Terry-After their adopted father and martial arts master Jeff Bogard was cruelly assassinated by crime lord Geese Howard, Terry and his brother Andy Bogard set off on a mission for revenge where they would travel the world learning various fighting styles.
Terry’s bright personality and acts of kindness solidified him in the eyes of children on the streets as a sort of hero.
Andy-Andy set out for revenge after Geese Howard defeated his adopted father, Jeff Bogard, by learning Koppoken (a martial arts style that compliments Andy’s slender frame) and Shiranui-ryuu Ninjutsu.
Andy follows a strict moral code and always shows respect regardless of his opponent. Currently, he is in a relationship with Mai Shiranui.
Joe-Traveling alone to Thailand, Joe rose up the ranks to become a champion in Muay Thai Boxing.
Though he has a playful and dynamic personality, Joe becomes far more serious when it comes down to training. He met Terry and Andy in South Town, and has remained good friends ever since.
Terry, Andy, Joe-It is late afternoon in a corner of South Town at the Pao Pao Café, right around the time when business starts to pick up.
There, at a table next to a neon-lit bar counter, Terry and Andy Bogard both sit staring at the guy opposite them: their friend, Joe Higashi. It was his proposal that was making them pause.
Essentially, he wants them all to come up with goals to achieve once they win the King of Fighters tournament. Hardly a surprising proposal coming from Joe, but its suddenness makes Andy tilt his head.
"I'm not averse to the idea, but why this again?"
"Where's the fun in just fighting and winning? This gives us a reason to win, while boosting our motivation. Two birds, one stone!"
His infallible smile on full display, Joe takes a chicken nugget and pops it into his mouth. Terry laughs.
"Very you, Joe! Love it! Sure, I'm in!"
He flashes a pearly white grin, while Andy assents with a smile of his own. Satisfied, Joe lowers his fork, adjusts his posture, then leans in toward his teammates.
"Heh heh, I knew I could count on you guys! So here's what I'm gonna do..."
"Whoa, you're just going to blurt that out now?"
"Sure! Anyway, if we win..."
As Joe lays out his plan, he curls his fingers into trembling fists, before rising from his chair and thrusting them into the air.
"I'm gonna ask Lilly out!"
Joe's booming voice resonates throughout the Pao Pao Café, but he is so caught up in the moment that he doesn't register the other café patrons staring at him. The Bogard brothers now see that this was the whole reason Joe suggested coming up with goals to start with.
"Hmmm, okay. I guess that would get you pumped."
"Hahaha. We really can't lose now, with your love life on the line!"
Andy and Terry exchange smiles.
Joe settles back into his seat, grabs his mug, then looks over at Andy.
"You're up next, buddy!"
"Me...?! Hmm. A goal, huh..."
Andy scratches his cheek thoughtfully.
"I'm at the Shiranui Dojo all day and night, but maybe I should spend some time elsewhere. Maybe I could travel around and train. Go back to the basics for a bit."
In response to Andy's pensiveness, Terry gives an encouraging nod.
"A training tour, huh? Sounds great!"
"I dunno, man. Bet you'd have a certain someone trailing after you, calling your name."
"I can't believe you think Mai would... Hmm, actually, I wouldn't put it past her..."
Andy's objection to the grinning Joe's comment soon fizzles out when he realizes there may be truth in it. With a small sigh, he takes a gulp of his drink, then turns to Terry.
"What about you, then?"
Terry gives a little pause before answering casually with his usual smile.
"Travel the world, I guess."
"You do that anyway!"
"Right? Then again, it's very Terry."
Terry grins, making Joe laugh raucously, which elicits a soft chuckle from Andy.
Their relationship never changes, but that's what allows them to trust each other and relax. With or without their goals, they are always the same people, and probably always will be.
"Hey, I've got an idea. Not a goal or anything, but how about once the tournament's over, we hit up the beach with Mary and Mai?"
"Sounds like a plan! If we win, we're going to have to celebrate with a vacation!"
"I'm sure me and Lilly will have really hit it off by then. Just you wait; it's gonna be great!"
As the day gives way to night, the café grows busier and busier, the three animated teammates' conversation and laughter gradually fading into the hustle and bustle.
Ryo-Ryo is the son and entrusted owner of Takuma Sakazaki's dojos for the Kyokugenryu school of Karate.
As a child, Ryo spent his time training his body, and eventually became so powerful that he was nicknamed The Invincible Dragon. Naturally, he is extremely strong-willed, and will spare no effort getting things done. Even to this day, he continues to train himself to his maximum potential.
Robert-Robert is the assistant instructor at Ryo's dojo.
Legitimate heir of the Garcia Foundation in Italy, Robert joined the Kyokugenryu dojo against the wishes of his father and quickly became Ryo's best friend and training partner. Robert excels at kick attacks with his long legs. Robert also has not-so-secret feelings for Ryo's sister, Yuri.
King-King's fighting style is her own form of Muay Thai.
She's the owner of the bar Illusion, and her tall stature allows for her legs to really pack a punch. She joins team ART OF FIGHTING thanks to Ryo's invitation.
Ryo, Robert, King-The sun shines brightly over South Town. Gazing up at a glimmering, fancy sign above a restaurant on Main Street, two men stand, luggage bags slung over their shoulders.
The restaurant has a line going out the door, above which its sign beams: "Kyokugen BBQ". One of the men, Marco Rodrigues, gulps as he eyes the eager crowd chatting and browsing the menus.
"Looks like business is booming."
"Yeah..."
The restaurant is even bigger and fancier than the other man, Ryo Sakazaki, remembered. He looks at the restaurant with a feeling hard to describe. Neither apprehension nor displeasure, it is just something he cannot put a name to―much to his chagrin.
No matter how hard he tried to expel all thoughts during training, the name "Kyokugen BBQ" would stand strong, casting a pall over his mood like dark clouds rolling in. Those dark clouds loom over his heart right now.
Ryo and Marco make their way to an employee entrance. Once they press the buzzer and give their names, they are allowed through to the manager's office. It is a tidy place occupied by two people: Ryo's father, Takuma Sakazaki, and Ryo's best friend and fellow student, Robert Garcia. They smile and rise to their feet as soon as Ryo and Marco enter.
"Ah, Ryo! Marco! You're back!"
"Been a while, guys! Sorry I couldn't come get you."
Robert walks over to Ryo and gives his shoulder a friendly slap. In response, Ryo smiles, as Marco bows.
"It's cool. Nice to see business is going good for you guys. Is Yuri here...?"
Just as Ryo turns to scan the area for his little sister, she emerges from the open doorway, visibly fatigued. She trudges her way into the office without noticing the two visitors.
"This is too much work for a side hustle... Sorry, Robert. I don't think I can hit up the dojo today, either."
"I hear ya, Yuri. Even Kyokugen BBQ's poster gal needs a break. Get some rest once you finish your shift, huh?"
"Sure. I'm gonna sleep through until lunchtime... Hm? Oh, hey, guys! You're back!"
Perhaps boosted by Robert's compliment, Yuri straightens her drooping shoulders, and finally notices Ryo and Marco. On seeing how hard Yuri has been throwing herself into her part-time work, the dark clouds in Ryo's heart grow thicker.
"Good to be back. You're looking well, Yuri."
"I guess. It's been crazy at work lately. I'm practically dead on my feet."
Yuri's hair has grown out, and bobs as she moves. Ryo looks on, trying to remind himself there is nothing wrong with helping out a family business. He turns back to Takuma and Robert.
"Oh yeah. I'm thinking about competing in this KOF to see if my training's paid off. How about you, Dad? Robert? Got any plans?"
"My hands are full here. It's a critical time, so I can't afford to be away."
Ryo's brows furrow ever so slightly at Takuma's casual dismissal. Nobody around him seems to notice. Takuma folds his arms and looks over at Robert.
"Robert, you join Ryo's team! And don't forget to advertise Kyokugen BBQ!"
"Yes, sir!"
Robert replies to his master with energy before turning to Ryo and holding out a hand with a grin.
"I could use this. Been so busy runnin' this place, it'd be nice to get a sweat on outside the dojo! Thanks, Ryo!"
"...Sure thing! Great to have you on board!"
As Ryo shakes Robert's hand, the firmness of their grips reassures him and brings his usual smile back to his face. Picking up on this, Marco quietly lets out a sigh of relief.
"Great. One spot to go. If it's you and me, then three has to be Yuri."
"Sure thing. You can always count on me!"
Yuri leans in as Robert speaks. Ryo eyes her, his smile fading.
He thinks back to Yuri's earlier remark. After a moment of silence, he speaks in a low tone.
"...No. You're out this time, Yuri."
"What?!"
"Huh? Why?"
Yuri and Robert's eyes widen in shock. Takuma looks on quietly, his arms folded, while Marco gives Ryo and Yuri a concerned gaze.
With his eyes fixed sternly on Yuri, Ryo asks a simple question.
"When did you last train at the dojo?"
"Uhh... I wanna say...like, two months ago?"
"Don't tell me you're still in top shape. You know how tough the competition at KOF is. You know what lengths everyone goes to. So, I'll be real: you're weak. You can't win anything!"
"...!"
Ryo's words clearly hit Yuri hard. She just stands there, opening and closing her mouth, like she's trying to protest, but can't because his words hit home.
After several moments trembling in silence, Yuri speaks, her voice quivering.
"H-How could you say that...? Weak?! I am NOT weak! You, you...jerk!"
Yuri runs out of the office. Ryo watches her go while Robert giving an understanding nod. He pats his best friend on the shoulder.
"You know Yuri, a competitive streak a mile wide. Don't worry about her. She'll get back in the groove soon enough."
"..."
Ryo's only response is a light sigh. Robert tilts his head thoughtfully.
"So who's our third member? Marco?"
Marco quickly stands to attention. Ryo looks pensive.
"Actually, I've got someone else in mind..."
The Illusion Bar is getting ready to open. King is standing behind the bar counter inside, polishing drink glasses, when she hears the door open and close again. As footsteps approach, she looks up and starts to speak in a cool, dismissive tone.
"Bar's closed... Oh, it's you. Don't startle me like that."
"Sorry to interrupt your opening prep. Mind if I sit here?"
King's expression softens when she sees Ryo. He waves and grabs a seat at the bar counter.
"Knock yourself out. Want a post-training drink?"
"Nah..."
King notices Ryo's somber expression, and knits her brow in concern―he is never usually like this after wrapping up training. She lowers the glass she is polishing to give him her full attention, but before she can ask what is wrong, Ryo looks up and stares at her resolutely.
"Hey, King? Can I be serious with you for a second?"
King falters slightly.
"What's got into you?"
"Look. You and I go back a long ways. We understand each other. I feel comfortable being around you."
King can't tell what he is trying to say. She grows nervous.
"We've gotten to know each other really well... You're the only one I think is right..."
"Uh, um..."
His expression earnest, he speaks with sincerity. She knows how he operates, and suspects this has something to do with Kyokugen or martial arts or something. But to her, there is still a slim chance this could be leading somewhere...else... Given his phrasing, King can't quite bring herself to rule out the possibility. Her cheeks flushed, she waits for him to finish.
Ryo's eyes open widely, and he leans in with his hands planted on the bar counter.
"King, I need to know... Would you join our team and compete with us in KOF?!"
King sighs and drops her hands to the countertop, hanging her head, exasperated with herself for getting her hopes up. Ryo naturally misinterprets this: "You won't do it?!"
"No, I will. I was on reserve for this KOF anyway... I'm sure Mai'll have no trouble finding teammates herself."
King flashes a smile to ease the clearly tense Ryo.
"You'll really do it...?!"
"Sure. Haven't teamed up with you guys in a while anyway."
"Great! You're the best, King!"
Ryo smiles broadly, taking King's hand firmly; she responds with a firm grip of her own, all the while thinking about how damn dense he is.
Ralf-Ralf is one of the mercenaries led by Heidern.
His rank is colonel, and he incorporates a combination of Heidern-style assassination moves and martial arts into his unique fighting style. He is extremely caring and his subordinates trust him deeply. Oftentimes, Clark and Leona accompany him on missions.
Clark-Clark is a mercenary who has fought alongside Ralf on numerous battlefields.
His rank is lieutenant, and in addition to Heidern-style assassination moves and martial arts, he specializes in wrestling throws and locks. Always calm, he has earned immense trust from Ralf.
Ralf, Clark-As if aiming for the clouds above the horizon, a line of military vessels sails forth. They act as the base of Heidern's mercenary force, navigating the globe with no harbor to call home.
Our protagonists stand in a briefing room located on an aircraft carrier nested in the center of a fleet.
"Our target is Verse, that damned monster that appeared in the previous tournament. Our operation is its complete and total annihilation."
In the darkened room, Heidern has taken a position before a data-filled screen, facing those present. Leona, Ralf and Clark are lined up in front of their commander, their eyes trained on him, trying to concentrate on the mission details despite the presence of two unknown faces distracting them.
"Based on our data from gravitational waves observed in various locations, and the intel from our collaborator Dolores, here, we believe the creature will appear again during this edition of the King of Fighters."
When mentioning the collaborator, Heidern glances at the priestess beside her, Dolores, who responds with an elegant gesture. Despite this elegance, she observes the three subordinates keenly, almost seeming to appraise them.
"The monster would likely do far more devastating damage this time. Accordingly, we must neutralize the threat at an early stage... That is our mission." As the commander wraps up, the lights come on, lifting the tenseness of the room.
Clark remains standing at attention, but his expression relaxes.
"Understood. Of course this is an important operation, but I didn't think you'd be on the front lines, Commander."
"Right. And as a member of the team, too..."
After Ralf chimes in, his eyes wander to the corner of the room.
There a girl fidgets out of boredom, her back against the wall. Sensing Ralf's eyes on her, she raises her head and stares back menacingly, her whole body tense.
"Whoops, didn't mean to offend the little leader."
In response to the girl reacting like an alley cat meeting a rival on the roadside, Ralf forces a smile before turning back to his commander.
Having observed this exchange, Heidern allows a short pause before moving on.
"'Amplified Specters'―beings like Isla and Shun'ei―are vital to this mission. As we observed in Shun'ei during the last tournament, Isla may go berserk when Verse appears."
At their commander's words, Ralf and Clark tense up; even Leona, who has remained stoic since entering the room, flutters her eyelids.
"Leona, Ralf, Clark, , your priorities are to observe the tournament and monitor Shun'ei. The moment his powers go berserk, intercept and subdue him."
The room falls deathly silent.
Leona recalls Orochi appearing from inside Verse. Reports stated that Kyo Kusanagi, Iori Yagami and Chizuru Kagura exorcized the being, but Leona realizes that the story does not end there.
The cursed blood residing within her aches. She has resisted it and fought it countless times, even succumbed to it on occasion. Whenever she wavers, the Commander and the others save her. But now, she is determined to be strong, and never lose to it again.
Still, something does not feel right―something different this time, which casts a small shadow over her heart. If her hunch is correct and she loses control, she would be a liability to the mission. Feeling she should say something, Leona is about to speak, when...
"I'm picking up what you're putting down here: we're the best guys for the job."
An infallible smile spread broadly across his face, Ralf breaks the silence. He pats Leona lightly on the shoulder, and nods enthusiastically.
"No sweat, Commander. We can subdue rampaging dudes in our sleep."
"He's right. Nothing out of the ordinary for us. Business as usual."
To the opposite side of Leona, Clark nods calmly in agreement, flashing a familiar grin.
Leona glances at her allies, before returning her gaze to Heidern. Her mouth moves ever so slightly. Only her trusted comrades and commander could ever notice such a smile.
"...Understood, Commander."
Heidern gives a small nod to her direct yet honest response.
"For the final of the tournament, the fleet will be on standby approximately 40 miles north of the stadium. Stay on guard until the mission is complete. Dismissed!"
"Sir, yes, sir!"
Heidern watches his subordinates bow respectfully, then leave the briefing room with a determination in their step.
Blue Mary-In a small corner of South Town, a quiet, little hole-in-the-wall bar is nestled. Sat at the counter are a man and a woman, their tall figures, perfect postures, and elegant gestures marking them with an air of refinement.
They've been sitting in the bar for around an hour now. The man lightly pushes his glasses up his nose as he finishes talking, which the black-haired woman observes out of the corner of her eye. She smiles with interest.
"...So that's what you want?"
The young man nods, then picks up a photo resting on the counter, and quietly stows it in his breast pocket.
"Yes. Though I imagine even you would struggle to get it."
"Quite a rude imagination you've got there."
"If it happens to fall into your possession, would you be willing to give it to me? I'm prepared to pay you in full, of course."
When he slowly turns to face her, the ice in the glass between them clinks. He gives her a faint smile, while she rises quietly from her seat.
"Hmm... If it happens to... Well, we’ll see."
In response, his smile grows broader. As the woman makes her way out, she casts an idle glance at a decorative stool sitting in a corner of the bar, then reaches for the doorknob without paying it any more mind.
"See you around, Hein-y."
With those parting words, the woman, who’s known only as Luong, exits the bar, its door chimes ringing hollowly into the air.
On a bright, early afternoon, the sound of waves melts into the cawing of seagulls.
It's been nearly an hour since she came to this café. Maybe it's the sweltering heat from the sun's relentless rays, or maybe it's the buzz this place has on social media, but an endless stream of young couples are eating there. The café is built out over the water, and is packed with people sharing straws and chatting.
Blue Mary puts her tablet down on the table and lets out a heavy sigh.
"Nope. He's not giving me anything to go on..."
Her colleague Vanessa asked to meet up here, and Blue Mary's been gazing out over the terrace ever since she arrived. At first it was nice to enjoy a meal and some downtime, but then Vanessa texted her, "Sry! Might run an hour late!" Since then, she's been in work mode, stuck killing time.
Mary scowls down at her tablet, which displays a photo taken in secret.
Hein: The Howard Connection newcomer that distinguished himself in the last KOF. It is unclear what he has to gain from them, but he seems to be operating under their radar. So far that's Mary's only lead.
This photo is the only hint she has gotten in the past several months.
"Doubt it's just an innocent date if the Howard Connection was kept in the dark about it..."
The photo shows Hein at a bar on the outskirts of South Town, trading drinks with an attractive black-haired woman. That woman is the mysterious Luong, who appeared in the last KOF as the lover of Gang-il, Kim Kaphwan's martial arts master.
"Just who IS Luong?"
As Mary knits her brows, she spots a familiar red-haired woman out of the corner of her eye, weaving her way through tables toward her.
"Hey, Mary! Sorry I kept you!"
"Seriously. Who arranges a meeting then shows up late?"
Mary turns off her tablet and looks up with a wry smile, which freezes the moment she sees the tall woman with black hair walking behind Vanessa.
It is the very same woman Mary was eyeing suspiciously in the photo seconds ago. Luong smiles demurely and waves. Whether she can discern Mary's reaction remains unknown.
"Hi there, um...Blue Mary, right?"
"...That's me. Real talk, I'm surprised. I was NOT expecting to meet you like this, Luong."
Mary smiles, at which Luong looks pleased.
While the two trade introductions, Vanessa takes a seat. She picks up a menu off the table and speaks to Mary.
"I was picking up a collaborator—one I think you'll benefit from having around."
Mary stows her tablet in her handbag and looks over at Vanessa.
"Hm, I don't remember talking shop with you, Vanessa."
"Just so we're clear: she reached out to me, okay?"
"Correct. I just couldn't get the rush of KOF out of my head. But with my man busy training Kim, I wouldn't want to team up with people I don't know and trust, right?"
Luong takes a seat and accepts a menu from Vanessa. Mary observes her closely, but she can't make out whether the mild concern in Luong's voice rings true. Just as Mary is about to accept she'll probably never get any decent answers, her eyes meet Luong's.
"Then I remembered you ladies, and I figured, well, you both seem nice enough, so we might make a good team. I really think you and I will have a lot to talk about, Mary... My friends tell me all sorts of things―things I'm sure you'll be very interested in."
Luong smiles coyly, revealing quite bluntly she has an agenda. Mary's eye twitches.
"You know what would make us an even better team? If you told me what your game is."
Mary and Luong's mouths may be smiling, but their eyes are anything but. Naive bystanders might see them as hitting it off, but sparks of hostility, mistrust, and rivalry fly between them.
Vanessa waves her closed menu between them, like she's snuffing out flames.
"I don't see the problem. She clearly knows her stuff. And personally, I don't care what her angle is. As long as I can keep my target under surveillance without a mercenary commander interfering, that's good enough for me. It should be a win-win for you, too, getting a hookup for Howard Connection intel, right?"
Vanessa flags down a waiter to take her order. As she gives it, she looks between Mary and Luong. Their expressions have both softened. Vanessa wears her typical, casual smile, but her eyes are all business as she studies them.
"Okay, here's how this is gonna go. First, Mary and I will get Luong into KOF. Once the tournament starts, you two will help me with my job. After the tournament, Luong and I will provide Mary with whatever intel she needs as payment. What's important is that each of us does our part perfectly. Sound good, ladies?"
Luong beams in response, while Mary gives a begrudging nod. Vanessa relaxes and claps her hands together, satisfied.
"Great! All girls for one and one girl for all!"
As the shop talk wraps up, a waiter brings their meals. He sets out several dishes and drinks, before finally setting down a large mug of beer with a solid clunk. Mary grimaces in distaste, while Luong's eyes widen.
"That's a lot of beer. Look at all that foam brimming over..."
"Come on. I know we're done with work, but it's noon!"
"Rude. This is non-alcoholic. Now raise your glasses, ladies!"
"To our new team!" Vanessa checks to make sure the other two have raised their glasses before raising her own. Foam dribbles down the sides of the mug, sparkling in the brilliant sunlight.
Athena-Athena is a high-school pop idol fighting evil to bring about world peace.
Her fighting style is composed of the psychic powers she was born with and Chinese Kung Fu. She is a hard worker, both polite and serious. However, this KOF she's unexpectedly teamed up with Mai and Yuri...?
Yuri-Ryo Sakazaki's younger sister managed to learn deadly techniques in less than one year after joining the Kyokugenryu Dojo.
As a fighting genius, Yuri has brought her own personal touch to the martial art. She joins this KOF to once and for all prove her strength to her brother.
Mai-Mai is a kunoichi and successor of the Shiranui style of ninja arts.
Her opponents are at the mercy of her graceful movements and fascinating attire. Using large fans as weapons, her fighting style is to "float like a butterfly, sting like a bee".
Athena, Mai, Yuri-The setting sun shines across the Illusion Bar nestled in a street in South Town. Its door, adorned with an "OPEN" sign, bursts open, and a beautiful woman storms through.
"King, you're not going to believe this!"
King, the bar's proprietor, smiles wryly as the woman marches straight for the bar counter, delivering her all-too-familiar exclamation with an all-too-familiar look on her face.
"Hey, Mai. Let me guess: you didn't get to team up with Andy again, did you?"
"No, I didn't! I don't know how many times I've practically begged him, but he won't listen!"
King offers a drink to her close friend, Mai Shiranui, who chugs it down, slams the glass on the counter, then slumps over it. Mai's boyfriend has a habit of putting his brother and friends first and her second; as a result, Mai storming into the bar is practically an everyday occurrence.
Just as Mai looks up and King braces herself to listen for a barrage of woes, the door bursts open again, abruptly drawing their attention. Now it was Yuri Sakazaki's turn to march towards the counter angrily.
"Hey, Yuri."
"Hi, Yuri. Come sit by me."
Yuri plops down into the seat Mai gestures toward, before leaning in to speak to her friends.
"King, Mai, you're not going to believe this!"
King smiles wryly at Yuri’s angry expression―the same one Mai had worn.
"My brother says I'm weak and I can't win anything and he won't let me on his team, and y'know, I mean, sure I've been busy at the BBQ joint lately, but I still train where I can, so what kinda brother comes home and just says that to his sister?!"
Yuri plants her hands angrily on the bar counter, as Mai give several sympathetic nods.
"That's so unfair. Your brother and Andy look at us like we just sit on our butts all day. We do so much more than they ever realize."
Mai speaks indignantly, swishing around her drink glass as Yuri looks on, impressed. Mai takes a breath, clunking her glass on the counter, then turns to Yuri with an intense look in her eyes.
"Yuri, the only thing to do is to prove yourself! Go to KOF and show your brother you mean business!"
"Oh, you bet I will! Ryo's gonna eat his words! You'd better show Andy what he's missing out on, too, Mai!"
Mai and Yuri shake hands firmly. "Okay, King—" they both start in unison. However, King looks back at them awkwardly. When she replies, she is looking down.
"Uh, about that... I don't think I can join you this time."
"Why not? I know you said you wanted to stay on reserve, but what's going on?"
"Um, to tell you the truth, the other day Ryo asked me to be on his team. I mean, you guys won't have any trouble finding another team member, and he looked so serious that I just kind of agreed."
King adds a "Sorry", but it is barely audible. Mai and Yuri sit open-mouthed for several moments before looking at each other.
"THE HECK?!"
King flinches as the two yell loud enough to shake their drinking glasses.
After the shock wears off, Mai looks at King warmly, her eyes expressing slight disappointment, but also delight.
"Well, why didn't you say so?! I would've bought something to celebrate! Congratulations, King! You'd better use this chance to get him to commit to a date!"
"Hey, ease up. Robert's gonna be there too. This is purely a team thing."
As King blushes despite herself, Yuri puffs out her cheeks with a conflicted expression.
"Oh, come on! I wanna call him a big fat jerk right now, but if you're making progress with him then I GUESS that's good... Stupid, complicated feelings..."
As Yuri furrows her brows, Mai pats her on the shoulder. "Come on, Yuri, don't rain on her parade. King's our friend! We should support her love life!"
"You know what? You're right. This is the perfect chance for her! Maybe King and I can be sisters!"
"Are you even listening...?"
King lets out a sigh of equal parts exasperation and resignation at Yuri and Mai, who, bright-eyed, look ready to support their friend's romance at all costs.
Elsewhere, another girl is standing on the very same boulevard, blissfully unaware of the rousing exchange happening in the bar. She is wearing a smart one-piece dress and a basket hat drawn low over her eyes, keeping her face hidden. The sun has set, and the city's neon lights cut through the darkening sky. She stands at the door to the Illusion Bar, gripping a sheet of paper tightly.
Taking a breath to steel herself, she takes hold of the doorknob and enters the bar.
"Um, hi! I heard Mai and Yuri were here?"
As her clarion voice carries through the bar, the three friends pause their chat to look toward the doorway. Their eyes widen.
"Athena? Yeah, Mai and Yuri are here. What's up?"
King gestures to Mai and Yuri, her eyes fixed on the girl, Athena Asamiya.
What is a hit Japanese singer and model doing in South Town? Considering she has come alone―without her martial arts master/producer Chin Gentsai nor her fellow student/superfan Sie Kensou―it is safe to assume she traveled here incognito.
Athena removes her hat, then faces Mai and Yuri.
"Mai, Yuri, I've had this idea, so hear me out, okay...?"
Athena's eyes shine with enthusiasm, to which Mai gasps, as though noticing something. She raises her hand to cut Athena off.
"We know, Athena."
Likewise, Yuri folds her arms and nods.
"Yeah, we know exactly what you're thinking."
Athena's eyes widen.
"Really? Both of you?! Okay, the thing is—"
Athena's expression softens in relief, but just as she is about to explain her idea...
Mai smacks her hand excitedly onto the counter, with a determined smile.
"Our KOF team will be you, me, and Yuri!"
"Whuh? KOF...?"
Athena blinks in confusion. Yuri completely misses this and leaps out of her seat with a bold and confident smile.
"Team Super Heroine is born! We've got grace, beauty, and ULTRA-brawn! And we're gonna take on the world!"
"That wasn't what I... Um, Mai? Yuri?"
"With a team like this, we can't lose!"
Athena gently attempts to correct Mai and Yuri, but they are feverishly clasping hands, too caught up in the moment to notice.
King smiles at Athena's consternation.
"Nothing you can do when they get like this. Can it wait 'til after the tournament?"
"S-sure..."
"Then just talk it out with them then."
Athena slumps in defeat, while Mai and Yuri chat animatedly about the tournament.
"Well, um...go team!"
Mai and Yuri usher Athena to a seat next to them. King looks sympathetically at the misunderstood pop star and reaches for a clean drinking glass.
It would be no mean feat fighting alongside the spirited Mai and the highly competitive Yuri, but Athena had known them for a while, and was no pushover herself. King pours the final team member a glass of mineral water and places it down in front of her.
King of Dinosaurs-King of Dinosaurs is a mysterious heel wrestler who wears a tyrannosaurus mask.
His true identity is unknown. He is capable of taking down seasoned martial artists with his powerful wrestling moves. He joins Ramón together in the newly-formed G.A.W. and aims to become the fiercest dinosaur in the galaxy.
KOD team story-A bone-chilling gust of wind blows through an empty, desolate backstreet somewhere in Moscow, the only light far away in the twinkling stars. Two men walk closely side by side.
One is middle-aged, rather slender for his years; the other, large and brawny, appearing almost bear-like in the dark. Neither is carrying much: just the clothes on their backs. Newspaper pages blow past them before being pressed against the wall. The two men idly glance at the pages.
KOF Stadium Collapse Planned?! Organizers Face Extreme Accusations!
An internal report places the sole blame on its managing director Antonov! Questions have also been raised about his past achievements...
Antonov resigns! The Antonov Corporation's board of directors consider its next CEO...
The words send a shiver down the men's spines.
The larger of the two slams his fist into the wall, jolting the papers loose and sending them fleeing down the road.
"Boss..."
"I AIN'T YOUR BOSS!"
The larger man bellows, causing the smaller one to abruptly pull back the hand he offered.
"A setup?! How in the― They know damn well I'd never do something so cold!"
Defeated, he slumps to his knees. This man is none other than Antonov, the former owner of Antonov Corporation, whose name, through no fault of his own, is on all the gossipers' tongues.
When he held the King of Fighters tournament, a fearsome monster appeared and laid waste to the stadium he had spent untold millions on. Even so, the fight to the death between the champion and the monster generated huge ratings, and despite the tournament's many setbacks, Antonov still considered it a massive success... That is, until people online began suggesting he had set everything up.
These baseless rumors spread like wildfire, growing practically overnight into an unstoppable inferno set on engulfing Antonov.
Now, after fleeing together in the dead of night, the former champ and his right-hand man wander the freezing back streets of Moscow.
Antonov stays crouched down for a while longer before abruptly shaking his head.
"No! The show's not over! I'll pull the curtain up myself!"
The smaller man, Yakov, studies Antonov's slumped posture for several moments, before speaking resolutely.
"You won't be by yourself, Boss―I mean, Anton! You've got me! Never been any different!"
"Yakov...!"
The two stare at each other, memories of their time together―right back from their time as students―bringing tears to their eyes.
Suddenly a young boy's voice rings out from a narrow alley connecting to the main road.
“You're the champion, aren't you?!"
"I know that voice!"
The boy stands in the alley, gawking at the two men; he had been going home with his family when he ducked into the alley. It is Misha, the boy who Antonov had shielded from harm at KOF.
With Misha's parents putting in a good word for them, Antonov and Yakov manage to get a room in an apartment. It is a humble place―nothing but a landline phone, but Antonov had trained in frigid Siberia with his loyal Yakov by his side; by comparison, this is paradise.
Armed with their phone line, they start a new business...in what field you already know...
"...So that's how I started this group. Not exactly a short story, I know."
Antonov tips up the brim of his white cowboy hat, a cigar punctuating his grin, and a warm gaze radiating from behind his sunglasses.
"Welcome, Ramón and King of Dinosaurs, to Galaxy Anton Wrestling!"
Antonov spreads his arms wide. Behind him looms a horizontal banner emblazoned with "G.A.W.", a.k.a. Galaxy Anton Wrestling, which would come to be known globally as a "supernova pro-wrestling group".
They are standing in the G.A.W. president's office―well, an apartment room/office. Hardly presidential, it looks more like a storage room for secondhand office desks.
Ramón and Dinosaur feel right at home. They smile and give Antonov a nod.
"Glad to be here, boss."
"A pleasure to work with you!"
Seeing Ramón and Dinosaur shake hands with Antonov brings a smile to Yakov's face, but his expression is soon overshadowed with concern.
"Of course we're glad you're willing to transfer to our group, but are you sure you want to give up your careers in Mexico?"
Dinosaur folds his arms resolutely, his expression serious; Ramón replies cheerfully,
"Just because we left Mexico, doesn't mean we gave up on it."
"If anything, it's the opposite. Pro wrestling doesn't have borders anymore. Wherever we go, our fans are with us!"
Ramón follows-up with a wry smile.
"We know your eyes aren't set on Russia; they're set on the entire world."
Moved, Yakov holds his hands to his chest. Antonov's grin grows wider before he lets out a deep, booming guffaw that rattles the windows.
"GWAHAHAHAHA! I like you guys more every second!"
Antonov looks briefly between Ramón and Dinosaur, then thrusts a finger up toward the sky.
"You're wrong about one thing: G.A.W. isn't aiming for the world. Oh, no. We're aiming for the whole damn GALAXY!"
From behind his sunglasses, Antonov's eyes twinkle like the stars. Ramón and Dinosaur exchange glances and laugh heartily.
"For now, we compete in KOF, and then all three of us will take back the title of champion!"
"That's what I'm talking about! Get the whole world hyped!"
"Yeah! I'll do my part for your future, and the future of this group!"
"Some heel you are, talking like that!"
"Huh?! Well, uh, I'm not in character right now! And we're talking to our boss, so what's the big problem?!"
The fire inside these men could melt the Siberian ice. This is truly the first step for G.A.W. As the three men speak, Yakov looks on, smiling softly, as their bright and cheerful future glints in his eyes.