King of Games C63 Power

Cosmo's sneer widened at Shinro's unwavering confidence. "Alright, if you insist. I'll hold back, of course. Wouldn't want to hurt an ordinary businessman like yourself."

Shinro simply smiled in response, rising from his chair. The spacious office provided ample room for their impromptu match. Cosmo took his stance, clearly not expecting much of a challenge.

As they faced off, Mira's worry became palpable. Her time on Earth had shifted her perspective; she no longer saw Shinro as the godlike figure she once did in the Tiny World. Now, he seemed as vulnerable as any other mortal to her eyes.

"Suzuki-san, please reconsider," Mira pleaded, her voice trembling slightly. "You don't have to prove anything. What if you get hurt?"

Shinro turned to her, his expression soft but determined. "Don't worry, Mira. Everything will be fine."

Cosmo rolled his shoulders, preparing to end the fight quickly. He couldn't fathom how this businessman thought he stood a chance against a trained fighter like himself.

As Cosmo made his move, time seemed to slow down. Mira held her breath, her eyes fixed on Shinro, silently praying that her boss knew what he was doing.

Cosmo launched into a casual attack, confident in his ability to end the fight quickly. However, his eyes widened in shock as Shinro effortlessly deflected the blow and countered with surprising speed and strength. The impact sent Cosmo stumbling back a step.

"I have to admit, you're stronger than you look," Cosmo said, a hint of respect creeping into his voice. "But I haven't even begun to show you the true extent of my abilities."

Reassessing his opponent, Cosmo decided to take things more seriously. He increased his effort to about 30% of his full capacity, unleashing a flurry of precise strikes and grappling techniques that had made him famous in the fighting world.

To his utter astonishment, Shinro not only evaded most of the attacks but managed to find an opening. With lightning-fast reflexes, Shinro's fist connected solidly with Cosmo's abdomen, driving the air from his lungs.

Cosmo stumbled back, gasping, his eyes wide with disbelief. This was no ordinary businessman he was facing.

Mira, watching from the sidelines, felt her jaw drop. She had always known Shinro was exceptional, but this display of martial prowess was beyond anything she had imagined. Her worry for his safety began to transform into awe.

"How... how is this possible?" Cosmo muttered, still trying to catch his breath. He stared at Shinro with a mixture of confusion and growing respect.

Shinro stood calmly, his stance relaxed yet ready. There was a glint in his eye that suggested he was enjoying this more than he let on.

Cosmo realized he might have underestimated his assignment significantly, while Mira found herself reevaluating everything she thought she knew about her boss.

Cosmo's expression shifted from shock to excitement, a fierce grin spreading across his face. This was the kind of challenge he lived for, unexpected and thrilling.

"Well, well," he chuckled, rolling his shoulders. "Looks like I've been holding back for nothing. Time to show you what I'm really capable of!"

With that, Cosmo unleashed his full strength. His movements became a blur, combining his signature 'Zone' technique with lightning-fast strikes and grappling attempts. He was confident that no ordinary person could keep up with this level of skill and speed.

However, to his utter amazement, Shinro not only evaded his attacks but countered with precision. Shinro's fists found their mark on Cosmo's vital points - a strike to the solar plexus, a quick jab to the ribs, an uppercut that nearly connected with his chin.

Cosmo stumbled back, gasping for air, his eyes wide with disbelief. He stared at Shinro, trying to comprehend what had just happened.

"This... this is impossible," Cosmo panted, a mix of frustration and admiration in his voice. "Who are you really, Suzuki-san? No businessman should be able to fight like this. Your technique, your speed... it's like you've been training your entire life!"

He straightened up, wincing slightly from the pain of Shinro's strikes. A newfound respect shone in his eyes as he regarded his opponent.

"I think I understand now why Jirokichi-san was so insistent on your protection," Cosmo said, a wry smile on his face. "Though it seems you hardly need it. You've been holding out on me, haven't you?"

The office fell silent as Cosmo awaited Shinro's response, his curiosity piqued by this businessman who fought like a seasoned warrior.

Shinro's smile was slightly amused as he responded to Cosmo. "You're right, I was holding back. As for my uncle's insistence, I'm as puzzled as you are. I haven't exactly been forthcoming about my capabilities."

Internally, Shinro mused over the true source of his strength. The system had granted him power swiftly and effortlessly, a fact he was still coming to terms with. His focus on building his empire had left little time to fully explore or utilize these newfound abilities.

"I think this proves my point," Shinro continued, his voice calm and assured. "I don't need protection, at least not in the way my uncle envisioned."

Cosmo's expression cycled through a range of emotions - surprise, respect, and finally, a hint of excitement. He let out a low whistle, shaking his head in amazement.

"Well, I'll be damned," Cosmo chuckled, rubbing his sore abdomen. "You're full of surprises, Suzuki-san. I've fought many opponents, but none quite like you. Your uncle clearly underestimated you... or perhaps he knew more than he let on."

He straightened up, a newfound gleam in his eye. "You might not need protection in the traditional sense, but I have to say, I'm intrigued. There's more to you than meets the eye, and I can't help but wonder what kind of trouble you might attract."

Cosmo extended his hand, a gesture of respect between fighters. "How about this - instead of a bodyguard, consider me an ally. Someone who can watch your back when things get... interesting. Because something tells me things around you are bound to get very interesting indeed."

Shinro stroked his chin thoughtfully before nodding. "Alright, you can be my ally. But remember, don't invade my privacy."

Cosmo's face lit up with a grin. "Wouldn't dream of it, Suzuki-san. You've earned my respect, and I'll honor your boundaries."

Mira, still watching from the sidelines, couldn't help but shake her head in amused disbelief. Men, she thought, could go from trading blows to forming alliances in the blink of an eye.

Cosmo's expression turned curious. "Say, Suzuki-san, have you heard about the upcoming Kengan Annihilation Tournament? It's set to begin in a few months. Given your skills, I thought you might be interested."

Shinro leaned back, his expression neutral. "My uncle mentioned it. But honestly, I doubt it would help me improve much. It seems pointless to compete in a tournament where I'd likely come out on top anyway."

Cosmo's eyebrows shot up, a mix of surprise and excitement dancing in his eyes. "Whoa, hold on there, Suzuki-san. You might be in for a surprise. There are some incredibly powerful fighters from all over the world competing. Some of them... well, they might even be stronger than you."

He leaned in, his voice dropping conspiratorially. "I've seen things in the underground fighting world that would blow your mind. Fighters who can shatter concrete with their bare hands, move faster than the eye can see. The Kengan Tournament attracts the best of the best. It might be more challenging than you think."

Shinro, seemingly uninterested in Cosmo's tournament pitch, turned to Mira. "How's the response to our recent YouTube video? The one about collaborating with gaming YouTubers for our console launch in the western market?"

Mira's eyes lit up as she consulted her phone. "It's performing exceptionally well, sir. The video has gained 500,000 views in just 12 hours. The comments section is buzzing with excitement about the potential collaborations and the console launch."

Shinro nodded, a small smile of satisfaction on his face.

Mira hesitated for a moment before asking, "Sir, about the upcoming event with the YouTubers... are you ready to reveal your face? Your fans have been curious for so long."

Shinro considered this for a moment. He had always worn a mask in his videos, a decision that had sparked much intrigue and engagement among his followers.

"I might be," Shinro replied thoughtfully. "It could be the right time for such a reveal."

As Shinro and Mira continued their discussion, Cosmo stood there, his mouth slightly agape. He had just witnessed an incredible display of fighting prowess, tried to recruit Shinro for a prestigious underground tournament, and now... they were casually discussing YouTube metrics?