"Be at peace."
In the sweltering heat of June, a group of people sat cross-legged under Master Chin Gentsai's guidance, meditating in silence. Sengoku Ryōma was not among them — he had already left.
"Qi," Master Gentsai's calm voice echoed across the training grounds, "is a profound and vital philosophy in martial arts. It represents the life force within the human body — the core of all martial cultivation. Through deep breathing and meditation, you can focus your mind, sensing the flow of Qi within. It is not only an inner power, but also a tool for combat. When you attack, releasing Qi enhances your strikes and range. When defending, channeling Qi strengthens your resilience and keeps your stance firm."
His words floated through the air, calm yet powerful.
"Keep your mind tranquil," Gentsai continued. "Qi and the mind are inseparable. Only with inner peace can one command stronger Qi. In battle, remain clear-headed — emotions cloud your control. The calm heart masters Qi."
"Remember — Qi is not just for fighting. It can heal and restore life as well."
After the meditation ended, Andre leaned close to Nathan Hawke and whispered, confused,"I don't understand any of that. I mean, I can understand the language now, but everything the old man says still makes no sense."
Nathan replied evenly, "Just imagine your psychic energy as 'Qi'. See Max over there? Notice how focused his eyes are."
Both men looked over — Max's eyes flashed as sparks of electricity danced across his body.
"Whoa, does he have lightning powers like Benimaru?" Benimaru Nikaido asked, astonished by the crackling arcs around Max.
"Indeed," Nathan said simply.
The current timeline of The King of Fighters was 1996 — the upcoming tournament would take place in July.
Nathan accepted Master Gentsai's request, allowing Andre to join the Psycho Soldier Team and participate in the KOF tournament.
This time, however, the summoning was reversed — or rather, a dimensional traversal.
It was an upgrade to Nathan's "golden finger," granting him the ability to travel across worlds and anchor his existence between dimensions.
He sensed he would remain in this world for about two months — until the end of the King of Fighters tournament.
Then, new glowing text appeared before his eyes — only he could see it:
World Traversal: The King of FightersDuration: Two monthsCompanion Slot: 1 (voluntary)
"So that's it," Nathan realized. "It's still a summoning — but this time, I'm the one entering the world. I can choose the world… or the mission to conquer."
He sat cross-legged, deep in thought."1996… who would be the best one to bring back?"
Meanwhile—
"Master, why do we have to train with these suspicious people?" Benimaru muttered under his breath, frustrated that he couldn't spend more time alone with Athena Asamiya.
Master Gentsai took a sip from his gourd, smacked his lips, and said dryly, "Don't think I don't know what's on your mind."
"Heh…" Benimaru scratched his head sheepishly.
Athena Asamiya asked softly, "Master, why did they suddenly appear in our courtyard? My psychic sense can feel traces of malice and killing intent from them."
Chin Gentsai nodded, glancing at her with approving eyes."They might not be from this region… perhaps not even from this world."
"From another world?" the two disciples exclaimed in shock.
Chin's eyes grew sharp beneath his heavy brows, a flicker of memory flashing across his gaze.
"There are many realms," he said slowly. "Many worlds beyond this one. For example — the legendary Orochi."
Athena gasped. "Orochi really exists? I remember the Kusanagi Clan and the other two Sacred Treasures…"
Gentsai nodded. "Yes. You can think of Orochi as an extra-dimensional being. The Three Sacred Families sealed him away — banishing him beyond this world's boundary."
"There are many unknown places," Gentsai continued. "And those people… they may have come from one such distant realm, carrying extraordinary power."
"Really? They seem kinda weak to me," Benimaru said, poking at his hair arrogantly.
Bonk!
"Ow!"
Athena finally lost her patience and slammed him down with a psychic burst.
"Ah, Athena~ you do love me," Benimaru groaned from the ground, teary-eyed yet grinning.
Athena folded her arms, ignoring his antics.
"Master, what should we do? Should we test one of them?" she asked.
"Not yet," Gentsai replied, wiping his mouth after another sip of wine. "Their psychic energy is remarkable. And I sense a dark power stirring — the bloodline of Orochi is awakening."
"What? You feel it too, Master?" Benimaru gasped.
Bonk!
"Oww… Athena…"
Again, he crouched in a corner, drawing circles in despair.
"Master, what about these newcomers?" Athena asked with concern.
Gentsai shook his head. "They carry killing intent, but not destruction. The man called Nathan Hawke — he bears no desire to conquer or rule. He came here with purpose, not malice."
"I trust you, Master," Athena said sweetly.
"Hah," Benimaru muttered under his breath.
Days of training passed.
"Max, help! My game console's dead!""Andre, come on!"
Seeing Benimaru slowly warm up to the newcomers — despite his initial arrogance — Athena couldn't help but shake her head and smile.
One month later—
"Master Gentsai, thank you for your guidance this past month." Nathan, Andre, and Max bowed deeply in gratitude.
Gentsai nodded. "Then it's time. Prepare for departure."
After packing, they set out for Japan, the land of cherry blossoms.
At the KOF Registration Center —
"Psycho Soldier Team, right?"
"Whoa! It's Athena Asamiya!""Miss Athena!""Athena!"
Besides being a fighter, Athena was also one of Japan's most beloved pop idols.
"Hello, everyone!" Benimaru waved cheerfully.
"Move! You're blocking my view of Athena!""Yeah, get out of the way!"
"Uh…" Benimaru quickly shrank back as the crowd glared.
Athena covered her mouth and giggled softly.
She stepped to the registration desk, handing over the invitation letter.
The clerk looked up, startled to see Gentsai."Master Gentsai won't be competing this year? Then who is Andre?"
Andre stepped forward. "That's me."
The clerk gave him a suspicious look, then glanced at Gentsai. The old master nodded.
"Alright," the clerk said finally. "Since there's a team change, you'll have to start from the preliminaries."
"Thank you," Athena said, making a cute gesture with her hands. The clerk blushed furiously.
Later, at the event hotel—
Benimaru asked Andre curiously, "So what are your teammates up to? Nathan and Max just vanished after we landed."
"I'm not sure," Andre replied. "All Nathan said was — focus on the tournament."
Meanwhile, at the Kusanagi Dojo—
Nathan Hawke and Electro had arrived for their first "business" meeting.
Kusanagi Shingen was teaching his student Shingo when they entered. Though warm by nature, Shingen had grown cautious since his son's defeat at the hands of mysterious fighters.
"Welcome, strangers," Shingen said. "What business do you seek with the Kusanagi Clan?"
Nathan smiled faintly. "I need your blood, Kusanagi Shingen."
The air grew thick — suffocating with killing intent.
Shingo froze, staring in disbelief.
Shingen chuckled coldly. "You've got guts, stranger. Asking for my blood — what is it you're planning?"
"The price is negotiable," Nathan said evenly. "In return, I can tell you the truth of Orochi, the fate of the Three Sacred Treasures, and the storm that's coming for your clan. But if you want the full truth — I'll need the blood of all three families."
go to "patreon.com/Hussain678" for more chapter