Nogi Group HQ
(Y/n):THE HELL DO YOU MEAN?!?!
Kazuo:wa-wait a second!! What're you doing to Mr.Nogi?!
At the center of Nogi's office, (y/n) held up the chairman by his neck
(Y/n) had bandages around his forehead, ear, arms and from his tight shirt you could make out the subtle outlines of bandages around his torso
Kazuo and Akiyama watched in horror as Nogi was struggling to breath
(Y/n):YOU WANNA SAY THAT AGAIN, OLD MAN?!
Nogi:I...I'll say it...as much as you want...(Y/n) Yu. I do no...intend to have you represent...our company in this upcoming...Kengan Annihilation tournament.
(Y/n) started tightening his grip around Nogi's neck
(Y/n):WELL IF I CAN JOIN, THEN I'LL START THE ANNIHILATING RIGHT NOW, WITH YOU!!!
Kazuo:(Y-(Y/n) please just calm down a little! Okay?!
Kazuo started trembling as he had no way to stop (y/n) if he were to go through with this
Akiyama:*why would the chairman suddenly do something like this? Up to this point, weren't the Kengan Matches, tests to see whether or not Yu would be entered into the tournament?
The door to the office began opening
Male voice:oh my, am I...interrupting?
Akiyama:wh-why're you here?!
Nogi:that's enough! Let me...introduce you, this man here will be in the Annihilation Tournament. He is the Nogi Group's competitor, Sen Hatsumi
(Y/n) looked over his shoulder, Hatsumi was a man in his early fourths with long hair tied back that draped down his back, he stood at 5'10 and weighed around 170 pounds
Hatsumi:Yo, it's nice to meet you, Reject.
Kazuo:he's the representative?
Hatsumi started rubbing the back of his head
Hatsumi:what a sorry state your in, old man. You in trouble or something?
Nogi:can't you tell by looking?! HURRY UP AND HELP ME, YOU FOOL!
Hatsumi:you heard him. I hope you don't mind if I use force, substitute.
(Y/n):You think you can take me, Clown?
Hatsumi:it shouldn't be too hard.
Hatsumi suddenly vanished and appeared behind (y/n) and grabbed (y/n)'s right wrist with his right hand
Kazuo:*he-he's fast...*
Hatsumi squeezed (y/n)'s wrist creating a low cracking noise as he dropped Nogi who started coughing
Hatsumi:you shouldn't raise your hand against your employer, you know. And also, pushing yourself with a broken arm, wrist and hand isn't smart either.
(Y/n):Tch, this is nothing!
He swung his left wlbow back going for Hatsumi's head as Hatsumi let go and dodged back
(Y/n) turned and and threw a left jab which Hatsumi dodged and then (y/n) threw a right cross as Hatsumi stepped out of the way
Hatsumi:it's not just the arm either, it's your whole body.
(Y/n) threw a right low kick and connected to Hatsumi's left leg but his feet stayed planted as (y/n) threw a left straight but Hatsumi swatted the punch away
Hatsumi:all the damage you've taken till now is in no way small. You should probably be hospitalized.
Hatsumi dodged a right uppercut and hopped back
Hatsumi:and you wanna enter a tournament like that? Get real, kid. I mean damn, cracked skull, damage to both arms and broken ribs? Next level stupid if you ask me.
(Y/n) growled as he pursued throwing several punches as Hatsumi just danced around (y/n)
Kazuo:he's dodging all of (y/n)'s blows, how is that possible?!
Akiyama:39 wins and 15 loses.
Kazuo:huh?
Akiyama:That's Sen Hatsumi's record in the Kengan matches.
Kazuo:15 losses? He loses quite a bit then.
Akiyama:Hatsumi's skill level is considered to be top class. And although it's true he's had many loses...the problem lies in the reason.
Hatsumi suddenly appears between the two of them
Hatsumi:I overslept 9 times, skipped out 4 times and twice it slipped my mind. For a total of 15 losses.
He wrapped his arm around Akiyama's waist
Akiyama:h-hey!
Hatsumi:you've made me so happy kaede! I didn't know you cared about me that much!
Akiyama started trying to shove him off
Akiyama:do you know what the Nogi Group has gone through thanks to you?!
(Y/n) started gritting his teeth after being completely blown off
Hatsumi:are you busy after this? Why don't we do lunch?
Akiyama:I WILL NOT!
(Y/n):Jackass!
Hatsumi:huh? Oh, did I go too far?
(Y/n) slowly started to put his hands up
Hatsumi:did I make you wanna kill me?
Kazuo:*th-that stance is...it's the exact same as last night with Sekibayashi and before with Lihito.*
Hatsumi let go of Akiyama as he stepped out in front of her and Kazuo
Hatsumi:alright, don't blame me if you end up dead-
Hatsumi suddenly hunched over and (y/n) had his left fist planted in Hatsumi's abdomen
Hatsumi:*he got me, his speed shot way up, I'm guessing this is his style.*
(Y/n) threw a right uppercut as Hatsumi dodged back
Hatsumi:not back, your speed and power are good. So what is that trick? Never seen a style like that. What is it? Eh, whatever. I'm confident in my own speed as well. I've got it down now, wanna go at it then?
(Y/n) lunged forward and threw two right jabs which Hatsumi blocked and then countered by throwing a right straight as (y/n) swayed to the right and threw a left hook but Hatsumi blocked it
Hatsumi:*His speed and power are no joke, plus his height and weight is a big advantage.*
Hatsumi threw a high right high kick but (y/n) dodged back and then lunged back at Hatsumi throwing a left straight at Hatsumi's head
Hatsumi barely blocked it and backed away
Hatsumi:that's a pretty impressive skill set you got there. You use...Shag...no, Shengli, right?
(Y/n) gritted his teeth
Nogi:*I thought as much...*
Hatsumi:except that's a little strange. I didn't think it'd be passed down. Jiang is quite the lady, I hear.
(Y/n):don't you ever...
(Y/n) stepped forward as his eyes started turning bloodshot and veins began bulging from his skin
(Y/n):Mention Jiang again!!
Hatsumi:aww, strike a nerve? You know...your getting ahead of yourself, brat.
They began leaning in as they clenched their fists
Nogi:ALRIGHT THAT'S ENOUGH!
Kazuo yelped at the chairman's suddenly announcement
Nogi began adjusting his tie as both fighters looked at him
Nogi:(Y/n) this matter is already settled. The Nogi Group's representative competitor for the tournament will be Sen Hatsumi.
(Y/n)'s eyes started becoming more bloodshot
Nogi:HOWEVER! I have no issue if you secure your entry into the tournament through your own efforts.
Kazuo:huh?
Hatsumi started chuckling
(Y/n):STOP WITH YOUR ROUNDABOUT SHIT!
(Y/n) swatted his arm to the right
(Y/n):SPEAK PLAIN!
Nogi:eheh, confused? Well I'm all honesty, this plan does require the cooperation of a certain kind of person.
He looked over towards Akiyama and Kazuo
Nogi:Yamashita, come here.
Kazuo:m-me? Sure.
He walked over as Nogi placed a hand on his shoulder
Nogi:hehehe, I think you should become a member for the Kengan Association.
Kazuo's calm and easy going demeanor began slowly crumbling away into a terrified sweat
Akiyama:wh-what? Hold on. What're you talking about, chairman? He couldn't possibly become a Kengan Employee.
Nogi:Oh Akiyama, you still have so much to learn. If you think a about it, in business there are loopholes just about anywhere you look. Becoming a Kengan Association Employee is essentially proof of becoming a first class businessman. For that reason, everyone and their sister want to desperately take a stab at being a member. Under authority of the Kengan Association, there are often unofficial matches held with their memberships on the line. Their aims are to collect the required "Entry Fee".
Kazuo:unofficial?
Nogi:they are called "Unoffical" but the referee is supplied by the kengan Association.
(Y/n)'s eyes started changing back to normal but was replaced by giving Nogi the stink eye
Nogi:I guess you could refer to them as Kengan Association Challenge Matches. Oh, and by the way. The challenge fee is a hundred million yen.
Kazuo's jaw dropped at the ludicrous amount of money
Nogi:but you've got nothing to worry about. I just so happen to have that amount on hand today.
He pulled a brief case out from under his desk and placed it on top while opening the top
Nogi:A hundred million.
Kazuo:you just happen to have it?!
Nogi suddenly began emitting a murderous aura like President Katahara with a grin
Nogi:so what will you do, Yamashita? You do realize there will be no other way for (y/n) to enter this tournament, right?
Kazuo started sweating profusely
Kazuo:*wh-what? Why does it feel like I'm being forced into this?! N-N-No! This isn't right! This situation isn't right! A normal employee could never do something like that! C-Calm down! I have to calm down!*
He did his best to calm down with all eyes in the room on him
Kazuo:*I-I just need to turn him down without offending him.*
He took a deep breath
Kazuo:well, I appreciate the offer, but-
(Y/n) wrapped his arm around Kazuo's shoulder
(Y/n):Hao, when and where is this "Unofficial Match"?
Kazuo:*WHY ARE YOU ANSWERING FOR ME?!?!?!?*
(Y/n) pointed at Hatsumi who was looking Akiyama up and down
(Y/n):jackass, when we meet in the tournament, I'm knocking your ass out.
Hatsumi snapped out of his daze but he clearly didn't hear (y/n)
Hatsumi:huh? Oh, yeah yeah. Sounds cool.
Kazuo:*DON'T THEY UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVEN'T AGREED YET?!*
Nogi:well said, Yu.
Akiyama:you are both very brave.
Kazuo:*why are the two of you acknowledging him?! HE'S ISN'T SUPPOSED TO MAKE IT!!! THIS IS BAD! I HAVE TO TELL THEM I'M NOT DOING IT BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!!*
He slowly looked up at the fighter
Kazuo:u-uh listen...(y/n). It's hard for me to say this but-
(Y/n) gave yamashita a pat on the back
(Y/n):we're doing this, Kazuo Yamashita.
(Y/n) had an eerie smile crossing his face as Kazuo felt himself slowly shriek
Kazuo:*He's still so scary!*
Kazuo:right...let's do our best...
His shoulders dropped as he was forced into joining
Nogi:would you mind giving us the room, Sen?
Hatsumi:eh? Sure.
Hatsumi left as Akiyama cut and lit a cigar for Nogi
Nogi:now then, you'll need to become the manager of a company.
Kazuo:a...company?
Nogi:yes, thats right. The Kengan Association is for proprietors and people involved in finance. For you to become an employee, your going to need to become a manager, if only in name. So, the name and type of business can be anything. I think something simple like "Yamashita Corporation" should be fine.
Kazuo:*my fate is being decided for me like it's nothing.*
Nogi:okay then, all that's left is to register for the match. There are matches in 2 days, 8 days and 12 days from now.
Kazuo:*w-well...I've guess I've got no choice. Hmm...now for the date but...which one should I chose?*
He started contemplating
(Y/n):two days. Why would I want any other?
Kazuo's jaw dropped
Kazuo:wa-wait! With your injuries-!
(Y/n):Kazuo Yamashita, do you think it's possible for multiple bones and heal in less then 12 days?
Kazuo:w-well yes, I suppose that's true but-
(Y/n):It will be completely healed by the time of this tournament though. My participation and victory in that tournament is assured no matter what. And when I win, I'll be sure everyone left behind has been crushed.
Two days later, 40 meters below ground in the metropolitan era's outer aqueduct, the crowd of anxious onlookers desperately waited for the fuse of this match to be lit
(Y/n) was standing shirtless on the raised platform that was their ring, he was wearing black sweatpants. And was still covered in bandages
The referee, who was the same ref from (y/n)'s previous fights stepped forward
Referee:before we begin, I would like to thank all of you for coming all the way here. Far below the surface in order to join us! Not let us get on with the introductions! In todays unofficial Kengan Match, the membership holder is!
He pointed towards (y/n)'s opponent who was a middle aged man in a karate gi standing around 6 feet tall with dyed red hair sweap back and very muscular
Referee:Ushitami Food services! Affiliated fighter, Yokota Masayasu! The challenger! Yamashita corporations competitor! (Y/n) Yu!
(Y/n) looked half awake as he started yawning which annoyed his opponent
Spectator:wasn't that Nogi Group's fighter?
Spectator:yeah, the one who beat Sekibayashi.
Spectator:he transferred already?
Behind him, Kazuo was sweating buckets
Kazuo:*whether we win or lose, I've got one hundred million yen in debt...*
The manager of Yokota, mikio Nabe walked up alongside his fighter
Mikio:hey Yokota, you're known as then"Kingpin Brawler of Gadokan Karate". Please finish this quickly.
Yokoto:sure.
Mikio:*using the kengan association employee membership as bait, draws in easy prey! It's my favorite way to turn a profit!*
Referee:okay then! Fights at the ready!
Yokoto raised his fists as he assumed his stance
Referee:and...FIGHT!!
He swung his arm down to signal the start of the match as Yokoto rushed (y/n) who dodged to the right and threw a high left kick slamming his foot into Yokoto's eye and sending him flying into the crowd
Mikio:h-huh...?
Yokoto's eye was caved in and he was out cold with blood starting to form
The referee was hopelessly staring at Yokoto
(Y/n):ref, might wanna get him to a hospital.
He started walking away as the referee snapped out not it
Reference:w-winner! (Y/N) YU!
Mikio passed out as (y/n) stopped over towards Kazuo and Akiyama
Kazuo:*th-that was amazing!*
(Y/n):Oi, we won.
(Y/n) looked bothered by Akiyama's ever blank expression
(Y/n):what is it, woman?
Akiyama:My name, is Kaede Akiyama. I expect you to call me THAT, not "woman".
(Y/n) tilted his head to the side
(Y/n):Kaena-
She poked him in the chest
Akiyama:Ka-ede A-ki-ya-ma.
(Y/n) sighed
(Y/n):your lucky I like strong women.
Akiyama started blushing
Akiyama:don't speak to me so informally. Your jokes aren't funny.
(Y/n):who said anything about joking?
Meanwhile, a scrawny man was in a dark air conditioned room was rewatching the recording of their match, he was zoomed in on Kazuo specifically
Scrawny man:why...why now? I never imagined that we'd reunite like this. How long has it been since...I've seen your face...father.
It was Kazuo's oldest son, Kenzo Yamashita.
Kenzo:you've aged, father.
Meanwhile in the chairman's office of Undermount Inc, masahiko Ohta was doing computer work when his phone started ringing
Ohta:hello?
After hearing the voice he stood at attention
Ohta:Oh hello boss! How are you Mr.President?!
The one he was talking to was Kenzo Yamashita
Kenzo:how many time do I have to tell you? You are the CEO. I'm simply content with being your shadow.
Ohta:you always say that. Uh but really it's thanks to you that the company has become as big as it is. I-I'm really the one who's in your shadow.
Kenzo:putting that aside, I called to tell you that you did a good job filming the match the other day.
Ohta:th-thank you sir! But it was nothing.
Kenzo:with this surprising new data, we've now gathered enough.
Ohta:wait but...does that mean...?
Kenzo:Yes. The Kengan Annihilation Tournament is approaching and we will partake in it. As for our competitor, we shall be acquiring one from the Kure Family.
Ohta began sweating buckets
Ohta:K-Kure?!
The Kure Family, they are not only active in the Kengan Matches, but in various other conflicts as well. Depending on the money and conditions, they will even kill someone who employed them previously. A mercenary group, as it were
At the Kure Family household, Erioh sat at the head of the room, closest to him were Raian Kure, Hollis Kure, Horio Kure and Reiichi Kure
Raian was a blonde muscular man with spiky hair of average height, Hollis was a large muscular man with black hair, Horio was a bulkier looking businessman but under the body fat he was clearly jacked, they all had the signature Kure Family eyes
Erioh:Is everyone in attendance?
No one raised their voices
Erioh:I've brought you all here for one specific reason, The tournament. Our clan will be representing Undermount Inc. any objections?
Hollis:but grandfather, what about the request from Yoshitake Real estate?
Erioh:eheh, we cannot allow fellow clan members to take opposing sides, so we have simply chosen the one with more money. Rei, I'm afraid your going to have to call Mr.Yoshitake back and decline the offer. As courteously as possible, of course.
Reiichi:....understood.
Erioh:now then, onto the main question. Who shall we send to the tournament...from our clan?
The sun began shining through the clouds illuminating the massive room, there were dozens of Kure Clan members all kneeling to their grandfather
Aside from one, this person was leaned in the doorway, they had a small frame, only standing at about 154cm or 5'1, they wore a red parka with the hood up and jean shorts along with wrapping covering their legs
The Kure clan member in the Parka was grinning unnaturally wide
Later that night, Kazuo was standing slack jawed in front of a massive high class hotel
Ken:Hey Kazu! It's me Ken! Your free, right? Let's grab a drink! I'll be waiting!
Kazuo:*That was the phone call I suddenly got from the drunk guy from the match against Sekibayashi. So I gave in and showed up, but...who even is this guy?!*
After a quick few minutes, Kazuo found himself sitting at the hotel bar with Ken who was already laughing
Ken:guess fate really made you grab me by the collar back there, I really wanted to cheer you on, Ol' Kazu. I mean it.
Kazuo:Ka...zu? Cheer me on?
Ken:yeah! On becoming a Kengan Association Employee!
Kazuo:h-huh? You know about that?
Ken:it's the talk of the Association, right now. The mysterious Yamashita Corporation participating in the annihilation tournament.
Kazuo:oh uh...is that so?
Kazuo started taking a sip of his beverage
Ken:did Mr.Nogi give you the participation fee? I believe its five million Yen-
Kazuo spit out his drink
Kazuo:FIVE WHAT?!?!
He slammed his head on the counter
Kazuo:He set me up!! Damnit, Nogi didn't say a word about that!
Ken:well an amount like five million should be no problem as long as you win.
Kazuo:th-that bastard! Damnit!!
He picked back up his glass and drank it all in one shot which impressed Ken
Kazuo:I'll do it! I just need to win, right?! You know what I'm gonna do?! I'm gonna make Nogi regret ever underestimating me in the first place!
Ken started chuckling as the high concentration of alcohol in Kazuo's drink immediately effected him
Ken:wow, spoken like a champ.
Kazuo crossed his arms
Kazuo:I've made up my mind about this. Starting today, the president of Yamashita Corporation, Kazuo Yamashita, WILL FACE DOWN THIS ANNIHILATION TOURNAMENT!! KAZUO YAMASHITA OF NOGI GROUP DIES TODAY!!
Ken:that's the spirit!!
Kazuo:Screw the Nogi group!
The two drunks started laughing but as they started to catch their breaths, Ken looked at their bartender
The bartender, he was tan skinned with white hair styled with a bob cut, he was muscular but lean at 181cm or 5'11
Ken:oh by the way, I've got some news of my own tonight as well, Kazu.
Kazuo:oh what is it, ken?
Ken:my company is participating in the Kengan Annihilation tournament as well. Right?
He looked at the bartender
Bartender:Yes.
Kazuo:huh?
Ken:you see this man right here, is my companies competitor. He's only been in four matches so far, but from what I can tell, he's pretty good. His name is Ryo Himuro.
The bartender humbly nodded
Kazuo:oh? So what's your company?
Ken:eh it's a little bookstore named Ginokuniya.
Kazuo started laughing
Kazuo:is it named after the famous Ginokuniya book shop? Hehehe.
Ken:ehehehe, it is that Ginokuniya.
Kazuo suddenly stopped laughing
Kazuo:seriously?
Ken:Yup. That's right.
Kazuo:wow, the way you revealed your identity just now reminded me of the shogun who patrolled the city in disguise.
They both started laughing
Ken:oh Kazuo, how observant of you. I hate to break it to ya, but we'll be taking the win!
He offered out his hand
Kazuo:I'm not surprised! I had a feeling it would turn out like this.
Kazuo grabbed Ken's hand
Kazuo:I'm not gonna lose, Ken!
Ken:that's what I wanna hear, Kazu!
Meanwhile at the riverside in the slums where (y/n) was squatting in an old auto shot, the fighter was shadow boxing by the river
He was drenched in sweat but his bandages were all gone, he looked satisfied and stopped
He pushed his drenched hair back as he smirked
(Y/n):My injuries have fully recovered, that's good. And my edge, it's finally back.
He walked into the water and dropped to his knees as he splashed cold water onto his face
(Y/n):it's been so long since I got hit like that...not since.
As he opened his eyes, the darkness played a trick on them making it looked like Jiang was standing at the opposite side of the river
(Y/n):tch. Has it already been five years?
Effeminate voice:hello. Long time no see.
The hair on the back of his neck stood up as he quickly turned around
Setsuna Kiriyu was standing less then 10 feet from him
(Y/n):*when did he get here...?*
Setsuna took another step towards him as (y/n) stood up and raised his guard instantly
(Y/n):who the hell are...?
Setsuna took another step closer
Setsuna:my, you've grown quite a lot since then...
(Y/n) tightened his fist as Setsuna took another step closer
(Y/n):what do you want?
(Y/n):*who the hell is this guy? My guard went up on refle-*
He blinked and suddenly Setsuna was leaned against his stomach with his hand on (y/n)'s chest
(Y/n):*was that-?*
Setsuna:you wounded him back then...and you've developed nicely...
(Y/n):Fox Shadow Sty-
Setsuna placed his finger to (y/n)'s lips as he listened to the foreigners heartbeat and continued speaking in a low seductive voice
Setsuna:I see, yes. So very calm even after seeing my speed. Killing you will be very worth it.
(Y/n) lowered his guard and scoffed
(Y/n):kill me? A pansy like you? Tch, don't make me laugh.
Setsuna:oooh?
He looked up at (y/n) with longing eyes
(Y/n):you weak bastards who go around trying to intimidate me, you piss me off to no end. I can't even be bothered to remember you.
He shoulder checked Setsuna as he walked back onto dry land
(Y/n):I'll smash you and every last one who attempts to claim the title of "strongest". I'll prove it again and again, that your all just deadweight punching bags to me. And what better way then this tournament where I can show the whole world.
He looked over his shoulder with a dismissive flint in his eye
(Y/n):I'll destroy all you phonies and it won't be deniable that I'm strongest. You got that, pervert?
Setsuna watched in awe for a moment when he shuttered and started holding himself
Setsuna:yes! YES! That's right! You're right! IF I KILL YOU ON THE BEST STAGE! THEN HE'LL SEE ME! SEEK FOR LOVE! FIGHT FOR LOVE! AND KILL EACH OTHER FOR LOVE! Then when he sees me kill you...I'll be able to spill my seed...
Setsuna shed a tear and (Y/n) scoffed as he walked back towards the garage he was calling his house
(Y/n):*Disgusting.*
Setsuna looked at his large and defined back with a smile
Setsuna:if that's your decision, I have no reason to stay here. I'll see you at the tournament.
He placed his hand over his heart
Setsuna:My name is Setsuna Kiriyu, when we meet in the tournament...I'll destroy you, My Deva.
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To be continued