Punishment for the Punisher. - vs J. Senn

17.07.20 Osaka, Japan

*A few days after Arata's second child was born, his girlfriend and a new family member were able to return to their home in Osaka. It can be said that there is nothing more beautiful in parents life than the birth of a child, so the young Japanese man was happy to be with them at that time. However, despite all the nice moments, thoughts about the current affairs and especially what is about to happen at Dreamworld, were still in the back of his head. As officially confirmed, Arata Asakura and Jacob Senn will face each other for the Shogun Championship and this made the Japanese man sure that he has to be one hundred percent ready, as he was at Violent Ends. This will not only be an opportunity for him to regain his championship, but also to give a lesson to such a cocky man as Jacob Senn. However, as you can expect, it will not be so easy, because despite the lack of sympathy, and even hatred for the current champion, it did not change the fact, that he is a veteran in this industry, which is confirmed by numerous achievements and Hall of Fame introductions. On the other hand, it wasn't something that made Arata doubt himself. Of course, he had to be careful during this battle, but he had already beaten Jacob Senn for the title, so he knew that he could do it again. In fact, he was sure that he had to do it, not only for himself but for others as well. It was no secret, that most fans wanted Arata to return to his position as Shogun Champion, many even considered him a champion even if it was not official thing. Therefore, there was a little bit of a pressure related to expectations. You might think that he has already got used to it, after all, this is not the first title match in his career. However, there are important and more important matches, and this match at Dreamworld could be one of the most significant in his career. Not only because of the title as a prize, but also because of concern for the future of Shogun Division, or maybe the entire Wrestleworld.*

*What's surprising, even his close ones, despite the fact that they didn't like him leaving, understood that Arata was on his own mission. A mission to restore honor to the Wrestleworld, by taking the championship away from Jacob Senn. At first, Arata thought Chelsea would be against it, especially as she would have to stay with her two small children for a few days. However, to his surprise, as he was sitting on the front steps in the evening, the woman came and took a seat next to him. The Japanese man looked at her with a gentle smile, expecting that it is a matter of time until they start argue about his future departure. However, Chelsea rested her head on his shoulder and began to speak in a calm tone of voice. Arata, listening to her melodious voice, also rested his cheek on the top of her head.*

“Looking at that awkward smile, I guess that you know I'm here to talk about Dreamworld." The man just muttered in response, while Chelsea continued "I'm sorry if I didn't support you sometimes, but you also need to understand that we all miss you and your work takes a hell of time. But we always think about you and want you to be happy, okay? That's why, I'm not going to argue about Dreamworld. Go there and do what you have to do, because I know it's important to you. Just take care of yourself, don't forget that you also have responsibilities related to your private life."

*Of course, Chelsea meant Rin and Izaya who still needed to spend time with both of their parents. Arata stroked his girlfriend's hair with his hand and finally said something.*

“We talked about it before Boiling Point, baby. Everything will be alright, just trust me. You know that I'm gonna be okay, so stop worrying. If you are going to do it, it should be eventual when it comes to our children. I'm sorry to leave you alone for a few days, but my mom will help you as much as she can. You know very well, that I have some business to do. As much as I'd like to spend this time with you guys, I have to fix what happened at Kingdom Come. You can see yourself, that this place is absorbed by chaos since the championship was in Jacob Senn's possession. This guy is a disgrace to the division's and title's prestige, that I've cared for over the past few months. You don't even know how hard it is for me to see someone destroying all my hard work. But you know what's the worst part of it? He doesn't understand, that he is doing wrong. Jacob is convinced that the best times finally came for the Shogun Championship, but in fact, his behavior shows that he should never even touch this title. However, I feel like it is my fault that this happened, at least in part." Chelsea looked at him questioningly, but the Japanese man immediately explained, what he meant "Of course, most of the guilt belongs to Senn himself, as this asshole swapped contracts. But, on the other hand, if I hadn't been so stubborn and had let go that match with Dampshaw, it would never have happened."

*Arata bit his lip for a few moments, looking ahead of him and thinking about something. However, the person who broke this silence was Chelsea, who did not understand that her life partner was blaming himself for something he had little influence on.*

“Stop even thinking that way! It was never your fault that this guy had no balls and had to get some cheap shots, instead of challenging you to direct fight. Besides, you know what this whole Reginald is like, you had no choice but to accept his challenge. He wouldn't just let you go, and even though he keeps losing with you, he still wants to chase you. He's that kind of man and there's nothing you could do about it. Therefore, stop worrying about whether you could have done something different or not. What happened in the past can't be changed, but you can create a new future. You have everything to do it, Arata. I'm not just talking about skills, but also about our support and support of fans. Everyone believes in you...well, some are even sure that you will leave Dreamworld as Shogun Champion. Even if you don't care about the opinions of others, what you should care about is my opinion, right? And I know, that you won't waste another chance to write history in books of Wrestleworld. Fuck this whole Jacob Senn and his accomplishments. The list of titles doesn't make him worthy of wearing a belt, which is more than a piece of metal to flex with. Being a champion is not only about having 'accessories', but also about right mentality. You know perfectly well, what the Shogun Title represents, what is more, you are its embodiment. You are what Jacob Senn will never be, and therefore no one will ever accept him as the rightful champion. And even if he doesn't see it, when you take your title back, he'll finally have to accept who runs this division.”

*The young Japanese man laughed slightly at the emotional reaction of his girlfriend. A moment later he also added something from himself.*

“Are you sure it's not you who want to fight with Jacob?" Arata made a sound similar to snort "Okay, now let's be serious. You may be right, Chelsea, but on the other hand, he used his contract on me. I should have been more careful, but I was led by emotions, as soon as, I saw Dampshaw. I don't know if I could do something or not, but in the end the Shogun Title is not mine anymore, at least officially. However, I appreciate that despite your aversion to my job, you are trying to support me. I promise to spend time with you, as soon as, I co.."

*Arata was unable to finish the sentence, as a soft voice could be heard behind their back. They both turned to see a little girl with black straight, a little longer than shoulder-length hair. This sweet creature was wearing pink pajama with white rabbits and was holding a piece of paper in her hand.*

“Daddy..”

“Why are you not sleeping, Rin? It is late.“

"I don't want to sleep, mommy." Rin shrugged her shoulders, then sat down between them on the steps "I've been busy! Look at this, daddy."

*The Japanese man took a sheet of paper from his daughter, which turned out to be a drawing. While the little girl looked at him, waiting to see reaction to her handiwork, Arata didn't know how to feel when he saw the image. It presented their entire family. Chelsea holding Izaya in her arms and he holding Rin in his arms. However, there was one other small detail that caught his attention. As it turned out, these red-gray scribbles turned out to be the Shogun Championship. Arata rubbed his face with his hand, which worried his daughter.*

"What's wrong? You don't like it?"

*Arata sent her a warm smile and patted her head, before responding.*

"Of course, that I like it! What a beautiful drawing. But why did you draw me with a title? I thought it was a family picture."

*Rin grabbed his hand, then revealed her secret with a  wide smile, staring him straight in the eyes.*

"You know why? Because to me, you are a hero, and this belt is a symbol of that!"

*Arata was speechless at these words, not even knowing how to react. Along with that one brief moment, this whole match for the Shogun Championship has gained value for another reason. Now, it wasn't just about regaining his legacy, or keeping people happy, but about being a hero again in the eyes of this little girl.*

28.07.20 Osaka, Japan

*Two weeks after Arata received a gift from his daughter, he still felt that he had an enormous burden on his shoulders. So many expectations from different people, but it was this child's drawing, or rather the words of this little girl, that made a new kind of motivation appear in his heart. The man felt overjoyed at how his own child looked at him and wanted to remain the hero that he was considered to be. So what could be better than defeating the villain in this fairy tale, of which finish line will take place at Dreamworld? On paper, it all sounds simple, but anyone with a bit of common sense knows that Jacob Senn will not let go the title, that he has been chasing so badly for months. Arata knew it as well, but also was ready for whatever Senn had to offer, especially since the situation was different this time. This time he was the hunter, not the victim. This time he had everything to gain, and Jacob Senn was the one who could lose everything. It may seem, that the Shogun Championship was everything for Senn, but more and more often the Japanese man thought, that the only thing that he wants from this title is the glory that accompanies it. Whereas for Arata it was much more than that. It can be said that with each passing day, holding the Shogun Championship took on more and more new reasons. However, the motivation and willingness to regain this belt, and to sort out in his head, what happened not so long ago at Kingdom Come, are completely different things. Even if almost two months have passed, Arata still hurt what had happened. Physical pain is long forgotten, but mental pain is still there. Because it was true, that at the moment when the championship was taken from him, the Japanese man felt like he was nothing...as if he returned to his past, so to start a new chapter of his future, Arata returned to the place where he used to live. Walking down the gravel road, he finally found a stone wall on which he sat down. This place seemed to be the perfect spot to send a message to his rival, because this is where the Japanese man from being nobody, has turned into being someone.*

*The first seconds of the video are showing a man with blond hair, dressed in black jeans, a black T-shirt, as well as a black long coat and heavy boots. The Japanese man rests his back against the higher wall of the house, which is just behind a small wall, and his hands find their place in the pockets of his coat. At first, Arata has his eyes closed and his head tilted back, but after a while, he looks straight into the camera and begins to speak with a indifferent expression on his face.*

Sometimes, in order to understand the new future, you have to look back and consider whether you really understand your past. It is worth answering the question,that if we could go back in time, could we do something in another way, or actually better? Would our path be completely different? Or maybe the same? It is not so easy to imagine the answer to a question like that, because it must be obtained. You have to go the same way again to be able to tell if you have made a mistake. To be honest, I'm on this path right now and I'm not talking about where I am. I mean everything, that got me into the position that I got in Wrestleworld. From match with Nobi to the point where the Shogun Championship was brutally taken from me by someone, who seems to be the worst person in a position that was mine for so long. However, anyway, I am starting all of this from the very beginning. I have a chance at the Shogun Championship one more time at my fingertips and it is possible for me to write this story again, or actually to prove to myself and everyone that this was always my destiny, not just an accident. See, people like Senn still think, it should've never been me, because why choose a kid, instead of a veteran to represent the division? However, the same people do not even realize, how narrow their worldview is. Why? Because they are used to all the goods that they receive through their social position. A simple man like me? I never expect anything, I just work for whatever I get, because I am taught that nothing will be given to me on a silver plate. However, some not only do not think this way, but even expect to be handed, what they allegedly deserve.

*Arata sighs heavily, then runs his fingers through the strands of blond hair that have fallen over his forehead. A moment later, he continues the thought that he started.*

I deserve. I deserve. I deserve. I've been hearing this one word from Jacob Senn's mouth ever since the title found its place around my waist. This man repeats these words again and again, blindly believing that this is truth. What's more, he talks about it, thinking that he deserves something only for who he is. The fact is, in order for someone to deserve something, you have to earn it, because a big name doesn't change anything. Perhaps I am not a person who makes such decisions, but if I were part of the management, I would always choose someone who works hard, instead of someone who only demands and gives nothing from himself. This is who Jacob is. He just keeps making his wish and grievance list, but he forgets about paying back. You might think, that once he finally got what he wanted, he would change his attitude and show some gratitude, but you couldn't have been more wrong. Alongside with stealing the Shogun Championship, this guy's ego was pushed to the moon. He started feeling so confident, that the only thing that mattered to him, was his own miserable ass. Is this how the champion should behave? It always seemed to me that the face of a division should be someone, who cares about what is going on around. In my head, it was someone who follows some rules. Otherwise,  this person is just warming a belt for a real title holder. As I have said many times, being a champion and having a belt are two completely different things, but as you can see, some are so blinded by the sight of gold that they cannot see it. Fortunately, most people aren't stupid enough to be fooled and have never accepted Jacob Senn as Shogun Champion, many still put me in that position. Can I be surprised by their behaviour? No, frankly speaking, it's a shame to have someone, who has no idea what respect and honor are, as a face of Shogun division. However, what's worse, is that Jacob doesn't see it all as a problem.

*Arata shakes his head in disapproval, before continuing his statement. The man seems to be a little more emotional with every second of this recording.*

Acting that way doesn't make you have any remorse, Senn? I think that even an asshole like you has a little bit of feelings. Or has all this hatred and obsession about me stole your last brain cells? If so, I don't know if this whole chase was worth, what you became. Perhaps you are convinced, that nothing better could have happened. After all, you are the Shogun Champion, something you have been going for since Wrestleworld opened the door. However, did you wonder, what will be left for you when you lose your position? Now, while you have reason to scream that you are the center of attention, because you have a bit of metal around your waist, when you lose it, you will come back to be just a stupid buffoon, who can't come to terms with the fact, that he is no longer the main star. Honestly, there's nothing wrong with that, Jacob, because everything changes and people want to see new faces, instead of being stuck in the past all the time. While you seem to be rooted in it, that's why it's quite absurd, that you are the one trying to convince everyone, that past doesn't matter. Why? Because you're looking for silly excuses to justify your failures since the moment when you become a champion. You just can't admit your mistake and take responsibility for yourself, so you try to manipulate people that failure with a child is not a big deal, while it kills you from the inside. Jacob, let's face it, all our problems, or rather mine, are caused by the fact that you can't forget the past. Aren't you the one who keeps telling me, that I stole your Shogun Championship and your match with Brian Daniels? Isn't it you, who blame me every time for what happened to him? Exactly, you keep saying the same things as a broken record, but none of that really matters. We've already established, that this was never the reason of your hatred to me. We both know that it was all about your hurt ego, so why go back to these excuses? Time to stop fooling yourself, Jacob, just as you fool yourself by saying, that this rematch shouldn't be happening.

*The young Japanese man takes one of his hands out of his pocket and runs his fingers over his blond beard, taking a deep breath. A moment later, he puts his hand back in his pocket.*

Let's get one thing out, Senn. You may think, that I am some false god created by Wrestleworld, but someone like you has no right to say whether I deserve something or not, because if the guy who was a pillar of this division doesn't deserve a shot, then who is worthy? Exactly, nobody. If you want, you can still think of me as a stupid kid who came into the industry not so long ago and stole your spotlight, but don't forget that the same kid was the undisputed Shogun Champion for months. These aren't just empty words, Senn. I earned this position by never avoiding any challenge, or by beating not one, but both Shogun Architects. Did I have to do all of this? No, but I wanted this title to have the prestige, that you are trying to destroy with your goddamn cowardice. It's downright absurd that the only words, that I think of when I look at a legend like you, are thief, asshole, and coward. None of them are far from the truth, and you prove it every single day. You do it with your childish and disrespectful behavior towards your Architect or by running away from me during our tag team match. What happened, Jacob? Back at Kingdom Come, you seemed so self-confident when you came out of your hiding place like a rat and took advantage of the moment, when I was the weakest. What happened to that guy who laughed in my face after he did me so dirty? As soon as we stand in the same ring, Jacob, you show your real face and your feelings about me. You are simply afraid, that the same thing, that happened in December, will take place again. That's why you don't want me to be your challenge...that's why you avoid me like a fucking fire. You are terrified not only because your reign will end in the blink of an eye, but also because I will be the person to do it. The truth is, you can't handle me in a direct flight, and certainly not now that I'm particularly motivated and in short, I don't just want your belt, but your head as well. This match is not only my chance to regain what's mine, but also to teach something you and all the other morons, who think that dirty games are the only way to be successful. This match is a chance to fix the farce that started in Russia. This match is the beginning of your end as champion, Jacob. But you know, what puzzles me the most? If I am leaving Dreamworld with the Shogun Championship, and that will happen, what will you do? Will you run away like the coward, that you are? Or maybe history will repeat itself and you will pursue me? However, this time there will be no briefcase that could hand you this title, and you know very well that otherwise you have no chance against me. Do you know why? Because even if you want to stay in the past, the world has to think about the future, and the future is me.

*Arata takes a folded piece of paper out of his pocket, unfolds it, and looks at it for a moment. As it turns out, this is a drawing, which he got from his daughter some time ago.*

I know that I'm talking about all the noble reasons, why I want to get the Shogun Title back, but there are also more selfish one and I'm not going to hide them from anyone. Aside from my ambition and the fact, that I don't like the fact that Jacob is destroying my hard work, there's nothing better in a father's life than being considered a hero by your own child. Am I really a hero? Admittedly, I'm chasing a villain, who is trying to bring in his own justice, but it won't matter if I don't finish it at Dreamworld. Therefore, it can be said that there is no other option than to reclaim the Shogun Championship. For the good of this company, fans or even my stupid ego. This industry needs someone to bring the right order back, but it is obvious, it can't be someone as stupid as Raoul, unpredictable like Reggie or too nice like Hana. It has to be someone who, with a common sense and rules in his mind, is still ready to take the risk and punish the Punisher.

*Screen fades back to indicate that the recording has been ended and the message has been sent. Arata jumped off the stone wall and started walking towards his old house to think about a few more things, knowing in his heart that everything he said, had to be said. Was he a little unfair at times, when he was judging Jacob Senn? Maybe yes, maybe not, but as you know, there is no justice in this world, as it was shown by the situation with the change of briefcases. So instead of wondering if his choice of words was appropriate, Arata decided to focus entirely on regaining his property at Dreamworld.*