The Kazama Dojo buzzed with the energy of intense training as Asuka Kazama, Hwoarang, and Emilie De Rochefort, also known as Lili, and Leroy Smith engaged in rigorous martial arts practice.

With his flair-full words Hwoarang emphasised the importance of a precise 90-degree sideway Mayagiri, sharing his expertise with Asuka.

Suddenly amidst their training, the atmosphere shifted abruptly as Alan, Paul, Lee, Jin, Nina, Steve, Forest, and Marshall Law burst into the dojo with a sense of urgency.

Witnessing Jin partially wrapped in bandages alongside Lee walking with support, Asuka and Hwoarang rushed to their aid, offering their shoulders for assistance.

As Lars, Anna, and Alisa entered the dojo after them, without any verbal exchange each individual inside the dojo proceeded towards the meeting hall in unison.

Alan felt strange unease at the silent coordination but despite his confusion, he followed them into the meeting hall, pushing his wheelchair ahead.

In the meeting hall, Alan found a quiet corner to observe, his eyes scanning the room as each member of the group settled in, taking their seats with their legs bent in the traditional Japanese way. The atmosphere was heavy with anticipation, the air thick with unspoken tension, until finally, Asuka broke the silence.

"I've been so worried," she admitted, her voice tinged with frustration. "We were left in the dark after Shibuya. I wanted to join you all, to help, but Uncle Lee's message told us to stay put, and we've been waiting ever since."

Leroy Smith, his expression grave, chimed in next. "I placed too much faith in Jin's abilities," he confessed. "I underestimated Kazuya. We all did."

Lili added her thoughts, her voice laced with concern. "Where do you think Kazuya is now?" she asked, her eyes searching the faces of the group for answers.

Lars leaned forward, his brow furrowed with worry. "We have recovered the footage from the helicarrier surveillance," he revealed. "After studying it, we have determined that Kazuya's heading towards....."

"Kyoto…!!"

Lee and Lars announced in unison, their voices echoing through the meeting hall.

Lee continued, his tone sombre.

"My plan failed," he admitted. "I thought the Hachijo clan held the key to ending the Devil, but it backfired heavily. However, it wasn't fruitless, we gained some valuable information. The Hachijo clan knows of Kazuya's actions and will play a significant role in what they call Doomsday, orchestrated by their supposed god, Satanus, whom I have hard believes being Kazuya."

"We can't afford to waste any time," Leroy interjected, rising to his feet. He gestured towards slow breathing Jin, "We have to begin your training right away..!"

But Lee held up a hand, his expression cautious. "I don't think that's a good idea," he interjected. "The leader of Hachijo village warned us, saying about something tainting Jin's Devil Gene."

Lee looked at Leroy with grim eyes, as he finished,

"Which I am coming to believe is related to his Chi training."

Words of retort were to leap out of Leroy's mouth but paused as he took a moment considering Lee's words carefully before replying,

"It's possible," he admitted reluctantly.

As Leroy sat down with evident disappointment on his face, Asuka turned to Jin, her expression apologetic,

"I am sorry Ni-San…"

She said before handing him a letter bearing the mark of Sirius Marksman of the Vatican.

Jin opened the letter and began to read it, his brow furrowing with concern as he scanned the contents.

Meanwhile, Asuka took a deep breath, addressing the rest of the group,

"Cloudio, the leader of the Marksman of Sirius from Vatican Italy, has taken Ling Xiaoyu hostage," she explained.

“He's hoping to lure Jin to Italy, likely due to his obsession with the Devil Gene. Cloudio has warned that if Jin doesn't comply, Ling will be murdered."

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"That Bastard!!" - Lars Yelled in frustration

"As if we already didn't have our hands full."

Jin's anger surged, and he clenched his fist, punching on the floor with the hand that held the letter.

Paul, coming as the voice of reason, commented on the gravity of the situation.

"This is quite a predicament we find ourselves in.” he remarked, his expression sombre as he considered the implications of Cloudio's actions.

Hwoarang, unable to contain his impatience, spoke up.

"So what's the plan now? " he sneard, "The Low ball here is so weak that facing Big Bad daddy is out of the question. And now in one hand Daddy dearest is planning on world dominion while on the other the little sweetheart is kidnapped by the Inked Jehovah's witness. We are as good as sitting ducks." his tone tinged with frustration and taunt as he placed his mocking hand upon Jin's.

Lee rose to his feet, his movements slow but determined. With Marshall Law's help, he retrieved his phone, his expression focused.

"We need a plan," he declared, his voice carrying a note of urgency. "And we need it now."

As Alan listened to their words he began sinking into silent despair, his mind clouded with feelings of helplessness and self-doubt. Memories of past failures and losses flooded his thoughts, reminding him of his perceived insignificance in the face of such monumental challenges.

He couldn't shake the haunting image of his family's tragic demise, the weight of their loss heavy on his heart.

Amidst the turmoil of his emotions, Alisa's gentle touch on his shoulder brought him back to the present moment.

Her presence was a soothing balm to his troubled soul, offering a glimmer of hope in the darkness that threatened to consume him.

"Alan," she said softly, her voice filled with warmth and reassurance, " don't lose faith. We're in this together, and we'll find a way through."

Alan's gaze met Alisa's, finding solace in her unwavering support.

"But what can I do?" he murmured, his voice laced with uncertainty. "I'm just one person, caught up in a battle that's far beyond my comprehension. What difference can I possibly make?"

Alisa's eyes softened with empathy as she squeezed his shoulder gently. "You're stronger than you think, Alan," she replied, her voice steady and reassuring. "We all have a part to play in this fight, no matter how small. And together, we can overcome any obstacle that stands in our way."

As Alan contemplated Alisa's words, he felt a flicker of hope ignite within him. Perhaps he wasn't as powerless as he'd believed. With renewed determination, he straightened his posture and met Alisa's gaze with a grateful smile.

“Thank you," he said sincerely, his voice tinged with newfound resolve. "I won't give up. Not now, not ever."

Lee, sensing the need for a brief respite, called for a break, suggesting that they reconvene in the meeting hall in twenty minutes. With a collective nod of agreement, the group dispersed, each member taking some time to gather their thoughts.

After a break longer than twenty minutes in which Alan consumed a part of the much needed rest, returned to the meeting hall, where Lee and Lars were explaining the much needed plan.

"We will divide into four teams."

Lars exclaimed with drawing four circles on the white board placed in the middle of the hall.

Alan's gaze shifted from one circle on the whiteboard to the next as Lars drew out the plan.

Lars: "First team, Me, Alisa, Lillie and Leroy will head to Monaco, in Lillie's mension to try and hopefully succeed in persuading Eliza to join our efforts. This will be team A."

"Team B" Lee picks up where Lars leaves, handling the marker with flair, showing signs of much needed recovery in him.

" will consist of Me, Nina, Paul, and Steve Fox. Team B will head to Ogre's temple, where I believe we have some individuals waiting for us, who can help us in our planned endeavour."

“Team C" Lars continues "will consist of Jin, Asuka, Hworang and Alan, who will fly to Vatican City, in Sirius Marksman head church and hopefully without facing any difficulties will rescue Ling Xioyu."

"And finally Team D," Lee begins once more,

" will have Anna, Forest and Marshall Law, who will gather aligeance from fighters around the world in hopes of a great support."

Alan listened intently as each team assignment was explained, a sense of purpose growing within him with each word.

With a heavy sigh, Lars crossed his arms, his gaze dropping to the floor as he expressed his concerns.

"We are using the word 'hope’ so much that it might come across as a joke, considering how many times they've been shattered one by one till now. We have support; the UN has agreed to back us with many nations standing behind that promise. But, as Lee mentioned," Lars paused, turning to Lee to continue.

Lee picked up where Lars left off, his voice carrying the weight of experience.

"Believe me when I say, I know and have seen the Hachijo Clan. Some of us even have witnessed their might firsthand. Not only do they outnumber us, but the quality of their soldiers matches the best of our fighters here. And then there is the question of the Devil gene. I'm certain that the woman we encountered possessed it to some extent, but whether all of their villagers possess it or not remains to be seen. So, I implore you all to help us save this world we call home, by putting an end to this cursed bloodline once and for all."

Alan felt a surge of determination mixed with apprehension as he absorbed Lee and Lars' words. Despite the lingering tension in the air, there was a palpable sense that the gears had shifted into motion, and they were on the brink of a pivotal moment in their fight against darkness.