king_of_fighters

Now, let me begin with has happened before the team battle mode was introduced back in 1994.

Southtown. A city overflown with industrial activity, and most of all, well known for it's passionate nightlife, and the interesting fights that take place in the innards of the small city. Because, basically, that is the lifestream that feeds the veins of Southtown: Fighting has stopped being a hobby to become a way of life, a way to survive in a town gone mad. Even if you chose anotehr path, ultimately, your life will sooner or later head you to the battle arena.

This reflects, in summary, the violent nature of the citizens of Southtown. However, this has been more evident ever since the arrival of a mysterious man named Geese Howard. Geese Howard soon established himself as the most powerful man in Southtown, thanks to his illegal operations in gun and drug dealing. His personal wealth became far beyond anybody could ever imagine, even surpassing that of the mayor of Southtown.

Even though he was not the mayor of the city, Geese began to insert the flow of corruption and fear in the hearts of Southtown's policy. It has reached such high levels, that the police barely does something about it. Not only have they been paid well to keep their mouth shut, they also fear for their very lives. People in Southtown were no different.

Geese's illegal operations couldn't be stopped in any way. And even if they tried, they would soon be violently rejected by Geese's forces. But Geese was not a man who needed personal protection all day. Geese himself is a master in the Hakkyokuseiken school of martial arts, and his strength is so terrible that no one had survived while facing him. Wielding an incredible power at his hands. Geese ruled Southtown with an iron fist, indeed.

However, to keep himself entretained and to eliminate any possible opposition, Geese created the "King of Fighters" tournament. The competition involved having a group of fighters fight among themselves the prove who is
truly the most powerful, and the one with the right to challenge Geese in the championship match. However, nobody has ever reached him, since Geese placed as his number one contendant his own personal bodyguard: pole master, Billy Kane, from England. His ability with the stick was so admirable, he made short work out of anyone who challenged him. That was why Geese almost never fought anybody.

Until one faithful day...

On the outbreak of yet another tournament, new contenders came in. It seemed practically normal, except for one thing: a certain pair of brothers who came in to make things harder for Geese and his men. And it was quite obvious, considering that their father, another great Hakkyokuseiken master named Jeff Bogard, was wanted dead by Geese since Jeff was always a better student and stronger fighter than Geese.

That's why Geese ordered a man named Takuma Sakazaki, who is a Kyokugen karate master to kill Jeff for him (see Art of Fighting and KOF '94).

Note: In KOF '94, if you win with Takuma against the Fatal Fury team, Takuma would say, "Jeff'd be crying in heaven." . And in the ending of Art of Fighting, when Mr. Karate reveals himself as Takuma Sakazaki and tells his story to Ryo, Robert and Yuri, Takuma would also say, "... I was gambling and in heavy debt until I met a man called Geese Howard. He said he'd pay off all my debts if I killed a man named Jeff Bogard. Someday I overheard a top-secret meeting between Geese and his henchmen..." (see below)

<coversation between Geese and his henchman Ripper>
Ripper: "Mr. Geese, we must do something about Jeff Bogard."
Geese: "Don't worry. Takuma is a Kyokugen karate master. We can use him to get rid of Bogard and then dispose of him."
<conversation ends>

However, Jeff's two sons, Terry Bogard and Andy Bogard, along with their friend, Japanese kickboxer Joe Higashi, had come to exact revenge from Geese, and this time, Geese's championship was put in serious jepordy, even more notable by their incredible easiness in winning their battles, and even in smashing Billy Kane. Geese saw in this the perfect opportunity to squish the worms.

However, he was surprised by the incredible strength of the elder brother, Terry Bogard. He used all the techniques his father had used, but he had a certain something that separated him from Jeff: the fact that he actually enjoyed fighting and in defeating stronger opponents.

Geese wasn't expecting so much enthusiasm out of a man, and he was even more surprised by the fact that he also knew a few more tricks. In his agony of defeat, Geese was knocked out of the window on the top of his tower where he and Terry were fighting. Geese was presumed dead afterwards.

A year later after Geese's defeat, the world was shuddered when a man by the name of Wolfgang Krauser took the role of the tournament and increased it from a local stage to a worldwide stage. Krauser was a German noblesman, but his fighting skills, extracted from the Strolheim boodline, were devastating and ruthless. His strength was many times more bigger than Geese's, and his skills were twice as deadly.

Krauser began a intensive search of the man who defeated Geese Howard, but not precisely to take revenge, but to challenge him, as Krauser enjoyed having a little fun with men inferior to him. So, as the tournament was taking place in several parts of the world, Krauser himself began his own streak in smashing reknown fighters around the world, making more and more evident his power to the world.

Once again, the Lonely Wolves (as the trio formed by Terry Bogard, Andy Bogard, and Joe Higashi was later known as) took on the challenge of Krauser, but they were no longer alone in their battle. Five other warriors from around the globe gathered to compete for the right to face Krauser in the last, fateful battle.

Once again, Terry managed to reach the finals, passing through such tough opponents like the ex-heavyweight boxing champion Axel Hawk, and Krauser's right-hand man, the Spanish bullfighter Lawrence Blood.

As before, a fatal battle was about to begin. Terry and Krauser engaged in a legendary battle, indeed. Both had finesse, skills, and the enjoyment of battle in their souls. It was the clash of two inmense powers. However, Terry
had learned a lot from his previous battles, and gained enough experience, thus which Krauser did not gain in his previous encounters with other fighters.

So while Krauser was only goofing around, Terry actually learned something from his previous opponents. Taking a new air, Terry used his ultimate techniques, and managed to defeat Krauser. Thus, the second King of Fighters tournament ended, and as last year, it was unknown who would take the tournament in his/her own
hands. Until...

Greetings, and welcome to the cronology of the events that have occured in the legendary King of Fighters tournament. This document has been recorded up to January 18, 2000, only months after the conclusion of the fifth tournament that introduced the team battle mode.

This goes way back to the year of 1994, but the story of the tournament goes way more back than that. However, I shall cover the events that have occured ever since, and the present situation in the tournament. The King of Fighters '98 event is not covered, since it has no official link with the main storyline, but there are some interesting features in it, which I will mention at the right moments...

First, let me state that, behind the glamour and glimmer of the tournament, lies true carnage and passion. The fights in the event not only represents advancing, winning positions, and earning a lot of money out of it. It also involves honor, glory, fame, and even taking care of several grudges, personal vendettas, or longtime rivalries between families. The warrior must dedicate their mind, body, soul, even their very lives into perfecting their skills, to overcome all obstacles and come out a winner at the end.

However, if he/she doesn't rely on their partners, defeat is not only a choice, but a reality. That is why, as of late, some fighters have decided to enter the tournament alone, since they feel they have no need for partners to aid them. However, this is also a proof of true courage, strength, and determination.

1994. The modern age is now in it's total fulfillment. The world has suffered various changes, and technology has advanced as well. However, in the fighting world, a more dramatic outbreak was to take place...

This year, the man known as Rugal Bernstein began to make waves in the world. His reputation as a black market leader and expert in weapon and drug trafficing were unsurpassed, and known by many as one of the more wealthy men in the world.

Aboard the Blacknoah, his private air carrier, from where he receives and delivers his stocks, Rugal cruised the seas of the world, without being able to be stopped by the world governments. And not only was Rugal feared and
respected in the crime world. He was also known to be quite a formidable fighter, and it is known that anybody who has faced him aboard the Blacknoah, has not escaped alive.

Rugal, bored by the lack of competition, had an ominous idea. He ordered one of his personal secretaries, Mature, to go around the world, and give eight invitations to certain people around the world. These invitations were enclosed
in white envelopes, with red seals marked the "Rugal" sign. He was to retake the old King of Fighters tournament, and take it in his own hands.

However, he was going to create some new rules this year. Instead of one-on-one fights, the new competition system was to include battles between teams of three people. Fights will take place between these teams, in a tag-team fashion. If one of the members were to be defeated by one of the other team's members, the next member will come in to fight the winner, and will go on until all three members of one team would be defeated.

However, before the tournament was to be commenced, a man stood before Rugal, ready to fight him to the end and finish his stupid ambition. Of course, Rugal was not the one to be intimidated...

Days later, the new King of Fighters tournament began. Eight teams had entered, representing eight different countries:

Japan, with the newest breed of Asian heroes;
Italy, having no other than the legendary Lonely Wolves;
Mexico, showing the power of Kyokugenryo Karate;
Brazil, represented by Ikari mercenaries;
China, combining both old and new generations;
Korea, sporting some weird combination of justice and crime;
England, the only all-female team, and;
USA, and the three most important country sports.

Thus, the battles began. Emotive encounters took place, and the passion and fury of battle once again raged on,
with more emotion than ever before. So many different fighters, so many different styles. It was a delight to see so many fighting skills facing one another, in a battle not presenting hatred, just the satisfaction and honor of winning. The battles were long and winded, and the winners were only defined by short instances.

In the end, it was not the Lonely Wolves, but the Japan Team which came out the winner. This team had two young fighters and one experienced warrior. One of the young ones was Kyo Kusanagi, latest descendant of the Kusanag clan, reknown for their crimson flames. The other was Benimaru Nikaido, a brash and arrogant fighter, expert in shooting karate (a variation of Muetai kickboxing), and also having the power of lightning. The experienced one was Goro Daimon, the large Judo champion, who's impressive strength made the earth itself tremble.

All three were defined by a national martial arts championship which took place in Japan: Kyo came out on top, beating Benimaru in the finals; Daimon was third, after being beaten by Kyo in the semifinals.

Mature, Rugal's personal secretary, invited the Japan Team atop a helicopter, which was to transfer them to the Blacknoah: their final battle was about to begin. Rugal saluted the team as they came in the Blacknoah, aside his
pet panther and a glass of wine. He laughed and honestly thought they wouldn't come this far. Shocked at this statement, the three fighters were paralyzed at the sight around them: groups and groups of statues of fighters extended everywhere.

With another evil laughter, Rugal admits that all those fighters were alive once, and that he had defeated them all, and bathed their bodies in steel so that they would be inmortalized. And the Japan Team was the next in the
eerie collection...

Rugal fought the three fighters. Benimaru and Daimon fought well, but they only managed to make Rugal a lot more angrier, obligating him to use his best techniques. He confesses that he never had to reach to such instances, but the circumstances so applied for it. Using his full power, Rugal even took the best techniques of Geese and Krauser, past hosts of the tournament!

After defeating Benimaru and Daimon, Kyo was the last one standing. Although Kyo fought with all his might, Rugal turned out to be a ruthless fighter, and began to make Kyo feel the heat of the battle. Almost on his knees, Kyo, with sore eyes, saw a body lying in a corner of the room. With disbelief, he saw that it was no other than
his own father, Saisyu Kusanagi.

He had turned out to face Rugal prior to the tournament, but had been defeated...perhaps even killed. Kyo couldn't take it anymore. He bursted in rage, and in sheer fury, attacked Rugal like a crimson tornado. Unable to avoid the rage of the Kusanagi, Rugal fell in defeat. With his voice paused by the pain, Rugal silently condemns the Japan Team to a swift death... Crazy of revenge, and a poor loser, Rugal took a strange device, and pressed the button.

The Blacknoah was now to autodestroy itself! Kyo, Benimaru, and Daimon barely made it out alive, as the Blacknoah, engulfed in flames, sank to the bottom of the ocean. Thus, the King of Fighters tournament ended yet again, and as the same as the past two years, nobody was seen to be able to take hand of the tournament.

A year passed. It's 1995. All the fighters of the past tournament remember the competition with fond memories, but now know that now that Rugal is dead, the tournament would die with him. That was, until seven of the eight teams began to receive invitations once again...

This time, the envelopes were signed by some "R" fellow. Who was he, and what was that he wanted? Nobody knew, and many didn't even care, as the fighting will take place yet again...in 1995! All the teams gathered again, except
one...the USA team was nowhere to be seen.

This year, the teams were no longer affiliated to no country, but it was strange not to see or hear from them. However, one team did show up in their place...and, for some of the fighters, it wasn't a very grateful team at all.

The team was formed by: Billy Kane, ex-champion of the tournament, and with a grundge against the Lonely Wolves. Eiji Kisaragi, a ruthless ninja with unfinished business with the Sakazaki family. And, the captain of the team, a lonely, but yet, incredibly strong fighter, whom used similiar techniques to Kyo, but with the difference that he wielded purple flames!

The mysterious young man was known no other as Iori Yagami, a descendant of the Yagami family, eternal rivals of the Kusanagi family. Now, the tournament would be filled of personal interests, giving way to more passionate fights than last year!

With this frame of hatred, emotion, and excitement, the battle began once again. Warriors once again took one another, now with one year of experience, and some new techniques, making the battles more intriguing and exciting. This time, the results of the battle were decided in some times in the last fighter of each team, and the winner was nowhere to be defined. Not even the current champion, the Japan/Hero Team had an easy path.

Revitalized warriors, combined with the new blood, made this tournament much more emotive and skillful than the last one.

As the Hero Team was about to enter one of the last battles, they concentrated in the locker room. However, all of a sudden, a green smoke began to surround them. The trio noticed that they were losing their senses, and
suddenly, all became black. Sleeping gas...

Kyo woke up in a dark place. He could barely see his fainted companions next to him. He was received with a certain familiar laugh. It was no other than Rugal! Kyo, Benimaru, and Daimon were skeptical, but it was indeed him! He had
something new about him...besides his cybernetic arm, he had a lot more power than before! How could this be? It seems that Rugal is also in terrible need of revenge!

Rugal beckoned for the Hero Team, but he had a new partner up his sleeve...His other secretary, Vice, let way to a familiar man. Benimaru and Daimon were surprised, but Kyo was speechless...It was Saisyu Kusanagi, his own
father! Kyo was filled with joy and happiness, but was stopped cold when his father challenged him to a fight. His eyes indicated that he was not himself.

Rugal had brainwashed him, and ordered him to kill his own son! Kyo was so confused in fighting his own father...but Benimaru and Daimon fought the battle for him. Saisyu was a formidable opponent, being the father and master of Kyo, but he couldn't fight at his whole potential, due to his resistance to the brainwash. He was finally defeated, but both Benimaru and Daimon were exhausted and couldn't fight anymore. Saisyu regained his senses, and summoned Kyo. He bid his son to defeat Rugal, and avenge him. Then, Saisyu loses consciousness.

Kyo slowly gets up, and faces Rugal once again. However, facing Kyo's rage, was Rugal's hatred! He suddenly began to emit a previously undetected aura, and his power began to rise to unexpected heights! His appearance took a different form, now with a demon look! It was the fury of Omega Rugal!

The last battle began in the missile platform of Rugal's hidden underground base. Even though Kyo fought with the same entusiasm as last year, the new power acquired by Rugal was far too much for Kyo to handle. His power
and speed had now been doubled, and along with his feelings of hatred and revenge, things began to become bleak for Kyo. However, at the same time, he was aided by his friends, Terry, Ryo, Athena, between others. They all gave him strength to go on. Kyo got up once and once again.

However, the tide had began to turn in Kyo's favor. And to boot, Rugal was beginning to lose control of his own body. Kyo forced Rugal to go all out, but that was his own downfall: the power in his body began to go out of control, and his body began to twitch and begin exploding.

During his suffering, a deep voice could be heard in a far place: "You fool! Only those of the bloodline can control such power! You didn't have a chance!" Rugal vowed vengeance, and a pillar of light consumed Rugal, blinding Kyo. When he turned around, both Rugal and Iori had vanished. Taking Benimaru and Daimon with him, Kyo escapes from the base.

Now, even though Rugal was gone for sure, nobody could tell if the tournament was dead or not. And nobody could tell what horror lied behind the power Rugal had...

the video games

king of fighters '94

king of fighters '95

king of fighters '96

king of fighters '97

king of fighters '98

king of fighters '99

king of fighters '2000

A year passed since the last tournament ended. It is the year of 1996, and once again, most of the past tournament's teams were invited to the ultimate fighting tournament.

This time, the host was to be unknown, but it was certainly not Rugal; not just by the fact that the host was known to be a famous business woman, but also, the tournament broke it's own solemn seal of silence, and turned into a commercial, worldwide known event. The fights would be broadcasted by international T.V., and many sponsors would be watching the tournament.

Soon, the King of Fighters tournament got as much attention as the Olympics or the soccer World Cup. As mentioned before, the same teams of last year were invited, but most of them presented some interesting changes. Some of the more veteran fighters, such as Heidern and Takuma, retired from the battle scene, leaving their places to
those of the younger generation.

Takuma sent his daughter, Yuri, in his place in the Kyokugenryo Team, and teh Gorgeous Team welcomed Kasumi Todoh as their new teammate. Heidern gave his place to his student, Leona, a young woman with mysterious powers. Iori, after severly beating up his old partners, had made an eerie union with both of Rugal's secretaries: Mature and Vice.

But the one team that got the most attention, was the most evil team: the one leaded by Geese Howard and Wolfgang Krauser. Both of them showed by themselves that they were pretty much alive, and ready to claim rights for the tournament. Alongside them, was one of Geese's lackeys, Mr. Big, who had a very bad grudge against the
Kyokugenryo school. It seems that this year would be filled of passion and honor as well!

Before the main event began, Kyo, the fateful warrior that defeated Rugal twice in the past, was challenged by a mysterious man. Attending the invitation alone, Kyo faced this ominous man, whom offered Kyo a fight. However, even before the battle began, Kyo sensed a terrible power behind that man. The same power that Rugal possesed, and the one that destroyed him at the end. Kyo was even more anguished by the fact that the man was outrageously strong, making short work of Kyo in an instance.

Kyo winded up in the hospital, forced to improve his techniques, and to fight him once more. As fights took place, everything seemed to go perfectly on the outside: the battles went on with a more dramatic sense to it, the fighters putting their own life on the line in order to win, thus, creating much more intense fights to decide the winner.

Personal vendettas, such as the Kyo-Iori, and the Terry-Geese rivalries, took central stage in the tournament. However, an evil presence surrounded the tournament. The shadow of Rugal wasn't quite gone from the tourney, and something even worse was presented to come. Iori and the new Ikari member, Leona, began to show powers far beyond those of the fighters' comprehension, and the entrance of Geese was also quite disturbing. What was all
this ominous feeling about?

As the life-and-death battles raged on, the sense of evil power remained more and more resident in the mind of the fighters. As the finals drew nearer, the host finally revealed herself: it was no other than Chizuru Kagura, latest descendant of the Clan of the Yata, the group in charge of taking care of the seal that was imposed over an evil power.

Chizuru revealed to the competitors that the seal upon this dangerous power was broken ten years ago, and that now, it has began to run amok, now more than ever. She now needs the help of the strongest team in order to aid her in her quest to seal off the power once again. She called for the Hero Team, past champion of the two tournaments, and they responded. The Hero Team was invited to a very big stadium, property of the Kagura family. The many people united there was pretty impressive.

Chizuru appeared in front of the Hero Team, and asked them, if they were worthy, then they should have a battle with her. However, Chizuru gave more attention to Kyo than any of the other two teammates.

The Hero Team won the emotive battle against Chizuru, but she stood up to tell Kyo and his two friends that the power that ultimately vanquished Rugal was, indeed, the power of the Orochi. Benimaru and Daimon did not understand, but it did seem to ring a bell in Kyo's head. He had heard from his father that the Kusanagi was destined to battle the Orochi once again, as they did 1800 years ago in order to seal the power.

However, in the present day, the Orochi power was released by a messanger of Orochi, and that Rugal, in a haste to control that power, winded up being defeated and his right eye taken, but that he received the Orochi power anyway, the messanger knowing that it would kill him sooner or later.

As they talked, a strong wind began to blow in the stadium, and suddenly, a huge gush of wind blew everyone away...

As the Hero Team got up, the festive and happy background had been morphed into that of death and destruction. The stadium was a bit less than destroyed, and a very big power began to surface. Chizuru was barely standing, badly wounded by the past gust. With her last breath, she tells Kyo to join Iori in order to seal the Orochi power.

Kyo couldn't believe that he had to ally with his age-old enemy in order to seal the Orochi power. However, a strange voice emerged from the middle of the wind. Benimaru and Daimon did not know who that voice was, but Kyo knew for sure, since it was no other than the man who defeated him prior to the tournament.

The surface materialized. The man introduced himself as Goenitz, and that he was the one would liberate the Orochi
power completly. Kyo stood in front of him, daring Goenitz that he would be the one to stop him. Goenitz chuckled and warned Kyo the same result as the first battle. Kyo grinned and tells Goenitz he is not the same man he defeated earlier. Kyo tells Benimaru and Daimon to stand back, as they would only get killed by Goenitz subsequently.

Soon enough, Kyo and Goenitz began the fight that would decide the fate of all mankind. Kyo fought with every ounce of strength in his body, making a lot more effort than the battle he lost.

However, it was not enough to match the humongous power of Goenitz, whom, unlike Rugal, did know how to control his power, and using it in a devastating way. However, even Goenitz had trouble subduing the brave Kusanagi, and was glad that he had improved.

The huge bursts of power made the wrecked stadium tremble, and both auras were expanded to unimaginable heights. However, one blow sent Kyo flying away, and Goenitz was ready to dispose of him once and for all, until he was caught off guard by a mysterious man.

Kyo recovered and saw that it was no other than Iori! He was surprised that he would help him, but Goenitz looked even more pleased. He laughed and tells Kyo that he is finished, since Iori himself posseses the power of Orochi. Not only Iori, but also the young Ikari woman, Leona, was of Orochi blood as well. Kyo was shocked. Was that the reason why Iori was able to launch purple flames?

Iori just stood there, motionless. Iori than laughed maniacally. He tells Goenitz that only he can kill Kyo, and that's that. Goenitz grumbled, and dared both enemies to take him on. So, two eternal foes forgot their rivalry for a while, and fought side by side against a common enemy.

This time, Goenitz payed his overconfidence dearly. Facing both a Kusanagi and a Yagami was a huge mistake, and he even noticed that Iori was beginning to launch crimson flames himself! With a weakened Goenitz, Kyo and Iori winded up for the final blow.

A huge crimson blast from both warriors was more than enough to take Goenitz away. Goenitz gasped. He kneeled down, and was living his final moments. Suddenly, Chizuru surged behind him. Kagura tells him that both the
Kusanagi and the Yagami were both allies before the war, and both had aided in sealing the Orochi power 1800 years ago. Chizuru also demands payback, since Goenitz killed her sister in order to unleash the Orochi power. Goenitz grins, and tells Chizuru that the battle is far from over. With a gust of wind, Goenitz vanished in thin air.

The wind receeded. Chizuru tells both Kyo and Iori that they should become allies once again, in order to face the inminent danger that would unfold in front of them. Iori grumbles, and says he has his own intentions. And has he
walks away, Iori finally stops and begins to clutch his chest. He then launches a blood-curling scream, and spits out blood.

Chizuru is surprised, and says Iori is now passing through the Riot of Blood, process in which the Orochi blood
inside him begins to awaken. Iori begins to terribly freak out, becoming more monster than human. His teammates, Mature and Vice, try to stop him, but they pay for their interference by being ripped away by the insane Iori. Kyo now stands alone, with the danger of Orochi still fresh in his mind and soul.

One year flew by. Although the last tournament had a tragic ending, the sponsors were satisfied by the success of the tournament in gathering millions of spectators worldwide. Thus, many of the more richer men in the world began to sponsor what would be the fourth tournament, to be taken place in 1997.

This time, though, there would be preelimanry rounds before the definitive matches. This time, the excitement would build up even before the actual tournament, and more people would see the battles worldwide.

This time, most of the teams which have always participated in the last tournaments won the right to compete yet again. Chizuru, the past host of the tournament, teamed up with Mai and King, whom had lost Kasumi. Iori and Kyo's student, Shingo Yabuki, entered as single entries.

Two new teams were introduced, however. One of them was a team sent out by Geese Howard, whom had quitted to the tournament, as well as Krauser and Mr. Big. In it was Billy Kane, Geese's bodyguard, with direct orders to watch over Iori, and investigate about the Orochi power, despite Billy's hatred towards Iori. Alongside him was Ryuji Yamazaki, a madman who would kill his own mother for a dime. Yamazaki was promised double the tournament's prize money if he could win. The third member was Blue Mary, an agent who was working undercover to investigate Yamazaki, and even Billy.

The other team was unexpected; a last minute entry, to be precise. The three fellows were known to be members of a music band, but they suddenly emerged as the new team of the King of Fighters tournament. The team was formed by Yashiro Nanakase, Shermie, and a little kid named Chris. The three seemed to be innocent, but lethal fighters...

Thus, began the tournament once again. This time, the final matches would take place in six different countries around the globe, always receiving a huge propaganda, mostly on T.V.. The matches were more intense than ever, but the danger of the Orochi was covering the competition with it's eerie shadow.

What would happen with Iori and Leona? What does the New Face Team really want? Nobody dared to ask those questions, as perhaps, the answers would be catastrophic. The fights were still held on, and the people were satisfied by the huge amount of competition, mostly since all of the fighters came back with more and better techniques than ever before. It was unexpected to see who would win, and the fighters gave all they got in order to keep the heat on. That is, until the last days of the tournament...

During the final days, Iori and Leona were reported missing. A frantic search began for the two Orochi blood members. Also, the New Face Team began to act a lot more stranger these past days. As if they knew something...

Finally, Iori and Leona were encountered. However, they were no longer the same: the Riot of Blood had gained total control of their minds, and since they were not able to control the power, they became just bloodthirsty monsters, seeking out to kill as many people as they could. Kyo and the rest of his friends had a hard time trying to stop the enraged Iori and Leona.

Ralf and Clark, Leona's partners, promised they would stop Leona's rampage, and told Kyo to do the same with Iori. Thus, the heroic fighters began to fight again. But, if they went berserk, was that because it was a sign of Orochi being near?

They tried to spare the thought, but as they met and fought the freaked out Iori and Leona, it became more and more evident...

Kyo and his friends managed to stop the crazed Iori in his tracks, and Ralf and Clark finished their mission as well, successful in stopping Leona. However, this was no more than the beginning... Three figures stood besides them. The figures were more than familiar. It was the New Face Team! However, they had certainly changed. Their clothes had a different color, but most of all, their aura was filled with the evil stench of Orochi. That could only mean
that the New Face Team were of Orochi blood as well!

However, they seemed to be perfectly normal. Yashiro took a step forward, and smickered. He beckons that they are three of the Four Heavenly Kings of Orochi, the fourth being Goenitz. Yashiro also tells the surprised competitors that they are out to finish Goenitz' mission. It seems that although defeated, Goenitz was successful in gathering enough fighting energy from the fighters, and this time, even more fighting aura was gathered, and the Orochi was close to being resurrected!

Even so, it was revealed that even the crazy Yamazaki was an Orochi blood member! Kyo and his friends vowed to the Orochi New Face Team, that they would stop them before they realize their ambition. Yashiro grins, and clenches his fist, calling out arrogantly: "You do not have to pray...even if you win, a living hell will be waiting for you all!"

Kyo and his justice friends, Benimaru, Terry, Ryo, Daimon, Athena, Kim etc. all did their best in fighting against the inmensly powerful Orochi New Face Team. Their powers were superb, surpassing far more those of Goenitz.

Their powers, however, simulated those of the Hero Team. It seems that they copied their techniques since they were so useful in the past! However, evil can not triumph. With a great deal of sacrifice, an all-out battle took place, the age-old war between good and evil took place once again.

Every fighter did their best effort to stop the three Heavenly Kings, even though most of them were terribly underpowered. But the human spirit, the need to defend their world prevailed. The good will always triumph against evil.

Thus, the Orochi New Face Team, after a long and difficult battle, was finally defeated. Few fighters were left standing, but all glad they were able to protect their world...

However, the worst part of the battle had not yet come. Yashiro and Shermie both laughed, and congratulated the fighters. Kyo demanded their real purpose, and it seemed that they only fought as long as to gather the remaining
energy for the Orochi to awaken! Suddenly, Chris, the innocent kid, began to float among the other two Orochi kings. And, all of a sudden, Yashiro and Shermie killed themselves right in front of Chris' eyes!

The fighters were dumbfounded. Chris had began to gather a VERY strong amount of energy. Chris opened his eyes. He began to talk in an omnipotent voice. He claimed that all humankind would die at his hands, and that this time, he would finish what began 1800 years ago. Chris then morphed, from becoming an innocent kid, to a young man, with such a goldike feeling to him. His hair was white, his chest tattoed, and his eyes gleeming with the scent of death. This time, the moment had arrived, the time to fight Orochi!

It didn't take long for Orochi to prove his true power. With no effort at all, he blew the rest of the fighters away. This was the true power of the Orochi! Even Kyo fell to the ground, defeated. He began to lose his consciousness, and everything turned black around him. Suddenly, amidst the darkness, Kyo could hear voices...faint voices, similiar to those of spirits.

The ghosts told Kyo that they were the spirit of the Yagami, dead ancestors of Iori. The Yagami pledged Kyo to end the curse that has been imposed on the Yagami ever since their blood pact with the Orochi 660 years ago. It seems that the Orochi power was the cause of the Yagami's short lifespan!

Kyo then heard the voices of his friends, and his girlfriend, Yuki. Yuki was one of the eight Kushinada girls, destined to be sacrificed in order to awaken Orochi. Yuki says that since she was the only Kushinada to not be sacrificed, she would aid him. Kyo slowly got up. He found Iori standing right next to him. He had seems to be able to get back to normal, and smiled at Kyo. "It seems that we will die together, eh Kusanagi? How ironic that you will not die by my hand...". Kyo just grinned, and tells Iori that they have a lost job to do. Chizuru calls both from behind, and tells them they she will take care of the seal once they have defeated Orochi.

Kyo and Iori go into battle... A mortal battle, a battle were no one could live. Somebody was going to die that day, and the one who would live, would take the world. Kyo and Iori fought with the last amounts of power left in their
tired bodies, but managed to turn Orochi back.

They fought with no regrets, no preoccupations. They would die anyway, so it was better to make the most of it!
Even Chizuru colaborated a bit to fight Orochi, and the battle of 1800 years ago repeated itself...Kusanagi and Yagami fighting together, Kagura taking care of the seal.

At the end of the battle, Orochi grew tired, and used all his power to input the Riot of Blood on Iori once again. Iori began to go insane again, but Kyo pledged for him to regain senses. But it was too late... Iori had gone berserk again. Orochi commanded Iori to attack both Kyo and Chizuru, and kill them both.

However, it was Orochi who was attacked by the powered Iori! Iori grabs Orochi by the neck, and Chizuru bids Kyo to hurry up and finish him. Kyo denies, and exclaims he would kill Iori as well. Chizuru says he has no time, since Iori will hold no longer, since Orochi was using the remaining of his power to take Iori out of the way. Kyo then gathers all the strength given to him by Yuki and his friends, and gives a full, crmison blow to Orochi...

The sky's dark clouds clear. The sun shines again. The world is safe once more. Everybody still remember the heroic deeds of the tournament fighters. Orochi sleeps once again, but still, it is yet to be defined who will be the next...

Two years had passed since the fateful battle against the Orochi clan. During this period of time, the winds of peace blew again throughout a world that had suffered the consecuences of the ambition of the Orochi power. Once having been a fighting stage to the death between the Kusanagi and Yagami clan against Orochi, the people of the world once again lived with joy and satsifaction.

The fighters of the past tournaments could finally get a rest from so many years of battle, and decided to only hone their skills in local tournaments, in order to maintain themselves in practice. Thanks to these warriors, the human race could live to see the dawn of another day.

However, unknown was the fate of the two main fighters that fought bravely against the menace of the Orochi power: Kyo Kusanagi and Iori Yagami. After the final battle, the two latest descendants of the legendary clans had vanished, and nobody had heard anything about them. Not even Chizuru Kagura, the descendant to the Clan of the Yata, protectors of the Orochi seal, knew what was the fate of the two young warriors.

Despite that, all the fighters decided to take a rest, knowing that now that the Orochi threat was gone, the world would be at rest, since nobody could attempt the revival of the Orochi power for 100 years. But destiny does not
respect personal thoughts....

All of a sudden, and out of nowhere, invitations were sent out once again to the most powerful fighters in the world in order to gather around for the fifth King of Fighters tournament. This time around, the tournament would return to the shades of secrecy from where it surged, away from the glamour of public attention and massive communication transmission. The battles would once again retain its category of honor and glory battles from the bases of the fight.

No longer was there any business profits among the battles, but just sheer, pure brawls to the finish. However, that was the least important modification to the tournament. For the first time in 5 years, the basic rules of the tournament had changed. This time around, now up to 4 fighters could make up a team: three of them would act as main fighters of the match, the remaining warrior was only allowed to participate for a short while in the match, executing any attack they would prefer, and their appearances would be restricted to a certain number.

This would make the battles a lot more dramatic than ever before, with up to four fighters dueling at the same
time!

Basically, the main teams of the past four tournaments were to be invited again to this ultimate brawl, some of them bringing back faces from the past in order to do battle again, and some of them had new faces among their lineup, for a shocking new experience.

The Lonely Wolves finally accepted the red-haired female ninja Mai Shiranui in their team (of course, to fight aside her one true love, Andy Bogard). The students of Kyokugenryo Karate joined their master, Takuma Sakazaki, once more in order to show the world the might of their martial art!

The Ikari Warriors recruited a new mercenary among their ranks: another young female soldier, whose name reflected her weapon of choice: Whip.

The Psycho Soldiers introduced a new child with psychic powers called Bao, but with the Sie Kensou enigma, who had began to lose his own powers himself.

Kim Kaphwan's old training partner, Jhun Hoon, joined the Tae Kwon Do justice fighters in order to show which way of justice was more adequate (much to Chang Koehan and Choi Bounge's dismay!).

King gathers her Southtown female friends (Blue Mary, Kasumi Todoh, and newcomer Li Xiangfei) to form a more beautiful and more lethal gorgeous team! However, the new fighters were to create quite the mysterious athmosphere in the tournament....

Benimaru Nikaido, decided to take Kyo's spot as number one fighter, and Shingo Yabuki, intent of honoring the memory of his master, were teamed with two enigmatic warriors. Both were silent, but had furious looks in their eyes, showing no trace of feelings. A gloomy aura and violent fighting techniques soon awaked the bad feelings of the other participants. Their names, as mysterious as their lives: K' and Maxima. Nobody knew their real purpose, but many obviously suspected about them....

The most incredible thing ever saw was the two new single entries. It was Kyo Kusanagi... Times two! It was unbelievable how the two fighters had such a striking resemblance to the most powerful fighter that ever graced the King of Fighters scene.

Both clones used the legendary Kusanagi techniques that made Kyo the legend he was, precise to the drop of a dime. How could they appear? Did they know anything about the fate of the real Kyo? Before any questions could be asked, the tournament was already in progress...

Despite having been out of activity for two long years, the fighters could develop new and devastating techniques that were prompt in lighting up the battle stage in a more brilliant way than ever! It was almost like a new battle once again... The battle that indicated the beginning of a new millenium!

The four member rule made the fights a lot more strategic than ever before, and the will of becoming the new champion impulsed the warriors to make their best effort, more than ever before. With the memory of Kyo in the minds of many fighters, and the shadow of the Orochi power being only a bad dream, the contestants could unleash
forward their true power with no withdrawl or regrets.

This time around, the sense of vengeance and score-settles were replaced by the glory and excitement of facing
a worthy opponent and fighting with all their might to become a more complete fighter and hone their skills!

Taken by the hand by K' and Maxima, Benimaru and Shingo realized their dream of arriving to the final match, and becoming the new figures of the King of Fighters scene. The last fight was scheduled at a very rare spot: the sewers. Not quite the place to fight the last match.

While the new Hero team was waiting for the last team to arrive, the sewer stream suddenly dried out, running through some shafts below them. They suddenly found themselves standing on a metal surface. As if it weren't enough, the floor began to move, and sent the four warriors down! It was no other than a huge elevator platform that was sending the young fighters underground, to an unkown location....

Meanwhile, at the Ikari Warriors command room, the commander of the mercenary squad, Heidern, was monitoring several parts of the world, and detected a weird signal pattern. Several bizarre radio patterns were being emitted from many countries worldwide. Heidern ordered the origins of such signals, and to his surprise, all the signals came from exact replicas of Kyo Kusanagi!

There were Kyos all over the world: among the citizens of the big cities, hidden in the deepest forests, underwater, in the air...everywhere! Heidern could present an evil stench at the core of the tournament, and the source came from the more powerful signal: sector 70599.

The elevator that was taking Benimaru, Shingo, K', and Maxima finally stopped in front of a huge metallic door, with the inscription "70599" at the front. Benimaru and Shingo are confused with the whole situation, but K' and Maxima don't seem to be altered at the very least.

Before Benimaru and Shingo could realize what was going on, the huge door opened. It was too unexpected. Suddenly, red lights flashed everywhere, and several computer screens turned on. Among the whole show, a
deep, daring voice invited the team to enter his domain. The finals would begin as soon as possible. Benimaru and Shingo demanded the man to show himself.

The man who came out was more than intimidating: he was rather tall, not very well built, but his eyes expressed anger and bloodlust. He weared a very thick clothing, not revealing anything of his body. Stranger than that, the fighters could not feel any fighting spirit from him... But his strength showed otherwise.

Benimaru cried out: "What is this all about?!". K' sneered and said: "I don't know, but it's a challenge that I'm sure we can't decline!".

The ultimate match began. The bloody fight raged on, with the mystery man showing no effort in executing devastating moves. The Hero team suspected that this ravaging warrior wasn't using his whole power, and was merely playing with them.

Sensing something funny going on, they decided to hold back to see his reaction. However, despite not using their full power, the ominous fighter was getting the upper hand with his overwhelming, unnatural power. The fight was certainly getting nowhere, and becoming terribly long.

All of a sudden, in a display of raging outburst, Benimaru attacks the man with his full power. K' tries to stop him, but strangely enough, Benimaru knocks the man down to the ground rather easily. Could this be the end of the match...?

The mysterious man slowly stood up, and began to chuckle eeringly. All of a sudden, all the computer screens surrounding the whole dark room lighted up, displaying a bunch of computer data. The whole chamber lighted up, to show an inmense base, displaying the ultimate technology!

Benimaru and Shingo are puzzled at the size of the facility. The man begins to laugh manically, and grumbles in a
low pitched voice: "You knew, didn't you, K'?". Benimaru and Shingo turn back to K' looking for an answer, but are met with the cold gaze of the mysterious warrior.

Shingo wants to know who he is and what he wants. The man introduces himself as Krizalid, and that he brought them here to accomplish his ultimate purpose. Shingo affirms that what does the King of Fighters tournament have to do with anything. Krizalid smiles and says he used the King of Fighters name to call the strongest fighters, so he could bring them to his facility, and accomplish his goal.

Suddenly, all the screens display the same image: scenes of the Kyo Kusanagi replicas all around the world. Krizalid accepts that he took the unconsicious body of the original Kyo Kusanagi, worn out by the effort made in the last battle against the Orochi clan, and took his DNA to clone him into several clones, two of which entered the King of Fighters tournament.

However, the real Kyo Kusanagi escaped midway through the process, and his whereabouts unknown. He would input the fighting data that he had collected through the last battle in order to activate the clones, and create a unified attack that would take out all the governments of the world, and surrender to him! Benimaru and Shingo gasp in terror.

At the Ikari Warriors command room, Heidern orders the deploy of his units in order to stop the Kyo invasion, and that he would soon follow. However, before the operation begins, one of the radios manages to capture the dialogue in the underground base. In it, Benimaru asks how could Krizalid capture the fighting data. Krizalid informs him that it was sent through his body, and channeled through the computers.

As a matter of fact, Krizalid reveals that K' is no other than his clone, since Krizalid infused himself with the power of the Kusanagi through a battle suit, and K' being a clone of himself. However, since K' had no control over his power like Krizalid could, he was forced to use a special glove in order to retain the inmense power inside him. K' refuses to believe this, but when Krizalid asks him about his parents and childhood, K' is speechless, as he can't remind it.

Krizalid reveals that one last data is to be collected...the killer instinct! And he would do that by killing them all! Suddenly, Krizalid burns his clothes out, and remains with his battle suit. The true battle was about to begin....

The change of pace of the fight soon began to become terribly one-sided. The power of Krizalid was more than godlike, his inhuman powers just plowing through Benimaru and Shingo. Using the power of the Kusanagi, Krizalid's violent attitude was more than anyone could withstand. His speed and strength had no match.

Soon enough, Maxima and K' were alone to fight Krizalid. Despite fighting with all their might, Krizalid's superior power almost obligates them to kneel before his advantage. Krizalid laughs, and is impressed by their resistance, but it would soon end. Suddenly, Maxima nails Krizalid with a power punch from behind, making Krizalid reel. Maxima shouts out for K', who in an instant, used his whole power to channel a full-fledged flame blast at Krizalid.

The consequent explosion sends Krizalid flying away. Maxima and K' fall to the ground, sure of their victory. However, as both help Benimaru and Shingo up, Krizalid still stands behind them. Maxima and K' are dumbfounded, having no remains of strength. Krizalid is downright mad, and is about to eliminate the couple of traitors.

However, suddenly, a crimson flame blast shoots through the room, lighting up the whole room, and tearing through Krizalid like paper. Krizalid falls to the ground, and another mysterious figure draws near. K' senses a familiar presence. Benimaru and Shingo could barely believe what their eyes could see... It was Kyo, the real Kyo!

It was evident, thanks to his huge fighting spirit. Kyo smiles and greets his friends. Krizalid slowly helps himself to his feet. He just can't believe that he had lost with his inmense power. Suddenly, a very bright light shines from above.
Everybody is dumbfounded at the shine of it.

An omnipotent voice shouts: "You have failed." Now fearful and insecure, the once raging Krizalid begs for his life, as he can still activate the clones with the data he has collected. However, the clones have already been deactivated, and the data shall be saved for another time... And all the agents of this project must be eliminated.

Krizalid is paralyzed by the fear, but he does not have any time to think it over... A huge rock falls from above, burying Krizalid to the ground.

Kyo, enraged, demands the true intention to the light. The omnipotent voice rings again: "We, the Nests cartel, plan to forward the plan for 10 years! But you must be eliminated!". Kyo laughs, and says arrogantly: "Don't mess with me, pal!". Suddenly, the base begins to shake, and pieces of scrap begin to fall from above.

The base is beginning to crumble! However, K' is more than intent on fighting his original. "I've been waiting to fight a powerful opponent... Someone like you, Kyo Kusanagi!", K' growls.

However, a door shuts between him and Kyo, as well as closing Benimaru and Shingo out of the room. Shingo wants to help Kyo out, but Benimaru warns that their own lives are in danger, and persuades him to escape from the base.

Meanwhile, K' and Maxima are ambushed by the unit of the Ikari Warriors... And the leader of the unit nears Krizalid's inert body. A female figure...

Meanwhile, inside the base, Kyo Kusanagi stands among the chaos around him. He seems confident, as always. He smiles, closes his eyes, and says: "So, you're still around, eh?". A mysterious voice approaches Kyo: "You knew that I would come back for you..."

Kyo waves his hand and affirms: "Well, that guy's toast, anyway. Besides, only those of the bloodline could control such power! He didn't have a chance!". The figure behinds him laughs, and stands into the light.

It's Iori Yagami, who has returned as well. He smiles and says: "Good memory of yours... Shall we get this show done?". Kyo just shrugs his shoulders and says: "Really need to ask?".

The two legendary fighters engage in battle once more. No longer is there hatred in their eyes. Only the feeling of fighting a worthy opponent, and the excitement of battle....