Mai Shiranui’s Test?

'Whoever pulls out the Purple Green Sword is my destined one.'

'My true love is a great hero, dressed in golden armor, riding on a rainbow cloud to marry me…'

But if the A Chinese Odyssey character, Zixia Fairy, found out that the one pulling the sword was an 80-year-old, hunched, red-nosed drunkard who spends his days drinking and sleeping, would she still be happy?

Perhaps she'd use the Pandora's Box to time-travel and see if he was as shabby in his youth. Or maybe she'd just deny everything outright.

Thor's hammer, however, wasn't as sentimental. It simply adhered to Odin's enchantment: if someone was worthy, be they a muscular warrior or a scruffy old man, they could wield it.

Chin Gentsai, despite his slovenly appearance, was such a person.

In the original King of Fighters '94, Rugal Bernstein labeled Chin's team as "the only team fighting without selfish desires."

Thus, Chin was not only a master of martial arts but also a symbol of unwavering righteousness.

If Athena Asamiya had tried, she might have succeeded too—but being Japanese, her chance of being chosen was… slim.

As the crowd gawked, Chin casually tossed the hammer in his hand.

"Not bad. Could fetch a good price. Might cover my wine bills for a while."

He slung Mjölnir at his waist like it was a mere trinket and swaggered over to Su Ye.

"Hey, Su Ye, when are we heading to New York? Haven't seen old friends in ages, starting to miss them."

Though he appeared nonchalant, Su Ye could detect a faint urgency in his tone.

Clearly, Chin was eager to show off his new "toy" to Tung Fu Rue and Hanzo Hattori.

Su Ye could already imagine their expressions: part disbelief, part constipation.

Not wanting to delay, Su Ye arranged their flight to New York. By the time S.H.I.E.L.D. and Thor himself arrived, the hammer was already gone.

Thor had been admitted to a nearby hospital, where he was restrained and deemed delusional.

Thor's hammer was now cruising at 30,000 feet with Chin.

Arrival in New York

Su Ye's group grew considerably, from three to seven. Upon landing, Chin wasted no time nudging Su Ye toward Tung Fu Rue's dojo.

While the elders caught up, Su Ye faced a new problem: Mary.

How would Mai react to him bringing back another attractive girl?

Would this lead to a showdown?

Fortunately, Joe Higashi intervened, dragging Terry and Mary away. "Terry, you've got that orphanage project, right? Let me show you around! Mary, come too. Let's give you a tour of the city."

He winked at Su Ye. "You've got dojo business to handle. Don't slack off."

Su Ye feigned reluctance but silently thanked Joe for the escape.

…..

Upon entering the dojo, Su Ye was greeted by a fiery blur: Mai, in her red Kunoichi outfit, flung herself at him.

"Su Ye!" she cried, clinging tightly.

Before things could escalate, they were interrupted by loud coughing.

Mai jumped back, face flushed, pulling Su Ye over to meet two friends.

"This is King, and this is Yuri Sakazaki. They're my best friends," Mai said proudly, holding Su Ye's arm. "And this is Su Ye… my boyfriend!"

King bowed in gratitude. "Thank you, Mr. Su, for helping with my brother's treatment. I'm forever in your debt."

Mai beamed while Yuri pouted. "I'm not going home yet! It's too fun here."

King, however, wasn't done. "From now on, I'm at your service, Mr. Su. Whatever you need, I'm yours."

Mai nodded enthusiastically. "Yup! King always keeps her promises!"

Su Ye froze. Was this… a test?

He hesitated, but then inspiration struck. "I'm opening a bar. Would you manage it?"