Episode 1: Betting Man
Jin Kazama and Ling Xiaoyu are just getting out of High School; and as is routine, Ling is hurrying pass the after school crowd to catch up with Jin. Jin isn’t the most chatty of Ling’s friends, and he doesn’t have any of his own. He tollerates Ling’s persistance, however, if only to be nice. Besides, she always finds him.
“Hey Jin!” Jin doesn’t turn around, he knows who it is. Ling finally catches up, “Jin, wassup? I had the worst day today! I didn’t do as well on my math quiz and I already have to study for another one…” “Sorry to hear that,” Jin says, trying his best to appear as interested as possible. Jin notices that Ling is having a tough time carrying her bag, more than usual. Ling catches his eye, “Oh don’t worry, I have to bring extra books home to study. Finals are coming up and my classes are killer.” Jin extends his hands. Ling stares for a moment, before realizing his gesture. She hands him her bag, and he takes it with little effort. Jin figures the least he could do is help her, partially impressed she managed to find him with such a load. Ling smiles, but only a little, and out of Jin’s sight; it’s one for him to think she’s stalking him, but a crush! “Maybe you could carry my books everyday after school,” she playfully suggests. Jin doesn’t repond for a moment, but lifts the bag about, “Actually, this could a be good precurser to my training.” Ling, shocked at his second response for the day, couldn’t be happier, “Then daily it is!”
Not far off, a crowd has gathered. Students and bystanders alike are rushing to see something brewing in a sidewalk. Jin knows a fight when he sees one, and couldn’t help but check it out. Ling followed him; he had her books after all. As Jin expected closer, he finds his rival, Hwoarang, kicking a man off his feet. The man got up angered, and rushed Hwoarang. Hwoarang scoffed, and unleashed his Hunting Hawk combo, sending the man back many yards. A group of men, very disappointed, threw money at Hwoarang’s feet. Jin approached him, “Fighting for money now? I thought you were better than that, Hwoarang.” “I am, but where else can I get money to stay here, it’s expensive!” Hwoarang answered. “What brings you here anyway,” Ling inquired. Hwoarang didn’t notice Ling, and quickly turned his attention to her. He took her hand and kissed it gentlemen like, “Oh hi Miss Ling, I’m just here to see No-Fun Kazama here. And how was school today?” Ling blushed, “School was… it was okay I guess.” Jin rolls his eyes and cuts in, “You’re here to see me, why?” Hwoarang stuffs his money in his traveling bag, “Well I was hoping we could train together. You know, hang out, kick some sandbags…” “…See Ling…,” Jin added. Hwoarang laughs, “Hey, that too. It’s not like you and her are… you know.” Jin didn’t respond, much to Ling’s anticipation. The crowd was nearly cleared when a stranger approached the trio.
Hwoarang, checks out his atire and build, and quickly concluded he was a fighter, “Well, well, well. What do we have here, another challenger?” Jin whispers, “Don’t taunt, this guy looks good. His stature, his eyes… Don’t take this challenge, Hwoarang.” “Are you kidding me!” Hwoarang yells, “Alright, dude, you here to fight or what?” The man looked into Hwoarang’s eyes, “Actually, I wanted to tell you about your right leg. It’s slower than your left, and it will affect you against stronger opponants.” Jin gave a slight smile, “…He’s right.” Hwoarang balled his fist; truth is, his master Baek Doo San scolded him on the same subject. Hwoarang adjusted his gloves, “Sorry, I don’t need lessens. But if you wanna prove your point, how’s about a wager…?” Jin intervenes, “Hwoarang, he was only trying to…” “Don’t worry about it, Kazama; watch me work,” Hwoarang says with confidence. The man thinks about it, and gives an agreeing jesture. Hwoarang starts warming up, “Alright! So how much mister…?” “Ein, call me Ein,” the man says, “…and everything you got.”
No crowd came about this street fight, but Jin and Ling watched as the fighters prepared themselves. Hwoarang, dances between his right and left stances, “C’mon, Ein! Can’t keep up with the footwork?!” Ein calmly responds, “No matter what way you choose, you’re attacks will be the same.” Jin+Ling, “…Wow” Hwoarang attacks first, with his right leg. Ein cathes his leg, and counters Hwoarang’s high kick with one of his own. Hwoarang spins to the ground.