Ryu was walking to Gen's market. After his talk with Chun Li, he felt as if an enormous weight had been lifted off his shoulders. She had understood the dark side of him. He knew that it would take some time to get used to, but he was grateful that she would stick by him. The more he was exposed to the pure and kind-hearted, the more the evil would fade. It would never disappear, but it would stay dormant.

He had quite a few blocks to walk before he reached Gen's market. He thought about Yun and Yang. Those two may surpass my own skills, he thought. This didn't bother him. Frankly, it wouldn't surprise him. Gen was their grandfather, after all. And other than himself, Gen was the only other man who had actually seen Akuma. Gen could possibly defeat him, but apparently, it wasn't his time yet. The two teens would become very powerful...in ten years, they could possibly be stronger than Ryu currently was.

His thoughts turned to Ken, his best friend. he hadn't heard from him in a long time. He wondered how he was doing. Mel was a growing boy, who needed his father. Ken was certainly lucky. He had a loving wife, a healthy son who was also heir to the Shotokan techniques. Ryu then thought of Sakura, who had constantly pursued him to learn Shotokan. He politely refused her after each request because he was not ready to teach it. He did not know the meaning of the fight. He thought that he had done all he could to train and perfect his skills. He remembered Akuma's words long ago...

"You think you are a worthy foe?" Akuma boomed. "I think not, young warrior. Come face me when you are stronger."

Ryu clenched his fists. "Fight me, demon."

Akuma's lips twisted. "Not yet, Ryu. You will know when it is time..."

That was several years ago. To this day, Ryu had not understood what it meant.

Before he knew it, he found himself outside of Gen's market. Suddenly, a chicken crossed his path. Ryu froze. He didn't think animals were supposed to run free in the streets. A wiry frame breezed past him, obviously in hot pursuit.

Ryu turned his head and watched in amusement as Yang coerced the chicken into eating some seeds. When Yang felt the timing was right, he cautiously stroked the chicken's back before placing a noose around its neck. He gently tugged the string and the chicken followed.

"That's the second time you've let a chicken get away," Ryu commented.

Yang grinned. "Grandfather says I'm too nice to them. He keeps them on a leash in the cages...I don't..."

Ryu chuckled. "Is your grandfather here?"

"Yeah. Go on inside."

Ryu shook his head as Yang walked away. "I'm glad Sensei didn't make me go through that when I was younger."

Ryu entered the store and spotted Gen organizing the vegetable section. Gen looked up. As was his custom, Ryu bowed. Gen returned the gesture.

"Ryu. It is good to see you. I am glad you came. We have several matters to discuss."

This surprised him. But he decided not to question Gen.

Gen started walking towards the cash register. Yun sat in a high stool with his leg propped up. He was twirling his cap with one finger.

"Yun. Please take care of the store while I am gone. I have something important to discuss with Ryu."

Yun shrugged. "Okay."

Ryu nodded in greeting. "How are you doing?"

Yun shrugged again. "Okay." He turned to his elder. “Grandfather...if I need any help I'll call Yang."

Gen nodded. "Very well."

Ryu and Gen walked in silence for a long time until they reached a cliff overlooking Hong Kong.

"I wanted to know what you plan on doing now," Gen asked.

"I could have answered that an hour ago," Ryu stated simply.

"I thought that you would feel more comfortable in an environment somewhat isolated from the city," Gen responded.

Ryu looked around. There were several trees and bushes scattered around the cliff. It wasn't exactly Japan, but he did feel better away from the noise and excitement.

"I guess...keep training," Ryu answered. Now he was glad they were talking. He had something on his mind. "Years ago, Akuma once told me to fight him when I'm ready...when I'm stronger...I've trained so hard since then. And yet...I don't feel that I will ever be ready to fight him."

"It is not your time yet," Gen responded. "I also wished to discuss this with you. I believe that I have the solution that evades you..."

Ryu looked up. "You do? I would like to know what Akuma meant."

"In order for you to be stronger, you must be able to fight Akuma at his level," Gen said quietly.

Ryu remained quiet for several moments. Fight Akuma at his level? Ryu wondered. Suddenly, the answer hit him. "You mean...Satsui no hado...?"

Gen nodded his head once. "You have a great power, Ryu. If unleashed, you may be Akuma's perfect rival."

Ryu frowned. "That's the only way?"

"Ryu, your quest for perfection is indeed a noble one. I admire your effort," Gen said quietly. "However, fate is an interesting abstract quality. You wish to be stronger...Yet the answer lies within you. The question is...are you willing to give into it?"

Ryu blew out a breath. "I...I'm afraid if I unleash Satsui no hado...I...I won't be...me anymore..."

"That is the possible price you may have to pay for using it," Gen admitted. "Are you willing?"

Ryu thought about Chun Li...the fear and hurt in her eyes when she admitted that she had been afraid of him. If she felt that way, imagine what his other friends thought. The last thing he wanted to do was hurt his friends.

"However...if Satsui no hado emerges," Gen continued, "you may be able to defeat Akuma...ending his evil forever..."

There was so much at stake! Ryu knew that it wasn't his time yet, but he also knew that he had to start thinking about it.

"What of Chun Li?" Gen asked quietly.

Ryu looked up. "What about her?"

"She is practically family to us. We are all concerned for her. How does she fit in your future?" Gen asked.

Ryu was caught off-guard. How does she fit in my future? he wondered.

“I…I don’t know,” Ryu stammered. “I…I never thought about it.”

Gen nodded. “I understand.” He remained quiet for several minutes. “Ryu, I had a disturbing dream last night.”

Ryu looked up. “What happened?”

“Gill returned.”

Ryu remained quiet.