Kaioh Kaku's deep laugh filled the lounge, causing delicate cups of tea to tremble.
"Hahahahaha! Good! I'll go call the Martial Arts Association and the remaining grandmasters to discuss this."
But then, with a playful glint in his eye, Kaku reached out and flicked Sol Mirek lightly on the head.
"Be careful with my teacups," he teased.
Sol rubbed his head, a helpless smile on his face. "I'll pay for them. Don't worry."
Kaku snorted. "Stop pretending. I know you're just thick‑skinned. Those cups are centuries old. You can't replace them."
"You head to the meeting room first," Kaku said, gesturing with his wheelchair. "I'll take care of the new tournament rules."
"All right." Sol nodded, feeling his heart beat faster. The idea of facing five opponents stirred excitement deep in him.
Soon, the three leaders of the Martial Arts Association and the grandmasters arrived at the meeting room on time, though each looked confused.
"Sir Kaku, may I ask why you summoned us?" the head of the Martial Arts Association asked with a nervous tone.
"Just wait a moment. Retsu is still finishing his match," Kaku said, closing his eyes and remaining silent. An uncomfortable chill settled over the room.
Everyone there straightened in their seats, small beads of sweat forming on their foreheads. The tension was palpable, and thoughts raced: This is not good.
But among the anxious crowd, only Sol appears calm, reclined casually in the seat and waiting for Retsu to finish.
Seeing that relaxed confidence inspired both awe and envy. As expected of someone highly praised by Kaku, his composure under pressure was remarkable and set him far above most present.
"Click."
The meeting room door opened, and Retsu Kaioh stepped inside, still sweating from his recent fight. The atmosphere made him pause in surprise.
"My apologies. I'm late." Retsu bowed respectfully toward Kaku and then stood beside Sol.
Kaku opened his eyes and looked at Retsu.
"Retsu, sorry for calling you straight from competition," he said softly.
"It's fine," Retsu replied, though even more sweat formed.
"Tell me," Kaku continued with a serious expression, "how do you feel about your last match?"
Retsu blinked, clearly caught off guard.
"I'll be direct," Kaku said, "I'm disappointed."
"You've earned your title, yet your performance was below what I expect," Kaku pressed.
"Yes… you're right," Retsu nodded.
"After the first round, only three competitors remain: you, Sol Mirek, and I." Kaku rose from his wheelchair.
"To the leaders of the Martial Arts Association, extend your right hands."
"Your… right hands?" the association leaders exchanged confused glances but obliged.
"It seems you've been pampered too much," Kaku commented, then swiftly pinned their hands together with a sharp metal needle and chopped downward with his palm.
"Thud!"
All three hands hit the ground as blood gushed.
"Ahhh!!!" The leaders screamed, clutching the stumps of their severed wrists and collapsing to their knees in pain.
The grandmasters watched in shock and fear, especially the weaker ones.
"You, the Martial Arts Association, are responsible for this disgrace," Kaku's voice remained calm. "This is your punishment."
"We will win the Grand Raitai Tournament with honor!"
Kaku clapped twice, and just then the meeting room door opened. A tall, lean man in pristine white robes walked in with hands in his pockets, followed by a burly figure in a brown vest.
"This is Harunari," Kaku announced proudly, "my son, born when I was one hundred and twenty."
"And this is my friend Long."
"They will represent our team."
Suddenly, someone spoke up from the gathered grandmasters.
"Then what about my match with Lahan?" asked the muscular fighter wearing a simple turban.
"No match will count if one participant can't compete," Kaku said, stepping toward him before lightly punching him.
"Bang."
Lahan collapsed instantly, unconscious and stiff on the ground.
Kaku turned and nodded to the others.
"Is there a problem?"
Lahan groaned weakly and shook his head.
"No problem."
"Then our team is now set," Kaku announced.
"Retsu, Sol, go and propose this format to the competitors from Neo‑Earth and the United States," Kaku instructed.
Retsu and Sol exchanged glances and exited the meeting room.
In the hallway, Retsu wiped cold sweat from his forehead. "Kaku really lost his temper this time."
Sol smiled, light‑hearted even in tension. "Those weak grandmasters needed a lesson. The title isn't about etiquette. It's about strength and honor."
They reached the foreign fighters' lounge and gathered everyone.
"Gentlemen," Retsu began, surveying the crowd, "we have a proposal. We want to change the format to a team battle. Five fighters from our team versus five from your side. The winning team gets to keep fighting in the arena."
Yujiro Hanma leaned against the wall, his shoulders shaking with laughter.
"Hahahahaha! Did you hear that? A team battle. China vs Japan‑America. That's rich! It's pathetic! Hahahahaha!" Yujiro mocked loudly.
Sol just smirked, unfazed.
"It doesn't matter if you agree," Sol said casually with a playful tilt to his voice, "I just think waiting several days to fight weaklings is a waste of time."
"If none of you have the guts to fight one on one…"
"Then for the next match, everyone come at once. I'm ready."
And with that, a mix of tension, excitement, and disbelief rippled through the gathered fighters.