All Stars Fighting Tournament

Chapter 3: Allies and Rivals

The crowd buzzed with excitement as the announcer called the names for the next round. Each team, made up of unlikely allies, stepped into the arena with anticipation and tension.

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Ken & Ryu vs. Terry & Joe

Ken and Ryu squared off against Terry Bogard and Joe Higashi, a duo known for their relentless South Town spirit. Terry, with his trademark red cap and jacket, grinned confidently.

"Two of the best from Street Fighter? Looks like we're getting the VIP treatment," he laughed, fist-bumping Joe, who wore his usual cocky smirk.

Ken nudged Ryu. "Well, partner, looks like these guys won't be pushovers."

Ryu nodded, eyes focused. "We'll have to bring our best."

As the bell rang, Ken and Terry launched into a high-speed exchange of punches and kicks, their styles clashing like fire and lightning. Ryu and Joe circled each other, each testing the other's defenses. Joe's powerful kick flew toward Ryu, who barely dodged and countered with a quick Hadouken that forced Joe to stumble back.

Ken and Ryu's teamwork, honed over years of fighting together, began to show. With a swift, coordinated attack, Ryu forced Joe back with a fierce Tatsumaki Senpukyaku, while Ken delivered a flaming Shoryuken to Terry. Their combined assault overwhelmed the South Town duo, sending them flying out of the ring.

The crowd erupted in cheers as Ken and Ryu claimed their hard-won victory.

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Chun-Li & Mai Shiranui vs. Guile & King

In a surprising twist, Chun-Li found herself teamed up with Mai Shiranui, the nimble kunoichi from South Town. Across from them stood Guile, a stern and stoic figure, and King, the fierce Muay Thai fighter.

Mai flashed Chun-Li a playful smile, flipping her fan. "Looks like we're going to steal the show together."

Chun-Li smirked, feeling a surge of excitement. "Let's give them a fight to remember."

The bell rang, and Mai leaped into action, her agility unmatched as she danced around King, dodging strikes and countering with quick flame-fan throws. King retaliated, launching a barrage of knee strikes, but Mai slipped out of reach with a graceful backflip.

Meanwhile, Chun-Li squared off against Guile. His Sonic Boom hurtled toward her, but she countered with a Kikoken, the two energy attacks clashing in mid-air. Chun-Li dashed forward, catching Guile off-guard with a swift Lightning Kick.

The fight was intense, with both teams showcasing powerful coordination. In a final, synchronized move, Chun-Li's Spinning Bird Kick sent Guile stumbling, while Mai's whirlwind of flames overwhelmed King. With their combined force, they took down their opponents, claiming victory to the roar of the crowd.

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Kyo Kusanagi & Iori Yagami vs. Akuma & Sagat

When Kyo Kusanagi and Iori Yagami's names were called, a hush fell over the arena. The two were sworn enemies, yet now they'd have to fight as allies. Across from them stood Akuma, a dark and menacing presence, and Sagat, towering and fierce.

Kyo threw a glare at Iori. "Let's just get this over with."

Iori sneered. "Stay out of my way, Kusanagi."

Akuma's dark aura flared. "Two more souls to crush," he growled. Beside him, Sagat's intense gaze locked onto the fighters.

The bell rang, and Kyo charged forward, meeting Sagat in a powerful clash of flames and strikes. Iori, reckless as always, took on Akuma, the two engaging in a brutal, savage exchange. Akuma's disciplined attacks met Iori's raw fury, each strike sending shockwaves through the arena.

Kyo and Iori's rivalry threatened to break their focus, but as the battle went on, they found themselves working in surprising sync. Kyo's flames complemented Iori's dark energy, and together, they launched a combined assault that overwhelmed their foes. With a final fiery strike, Akuma and Sagat were forced out of the ring, leaving Kyo and Iori victorious, though their animosity was far from resolved.

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As the first round of battles concluded, the fighters returned to the sidelines, each brimming with energy and anticipation for the next challenge.

From the shadows, Rugal and Bison watched, satisfied.

"These fighters are stronger than we anticipated," Bison remarked, a dark smile on his lips.

Rugal nodded. "Let them enjoy their victories. Soon, they'll learn who truly holds the power."

The tournament was far from over, and each fighter sensed that greater challenges lay ahead.

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