"Ryo, are you saying I should..."
"Yuri's feelings aren't something I should interfere with as her brother." Ryo's tone was calm, but his eyes were honest.
"She's grown up now and has her own thoughts. I can't keep breaking the legs of every man who tries to get close to her and throwing them out like I used to."
He looked at Robert, his gaze turning serious. "So, Robert, this is between you two. I'm not taking sides or playing favorites. You two can have your 'friendly competition.' As long as that kid doesn't bully Yuri, I won't intervene."
Though Ryo was a complete siscon, he was first and foremost a martial artist of honor.
He understood that delicate flowers couldn't grow in a greenhouse. His sister's happiness would ultimately be her own choice.
All he could do was watch from the sidelines and ensure she wasn't truly hurt.
He admired Cloud's determination and talent, and he also acknowledged Robert's years of devotion to his sister.
Both were precious to him. He could only choose to trust his sister—and these two equally exceptional young men.
Robert understood instantly.
"Got it!" Robert's eyes blazed with fighting spirit and... jealousy!
"Cloud, is it? Very well! Let's see what kind of divine being dares to compete with me, Robert Garcia, for a woman!"
He straightened his expensive suit, a confident smile curling at the corner of his mouth, and strode into the dojo.
He would use his strength to show this "Cloud" fellow what true "limits" meant!
...
South Town's air always seemed to carry the hormones of battle.
When Robert pulled up to Cloud's beachfront villa in his Ferrari—worth enough to buy an entire block of shops in South Town—Cloud was leisurely sunbathing.
He wore beach shorts and sunglasses, lounging under an umbrella on his private beach. A glass of iced lemon water sat on the small table beside him.
The sea breeze was gentle, the sun was warm. Life was peaceful—not at all like South Town.
"Excuse me, are you Mr. Cloud?"
A polite voice with barely suppressed arrogance called out.
Cloud removed his sunglasses and looked up.
Before him stood a blonde pretty-boy in a hand-tailored Armani suit, Ferragamo limited-edition shoes, and a Patek Philippe celestial watch that was practically blinding—wearing a professional smile.
Good lord, the "money power" energy is overwhelming!
"That's me." Cloud replied lazily. "And you are...?"
"Robert Garcia, at your service." Robert made an elegant self-introduction, then got straight to the point. "Ryo mentioned you. I'm quite impressed by your abilities. So I came today hoping for a friendly exchange between men."
He emphasized "between men" quite deliberately.
Cloud understood immediately.
"Friendly exchange" was the excuse. Jealousy was the reality.
This was the legendary "official pairing" for Yuri Sakazaki—the wealthy, handsome Italian prince.
Before he could respond, the system in his mind had already chimed in, even more excited than he was.
[Ding! Key figure "Robert Garcia" has issued a challenge! Special Mission triggered: Showdown with a Rival!]
[Mission Objective: Achieve victory in a public match against Robert.]
[Mission Rewards: Will be determined by the "style" of Host's victory.]
- B-Rank Victory (narrow win): Source Points ×5,000, Robert Affection +10 A-
- Rank Victory (dominant win): Source Points ×10,000, Robert Affection +20
- S-Rank Victory (crushing victory): Source Points ×20,000, Skill "Kyokugenryu: Art of the Flying Swallow," Robert's Check ($1,000,000 USD), Robert Affection +30 (Sworn brothers through combat)
Staring at the lavish rewards for S-Rank victory, Cloud's eyes went wide.
"LET'S GO!" Cloud roared internally.
He shot up from his lounge chair, his smile even more enthusiastic than Robert's, and extended his hand proactively.
"So you're Robert! I've heard so much about you! I've long admired your 'Dragon Fang' and 'Flying Dragon Kick'!"
Robert was caught off guard by this sudden warmth but politely shook hands anyway.
"Since this is a man's exchange," Cloud's gaze sharpened instantly, "we naturally need a stage worthy of us. Let's settle it at the Kyokugenryu Dojo. I'd like Ryo and the others to witness my training results."
"My thoughts exactly!" Robert's eyes blazed with fighting spirit.
He'd been looking for a chance to "educate" this "wild boar" who'd appeared out of nowhere—right in front of Yuri!
...
News spread like wildfire through Cloud's social circle.
"WHAT?! Cloud's going to fight Robert?!"
Mai was getting her nails done when she heard. She nearly painted polish on her face.
"Brother! Look! Cloud and Robert are going to fight!"
Yuri was the first to get the news at the dojo, her young face filled with tension and anticipation.
Half an hour later, the Kyokugenryu Dojo was packed.
Not only were all the dojo students present, surrounding the training floor, but Terry, Andy, Mai, and others had rushed over to "watch the show."
At the center of the dojo, Cloud and Robert faced each other from a distance. The tension was palpable.