Early the next morning, the atmosphere inside the Kyokugenryu Dojo was tense.
"Dad… what's wrong with big brother and Robert?"
Seeing the two men sitting in the dojo with their eyes closed, Yuri Sakazaki whispered her question to her father. She had come to the dojo early, only to find both men sitting cross-legged as if meditating—yet the pressure emanating from them was so intense that the other Kyokugenryu disciples were too frightened to even speak loudly.
Anyone who didn't know better would think they were preparing for a fight to the death.
"Hm… Ryo said he invited a fighter here for a duel."
The founder of Kyokugenryu Karate—father of Ryo and Yuri—Takuma Sakazaki stroked his chin as he answered.
"A duel challenge? Dad, are you sure it's not some vendetta? They look so strange… it's like they're about to march into battle. Are you sure they'll be okay?"
Yuri peeked nervously at Ryo and Robert. Ever since early morning, both had worn dark, grim expressions. Even Robert—usually the more playful one—looked like a man walking to his execution. No wonder Yuri was uneasy.
"I also find it strange…"
Takuma nodded with a puzzled expression. When Ryo had spoken to him last night, Takuma had also been confused—Ryo had worn a look as if he'd already accepted death. Takuma nearly thought Ryo planned to fight a mortal enemy… but as far as he knew, neither Ryo nor Robert had any such feud.
"Master! Master!!"
At that moment, a pale-faced apprentice stumbled into the dojo and fell flat on the floor. Takuma frowned and scolded him.
"What are you doing? Panic like this—what a disgrace!"
"N-no, it's not that… Someone… someone is here to challenge the dojo… he said he came by Mr. Ryo's invitation…"
"I know that. But why are you panicking?! You're a Kyokugenryu disciple! Compose yourself! Did he attack you?"
"N-no… that… he didn't…"
"Fine, I'll go look. But really, what's with your fear?"
Seeing the apprentice's terrified expression only made Takuma more curious. First, it was odd enough that Ryo invited someone. Now even his disciples were trembling?
Just who could make them react like this?
"M-Master… that man… h-he looks… really vicious…"
"That's it?"
Takuma's expression darkened.
"You're this terrified because someone looks vicious? How can you master Kyokugenryu with such cowardice? Remember, our Kyokugenryu—?!"
Still lecturing, Takuma stepped out of the dojo, lifted his head—
And instantly froze mid-sentence.
Then he staggered back a full step.
What the hell—this thing is a human?!
In that moment, Takuma finally understood his apprentice's fear. Simply standing there, the massive figure before him didn't feel human at all—more like a ferocious tyrannosaurus. Just being in his presence radiated wild, bloodthirsty killing intent.
Looking at him, Takuma felt that forget killing—this man probably ate people.
"Hello, Mr. Sakazaki."
Duanmu Huai bowed politely.
"I am Duanmu Huai. I was invited here today for a sparring match. Please guide me."
"Ah… o-oh… yes, hello. I am Takuma Sakazaki of Kyokugenryu Karate."
Takuma snapped out of his daze, coughed, and nodded. At that moment, Ryo and Robert stepped out of the dojo—only for their expressions to twist even more when they saw Duanmu Huai.
But after a moment, Ryo stepped forward.
"You're here."
"I'm here. So… shall we begin?"
"Dad… big brother and Robert won't be killed, right…?"
Yuri clutched her father's arm, whispering anxiously. Her face was pale—just looking at Duanmu Huai made her legs weak. The danger she sensed from him far surpassed even the man who once kidnapped her. Just sensing his gaze made her feel like her heart would stop.
The thought of her brother fighting someone like him terrified her.
"One moment."
Takuma thought briefly, then stepped forward.
"I would also like to fight Mr. Duanmu."
"Father?"
"Master?"
Ryo and Robert were both shocked. Takuma continued, staring firmly at Duanmu Huai.
"How about this—we follow the Duel Tournament rules. I, Ryo, and Robert will form a team and challenge you in a gauntlet match."
"Hm… I don't mind."
Duanmu Huai was actually delighted. The higher the opponent's status, the more Duel Points he earned. If he could bulldoze Kyokugenryu in one go, he might even get special bonuses.
Why would I refuse free rewards?
Normally, a three-on-one gauntlet would seem unfair. But against Duanmu Huai? No one questioned it. In fact, instead of "gauntlet," it looked more like heroes taking turns to challenge a final boss.
They determined the order—after arguing and finally deciding with rock-paper-scissors:
First: Robert
Second: Ryo
Third: Takuma
Because Duanmu Huai was too big and might break the dojo, they decided to fight outside in the courtyard.
"Then, I'll go first. Please guide me."
Robert took a deep breath and stepped forward. Duanmu Huai nodded silently, fists raised.
"ROUND ONE! READY—GO!"
With the referee's shout, Robert let out a cry, leaped, and kicked toward Duanmu Huai.
"Take this—Flying Swallow Hurricane Kick!"
Though trained in karate, Robert's kicking techniques were superb. He shot forward like an arrow, foot slamming squarely into Duanmu Huai's chest.
"Nice!!"
The Kyokugenryu disciples cheered—
And then froze.
Duanmu Huai didn't budge. Not even a wobble.
Meanwhile Robert felt a terrifying force rebound up his leg—it felt like kicking a concrete wall, not a human.
Damn—how is this guy so hard!?
Takuma's expression instantly darkened.
"This is bad!"
Before Robert could land, Duanmu Huai reached out—caught his leg—
And swung him like a ragdoll.
"BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!!"
Robert was smashed left and right across the ground. He tried desperately to struggle free, but Duanmu Huai's grip was like an iron vise. After several skull-cracking impacts, Robert's consciousness began to fade.
Duanmu Huai lifted him again—grabbed his arm—and smashed him back-first onto the ground, raising one knee beneath him—
"KO!!"
Robert lay motionless, unconscious.
The courtyard fell into stunned silence.
Everyone was speechless. None had imagined Robert wouldn't even last a full exchange.
Of course, Duanmu Huai didn't care. Under Duel City rules, this was mild—outside, that knee strike would've folded Robert's spine like a book.
He watched Robert get carried away and turned calmly.
"Next."
"… … … …"
Ryo and Takuma swallowed hard. It felt like walking to their execution.
"Be careful. This guy is dangerous."
"I know."
Ryo stepped forward, bowed, and spoke solemnly:
"Kyokugenryu—Ryo Sakazaki! Please teach me!"
"Come."
"Then… I'm coming!"
Ryo charged the instant the match began, calculating rapidly.
Robert used aerial kicks, but without stable footing, those could be countered. So I should attack his lower body. Someone that large must have unstable balance—knock out his center of gravity, and he can be defeated.
"Haaah!!"
Ryo rolled behind Duanmu Huai and unleashed his strongest technique.
"Eat this—Haoh Shoko Ken!!"
A burst of energy exploded, striking Duanmu Huai's back and making his massive body sway ever so slightly.
It worked!
But Duanmu Huai immediately swung his fist downward.
Not good!
Ryo rolled away as the punch slammed into the ground—
"BOOM!!"
The shockwave rippled the earth like waves. Dirt and stone exploded upward like a rainstorm, hammering toward Ryo.
Caught off guard, Ryo tried desperately to shield himself—
"Big brother, look out!!"
"Huh?"
He sensed darkness overhead.
He looked up—
Duanmu Huai's massive body loomed above him like a falling boulder.
No time to dodge—he would have to take it head-on.
Ryo roared and uppercut with all his might.
"Take this—Tiger Roar—!!"
His rising fist struck Duanmu Huai's chest—
But it felt like punching a steel plate. The force bounced painfully back through his arm.
And then—
Darkness swallowed his vision.
"BOOM!!!!"
Duanmu Huai's descending elbow smashed into Ryo's face, driving him straight into the earth.
"BOOM!!!"
The ground cratered. Dust exploded skyward. When it settled, there was a giant pit—and Ryo lay unconscious at the bottom.
"As expected… a formidable opponent."
Takuma's face grew grim. With his experience, he could tell the truth:
Despite appearing brutish, Duanmu Huai's technique was clean, efficient, lethal. Every move was meant to neutralize an enemy with maximum decisiveness.
He wasn't a martial artist.
He was a warrior.
Then…
"Next is me."
Takuma stepped forward.
"Do you need to rest?"
"No. Continue."
"Good."
Takuma took his stance.
"You are indeed powerful, young man. Then I too shall fight with full force. Be careful!"
"Come."
"ROUND THREE! READY—GO!"
The match began. Takuma sprinted forward, analyzing rapidly.
This man's body is incredibly durable and strong. Robert used the wrong approach. Ryo understood but underestimated his power. Against such an opponent, you must use full strength from the start.
And Takuma had his own answer.
As he closed in, Takuma gathered his power—
"Take this—Shin! Kishin Geki!!!"
His left fist exploded into Duanmu Huai's abdomen, making even Duanmu Huai's massive body jolt.
What power!
Duanmu Huai was stunned—he hadn't expected such a powerful opening strike. And Takuma wasn't done. His right fist smashed into Duanmu Huai.
"THUD! THUD! THUD!!"
Under the barrage, Duanmu Huai's body slid backward across the courtyard.
The disciples erupted in cheers—finally, someone forced the monster back!
But it wasn't over.
"BOOM!!"
Takuma re-centered himself—
"Kyokugenryu Secret Technique—Ryuko Ranbu!!"
He vanished like a blur and unleashed a storm of blows at Duanmu Huai.
"Bam bam bam bam bam!!!"
Even Duanmu Huai was pushed back under the wild flurry.
But no human could maintain such output forever. Before long, Takuma's strength waned, and his speed slowed.
Now!
The instant Takuma's tempo faltered, Duanmu Huai roared, charged like an enraged bull, and slammed his shoulder into Takuma's body, launching him upward—
"This ends it!!"
Duanmu Huai's fists turned into a hurricane—
"ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA———ORA!!!"
The final punch struck Takuma square in the chest.
Takuma flew like a cannonball—smashing through the dojo wall and embedding into the wooden interior.
Everyone watching was completely stunned.
(End of Chapter)