"It feels like old times, being back together again," Kiyoshi remarked. Felix nodded in agreement, "You're right; it's great to be reunited." Jax chimed in, "It has been a while indeed." Lionel couldn't help but interject with his competitive spirit, "Just so you all know, I'm winning the end-of-the-year tournament this year." Jax retorted, "Well before that happens, I'm claiming victory at the Beach Classic this year." The rest of them echoed in unison, "Beach Classic?" Jax explained, "Yes, it's a tournament held on beach terrain." Lionel seemed suspicious. "Wait... how do you know about that? No one knew the island was going to reopen." Jax revealed his source. "My brother told me the island was reopening and hosting a brand-new tournament for fighters." Kiyoshi declared his intent to start training as soon as he arrived on the island. Lionel asked him curiously, "What were you doing all summer?" Kiyoshi recounted his experience with an air of defiance. “I got trapped in a cage when everyone in the orphanage left me during a riot. I burned it down and escaped here.” Everyone fell silent at Kiyoshi's grim tale. But he continued with an unexpected note of relief. “I am glad I burned down the orphanage because of all the horrible memories there.” Jax reassured him warmly. “We are glad that you are looking forward with us.” Lionel and Felix joined in agreement with smiles on their faces. Kiyoshi then asked them about their summers. Lionel boasted about his exploits in France where he participated and won an underground club scene competition. Felix proudly announced his rematch victory over Jared while Jax shared about some village troubles he had encountered. “Is everyone okay?” they asked Jax collectively. “Yeah, everyone is okay, just not the village,” Jax replied with a hint of concern. He added, “I suspect they might come to this island and try to fight us.” The ship finally departed from the port, heading towards the open sea. Lionel confidently declared, “We will be ready for them once they arrive.” Jax warned them about the potential threat. “These guys are some of the most formidable fighters we've ever faced.” Lionel didn't seem fazed and responded with unwavering confidence. "I'm ready for anything." As night fell and dinner was served on the ship, Kiyoshi expressed his gratitude for a hearty meal. Felix asked him about his meals at the orphanage and Kiyoshi revealed that he was often denied food by the matron on purpose. Lionel empathized with him saying, "That's rough." Kiyoshi brushed it off lightly stating that their friendship mattered more to him than anything else. They all placed their hands in a circular formation in camaraderie shouting, "Friends Forever." As fatigue set in, Lionel decided to retire for the night followed by Jax and Felix. Just as Kiyoshi was about to enter his room after bidding them goodnight, the boat started rocking violently. Startled he exclaimed, "Is this a tidal wave or something?" A voice emerged from nowhere contradicting him, "Wrong." Kiyoshi demanded to know who it was only to be met with an ambiguous response from a shadowy figure wearing blue Gi standing right before him. Kiyoshi assumed his fighting stance but before he could make a move Lionel intervened catching the stranger's fist mid-air while Jax kicked him in his chest sending him sprawling backwards where Felix caught hold of his wrist and landed a punch on his face. Lionel sensed an ominous presence stating that he felt a dragon spirit but not one with good intentions. Felix noticed the stranger's body disappearing and speculated it was probably a decoy. Lionel suggested they stay alert since Kiyoshi seemed to be the primary target for some reason. But for now, he decided to retire for the night leaving them with his parting words. Then everyone else went back to their room and went to sleep. The next day. The ship honked very loudly, and it woke up everyone. Kiyoshi ran outside and saw they were at Zogohr. “Home at last,” said Kiyoshi as he held up both of his arms. Then everyone behind him bolts towards him, and then Kiyoshi gets pushed off the boat into the light blue water. Kiyoshi screams as he goes in. Felix, Jax, and Lionel all woke up annoyed. “So, this is what school is going to feel like again,” said Felix. “I guess so,” said Jax as he rubbed the back of his head. So, all three of them walk off the ship half-sleep. “Guys, I need help down here,” said Kiyoshi. No one responds. “Great,” said Kiyoshi. As the ship's passengers disembarked, they collectively rubbed the backs of their heads, contemplating the state of their academy. The once majestic institution appeared to have been ravaged by an intense storm and hastily pieced back together. Dense woods had now engulfed much of the island, obscuring the academy from sight at the docks. One would have to fall trees just to catch a glimpse of it. The dojo dorms stood dilapidated, while the cafés remained intact but bore signs of looting inside. A fighter grazed his hand against a building only for it to crumble entirely. Kiyoshi eventually washed ashore, shaking off water as he took in the wreckage that was once his home. "What happened here?" Kiyoshi asked aloud. "Looks like disaster decided to take a vacation here," Jax replied nonchalantly. "I'm not even sure we're on the right island," Felix chimed in skeptically. Suddenly, rustling emerged from nearby foliage, and out stepped Chancellor Tom. "Welcome back to Zogohr Academy...I mean Zokor," he greeted with a beaming smile. "What happened here?" another fighter echoed Kiyoshi's question. "Well...when you all left for summer break, there was some disagreement among us senseis about whether or not to close down the island. We eventually decided to reopen but didn't quite have time for repairs," Chancellor Tom explained with his hands folded behind him. "But don't worry; everything will be fixed by year-end." Felix remarked dryly, "Seems like our dear Chancellor has renamed our island without moving it an inch." Lionel added, "I guess last year's events prompted this change." "This is going to be one long year," Kiyoshi sighed heavily. "You couldn't have said it better, Kiyoshi," Jax agreed wholeheartedly. "Should we even bother checking if our old home is still standing?" Lionel asked. "No need. As we approached the island, I scanned the cliff where it used to be. Nothing remained," Felix answered grimly. "All right, fighters, follow me to the school," Chancellor Tom directed and led the way. Kiyoshi pointed out that the champion pagoda was still standing, which Lionel found intriguing. Upon reaching the main building's entrance, Scarlet spotted Felix and called out his name. He rushed over for a warm embrace as they shared how much they missed each other over the summer. Kiyoshi feigned nausea at their display of affection while Jax and Lionel chuckled in amusement. They all proceeded to the auditorium and took their familiar seats among many other fighters including new ones identifiable by their white Gi uniforms. Chancellor Tom then addressed about changes in the ranking system and introduced a new tournament – The Beach Classic. "I can't wait for this year! So many new things! Can't wait to beat every team on this island!" Kiyoshi declared enthusiastically. Lionel asked him who his teammates would be, assuming it would be the same group as last year. Jax teasingly called him gullible, sparking a heated exchange until Felix intervened reminding them they were on the same team. As Scarlet bid Felix goodbye, he expressed his love for her while Lionel wondered where to register their team name. A fighter ran past exclaiming about how cool the island looked now. The four friends followed suit and were astounded by its transformation with only a few landmarks remaining unchanged like the beach, champion pagoda, and school itself. The dorms were now mini dojos; cafés had been revamped into ramen bars reminiscent of downtown Japan; numerous training arenas dotted around; a dojo even nestled amidst snowy mountains and another near a volcano; with an uncovered dome serving as the main arena. "This is going to be the best year ever," Kiyoshi declared optimistically. "Let's hurry and sign up our team before someone else takes our spot," exclaimed Jax, urging his friends to run towards the signup desk. As they approached, Felix couldn't help but marvel at how quickly the organizers had set everything up while they were speaking with Chancellor Tom. "It's possible that they used some sort of spell to speed things along," speculated Mudar, ever the skeptic. "How could that be? Chancellor Tom may be a Kung-Fu master, but even he can't do everything," countered Felix in disbelief. But as they reached the desk, their thoughts shifted to coming up with a team name. "I've got it- Team Zephyrs!" exclaimed Kiyoshi, eager to contribute. But his enthusiasm was met with dismissive shakes of the head from Lionel, Felix, and Jax. "That name's been taken already," informed Sensei Naokami with a small bow. Kiyoshi's face fell in disappointment. "Well then, how about Team Neon Space?" suggested Lionel. But again, their teammates shook their heads in unison. "It just doesn't have enough pizazz," shrugged Jax nonchalantly. "Ugh, whatever," grumbled Lionel in frustration as he closed his eyes briefly. "Team Wild Wing Force!" declared Jax confidently after another round of failed suggestions. This time, however, even he knew it was not quite right when faced with the disapproving looks of his friends. "Come on guys, be open-minded," pleaded Jax as he defended his creative attempt. But before they could continue arguing over a team name, they were interrupted by an impatient fighter waiting behind them. Realizing the long line of competitors waiting for their turn to sign up, the group quickly made a decision and settled on "Mystical Force." Excitedly accepting their key to the room and wishing them luck, Sensei Naokami bowed and bid them farewell. As they walked away from the signup desk, Jax, Felix, Kiyoshi, and Lionel were filled with a sense of accomplishment and determination. They headed towards their assigned room, but after what seemed like hours of searching, they still couldn't find it. "Where could it be hiding?" wondered Felix aloud in frustration as they combed the area for any sign of their accommodations. But just as they were about to give up hope, they stumbled upon their room standing right in front of them. "Wow," breathed Jax in awe as he eyed the stunning view of the beach that lay before them. "But it's so far from the school," interjected Kiyoshi worriedly. "We'll just have to wake up early to make sure we don't miss any classes," reasoned Lionel as he unlocked the sliding door to their room. "This is just the beginning of a new year and our journey towards becoming great fighters," he declared with determination.

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