The King of Fighters XIV/Team Stories

This page includes English translations for the team stories found on The King of Fighters XIV Official Website.

Japan Team
https://www.snk-corp.co.jp/us/games/kof-xiv/teamstory/japan.php

The young man passed through the gates of his family's home, interrupting his journey of training as a warrior to respond to a call from his father, Saisyu Kusanagi. In the parlor, he found two old friends he had not seen for some time: Benimaru Nikaido and Goro Daimon. Normally, these three would never gather at the Kusanagi home at all once, but this time, their presence was requested by Saisyu.


 * "You're home... I'm sorry to have to call you out here. Look."

In Saisyu's hand was a familiar envelope.
 * "This... It's a KOF invitation. Why...?"
 * "And so, I have a request for all of you."
 * "This had better not be another huge pain in my side, old man."
 * "What? It's just like what you'd use for training a beginner... You've probably heard of Master Tung. He's bringing new students to the tournament this time, but I hear they're really bad at holding back. We just want you to help show them the way, is all. It would be dangerous for normal martial artists, but you guys should be fine."

Saisyu had originally intended to meet each of them personally and check to see if their strength declined before making this request. However, at a glance, he was convinced that he had worried for nothing.


 * "Yup, I knew this would be a huge pain. Anyway, you're probably getting ahead of yourself. We don't even know if they'll win their way up the brackets."


 * "I'm sure they will, since the master is with them. I though you'd be happy to go a few rounds, Kyo."

Benimaru had been enjoying watching the father and son argue, but took his turn to speak after Kyo sucked his teeth at Saisyu, who had begun drinking tea.
 * "Actually, the only thing that really matters is whether or not one of these beginners is a beautiful young lady."
 * "Mm-hmm. It's important to show the way for young ones with a long road ahead of them."

Daimon was clearly in a mood to agree and attracted to the idea of 'educating.' However, before he could encounter any backlash for that sentiment, a familiar voice rang out from the doorway.


 * "Mr. Kusanagi! Everybody!! I haven't seen you all in ages. I'd heard that you had all come home, so I hurried right over!"

Shingo Yabuki hurried noisily down the hall then peeked into the room, still looking flushed.


 * "Haven't seen you in a while, Shingo. The same as ever, huh?"


 * "Heheh. I'm not the same guy you knew before. Here, check out the new special move I came up with after training non-stop for the last six months. With this, winning KOF isn't a dream anymore!"

Daimon responded before Kyo, moved by the words of a friendly junior martial artist making a surprise visit.


 * "Well, your confidence is impressive. I'll fight a round with you."

Narrowing his eyes even further with happiness, he slid into his geta sandals and walked out onto the lawn. "Here I come, Daimon!" Everyone turned to watch as Daimon and Shingo gave their battle cries and took their stances. Then Kyo heard Saisyu's voice, uncharacteristically serious, coming from behind him.


 * "Listen, Kyo. I have something to tell you."


 * "What is it, old man?"
 * "When I spoke with Master Tung... I had a premonition. I have a feeling that something bad is going to happen at this KOF. I'm not sure what, but I just feel like something's not right... Be ready."
 * "What the...? You're being really vague. Well, whatever happens, I'll find a way to handle it."

At that moment, Shingo let out an impassioned roar, as if to drown out their conversation.


 * "YAAAAAAaaa...ah? H-Huh? There's no flame... Hold on a second, Daimon. A-Aaaagh!"

While he had carried out the technique enthusiastically, it was apparently incomplete. As Shingo panicked because the flames had failed to appear, and he also took a hit from Daimon's counter, which left him sprawled on the ground.


 * "This is what I get for talking big..."
 * "Indeed, you need more training. At this level, winning the KOF is more of a dream within a dream."

On hearing Daimon's words, Benimaru turned to Kyo suddenly, like he'd just been reminded of something.


 * "Hey, Kyo... Speaking of winning, apparently a new 'first generation' KOF champion appeared while we were away."
 * "Huh? A champion... And a first-generation one... What does that mean?"
 * "So you hadn't heard after all. I don't know the details, but apparently he's incredibly rich. He also happens to be the organizer this time... So what will you do about it, Kyo?"
 * "You know what I'll do. This self-titled champion and newbie training. I'll take care of all of it at once!"

It didn't matter how big or small, bad things usually happened at KOF tournaments. Kyo had experienced these troubles time and again, making his confidence unshakable as the sun blazed brilliantly behind him.

Yagami Team
https://www.snk-corp.co.jp/us/games/kof-xiv/teamstory/yagami.php

Complete silence. The full moon was a pronounced reddish hue, bathing the row of gravestones in the color of fresh blood. A cigarette lay slanted and burnt to ashes atop a small grave in an quiet area of the public cemetery. A man with crimson hair stood staring at the remains of the cigarette, lost in thought.


 * "Hmph... Was that supposed to be incense?"

He muttered to himself, before turning his gaze to the elm trees nearby. As he turned away, a murder of crows resting among the trees took flight in unison. Something was watching him from the shadows the trees cast in the moonlight. How long had they been there?


 * "It's been a while, Iori Yagami. Did you have pleasant nightmares?"

A woman's voice said in strangely seductive tones. He could definitely sense their presence, but no forms were visible.


 * "What business brings half-dead things like you back from hell?"
 * "Oh, that attitude doesn't suit you. You missed me, so I came to see you. Aren't you happy?"

Spoke another woman's voice, different from the one moments before.


 * "Ridiculous... Get lost."

Violet flames wreathed Iori's right hand as he spoke and the air around it began to waver. He moved his arm in a slashing motion, as though swatting an insect, and the flames raced toward the presences. When they reached the source of the presence, his flames suddenly scattered then vanished.


 * "Tehehe... What a rough welcome. The real reason we're here... Well, that's something you're already dimly aware of."

In the area beyond where the violet flames had died stood two beautiful women. Mature and Vice. Two of Iori's former teammates, and also two people he had slain himself.

Vice tossed an envelope to him. A familiar envelope he didn't even need to check the contents of... A KOF invitation.


 * "Hehehe... This KOF is just the beginning of the nightmare. Drawn by the scent of life, the dead are gathering. And I can hear their voices perfectly, Yagami! ...You could have awakened from your nightmares if you had just given up your power and chosen to live as a human back then!"

Vice's words rang out, disturbing the stillness of the evening.


 * "Though your dearest wish might be granted in the not-so-distant future. That is... If you don't die before then, Yagami."

Iori snorted with apparent disinterest at Mature's prophetic words.


 * "Hmph... There's no way I'll die before I beat him."
 * "Well then, this should be fun... We'll be observing your restored powers. Don't disappoint us."
 * "Oh, really... If you're that interested, I can show you right now. The cost will be your souls, though."

Iori's eyes hardened, and a sinister energy began to fill the air around him.


 * "Tehehe... I'll pass. It's still too early for me to go back to hell."
 * "Hahaha... Bye, Yagami... See you again at the gateway to your nightmares!"

Saying this, the two women vanished into the darkness again. Iori turned on his heel and began walking, letting the moonlight wash over his back. Light from a glaring red moon that seemed to be calling for blood.


 * "...There's no way to awaken from these nightmares than by killing him with my own hands."

All he sought was to fight the man known as "Kyo Kusanagi." That was the only way for him to prove that he was still alive.

Fatal Fury Team
https://www.snk-corp.co.jp/us/games/kof-xiv/teamstory/fatalfury.php

In the Pao Pao Café, where South Town's martial artists rest and recuperate, one passionate man was locked in combat with a massive amount of food.


 * "Food, foooood!! Add on another 10 orders of fried alligator, Richard!"

Terry watched Food-fighter Joe devour his meal at an unsettling pace from the corner of his eye as he listened to his younger brother Andy complain.


 * "Listen, Terry. I just got a declaration of war from Mai over the phone."
 * "That's normal. Hey, whatever you guys fight about, that's all on you."
 * "Mai was saying she'd take Joe down, though. And there was a declaration of war for you, too."
 * "For me? Well, that's different. Who could it be from? Surely it's not Mary or Yuri?"
 * "Looks like things didn't work out between Mary, Yuri, and Kasumi, so they weren't able to form a team together."
 * "Wow. So that means it's a declaration from a new member."
 * "Seems that way. They said the new member is Alice, the girl that's always copying you."
 * "That Alice, huh... This sounds like fun! But why Alice? Does she even know them?"
 * "Well, about that..."

Andy told Terry the story Mai had just made him listen to on the phone, of how the team was formed.


 * "Hmm. Still, if Mai and King are joining too, we might actually have to fight them. But even then, there's another opponent we need to be more concerned about. Geese Howard... He's participating in the tournament this time."

Geese Howard, a man they all knew well. He was a ruthless, evil man who would do anything to achieve his goals. Their adoptive father had been a fellow student of martial arts with Geese, until the latter killed him.


 * "Do you think Geese Howard could be the one pulling the strings behind the tournament, Terry?"
 * "No, Mary says he has no ties to the main organizer. Seems he's really just an invitational fighter this time, but..."
 * "Still, it's hard to believe he'd join a martial arts tournament for no reason. It'd just be safer to assume he's after something."
 * "Yeah. Anyway, we'd better watch out. Though, if possible, I'd like to beat him back to Tuesday in a match."
 * "I know, Terry... We'll be sure to take him out for good this time."

Since they'd begun talking about Geese Howard, the two had began radiating a tense, charged aura around themselves. But Joe paid it no mind as he energetically finished a beer and let out a mighty shout.


 * "WOO! It doesn't matter who we face. We're going to win this KOF no matter what!! I'm going to show the world the new chapters of my personal legend!"
 * "...Speaking of, does he seem more fired up than usual? 　What's with him?"
 * "He asked a girl out and got rejected. As for why... It seems she thought he was going out with that drag queen fan." "Oh... Yeah, that's rough."
 * "Ahhh, I'm getting a really warped reputation! The Internet really is a scary place!!!"

The two brothers looked on with pity at the passionate man who had been crushed by the savage monster of Internet culture, but their gazes were warm even as thought to themselves... (We'll let him to deal with that.)

Art of Fighting Team
https://www.snk-corp.co.jp/us/games/kof-xiv/teamstory/aof.php

It's been one month since they received the KOF tournament invite. The master of the Kyokugenryu pulled his followers away from the distractions of South Town to train in the mountains and polish their individual abilities.


 * "Well, this was a really satisfying session, training in seclusion! I can look forward to KOF knowing I'm in peak condition."
 * "Ugh, I'm tired... I know it's been a while and you're fired up about KOF and all, but going out into the mountains is a bit much."
 * "Well, that's the reason we've all gotten better. And the reason why we've basically won this tournament already! Speaking of, master didn't show up this time. What gives?"

Ryo, Robert, and Yuri completed their training and returned home without any issues, but it bothered Robert that Takuma was not there. He normally would have been delighted to come along.


 * "Well, he said that he was busy managing the Kyokugen BBQ restaurant since its reopening. That's why he couldn't make it."
 * "Wow, the master is as active as ever! Even though he just closed the soba noodle shop."
 * "Sure seems that way. I've got to work hard on managing the dojo just to keep up with my old man."

Although he'd stopped using his absurd training methods on students the way he used to, their numbers were still declining, and showed no signs of increasing. A major factor was the rapid increase in self-proclaimed new styles and dojos, spurred by an increase in the number of tournaments. At present, students were steadily flowing toward these newer competitors.


 * "True, the number of students has gone down, and recently, I've even heard that there’s a fake Kyokugenryu out there."
 * "Exactly. And that's why I need to show the world just how amazing Kyokugenryu is at this tournament."
 * "Let's show them how amazing Kyokugen BBQ is too, while we're at it! That way it's two birds with one stone."

Just as the three began to get excited about their discussion of the future of Kyokugenryu, they heard two sets of footsteps as Takuma and Khushnood entered the dojo.


 * "Good to see you back from a tough training session! I've reserved the whole restaurant for you guys, today."
 * "Whoa, really!? Yay! I'm starved from all that training! I'm gonna eat everything!"
 * "Alright! This'll be the leverage that really puts our training to use in the tournament!"
 * "Indeed. Show the world that Kyokugenryu is here."
 * "Leave it to me, Dad. I'm ready! I've got my sights set on winning this tournament!"
 * "YEAAAAHHHH!!"

And thus, with their sights set on furthering the development of the Kyokugenryu, the group's fighting spirits sprang to life, all eyes set on victory.

Kim Team
https://www.snk-corp.co.jp/us/games/kof-xiv/teamstory/kim.php

In a silent dojo, the pride of the Tae Kwon Do world contemplated his 'training' of Chang and Choi. Both trained wholeheartedly, and he gave them a break as a reward. However, the two had not returned after a week, and he had begun to wonder if perhaps he had made a mistake by giving them a break. Perhaps he should close the dojo immediately and go looking for them. As he pondered, he heard two sets of footsteps approaching the dojo and dashed to the entrance.


 * "You're finally back! Since you can't keep your promises, it seems like neither one of you is truly reformed. So, starting tomorrow we'll begin harder train...huh!? M-Master!?"

What he thought was Chang and Choi actually turned out to be his master on the other side of the door. Gang-Il had left to travel the world and spread Tae Kwon Do, but now, alongside his master, he found an unknown woman with a seductive air about her.


 * "Hah! You think you can train me, Kim??" "So this little fellow is your protégé? He seems very masculine and energetic; taking such an aggressive tone with his master."

Even though the two had been apart for a long time, Kim still had bitter memories of his master. Given a choice, he would have preferred not to be reunited. Unable to hide his shock at his master's return, Kim froze with his mouth hanging open.


 * "He's so happy he's speechless! I'm the luckiest master there is. Oh, right, I still haven't introduced you. This is my lover Luong. We met while I was traveling."
 * "Pleasure to meet you, Kim. I've heard so much about you. I do hope we get along, with us both being allies of justice and all!"
 * "Oh, and speaking of friends of justice, I heard rumors that you're rehabilitating some villains. I'd love to meet those rascals, too. Where are they, Kim?"
 * "W-Well... I gave them a week break, but they haven't come back yet..."
 * "Oh my, it seems they've just run away. That's too bad, Kim. Do you need me to comfort you? Tehehe."
 * "N-No, I'm fine. I will find and rehabilitate Chang Koehan and Choi Bounge no matter what!"
 * "Chang Koehan and Choi Bounge... I've seen those names somewhere. Darling, weren't those the names on the leaflets they were handing out in town?"
 * "Oh really? Let me check just to be sure."

The leaflet Gang-Il retrieved from his bag showed a headline reading 'Heinous Evildoer Xanadu Participating in KOF!?' Chang and Choi's names were listed as members of his team.


 * "They must have been led astray by this Xanadu guy. I will participate in the KOF tournament in order to lead them back onto the path of righteousness."
 * "Wow, KOF! I've heard that it draws a lot of great fighters. How interesting... Shall we join in too, Luong?"

Already surprised by his master's presence, Kim was speechless as he declared his intentions to participate.


 * "Huh?" "Oh, what a great idea, darling! I'll work up a nice sweat for Kim's sake, too!"
 * "N-No, really, I'm fine. You're both busy people, so I really shouldn't bother you with this. I'll find some other comrades with similar ideals and then join KOF."
 * "No need to be so polite, Kim. For my adorable little student, we'll cancel all ours plans and stick with you throughout the tournament."
 * "Oh, and darling, what about teaching Kim the vast mysteries of true 'training' while we're at it?"
 * "Why, that's a great idea!! We'll get started on it tomorrow, then!"

Gang-Il and Luong's commitment to participating in KOF solidified, and they went about making calls to cancel their plans. Then worked on plans to stay at Kim's dojo...


 * "This has turned into a real mess... I've got to get Chang and Choi back as soon as possible."

If he were to accept his master, would his 'training' improve even more? Or was his master just making fun of him? The fruits of his long years of 'training' were about to be tested.

Villains Team
https://www.snk-corp.co.jp/us/games/kof-xiv/teamstory/villains.php

A certain prison facility was conducting registration procedures for new inmates.


 * "Ah, just when we think we're free of Kim, we get caught by the law."
 * "Seriously, Choi, it's your fault for getting wild at that bar while you were drunk."
 * "You shouldn't talk, Chang. You're the one who got worked up and broke their tables and walls, buddy boy."

When a guard brought them to their cell block on the bottom floor, they were surrounded by an unnatural aura. The prisoners there were abnormally energetic, and all seemed to be engaged in creating some sort of banner for an unclear purpose.


 * "They're strangely lively. It's kind of creepy..." "AHAHAHA."

A laugh loud enough to echo through the cell block came from behind them, and the two turned to find the source of the sudden noise. There, they saw a man was approaching them, his blue beard that reached to his waist swinging like a pendulum.


 * "So you have found me at last... A captive of the curvature of space-time, a potato in a tailspin."

He stared at them with deep-set, unblinking eyes open so wide as to be unsettling. And judging by his unique face-paint, Choi quickly realized just who this man was.


 * "I-I know this guy! He's Xanadu, the most evil of villains! His list of criminal deeds is long and he's known internationally for pulling off serious felonies in every country he visits!"
 * "Wow, that's crazy evil! I'm a little intimidated. What do you say, Choi? Should we bring the hammer of justice down on him?"
 * "...You've become quite the justice fighter, buddy boy."

Xanadu moved his face closer to the pair and stared each one in the eyes, still unblinking, before breaking into a smirk.


 * "It trembles, it trembles!"
 * "Eeep!"
 * "Cast aside concepts! Return to nothingness and create!"

Xanadu took out an invitation to a fighting tournament that Chang and Choi were well-acquainted with. Anyone is allowed to participate in the KOF tournament. Vicious criminals are no exception.


 * "The path is already open. The coupling of time and space! Namely, freedom! Only in acceptance does hope exist. Now, separate your concepts!"
 * "Our hopes... F-Freedom! Absolute power! And wealth! Happiness in old age! Mr. Xanadu, please, lead us..."
 * "You're the only one who can change us after being converted to justice, Mr. Xanadu!"
 * "You must scatter. Split everything and then merge! Wahahahahaha!"

Xanadu's laughter echoed through the cell block. All of the prisoners let out a roar together, as if inspired by the sound.


 * "Wow! It's amazing, I really want to go on a wild rampage! I've never seen charisma like this! If we stick with him, we'll be on the fast track to villainy!"
 * "Looks like it's finally our lucky day, buddy boy."
 * "All logic springs from a tremble. You two, heighten your entropy!"

No one knew whether Chang and Choi were departing on a spectacular trail of evil, or on a road that would lead them directly to the hammer of justice.

Official Invitation Team
https://www.snk-corp.co.jp/us/games/kof-xiv/teamstory/officialinvi.php

It was a free-for-all battle between fighters who, for one reason or another, could not appear in official bouts, and held at one of the world's premier underground arenas. The audience's gaze was fixed on two women: one in a unique outfit featuring large eyeballs, and another that soared through the air while changing masks faster than the eyes could see.


 * "They're pretty strong, eh?"

Antonov murmured, smiling with satisfaction as he watched the fights through a one-way mirror.


 * "That's Sylvie, formerly of NESTS, who controls electromagnetic forces, and Mian, a master of Sichuan Bushinryu. 　Both have a win rate of over 90% in this underground tournament. And they're quite popular."

Antonov's assistant, associate director Yakov, swiftly pulled up information on the fighters on a tablet.


 * "Ahhh, I see, I see. Alright Yakov, I'm going to scout them as select members of the official invitational team!"
 * "Yes, sir— Wait, what!? So what will you do with the fighters that were recommended by our sponsors?"
 * "Naturally, I'll be turning them down. Fighters known only for their looks aren't nearly strong enough to show off the power of Antonov, the first-generation KOF champion."
 * "Ahh... Yes sir, if you say so. Well then, I'll go call them over."

Told that they had a business proposition from a very wealthy patron, Sylvie and Mian came to Antonov's room. Yakov then explained the nature of the contract.


 * "KOF, huh... I don't like being on TV. But I'll think about it, depending on the size of the check."
 * "Paula's totally, completely, without-a-doubt okay with this! You're fine with Paula, right?"
 * "Excellent. Yakov, give them the contracts."
 * "Yes, boss. These are the contracts. Please, look them over."
 * "Wow, that's an impressive amount. Even my eyeballs are overwhelmed! ...Are there any penalties?"
 * "No, no, there's no need to worry. It's simply honest pay for a fight."
 * "With this much money... And there's a bonus for getting the venue worked up. It's a deal. Look forward to working with you, President Antonov."
 * "That's great. Ehehe, Paula's glad to work with you too, boss."

Having added them to his select, invitational team, Antonov lectured Yakov in a satisfied voice as he watched the next fight.


 * "Those two are tough! There's no doubt they'll spice up the tournament. And now that we've got members for the Official Team that can show off my strength, we can use anybody for the final member. Go get me some guy off the street."
 * "Well, for the final member, we could try assigning one of the fighters recommended by our sponsors as a base..."
 * "That won't be necessary. If you're looking for your final member to invite onto the team, I'm here. So hire me already, you sorry sack of shit."

When the two men turned to find the source of the unexpected voice, they saw a hooded man standing in the corner of the room.


 * "Hey, kid, language! Anyway, when did you get here? I didn't notice you at all."
 * "Just tell me whether you'll hire me or not. You know speed is everything in business negotiations, right?"
 * "B-Boss... What do you think?"
 * "Hmm. I like your abrasive style! Yakov, give him a contract too."
 * "Huh? Are you sure, boss?"
 * "Yeah. It's not just anyone who can hide his presence from me. He's bound to be tough. What's your name?"
 * "Kukri. So, we have a deal. No need to explain the contract or negotiate; that's a waste of time. If there's a problem, contact me here."

Saying this, Kukri took the contract and vanished before their eyes, leaving behind traces of sand and a note with contact information written on it.

Buzzzz... Buzzzz...


 * "It's me. I've got all of the KOF participants. Standby for a report."