"So…" King Jikai swallowed hard, his fists trembling slightly, "how exactly are we going to deal with this monster?"
Doppo Orochi patted his shoulder. "Don't think about winning. Just focus on exhausting his stamina."
King Jikai exhaled deeply, slowly loosening his hands. "I understand. I'll go first."
With that, he stepped out of the waiting area, his tall figure momentarily looking frail as he made his way into the arena.
The moment King Jikai appeared, the audience erupted in cheers.
"After some discussion, the Japan-America Alliance Team has sent out King Jikai!"
"Can this Karate master from Neon stand against the China Team's ultimate weapon?" the commentator asked, voice trembling with excitement.
Sol Mirek, still meditating, slowly rose to his feet, calmly watching King Jikai approach.
"Clang!"
"Begin!" The gong sounded, and the match officially started.
King Jikai faced Sol, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. The sheer presence of this monster alone drained his courage.
"Sol… guide me," King Jikai said, his voice shaking slightly. He had no intention of trying tricks that might provoke Sol's wrath.
Sol nodded calmly. "Sent out alone, huh?"
He stood perfectly still, watching the constantly sweating King Jikai.
"Yes… five against one is too cruel. Even a relay battle would be tough. I hope you understand," King Jikai said, taking a deep breath before exploding into motion.
He moved like a ghost, his right hand forming a blade as it darted toward Sol's throat.
Lightning-fast, the strike drew gasps from the audience. But Sol merely tilted his head, narrowly evading the blow.
"What?" King Jikai's eyes widened. He immediately shifted to a sweeping attack, only for Sol to casually block it with his hand.
"Bang."
The dull thud of impact echoed through the arena. King Jikai felt as though he had struck an iron wall, pain radiating through his arm.
"The Japan-America Alliance Team's first fighter is easily neutralized by Sol! Is this the strength of the ultimate weapon?" the commentator shouted.
At the waiting area, the team watched tensely.
"King Jikai's Karate is known for its variety and unpredictability, yet Sol anticipates every move," Doppo observed, furrowing his brows.
Yujiro Hanma grinned ferociously. "Responding after the attack? King Jikai's moves are child's play in front of this kid."
King Jikai attacked over thirty times without landing a hit. His breath grew ragged, sweat soaking his gi. He seemed forced to consider underhanded tactics.
"What's wrong? Is this all you've got?" Sol's voice remained calm, his breathing steady.
"Wait! I…" King Jikai raised both hands as if surrendering, then suddenly launched the "Twin Dragons Seizing Pearls," aiming for Sol's eyes.
Gasps rippled through the audience.
"The Neon people are attacking the eyes! Disgraceful!"
But Sol didn't flinch. His right hand, like an iron clamp, seized King Jikai's wrist and twisted gently.
"Crack!"
A bone-snapping sound echoed. King Jikai cried out in pain, collapsing to his knees, his wrist grotesquely twisted. Beads of sweat rolled onto the arena floor.
"King Jikai's wrist is broken! Sol's counterattack is precise and devastating!" the commentator exclaimed.
The audience erupted—some gasped, others cheered, many covering their eyes.
"Too strong! Is this the ultimate weapon?"
"That Neon fighter is no match at all!"
"A true strong person wouldn't be defeated by such cheap tactics; King Jikai miscalculated."
In the waiting area, Baki's fists tightened. "King Jikai can't even exhaust his stamina…"
Oliva's expression was grave. "Sol hasn't even gotten serious yet."
King Jikai braced himself with his left hand and stood, pale-faced but determined, adopting an offensive stance. Though slower and distorted from pain, he continued attacking.
"Not bad. You'd be stronger without tricks," Sol remarked, then flashed forward, his right fist tearing through the air with a sonic boom, striking King Jikai in the abdomen.
"Bang!"
The impact sent King Jikai flying like a cannonball, crashing into the stone wall. The wall cracked under the force, and rubble fell around him as he became embedded in the stone.
The crowd went wild.
"One punch! Another one-punch KO!"
"Too strong! This is not human strength!"
"King Jikai doesn't stand a chance! And it seems Sol hasn't even used his full power yet!"
The commentator's voice trembled with excitement. "Unbelievable! Sol wins again with overwhelming dominance! The Japan-America Alliance Team's first fighter falls easily!"
The waiting area was silent.
Baki clenched his fists. "He's become so strong!"
Oliva's face was grave. "To deliver such a blow and remain calm… beating him won't be easy."
Doppo Orochi sighed and clapped. "We underestimated him."
Yujiro Hanma's smile remained ferocious. "Interesting, now this is interesting!"
In the China Team's area, Kaioh Kaku's cloudy eyes gleamed.
"Little Sol is growing stronger by the day…" he said, voice low and hoarse.
Retsu Kaioh, nearby, unconsciously clenched and unclenched his fists. "Master, can Sol really defeat all five?"
Kaioh Kaku laughed. "Hahaha! Retsu, what are you worried about? This kid could defeat me before he even learned the Principles of Boxing!"
Ron Shobun leaned against the wall, shocked. Sol's strength was overwhelming, and it was clear Kaku and Shunshei's presence was merely ceremonial.
"I thought Old Guo was joking… I didn't expect him to be this strong," Ron muttered.
Kaku Shunshei grinned. "Interesting. Seems Dad just wanted us to watch. But the monster he created is terrifying—stronger than any beast I've faced."
In the arena, medics worked quickly to free King Jikai from the wall. Sol remained seated cross-legged in the center, calm and collected, eyes on the Japan-America Alliance Team, awaiting his next opponent.
---