Scene 1: Into the Mountains
The sun rises over a rugged mountain range. Ryu and Yuka are climbing a rocky trail, their breaths visible in the crisp morning air.
Ryu wiped sweat from his brow, the golden light of dawn casting a warm glow over the jagged peaks ahead. "Are you sure this is the right place?" he asked, glancing at Yuka, who moved gracefully ahead of him, her qipao flowing with each step.
Yuka nodded without looking back. "Denki lives out here. If anyone can help us, it's him."
"Denki," Ryu repeated. He had heard stories of the wild fighter, a man said to harness the power of lightning itself. "He doesn't exactly sound… approachable."
Yuka smiled faintly. "Approachable? No. But powerful? Absolutely."
As they climbed higher, the trail narrowed, and the air grew tense. Ryu felt it before he heard it—a low rumble, like thunder trapped in a bottle. He stopped and looked around. "Do you hear that?"
Yuka stopped as well, her eyes narrowing. "Stay sharp."
Scene 2: Enter Denki
The two warriors reach a clearing surrounded by towering cliffs. In the center stands Denki, his green skin glowing faintly under the early morning light. He is sparring with a makeshift training dummy, his fists crackling with electricity.
The ground trembled as Denki delivered a powerful punch to the dummy, sending a shockwave through the earth. The wooden structure splintered, pieces flying in every direction.
"Denki!" Yuka called out, her voice firm but calm.
Denki turned slowly, his spiky orange hair standing on end as arcs of lightning danced across his body. His glowing blue eyes locked onto them. "Yuka… and someone I don't know." His voice was low and rough, like a distant storm.
"Ryu," Yuka said, stepping forward. "We've come to ask for your help."
Denki tilted his head, a sly grin forming on his face. "Help? From me? What makes you think I'm interested?"
Before Yuka could respond, Ryu stepped forward. "Because Akuma is back," he said, his voice steady. "And we can't stop him alone."
The grin vanished from Denki's face. He stared at Ryu for a long moment, then crossed his arms. "Akuma, huh? If that's true, then you'll have to prove you're worth my time."
Scene 3: A Test of Strength
The clearing becomes a makeshift battlefield as Denki challenges Ryu to a sparring match.
"You've got ten seconds to impress me," Denki said, lightning sparking around his fists.
Ryu dropped into a fighting stance, his golden aura flaring to life. "I don't need ten seconds."
Denki smirked. "Good answer."
The two charged at each other, their fists colliding with a thunderous crack. Ryu dodged a bolt of lightning, countering with a spinning kick that Denki barely avoided. The ground shook as Denki slammed his fist into the dirt, sending a wave of electricity surging toward Ryu.
Ryu jumped into the air, channeling his energy into his palms. "Take this!" he shouted, unleashing a blast of golden energy. Denki crossed his arms to block, sliding back from the force.
The fight ended as quickly as it began. Denki laughed, lowering his guard. "Not bad, kid. You've got guts."
"So, will you join us?" Ryu asked, breathing heavily.
Denki nodded. "If Akuma's really back, I'm in. But don't think I'm doing this for free."
Scene 4: The Journey Continues:
The trio descends the mountain, with Denki now part of the team. They discuss their next destination.
"We'll need Kenshi next," Yuka said as they walked. "He's brash, but he's strong."
"And where do we find him?" Ryu asked.
Denki chuckled. "Knowing Kenshi? Probably in the middle of a fight."
As they reached the base of the mountain, the group paused. The wind carried a faint sound—cheering and shouting, like a crowd gathered for a spectacle.
"Looks like you were right," Ryu said, glancing at Denki.
"Of course I'm right," Denki replied with a grin. "Let's go see what trouble Kenshi's gotten himself into."
Closing Scene: The group approaches a bustling village, where a crowd has gathered around a makeshift arena. In the center, Kenshi is fighting multiple opponents at once, his red gi and spiky blond hair unmistakable.
"Kenshi," Yuka muttered, shaking her head. "Always the show-off."
The chapter ends as Kenshi delivers a flashy finishing move, turning to the crowd with a cocky grin.