The King Of Fighters

In the towering Kengan Association headquarters, the atmosphere was thick with tension, a palpable excitement surrounding the discussions held in the upper floors of the building. At the very top, the current boss of the Kengan Association—an old man with a frail frame but a sharp, calculating gaze—watched various fighters from across the world through the large, high-definition screens that displayed the latest matches.

The Kengan Association, known for its influential members—business magnates who controlled vast networks of industries and properties—operated on a unique platform: high-stakes, underground fights where the outcome determined much more than just pride. The battles were used to secure business rights, properties, and other resources. The rush these men got from these intense contests was far more thrilling than any form of gambling, and it was a world where power and money intersected in brutal ways.

However, all of this occurred under the watchful eye of the Murim Association, the governing body that regulated the actions of superhuman beings in this world. The Murim's power was immense, consisting of powerful clans that made sure fighters adhered to a strict set of rules. They prevented conflicts from spilling into civilian areas, ensuring that the fighters' aggression and abilities didn't cause unnecessary destruction outside the arena. They were the true enforcers, maintaining order in a chaotic world.

The old man, whose eyes betrayed a sinister hunger for the fight, observed a recent match that had drawn his attention. It had been a battle involving Naruto, the young fighter who had single-handedly taken on Mad Gear and Eliza. The fight had already been recorded, and now, it was circulating across the internet, with people's interest in him growing by the minute. Initially, many had written off his victory over Zangief as a fluke, but after seeing him in action once more, it became clear that Naruto was much stronger than they had anticipated.

"S—Sir, should we invite him?" asked a large, imposing figure standing beside the old man. The man was built like a fortress, easily dwarfing most people around him, and wore a sleek black suit that contrasted sharply with his intimidating stature.

The old man's gaze never wavered from the screen as he continued to watch the footage of Naruto's fight. His fingers tapped the edge of his desk rhythmically, his mind already at work.

"Not yet," the old man replied coldly, his voice gravelly but filled with authority. "He doesn't have a team, and he doesn't yet qualify to go solo." His words were final, but there was a glint of interest in his eyes as he analyzed the young fighter's movements and strategy. They had eyes everywhere, and their network had been quick to pick up the footage of Naruto's impressive performance.

The secretary standing nearby, a large-built individual with a commanding presence, stepped forward. "Should we offer him some guidance, or simply ignore him for now?" he inquired, clearly uncertain of the best approach.

The old man's lips curled into a wicked smile as he considered his next move. "Give him an invitation to the tournament in Bangkok. Let's see how he fares against the other participants. If he impresses us further, we might even consider him for solo status, like Akuma and Jin." The thought of the ensuing battles excited him—Naruto's raw power had piqued his interest, and he was eager to see how far the young fighter could go.

A shadow of concern crossed the secretary's face as he glanced at his superior. "Sir, are you sure about inviting those two demons?" he asked, his tone heavy with apprehension and a trace of bloodlust. He had seen the carnage they could bring and knew the risk of unleashing such formidable fighters.

The old man's eyes gleamed with a mad passion. "Of course," he replied with an almost sadistic grin. "They are the main course. I want them to fight and show me a true battle. The more chaos, the better. That's what I live for." His voice was almost a whisper, but it carried an unmistakable sense of authority and excitement that sent a chill down the secretary's spine.

The secretary nodded, his own excitement barely contained beneath his stoic exterior. He had been chosen as the Fang of Metsuda, a position that required the highest level of skill, ruthlessness, and precision. He was the master's most trusted enforcer, a beast on the battlefield and a killer without equal. He had won the last five Kengan tournaments and was known for his brutal efficiency in eliminating targets.

With a swift nod, the secretary left the room, his mind already focused on the task at hand. He would extend the invitation to Naruto and prepare for the chaos that was sure to follow. The old man would rest for now, but the wheels of the Kengan Association were always turning, and he knew that the best was yet to come.

Naruto took a large bite of the food in front of him, savoring every piece. He hadn't realized how much he missed a proper meal. The warm, comforting sensation of a home-cooked breakfast, even a simple one, felt like a luxury he rarely got to experience. As he ate, he couldn't help but think of the many terrible meals he had endured in his past.

"Did you make this?" he asked, his mouth full but his eyes bright with appreciation.

"Yes, I apologize if you expected something grand," King replied with a gentle smile. She had been watching him for a moment, noticing how quickly he dug in. Her eyes softened as she saw the joy on his face from such a basic meal. She had known hardship, and her experience in the rough parts of the city made her appreciate even the simplest comforts.

"Nah, it's one of the best I've seen. You have no idea what some of the stuff I had to endure tasted like," Naruto said with a grin, still excited as he continued eating. He wasn't exaggerating—some of the meals he had eaten in the past, especially during his training and after the war, had been far from enjoyable. He often had to make do with whatever he could get, no matter how bland or poorly prepared.

King was a bit taken aback by his response. She had simply thought of this as a standard breakfast—scrambled eggs, toast, some fruit, and a side of bacon. Nothing fancy, but enough to fill the stomach. Yet, from Naruto's reaction, she realized that he must have endured some terrible meals in his time. Her suspicion grew as she connected the dots, thinking about his upbringing. The thought of him coming from the mountains, where food would have been a rare luxury, made perfect sense. Harsh training conditions, a solitary existence—no wonder something as simple as breakfast would be such a treat for him.

Naruto didn't mind the discomfort of eating at random stores in the city. It was more about the stares, the judgments from the people in the shops, that bothered him. The lingering glares, the way they acted like he was less than human, made him avoid public shopping whenever possible. It wasn't something he often voiced, but it was part of his reality. Even now, as he ate this meal, the memories of those harsh experiences lingered at the edges of his mind.

King noticed his shift in demeanor as he ate, as if he had momentarily left the room with his thoughts. She didn't push him to explain, though. She understood what it felt like to have the weight of the world on your shoulders, and the little comforts that made life a little more bearable. She could see it in Naruto's eyes—the exhaustion, the battles fought not just with enemies, but with life itself.

"Enjoy it then, because we've got other things to discuss before you go off and do your thing," King said with a smile, her tone light and teasing, but there was a warmth in her voice that conveyed care.

Naruto looked up at her, meeting her gaze as he chewed, his face softening. There was a moment of mutual understanding between them. He wasn't the only one who had lived through tough times. King's smile reached her eyes as she continued, "You remind me of where I come from, back in the hood. Life was tough, even the small things felt out of reach. But those small things, those little comforts, were what kept us going."

Naruto felt a strange sense of kinship with King in that moment. Despite their vastly different worlds, they shared a common experience—struggling through tough circumstances and finding strength in the most unlikely places. He nodded, finishing his bite before speaking again, his voice quiet but sincere.

"Thanks," he said. "This really means a lot to me."

King didn't respond right away, letting the silence linger as she continued to watch him. She knew that Naruto's journey wasn't an easy one. It was clear from the way he carried himself, the weight of his experiences that he tried to hide. But in moments like this, when they shared simple things like breakfast or quiet conversation, she could see a bit of peace in him, even if it was just for a moment.

They both knew there were bigger things at play, and the world outside these walls was full of battles they would face together. But for now, they allowed themselves this brief respite—no fighting, no stress, just a small break from the chaos. And it was enough.

As Naruto finished the meal, the silence in the room was comfortable, with only the quiet sounds of the aftermath of the shared breakfast. King went about her task of kicking out the freeloaders, sending them on their way with a casual authority. The apartment, now empty of distractions, felt peaceful, almost serene. Naruto leaned back in his chair, feeling the full warmth of the meal settle in his stomach. It reminded him of simpler times, memories of Shion and Hinata, his two close companions back in his home world.

Though they were his girlfriends in a platonic sense, their relationships had never been conventional by the standards of most. In the ninja world, the concept of monogamy was a fluid one—people loved who they loved, married who they wanted, and there were no strict laws binding them. Naruto's sense of relationships had been molded by this philosophy. If you liked someone, you were together, and that was that. There were no labels to complicate things, no societal pressures. But despite this openness, Naruto had never truly experienced what most would consider love. He had often claimed to love Sakura, especially in his youth, but it was a misguided and naive form of affection—something he would later understand better under the tutelage of his master, Jiraiya.

Jiraiya had been much more than a teacher to him; he had been a father figure, someone who shaped Naruto's understanding of the world. The two and a half years spent training under Jiraiya had been the most formative of his life. Jiraiya had not just taught him combat skills, techniques, or strategy, but had instilled in him a deeper understanding of love, loyalty, and what it meant to be a good person. Naruto had always been talented, but his progress was slow, particularly due to the presence of Kurama—the Nine-Tails. Kurama's strength limited him, and despite Naruto's vast potential, the demon fox's resistance prevented him from fully tapping into that power. So, the training had to be painstaking, slow, and deliberate. Jiraiya, who knew his pupil wasn't a genius like some of the other shinobi, had taken extra care in his teachings.

In time, Naruto realized the full weight of the test Jiraiya had set for him. It was no longer just about becoming stronger or fighting to protect the village. His test was tied to his relationship with Kurama. Jinchūriki could bond with their tailed beasts either through mutual understanding or by defeating them in combat. But Kurama was stubborn, prideful, and refused to cooperate. There would be no easy path to victory—Naruto had to fight, to face the beast head-on, and prove himself worthy of the power.

That fight with Kurama, the ultimate test set by his father, would be the moment Naruto surpassed the limits of humanity. And it was a test he had to face alone. It was this realization that changed everything for him. Jiraiya had opened his eyes to the complexities of the world, teaching him that not all people were inherently good. There were a few, but they were rare. Most were just normal people, going about their lives, indifferent to the struggles of others.

In his own experience, Naruto had come to understand that being good was difficult. It was easy to say the right things, to be a friend in words, but it was far harder to act on those words. He had always felt isolated, but it wasn't something he blamed his friends for. It was simply the way the world worked. They would lay down their lives for him, sure, but the empathy and concern they showed was limited. They cared when it affected them, but not necessarily when it didn't. And this, in Naruto's mind, wasn't an evil trait—it was just… normal.

It wasn't a betrayal of friendship; it was simply human nature. People, even those closest to him, often turned a blind eye to things that didn't concern them directly. This didn't make them bad people, but it did make them flawed—just like everyone else. It was an uncomfortable realization for Naruto, but it was one he had to accept. He couldn't force others to care more than they were capable of, nor could he allow his own sense of justice to blind him to the limitations of the human heart.

As King returned to the table, her casual demeanor a sharp contrast to the storm of thoughts swirling in Naruto's mind, he couldn't help but reflect on everything Jiraiya had taught him. It was clear now more than ever that the path he had chosen was his own to walk, and he had to be ready to face the darker realities of the world—whether it was his fight with Kurama, the complexities of human relationships, or the weight of responsibility he carried.

After the long, grueling journey of training and self-discovery, Naruto had come to terms with many of the internal battles he had faced. One of the more significant changes in his life was the blossoming of a relationship with Hinata, the quiet, strong girl who had always supported him in subtle ways. It had been a quiet confession, something tentative, yet full of sincerity. He had seen through her feelings long before she ever spoke them out loud, and to his own surprise, he had accepted her heart.

It wasn't that he hadn't been aware of her feelings, but the realization had come after a period of deep reflection and growth. He knew that this would be a trial, a chance to see if they could build something together, but that wasn't a thought that filled him with hesitation. Instead, he felt a warmth inside him, a sense of joy, knowing that someone as beautiful and strong as Hinata saw him in a way that no one else had. For someone who had always felt like an outsider, someone who had longed for acceptance, it felt like a gift—a chance to finally experience love.

Hinata had always been the quiet one in the class, a girl who kept to herself and had never really made her presence known. But beneath that quiet exterior was a strength that not many knew about. Hinata was a woman of substance, someone whose actions spoke louder than words. She had been the first to ever truly call out to him, not out of pity, but out of a desire to connect, to reach out to someone who had been ignored by everyone else. It was during the Chunin Exams, after Naruto had suffered a painful injury, that Hinata's care had meant something more than just a simple act of kindness. Her healing balm wasn't just a remedy for his wounds—it was a symbol of her quiet admiration and concern for him, something Naruto had never forgotten.

While his teammates, whom he considered his closest allies, had been more focused on their own concerns during that time, Hinata had been the one to cheer for him. She had believed in him when no one else had. Her feelings for him had been a slow burn, a deep and steady respect that had grown over the years. Her love for him was not one born of admiration from afar, but one formed through shared struggles, mutual understanding, and the knowledge that they both carried heavy burdens.

But Hinata's life had never been easy. Her father's weakness, her family's expectations, and the constant pressure of living up to the Hyūga name had left her feeling burdened and torn. Naruto, too, had his own weight to carry, the burden of being the Kyuubi's vessel and the village pariah. But Hinata's struggles had always been so much more personal. Her loyalty to her family, particularly her younger sister Hanabi, had shaped her into someone who had to constantly suppress her own desires to keep peace within the clan. She had been forced to hide her true self, to lower her head and act weak to protect her family, and in doing so, she had distanced herself from the world around her.

Naruto could only sympathize with her. He had always felt like an outsider, but Hinata's isolation was different. Her love for her sister was something pure and unselfish, and she had been willing to sacrifice her own happiness to ensure Hanabi's safety. It was a tragic and beautiful thing. But in Naruto, she had found someone who didn't judge her, someone who saw her for who she truly was. He didn't want her to hide anymore. Together, they had begun to slowly piece together a relationship, one where they could support each other in ways they never had before.

As Naruto continued to grow emotionally, it became clear that their connection was more than just a simple bond. He didn't want to rush into love, but he knew that this could be the start of something lasting. He didn't want to push her, but with time, he was sure that they would find their way to something deeper. Hinata had never asked for much, but she had always given so much of herself to him, and that was something Naruto would never take for granted.

Not long after, a mission had led him to meet Shion, the beautiful and enigmatic priestess who would become the second important woman in his life. Unlike Hinata, Shion was direct, bold, and unafraid to voice her desires. She had fallen for Naruto during their time together, not through some grand display of affection, but through his persistence and determination to protect her, no matter what.

Whereas Hinata had always been shy, reserved, and hesitant to express her feelings, Shion was confident and upfront. She had been more than willing to ask him directly to bear her child, a proposal that Naruto hadn't expected but was open to, should he fall in love with her. In the end, Shion became his second girlfriend, and while it had all been quite sudden, Naruto couldn't help but feel grateful for the experiences they shared together.

But as fate would have it, a mission to hunt down a forbidden puppet user had pulled Naruto away from the warmth of his new relationships and led him to the world he now found himself in. This new world, with its own challenges and struggles, was something he had yet to fully understand. His past relationships, his bond with Hinata and Shion, would continue to shape him as he faced new trials and enemies, and in this strange new world, Naruto was determined to find his place once more.

The past had shaped him into the person he was today, and now, as he prepared to face the unknown, he couldn't help but wonder if love would find him again, whether it was through the women he had already met or someone new entirely. One thing was certain: Naruto had never been one to run away from his feelings, and no matter where life took him, he would face it with the same determination and resolve that had always defined him.

Naruto sat across from King, his eyes narrowing slightly as he processed her words. His hand rested casually on the table, his usual carefree demeanor giving way to a more serious expression. As King sipped her coffee, her eyes never left him, watching his reactions closely.

"Narauto, how much do you know about the world?" King asked, her voice calm, yet laced with concern.

Naruto leaned back slightly, his usual confident grin replaced by a more neutral expression. "Not much," he admitted honestly, his voice steady. "I lived in a village hidden from the world."

King had suspected as much, though she was a bit surprised by his straightforward answer. She had seen glimpses of his power during their earlier encounters, but she hadn't known the full extent of his background. A village hidden from the world? That only deepened her curiosity.

She set her coffee mug down carefully, her expression turning more serious as she looked at Naruto. "I guessed as much," she began, her tone now more measured. "So, you don't know about the Murim Association."

Naruto blinked at her, his curiosity piqued. "What is that?"

King leaned forward slightly, her hands now folded on the table as she began to explain. "Murim Association is an organization that oversees the use of Ki. It's made up of various clans and martial artists, and they operate all over the world. They're not directly involved in every fight, but if a Ki user causes too much damage, they step in. They ensure that things don't spiral out of control. If you had let that battle drag on and caused a disturbance in the city, they would have taken notice."

Naruto's brows furrowed, clearly intrigued but cautious. "So they're like enforcers?"

"Exactly," King nodded, her eyes focused on him. "And right now, they're in a very bad mood. You see, some of their top members were killed by a man named Jin Kazama. That means they'll be on high alert, and you'll want to stay off their radar for now. The Murim Association has a network, and they know about most of the powerful fighters out there. You might be on that list now, whether you realize it or not."

Naruto's face remained neutral, though his mind raced as he processed this new information. He hadn't even thought about the consequences of his actions on a global scale. Fighting a few strong opponents had seemed simple enough, but this… this was something far larger than he had anticipated.

King's voice grew quieter as she continued. "Murim isn't the only force you should worry about, though. There are two organizations that operate in the shadows: Shadaloo and NEST. Both of them are dangerous, unethical, and are known for their involvement in dark and illegal practices. Shadaloo, especially, has a reputation for kidnapping powerful fighters and using them for their own ends."

Naruto's jaw clenched slightly. He'd heard of such organizations before, in passing, but hearing the details gave him a sense of urgency. The last thing he needed was to be caught up in something like this, especially if they were targeting fighters like him.

"For now," King continued, "NEST seems more interested in someone named Kyo Kusanagi, but that doesn't mean they won't turn their attention toward you. I just want you to be careful, Naruto. You're strong, but even the strongest can be taken down when they let their guard down. The last fight you were in—you were reckless. That move that damaged your hand? Careless, even if you have a powerful healing factor. Don't underestimate your enemies. There's always someone stronger lurking in the shadows."

Naruto absorbed her words quietly, his fingers tapping lightly on the table as he thought. It was a sobering reality that hit him, but it was something he knew all too well from his previous experiences. People were always lurking, waiting for the right moment to strike.

"Is nobody going to take care of them?" he asked, his voice tinged with frustration. "Where do they operate mostly?"

King's gaze shifted upward, thoughtful. "Murim is actively hunting them down, and some countries are working to destroy them, but these organizations are elusive. They're based in many countries, operating from the shadows, so it's not as simple as just tracking them down. They could be hiding anywhere—from the middle of nowhere to major cities."

Her tone became more measured as she continued, "They operate mostly in places like China, Japan, Thailand, India, the USA, Russia, and Australia. They're all over the globe."

Naruto nodded slowly, his mind turning over the possibilities. He had never expected to be drawn into something like this—an international network of martial artists and shadowy organizations. The stakes were higher now, far beyond anything he had experienced before.

King observed his expression carefully. She could see the determination in his eyes, the same look she had seen in fighters who were itching for a fight, no matter the consequences.

"Don't tell me you want to fight them?" King asked, raising an eyebrow, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips as she noticed the shift in Naruto's demeanor.

Naruto didn't answer right away. His gaze was intense, his thoughts clearly racing. He didn't have all the facts yet, but one thing was certain: if these organizations posed a threat to his newfound relationships and the people he cared about, he wouldn't hesitate to face them head-on. Whether it was Murim, Shadaloo, or NEST, they were now on his radar. And he wasn't about to let anyone stand in his way.