't exactly a tournament."

Kyo's eyes flickered with fire as he met Naruto's gaze. "I'm ready. Just don't slow me down, hero."

The banter brought a light-hearted energy to the group as the plane continued toward its destination. They knew the mission would be dangerous, but for now, they allowed themselves a moment of camaraderie.

As the snow-capped peaks of the Kunlun Mountains loomed closer, the team began their final preparations. Weapons were checked, strategies reviewed, and energy reserves steadied. Kyo, still glowing faintly from his golden flames, stared out the window, his reflection burning with determination.

The mission ahead would test them all, but for Kyo, it was another step in his quest to master not just his flames but the darkness that lurked within. And this time, he was ready to face whatever came his way.

The hum of the plane's engines filled the cabin as Naruto leaned back in his seat, staring at the ceiling with a distant gaze. The conversations around him faded into a muffled background as his thoughts turned inward, guided by the haunting melody of the song playing softly in his headphones.

The lyrics wove through him like threads of bittersweet memory:

"I desired and loved you... And I gave up myself completely for you...

I took celibacy, celibacy for love...

Without realizing or thinking any consequences... I fell for this feeling of love...

Oh Foreigner, my love, please come back to me...

Just remember me… don't forget me..."

Naruto closed his eyes, his chest tightening with emotions he rarely let himself feel. The words resonated too deeply, unearthing memories he had tried to bury. Shion's face surfaced in his mind, her voice mingling with the song. She had once spoken words of unwavering devotion to him, words that mirrored the lyrics' haunting plea. The memory of her smile, her strength, and her unwavering belief in him threatened to overwhelm him.

He remembered Shion's fierce loyalty, how she had stood by him when others doubted, and how she had made him promise to never let his heart grow cold, even in the face of hardship. The thought of her—of the life and love they had shared—pierced through his carefully built walls. The ache in his heart was a reminder of what he had lost and what he still fought for.

"Oh boy, your voice is full of pain due to love...

They say when hearts truly break nobody knows except him...

But the curse of heartbreak destroys the one who hurt..."

The lyrics echoed his silent agony. He clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms as he felt the raw emotions he had been suppressing. In the solitude of the plane's dimly lit cabin, he allowed himself this moment of vulnerability.

Naruto's thoughts drifted to the mysterious woman who had sent him to this world. Her cryptic warning lingered in his mind, a constant reminder of his current limitations. Her words were etched into his soul:

"Never try to return unless you are confident in your power. I will test you. You are mine—never forget that, and I don't like seeing you weak. Attain your peak and punish me."

The thought of her was maddening. She knew too much—everything about him, even the parts he wished to forget. She had glimpsed futures that might have been and made her will known. Who was she? Why did she care so much about him, yet force him into this situation?

He shook his head as frustration welled up inside him. There was no point dwelling on the unknown, not when so much was at stake.

The hum of the plane's engines was replaced by the roaring winds as the group prepared for their mid-air jump. They were just outside Chinese airspace, an area deliberately chosen to avoid detection. NEST had deep ties to global powers, making it impossible to trust any government. Stealth was their greatest ally, and any slip-up could compromise the mission.

Naruto took the lead, his experience in unorthodox situations giving him an edge. The group, including Kyo, Ryo, Robert, and the rest, followed his instructions without hesitation. For most of them, skydiving into hostile territory was a rare experience, but Naruto made it seamless.

With a concentrated burst of chakra, Naruto levitated each team member, guiding them safely toward the designated landing point—a yacht hidden in a secluded cove. The sleek vessel belonged to an informant tied to the Ikari Warriors, ensuring that their arrival went unnoticed by prying eyes.

As they landed, they were greeted by Leona Heidern, the stoic leader of the Ikari team, flanked by her group of twelve operatives. Their presence was unnerving, a reminder of the kind of mission they were embarking on. These men and women carried an air of cold professionalism, their sharp gazes and stiff postures reminiscent of the ANBU back in Naruto's world. Their specialties mirrored those of the shadowy organization: assassination, sabotage, and interrogation.

Vanessa and Mai Shiranui were also present, their casual demeanor belying their formidable skills. Vanessa, with her crimson gloves and confident smirk, exuded an aura of control, while Mai's cheerful energy contrasted sharply with the tense atmosphere.

Leona stood out among the group, her commanding presence impossible to ignore. At 180 cm tall, she was an imposing figure. Her light blue hair was tied back in a practical yet striking style, and her piercing eyes scanned each member of the group with calculated precision. She wore a yellow tank top and military-style pants, her gear bristling with small yet deadly tools of her trade.

The daggers strapped to her back and the specialized mini-bombs attached to her belt were a testament to her expertise in assassination and sabotage. She was reputed to be the strongest female fighter in the world, a title she had earned through countless battles and unwavering determination.

Naruto studied her carefully, sensing the immense power she concealed behind her cold, emotionless facade. Despite her composed exterior, her aura radiated danger, like a blade held in check, ready to strike at any moment. She was a warrior through and through, her skills honed to perfection in the harsh crucible of warfare.