The World Warrior Tournament… A competition carried out across the globe. Fighters of all different kinds and disciplines face off for the title of "The strongest in the world." I found the official website and signed myself up. Did I even have a chance of making the cut? A 16-year-old high schooler? Normally, I'd have said "heck no!" but… I was granted an opportunity by my new rival, Karin Kanzuki. Apparently, she wants me to be there, and she has the power to make it happen. Sure enough… I was sent an e-mail the very next day telling me that my participation had been approved. So, I guess I'll be competing, then…

Holy crap! How is this real?! Me? Fighting against the best on the planet? I-I'm not ready! I don't think I'll ever be ready! Oooh… Breathe, Sakura… Hold onto what little sanity you still have… I can do this! Just tackle your worries one step at a time! Okay, first… Do I feel ready for this? Honestly… no, I don't… I've only been training for around four months. I've been fighting against actual human beings for only half that time. I'm a still a newbie, and there's no arguing against that as much as I'd like to. I need to be realistic, and I need to approach this in a healthy way! Truth is… I probably don't deserve to compete in this, but I'm still going. I'm gonna get destroyed out there, I know that, but I'm not aiming to win. I'm aiming to learn. I'll treat this tournament as the highest level of training I can experience!

Phew… Yeah, that's better… Let all that pressure go and stop focusing on winning or losing. That's how things should be… Alright, next… How will I pay for this? There might be a few in Japan, but most of my fights will be held in other countries, I imagine. All those traveling expenses? I can't cover them on my own! Ugh! How did this never cross my mind until now?!

Fast-forward one week later… and here I am, seated on a plane bound for the U.S. I was stressing like crazy trying to take care of all the loose ends, I won't deny it… but everything fell into place! My lack of money was no longer an issue thanks, once again, to Karin. Not only did she make it possible for me to enter this tournament, but she also had a large sum of cash sent to my house. The envelope had a note attached that read "To Sakura Kasugano, I trust these funds will prove sufficient. Use this gift as you see fit. In return, you will NOT lose. Not until I am your opponent." Geez, that girl… I never know what to think of her. After I refused her grand plan of becoming my "sister", I thought for sure that she'd revoke the recommendation she made for me. She took my decision really poorly, after all. But no, she doubled down and sent me money just so I could travel. I don't what to call this relationship between us, but it's just plain weird…

The other big problem was safety. My parents begrudgingly allowed me to enter the tournament, but they wouldn't let me travel the world all by myself. (I even agree with them! I'd be scared witless if I was alone!) My mom made the requirements clear - "You need an adult with you, and it must be someone we can trust." A first I thought "If my parents won't go with me, how am I gonna find a trustworthy adult in time?" I did find someone, though!

"Thank you so much for coming with me, Master Hibiki. I was freaking out when I realized that I might have had to stay home…"

"Course I'm here for ya, kid! I gotta keep spreading the legend of Saikyo-Style somehow. And, hey, you like watching old videos from these competitions, don't you? You must have seen your fearless master on the big screen a few times, eh? I mean, I'm no stranger to the World Warrior Tournament!"

Oh, brother… Well, yeah, he's right… I have seen one of his fights before, but it was him getting demolished by Ryu. We talked about that when I first met him, actually. Maybe he just forgot? Whatever, I'll just play dumb this time, and let him save face…

"Uh, I… No, I don't think I've ever seen one of your fights, Master. Do you usually place well in stuff like this?"

"Oh, hell yeah, I do! I'm one of the best out there!"

"Huh, now I'm curious… I'll have to look up the results from the last few tournaments and see how far you-"

"W-Wait, wait, hold on! That's not what I meant! I am one of the best, but it's not about who gets first place, young Sakura! You can't accurately gauge a warrior's skill merely from trophies and accolades."

"O-Okay… So… you didn't place well?"

"If I was at my best, I would have won first place easily! It's just… my issue is getting to the fight, y'know? Whether it's by plane, by boat, by car… my weak stomach holds me back, and throws my whole game off! Like right now, this flight is killing me! Sure, you won't see me on the podium with a gold medal, but I'm much stronger than some lousy award ceremony would suggest."

*sigh* "Yeah, yeah… If you say so, Master…"

He may act like an idiot sometimes, sure, but I really owe Master Hibiki for this. When I asked him to be my chaperone, he agreed to it right away. I was expecting him to complain about having to babysit a little girl, but that wasn't the case at all. "You, my first and most capable disciple, are asking me, the master of the Saikyo martial arts to accompany you on your journey toward awesomeness? How could I ever say no?!"

And while it's true that he was already signed up for the World Warrior Tournament as well, he didn't have to agree to follow me around everywhere. I seriously appreciate that he said yes. My parents were more than suspicious when I brought him over for dinner one night. I explained my plan and vouched for my Master's honor, but they wanted to hear from the man himself…

"Mr. and Mrs. Kasugano, I've participated in competitions like this before, so you can rely on me, the talented Dan Hibiki, to guide her! Young Sakura is my student and quite the reckless one at that. She'd benefit a lot from this opportunity to grow by her legendary mentor's side!" My parents shared one of their looks – one that was silent yet conveyed a thousand words. Even though Mr. Hibiki and I couldn't understand all those unsaid words, we could see that they were still having doubts. That's when my master decided to be genuine and shed that self-important skin of his, something that I don't see him do very often.

"Alright, alright… Sorry, kid. I'm blowing this aren't I? I really do mean it when I promise that I'll keep your daughter safe and sound, though! I don't talk much about my past, but I… have a younger sister, actually… Her name's Yuriko, and since our parents aren't, uh… around… anymore, I've been taking care of her for a long time now. I've got experience, see? Sakura even reminds me of Yuriko. They're both real stubborn and can be a pain in my rear-end sometimes… but both of them are brave, kind, and seriously talented! I think it's because of the Yuriko that I see in your daughter… That's why I'm so invested in seeing her succeed."

When Mr. Hibiki said all that… I was really proud of him. (A rare occasion!) I'd never heard him talk so openly and honestly about me or even about himself. He does care about me. I always knew he did, but it feels good to hear it out loud. My parents must have felt similarly, because that's when they agreed to let me travel with him. He really came in clutch this time! Thank goodness…

And that brings us back to the present. As I mentioned, Master and I are on a plane headed to America for my first match! My nerves are on the edge, (How typical…) but I won't let that throw me off. I'm good at turning my anxiety into a restless passion that can carry me to victory! I don't know who my opponent is yet, but whoever you are, you better look out. You're on a crash course with a ferocious teenage fighter who has nothing to lose and everything to gain!

My first time in the United States of America… I wish I had more time to see the sights, but that's not what I'm here for. In the middle of a bustling air force base is where the start of my official fighting career begins. (Look at all these military jets!) A large crowd has gathered, and they're all wearing uniforms. Yep, it's starting to feel like a street fight now!

A good distance away, surrounded by the circle of spectators, just as I am, is my first opponent. A middle-aged man wearing an orange vest, green cargo pants, and glasses. Though his wild, blonde hair looks like it belongs on the head of a crazy rockstar, he's anything but wild. He has a super confident air about him… He looks experienced. He looks ready. I don't know if I can say the same…

We may be competing against each other, but that doesn't mean we can't get along. I approach the man with the hope of making a new acquaintance.

"Hi there! My name's Sakura! Looks like we'll be fighting soon, huh?"

He stands there, unmoving. There's no expression on his face. Slowly and deliberately, he looks me over. It feels like he's analyzing me… just like a computer. I refuse to crack under the silence, though. I already introduced myself, so now it's his turn! If he doesn't wanna talk, then fine, we don't have to, but I've already done my part. Can't say I didn't try! Thankfully, after a few dreadfully quiet moments, the mystery man speaks up…

"Tch… Now they're allowing children to participate? Ludicrous…"

"Aw, c'mon, sir! At least give me a chance! So what if I'm young? Age doesn't always tell the full story."

"You're out of your league, girl. I'd rather not subject you to the power of my Sonic Boom, but you're in my way… and rules are rules."

"Gosh! You adults are always so dismissive! With the way you're talking, you'd better pray I don't beat you, or you'll really embarrass yourself."

"Look at you… A young, naïve girl showing up to a martial arts tournament wearing a skirt… The arrogance of the youth these days is truly baffling."

*sigh* "Whatever… I was just trying to be nice, y'know. I don't feel like you deserve it, but good luck to you, sir. Even if I lose, I hope to learn a lot from our battle."

"…Hmph… Charlie Nash, United States Air Force Captain… Professional Martial Artist… Best of luck to you, Miss Sakura."

There we go! Killing him with kindness has proved effective!

"Heh! Thank you, Mr. Nash!"

Having deemed my attempt at friendship to be a success, (No one can resist my charms!) it's time to get down to business. I walk away from Mr. Nash, giving us plenty of room before we start getting violent… I can hear Master in the crowd shouting, trying to hype me up… This is it! Time to show this guy what my training has amounted to!... The tourney official gives a countdown… and the fight is on!

What should I do first, though? As I've gotten more comfortable fighting, my strategy, my winning formula even, has taken on a more definitive shape. I know now that I tend to favor a more aggressive style. Using my boundless energy to close the gap, dodging strikes thanks to my smaller stature, hitting with tough and unorthodox attacks that leave my foe winded, countering low attacks with my Hurricane Kick, and following up my Hadoken as a way to start my offense. This style seems to work for me, but… it's hard to do that when I don't know anything about the guy I'm facing!

I'm in the dark, so I should be more patient. Figure out what the opponent wants to do, and then I'll work toward denying them that… So… I stand back and watch how Mr. Nash will respond... Turns out, that was not a great idea… Mr. Nash is a ki user, I'm now just learning. He's throwing these spinning blades of energy at me, and he's throwing them quickly! This "Sonic Boom" as he calls it… He must have great control over his ki, because he just keeps on chucking them. The moment I block one, another is already on the way. I wasn't expecting this…

Mr. Nash appears content to sit back and rely on his ki. He only needs one hand to launch a Sonic Boom, and even though he's thrown at least two dozen at me already, he hardly seems tired. He's seriously efficient. My only way forward is getting around all these projectiles, unfortunately. I block one, take a few steps forward, block another, jump over the next, block the following one, roll underneath the next… It's like I've entered boot camp, and I'm being forced to run through an obstacle course! I try to fight back with my own projectile, but using the Hadoken takes so much of my energy and only nullifies a single Sonic Boom. I can't fight him with ki, that much is clear. Back to the obstacle course, then…

Finally, now that I've gotten close enough, I can make my move… I weathered a storm just closing the distance between us, and now I need to make this count… I wait for Mr. Nash to throw yet another Sonic Boom, and that's when I jump! I soar through the air and come down with a boot directed right for his emotionless face! This'll be satisfying!

"SOMERSAULT!"

Wha-What?! How'd he… have time for that attack? With effortless grace, the Air Force Captain snipes me out of the sky with a flashy, backflip heel kick. It was an attack so swift, so calculated, that I swear I saw his leg leave a trail of energy in its wake. Maybe he utilized ki for this move too? Ugh, I don't know why I'm thinking about stuff like this! I've got bigger problems! I just took a huge hit while I was jumping in for an attack of my own, and now I'm on the ground, feeling the pain of my mistake.

"Too easy."

E-Easy?! Why, you!... I can't wait to take this guy down a peg!

"Sonic Boom!"

Wounding his pride will have to wait, though. I've gotta make my way through the obstacle course again… Jumping, rolling, blocking, dodging… It never ends! I take a second to glance down and I take notice of my poor arms. They're covered in a bunch of fine cuts… Man, I must look terrible right now, but there's no other alternative. I have to defend against these ki attacks somehow. I'll just… buy a jumbo box of bandages after the fight…

Alright… I'm within striking distance again. This time, I won't overextend. I stay close, but not too close. Mr. Nash also knows I won't make that same mistake again. He goes for a few long reaching attacks as he tries to keep me at more comfortable range. A spinning backfist, an advancing sobat kick, a lunging knee strike… All it takes is for him to slip up one time, though. He tries to do some damage with a powerful haymaker, but I sway to his left and avoid it entirely. That's when I make it count!... With a mighty wind-up, my leg shoots up toward the clouds, and I give Mr. Nash a brutal chin buster kick. I hit him so hard, his fancy glasses go flying right off his face. Yep, that definitely felt good!

"…Not bad, kid. I'm surprised you even managed to touch me."

"Really, now? Your expectations of me were that low? You better start treating me with some respect, Mr. Nash!"

"Don't celebrate prematurely. I won't let that happen again."

Before I can respond with more banter of my own, my opponent disappears from my view. What the heck? He's quick! Where'd he…

"Heeeyah!"

I feel a pair of hands wrap around my mid-section, and I'm suddenly lifted off the ground. My body's falling backwards when I slam into the ground… Owww… I think Mr. Nash just gave me a German Suplex… I'm really starting to hurt now, but I can't give up! I wobble to my feet and meet my opponent with everything I have left. Punches are thrown from both sides. Sadly, I just can't keep up… I land a few small hits, but his attacks land harder and more frequently. With only his bare hand, he even catches my fist a few times, and kindly responds with a knuckle of his own. This… isn't looking good for me, and he knows it…

Mr. Nash backs off after pummeling me, and, for an instant, I see a flash of… concern on his features? Whatever emotion that was, it's gone just as quickly. His usual ice-cold look returns, and he starts preparing for, what I can only imagine, is a powerful attack… With both arms spread out and held behind him, I can sense him gathering a lot of ki…

"This fight's over… Sonic… Hurricane!"

All I can do is put up my guard. Mr. Nash sends a huge, spiraling cyclone of energy my way, and I already realize that I can't get away in time. It surrounds me, and I'm caught in the middle of it. I feel his razor-sharp energy chipping and slicing away at my skin. What a relentless technique! Despite blocking the attack as best I can, it saps all the willpower I have left. That's just not fair…

When the energy dissipates, I fall to my knees. I just don't have the strength to stand anymore… It's difficult to focus on the voice, but I hear the official call out to me. "Sakura Kasugano, will you continue to fight?" My heart screams "YES!" but my body… My body knows when to quit, as much as it hurts to admit… "I… I give up, sir… I can't fight anymore…"

"This match is over! Charlie Nash is your winner!" The roaring crowd applauds and hollers. Seeing as we're on fighting in the U.S. in the middle of an Air Force Base, there must be a bunch of Mr. Nash's friends and colleagues watching. Still, I wish all that cheering would have been directed at me. Oh well… He's the better fighter. He earned it… *sigh* I know it's not the end of the world but losing sucks!

Now that I've had a minute to rest, it's time to pick myself up and move on… Before I can get off the ground, though, I see an open hand being offered to me. Oh, it's Mr. Nash… I thought he'd already be on his way to a party with all his Air Force buddies by now.

"You fought admirably, Miss Sakura."

I smile and take his hand. He lifts me to my feet.

"T-Thank you, Mr. Nash."

"I'd also like to apologize for suggesting that you don't belong here. Despite the large gap in skill between us, you approached this match with a level of maturity that I seldom see in kids your age. I believe you show considerable promise, Sakura, and I hope that you continue to fight stronger opponents. Over the next few years, I predict you'll grow into a truly fearsome martial artist."

"Wow! That means a lot coming from you! I've… never fought someone as good as you are before. Your fighting style is really unique too!"

"I focus on precision, efficiency, and minimal risk. I've come across many different types of fighters in my life. Many of them treat combat as an excuse to show off, however. They employ flashy attacks and unnecessary movements designed solely to impress those watching."

Yeah, he's not wrong. My master fits that description, sadly… Mr. Nash continues to elaborate.

"I'm not interested in the spectacle, however. If my opponent shows that they are unable to properly deal with one of my strategies, I will not change that strategy for the sake of an entertaining match. No, I will repeatedly attack their weakness until they learn to adapt or until they submit."

"I noticed that about you. You kept using those ki attacks over and over! Do you understand how frustrating it was trying to get around all those things?!"

"That's the point. Frustrate the opponent into making careless mistakes. Use their desperation and emotions against them."

"Gosh, that's brutal… You really don't mess around, do you?"

"And I noticed that you didn't fall into that brutal trap of mine, young lady. Typically, my opponent will take an aerial approach to get around my Sonic Booms. That's when I intercept with a Somersault Kick and send them right back to the start. That's also when anger begins to blind them, and their composure unravels, leading to recklessness."

"I don't blame them. Your defensive way of fighting is so tough to deal with."

"You dealt with it quite well. After I intercepted your aerial attack, rather than responding with anger, you responded with patience. That decision led to you closing the distance much more effectively."

"Ah! I see! Yeah, I guess did adapt pretty well!"

"Thank you for the match, Miss Sakura. I wish you all the best."

"You too, Mr. Nash!... Oh, I have one more quick question for you!"

"Yes?"

"You say you're all about efficiency and no flash, right? What about that Somersault Kick of yours, though? That's a pretty cool looking technique! More than a little flashy, don't you think?"

"…Heh… You have a good point. Perhaps I enjoy the spectacle more than I'd like to admit!"