After successfully achieving an epic reconciliation between Kyo Kusanagi and Iori Yagami—that "millennial ship"—and guiding each to comprehend ultimate techniques transcending destiny, Cloud could finally prepare his own "final battle form."
After all, as both director and ultimate trump card, if he wasn't cool enough to hold the stage, wouldn't that be embarrassing?
He shut himself in the "Dimensional Furnace" room at the mansion's deepest level.
This was a private space Cloud had created using top-tier materials plundered from various worlds combined with Dimensional Power. At its core sat the Dimensional Furnace, capable of melting down anything.
Cloud sat cross-legged before the furnace and opened the long-neglected system panel.
After "diligent cultivation" across so many worlds, his system account had accumulated an astronomical amount of Source Points.
These Source Points were the quantified result of various energies, bloodlines, and items he'd plundered—essentially hard currency of the universe.
"System, time to empty the shopping cart." Cloud's tone was like someone preparing to splurge on Singles' Day.
[Host, please confirm your consumption intent. Friendly reminder: This consumption may leave your account balance in deficit for the next ten years.]
"Cut the nonsense," Cloud waved dismissively. "I'm throwing a cross-dimensional Party, so naturally I need to send the most ceremonious invitations. Open all available permissions—I'm going to... call in reinforcements!"
[Command confirmed. Cross-dimensional summoning protocol initiated. Consuming Source Points to construct temporary dimensional channels... Channel stability: 30 minutes. Please select summoning targets promptly.]
Before Cloud's eyes appeared a massive star map composed of countless world coordinates. Several were exceptionally bright because he had personally "visited" them.
He first pointed at the world filled with "Hadou" and "Shoryuken" energy—the Street Fighter dimension.
"Old friends, time to stretch those muscles."
...
Street Fighter World, deep in the Japanese mountains.
A man in a white training gi with a red headband sat meditating beneath a waterfall, letting the icy torrent crash against his steel-like muscles. This was the eternal seeker—Ryu.
Suddenly, his eyes snapped open.
A familiar voice tinged with teasing resonated directly in his mind:
"Yo, Ryu, still doing the waterfall thing? Is your water bill free or something?"
Ryu's face showed both respect and surprise: "Mr. Ling... is that you?"
It was Cloud's appearance that had once guided him to comprehend the "Satsui no Hado" and ascend to a higher martial realm. Ryu's heart was full of gratitude for this mysterious master who was both teacher and friend.
"It's me!" Cloud's voice continued. "Long story short—I've got a cosmic-level problem here. A big one who likes eating worlds like hamburgers. I need your fist. Interested in joining an ultimate fighting tournament to decide the fate of all worlds?"
Ryu didn't hesitate for a moment. He slowly rose, clenching his fists. Water splashed off him.
"A true warrior never fears a challenge. I accept your invitation."
"Good. Bring Ken along while you're at it."
"Ken? But he's in America at some business event..."
"No problem. I'll give him a reason he can't refuse."
...
Street Fighter World, New York City, Times Square.
A blond handsome man in a red gi was surrounded by reporters and fans. This was Ryu's fellow disciple and heir to the Masters Corporation—Ken Masters.
"Mr. Ken! What are your thoughts on this year's All-American Fighting Championship?"
"Mr. Ken! How do you maintain your Shoryuken? Any secrets to share?"
Ken was about to strike a cool pose to answer when a voice in his head made his hair stand on end:
"Ken, I hear you got another limited-edition Ferrari recently? Nice, your taste is improving."
"L-Lord Ling?!" Ken's smile froze on his face.
He would never forget how Cloud could traverse space-time. Witnessing this terrifying ability again sent chills down his spine.
"I've got a party here, and you're the only one missing." Cloud's voice carried irresistible "goodwill." "You have ten seconds to disappear from the spot. Otherwise, those treasures in your garage might collectively become scrap metal."
Whoosh—!
Before the words finished, Ken's figure had already become a red blur vanishing from the crowd. He left behind only confused reporters and a wail echoing through the air:
"My Ferrari—!"
...
Street Fighter World, an uninhabited island.
A burly man with wild red hair and a giant "天" (Heaven) character carved on his back had just punched a volcano into dormancy. This was—Akuma.
"Hmph, boring. This world no longer has opponents worthy of my full strength." Akuma spoke coldly.
"Oh? Is that so?"
Cloud's voice appeared ghost-like by his ear.
Akuma's pupils contracted sharply: "You!? You've returned to this world?"
"Don't act so surprised, old Gouki." Cloud teased. "I found you a new toy. Someone who claims to be a god—supposedly eats a universe per meal. Interested in... killing a god?"
The "Satsui no Hado" instantly surged to its peak. The entire island trembled under this terrifying aura.
Akuma's lips split into a savage, excited grin.
"A god? Excellent... Let my fist measure the weight of this deity!"
"Shun Goku Satsu!"
Akuma's figure instantly vanished, charging directly into the temporary dimensional channel Cloud had opened for him.
...
Having secured the Street Fighter world's "battle maniac trio," Cloud turned his gaze to that world filled with nature and sword spirit—the Samurai Shodown dimension.
...
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