UN Headquarters, Underground Personal Room #3 - 9:50 A.M.:

Tatyana's eyes fluttered open. Last night's ecstasy was still fresh in her mind while atop Rashad, his arm wrapped around her with their legs entangled. She could feel a steady, calm heartbeat as his chest rose and fell. She chuckled, but it was enough to stir her sleeping boyfriend, who awoke with a groan.

"Sorry, did I wake you?" She quickly asked.

Rashad formed a small smile, his voice hoarse with slumber. "Rather it be you than Victor." His smile soon thinned. "He's going to want answers."

"He'll get one, but I got it."

He looked down at her with slightly creased eyebrows. "You sure? I get it you're my superior, but—"

Tatyana pecked his lips. "Trust me. I'll deal with him when the time comes."

"Okay."

With that, they both arose from bed. Rashad mischievously looked over his girlfriend's body as she stretched, smirking at the thought of exploring her dark skin again. Tatyana saw his stare and couldn't help but show a wide grin. If he was pleased with her figure, you could only imagine the thoughts running through her mind.

"Relax, lover boy. We can't get distracted again. Besides, we still need to have a conversation. Last night was not my proudest moment."

Rashad ran a hand through his head. "Maybe, but I get why you're so defensive. It's your look."

"Close, but it's not only that."

Master Raven guided Raven into the shower for a brief respite amidst their busy schedule. Their tender interaction included intermittent kisses that spoke volumes about their standing. Sharing a quiet moment devoid of distractions or playful antics, the agents knew their focus would soon shift to Nathan's impending interrogation. Time was of the essence, and Master Raven needed a clear mind to extract crucial information. Consequently, their shared shower was efficient and lasted no longer than 10 minutes. Raven adjusted his glove while observing his reflection. Master Raven remained in the shower, taking extra time after the previous night's indulgences and her recent encounters with Heihachi and Nina.

"Can you explain it again?" Raven's voice broke through the misty air, seeking clarity. "I feel like I'm almost there, but I want to ensure we're on the same page."

A chuckle resonated from behind the foggy glass. "My hair is a defining aspect of my identity, much like your shades are to you."

"I understand its significance—it's a part of who you are. I remember how uncomfortable I was with my new appearance."

Raven's recollection of the X-shaped scar on his skin tinged with discomfort - the constant reminder of a painful past and the unresolved conflict with his arch-nemesis. Despite Dragunov's lack of recent activity, the memories lingered.

Master Raven emerged from the shower clad in a towel with one wrapped around her hair with an eyebrow raised. "It took time for you to embrace your new look, just like mine."

Raven nodded. "What started as a symbol of failure has become a part of my identity—a bit like your hair. Though I can only imagine the effort you put into maintaining it."

"You'd be surprised," Master Raven quipped. "Let's just say I'm rather protective of it."

Nineteen-year-old Raven sat alone against a stone wall in the main training room of Chevalier Palace while engrossed in chapter five of Ki Channeling by Izuko Jinzei. Silence enveloped the room, a rare occurrence attributed to the curfew that had emptied the usually bustling space by 9 P.M. Raven had chosen this quiet hour deliberately, awaiting his roommate's conclusion of a conversation with Victor. He was eager to reignite their debate about the Manji Clan's status as actual ninjas.

The sudden intrusion of Victor's voice disrupted Raven's concentration, drawing his attention away from the intricate teachings of Ki Channeling.

"A week off?" Victor's inquiry sliced through the air, commanding immediate attention.

Raven's gaze snapped up from the pages; curiosity piqued as he awaited the conversation.

Victor, a figure of authority with calculated charisma, stood with crossed arms and a demeanor blended with curiosity and amusement. "May I ask why, Ms. Summers?"

His query was directed at Raven's roommate, Tatyana.

A confident young woman who belied her age met Victor's gaze. "Since I'm taking full responsibility for my hair now," she began, her tone carrying a hint of playfulness, "I need time to take care of it. I'm sure you foresaw this conversation coming sooner or later, sir. After all, it was only a matter of when."

Victor's laughter filled the room, a rich sound that echoed against the stone walls. He tapped a finger thoughtfully on his desk, a smirk playing at his lips. "Clever, Tatyana. Will this be a regular occurrence with you?"

Tatyana nodded confidently. "I'll need at least one week per month for upkeep. Plus, I don't want to keep driving Ramone rugged when it's hair day."

Victor's demeanor shifted, his expression serious. "Granted."

Tatyana's reaction was immediately jubilant, her fist pumping triumphantly. "Yes!"

However, Victor quickly added a caveat. "But I expect you to catch up on the things you miss while you're absent managing your hair."

"Understood."

Victor's chuckle broke the tension, his demeanor softening once more. "Clever indeed. Didn't think my own words would come back to bite me in such an obvious way."

"Who said ninjas can't be stylish and stealthy?" was Tatyana's playful retort.

"Don't remind me," Victor grumbled.

"Does it truly take an entire week to manage all that?"

"Absolutely."

A playful grin danced across Raven's features. "I find that hard to believe."

Master Raven sauntered past him. "Believe what you want. Just know that I have my stylist on speed dial."

"Still seems unfair that you get a week off."

"If you had to manage this..." Tatyana gestured to the towel wrapped around her head. "...you'd understand the struggle."

"Why not cut it shorter and make life easier?"

She shot him a whimsical glare. "No way. My hair is one of my best features."

Raven shrugged. "Just a thought. Have you ever considered using one of your dreadlocks to choke someone? I bet it's stronger than rope."

Tatyana averted her eyes, recalling an embarrassing yet humorous incident involving her dreadlocks during a mission. "That's something I'll take to my grave."

"Wait, did you—"

"Nope, I'm not saying a word."

"Fine, keep your secrets. I'll let you get dressed in peace."

Raven retreated towards the bathroom in feigning dejection but paused at the closed door to turn back with a playful pout. "Can't blame me for trying."

"Out."

"Alright, alright."

Interrogation Room - 10:14 A.M.:

Victor arched an eyebrow, his gaze fixed on the two approaching subordinates. Raven was clad in his mission suit, while Master Raven opted for her business attire, accentuated by the sharp click of her heels against the marble floor. Victor tore his attention momentarily to observe Nathan through the one-way glass, who sat in solitary vigil at the metallic table with his restless finger drumming out a rhythm of apprehension. His gaze flickered repeatedly towards the door, fingers tightening around the suitcase handle in his grasp. Dressed in black cargo pants, a nondescript gray t-shirt, and a dark blue jacket emblazoned with the emblem of the United Nations on its shoulder, Nathan projected an air of tension underscored by his replacement glasses perched on his face.

Master Raven stood next to her superior. "How long has he been waiting?"

Victor glanced at her. "Only fifteen minutes, but I had to delay the interrogation by an hour."

"Of course."

Cli-Click.

Nathan's abrupt movement halted as his eyes darted between the two agents, his gaze betraying a mixture of fear and anxiety. Once tapping with nervous energy, his fingers clung tightly to the suitcase as the leather underneath strained in his grip.

"Let's level the field, Nathan," Victor spoke evenly from across the table, his tone firm yet not devoid of empathy. "You may ask three questions. That's all."

Nathan's gaze flickered towards Master Raven, his curiosity and unease evident as he remembered the intricate markings that had caught his attention yesterday but were concealed beneath her attire today.

"What's with the tattoo?"

Master Raven's reaction was subtle yet palpable—a tense jaw with suspicion in her eyes as they lingered on Nathan. She noted his concealed pocket knife, a detail that didn't go unnoticed despite their silence, which was heavy with unspoken tension.

'They're not reacting to the knife...' Nathan held back a sigh of relief, realizing they deemed the blade inconsequential.

Master Raven's response cut through the quiet room, her hand now holding a kunai as a silent reminder of the consequences of breaching their trust. "If I answer, you forfeit your role as a journalist. And remember, revealing any of this outside these walls will have dire consequences."

Nathan swallowed hard, grappling with the weight of her words. "But the public deserves to know."

"You've lived long enough to understand not all information should be disclosed. No matter how flawed, the systems in place rely on shadows and sacrifices to maintain the facade of freedom," Victor's voice remained steady. "This is no different."

The exchange left Nathan with more questions than answers, shaking his understanding of the world. "Right. But there's always a catch or something you're not telling me. It was the same way with Lars. He always told me the basics but always withheld information. I'm tired of it, so tell me the other catch to this interrogation."

Master Raven's smirk became mysterious, almost as if she relished the intrigue. "We must secure the suitcase before proceeding."

Nathan's sigh carried a hint of defiance as he placed the knife on the table, his grip on the handle showing his resolve. "Answer my question first."

"This..." Master Raven gestured toward the tattoo covered by her attire. "...is the mark of the Raven Unit - an elite cadre trained by my superior."

The silver-haired Frenchman nodded knowingly. "I established the unit to expedite the UN's operations. They are known for their mastery of ninjutsu, specializing in tasks like assassination and sabotage. Assassinations, sabotage, and detaining targets are among their specialties. I trust you can fill in the rest."

A revelation struck Nathan as he deftly flipped the locks on the case. "Wait, you're Claude's child?! Silver Spoon Chevalier!"

Victor's groan was palpable, yet he remained silent.

"I never pegged you to lead a clan of ninjas. Your exploits are commendable, but trust doesn't come easily," Nathan remarked.

"We don't require your trust, only your cooperation and honesty," Master Raven stated firmly. "Anything less will be dealt with accordingly."

Nathan's skepticism was evident as he leaned forward and slid the suitcase toward them. "Most of your questions will be answered by what I've written on my laptop and notebook."

Victor and Master Raven exchanged glances before the latter inquired, "How did you encounter Lars Alexandersson?"

"After extensive research on the Mishima Zaibatsu and Heihachi Mishima, I was ready to drown my frustrations in a bar," Nathan recounted with a shrug. "Word got around to Lee Chaolan, who appeared and led me to Violet Systems HQ, where I learned more than any book could tell. Left alone to absorb the information, I soon met Lars and Alisa Bosconovitch—odd, considering she was considered deceased."

Master Raven closed the notebook with a soft thud, her stoic demeanor hinting at an underlying curiosity that she rarely let show. "She is. The Alisa Bosconovitch you met is an android built by her father amid his grief soon after she died."

Nathan's eyes widened slightly, the puzzle pieces falling into place in his mind. "I suppose that makes sense. Okay, my next question. If your clan is a bunch of good guys, why do you have that on your shoulder? Tattoos like that only belong on shady Yakuzas rather than agents of the UN."

"Each military or mercenary force has its marks. Ours are simple: blond hair and the tattoo of our purpose. When we appear from the shadows, we do one thing only: Terminate our target," Master Raven answered.

Nathan swallowed hard, a sense of gravity settling in his chest. "Shadows, Ravens... and death - a gesture of malicious unkindness."

"A flock of Ravens. Clever words, Nathan," Victor acknowledged.

Master Raven rolled her eyes, a subtle sign of exasperation at the dramatic turn in the conversation. "Did you intend to stay with the Rebellion Forces even after you returned to America?"

"Uh, y-yeah. That was the plan anyway," Nathan disclosed his firm resolve despite the uncertainty in his tone. "Lars had a group stationed in Neo City that would take and hide me as long as possible until Heihachi had died or the Tekken Force soldiers stationed in the US returned. Before that could happen, you guys stepped in."

"Why are you researching the Mishima Zaibatsu?" Victor questioned.

Nathan's eyes turned dark with a new yet old anger, his eyebrows furrowing as a glare formed. "To kill Jin Kazama for the death of my family. His war took everything I loved, and I wanted nothing more than to shove the knife in my hand through his neck. But..."

His anger dissipated as quickly as it came, replaced by a heavy weariness before a hand went through his hair and exhaled deeply. "Lars talked me out of it. He said we need Jin alive as the last resort to end the Mishima Wars. I can't tell whether I regret not leaving Lars or not taking my chance to kill him. I'm no murderer, but things become black and white when I have nothing to lose."

The agents exchanged glances, a silent understanding passing between them as neither had expected Nathan's story to take such a dark turn.

With tired, annoyed eyes, Nathan spoke again. "You got what you wanted. Where does that leave me? Mishima Zaibatsu is after me, and I don't want to stay here for the rest of my life."

Leaning forward, Victor placed his hands firmly on the table. "Would a Witness Protection Program suit you?"

"It's a straightforward arrangement," Master Raven explained, her voice carrying the weight of authority. "You'll have UN soldiers as your protectors strategically positioned in selected residences across various locations. You'll assume a new identity and occupation to enjoy 24/7 security at your usual haunts. We'll maintain strict surveillance, meaning your past journalistic work will be scrubbed from public view. All online and device activities will be closely monitored." She narrowed her gaze. "Any breach of the agreement and divulgence of tonight's events will result in immediate termination."

"T-Termination of the Protection Program?" Nathan stammered.

"Death," she replied flatly. "Swift and silent."

Nathan tapped his finger nervously on the table. "No third option?"

The two agents exchanged an exasperated glance, silently conveying there was none.

Taking a deep breath, Nathan reluctantly agreed to the terms. "I agree."

Victor nodded appreciatively. "Thank you for your cooperation, Nathan."

The journalist rolled his eyes. "Sure..."

"Your assigned soldiers and surveillance officer will be with you shortly. If you are in a crisis, one of my subordinates will respond to your location."

"Any specifics on who that agent will be?"

"You're looking at her."

Nathan's jaw tensed in a lack of trust, but he remained silent and nodded.

"Any other questions?" Victor inquired.

"None," Nathan replied curtly.

Victor closed the suitcase with a click, a sound that echoed in the otherwise silent room. He lifted it off the cold metal table, the weight a tangible reminder of the mission's gravity. As the agents exited without further words, Nathan was engulfed again in the deafening silence, his thoughts swirling amidst the room's stark emptiness.

Raven glanced at his superiors with subtle satisfaction. "That went smoothly."

"Only because Maven here couldn't stare him down," Victor quipped with a smirk.

"Vic..." Master Raven's tone carried a mixture of amusement and reprimand.

Undeterred, Victor continued, "But really, the metal she wears suits her well."

A small chuckle escaped Raven, and he exchanged a glance with his girlfriend, who seemed momentarily detached from the situation's intensity.

"What's our next move, Victor?" Raven inquired, his focus shifting back to the task at hand.

Victor rubbed his chin thoughtfully, his mind already processing the strategic steps ahead. "We maintain our facade, observe Heihachi whenever possible, and delve into Nathan's notebook for valuable insights. Meanwhile, I'll coordinate with Red for his relocation."

"Understood," Raven acknowledged.

As the agents prepared to depart, a sudden announcement over the PA system shattered the calm. "Soldiers are to relocate to the ground floor immediately! Tekken Force Rebellion leader Lars Alexandersson and his armed unit have breached the building!"

The trio hastily sprung into action, following the flurry of running soldiers toward the staircase leading to the upper levels. Amidst the tension that enveloped the building, a standoff unfolded as UN soldiers confronted the Rebellion forces. With an intense gaze that betrayed his determination, Lars sought out the Raven ninjas, hoping for a dialogue to defuse the escalating confrontation.

Master Raven, Raven, and Victor materialized during the standoff, positioning themselves at the epicenter of the UN soldiers. Lars' piercing stare locked onto Raven and his superior, reflecting defiance and readiness for discourse.

Raven's gaze hardened behind his shades as he addressed the intruder. "Why have you stormed into this facility with armed soldiers, Alexandersson?"

"Ask your subordinates," Lars responded with defiant smugness. "That tracker on Nathan's knife proved quite useful."

"Let's avoid unnecessary bloodshed," Victor interjected, seeking a diplomatic resolution amidst the charged atmosphere.

The tension palpably eased as Master Raven commanded, "Stand down."

Soldiers on each side hesitated but lowered their weapons, mirroring the fragile ceasefire.

Lars broke the silence, his tone urgent: "I want to speak to your agents alone."

"That's not an option. You speak to all of us or leave immediately. Otherwise," Victor's hand rested on the hilt of his katana. We'll have to enforce your departure."

With begrudging acceptance, Lars instructed his soldiers, "Wait for me outside."

They complied without protest and exited the building to await their leader's return.

"Follow me," Victor ordered, leading the way with Lars in tow under the watchful eyes of both Ravens.

Underground Soldier Base, Private Lounge:

Victor's gaze narrowed. "Is your sole purpose here to retrieve Nathan?"

Lars measured his response. "That, and I seek answers regarding the assault on my men as they attempted to escort him to safety."

"The plan was mine, though Raven followed orders," Master Raven interjected with folded arms. "Your grievance is not our concern, Alexandersson. We all have duties. You surely grasp this concept as a former soldier. Transporting Bryant via air vehicles wouldn't have thwarted Nina's infiltration and seizure of him from your custody. It was a calculated move to avoid playing into Heihachi's hands."

"That doesn't excuse my men's injuries," Lars countered.

"It was between that or exposing them to the Mishima Zaibatsu," Master Raven retorted, expressing her disinterest in prolonging this discussion.

Victor intervened, directing his attention to Master Raven. "Let's refocus rather than assign blame."

"I fail to see how his anger is my doing; it's typical Mishima behavior."

The silver-haired combatant sighed. "Our common adversary is the Mishimas. Instead of escalating tensions, can we agree on an alliance? Our resources are strained enough without aiding Heihachi in our destruction."

Nodding towards Raven and then addressing Master Raven, Lars stated firmly, "For this to work, your agents must not interfere with my operations. Any such interference will result in force."

Master Raven maintained her composure. "Such actions would be unwise, but we will only intervene when necessary."

"Agreed," Lars conceded.

Victor concluded, "We anticipate a fruitful collaboration, Lars."

"I wish I shared your optimism."

As Lars departed with a contingent of soldiers, Master Raven scoffed. "Soldiers—always brash and trigger-happy, as expected."

"That may be true..." Victor remarked. "But we have one less concern for now. The plan hasn't changed despite adding Lars as an ally. We'll continue as usual. Be prepared for next week; you both need to be in top shape for whatever Heihachi has planned for the finals. However..."

Victor turned around, facing his subordinates with suspicion. "Is there a sufficient reason why you two were tardy to the interrogation? I expected you both to be present once last night's match ended."

Master Raven took a deep breath. "We intended to report to the underground base immediately but needed to settle a few things. One was my confrontation with Nina, which left me in a foul mood. She pulled my hair, and Raven opted to calm me with conversation. Going into the interrogation in that state wouldn't have been productive or ideal. We took a few extra hours to relax after our tournament fights."

"Hmm... understandable," Victor mused. "But don't make this a habit. Consider this a warning."

"Of course," Raven replied.

"I'll see you two next week."

Poof.

15 minutes later:

Master Raven and Raven strolled into the building's lounge, finding solace in the plush chairs encircling a delicate glass coffee table. Instead of rushing to the arena, they delved into the journal's contents.

"Hmm," Master Raven mused, turning the page in Nathan's notebook.

Raven settled into a nearby chair. "Discover something intriguing?"

She handed him the book. "It appears Kazuya harbored a deeper grudge against Heihachi than mere vengeance."

His gaze swept over the pages, astonished at the words etched in black ink.

"Kazuya desired my demise not only because I had hurled him off the precipice of fate but because he believed I mercilessly ended his mother, the originator of the accursed Devil Gene - Kazumi Mishima. His assumption wasn't unfounded, though I cherished her dearly. Perhaps I was naive to think she reciprocated those feelings."

"She transmitted the Devil Gene to Kazuya..." Raven pondered. "But why did Heihachi adopt Lars and Lee?"

Master Raven rested a hand against her chin. "To disprove his connection to the Devil Gene. As the truth about Kazumi and the Hachijo Clan remained obscured, suspicions arose that it stemmed from Heihachi himself."

"Quite the unconventional method of proving innocence, but it's shedding light on things I hadn't considered."

"That also clarifies his defensive stance when I probed him about his wife's vanishing. He eliminated her to safeguard himself despite being tasked with her assassination; circumstances left him no choice as she persisted."

Raven furrowed his brow before shutting the book. "He tested Kazuya's Devil Gene hypothesis by tossing him off a cliff. What about Jin?"

"He miraculously survived gunfire in the third tournament, a test conducted by Heihachi to confirm the absence of the Devil Gene," Master Raven responded. "He aimed to eradicate his son and grandson for the same reasons yet couldn't bear relinquishing his dominance over the Mishimas. Jin and Kazuya obstructed his path, yet..." She crossed her arms. "Kazumi's demise marked the genesis of animosity between father and son. Kazuya despises Heihachi, Jin loathes Kazuya, and Jin bears the Devil Gene. Unlike the others, he aspires to end this legacy."

"Hmm... Thus, Heihachi emerges as the story's antagonist, driven by power and the desire to quell the Devil Gene."

"His machiavellian tactics won't suffice," Master Raven concluded. "Kazuya and Jin won't yield as easily as Kazumi did."

"Indeed..."

"MISHIMA ZAIBATSU SHOT DOWN THEIR SATILITE...?"

The agents' eyes landed on the TV screens near the front desk, showing live footage of fiery streaks of light descending over a city. The footage glitched; one crashed into a building, sending glass and debris everywhere until the footage blacked out.

"The laser of Heihachi's second plan to kill Kazuya failed horribly."

"If that can't kill him, what can?" Raven questioned.

Master Raven eyed him, her expression grim. "Only a devil can kill another devil."