For a good idea of what Kazuki looks like, think of Sasuke Uchiha's second look, just with boots instead of sandals.


Secret Revealed

At G Corporation's headquarters, its CEO, the powerful and feared Kazuya Mishima sits in his chair, thinking about the next strategy to take down his father, Heihachi. Every since the day his father through him off a cliff at a young age, Kazuya swore vengeance against him and willingly sold his soul to the devil just to make sure. But for years, Kazuya has been unable to gain full power and the only way he can do that is by taking the rest of the Devil Gene power from his son, Jin Kazama.

At first, it was believed that Jin was dead. However, few have doubted this and Kazuya is no exception. Therefore, when news begins to spread that Jin Kazama is alive, Kazuya forms a cocky smirk and simply says "I knew it."

With Heihachi reversing his age, Kazuya knows that he can still be a threat to him if he only has just half of his power. But with Jin alive after all, Kazuya now believes that he has more of a chance of defeating his father.

"Jin being alive benefits me more than it does Heihachi." said Kazuya. "Now it's just a matter of time before that he sets up his next trap. As smart as he thinks he is, he never realizes that I'm one step ahead of him…because I know him that well."

News about Jin being alive begins to spread worldwide, as he resides at Violet System's headquarters. With this new revelation, talks about his declaration of war against the world 20 years ago begins to surface again and therefore, news doesn't sit well for some people. Others close to Jin, such as Lars Alexandersson (the illegitmate son of Heihachi), are more than happy that he's alive, as Lars believes that Jin is the only one who can stop Kazuya and Heihachi.

"It's great to know that you're alive, Jin." said Lars. "Now we know there's still hope for this world."

Jin looks at the Devil Gene mark on his arm for a moment and says "So many people have died because I tried to get rid of this. You call that hope?"

"Jin, you don't have to feel that way." said Lars. "We understand why you did that."

"It was all for nothing. I don't blame anybody for hating me for it. I deserve it."

"Then what are you going to do now?"

"The only thing that's left now is to take down Heihachi and Kazuya and accept whatever punishment I get, even if it means death."

"So you have a death wish, I take it?"

"I thought that defeating Azazel would get rid of the Devil Gene but as you can see, I still have it. That means that everything I did was for nothing. Those lives...I've costed so many innocent lives for something that didn't work. Anyone who does such a thing deserves to die!"

Lars shakes his head at Jin and then turns around and walks away, saying "We must first focus on Kazuya and Heihachi. Don't forget that."

But Jin clearly does not believe him and looks back at his arm again before angrily clenching his fist.

The following day, a nationwide broadcast is shown all over the world. It's a video of Heihachi Mishima, sitting at his headquarters of the Mishima Zaibatsu.

Greetings, everyone. As you all may know by now, I am Heihachi Mishima, the current owner of the Mishima Zaibatsu and I have message for all fighters in the world! The King of Iron Fist Tournament is back!

Many people around world watch announcement. Jin, Lars, and Lee are all not surprised. Helena Douglas of DOATEC watches calmly at her place. The mysterious Victor Donovan of MIST watches it as well from his own headquarters.

This announcement was just what Kazuya had expected. It was the "trap" Heihachi made to lure him and Jin out. But each tournament gives Kazuya an opportunity to defeat Heihachi.


Mugen Tenshin Village

In the Mugen Tenshin village located within the mountains of Japan, Hayate, master of the ninja clan, has a very serious discussion with his half-sister Ayane, master of the clan's Hajimon sect.

"We've kept this a secret for a long time, Hayate." said Ayane. "I think it's time that we tell him."

"I will not change my mind, Ayane!" said Hayate. "As difficult as it is, I'm standing by my word, no matter what. Our clan has been through enough already. This will just add more to it."

"I know…" Ayane turns around and closes her eyes, saying "but this just doesn't seem right anymore and I don't want to be a part of it. It's…too big to keep secret about." Hayate notices that Ayane begins to look sad.

"Ayane…are you saying this because it's very much like your own past?"

"Yes." said Ayane as she opens her eyes.

"Then think back to what happened that day." said Hayate. "It can happen to Kazuki too. Always remember that"

Meanwhile, inside of the house, Kazuki has approached Ayame and Shiden with the same question. Although they raised Kazuki since he was an infant, they also refuse to tell him about the woman who visits the village every once a year.

"There must be some reason why no one is telling me." said Kazuki. "Can you…at least tell me why? You two have raised me from a baby. You are the closest things to parents that I have. Why is this such a difficult situation for you?"

"I'm sorry, Kazuki." says Ayame. "We cannot discuss that. Just be grateful that you have someone like her in your life. That is all that matters"

"But it's not enough." said Kazuki. "I must know who she is or I will never be completely satisfied with my life."

"Kazuki!" said Shiden. "That woman brings you nothing but happiness and you know it. How can you say that's not enough?"

"Fine!" said Kazuki. "It looks like I may have to find my answers somewhere else." He angrily storms out of the house, as Ayame and Shiden look at each other in sadness.

A short while later, Kazuki stands in a nearby forest and contemplates leaving the clan. But he is well aware of the consequences that comes with that and wonders if it would be worth it.

"Still haven't found the answers that you're looking for." says a male voice.

It was Ryu Hayabusa, the ninja master of Hayabusa clan.

"Hayabusa-sama?" said Kazuki.

"And yet, your determination grows just as much as you do. You must learn to control your emotions before they control you. How far will you go in order to find your answers, Kazuki?"

"As far as I need to go. If nobody will tell me what I want to know, I'll find out on my own and I will not let anything stand in my way."

"Then can you pass me?" Hayabusa assumes his fighting stance. This confuses Kazuki, who is well aware of his mentor's skill but has never even challenged, let alone fought, him before.

"Remember what you just said; you will not let anything stand in your way. As of right now, the only thing that is standing between you and the truth is me, so if you want to know what it is, you must earn it…by proving how strong you are to me first."

Those words may have been just enough to motivate Kazuki, as his expression goes from a confused look to a more determined one. Without any words, Kazuki assumes his own fighting stance.

With lightning speed, Hayabusa dashes forward with his hit clashing with Kazuki's. Kazuki is forced to block Hayabusa's hits but can still feel the forces of his attacks. Kazuki attempts to attack but Hayabusa quickly teleports behind him and strikes him in the back. This knocks Kazuki down but he quickly gets up, attempting to attack Hayabusa again but fails to land. He continues to try to land hits until Hayabusa lands his own, hitting Kazuki with a combination of hits to the chest before finishing with a spinning kick that knocks him down. Hayabusa attempts to attack him while he's on the ground but Kazuki counters with a kick to the chin and rolls back to his feet. As Hayabusa throws another spinning kick, Kazuki blocks it and counters with a jumping knee to the face, knocking Hayabusa down. The two exchange blows at high speeds before being separated. Hayabusa dashes forward with lightning speed again and teleports behind Kazuki but Kazuki counters with an elbow to the chest and throws him over his shoulder but Hayabusa lands on his feet. Kazuki attempts a dive kick while Hayabusa has his back turned but it's quickly avoided as Hayabusa teleports away in a short distance. Kazuki is ready to keep going but for Hayabusa, the fight is over.

"You have become so strong, Kazuki." said Hayabusa. "Fighting you reminds me of fighting Hayate."

"But you were holding back." said Kazuki.

"It does not matter. What matters is that you have proven yourself to be a strong warrior. That's all it will take to find the truth you've wanted all these years. Now listen closely Kazuki. I am only going to say this once so make sure you pay attention. Remember that the truth can be very difficult to handle."

Kazuki stands straight to prepare himself. "Alright, Hayabusa-sama. I'm listening."

"The woman who comes to visit you every once a year…that woman is your mother Kasumi."

This new revelation strikes Kazuki like lightning. His eyes wide, his mouth open, and his body is completely still.

"My…my…my mother?" he says in a low voice, almost as if he can hardly talk. "She's…really my mother?

"Yes, Kazuki, she is." said Hayabusa. "The woman that brings you happiness every year...is the one who gave birth to you. She brought you to the village right after you were born. There's more to it than that but in order for you to find out, you must do that on your own. I have done my part here. With your determination and willingness to fight, I am sure will find out the rest on your own."

"She's…my…wait a minute!" Suddenly, his expression changes as if something else occurred. "You said her name is Kasumi? But isn't that the name of the runaway shinobi that the clan has been hunting all these years?"

But he quickly realizes that Hayabusa has vanished.

For some minutes, Kazuki remains in the forest, thinking about what he was just told and tries to figure out why this was kept a secret. Did they not want him to know that his mother is on the run? And if she is on the run, then how is she allowed in the village at all?

Kazuki must find some more answers.

To Be Continued.