Eddie wasn't about to expose the trap—don't be silly. The old schemer could never be outsmarted. "Since you're sober, you should head back. South Town really is a nice place."
After walking Mary to her detective agency, Eddie strolled off humming. He knew it had all been a test. A female Fighter who'd roamed the world for years getting drunk? Please. If she couldn't hold her liquor she'd only be mocked; there was no need.
Back at Illusion Bar, Jayne had already closed. Her plan: if her brother could be cured, she'd shut the bar for good and devote herself to being a housewife with her best friend.
Eddie gave Jayne an exam; the outlook wasn't rosy. Conventional methods were nearly hopeless, so an unconventional route was required.
It wasn't risk-free. Using the C-Virus cocooning process, every muscle would melt and re-form—destroy, then be reborn. That was the most reliable way.
"So… can he be cured?" Jayne asked anxiously. Her brother was her only tie in life; without him she could have had a brighter future.
Mai Shiranui squeezed her best friend's hand. "Don't worry. If my husband says he can do it, he can. I believe my man."
Jayne lowered her head. "I believe your husband too."
Hmm, that sounded odd… Never mind the details—best friends, period!
"Your brother's illness has dragged on too long. If we'd treated him as a child the cost would've been small. My method is extreme—there's about a two-percent chance he'll die. I need more tests and to compound the drugs; that takes time. Close the bar for now and we'll head to Kyoto for the procedure." Eddie delivered his verdict.
"That's fine—I own the place. But I'm nearly out of money; I may need to borrow some." Jayne turned away, embarrassed. She'd always been independent; leaning on a man felt strange—and thrilling.
"No problem. Xiaowu's card should have two billion—plenty." Eddie nodded, beaming.
"Huh? When did I get two billion? I had no idea!" Mai Shiranui yelped.
"I've been trading stocks the past few days and accidentally made over a billion. I was afraid of scaring you." Eddie spread his hands innocently.
Accidentally earning ten-plus billion and worried about scaring your wife? Jayne's expression was odd—what woman wouldn't want a husband like that?
Mai Shiranui beamed. "Really? I'll go check. Come on, Jayne—let's go together." She dragged her best friend out the door.
These days you still had to hit the bank to check your balance; 24-hour ATMs made it easy anytime.
Eddie drew a small sample from Jayne for preliminary analysis, paving the way for precise C-Virus restructuring later.
In front of a tower-like skyscraper designed like an ancient European pagoda…
A man in a long men's shirt-skirt sat meditating on the upper floor. The odd outfit startled people yet felt somehow fitting.
A man in a dress? Must be a cross-dresser—how terrifying.
After a while the man rose and performed a kata; though he showed no power, every move carried shocking force.
Soon the click of high heels and the thud of leather shoes echoed closer.
Two striking women led the way: one a blonde in an elegant updo, the other a rebellious beauty with dark-green hair. Both could stop traffic.
"Father!" the two greeted the man respectfully as he finished his karate.
Geese ignored them until he completed his set. "Lily, report to Goddess Group for intel—leave at once. Angelina, any gains lately?"
"Yes, Father!" The green-haired rebel bowed, a flicker of disdain in her downcast eyes.
The blonde, Angelina, nodded and crossed her hands in ladylike poise. "Father, Big and Krauser seem to be uniting to pressure us; our steady growth now threatens their turf."
"Ha! Let them come. Billy, treat my invited Fighters well—tomorrow those punks will drink their fill!" Geese laughed wildly. He loved money, but fighting thrilled him more; only combat was fit for men—women should get lost!
Chapter 674: Reporter Wife Alyssa
Whenever Mai Shiranui spoke of Eddie she beamed—he let her manage the money, a sign of trust. It showed he cared for the family; she only needed to keep the house tidy, and if possible add a child—then life would be perfect.
Honestly, with her high heels, mile-long legs, stunning figure and gorgeous face, Mai Shiranui is the dream partner for plenty of men. Beautiful and capable in the kitchen—what a rare catch. Where else could you find a wife this perfect?
King felt a pang of envy. "Mai, you're so lucky."
Mai blinked her pretty eyes. "We're best friends, right? You'll come help out often from now on."
There seemed to be a hidden meaning in those words, and King flushed, surprised. "Sorry, Mai. I just couldn't think of any other way to repay him."
"Hehe, I don't blame you at all. Actually, I'm glad you're here—I couldn't handle her alone. Come on, let's go shopping. We'll still be best sisters, right?" Mai took it in stride; as a traditional island girl, she was gentle, dutiful, and obedient.
King was startled. "Mai!" Then she sighed. "Thank you. We'll always be best sisters."
Their bond didn't sour with the shift in status; they remained as close as ever. Best sisters—besties for life, sticking together wherever they went.
Eddie turned in early, paying no mind to anything else. His plan: crush Geese fast, then head home and inherit the mantle of Grandmaster.
That part was secondary. The real perk was having a legitimate base to expand from—and getting a beauty like Mai Shiranui to bear his children. Who wouldn't want a goddess for a wife?
At dawn the next day, Mai woke him gently. "Hubby, breakfast is ready."
After a quick breakfast, a dazzling beauty on a slick motorcycle pulled up to the bar—Blue Mary.
"Hey, Eddie, we meet again. Off to challenge Geese Tower? I can give you a lift." Mary greeted him warmly.
Mai frowned, sensing rivalry. "Hubby, who is she?"
"A private eye I ran into while shopping yesterday. We need local intel to break into the South Town market, so chatting up a street-smart contact makes sense. And you're way prettier than her, Mai. You're my favorite." Eddie whispered the explanation.
"Got it. Hehe, keep your voice down—others might hear." A smile flickered in Mai's eyes; she was easy to soothe. Call it cleverness—sometimes feigned ignorance is bliss.
"No need. I've got my own ride—thanks anyway." Eddie politely declined, not getting on. He sensed Mary's interest wasn't affection but reconnaissance; he had no idea who employed her.
On the way they met the Terry brothers, also heading to the challenge. Compared with Eddie's car, the duo had to tough it out on bicycles—good exercise and saved cash. Hey, that actually sounded kind of positive.
Geese Tower was a landmark of South Town; finding such a retro structure amid the modern cityscape was a treat.
Covertly ruling a third of the town, Geese had more money than anyone could count—filthy rich, in short.
Not the world's richest man, but set for life; even a broken leg wouldn't dent his comfort.
At Geese Tower, another guest arrived—one Geese had to treat with utmost caution: Rugal!
One of the King of Fighters world's top tycoons, a super arms-dealer and rabid Fighter. Unlike most, he fought brutally; every opponent he defeated was cast alive into a bronze statue displayed in his training hall, trophies of his glory.
Besides being a Fighter, Rugal was the richest boss of all—he owned a private aircraft carrier, something no one else could claim, and that said it all.
At this point Rugal hadn't reached his peak. The first King of Fighters tournament was meant to have him as the mastermind, but fearing Goenitz, he stayed behind the scenes and merely observed.
After studying most Fighters, he'd pilfered every style and technique, forging them into his own unique martial art.
"Geese, a year apart and you're still this weak." Behind Rugal walked a woman dressed as a secretary, yet she showed none of the respect her role demanded—casual and relaxed. She was Vice, one of the Hakkesshu.
"Hmph, Rugal, here to challenge me today?" Geese's eyes were wary; few opponents deserved his full attention, but this man was one of them.
"I've no time to mess with you—I'm here for business!" Rugal was after an arms deal, not a fight.
At the foot of Geese Tower, Eddie arrived. The first trial: disciples taught by Geese himself, students of Kyokugen Karate.