The King Of Fighters

Blanka shook off the debris covering him, his emerald-green fur coated in dust. His fierce eyes scanned the battlefield, landing on Naruto, who now stood casually amidst the chaos. Despite his battered state, Blanka growled low, more in frustration than pain. This wasn't the first time he'd faced overwhelming strength, but it stung nonetheless. Memories of being tossed aside by the likes of Bison and Akuma surfaced. Those two were living nightmares, powerhouses who treated fighters like him as nothing more than practice dummies.

Today felt no different.

Blanka had joined this battle with high hopes—to showcase his improvements, to have fun, and most importantly, to promote his merchandise. After teaming up with Dan and learning the basics of business, Blanka had become quite the entrepreneur. Together, they'd launched a line of official fighter merchandise. Blanka dolls were his pride, and he envisioned them flying off the shelves after a stellar performance today.

Instead, his plans were dashed. Twice now, Naruto had sent him flying with nothing but sheer wind pressure. His attempts to resist, clawing at the ground for leverage, had proven futile as the very earth beneath him was torn apart. Still, Blanka couldn't bring himself to feel anger toward this mysterious fighter. The man radiated a warm, almost familial energy, so unlike the oppressive auras of Bison or Akuma.

Naruto's presence wasn't just commanding; it was inviting. Despite the overwhelming odds, Blanka felt a strange sense of comfort, as if this wasn't merely a battle but an opportunity to bond.

"I need to fight," Blanka muttered to himself, his resolve hardening. His instincts screamed that victory was impossible, yet his pride demanded he stand his ground. Laura was likely down for the count, leaving him as the last fighter standing. He couldn't let it end without giving his all.

As if sensing his determination, Naruto stepped into view. But instead of his usual stance, the man's body shimmered, morphing rapidly. In mere moments, he transformed into a sleek, golden tiger. Its sharp eyes gleamed with playful intent, and its powerful body crouched low, ready to pounce.

Blanka's mind raced. Why is he doing this? Does he want to fight me in my own style?

There was no time to dwell on the thought. With a guttural roar, Blanka lunged forward, claws swiping with ferocious speed as the tiger leapt toward him. His attack should have struck true, yet the beast spun midair, shrouded in a protective vortex of wind that deflected the blow. The tiger landed gracefully behind him, turning to face Blanka with what could only be described as a smug, satisfied expression.

Blanka didn't hesitate. Offense had always been his preferred approach, and waiting would only give the foe more time to strategize. He charged, muscles coiling as he prepared to strike, but midway, Naruto's form shifted again. This time, his body elongated, and in an instant, he became a massive snake.

Blanka froze, caught off guard by the unexpected transformation. Before he could react, the snake wrapped around him, its muscular coils constricting his limbs and locking him in place. Blanka struggled, thrashing with all his might, but the serpent's grip was unyielding. This wasn't a scenario he'd ever faced before, and it showed.

But Blanka wasn't one to give up. Summoning every ounce of his power, he released a surge of electricity, sending sparks crackling through the air. The jolt forced the snake to recoil, its form flickering before Naruto reappeared, unharmed but visibly impressed.

"It was fun, but you've got nothing left to show me," Naruto said, his tone carrying both respect and finality. Before Blanka could recover, Naruto closed the gap in an instant, delivering a precise strike to the back of his neck. The blow hit a pressure point, and Blanka's world went dark as he crumpled to the ground, unconscious.

Naruto stepped back, exhaling lightly as he looked over the field. "Not bad, Blanka," he murmured, a genuine smile on his face. "Let's do this again sometime."

Dan sighed dramatically, running a hand through his spiky hair as he approached the unconscious Blanka, who lay sprawled amidst the rubble. "Man, that guy just ruined my day," he muttered, crouching down to lift his friend. Despite his grumbles, there was clear concern in his actions as he carefully hoisted Blanka onto his back.

Nearby, Zangief was already carrying Mika over his broad shoulder like a sack of potatoes, while Laura leaned against him for support, walking under her own power but clearly exhausted. The battlefield was slowly clearing of the fallen, each fighter retreating to lick their wounds and reflect on the overwhelming strength they'd faced.

Dan, with his flamboyant pink gi flapping in the breeze, still managed to find something to complain about. "I mean, who does this guy think he is? Showing off like that, making us all look bad. I could've taken him if I'd been serious." He puffed out his chest briefly, then deflated just as quickly under the weight of Blanka. "Maybe. Probably. Okay, maybe not, but still!"

Sakura, standing nearby, didn't seem to register Dan's complaints. Her attention was fixed entirely on Naruto, her wide brown eyes sparkling with excitement. She clenched her fists, practically bouncing on her heels. "That was so cool!" she exclaimed, her enthusiasm infectious. "Do you think he'd teach me if I asked? I mean, just look at the way he moved—it was like he was reading their minds!"

Dan shot her an incredulous look, shifting Blanka's weight on his back. "Teach you? Sakura, you've got enough on your plate. School, training with me—" he emphasized this part loudly, as if to remind her of his supposed importance—"and now you wanna go chasing after some random guy who kicked our butts? Not happening."

Sakura turned to him, her red headband fluttering in the breeze as she smiled brightly. "Oh, come on, Dan! You saw how amazing he was! Besides, you're always telling me to learn from the best."

"That's...not what I meant," Dan muttered, his bravado faltering.

Sakura, as usual, paid him little mind. At sixteen, she was already making waves in the martial arts world, her boundless energy and unshakable determination setting her apart from the crowd. Though her techniques lacked polish compared to seasoned fighters like Ryu or Ken, her potential was undeniable. With her navy-blue vest and pleated skirt, she didn't look like someone who could go toe-to-toe with seasoned warriors, but her explosive energy in combat often left opponents reeling.

Her admiration for Ryu was no secret—she saw him as the ultimate mentor, a beacon of what a martial artist could achieve through hard work and discipline. She'd spent years mimicking his style, infusing it with her own flair. Despite her talent, however, her life as a high school student held her back from reaching her full potential. Balancing homework, training, and the occasional street fight left her with little time to truly refine her skills.

Even so, she wasn't one to complain. She thrived on the challenge, seeing every setback as a chance to grow stronger. And today, watching Naruto dominate the battlefield with a mix of playful confidence and sheer skill, she felt a new surge of inspiration.

"I've gotta fight him one day," Sakura said, more to herself than anyone else. Her gaze was resolute, a reflection of her noble spirit and unwavering determination. "If I can hold my own against someone like him, maybe I'll finally be ready to call myself Ryu's equal."

Dan groaned dramatically, shaking his head. "You've got a long way to go, kid. But, hey, dream big, I guess."

Sakura grinned, unfazed by his teasing. "You just wait, Dan. One day, I'm gonna prove I've got what it takes!"

Dan sighed again as he began to carry Blanka away. "Sure, sure. Just don't forget who your real teacher is."

Sakura chuckled softly, her gaze returning to the field. In her mind, the fight wasn't over—it had just begun.

As the dust settled and the final fighter prepared to face Naruto, the air was charged with anticipation. The crowd, a mix of spectators and fallen warriors, couldn't contain their excitement. The energy was palpable, like the moment before a storm unleashed its fury.

Naruto, standing tall and untouched, soaked it all in. His bright orange outfit gleamed under the sunlight, as pristine as when the battle began, and his easy smile carried both confidence and charm. The thrill of competition was alive in him, the roar of the crowd pushing him to embrace the moment even more.

The final fighter stepped forward—a towering figure, broad-shouldered and clad in a sleeveless black gi. His face was set in determination, and his movements carried the weight of experience. He wasn't here to win; he was here to test his limits against a fighter whose prowess had shaken the very ground beneath them.

Naruto stretched his neck, rolling his shoulders as he addressed the man with a playful grin. "You ready to give it everything you've got? I hope so—because I'm not holding back this time."

The fighter nodded silently, his focus unshakable.

The audience erupted, chanting Naruto's name and shouting out potential matchups they dreamed of seeing. The excitement was infectious, and Naruto couldn't help but chuckle.

"Man, you guys are loud!" he said, raising a hand to wave at the crowd. "Don't worry—I'm just getting started!"

The cheers grew louder, names being thrown into the air: Akuma, Ryu, Terry Bogard, Devil Jin. The comparisons being drawn were a testament to how far Naruto had come since his days as the underdog in Konoha.

This battlefield wasn't just a stage for a fight—it was a canvas where Naruto painted his legacy. It reminded him of the coliseum fights back in the elemental nations, where he had once been a rising star. Those arenas were places of pure competition, drawing warriors of all kinds—ninja, samurai, martial artists, and mercenaries—all seeking to test themselves against the best.

His time in those coliseums had been more than just battles; it had been a turning point. It was where he had faced opponents like the sole survivor of the Chinoke clan, masters of the Typhoon release, and his fiercest rivals. Those battles had pushed him to his limits, forcing him to evolve not just as a fighter but as a person.

Back then, he had seen himself as a hero—saving those enslaved by greed and power, recruiting them into his growing group of allies. Some had been warriors of extraordinary skill, others merely people who had nowhere else to turn. He remembered them fondly, especially the ones who bore traces of the Kyuubi's chakra.

He wondered, briefly, what had become of them. They had likely gone on to help the survivors of Konoha, spreading his influence in ways he hadn't anticipated. That thought filled him with pride. Even as he stood here in a new world, battling opponents who saw him as a rising star, his past still guided him.

Naruto grinned as he faced his final opponent. "All right, big guy, let's give them a show they'll never forget."

The fighter raised his fists, his stance steady and unwavering. The crowd fell silent in anticipation.

Naruto took a step forward, his aura flaring with vibrant energy. This wasn't just a fight; this was a declaration. To the world, to his opponents, and to himself.

"I'm Naruto Uzumaki," he said, his voice ringing clear and strong. "And I never go back on my word!"

The crowd erupted as the battle began, the stage set for Naruto to prove why he was destined to stand among the greatest fighters of all time.