The King of Fighters XV/Team-Character Stories

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

Hero Team
It is the day after an invitation to the King of Fighters winds up on Tung Fu Rue's doorstep.

"I have no intention of joining the tournament."

Shun'ei and Meitenkun are wide-eyed at the first words their master speaks on the matter.

"What?! What do you mean, Grandpa?!"

"Awww man! So we're sitting it out this time around?"

Seeing his pupils' shocked and disappointed faces, Tung shakes his head.

"Now, I didn't say that. You two should team up with the Kusanagi boy this time."

"Kyo Kusanagi?"

"That's the one. Shun'ei, Meitenkun, you grew so much in the last tournament—both physically and mentally. You should have no trouble teaming up with other fighters. Think of this as part of your training!"

The old master holds out a couple of plane tickets to the two boys. Shun'ei and Meitenkun each take one, staring intently at the text printed on them. As he watches his young disciples, Tung's expression softens.

"I shall speak with Kyo's father. Be careful on your journey to Japan."

"Benimaru Nikaido? How'd you end up subbing in for Kyo?"

Fresh off the plane from China to Japan, the disciples make their way to the airport's exit, where they are unexpectedly greeted by Kyo's usual teammate Benimaru. As soon as he sees Shun'ei's puzzled expression and Meitenkun nodding off, Benimaru chuckles bitterly and shrugs his shoulders.

"Apparently his hands are full with some 'other business,' so he asked me to come instead."

"I don't remember agreeing to this..."

At Shun'ei's astonishment, Benimaru puts a hand to his forehead, exasperated.

It was only yesterday that Kyo had asked Benimaru to substitute for him. Daimon had been busy with his Judo alliance, and Kyo had something else to attend to, so Benimaru figured he'd sit out the KOF this time around. But just as he was getting relaxed, he got a sudden call.

After explaining this to Shun'ei and Meitenkun, Benimaru turns to face the pair again.

"You don't mind if I join your team, do you? Not that you have much of a choice, from the looks of it."

"Yeah. But I know we've fought before, it's just that we don't know a thing about each other. What if—"

...What if I lose control of my power and start going berserk?

Shun'ei clams up, swallowing his words. Benimaru frowns at the boy's downcast expression, but before he can say anything, a loud yawn pierces the silence.

"Don't worry about it, Shun!"

Shifting his pillow under his arm, Meitenkun tugs at the hem of Shun'ei's clothes with his free hand. Surveying Benimaru and his fellow disciple with drowsy eyes, the boy smiles innocently.

"Besides, Master Tung said this was part of our training. So why don't we all just get along, huh? Happy to team up with you, Benimaru!"

Seeing the grinning Meitenkun hold out a hand, Shun'ei lets the tension leave his body and laughs awkwardly.

"...I guess you're right. Let's do this, Benimaru Nikaido."

"Yeah, back at you, you two!"

As the three exchange handshakes, a plane roars overhead. Shun'ei and Meitenkun look up, catching sight of a white vapor trail cutting across the clear evening sky.

"Let's bring Grandpa back some good news, shall we?"

"Eheheh, sounds like a plan to me."

Benimaru slaps his hands on the shoulders of the grinning disciples, cracking a smile of his own.

"Now then, how about we go celebrate our new team with a meal? It's on me, so feel free to go ham."

"Really and truly?! Thanks a bunch, Benimaru! I say we go grab some Japanese barbecue!"

"C'mon, Meiten, mind your manners..."

"Barbecue, you say? Okay, coming right up."

Meitenkun practically jumps up and down in eagerness, while Shun'ei frowns and jabs him with an elbow. Benimaru, however, pays the pair no mind, searching for a shop with the manner of a seasoned pro. Moments later, he thrusts his smartphone in front of the disciples.

"How about this spot? I went with some buds a while back. Pretty tasty."

As he swipes through the photos on the screen, one after another bewitching platters of what look like Japanese Black Wagyu appear, flanked by a luxurious assortment of side dishes. Shun'ei and Meitenkun stare at the screen as gasps of wonder leave their lips.

"Th-This is incredible. Can we really go?"

"Loosen up! This is a celebration, ain't it?"

Benimaru's smile shows no sign of someone trying to show off for the youngsters. Shun'ei lets his gaze fall from the man and mutters softly.

"Didn't expect that..."

"Huh?"

"You act showy and shallow, but you can look after people when it counts."

"Heheh, lemme tell you a secret: it's all about the contrast. Ladies go wild for that kinda thing."

Just then, Meitenkun shows the screen to Shun'ei and exclaims with excitement.

"Hey, lookie, Shun! They got a whole buncha desserts, too!"

"What?! Oh boy, that looks tasty..."

Shun'ei is unable to hide his smile at the sight of the colorful confectionaries. Seeing the unexpected hint of childish innocence on Shun'ei's face, Benimaru grins and puts his arms around the boys' shoulders.

"Well now, got a sweet tooth, do ya? Chow down to your heart's content, Shun ♪"

"Hey. I appreciate the grub, but don't go acting like we're best buddies now."

"Awww, don't be shy, Shunny! ♪"

"Don't make fun of me, dammit!"

The bright evening sunlight shines on the trio as they leave the airport behind them.

However, none of them could have predicted that only days later, they would meet a girl whose appearance would herald a calamity in the tournament...

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