"Mr. Ryo Sakazaki. Very pleased to meet you, please sit down." The World Grapple Tournament representative had a firm handshake and a calm, businesslike demeanor. The office was open and bright, with a computer on the desk, a few plants scattered around, and a well-worn carpet. Absolutely nothing suspicious about it at all.
Ryo returned the handshake and sat down, as requested. "So, uh...why'd you call me here, Mr...?"
"Takeda. Jiro Takeda. And, well, it's a bit embarrassing, but..."
"But?" The hesitation was starting to make Ryo antsy. Far as he knew, the World Grapple Tournament and his participation in it were both completely above board.
"We're familiar with your participation in the various The King of Fighters tournaments over the years, from 1979 to 1991. Your performance in all of them was very impressive. But there's something that needs to be emphasized about this tournament in particular." Takeda straightened in his desk and looked directly at Ryo, who shifted a bit under the steady gaze. "The World Grapple Tournament is a perfectly normal athletic contest."
Ryo blinked and scratched his beard. "Uh, sure. Of course. I got that. Don't see what that's got to do with me."
"What I mean, Mr. Sakazaki, is that channeling your ki into a visible force for the purpose of assaulting your opponent from a distance is strictly forbidden."
"Eh?"
"No fireballs, ice balls, energy balls, or similar techniques are allowed and, if used, will result in an immediate disqualification. Only standard, normal human karate techniques will be allowed. If there is a question of who won, a panel of judges will decide according to a set of regulations agreed upon by an international regulatory body. There will be no demons, shadowy masterminds plotting world domination, clones, or blood feuds. Do you understand?" Takeda slammed a hefty-looking binder onto the desk with a distinctly final thunk. "These are the regulations, I expect you to follow them! Is that clear?"
"Uh...yeah, sure." Ryo tentatively reached out and took the binder, careful as if any sudden movements would cause an explosion leaving little Takeda fragments all over the nice office. "A regular tournament, huh... Didn't think they had those anymore."