1997 - After the decisive battle of the fighters, the sudden destruction caused by Goenitz aroused a great response, and the citizens were eager to know what exactly happened that day. The organizing committee was also busy explaining that special event (attributed to an incident caused by terrorists) and dealing with the aftermath. Unexpectedly, the success of K.O.F. 96 not only sparked a fighting trend but also attracted the interest of several huge corporations, who hoped to sponsor K.O.F. 97 and see its reputation grow. Amidst the fervent public sentiment, K.O.F. 97 was officially confirmed to take place. After the decision to host the tournament, fighters from all over the world began to gather. Before the tournament, Ash appeared as Kyoko's girlfriend with a karmic connection, along with Shin吾矢吹, who greatly admired him and practiced the Sokotsuri ancient martial arts. The evil power within Leona and Yashiro could erupt at any time. At this moment, the eye-catching Shermie, Chris, and K' appeared; their true identities were revealed to be the Four Heavenly Kings of Orochi. Subsequently, a massive transformation occurred as Orochi used their bodies to manifest physically, forming Orochi's body with Kyo's body! The master of the strongest and most shocking dark power in legend - Orochi finally appeared!! In the end, Orochi fell under the hands of the three divine artifacts: Kyoko, Yashiro, and Mature. While Yashiro was taken back to the shrine by Mature for recuperation, Kyoko was captured by the N.E.S.T.S organization to become an element of the replicated human.