Seeing how Ryu had deliberately changed the subject, Ryuji now completely believed that this ninja held no hostility toward him, so he explained.
"His daughter Helena is very beautiful."
Ryu: "...."
Even Ryu almost couldn't keep his composure. He rubbed his temples before asking another question.
"Then what about Miss Mai Shiranui's family? If I remember correctly, they actually died several years ago."
This was also something Ryu had found unbelievable while gathering information, which was why he had hurried over here, wanting to figure out exactly what was going on.
"Hmm, it's a secret technique. I can exchange a corresponding amount of my own lifespan for the amount of time another person can remain alive in this world."
Ryu nodded. Techniques like that weren't unheard of, but as he looked at Ryuji, he couldn't help but fall silent for a moment.
Because he had a feeling that Ryuji had definitely done all of this simply because Mai was beautiful!
Even someone as experienced and knowledgeable as Ryu didn't quite know how to describe Ryuji.
But what made him even more curious was how Ryuji had trained himself to become this powerful. Someone like him couldn't possibly have remained completely unknown, and with Ryuji's personality and his instinctive lust for beautiful women, there was no way he shouldn't have made a name for himself somewhere.
"I... understand."
For a moment, Ryu didn't know what to say. He had originally prepared himself to confront Ryuji head-on, even to the point of revealing his true strength, but he had never expected that Ryuji was also a good person who wanted to protect the world.
Although this conclusion still needed to be investigated and verified, there was no doubt that if it was true, then everything could simply be left to Ryuji.
He had the protection of the now-clean Douglas, making him part of the capitalist world, and he also possessed immense strength, along with the almost impossible-to-replicate power of the Satsui no Hado.
Ryu carefully sensed Ryuji's aura once again and discovered that the Satsui no Hado within Ryuji was no longer that terrifying monstrous technique. Instead, its killing intent was gradually being replaced by life force. Even Ryu couldn't help but feel admiration.
Because there was no doubt that Ryuji had subdued the Satsui no Hado, escaped its restraints, and walked his own path as a true master.
And someone who could even transform the murderous power of the Satsui no Hado into life force really didn't seem like someone who could be an evil person.
The divine sword's recognition, his clear aura, his honest attitude, and the courtesy he had shown Ryu despite him arriving uninvited; all of these allowed Ryu to sense Ryuji's goodwill.
But there was still one last thing he was curious about.
"Then why are you organizing the World Martial Arts Tournament?"
Whether it was M. Bison, Rugal, or those who had betrayed Douglas, they all had plans to use this tournament to achieve their own goals. So, what about Ryuji?
"As for me..."
Ryuji found Ryu's question a little strange, but he quite liked the man's calm temperament and cool, stern appearance.
So, he answered casually.
"I want to fight strong opponents so I can go even further. After all, compared to this world, we're all far too insignificant, which is exactly why we need to become stronger. What else could it be? Something boring like ruling the world or becoming number one in the world? I get to deal with my enemies while also fighting strong opponents. Naturally, if an opportunity like that doesn't exist, I'll create it myself. As for those who want to cause trouble, I'll just eliminate them..."
Ryuji had no interest in being number one in the world.
If you set an endpoint for a path of advancement, then that path would inevitably come to an end.
If someone thought that being able to wield a sword with spiritual power was the end, then they would never be able to move forward for the rest of their life.
Someone who believed that having a body capable of recovering at incredible speed meant they were immortal and ageless, then they would inevitably fall when something eventually went wrong with their body.
Things like being number one were the most boring of all, because there is never a true peak or limit in this world. So what if you became number one in a single world?
What mattered was becoming stronger, not some meaningless title.
But after being asked so many questions by Ryu, Ryuji also wanted to ask him a few things.
"Then what about you? From what position are you asking me all of these questions? Why do you care so much about these things? And why are you participating in the World Martial Arts Tournament?"
Beneath his mask, Ryu couldn't help but smile.
It was truly wonderful that someone whose strength was close to his own, and who also had thoughts similar to his, had appeared in this world.
So, Ryu also spoke of his own wish.
"As for me, I suppose I just want to live a peaceful life. I don't even need to marry. Being able to live peacefully would be enough."
Ryuji was surprised, because Ryu's wish was even harder to achieve than his own.
"Your wish really is terrifyingly ambitious."
Although they hadn't actually fought, so Ryuji didn't know which of them was stronger, he was certain that someone like Ryu Hayabusa wanting to live a peaceful life was nothing more than wishful thinking.
"Yes, I know. That's why it's a wish."
Ryu also sighed helplessly, then took out a secret scroll from his clothes.
"I've asked you so many questions, so consider this my payment."
He wasn't afraid that Ryuji would learn his techniques and use them against him. What he gave him weren't techniques from his own school, but rather some skills and techniques he himself had created over the years.
The perceptive ninja had already noticed that although Ryuji was very strong and also formidable in actual combat, he probably hadn't been practicing martial arts for very long. Although he was extraordinarily talented, there were clearly far too many things he didn't know.
For example, he relied too much on his perception!
So, Ryu left behind his secret scroll.
Ryuji looked at Ryu with some surprise and asked,
"You don't want to fight me? I'm very curious about which of us is stronger."
But Ryu shook his head and spoke of what his instincts had told him.
"No. You and I wouldn't be able to determine a winner. If we truly wanted to decide the outcome, then either you would die or I would. A battle between us could only end that way. Besides, there's a strange power inside your body. I don't really want to provoke that power into coming out."
Ryu voiced his concern.
"...Is that so? But what you're sensing is pretty similar to what I'm feeling. I also feel that if we really fought, either of us could die. In fact, I'm also afraid of that power myself."
Ryuji could roughly guess what power Ryu was talking about, but the corner of his mouth couldn't help but twitch.
Because even he didn't really want to use that power!
That so-called Forbidden Power! Its side effects were simply too severe. He really didn't dare use it.
Ryu fell silent for a moment before asking a question that immediately made Ryuji's face darken.
"Then have you ever considered cutting off all of your desires? Like me, I don't even think about having a wife. Through training, you can sever all of your desires. If you want, I can help you cut off every last one of your desires..."
But before Ryu could even finish speaking, Mai rushed out carrying a teapot and pointed toward the door.
"GET OUT!"
And so, Ryu Hayabusa, who was probably the strongest person in the world at present, was chased out of the Shiranui dojo with his tail between his legs.
Even Ryu didn't know what to say about this treatment. After all, experiences like this were truly quite rare for him.
"But there shouldn't be any problems with Ryuji."
Looking at the tightly shut doors of the Shiranui dojo, Ryu was quite certain of this. After all, it was only now that everyone inside the Shiranui dojo become filled with dissatisfaction toward him. Just moments ago, they had even wanted him to stay for dinner.
But just as Ryu was about to leave, he suddenly realized there was a problem.
He had forgotten to mention Momiji, as well as the possibility that people from the Mugen Tenshin clan might come here seeking refuge.
"There shouldn't be any problems because of me, right?"
Ryu had no intention of going back to say anything more, because what had just happened was simply too awkward.
"But what's left is the problem with Orochi..."
Whether Ryuji's words were true or not, he only needed to check whether any members of the Hakkesshu were active. If there were...
Ryu touched the Dragon Sword on his back.
Then he would drag Orochi out ahead of time and kill him!
Although this should have been the responsibility of the Three Sacred Treasures clans, at this moment, Ryu no longer intended to let this matter continue unchecked.
Since he had discovered the problem, he would simply solve it. After all, he knew where Orochi was sealed. He just needed to capture a few members of the Hakkesshu and forcibly summon Orochi. He could come up with a few secret techniques on the spot. There was no need to make things too complicated.
Or he could simply kill all members of the Hakkesshu. That would also solve the problem.
The current situation was already chaotic enough. There was no need for Orochi to come out and cause even more trouble. It would also prevent Ryuji and the others from using Orochi to do something he didn't want to see.
"If you really are a good person, then don't disappoint me, Ryuji. After all, I only..."
Remembering the feeling he had sensed from Ryuji, the feeling that Ryuji possessed the ability to kill him, Ryu made his decision.
"...trust you for now."
***
Author's Note: As for the mixed setting...
Let's put it this way. At present, Ryu Hayabusa could gather all the bosses from these different worlds mixed together and take them all on at once...
His combat power is comparable to people like Dante and Bayonetta.
~~~~~~~~~~
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