The King Of Fighters

The group entered the private room of the steakhouse, a space reserved for those of their stature. It was a common occurrence for them, given their fame in the martial arts world. The room was comfortably furnished, with a large, round table at its center. The atmosphere was relaxed but charged with a subtle undercurrent of excitement. The food was soon to arrive, and the evening promised to be filled with conversation, laughter, and perhaps a few surprises.

Naruto sat at one end of the table, flanked by Mika on one side and Laura on the other. Zangief, the towering Russian fighter, took the seat opposite Naruto, his massive frame almost dwarfing the chair. The others, including Blanka and Sakura, settled in front of them. Sakura, always eager and full of energy, found herself sitting directly across from Naruto. She had been quiet for most of the evening, her curiosity about Naruto's techniques and abilities growing with every passing moment. Her intense gaze didn't go unnoticed; she was studying him intently, as if trying to decipher some hidden secret in his every move.

The meal had just been ordered, and the group settled into an easy camaraderie, their attention mostly focused on their food. The room filled with the sounds of conversation, clinking cutlery, and the occasional laugh. It had been a while since they'd all gathered like this, and there was no need to focus too much on Naruto, especially with all the talk surrounding him earlier with Zangief and Laura.

Naruto, ever the one to break the silence, leaned back in his chair and casually glanced over at Sakura, who had been staring at him with an almost unreadable expression. "Speak up, I can't read your mind," he said with a chuckle, taking a sip of sake. The drink was weak, not nearly as strong as what he was used to back in his world. He had always been accustomed to the stronger drinks that Jiraiya and Tsunade enjoyed. But this? It was a far cry from the high-quality alcohol he had tasted in the past.

Sakura, caught off guard by his sudden comment, grinned and replied, "You can't? And here I thought you were listening to my thoughts." Her smile was playful, a mix of innocence and curiosity.

"When did you start talking like that?" Laura, who had been engaged in her own conversation with Blanka, turned her attention to them, intrigued by the exchange.

"When you stay with Dan, this is the result," Sakura replied with a shrug, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

"Fair enough," Laura nodded, then returned to her conversation, uninterested in pressing further.

Naruto took another sip of sake, his attention shifting back to Sakura. "I see that you are a fun girl. You want me to teach you my moves or help you repeat them?"

Sakura's face lit up with excitement as she replied, "I am a fun-loving high school girl, and I'd love it if you showed me how to do those moves. They looked awesome." Her voice was filled with genuine enthusiasm, a reflection of the admiration she felt for Naruto's skills.

Naruto raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her response. "Can you interact with wind? What element do you use?" He hadn't had the chance to look at her full profile yet, and she wasn't high enough in the rankings to make an immediate assessment.

Sakura shook her head. "I don't use an element, just regular Ki. I use the same style as Ryu, Ansatsuken." Her words were confident, but there was an undercurrent of modesty to them. She had taught herself through videos and live fights, picking up on the subtleties of Ki manipulation along the way.

Naruto's eyes widened slightly as he processed her words. She was self-taught and had developed her own mastery of Ki? That was impressive. He could see the potential in her—she was a genius in her own right. She had the kind of innate talent that could rival the best, and he could easily see her becoming much stronger with proper guidance. Her style, the Assassination Fist, was built on a foundation of strikes and Ki attacks, but it lacked the versatility and power that Naruto's own fighting style offered. Naruto knew that he could help her grow exponentially, combining his own techniques with her natural talent.

Naruto's interest in her grew as he thought about the possibilities. "How about you become my student?" he asked directly, his tone serious but friendly. He wasn't one to beat around the bush, especially when he saw potential in someone.

Sakura froze, her mouth falling slightly open in surprise. "Really?" she asked, her voice filled with shock and excitement. "You're offering to teach me?"

Naruto's smile widened. "Of course. I can teach you everything I know. With your potential, you could become a powerhouse in no time."

Sakura's eyes sparkled with excitement. She had always dreamed of becoming stronger, and now it seemed that dream could become a reality. The rest of the group, hearing the exchange, paused their conversations momentarily. It was clear that Sakura had just received a huge opportunity, and the others couldn't help but feel a little envious.

The teasing atmosphere in the room thickened as Laura's voice rang out, playful yet laced with mischief. "Hey, why does she get it so easily? Are you interested in little girls instead of this?" She gestured to herself with a confident smirk, clearly enjoying the opportunity to provoke him.

Naruto, who had been leaning back in his chair, turned his gaze toward her, his expression shifting from relaxed amusement to sharp intensity. "Woman, go back to your conversation before you regret it," he said, his voice calm but edged with a warning.

Laura's smirk widened, her dark eyes sparkling with amusement. "I dare you," she replied, locking eyes with him. Her tone was challenging, and her body language radiated her usual confidence. She thrived on danger, and it was clear she was having fun pushing his buttons.

Naruto leaned in slightly, his eyes narrowing as he lowered his voice. "You really are a pervert, aren't you?" His tone was teasing but firm. "Let's stop here, or we might end up with you under me. And let's just say, I want to take it slowly with you."

As he whispered, he used his wind control to ensure his words reached only her ears, a subtle breeze carrying his message. Laura felt a shiver run down her spine at the weight of his gaze and the underlying intensity in his voice. It wasn't just a playful threat—it was a promise. For the first time in a while, she felt genuinely unsettled, though in a way that thrilled her.

'This guy is different,' Laura thought to herself. She had encountered many warriors, but Naruto's combination of raw power, confidence, and unabashed sensuality was unlike anything she had experienced. Most fighters were disciplined to the point of rigidity, their desires buried beneath layers of self-control. Naruto, however, was unapologetically himself, and that authenticity stirred something in her.

'No, no, I can't do that. That's too cheap,' she decided, forcing herself to suppress the thoughts his words and demeanor had stirred. She wasn't going to let herself fall into something impulsively. She needed to get to know him better before making any decisions. Clearing her mind, she met his gaze with her usual playful smirk, though there was a new layer of respect in her expression.

"Agreed," she said, her tone lighter now. "I like to know my man before taking them."

Naruto leaned back, his intense gaze softening slightly. "You sound confident, but when our time comes, keep that confidence in check. All of it will melt away when you're in my hands."

Laura couldn't help but laugh at his boldness. "I'll look forward to it," she said, her voice carrying both challenge and amusement.

Naruto released her arm, his focus shifting back to Sakura, who had been sitting quietly throughout the exchange. She still seemed stunned, her expression a mix of awe and disbelief as she processed Naruto's offer to take her on as a student.

"Now," Naruto said, his voice steady as he addressed Sakura, "where were we? You ready to learn from the best?"

Laura leaned back in her chair, watching the exchange with a thoughtful smile. While she had managed to rein in her desires, she couldn't deny her growing curiosity about the man sitting beside her. He was different—dangerous, unpredictable, and magnetic.

Naruto leaned back in his chair, his confident smile never wavering as he addressed Sakura. "Yes, I think you have potential, and I believe I can help you out. You'll be my fourth student—I already have three others back in my village. So, don't worry about me being an amateur." His tone was light, but his words carried a certainty that left no room for doubt.

Sakura blinked, her mind racing to process what he'd said. She admired his strength—it was undeniable, and from what she could sense, he was even stronger than Ryu. Yet, the thought of leaving behind her hopes of becoming Ryu's student made her hesitate. Ryu was her idol, the one she looked up to in every way. She had spent years trying to convince him to train her, but his constant refusals had left her in limbo.

Ryu had always been serious, introspective, and burdened by the weight of his own darkness. He feared the Dark Hado within him, the very power that Akuma had embraced. That fear had shaped his reluctance to take on a student, as he believed he needed to fully master his own path before teaching anyone else. Sakura didn't fully understand his struggles, but she had tried in her own way to support him—bringing him smiles and lighthearted moments in hopes of softening his resolve. So far, it hadn't worked.

'Should I join some unknown guy just like that? Hmmm... Can't I have more than one teacher?' she wondered, her mind torn between her loyalty to Ryu and the opportunity Naruto was offering. Gathering her courage, she finally spoke, her voice tinged with curiosity and a hint of nervousness. "Can I have a trial period? And... would you mind if I also accepted another teacher?"

Naruto threw his head back and laughed, a deep, hearty sound that filled the room. "A trial period and another teacher?" he repeated, his eyes glinting with amusement. "You're bold, I'll give you that. Any traditional master would've thrown you out for saying something like that."

Sakura's cheeks flushed, but Naruto's laughter wasn't mocking. He seemed genuinely entertained by her straightforwardness.

"I don't mind," Naruto continued, his tone more serious now. "Ryu's style is fascinating, especially that Dark Hado and the Power of Nothingness."

The moment he mentioned the Dark Hado, the atmosphere in the room shifted. Conversations stilled, and all eyes turned to him. Laura, who had been reclining lazily in her chair, suddenly sat up straighter, her expression serious. "Naruto, what do you intend to do with the Dark Hado?" she asked, her voice low and cautious.

Her reaction wasn't unwarranted. The Dark Hado wasn't just another technique—it was a dangerous, corrupting power. Ryu's struggle with it was well-known among those who had fought alongside or against him. The last time he had lost control, the resulting chaos had almost cost the lives of his friends and annihilated a nearby mountain range. It wasn't a power to be taken lightly.

Naruto met Laura's gaze evenly, his expression calm but unreadable. "I'm not looking to embrace it, if that's what you're worried about," he said. "But I believe every power has its place. If Ryu can conquer it, he could turn his greatest fear into his greatest strength. That's what I'd like to see—and maybe help him achieve."

Laura frowned, her tension easing slightly but not disappearing entirely. "You're talking about playing with fire, Naruto. Ryu isn't someone who takes those risks lightly."

"And neither am I," Naruto replied firmly. "I'm not saying it's easy or safe. But sometimes, the only way forward is through. If Ryu ever wants to master himself fully, he'll have to face it head-on. And if he doesn't, the Dark Hado will control him instead of the other way around."

"I just have experience with berserk states and might know a way to counter them. It's something I'd like to explore, personally."

Laura leaned forward, her voice laced with concern. "Are you serious? That's playing with fire, Naruto. The Dark Hado isn't just some technique. It amplifies every negative thought, twisting them into something monstrous. It could destroy you—completely."

Naruto shrugged, meeting her gaze with a calm confidence. "Chill, Laura. I'm not diving in recklessly. I'd take safety precautions, of course. It's not a goal—just an interest. Now, why don't you go back to your conversation? You're killing the mood."

Laura hesitated but eventually leaned back in her chair, her frown softening into a faint smirk. "You're impossible, you know that?"

Naruto chuckled and turned his attention back to Sakura, who was practically buzzing with curiosity. "Do you really know a way to counter it?" she asked, her tone almost pleading.

He nodded thoughtfully. "It's not a guaranteed fix, but there's a technique I know. It's designed to make you confront your inner darkness directly. If you face it and conquer it, you can integrate that part of yourself instead of letting it control you. I've used it on myself before, and I don't think the Dark Hado could affect me now. If Ryu's willing, I could help him try it out."

The others exchanged glances, their expressions a mixture of surprise and skepticism. Laura, still half-focused on Naruto, muttered, "Does anyone have his number? Let's call him and see."

"Good luck with that," Dan said, shaking his head. "Ryu's number changes every other month. He's practically a ghost these days."

"I'll check with Ken tonight," Dan added. "He might know how to find him. Even if I've got my issues with Ryu, I'd help him with this."

Naruto nodded in acknowledgment, his attention returning to Sakura. "If it works out, you might get to see it for yourself. For now, let's focus on your training."

Sakura smiled brightly. "I'd love that. Count me in."

Mika, who had been listening quietly, chimed in. "If she's in, I want to join too! You should come visit my wrestling association sometime, Naruto. You'd be a hit there."

Naruto grinned. "Sounds like fun. I'll take you up on that."

The group continued their meal, laughter and stories flowing freely as the seriousness of their earlier conversation faded. After eating, they rented cars and explored the town together, playing games, enjoying local attractions, and bonding as a group. By nightfall, they parted ways, each reflecting on the day's events.

For Naruto, the night was far from over. He returned to his quarters, where Roxy and Poison awaited him with teasing smiles and sultry eyes. The hours that followed were a symphony of pleasure, as Naruto indulged them in ways that left them breathless and utterly satisfied.

Naruto's prowess wasn't limited to combat—his ability to connect on an intimate level was unmatched. He had two approaches for these moments: the full course and the half course. The full course left his partners so thoroughly pleasured that no one else could compare, while the half course allowed for enjoyment without completely spoiling them for others.

This night, he chose the full course. Roxy and Poison, by the end of it, were left in a daze of euphoria, their minds and bodies forever marked by the experience. For Naruto, it was just another way to unwind and remind himself of the life he was building—one where strength, connection, and pleasure were all parts of the journey.