[center] [img][/img] [url=https://imgchest.com/p/pg73d322oyr][img]https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/285910fa25c8.png[/img][/url] [h3][color=FF2400][u][b]Level 7 Ryu[/b][/u][/color][/h3] [sub][color=FF2400][b]EXP :[/b][/color] 0/70 (+6 pts.) [color=FF2400][b]Location :[/b][/color] The Pools, Esaka [color=FF2400][b]Word Count :[/b][/color] 5,291[/sub] [/center] [center] [url=https://imgchest.com/p/wl7ladlboyx][img]https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/1936370c8cb4.webp[/img][/url] ▶︎• ၊၊||၊|။||||။‌‌‌၊|• 30:00 [sub][url=https://youtu.be/TiUaJM8t6TU?si=yvoAmFMpQY7Ys4MX]Theme of Beautiful Bay (Extended) – Street Fighter IV[/url][/sub] [/center] [i]“Ryu! Ryu! Ryu!”[/i] It was that time of the year again. As usual, every fellow fighter gathering around the makeshift arena had been nothing but perfect to him. They chanted his name and cheered on him, making it loud and clear that they were rooting for the erstwhile World Warrior champion simultaneously. It was no wonder when it’d been a year since Ryu ever graced the World Warrior tournament with his presence. Not only was he a fan favorite, Ryu was also the original champion and the tournament’s biggest attraction, so his return was surely anticipated. Tightening his grip around the string of his duffle bag, Ryu made his glorious entrance to the spacious traditional boat, his bare strides combing through the sea of combatants. While he wasn’t quite bothered by the roar of the crowd, he still smiled and gave the nearby spectators a gentle wave, appreciating their support. His attention, however, soon shifted towards his first opponent: [url=https://www.fightersgeneration.com/news2020/char2/fexl/04_skullo_all.png]the masked figure clad in skeleton spandex[/url], a red scarf worn around his neck. Said gimmicky masked man stood right across from him, gloved knuckles on both hips as a theatrical laugh escaped his mouth. “Ryu,” the masked man called, “we meet again, my fellow seeker of justice!” Even Ryu couldn’t help, but cackle along. He knew who [url=https://streetfighter.fandom.com/wiki/Skullomania]Skullomania[/url] was. Once upon a time, the comical vigilante was part of the Street Fighter Dojo alongside Ryu and the likes. Well, that was, until a Street Fighter alumnus named [url=https://streetfighter.fandom.com/wiki/Garuda]Garuda[/url] opened the Fighting EX Layer Dojo by the city’s middle tier, attracting the likes of Skullo, [url=https://streetfighter.fandom.com/wiki/Kairi]Kairi[/url], [url=https://streetfighter.fandom.com/wiki/Hokuto]Hokuto[/url], and several other street fighters with similar fighting styles to apply for the dojo. Unlike others, however, Skullo’s reason in leaving the Street Fighter Dojo was more to do with pursuing the very man he deemed to be an evil-doer, reassuring that the Fighting EX Layer Dojo would be rid of Garuda’s influence once and forever. [color=FF2400]“[abbr=“Yes!”][i]Yosh[/i]![/abbr] And it sure has been a while, my friend,”[/color] Ryu agreed with a nod and a smile. [color=FF2400]“How is your training going, so far?”[/color] “Spectacular, of course! Amazing even!” Skullo reciprocated, his cheery voice muffled by the dark fabric of his mask. “It’s been fun kicking evil-doers’ butts and keeping the city safe. And I assume you’ve been training as hard, yes?” [color=FF2400]“Well, you can say that again,”[/color] Ryu simply confirmed, then added: [color=FF2400]“I don’t recall seeing you in the World Warrior tournament two years ago. Suppose there is a criminal you’re chasing after?”[/color] “Why, of course!” Skullo confirmed, his expression one of determination. “I’ve made a vow, fellow Ryu. I can’t just rest while evil is still around the corner. Especially this past week. Haven’t you checked the news lately? Banishing Flats were bombed. Dozens of innocent people were killed! And it’s not to mention the missing King of Fighters participants yet to be found in recent years. If what [url=https://streetfighter.fandom.com/wiki/Sharon]Sharon[/url] told me is to go by…” The masked hero hummed, thoughtfully caressing his mandible. “...Then, perhaps, one of those vile Kings has to be the culprit!” Speaking of the devil, as Skullo gestured towards the towers overlooking the area, the swirling energy streaks had knocked and brought each tower to life, drawing all the Four Kings out of their hideouts. Gazing up, Ryu could only pay attention, as the Kings made their respective announcements with Heihachi bringing up the recent explosion incident taking place at the Banishing Flats. Knowing what happened, it made Ryu feel horrible about himself that he chose to spend the entire night at the lower tier, instead of doing what needed to be done. However, it was Bison who Ryu paid more attention to than all the other Kings—not only because he was the sponsor of the World Warrior tournament, but also due to his claim. An attempt had been made on his life, apparently, and while he was left unscathed, the news was enough to make nearly the entire area gasp in horror. If only they knew that Bison had a collection of empty vessels ready to be used for this exact occasion—the fact that part of the Street Fighter Dojo was already aware of. [color=FF2400]“I see… It seems like this city has been having a bad year while I left,”[/color] Ryu remarked, then lowered his gaze back to glance over the masked vigilante across from him. [color=FF2400]“I’m sorry, Skullo, but did you… happen to be the person Bison was talking about?”[/color] He made sure to drop his voice slightly below a whisper to avoid nearby fighters from eavesdropping. “Nope. Not at all!” Skullo reciprocated with a shaking head. “Do not mistake a costumed crime-fighter for a menace, fellow Ryu, for true heroes know that great power comes with greater responsibility. Although, I must admit, I do look forward to locking M. Bison behind the prison bars if and when I win this tournament.” [color=FF2400]“Hmm… Well, I believe you, but that certainly is odd, isn’t it?”[/color] Ryu mumbled almost to himself, as he caressed his mandible. [color=FF2400]“Not that I accused you, though, but if it wasn’t you or anyone like you, then… who might it be? Some tourists?”[/color] Questions aside, Ryu was convinced that somebody as morally righteous as one Skullomania would, indeed, use his fighting prowess responsibly, instead of committing the unthinkable. Not that he pitied Bison, either, but it certainly was off-putting that both incidents took place back-to-back, as if they were orchestrated by the same individuals. It wasn’t even to mention the fact that—in nature—the incidents seemed to work against everything that the Heavenly Principles dictated. However, before Ryu could get an answer as to who the culprits might be, a streak of glittering gold surrounded him and his opponent overhead, only to halt between both street fighters to display… [hr] [center][color=FFD700][b][h3][sub][u]RYU VS. SKULLOMANIA[/u] ROUND 1 – FIGHT![/sub][/h3][/b][/color][/center] [hr] At the cue, Ryu dropped the duffle bag on his shoulder almost automatically, tightening his headband then sparring gloves. The floating letters reverted back to their glittering form, only to spread and transform into a timer, a pair of health bars, and a pair of empty power meters, each measuring the duration of the round and both competitors’ well-being and stamina respectively. [color=FF2400]“Well, then. May the strongest win,”[/color] the original World Warrior champion wished, subsequently entering [url=https://www.fightersgeneration.com/np5/char/ssf2hd/ryu-hdstance.gif]his karate stance[/url]. [color=FF2400]“[abbr=“Come!”][i]Koi[/i][/abbr]!”[/color] At the beckoning gesture, Skullo didn’t waste a chance. Shortly after assuming [url=https://www.fightersgeneration.com/nf3/char/skullomania-fighting-ex-layer-arika-transparent2.jpg]his own stance[/url], the masked vigilante launched himself head first in Ryu’s direction, vaulting and drilling forth. [b]“SKULLO CRASHER!!”[/b] Reflexively, Ryu leaped back, his gallant frame curling. Just as he unfurled his frame and landed on his feet, the headbanded warrior summoned a sphere of energy between his strapped palms, thrusting his arms out and [url=https://www.fightersgeneration.com/news2023/char2/ryu-hadoken-streetfighter2-stage.gif]firing a blue fireball[/url] towards the diving Skullo. [color=FF2400][b]“HADOUKEN!!”[/b][/color] Just like that, Ryu managed his first attack. Skullo’s crown was only inches away from connecting with Ryu when the latter executed his iconic special move. The collision between cranium and flying projectile managed to push Skullo several feet to the back, depleting a small fraction of his health bar. Once he halted by the cabin behind, the masked crime-fighter shook his head, then sprung up, quickly entering his stance and striking his clawing hands out. “Nice one, fellow Ryu!” Skullo complimented before adding: “But I cannot lose just yet. Not when—” Before Skullo could repeat his earlier statement, Ryu had already leaped in his direction, ambushing him with a flying, downward kick. Imaginary eyes going wide, the goofy crime-fighter had to, unfortunately, swallow the kick, allowing the erstwhile champion’s bare foot to connect with his veiled face. “Oof!” The kick instantly jolted Skullo back, forcing him to lower his guard. As his bare feet touched the deck again, Ryu slightly shifted around, then swung his leg overhead, delivering a high-angled roundhouse kick onto his opponent. This time, however, Skullo was quick to place his forearms over his own face, preventing the slamming foot from knocking his temple. He continued to maintain the exact defensive approach when Ryu delivered a firm jab and a short uppercut, each alternating strike still managing to deplete his health bar through the barest hints of chip damage. “Keep it up, fellow Ryu! If you think you can breach through my [b]mighty block[/b], that is…” [color=FF2400]“Talk is cheap, my friend.”[/color] As fast as the wind, Ryu surprised Skullo with an axe kick, bringing his leg upwards. The impact of the upward kick was so strong it began to falter his opponent’s defense, forcing him to jolt back with a hit spark. After a heel drop, the headbanded warrior instantly cancelled his attack into a [url=https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/7e96a6934190.jpg]Joudan Sokutogeri[/url] that was sure to close the gap separating both street fighters. [b][i]WHAM![/i][/b] The heavy side kick managed to break through the crime-fighter’s defense, shoving him towards the boat’s cabin again. Eyes wide, Skullo was forced to collide with the cabin’s wall on his back, the harsh impact rocking the boat and rendering the roaring spectators unsteady. He eventually bounced forth, landing harshly on his front. [b][i]THUD![/i][/b] “Ungh!” Despite the grueling beat down, thankfully, his power meter continuously charged itself whenever he received an attack, now close to entering Level 1. The same could be said about Ryu since he was only a moment away from filling up his power meter completely. While Skullo still attempted to steady himself, Ryu wasted no chance and closed the distance with [url=https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/29a871912e0c.webp]a leaping, spinning kick[/url], executing a heavy… [color=FF2400][b]“TATSUMAKI SENPUUKYAKU!!”[/b][/color] Like a hurricane, Ryu was close to drawing and launching his opponent towards a nearby crate box, nearly depleting the latter’s health bar tremendously. Unfortunately, before the hurricane kick could connect, Skullo had already anticipated it with his own special move—not to counter Ryu’s Tatsumaki Senpuukyaku, but to [url=https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/9db91f27c067.webp]slide beneath his spinning form with his leading leg striking out[/url]. His battle cry was shouted. [b]“SKULLO SLIDER!!”[/b] Ryu was slightly taken aback. In an instant, he cancelled the ramming hurricane kick altogether, safely descending on both feet. With the erstwhile champion now standing against him, Skullo seized the moment and closed in on Ryu with a dash, ambushing him using a special move similar to Shoryuken with a miniscule twist. Instead of using his fist, Skullo utilized his head to perform [url=https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/f188ebb5b74d.webp]a spiraling mock uppercut[/url], managing to catch Ryu off guard as his cranium met his back. The leaping [i]uppercut[/i] propelled the costumed crime-fighter out of the ground, prompting him to follow up the special move with [url=https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/32e755567869.webp]a diving headbutt[/url]. [b]“SKULLO HEAD DIVE!!”[/b] [b][i]BAM![/i][/b] [color=FF2400]“Gwahh–!!”[/color] At long last, the masked hero managed to topple the once undisputed champion on his front, the impact depleting a quarter part of his once loaded health bar. As he landed and steadied himself before the laying Ryu, Skullo taunted him with a laugh and an exaggerated akimbo pose, triggering the power meter at his heels to fill itself completely. “Ho ho ho, fellow Ryu! At long last, you’ve learned the greatness that is the power of [b]one[/b] Skullomania!” he boasted, lifting a finger close to his dark temple. “And now that you’ve witnessed such greatness, allow me to show you my [b]ultimate[/b] technique!” Ryu, seemingly unfazed, carefully picked himself out of the deck, turning against the cabin to face the comical crime-fighter in front of him. A smirk was shot, albeit slightly. [color=FF2400]“Oh, is that so?”[/color] the headbanded warrior asked, gradually assuming his ready stance. [color=FF2400]“I’m surely interested to know. Show me your strength!”[/color] Simultaneously, both street fighters were shrouded by flickering lights, activating their respective power bars. While Ryu brought his palms together to retract a massive wave of inner force, Skullo, on the other hand, hurled himself head first towards his opponent, executing [url=https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/6540de6407b6.webp]a multi-hitting, diving headbutt[/url]. [b]“SUPER SKULLO CRASHER!!!”[/b] [color=FF2400][b]“SHINKUU… HADOUKEN!!!”[/b][/color] [b][i]BAM![/i][/b] [b][i]BAM![/i][/b] [b][i]BAM![/i][/b] [b][i]BAM![/i][/b] [b][i]WHAM![/i][/b] Stupidly enough, by lunging head first towards the more seasoned street fighter, Skullo had allowed himself to be caught by [url=https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/6e468fa903f9.webp]the swarm of multi-hitting fireballs[/url] Ryu had just unleashed out of his palms. The Level 1 super move was strong enough to drain what was left of the crime-fighter’s thinning health bar, sending him flying towards the boat’s precipice. As Skullo laid flat on the deck unconscious, a metaphysical bell rang aloud, its echo prompting both the pairs of bars and the timer to regroup and form the following message: [hr] [center][color=FFD700][b][h3][sub][u]K. O.[/u] ROUND 1 – RYU WINS![/sub][/h3][/b][/color][/center] [hr] As the spectators roared in joy, Ryu closed his eyes and folded his toned arms together, the tails of his headband whiffling along the wind. It wasn’t too shabby for his first match in a year, he thought to himself. [color=FF2400]“Now that’s what I called a street fight!”[/color] By the time he opened his eyes and turned his face towards the boat’s precipice ahead of him, Ryu was welcomed by the sight of Skullo raising his thumb up, his laying form maintained (at least, for the time being). “Y– Yes, yes, I’m good! Just a little dizzy. Don’t worry about me, fellow Ryu!” Once he started to recover, the crime-fighter performed a rather theatrical spin-a-roonie to bring himself back on his boots, standing out of his prior laying position. “That was, indeed, an entertaining battle. Just not the one where I showed you my true capabilities,” Skullo admitted, then rubbed the nape of his neck, both his face and voice subsequently sinking. Fortunately, it didn’t take long until he managed an optimistic exterior again. “But don’t you worry, fellow Ryu! Because I, Skullomania, an emissary from Esaka, will not fail you in our second round!” Then, a series of dynamic, perhaps hero-like poses, which elicited a grin from Ryu. Even the spectators giggled along at the gimmicky sight, equally amused. [color=FF2400]“Well, I believe you. I, too, expect you to fight better in the next round, Skullo,”[/color] Ryu encouraged, tightening his black belt before assuming his karate stance again, small hops taken. [color=FF2400]“C’mon… [b]Fight![/b]”[/color] [b][i]DING![/i][/b] [b][i]DING![/i][/b] The metaphysical bell rang again, bringing the glittering streak of gold back to life. It floated and swirled around the boat before gathering between the readying competitors, shifting into another announcement that read: [hr] [center][color=FFD700][b][h3][sub][u]RYU VS. SKULLOMANIA[/u] ROUND 2 – FIGHT![/sub][/h3][/b][/color][/center] [hr] Both the bars and the timer returned to accompany both competing street fighters, now with a V-sign emblem appearing next to Ryu’s health bar to symbolize his victory in the first round. Just as it was the first round, Skullo refused to take a moment to size his opponent up and try to read his mind. He quickly leaped into action, launching and hurling himself towards Ryu with the prior spiraling headbutt. [b]“SKULLO HEAD!!”[/b] Ryu, ever so calculating, had already anticipated Skullo’s reckless tendency and over-reliance on special moves. Bare feet leaving the ground, the original World Warrior champion leaped and lunged forth with [url=https://www.fightersgeneration.com/nf8/char3/ryu-granblue-fantasy-artwork-shoryuken.png]a flying uppercut[/url], closing the gap separating them. [color=FF2400][b]“SHORYUKEN!!”[/b][/color] [b][i]POW![/i][/b] Head met fist, as their special moves collided, erupting an abrupt hit spark that managed to separate the two. The impact left both the headbanded warrior and the masked crime-fighter jolting, quickly sending them back on top of the boat’s deck, albeit a little unsteadily. It surprised Ryu how Skullo hadn’t suffered from a concussion just yet after abusing and injuring his head the way he did. Once they stood back on their feet steadily, the two—once again—closed the gap that their respective special moves had created, exchanging rounds after rounds of flails and kicks. This was one of the best parts in any tournament match, some hysterical spectators believed, as the two competing fighters demonstrated their respective combo maneuvers—each one gradually charging up the power meters hovering at the bottom. Surprisingly, though, Skullo managed to overwhelm Ryu with [url=https://www.fightersgeneration.com/nz4/char/skullomania-sfex2-attacks-animation.gif]his latter set of normal attacks[/url], comprising double flails, a front kick, and a high-angled side kick. Seeing that he managed to knock Ryu back by his dark temple, the crime-fighter followed up said string of attacks with a sliding kick, hoping to falter and crumple his opponent. [b][i]WHAM![/i][/b] [b]“SKULLO SLIDER!!”[/b] If there was one advantage that Skullo had over Ryu, he was—in several respects—faster and more acrobatic than the far more methodical street fighter. However, Ryu’s reflexes and agility weren’t to be underestimated, either. Instead of connecting with his lower limbs, the Skullo Slider, instead, was greeted by the headbanded warrior’s perfectly timed [url=https://www.fightersgeneration.com/characters3/ryu-parry-crouch.gif]low parry[/url], his flickering forearm clashing against the crime-fighter’s leading leg with [url=https://youtu.be/Ig4hZTf0QnU?si=DYswoh0Yk0zzmqCt]a distinctive noise[/url]. The special move was foiled. [b]“[abbr=“What!?”][i]Nani[/i][/abbr]!?”[/b] By the time both competitors rose out of their lowered forms, Ryu quickly turned the table by shoving the wide-eyed Skullo back with a short [color=FF2400][b]“HADOUKEN,”[/b][/color] the impact surprisingly lighter than his prior attacks. Once a space was maintained, the original World Warrior champion closed in with a leaping, downward kick, connecting the sole of his foot with his opponent’s cranium. [b][i]THWACK![/i][/b] “Oof!” A hit spark surged, jolting the crime-fighter back rather dramatically. When he reached the deck again, Ryu bombarded his barely recovered opponent with [url=https://www.fightersgeneration.com/news2023/char/ryu-tatsunoko-vs-capcom-combo-gif.gif]a combo of his own[/url], starting with a crouching kick then followed by a left hook, a roundhouse kick, and finally, a stiff Joudan Sokutogeri to the torso. The latter successfully launched Skullo several feet to the back once more, sending him towards [url=https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/424cdd53e56a.webp]one of the spectators[/url] sitting by the boat’s precipice. [b]“[i]Nani[/i]!?”[/b] [b]“Hey!”[/b] [b][i]SPLOOSH![/i][/b] While Skullo was only close to getting thrown out of the boat, the same couldn’t be said about the elderly Vietnamese man who so happened to be the owner of the boat. Thankfully, it only took seconds until his paddy hat came to view, signifying that he was already out of the water’s surface. Soaking from head to toe, the elderly man climbed back onto the boat, subsequently snatching the hat around his crown to smack the stunned Skullo with it. [b][i]WHACK![/i][/b] “Oww–!!” “Idiot!” Fortunately, the smacking hat did absolutely no damage to the crime-fighter since it came from a spectator, instead of the other street fighter. He could feel imaginary stars and cupids spiraling around his head, as he caressed his cheek, still struggling to stand on his boots. The sight of Ryu was blurred from beyond the boat’s corner, only showing a pixelated concoction of black, red, and dull white. As far as he could tell from beyond the center of the stage, it was jarringly apparent that most spectators sided with Ryu throughout the bout, with some of the most notable chants being [i]“Fight, Ryu, fight!”[/i] and [i]“Beat him up, Ryu!”[/i] which further discouraged Skullo. Certainly, some were more elaborate than the others. “Dude… he’s sooo cooked!” said [url=https://www.fightersgeneration.com/news2025/char2/jacky-bryant-vfkids-render.png]a blonde, spike-haired boy[/url] with a can of ‘Java Tea’ in his hand, clearly referring to Skullo. “I know right?” asked [url=https://fightersgeneration.com/nx2/game/fightersmegamix/beanthedynamite-fightersmegamix-sprite.gif]a verdant woodpecker[/url] sporting a red, cowboy-like neck scarf. “He’s everything I wish to be,” said [url=https://fightersgeneration.com/news2022/char3/ryoko-fighters-history-dynamite-art.png]a headbanded girl[/url] sporting a traditional judo uniform, obviously referring to Ryu. “Likewise,” said [url=https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/6914d47ab765.jpg]a dark-haired lad[/url] who looked like he could pass as Ryu’s long lost brother. “First Terry, and hopefully, Ryu is next.” “Mhm… I can sense stronger inner force radiating from this very arena,” claimed [url=https://imgur.com/a/uXxBtB0]a silver-haired man[/url] donning a visage-like mask and a traditional silat uniform, pensively caressing his mandible. “Perhaps, it is much stronger than the one I encountered back at the Teahouse. Soon, my fellow fighters, I, the ‘Village Champion,’ shall challenge the ‘World Warrior’ to a match. Our battle will be legendary!” “Not bad. I have to admit he’s come a long way,” [url=https://imgur.com/a/x0YXWft]a cross-handed [i]fighting game developer[/i][/url] assessed, his fractured glasses shimmering at the sight of Ryu being enveloped in a burst of energy and lightning triggered by his [url=https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/2e0d00b43676.webp]Denjin Charge[/url]. “It appears that he fights better than I remember. Though, still, I’m yet to understand what makes him so appealing. Not only does he move like a stiff board, he’s not even the best Shoto in all of Esaka. Even when compared to other, flashier top-tier fighters like Jin Kazama, Kyo Kusanagi, and Sol Badguy, Ryu just always strikes me as the most—should I say—[i]basic[/i] of the fighting champions. If you need a precise definition of ‘vanilla,’ then look no further than the man in front of you.” “Hold on a minute… Aren’t you the same guy at the K-64 arena?” asked [url=https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/5f444d2110ed.webp]an eccentric punk with a rising blonde hair[/url], standing right next to the geeky man. In reciprocation, S-Kill frowned at the punkish brute named J, his glasses emitting a furious shimmer. “Yeah, so what? Do you have a problem with it?” “Nah, mate, but seriously, why do you always whine about everything?” J asked back, throwing his open hands to gesture at the geeky man beside him. “Who cares about having gimmicky moves and flashy combos? Ryu’s still the best fighter there is. Just stop over-analyzing and watch the bloody match like a normal person would!” S-Kill clicked his tongue. “Oh, yeah, is that so? Who’s whining here? It’s called giving an objective assessment, you uneducated plebe!” he argued, his voice raising. “Say that one last time, and you’ll be banned from entering the Divekick Dojo forever!” As it was the prior round, Ryu didn’t seem to be bothered by the makeshift commentary and, instead, focused on the masked fighter ahead, his glaring eyes yet to leave him. However, to say that Skullo barely had his own supporters (or, at least, anybody reacting to his action at all) was an understatement since some of the members of the Fighting EX Layer Dojo were present to watch the showdown. “C’mon, Skullo, you can do it!” said [url=https://www.fightersgeneration.com/nz8/game/sfv/art/4/pullum-sfv-concept-art.jpg]an exotic Middle Eastern girl[/url] in a blue, sleeveless vest and baggy pants, dancing and cheerleading in support. “Yeaahhh!! That’s right, Skullo! Get ’im, boy!” said [url=https://fightersgeneration.com/nz8/game/sfv/art/4/allen-snider-sfv-concept-art.jpg]a ginger man[/url] in a blue karate gi and red undershirt. “C’mon, buddy, don’t just stand there! Rough ’im up and make yourself famous!” said [url=https://www.fightersgeneration.com/nz8/game/sfv/art/4/crackerjack-sfv-concept-art.jpg]a fedora wearing brunette[/url], as he swung his fists and shadowboxed. “Go, Skullo, go! Go, Skullo, go!” chanted [url=https://www.fightersgeneration.com/nf5/char/skullomania-snk-heroines-artwork.png]his female counterpart[/url], cheerleading alongside Pullum. Just knowing that a few people were still behind him uplifted Skullo, even though he didn’t want the cheers and (especially) jeers to distract him from the street fighter ahead. Especially not when Ryu had already closed the distance with a leaping roundhouse kick. [color=FF2400]“[i]Seiya[/i]!”[/color] In mid-air, Ryu assumed a spinning form, aiming to knock Skullo’s temple with his ankle. Unfortunately, before it managed to connect, the crime-fighter had already crouched underneath his leaping form, reflexively whiffing the hard-kicking leg. Already having a similar move whiffed in the prior round, Ryu instantly drew his leg back and descended once the kick hit nothing but air, only a foot away from pushing the boat’s owner back into the water. If Skullo was quick-witted enough, he could’ve utilized this moment to punish Ryu with his own maneuver (even though, given the final half of the prior round, he wasn’t exactly easy to punish). While Ryu still stood against him, Skullo jokingly poked his shoulder from behind, already noticing that he’d gained access to his Level 1 super move. The same could be said about Ryu, and fortunately, it might be a matter of time until both street fighters loaded their power meters for the second time. “He he… Behind you~” Already on high alert, Ryu was swift to turn and face his opponent again, his face and posture hardening. Instead of executing Shinkuu Hadouken for the second time, however, the more technical street fighter attempted a different approach. After having charged himself with the Power of Nothingness, Ryu didn’t wait further to bring his hands together and create an amplified Hadouken between his palms. Skullo, meanwhile, went all out and activated his Level 1 super move immediately, running towards Ryu just in time to execute… [b]“SKULLO DREAM!!!”[/b] [color=FF2400][b]“Gwahh–!?”[/b][/color] [b][i]POP![/i][/b] Hilariously, his ‘New Skullo Dream’ technique instantly teleported them back to the center of the stage upon execution. To say that it was a martial arts technique might not be entirely true in a conventional sense, as it felt more like [url=https://www.fightersgeneration.com/nf7/char/skullomania-shadowgeist-fightingexlayer-super.gif]a collection of scenarios[/url] combining elements of action and humor. Two of the most notable scenes included Skullo shooting a comically large heart at Ryu and… what was that again? Both street fighters having breakfast in the middle of a bout?? Even funnier that a tea table and a small fridge had been summoned for the occasion. It appeared that Skullo understood Ryu’s love for food. “So, fellow Ryu, what would you like to eat?” Skullo asked, sitting cross-legged just across from Ryu at the tea table. Then, Ryu caressed his mandible and cocked his head to a side pensively, quietly humming. [color=FF2400]“Let’s see, uh… Do you happen to have Mizuyokan or stale bread in there?”[/color] he asked, gesturing at the fridge next to them with his thumb. “Oh, sorry, I’m afraid not,” Skullo instantly denied. “However, I can think of a [i]better[/i] meal that I can offer you for this occasion. So, just sit back and sip your tea, will you? I guarantee you’re going to [i]love[/i] this!” [color=FF2400]“Well… Thank you, I think?”[/color] Despite his initial hesitation, the puzzled Ryu ended up taking the small cup of tea provided in front of him. It really couldn’t help when he was still in the middle of getting [i]bombarded[/i] by an unusual super move, making him even more uneasy. As Ryu had already expected, this particular scene was all just an illusion to give him a false sense of security. When the tea was barely sipped, Skullo held the tea table by its rounded edge, flipping it right in front of the other street fighter. The scene immediately transitioned before Ryu could anticipate, depicting Skullo locking him in a modified Sharpshooter where he held and squeezed his opponent’s leg tight around his arm. “How about this, fellow Ryu? Do you like what I’m [i]cooking[/i]?” [color=FF2400][b]“Huh??”[/b][/color] Thankfully, it didn’t take long until the scene transitioned again, now showing Skullo striking a pose with his curling hand raised to the sky, while Ryu found himself launching back several feet behind the larger-than-life persona. [color=FF2400][b]“Gahahhh–!!”[/b][/color] If only the initial attack didn’t connect, Ryu would’ve been able to prevent the entire ordeal with ease (if this oddity of a super move could be considered an ordeal, anyway). Stupidly enough, it was the lightest variant of New Skullo Dream that Skullo had just executed, so the best it could do was depleting Ryu’s health bar by roughly less than a half. Seeing that the headbanded warrior had started to stand on his feet, the masked crime-fighter ran forth with his balled hand extending, imagining himself hovering forth like one of those comic book caped heroes. Once close, he attempted to [url=https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/7da78b9a0385.webp]tackle Ryu with his shoulder[/url], hoping to fully load his power meter again. [b][i]BAM![/i][/b] “Hah! [b][i]Nani[/i]!?[/b]” Unfortunately for Skullo, Ryu had, once again, anticipated his attack upon recovery, letting his parrying, flickering forearm connect with his tackling shoulder. With the Skullo Tackle now foiled, the masked crime-fighter cancelled said special move into a back-flipping kick, only for Ryu to prevent its impact with [url=https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/ab4b5b8fc41f.webp]a high parry[/url] for the second time. Thankfully, both interconnecting special moves were all he needed to obtain access to his Level 1 super move again. A gathering blue light was drawn around Skullo, as he activated and concentrated his remaining inner force into performing his second super move. However, upon execution… [color=FF2400]“[abbr=“With my fists…”][i]Kono kobushi de[/i][/abbr]...”[/color] From beneath his mask, Skullo was left wide-eyed and swallowing hard at the sight of Ryu gathering and charging swirls of ki-energy into his hands, activating his Level 2 super move when the crime-fighter least expected. Once concentrated, the original World Warrior champion formed circles with his hands, then drew them back, converting the swirling energy streak into a sizable fireball. Not giving Skullo a moment to carry on with whatever the ultimate technique he had in mind to execute next, Ryu thrusted his clawing hands forth to jolt Skullo with a short-ranged yet devastating [url=https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/4d0691d1d43f.webp]Shin Hashogeki[/url], an enormous energy spark shoving his opponent towards the farthest corner. [color=FF2400][b]“HADOUKEN!!!”[/b][/color] [b][i]DING![/i][/b] [b][i]DING![/i][/b] By the time Skullo laid flat on his back, his health bar had been completely drained, meaning that the Shin Hashogeki had effectively knocked him out cold. At the ringing cue given by the invisible bell, both the bars and the timer regrouped and reverted back into letters of gold hovering overhead, displaying the following announcement: [hr] [center][color=FFD700][b][h3][sub][u]K. O.[/u] ROUND 2 – RYU WINS![/sub][/h3][/b][/color][/center] [hr] [color=FF2400]“[abbr=“Are you still standing up?”][i]Mada tachiagaru no ka[/i][/abbr]?”[/color] As expected, no response was given. At least, not yet. After the latter beat down that he gave his opponent, Ryu wasn’t even sure if Skullo could still stand up with ease. As the crowd rejoiced, the original World Warrior champion raised his balled hand triumphantly, facing and smiling at each and every spectator by the sidelines. But then, before he could carry on with the celebration, he sensed something—the barest hints of movement from afar, perhaps. As it turned out, once he shifted his gaze towards the source, he found that Skullo had regained his consciousness, clumsily sitting on one leg by the other end of the boat. The defeated street fighter forcefully snatched the red scarf around his neck, then tossed it on the deck, his frustration evidenced. “This can’t be real. Not when the city needs a hero,” Skullo mumbled to himself, then as he hammered the deck with his fists, yelled: “I’ve failed! I’ve failed! [b]I’ve failed![/b]” Perhaps, it was only a matter of time until Skullo broke down in tears, evoking a strong sense of sympathy within his opponent’s heart. Seeing how the masked fighter had been crashing out, Ryu decided to approach, his face smiling and softening. He halted and held out a helping hand, dark eyes locking upon the hero’s veiled visage. [color=FF2400]“Don’t be discouraged,”[/color] Ryu emboldened, his voice calm and reassuring. [color=FF2400]“You still have one more chance in the Losers Bracket.”[/color] Skullo sighed, then weakly shook his head. “I was so close. I thought it would’ve ended differently, but alas, my ‘Nishikoyama Luck’ had struck again,” he said, then lifted his gaze, eventually reciprocating Ryu’s helping hand. “Apologies if I haven’t lived up to your expectations, fellow Ryu. I thought you deserved a better first opponent.” [color=FF2400]“Ah, don’t say that,”[/color] Ryu told Skullo, still with an encouraging smile as he drew and helped the masked fighter back on his feet. [color=FF2400]“You’ve fought well. I feel honored. Let’s do it again some day, should we? Once you get better and stronger, that is…”[/color] Even when Skullo didn’t quite give his best (at least, what he convinced himself), Ryu didn’t judge. Instead, the more seasoned fighter lifted him up and gave him the much needed advice. It wasn’t everyday he met somebody from a top-tier dojo as humble as Ryu was. Still holding on to his hand, the masked hero shook hands with the headbanded warrior, their grips firm on each other. “Well, thank you, fellow Ryu,” Skullo told the other street fighter. “I’ll keep that in mind for my latter match.” Ryu simply nodded, smiled wholeheartedly, then joked: [color=FF2400]“And thank you for the tea, too. I might like to eat with you someday, just not in the middle of a fight.”[/color] Skullo snorted in a snicker, which prompted Ryu to do the same, as well. “You fell for it, didn’t you? Frankly, I didn’t expect the tactic to go accordingly,” he admitted. “So, I suppose, this is it, huh?” [color=FF2400]“Perhaps,”[/color] Ryu simply answered with a nod, releasing his firm grip on Skullo’s hand. He then picked the duffle bag laying across the deck by its string, loading the bag on his shoulder. [color=FF2400]“Here’s hoping that our paths cross again, my friend. Whenever that may be.”[/color] Patting his shoulder, Ryu began strolling past Skullo, strengthening his grip on the string of his duffle bag. Once the boat’s farther end was reached, he stopped a passing gondola next to the sizable boat, stepping onto the former to leave Skullo and the celebrating spectators behind. Even as the gondola became more and more distant from view, he could still hear the spectators cheering and chanting his name, their joyous noises spreading across the vicinity. Eventually, they showed Skullo the equal amount of attention—not only out of adoration, but also out of sympathy. “Ho ho ho… Don’t worry, my fellow seekers of justice, for I, Skullomania, the hero who fights for the sake of justice, will continue my crusade against evil!” Skullo proudly stated, as he absorbed the growing cheers, puffing his chest out and pressing his fists against his hips. “Whether it’ll be in the Losers Bracket or outside of the tournament. For I am a hero! And true heroes never give up!” [b]FIN.[/b]