Uncrowned King. - vs T. Killebrew

11.04.20 Osaka, Japan

*The semi-finals went exactly as Arata wanted. Despite Alyssa Grace's huge determination and even animal prowess, the current Shogun Champion once again proved why he is one of the biggest names in the company. However, as was known, there would be no time to rest, as King of the World PPV was approaching really quick, where the Japanese was to be in the last stage of the tournament, during which the 'king' will be selected. Was the nickname important for Arata? Well, it could be said that he has slightly different priorities, but as you can see for his opponent this is something that he could not deal with if he lose. Tristan Killebrew seems to want this term so much that Arata started thinking for quite a long time what is really leading this man. Analyzing all his words, he slowly began to believe that is all about lack of attention. Somehow, Tristan finally wanted to get out of the shadows and feel important. On the one hand, the Japanese understood this, but on the other hand it wasn't his business. In short, he had no reason to do him a favor, just as he didn't do to Alyssa last week. Arata was never interested in the role of someone's pawn in the game, he always played for himself, and when he played, he did it to win. This time is no different and even if posing for photos with the crown on his head is not something he wants, he rather seeks to gain the symbolic value of the word 'king', not to be in the spotlight at all cost.*

*However, there were still many things for which he needs some time, solid training and an attempt to at least partially get to know Killebrew, who seemed quite a mysterious man. Trying to describe him with a specific word could always only be a lucky attempt, but for some reason Arata wanted to try to understand this man. However, when he tried to find even a clue, while lying on the wooden floor in his dojo, he heard the floor creak. His pregnant life partner, Chelsea, was standing in the doorway, holding their daughter with one hand and a package with the other. When Arata just got up from the ground and put himself in a sitting position, Rin released her mother's hand and ran to hug him. At that time, Chelsea put down the item she had in her hand and came closer to her family.*

“You didn't come home, so we brought you dinner. Although it would be nicer if you ate sometimes with us.”

*The woman said with a smile, but there was some disappointment in it. Arata, still paying attention to his daughter, began to answer Chelsea.*

“You know that I couldn't. I just have a lot of work. Try to understand me a bit, Chelsea.”

“Arata, the family is probably a little more important than some stupid job. If you don't come home for me, do it at least for Rin. I don't want her to see her father once in a while. Don't be selfish.”

*There was a lot of truth in what the woman said and he knew it, but on the other hand he was angry a bit at her words. Somehow, he stopped himself from swearing, as there was a child in the room, and he spoke to his partner again in a calm tone of voice.*

“Look, you two, or rather three, are important to me and I'm sorry that I can't spend more time with you and if you want you can throw mud at me as long as you want for that, but never say that again while she is around" He looked at the black-haired three-years old girl "Do you understand? She may be young, but not stupid. If you want to keep lynching me, let's go outside. Let her play a little few steps from us, because she doesn't have to hear it."

*As Arata suggested, they did so. While Rin was running after the butterflies a few meters away, the man and his partner sat on the wooden stairs. At the very beginning there was an awkward silence between them, but the woman finally broke it.*

“I'm sorry, maybe I really shouldn't talk about you like that near her. I don't want her to be mad at you later. You still have enough of your own problems. You seem a little frustrated with all this lately.”

“I mean, you are right. Maybe I'm making a mistake by being part-time dad, but you know how hard I've worked for it all and I can't just leave it. I try to be at home as often as I ca, but it will never be enough.” Chelsea just nodded in understanding, then the Japanese man continued his speech “Besides, I would not call my situation at work a frustration, it is just happening a lot and I have to focus on various matters without a break. I just left the ring of Final Destination II, and my eyes must be right away directed towards King of the World. It is true that I do not complain about my success, just each of these things are important for my career and I don't want to ruin it. As you know,  it is hard not to screw, when you are not sure who your opponent is.” The woman looked at him questioningly, waiting for clarification “Mhhh, Killebrew is...what's the best word? Quite a strange case. He claims to have changed, but on the other hand I have the impression that he is still the same irresponsible person that he was once. In his words, I can still feel some old aggression and I honestly say that I do not trust him, especially since I see how much he cares about this silly crown, and it is probably nothing new, that if people want something so bad, they can do terrible things. How can I be sure that his respectful approach will not become hatred? I can't and I don't like uncertain situations.”

“I don't think if I know what to say, but I believe that no matter which way this guy chooses, you will find yours and win. A bit of hatred is not enough to get rid of you so easily. Also, since we're talking about it, don't you care about this crown at all? Because you seem to be  only one person, who entered this tournament and does not dream of wearing a piece of gold on your head.”

*The blond man shrugged his shoulders and ran his hand over his beard, before answering her.*

“It is not like, that I don't care, but, Chelsea, I'm someone who has never worn a crown and will never be. For me, this tournament is more symbolic. This is to help me strengthen myself as one of the best, or even perhaps the best competitor in Wrestleworld. I will win or not, I'm not going to wear a crown. I'm not going to fool myself, that I'm someone else.”

*Chelsea wanted to say something more, but Arata raised his hand, letting her know to not to ask any more questions about it. Instead, the woman rested her head on his shoulder and they watched their daughter still playing.*

13.04.20 Tokyo, Japan

*The man didn't stay in his hometown for long, as in addition to the fact that he had to prepare himself for KOTW, he also had Hana under his wing, who alongside her tag team partner, April Song, during the mentioned show is about to face members of The Underworld. As always, he did everything to help the teenager be ready for her match, but he still remembered about his matters. It would be hard to forget something like the final of the King of the World tournament. Therefore, despite his willingness to help, he still had to remain focused on his main goal. His opponent apparently had a very similar approach, because while Arata did business in Tokyo, Tristan had quite a lot to say. His talk to the Japanese man seemed to be partly a statement of a spoiled kid, who just wants something and he thinks that he will get it. However, Arata decided that he would quickly help him return to reality before Tristan will be even more blinded by his arrogance.*

*The video takes place in one of the luxury hotels in Tokyo, which the current Wrestleworld Shogun champion, Arata Asakura, chose for his stay. The first thing the camera catches is a view of a young Japanese man, who is wearing a black shirt, dark gray suit pants and black leather shoes. The sleeves of his shirt are rolled up to the elbows, and the upper button of it is undone. On his wrist you can also see a silver watch and sunglasses hooked to a fragment of the shirt. While the man is sitting on a white sofa, with forearms leaning on his knees, in front of him is a glass table, on which lie a packet of cigarettes, a lighter, as well as the two most important things in this picture: the Wrestleworld Shogun Championship and the OWA Spartan Championship. Before Arata speaks for the first time, he takes the  mentioned package and while playing with it in his hand, he begins his speech.*

The semi-finals, as I expected, were not easy shit to go through and Alyssa Grace definitely showed that she may soon be one of the top names here, and maybe even in the entire industry. However, as I said, despite her noble goals and brave heart, I didn't intend to lose, because I am not someone, who does a favor. That's why Alyssa can be proud of herself for her performance, but the reality is that I fully deservedly advanced to the finals, even if I hear some voices that say otherwise. However, was it at any time my fault that my path to the finals looked this way? Did I ask Jaywalker to skip first round? No. Did I have any influence on April's decision? I don't think so. It is true that these circumstances did not look good and I would honestly wish it was different, but before entering the finals I got another chance to remind people why my place in this prestigious tournament is well deserved. However, even after defeating Alyssa fair and square after hell of a match, I still hear some 'buts'. It is probably nothing new, that I do not like such treatment, these constant attempts to undermine my position in Wrestleworld, so if everything I have done so far is not enough, then alongside with King of the World, all these doubts will find their finish line.

*The man pulls one cigarette out of the packet, which he throws back onto the table. With his other hand he reaches for the lighter, but in the meantime, already holding the cigarette in his mouth, he begins to speak again, not paying attention to the fact that perhaps his statement may be indistinct.*

You are right about one thing, Tristan, this is not how I imagined these finals. I will not say that I did not expect it, because it would be a simple lack of respect towards you, but I can say that it wasn't something I would like in first place. Don't get me wrong, because you are a really interesting competitor, on who I have been looking at from the very beginning...I even wondered when our paths would cross at...but as you noticed, I wanted Jacob Senn. Maybe I would not call it a dream, but it would definitely be an ideal scenario to end this mess, which has been taking place for months, once and for all in a clear way. However, he is now participating in Feast for the Fallen and knowing my luck then if this motherfucker wins, he will have the means to deprive me of the Shogun Championship, but it is not important for now.  I can really make supposition of who will win this briefcase with the contract, but I'm not going to worry about it until the name of the holder and the title for which this piece of paper is intended, is known. At the moment, all I care about is King of the World tournament finals and in this way I am coming back to you with my statement, Tristan (Arata lights a cigarette, and only after he releases the fum, he continues the topic that he has started) All this time I have been wondering who Tristan Killebrew really is, because, you see, first you claim that you have changed, that you are a different person, but looking at the way you speak, or how you treat your old buddies, I start to believe that this 'old' bad Tristan is still deeply rooted in you. However, this is not the only thing that is a burden that you carry  for years and, contrary to your beliefs, this is not people, who are somehow close to you, but the vengeance that you have kept to this day. I heard what you said to Senn, I heard how much grudges you have that he once kicked you in the ass when you asked him to let you be part of Strong Style Wrestling. Which is even more ridiculous, you even blame him that it is partly because of him that your career looks like this and not different. And why? Because he didn't give you a second chance? You know that I don't like this guy, but I honestly even understand him. Just think for a moment and answer, who would like such a piece of shit that you used to be? Who would want to jeopardize the federation's good name just to please some kid? That's how man in charge behaves, Tristan, he protected his company from people with a terrible reputation. A reputation that has taken away from you  many years..of maybe a great career, but it is also a reputation you earned and do not forget about it. However, I must admit that it is admirable that you were able to start again, despite the fact that you had a gun near your head. In short, not many would have the balls to come back, being aware of the risk of being hated by everyone, but you did it so congratulations. However, it is different if you have always been hated, then even the target on your back, when you are a champion ceases to be a stigma and becomes even more motivation.

*The man puffs on the cigarette again, then puts it  in the ashtray and combs his bright hair with his fingers. Before Arata comes back to his speech, he bites his lip for a moment, which has become his unbearable habit.*

People hate you when you have nothing, because they feel better than you and think that they have the right to treat you like trash. People hate you when you have everything, because jealousy makes them to not even be able to look at your success. There seems to be nothing  between this two situations and maybe it's true. However, it is important to understand this and be able to live with it, but it is irresponsible to play with the feeling of hatred, or rather one of her sisters, jealousy. To be honest, I'm not sure what's in your head, Tristan, but if you want this crown just to make people jealous, you're just a fool blinded by the desire to be the center of attention. Do you really think that arousing such strong feelings doesn’t have consequences? The holder of the crown or not, it will not make you untouchable, on the contrary, if you provoke, and I know that you will, there will be more and more people, who will only wait until you fall down straight on your face...and even many loved ones will be just waiting for it to put a knife in your back. I am not saying this to discourage you, but to make you understand that your priorities are...a childish mistake. However, if you don't see anything wrong with it, then despite the fact that you aspire to the title of 'king', it seems to me that you are nothing more than young spoiled earl. Wearing this crown is not only posing for photos and accepting a nickname, but also a kind of responsibility and I don't mean only behavior. You probably wonder where I'm going to...well, few things you said were quite interesting. What it was? Hmm, winning a tournament gives you an automatic reign for a year and...there can be only one king, while five champions? It was like that, wasn't it? To be honest, there is a lot of truth in this statement, but I have the impression that our way of interpreting these words is different. Yours is simple, but not exactly real at the same time, Tristan, so let me explain mine. Perhaps there is only one king and the fact that this whole reign will last until the next year, but comparing this to holding championship is a little inappropriate. It is true that this crown is a big deal, but don't forget that King of the World is just a tournament consisting of several rounds. If after winning it suddenly you start having problems with your physical form or whatever, it will not affect your achievement. While being a champion are days, weeks, months, and sometimes even years and there is no room for mistakes. To keep the gold you've worked so hard for, you need to be in top shape all the time, not for several matches (The man takes a break to catch a breath, then moves his hand over his beard and continues) You see how much one defeat with you, costed Havoc. It costed him the trust of his own Architect, and I'm not going to let Jaydayne think of me like that  even for a second. I can't, because I still have a lot to prove in this industry. Champion or not, there is always something that can raise your position, there is always something that can help you with self-development. Was it not the lack of such thinking that led you to fall so low years ago? You don't even have to response me, because the answer to this question is obvious. You thought you were at the top of a mountain, when you really were just on your way from the bottom. Your too big ego was first stage to you fall, but you know it. What you don't know is that you are wrong about who I am. Do you really think that I am given big matches and shiny titles at the snap of a finger? Tristan, I've gone through hell several times and looked the devil himself in the eyes to find myself in the position that I am. Maybe they call me Golden Boy, Young God, or other irrelevant labels, but this doesn't change the fact that I have worked hard all my life, even to be assigned to these terms and it is not like I'm sitting on my ass now and I do nothing. I still work hard...hard enough that I don't even spend time with my daughter very often. Why? because the desire to be someone important is not enough, just like your desire to be a king is just a dream at the moment. Do you have a chance to make it come true? I see no reason why you wouldn't have. Well, maybe there is one...me, but there are no undefeated people and even if no one has pinned me yet, it will happen at some point. This time? I intend to do everything so that it does not happen, but I guess, we will find out in a few days.

*Arata sits in a different position to straighten his back, as before because of the arrangement of his arms, he had no choice, but to slouched.*

In a few days we will also finally find out who Tristan Killebrew really is, because I have already found the answer to who Arata Asakura is and I have to agree with you about one thing. I am not a king, I have never been and probably will never be, but it doesn't apply to the superficial meaning of the nickname we are talking about. I just remember who I am and I have no reason to pretend to be someone I am not, Tristan. Perhaps I am a man of success, but the one who grew up in the shadows will always somehow remain in it, and I built my empire in the shade with a few close people. The Shadow Empire...maybe you heard? Whatever. What I mean by this is that the answer to who Arata is, is simple. I am uncrowned king, but on Sunday my official coronation will take place. However, this will not change my approach,  alongside with the crown I will return where my place is, to my shadow empire.

*After these words, a smirk appears on the face of the Japanese man, which the camera shows for a few seconds, and finally screen fades black. Alongside with the end of this recording, Arata can return to his physical preparations for the clash that is to emerge the real king.*