Never trust authority.

10.10.21 Osaka, Japan

*It didn't take much to describe how Arata felt at that moment. He was just angry. That exact feeling had been with him for several days, since Mark Hunter interrupted his match against Ozymandias. The moment it happened, he knew he had more than one reason to despise this fool. Not only was he a stupid dirty gaijin, but he also dared to stick his nose in Arata's affairs. Apparently Mark couldn't fight his own pride and desire to be the center of attention. Arata didn't even want to be around such a pathetic man, but Indy Darling once again disrespected him with another stupid decision. The Japanese man could not believe that he was forced to team with Mark and what was worse, against these two weaklings. It was like a double penalty for the aspiring young star. Especially since Arata knew he deserved much more. However, he was constantly overlooked, which made him feel like tearing the entire roster apart. So that Indy Darling understands what a huge mistake he is making with his reckless and disrespectful decisions. However, all the time the man tried to control his rage and keep his expression serious. The only question was, how long would he be able to do this? How long will it take for him to finally explode? Indy Darling was unaware that he had a ticking time bomb near him and it's time was nearing its end. It was only a matter of time before everything turned into dust.*

*Filled with all negative emotions and thoughts, he devoted almost all the time he spent in Japan to one place. Namely, his own dojo. However, Arata was not in the mood for training with his students. He mostly sat in the same room, taking care of his own preparation or just playing shogi. One evening, however, he was not allowed to be alone. When Arata was sitting in the dark near the mirror, his head started to hurt heavily. He knew what was coming. The man turned to the glass surface and saw that one of his eyes had turned golden. The young Japanese competitor leaned forward, covering the other part of his face with his hand, and focused his gaze on the reflection. He didn't have to wait long for Raijin to show more than just signs of his presence. Arata could perfectly hear the low voice, muttering something in old Japanese dialect.*

"I'm fed up. I'm sick of this stupid company. This idiot who claims to be the brain of this brand. And every one of those dirty gaijins. It all makes me feel bloodthirsty and either you do something about it, or I'll take control of you and I will kill all of them. Listen, I will not tolerate such a disrespect towards us, Arata."

*Arata took a deep breath. Somewhere in the back of his head, he knew the elder god was displeased. However, he understood his frustration. The young Japanese man was also not able to feel optimistic about the current situation.*

"I know. I'll fix it. After all, I've been so close lately, but this fucking Mark Hunter doesn't know his place. Like, I can be blamed for a lack of concentration, but with as many enemies as I have, I need to have eyes around my head. Anyway, this jerk was the last person I expected. Well. Apparently, his ego couldn't withstand the pathetic defeat earlier in the show, so he came to drag me down with him. Or maybe it was a statement according to the Grand Championship announcement. Maybe both reasons are true, because I am more than sure that the first one is definitely a case. Anyway, I still can't believe Indy Darling tricked me like that. He promised me a shot for that title so many times, but he forgot to mention that it won't be just me and Ozymandias. I guess no one expects me to enjoy these circumstances. Why? Because I don't like situations where the incompetence of others can cost me what I deserve. What this fucking group reawrd is supposed to be? Is it a joke? Look. TJ was the first to be eliminated in this match If I remember correctly and Shelldrake is just a failure. If anyone has to get in my way, let it be Mark Hunter, although after what he did last week, I'd love to smash his head into the wall."

*Something similar to ironic laughter came out of Arata's mouth. Raijin quickly added something from himself, before the young man started talking again.*

"Despite this disgusting behavior, the management still provokes further argument. However, calm down. I also despise this man, but let's not give them what they want. Focus on winning this match to show that despite this insult, you are still above them. When we are done with that, we will let them experience what hell on earth means. And the Grand Championship will be ours. You are a wise man, Arata, focus on the first stage of the plan. Namely, the next Proving Ground episode. It should be easy, your so-called opponents are not too demanding."

*The man shook his head, and brushed back the hair that fell on his face. In a confident tone of voice, he uttered his final words before Rajin disappeared.*

"They are not demanding. Shelldrake and Crowley are pathetic worms that can be squashed in a second. Perhaps, they think that they have an advantage, because they were already in the ring with me. The thing is, they had the honor of being on my side then, and not against me. Most importantly, they were lucky enough that I carried their useless asses to victory."

13.10.21 Osaka, Japan

*A few days passed, and the Japanese man still led a similar lifestyle. You could say that, apart from jogging in the morning, he did not go outside. Theoretically, he didn't have to. The dojo was built in such a way that, in addition to the training rooms, there was a bathroom and a kitchen. Anyway, Arata did not mind this mode, especially since he did not intend to stay in Japan long, because his duties were calling him. Namely, the next episode of Proving Ground was at his fingertips, and he still did not say a single word about the upcoming match. Even on twitter, there was no trace of any mention. Mainly because Arata was not the type of person who liked to be on social media a lot. In that aspect, he was like an old-fashioned guy who only opened that, when he had to. However, aware that he is leaving tomorrow and probably will not have much time and good conditions during the flight, the man decided to record a small message. Consequently, he went to his office, which was on the first floor of the dojo.*

*As the shot opens, everyone can see a blond man, who is sitting behind a dark wooden desk. Arata is wearing black leather shoes, black suit pants and a white shirt with the sleeves rolled up to the elbows. In this way, you can easily see the symbol of blessing on his left forearm. The man is in such a position, that he rests his elbows on the wooden surface of the table top, in the same way supporting his head with his hands. However, the camera focuses on something else. One glance at him is enough to make the viewer shiver at the sight of his golden eyes. Wasting no time, Arata quickly gets to the point, and his harsh tone of voice echoes through the room.*

Rule number one. Never trust authority.

*Arata raises his finger up, but quickly returns to his previous position. A short sigh comes out of his mouth, before the man continues his statement.*

Even if they show you a vision of the world you, they'll end up fucking you in the ass. Why? Because such people love to play with people' emotions. Such people feel excited to make false promises, because they know how much frustration will be born in the heart of the person that they have deceived. To be honest, this is downright inhumane. It is disgusting and pathetic that someone puts themselves in basicly god's position, just because they have a little power. But sooner or later, he will see that he is nothing more than a piece of shit, that can be replaced in a few minutes. So enjoy your power, Indy, because you don't know how long it will last. Keep making idiots out of people, just to build tension on your stupid show, but remember that ignorance and being an asshole has consequences. Perhaps, some people don't have the guts to tell you this in your face, because they are afraid for their jobs. Perhaps, they are fucking clowns, who don't know how to fight for themselves, but I will not allow myself to be treated like this. Maybe, you have memory problems, but I perfectly remember our deal, before that ridiculous tag team match. I definitely remember that you said that victory over DeMarco would give me a shot at the Grand Championship. I have spoken about it many times myself, unaware that you were not honest with me from the very beginning. I kind of knew that I shouldn't really believe you, but I didn't think you were so cruel to hide the truth for so long. This is what the General Manager does? This is all this fucking honor you are talking about? This is bullshit, Indy. This is making people idiots and this stupid requirements to me to trust you, are making it even worse. Do not get me wrong. It's not that I had faith in your promise, but I felt that maybe you have a bit of professionalism in you. As you can see, I was wrong. You are another spoiled brat, who treats his roster like a playground.

*The man runs his thumb over his beard, as his cheekbone rises in a tiny smile.*

The funniest thing is that, I understand why you did this. You knew very well that if you tell me that the award is for the whole team, then I won't be involved. You are not mistaken. Personally, I don't give a shit about the career of the rest of these clowns. If I knew that these are the real conditions, you wouldn't even see me in the ring that evening. I'm not a charity to do favors for these losers. To be honest, it disgusts me that I had any part in making them placed in the same position as me. But let me tell you one thing, neither TJ, nor Shelldrake, nor the fucking Mark Hunter can compare to me. And maybe you will finally understand it at Clash for the Cup. For now? Go and fuck yourself, liar.

*Arata adds a more cold attitude to the last two sentences than the rest of what he has said so far. Then he takes something out of a desk drawer. He throws it on the table top and the viewer can immediately see that it is something like a pile of documents. On top of which there are two photos. One of them belongs to Jay Crowley and the other to Swindle Shelldrake.*

But first, I have to play your little game again and pretend to be a team with a guy I sincerely hate. And from the very beginning, I wasn't going to hide it. Mark Hunter is just an attention whore and nothing more. What's worse, to such an extent that he mindlessly makes a shit ton of enemies. So there's no point in pretending to be friends, because probably no one is stupid enough to believe that we want to win together. It is true that I want a victory, but only for selfish reasons. Only I matter here. He, on the other hand, can go to hell and take that pseudo-team of Crowley and Shelldrake with him. You can't call it otherwise, because this joke isn't even a real tag team. You just have to look at their performances to notice it. Not only did they show how useless they are during the tag team tournament, not even being able to reach the semi-finals, but also at the previous Proving Ground, they couldn't even beat this waste of space. Although, looking at their lack of competence, perhaps the disqualification saved them from humiliation. After all, there's nothing worse than losing to the bunch of posers who pretend to be a faction that has meant a lot in wrestling a while ago. However, back to Shelldrake and Crowley. They were focused on the tag team division from the very beginning. However, they were not ready for it either. Perhaps, they thought that since they knew each other and existed together before, it would be easier for them to become one. The thing is, the bond doesn't matter in the slightest. Everywhere, the most important thing is professionalism and competence. These two lack these basic qualities. Therefore, even what was supposed to be an advantage for them, has become a useless burden. And even if they deny that they don't care about each other, just look at their body language. They cannot stay indifferent, because a relationship has developed between them, and this is the worst mistake you can make. Bond creates emotions and they make limitations. They make you unable to focus directly on the target. What amazes me the most in this situation is that someone like Crowley doesn't understand it. After all, he's so fascinated with receiving and inflicting pain. Someone with such fantasies definitely cannot feel emotions, because with emotions comes the feeling of being guilt. However, it all confirms my small theory that Jay Crowley is just another edgy boy. A typical moron who thinks that presenting himself as some kind of psychopath will make his opponent feel uneasy. He believes that this will create an advantage for him. However, it does not impress me. To be honest, I am resistant to these types of tactics, because I am simply not afraid of being hurt. Pain is only a temporary condition that is often the path to success. Therefore, I never treated it as a punishment for myself or a step towards the victory of the opponent. It has always been my way to be on top. That's why, Jay will need more than an emo tumblr quotes, just to get me interested. At the moment, he is relevant. He is just one of the many hardcore wrestlers, that I have seen for several years. And sorry, but hitting someone on the head with a stick is not a personality. If someone says otherwise, this is how he tries to hide the lack of it. And this is exactly the definition of who Jay Crowley is.

*The blond man bites his lower lip for a short moment.*

Swindle Shelldrake is a very similar case, except that he tries to pretend like he can do more than just chair shots. He pretends to be something that might be labeled as a full package. He believes he can adapt his style to any situation, but that's bullshit. Understanding the situation and developing tactics is one thing, and pretending to be good at everything is another. Honestly, it is even arrogant. Especially, when you are nothing special. Well. Probably this guy has never heard of the phenomen, that if someone who has no talent tries to be versatile, then he is not good at anything. That is literally on point. And see? Looking at Shelldrake we have a picture of this desprepation in striving to be something better. However, some are destined to be mediocre. To the extent that no matter how hard they try to change it, there is no power in this world that could help them. And when I look at it from this perspective, I think I understand one thing. It was desperation that made him join forces with Crowley. It seemed to him that if he was too weak himself to mean anything in this industry, maybe it would be easy for the two of them. However, I have to break your hearts and tell you the truth. Combining two mediocre individuals, cannot create outstanding one. You can't change your fate if you don't have the foundation to build it. Just calling yourself a self-made man doesn't put you in control of your life, Swindle. You don't even have control over what happens on Proving Ground, let alone everything that surrounds you. Unless what you have at the moment is your perfect version of you. In this case, I even feel sorry for you. You know, such a lack of ambition makes me disappointed. However, some people cannot be asked for anything more than bare minimum. The thing is, if you don't do anything else to improve yourself, then you will never become something better.

*Arata grabs the documents and throws them straight into the bin. Then he utters a single sentence in an indifferent tone of voice.*

Let the trash be where they belong.

*The man immediately smirks in a gentle manner, before speaking one more time.*

My intentions are obvious. My guess is that this dickhead, Mark, won't be too keen on collaborating either. In short, each of us will do it for our own benefit. As for Crowley and Shelldrake, it will be a lesson for them. The lesson that will make them understand, that even a one-time team built on selfishness is still more valuable than this shit that they call their. And with that statement, I have nothing more to say. I wasted enough of my precious time already.

*After these words, the man simply gets up and heads to the door, which he closes with a bang. A few seconds later the screen fades black and the recording ends.*