Ryo, King and Anh Thư have defeated 11 Chinese martial artists without any significant injury. After half an hour, all of the defeated fighters are able to stand up and move again, they admit their loss and quickly retreat. And the Sakazakies return to the motel Ryo and Anh Thư have been living in.

As King settles her luggage, Ryo asks:

"Why are you coming here? That Hizoku woman should have told you not to get involved, I don't want this matter escalate into a war between Kyokugen-ryu and Shaolin school."

"If you want to complain, go and say that to your father.", King says. "He wants me to find and inform you about a person within the ranks of Shaolin monks."

"Who is he?", Ryo asks.

"A Japanese person, your father said his name was Takeshi.", King replies. "He was a master of Shorinji Kempo whom your father defeated more than 30 years ago. After that fight, in order to avenge that loss, he had done researches of Kyokugen-ryu Karate and went to China to learn Shaolin Kungfu from its root. If that man is in Shaolin Temple, he might have given them enough information to decide a strategy against you."

"Shorinji" is the Japanese pronunciation for "Shaolin", Shorinji Kempo literally means "Shaolin martial art". It is a branch of Shaolin Kungfu that is taught in Japan for a few centuries. Karate's root was in Chinese martial arts, to be specific it can be classified as a combat system from Shaolin lineage. However, the martial arts it was based on were no longer Shaolin Kungfu; in addition, after hundreds of years and multiple historical events, Karate has evolved into its own system, with some similarities and differences compared to the originals. This is similar to the evolution of Wingchun, which also had its root in Shaolin Kungfu, but has developed into a completely different thing. Meanwhile, Shorinji Kempo only cuts out the techniques with big movements from Shaolin Kungfu and adds Japanese's grappling techniques, developing a system that is more suitable for close ranged combat. For the most part, Shorinji Kempo is still Shaolin Kungfu with a different approach, unlike Karate that has become a different system generations ago.

If this Takeshi person fought Takuma Sakazaki more than 30 years ago, he should be at least in his 60s by now. That means he should be within the monks of Hui rank. However, Ryo cannot remember any Hui-ranked monk among the ones he met in Shaolin Temple that looked like a Japanese. As the Karateka states his thoughts, Anh Thư says:

"Maybe he went back to Japan to teach Shorinji Kempo or the orthodox Shaolin Kungfu? It has been more than 30 years after all."

King is impressed by the girl's deduction, she remarks that her stepdaughter is much sharper than her martial art obsessed father. She says:

"If this person is still connected to the monks, the Shaolin Monasty probably has summon him to prepare for their battle with you. There are 2 months between your first meeting with them and the next, they would have plenty of time to thoroughly study the techniques of Kyokugen-ryu Karate."

Ryo nods his head in agreement. If the Shorinji Kempo master is indeed with the Shaolin monks, they would have his experience fighting against Takuma as reference. Nidaime Mr. Karate is not as talented as his predecessor, he has not created his own distinct techniques yet. His martial art prowess is achieved by refining existing techniques through work ethnic and experience, that was how he earned the title of "The Invincible Dragon" and the leadership of Kyokugen-ryu Karate school. It is reasonable to assume that Ryo Sakazaki would not perform skills that are too distict from those of Takuma Sakazaki, the only difference between them would be in their speed, power, the refinement of each technique and the ways these techniques are used. The monks also have witnessed how he fought, they should have a pretty detailed picture of his fighting patterns.

"It seems you have already known about the date we would go to Shaolin Temple.", Anh Thư says. "Who gave you that information?"

"We don't know who started the rumor, but everyone has been talking about you challenging the monks of Shaolin.", King replies. "Lots of people associating with Kyokugenryu and the Sakazaki household have visited the dojo to ask Takuma and Marco about this incident. Gouken from the Ansetsuken school, Tung Fu Rue from Hakkyokuseiken school, Lee Pai Long from Lee clan's Eagle Claw, Saisyu Kusanagi from 3 Sacred Treasure clans, Andy and Mai from Shiranui clan. The Karate community, Japanese and South Town martial art communities are interested in this. Even Geese Howard started to send his people to spy on our activities. If you don't settle this matter properly, it may cause a diplomatic mess in the martial art community."

"I am only here to rescue a single person.", Ryo says. "This has nothing to do with the relationship between any Karate or Kungfu school."

"You may say so, but the martial art world is full of petty people who just need an excuse to fight against each other.", King says. "You should have known this by now. With its fame, there are plenty of people wishing to tear it down. Kyokugenryu Karate school also has a number of enemies wishing for its destruction. You were just assaulted by a bunch of Chinese martial artists today. The person spreading this rumor did not say anything about your motivation, it is clear that they meant no good."

She continues:

"That's why neither your father nor Marco come here. If the Kyokugenryu dojo sends one of its member to assist you, it would be seen as a challenge to Shaolin Temple by Kyokugerenryu Karate school. A member of the Sakazaki household without any attachment to the school will not create a conflict between Shaolin and Kyokugenryu. As the wife of Ryo Sakazaki, I am the only one that fits the bill."

Hearing that, Ryo feels happy and appreciates his wife. While he is trying to find a word to describe his appreciation, Anh Thư suddenly raises her voice:

"You just want to be there to stop my mother from being chummy with father after the battle, don't you?"

This little girl is much more cunning and experienced than most children her age, however being raised by an assassin of a mother and a martial art fanatic as a father also results in her lack of manners. King glares at the girl furiously, she may trust her husband and have never thought that way before, however Lady Sakazaki knows that she would definitely do her best to prevent Luan seducing her naive husband.

Even Ryo can sense the sudden tension between his wife and his daughter. The man raises his voice, trying to change the topic:

"How is Rose?"

Rose Sakazaki is Ryo and King's daughter, if she wants to follow the path of Karate like her father and grandfather, she will be among the 3rd generation of Kyokugenryu Karate, the same as Marco Rodriguez. Takuma did not agree on the name of his grand daughter, as the founder of Kyokugenryu Karate school, it would be embarrassing to have his grand child sharing the same name as the young lady of the Bernstein household. However, Ryo insisted on this name, saying that the flower rose reminded him of King.

The wife turns her glare to her husband, her irritation is visible. After months of separation and it took a whole day for this man to ask about their little daughter, as a mother, obviously she would be mad at him. King reluctantly replies:

"She is healthy and growing fast. If you spend a few more months away from home, that child may not recognize you as her father."

Ryo does not know how to reply, instead he lets out an awkward chuckle. Fortunately, Anh Thư is there to save the mood. She asks:

"That girl is my younger sister, isn't she? Which one of you will teach her martial arts?"

The voice of a curious child is extremely effective toward King, her annoyance has been reduced significantly. The woman replies:

"I will let her learn anything she wants. However, despite my Muay Thai skills, I don't belong to any school or association. If that girl wants to learn martial art, she should join her father's Kyokugenryu Karate school. She would be among the 3rd generation of Kyokugenryu members, along with other disciples of your father. It would be the same to you if you decide to join the school."

"3rd generation?", Anh Thư asks. "Isn't that mean if I and your daughter join father's school, we will be in the same generation with that old man Marco? Imagine what people would think if someone announces me as the same generation with him. They would think I am a granny. I don't want that. Can we be in the 4th or 5th generation?"

King cannot bear such hilarious remark, she quickly covers her mouth while chuckling silently. Ryo is grateful that the girl has lighten up his wife's mood, he says:

"Among all of our 3rd generation of disciples, only Marco is competent enough to be an instructor. If you want to be a 4th generation disciple, you will have to call him your master."

"Forget it.", Anh Thư says as she shakes her head. "I don't want people to think I am as old as that dude. I also don't want to be his disciple."

King has been chuckling nonstop as her stepdaughter is talking about his father's favourite disciple.

"It will be a pain if my daughter grows into a stubborn child like her elder sister.", Lady Sakazaki thinks as she amuses herself with imagining what they would do if her daughter turns out that way. She then says:

"Let's put your rank on hold until your mother is released. How about you tell me how good are the monks?"

Ryo answers:

"They are divided into 5 ranks in order: Xuan, Hui, Hu, Kong, Yuan. Monks of Xuan rank are the oldest and have already retired from the Monasty's business. Their disciples are monks of Hui rank, they are currently the ones managing the temple, they are also in charge of greeting guests and chasing off challengers. The youngest generation is monks of Yuan rank, it seems the oldest of them is around 19, 20 years old.

Last time, we only fought against the 18 best Kong ranked monks, their skills are not bad. The combination of "Iron Head", "Iron Armor", "Thousand Pound Pillar" and "Hidden Yin" skills may not be enough to defeat you and I in a 1 on 1 battle. The way to defeat them is to either overpower them or make them run out of breath and internal energy. However, if 20, 40 of them come at once, we will be in big trouble.

We did not see much from Hui monks, however one of them used "Lion's Roar" on us. His Ki was indeed powerful, probably slightly weaker than that of my father, Geese and Master Tung, but it was definitely more powerful than you and I. Considering the reaction from the other monks, it seemed the prowess of their Ki was also around that caliber, or higher. If we have to fight against Hui ranked monks, we should avoid internal energy battles. The Abbott, Huican, also showed us his brilliant skill in "Flower Picking Finger" martial art. Other Hui ranked monk should have mastered some of Shaolin's Ultimate Arts themselves.

Although we did not meet any Hu ranked monk, their skills should be somewhere between their masters in Hui rank and their disciples in Kong rank. They are likely around our age or a bit older, I guess some of them also have mastered 1 or 2 arts themselves.

Some young monks in Yuan rank had good fundamental Ki techniques and conditioning, however I don't think they can pose any threat to us in an honest fight."

"With their status as the biggest school of Chinese martial arts, they probably will propose to fight us in turns.", King says. "If that is the case, our opponents are likely limited to only the monks of Hui rank and their best disciples in Hu rank. It would be a long battle though, there are only 3 of us and your daughter is not suitable to fight in that kind of battle with such skilled fighters."

"You underestimate me.", Anh Thư says.

"No, I don't", King replies. "I have heard from your grandfather that you could not use Ki-implemented Kyokugenryu techniques, and you had not conditioned your internal energy for months. If there is another monk who has mastered "Lion's Roar", can you defeat him? I and your father may be weaker than them in terms of internal energy, however we are strong enough to withstand them long enough and escape that situation. You will be defeated immediately if they launch an attack with such range and power."

"You really want to help us fight the Shaolin monks?", Ryo asks as he listens to how enthusiastic his wife analyzes themselves and their opponents.

"Obviously.", King replies. "We are husband and wife, we are supposed to share hardships together."

Ryo is happy and grateful hearing those passionate words, however his sense of guilt also returns. King has been too considerate to him, yet he has been hiding his sin to his wife and avoiding her and their daughter for months. The man feels that he cannot lie any longer, he says:

"I need to confess something to you."

King is surprised about Ryo's sudden change in mood. She nods his head and stays silent, waiting for her husband to elaborate. Seeing that he has his wife's attention, Ryo starts telling about that night he and Kasumi slept together.

It is not a long story, Ryo finishes his confession in mere minutes. King is shocked of this revelation, at first she tries to make herself believe that this martial art maniac wants her to leave so that he can take on all the monks by himself. However, she knows her husband well, he is not a good liar, and judging from his serious yet awkward expression, what he said was not a lie. In desperation, the woman mumbles:

"I think I had suspected that Kasumi had a thing for you for a while, but I kept telling myselt that it's not true. After we got married, I thought that having her training with us at the dojo would ease her resentment. I guess I was too cruel to that girl, forcing her to see her crush being a husband to her friend. You are not the only one at fault here."

"No, it's not your...", Ryo tries to say, but King interrupts him:

"I feel a bit tired. Let me rest for now."

Ryo knows he has disappointed his wife, he does not say another word. Even Anh Thư, as young and mischievous as she is, knows not to pick a fight with her stepmother at the moment. King slowly stands up and walks away from Ryo and toward the girl's bed. She asks her stepdaughter:

"Can I share the bed with you? Your father snores really loudly at nights."

"Sure.", Anh Thư replies.

It is only 8 p.m, but King lies on a side of the bed and sleeps anyway. Ryo and his daughter should have more things to do, however the awkwardness discourage them from continue their activities. The girl is the next one to sleep in order to escape this heavy atmosphere, while her father meditates on his bed and would take a sleep a few hours later.