A/N: What's good, everyone?! Bet you didn't think you'd see my ass again, did ya?
Sorry for the extremely long hiatus. I've been dedicating so much time building up one of my multi-story longfic crossovers, that I've neglected all of my other fics, and before I knew it, it's been three years! It honestly blows my mind to think that I started writing this fic at the start of the pandemic and now here we are.
I'll keep it short and just say that I've missed you guys and now that I've got three more years of writing experience down my pants – uh, I mean, in my belt, hopefully it pays off, and even though I do have a buttload offics to work on, I will do my best to see this story through to the end.
Who else is excited about Tekken 8 and Yakuza 8?! Could this be the moment we get a Kiryu Kazuma DLC?! With our luck, we'd probably just get Ichiban, though which is good but… we need Kiryu-chaaan! Oh, and Asuka's new design - love it! Can't wait for both of those!
Anyways, enough rambling.
Let's get going.
CHAPTER THREE – RETURN OF THE DRAGON
The subtle tremors and vibrations of the incoming turbulence woke Kiryu up from his sleep. It was still early morning, and the sun had not quite cleared the horizon entirely, and the uneven pattern of street lights still set the early dawn aglow.
Kiryu's dry, red eyes scanned the city he had once known.
Sotenbori.
Despite not having been in Osaka for many years, Kiryu was easily able to recognize some of its landmarks, like the faithful Sotenbori canal river that split the populous pleasure district in two, the giant crab that adorned the entrance of Kani Doraku restaurant, and the famous Sotenbori Glico Running Man sign, which had faded a bit with age, but still stood, arms spread, welcoming all to the bustling district.
And then there were things that were completely different, such as the sky-reaching Mishima Zaibatsu buildings that bordered along the westernmost end of the pleasure district.
"Mishima Industries," a voice called from across the opulent violet interior of the private plane. Lee Chaolan was looking down at the buildings from his window as he spoke, rubbing his hands together with a sanitation cloth as a mug of coffee was served to him.
"Mishima Polytech School, Mishima High School, Mishima Airlines, Mishima Grand Casino, Mishima/Tekken Force Base, and, of course, the Kansai Region's King of Iron Fist Coliseum, all bordering Sotenbori like barbarians at the city gates."
A beautiful flight attendant greeted Kiryu with a friendly smile and placed a white mug in front of him, filling it with coffee and withdrawing quickly. Kiryu returned the smile with a courteous nod and took a sip of the coffee, glancing over at Lee Chaolan.
The silver haired man stretched and his muscles poked out of the short-sleeved silky black dress shirt he was wearing. His black and silver boots clicked against the floor as he stood up and walked over to sit on the luxurious violet chair in front of Kiryu.
"Mishima Zaibatsu," Kiryu repeated, eyeing the gray buildings at the edge of town one more time. "Is this where I can find Kazuya?"
"No, I'm afraid not. Kazuya stays in the company headquarters in Tokyo," Lee responded, tapping two fingers on his cheek, leaning back on the chair. "We came here because this is where the last living relatives of the Kazama family live."
"The last living Kazama family relatives," Kiryu repeated. "And who are they?"
Lee Chaolan sipped his drink and gave Kiryu a smirk.
"Joji Kazama and his teenage daughter." Lee revealed.
"Joji? Wait, Joji has a daughter?" Kiryu asked. "I never knew that!"
"I imagine, Kiryu, that there are many things you don't know about that man," Lee Chaolan nodded, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Yes, he has a daughter. Her name is Asuka Kazama. She's a spirited and talented sixteen-year-old. Joji has done his best to keep her away from the dangers that plagued our world."
Kiryu's curiosity was piqued, and he couldn't help but wonder what kind of person Asuka had become. "Is she aware of her family's connection to the Tojo Clan?"
Lee Chaolan sighed, his voice tinged with a hint of regret. "She knows some of it. Joji couldn't keep her completely shielded from the truth, but he did his best to protect her innocence. Asuka has grown up away from the turmoil that surrounded the Kazama family, and she's developed a strong sense of justice."
A mixture of relief and concern washed over Kiryu. He was glad to hear that Asuka hadn't been exposed to the darker aspects of their shared history, but at the same time, he worried about the weight that would be placed upon her shoulders once she learned the truth.
"Unfortunately," Lee said, cringing through gritted teeth. "It seems that she's grown... curious about her family's past."
"What do you mean?" Kiryu asked.
"Well, it would appear," Lee said, "that our little Asuka fancies herself as some sort of Yakuza Gang Mediator and is constantly getting involved, trying to settle fights between gangs."
"She's involving herself in Yakuza conflicts?" Kiryu said, shaking his head. "That's dangerous. She could get hurt or worse."
Lee Chaolan nodded, his expression grave. "Yes, it is a cause for concern. Asuka possesses great strength and a strong sense of justice, but she may not fully comprehend the risks involved in meddling with Yakuza affairs. Joji has been trying to dissuade her, but she's stubborn. And unfortunately, now that we've learned that she has a target painted on her back, she must be protected, until we can get to the bottom of all this and discover why Kazuya Mishima wants to exterminate the Kazama bloodline."
Kiryu's brow furrowed in concern, sensing the underlying tension in Lee Chaolan's voice. He understood the dangers that lurked within the Yakuza underworld and knew all too well the toll it could take on someone's life. Asuka's curiosity and involvement could potentially lead her down a dangerous, even deadly path.
"I can see why Joji wanted to keep her away from all of this," Kiryu said. "The world we come from, the battles we've fought... They leave scars that run deep. If Asuka starts digging into her family's past, she might find more than she bargained for."
"Indeed, and that's precisely why we need to find Joji and Asuka as soon as possible. To protect them from the dark forces that seek to take their life."
Kiryu's resolve solidified, his gaze determined. "Then let's not waste any more time. Take me to Joji and Asuka."
Lee Chaolan's lips curled into a slight smile, and he let out a cheerful laugh while clapping.
"Ohhh, excellent!" He said, giving Kiryu a thumbs up. "I knew I could count on you, Kiryu. We'll do everything in our power to keep them safe and guide them through the shadows that threaten their lives."
…
As the private plane descended, Kiryu's anticipation grew with every passing moment. The engines roared, drowning out the rhythmic hum of his own thoughts. His heart pounded in his chest, a mix of nostalgia and apprehension coursing through his veins. It had been decades since he last set foot in Sotenbori, a place that held countless memories and remnants of a past he had tried to leave behind.
The wheels touched the runway, and the plane jolted slightly before smoothly coming to a halt. Kiryu unbuckled his seatbelt, his palms moist with a mix of sweat and anticipation. He glanced out of the window, his eyes taking in the familiar cityscape that had changed and evolved in his absence.
As he stepped out of the plane, a rush of cool air greeted him, carrying the faint scent of the nearby Sotenbori Canal. The morning sun bathed the city in a soft glow, casting long shadows across the streets that he once walked with purpose.
Kiryu's eyes scanned his surroundings, taking in the vibrant energy of the district. The sounds of chatter, honking cars, and the occasional street performer filled the air, bringing a sense of familiarity that tugged at his heartstrings. Memories, both joyous and painful, resurfaced with each passing moment.
But just beneath the surface of the glamorous red light district was a festering, open wound. As Kiryu and Lee walked deeper into the heart of Sotenbori, he couldn't ignore the undercurrent of tension that permeated the air. The glitz and glamour of the red light district now masked a darker reality—a city grappling with civil unrest and the weight of a crumbling economy.
The streets, once bustling with life, were now a stark reflection of the city's decline. Trash littered the sidewalks, discarded remnants of a society losing its footing. The distant sounds of sirens and shattering glass mingled with the murmurs of fear and frustration that echoed through the alleyways.
Kiryu's gaze darted from one corner to another, wary of the hidden dangers that lurked in the shadows. The presence of the Yakuza and local gangs was palpable, their influence reaching far beyond the realms of legality. The police, once a symbol of authority, had become little more than a formality, their resources stretched thin as they struggled to maintain control.
The people of Sotenbori, once proud and resilient, now wore expressions of weariness and desperation. Some sought solace in the promise of prosperity offered by the powerful conglomerates, turning a blind eye to their unchecked influence. Others, disillusioned by the crumbling system, took matters into their own hands, finding refuge in the ranks of the Yakuza or joining the local gangs in search of a twisted sense of order.
Kiryu felt a surge of anger and sorrow. This was not the Sotenbori he once knew—a city that thrived on its vibrant culture, strong communities, and a sense of honor. It was a wounded place, torn apart by greed, corruption, and a collapsing economy.
"What happened?" Was all he could muster. Next to him, Lee heaved a heavy sigh as he purchased two lemonades from a vending machine.
"What hasn't happened, Kiryu?" Lee replied, weariness lacing his voice. He tossed one of the lemonades to Kiryu, his eyes reflecting the burden of the city's plight. "Sotenbori has fallen victim to a perfect storm of economic collapse, political turmoil, and unchecked criminal influence."
He gestured to the dilapidated buildings and the unrest that simmered in the streets. "The crashing economy has left the once wealthy city gasping for air. Businesses have shuttered, jobs have been lost, and hope has dwindled. People have lost faith in the government's ability to provide for them, turning instead to the promises of the conglomerates."
Lee paused, his gaze scanning the surroundings, taking in the scenes of violence and desperation. "But those promises come at a cost. The conglomerates have tightened their grip on the city, exploiting the vulnerabilities of its people. The Yakuza and local gangs have flourished, seizing control in the absence of a functioning system. The police, overwhelmed and understaffed, struggle to maintain order."
Kiryu's brows furrowed deeper, a mix of concern and frustration etched on his face. "And what about the innocent civilians caught in the crossfire?"
Lee's sigh deepened, lines of exhaustion etching themselves on his face. "They suffer the most, Kiryu. Innocent lives are disrupted, families torn apart. Violence spills onto the streets, making it dangerous for anyone caught in the chaos. It's a vicious cycle, perpetuated by the power struggles and the desperation of those who seek to survive."
Kiryu's fists clenched, a fire ignited within him. "We can't let this continue. We have to find Joji and Asuka, protect them, and work towards restoring order and hope in Sotenbori. We owe it to the people who call this place home."
As if by fate, just a few feet ahead of them, there was a commotion of cruel laughter and shouts mixing with whimpers and desperate cries for help.
Kiryu's gaze snapped towards the commotion that unfolded before him. His eyes narrowed at the sight of three young men clad in school uniforms preying on an elderly man struck a chord deep within him.
Kiryu's blood boiled and his teeth clenched.
"It's a shame," Lee sighed, finishing his drink. "When we were young men, the only ones causing any fuss around here were the drunkards and the Yakuza. How the times have changed, eh?"
"You're right, Lee," Kiryu said, taking a final sip of his lemonade and crushing the can in his hands forcefully, eyes set on the three young men. "So much has changed since the last time I was here, but there's one thing that still remains the same."
"Hm?" Lee raised an eyebrow. "Tsk, tsk. I suppose there's no changing your mind, then? We're supposed to be keeping a low profile here…"
Kiryu's jaw clenched.
"Sorry," he said, making his way towards the men. "I guess I'm too much of a Dad to let these sort of things slide nowadays."
"Ohhh, excellent!" Lee applauded.
"Well, well, what do we have here?" The leader of the three students laughed, opening the wallet and pulling out all of the yen. "Woo-hoo! It's payday, boys!"
"N-No! Please!" the old man begged. "My wife is sick and I need that money for her medicines. I beg you!"
"Shaddup, old man!" the taller of the boys shouted, slamming the old man against the building. The old man's injured cries stoked scornful laughter from the students.
Kiryu's footsteps were firm and determined as he closed the distance, his presence alone commanding attention. The young men's actions froze momentarily as they registered Kiryu's imposing figure approaching. The old man, visibly shaken and defenseless, gasped for air against the wall.
Kiryu's voice cut through the tension, filled with a steely resolve. "That's enough."
The young men turned to face him, a mix of defiance and surprise etched on their faces. One of them, clearly the instigator, sneered and stepped forward. "What's it to you, old man? Mind your own business."
Kiryu's gaze remained steely and unmoving, his voice calm but laced with an undeniable authority. "When someone is in need, it becomes my business."
Without further warning, Kiryu swiftly closed the distance between himself and the aggressor. In one swift motion, he seized the young man's arm and twisted it behind his back, forcing him to his knees. The others hesitated, uncertain of their next move in the face of such unexpected resistance.
"I suggest you let go of the old man and leave. Now!" Kiryu's voice carried a stern warning, leaving no room for negotiation.
The young man grunted in pain, his resistance fading as he realized he was outmatched. Reluctantly, he released his grip on the elderly victim, who slumped against the wall, catching his breath. But when Kiryu let go of the young man's school jacket, he didn't leave, and nor did his companions.
"Is this what you learn in School?" Kiryu asked, stepping up to the students. The three boys, unaccustomed to being challenged by anyone, dropped the old man and turned their attention to Kiryu.
"What is this, a senior citizen convention or something?" One of them asked.
"Get lost, old man, before you get hurt!" Shouted another.
"No! You know what, boys?" the leader of the group said, walking up to Kiryu with his hands outstretched. "This measly change will only get us a couple hours at the Sega Arcade. Why don't we shake this guy down a little and get ourselves a few hours at one of the hostess clubs?"
"Yeah!" Another of the group added, puffing up his chest. "Stupid old man. Don't you see this uniform? We're Mishima Academy cadets!"
The instigator, emboldened by his group's numbers, took a step closer to Kiryu, a challenging smirk forming on his lips. "You think you can come into my city and lecture us, old man? We're the future of Mishima Zaibatsu! Tekken Force material, baby! We practically own this city! We can do whatever we want!"
Fueled by their classmate's foolish bravery, the other two cadets encircled Kiryu like predatory animals. Their expressions twisted into a mixture of anger and defiance, refusing to back down. The situation escalated, and it became clear that words alone wouldn't be enough to resolve the confrontation.
"Or what, you havent' heard of the Mishima Zaibatsu, old man?" the taunt continued. "Do you reallynot know who we are?"
"Yeah," Kiryu growled, his patience finally exhausted. His fist swung out with blinding speed, connecting with the cadet who had walked up to his face. The cadet howled in pain and crumbled to the ground, clutching his face.
"You're bleeding," Kiryu finished, raising his fists. "Who's next? Or you can all come at me at once if you want, you bastards!"
Without another word, Kiryu braced himself, his body instinctively shifting into a fighting stance. The adrenaline surged through his veins as he prepared to defend himself and those who couldn't defend themselves.
The first aggressor lunged forward, throwing a wild punch in Kiryu's direction. With a swift movement, Kiryu sidestepped the attack, his reflexes honed through years of training. In a seamless motion, he countered with a powerful strike to the aggressor's abdomen, causing him to stagger backward, gasping for breath.
Meanwhile, the other two assailants closed in on Kiryu from different angles. They unleashed a flurry of punches and kicks, aiming to overwhelm him. But Kiryu, ever composed, expertly evaded and parried their attacks. His movements were a testament to his experience and skill, each strike and block executed with measured strength and efficiency. With each successful counter, the aggressors began to realize the formidable opponent they had underestimated as time and time again, they hit the pavement with freshly, bleeding wounds.
As the dust settled, two of the aggressors lay defeated on the ground, groaning in pain and reevaluating their ill-fated decision to target Kiryu. Now, the only one who remained was the main cadet, the one who had instigated the whole thing.
As the the cadet lunged towards Kiryu with a reckless fury, Kiryu swiftly sidestepped the attack, his instincts honed through countless battles. Taking advantage of the assailant's vulnerability, Kiryu seized his arm in a vice-like grip, immobilizing him. A heat wave shot out from deep within his core, covering his body with a blue aura.
"There it is," Lee said to himself with a reverent smile. "EXCELLENT! Feel the heat, Kiryu!"
In one fluid motion, Kiryu channeled his inner strength, drawing upon the heat simmering within him. A surge of power coursed through his veins. With a mighty heave, Kiryu propelled the aggressor off his feet and into the air. Time seemed to momentarily freeze as the cadet fell back to the ground, where Kiryu's fist connected with pinpoint accuracy, delivering a bone-crunching finishing move.
A resounding impact echoed through the surrounding area as the aggressor crashed to the ground, unable to withstand the sheer force unleashed upon him. The air filled with a tangible sense of finality as the defeated assailant lay motionless, his intentions quashed.
Kiryu stood tall, his chest rising and falling with controlled breaths. He surveyed the scene, his eyes meeting the gazes of the onlookers who had gathered, their expressions a mix of awe, fear, and respect.
With all three cadets on the ground, Kiryu picked up the scattered money they'd dropped and returned it to the old man.
"Here," Kiryu said. "Take your money and go."
"B-But sir," the old man protested. "This is way more than what I had!"
"Call it a tip," Kiryu smiled and motioned at the groaning boys with his head. "For ruining your day. Now please, go get your wife the medicines she needs."
The old man glanced from the students up to Kiryu's empathetic face. He nodded quickly and hurried away.
"Thank you, sir!" he called, disappearing around the corner.
As Kiryu stood victorious, the adrenaline coursing through his veins began to settle, and a sense of calm washed over him. However, that tranquility was short-lived. Without warning, a forceful blow struck him from behind, catching him off guard.
As Kiryu stumbled forward, his reflexes kicked into overdrive, and he swiftly turned to face his assailant. His eyes widened in surprise as he saw a young, teenaged girl, dressed in a Mishima High School uniform, leaping into the scene on a blue bicycle.
The girl closed in and leaped off the bike with a somersault, back flipping through the air to land directly in front of Kiryu, hands raised, poised for combat. The bright Yellows, Whites and Blues of her school uniform shined with the morning sunlight and her brown eyes blazed with fierce determination that added a playful edge to her cute and youthful features.
Her cascading, chestnut-brown hair framed her face with gentle waves, while a few loose strands danced in the air with each of her movements. She walked towards Kiryu, slamming her blue-gloved fists together.
"Seriously?" Asuka Kazama scoffed in a think Kansai accent, coming to a stop in front of Kiryu. "Ganging up on a bunch of students? Even if there were three of them, as an elder, you should know better, sir."
Kiryu grimmaced from the pain in his back, where he had been struck by the girl's bicycle, and couldn't respond.
"He started it, Asuka-chan!" One of the bullies cried as he ran away. "He beat us up and took our money."
"I… didn't…" Kiryu gasped. "They..."
The false accusation caused Asuka's expression to harden into an angry scowl. Having only witnessed the altercation from a distance, seeing only the aftermath of the confrontation, with Kiryu picking up the scattered money, led her to believe her classmates over Kiryu. She stepped forward and pointed her left finger at him dramatically.
"Sorry, but I can't have a guy running around beating up kids and taking their cash," she said, raising both fists. "I already had to deal with one 'Mister Shakeup' and trust me we are not going through that again. Come on. Let's get this over with."