Deck of Cards.

10.07.21 Osaka, Japan

*As Arata had expected, his last match at Proving Ground was just a formality. As much as the victory brought him on the right path, the man felt bad about it. He hated unambitious challenges and therefore felt as if that encounter did not matter much. In fact, it was exactly like that. This match started and ended pretty quickly, but nothing else was expected when it came to such a declassification. You couldn't even say it was a piss break, because it was only a matter of seconds. After that short epizode, Arata simply returned to the locker room, disappointed that Project Honor really put him in such a situation. He was not especially pleased that they showed him so much disrespect one more time. He might as well spend this wasted time at home with his children, instead of traveling thousands of miles just to be on TV for half a minute. Even if he got a fair amount of money for it, the Japanese man was not a person who paid attention to the material stuff. He always needed to be part of a certain level in the wrestling industry and no matter what check they gave him, it was not able to compensate him for what happened. His place was much higher on the card than facing some clown. His place was in the title picture, so the news that was released a few days after Proving Ground's broadcast, cheered him up a bit. Well, at least in a way.

While participating in the Opportunity Knocks Rumble was quite a profitable option, as the winner was to get a shot at the Grand Championship. It was Arata who once again felt disappointed. The line-up of this match was at an average level. Most of the participants were just a bunch of rookies, who were not standing a chance of being a bigger threat. Only a few names could draw attention. After all, you also can't be too confident to disregard the champions themselves. Even if Arata thought that there is no person qualified for this match that could be better than him, he had to be a little careful in advance. Common sense hasn't killed anyone yet. On the other hand, he felt no pressure, as he was so valiantly convinced that this would be his moment. Some might say that he has just signed a contract and maybe it is too soon. However, Arata was not the kind of person who liked to wait too long. He usually entered every company with a bang and this time it was supposed to be no different. His only third match in Project Honor could open him the way to the championship. Even if the competition was not up to Arata's standard, what was to come next still mattered the most. After all, the difference is between a boring match against a weak opponent and one that can open the door to a better future for you.*

*During the break from his duties, Arata stayed for a while at his own home. His children were so happy that his dad was finally back for a few days, that they refused to go to bed early the first evening. The man was glad that even if they did not see each other every day, his children still reacted so positively at the sight of him. Therefore, he devoted as much time as possible to them whenever he stayed in his family home for a while. It was incredibly tiring to spend so much time with these little creatures, but in a way rewarding. What were the few days when his wife was notoriously alone with them. Though, he could do at least that for all of them.

On the second day, the kids went to bed pretty quickly, tired after a long day of play. Only Izaya was in Arata's hands, unable to sleep otherwise. The man moved back and forth around the living room, rocking the child, until he heard the doorbell ring. He knew who was to visit him. The meeting was set for later evening, as he hoped that he would be free by now. Either way, he headed for the door to open it. After a second he saw one of his dojo's students, Hana Nakajima. However, it could be said that the girl was for him someone more than just a trainee. Hana was like a younger sister.

The girl went inside and sat down on the white sofa in the living room. Arata was still standing not to wake the toddler who was absolutely unhindered by the conversation between the two.*

"You're not staying for a long time, are you? Obligations are calling? It's so typical for you. Although, I don't think I should say too much about that. I don't know when was the last time I saw my family. I guess, that's the life of someone who is not attached to one company."

*After these words, Hana sighed heavily and brushed the locks of red hair back. Arata smiled slightly, before answering to the girl's words.*

"If you want to be more than a mediocrity, there are a few things you need to sacrifice. I can't always be at home, and I'm sorry, but I haven't worked so hard for so many years to stay on the couch and not develop any further. We have so much money saved that we could easily survive on a good level for a while without me disappearing every week. The thing is, you know what kind of person I am. After all, I have a constant need to keep going. I just know that there is a lot ahead of me and I don't want to give up on that. Fortunately, my family understands it, or at least doesn't tell me otherwise. I feel they are quiet about that, because they know that I can't live differently. From one company to another. From one title to the next one. That's who I am. But is that wrong? After all these years, I guess I deserve some success at last. I deserve a platform that will allow me to help people like me."

*Arata rubbed his eyes with the fingers of his free hand. Noticing that the child had finally fallen asleep, he took it to his room and returned to Hana.*

"We all know what you are. We weren't even surprised when you signed with Project Honor. And we all know you're crazy enough to overwork yourself, just to get another title or two."

*The man sat down next to the girl and commented on what she had just said with a rather annoyed tone of voice.*

"Don't say it like I have to wait forever there, Hana. You want to offend me or what? All I need is another episode of Proving Ground to get a shot, and then a straight road to the Grand Championship. Trust me."

*Hana thought about something for a moment then finally asked a question. The Japanese woman appeared to be quite serious.*

"Who even is Grand Champion there?"

"Ozymandias."

*Out of nowhere, a woman simply bursts into a sincere laugh. Arata just gave her a cold look, because he did not want to put the children to sleep again.*

"You're not kidding? So now, I understand what it means, that it's going to be an easy road to the title. But I suppose the staff and the entire Project Honor environment probably have a different opinion. Oh lord, this guy is fucking overrated."

*The Japanese man shrugged his shoulders and tilted his head back. He closed his eyes for a few seconds, then returned to his normal position.*

"It doesn't take much to make an intimidating impression on people, Hana. All it takes is a silly outfit from a movie, or a few scary-sounding words. That's all what Ozy is. This whole armor that he created, makes him seem like someone that you don't want to mess with. In fact, he's much weaker." The man bit his lip gently, as the corners of his lips turned upwards "However this is not a normal match. The rules are different. The extra weight may be something that makes people think that he is going to win. The point is, how strong you are is not the most important factor in such a match. Even if it can be making some difference, it is still not enough. Anyway, Ozy is not doing well in this type of match as well if you know what I mean."

*Hana started shaking her head, covering her face with her hands to keep herself from laughing.*

"It was kind of a shame when Daniel Horror eliminated him at War of the Worlds. People were so surprised and I just wanted to laugh. But even the elimination by fucking jobber didn't make people change their minds about him. Eh, sooner or later the bubble will burst anyway. We just need to patiently wait."

"Fanbase is always too blind to see what is real and important, Hana. If someone doesn't get exposed, people will never understand that impression was fake. Maybe the bubble should be break eventually, but sometimes you need a tool to help it with that. Otherwise, it may move on and on and survive with a little luck. You cannot rely solely on fate."

"Speaking of fate...Did you get the entry number for Rumble?"

*Arata got up from the couch and went to the wardrobe in the hall. After a while, the man returned to the living room holding a maroon envelope in his hand. Putting it between the index and middle fingers, he showed it to Hana.*

"I got an envelope with a number."

*The girl spread her hands to the side, still waiting for his speech to continue. However, Arata said nothing more. Finally, bored with waiting, she asked another question.*

"Are you gonna tell me your fucking number?"

*Arata shrugged again, then went to the window and opened it. Immediately, he took a lighter out of his pocket. He lit the envelope with one movement of his hand. Looking at the tiny flame and the smoke escaping towards the window, Arata finally answered Hana's question. *

"I don't know. Moreover, I don't care. I will win no matter what number I have."

12.07.21 Osaka, Japan

*A few days later, the Japanese man was still in Osaka. Proving Ground was about to take place on Friday, so he could afford to stay longer in his hometown. However, Arata did not spend all the time he had at home. That evening, he just left for an appointment with the members of The Black Sun. They were supposed to meet at one of the local casinos, where Arata took a visit from time to time. It cannot be said that the man was a gambler, but he was definitely not afraid of risk. Not only in the game, but this approach was rooted into his philosophy of life. After all, someone who used to have nothing, had no fear that they would lose something. Such a position, if difficult from a longer perspective, also gives a sense of freedom. You can't be afraid of the consequences, as it can't get any worse. You are put in a much more comfortable position than someone may think. If you don't win, your life will just be the same. If fate is favorable to you, you will profit from it. This approach could be very easily brought into the wrestling industry. A person chasing a great opportunity is always in a more convenient position. They do not carry the burden of responsibility that comes with being a champion. There is nothing to lose and much to gain. Therefore, such a person is ready to go all the way, instead of keeping the last remnants of carefulness. It's not even common sense, but rather an instinct to protect what we value the most. The thing is that Arata, even as a belt holder, was never like that. Even if he was considered crazy for his too much self-confidence and carelessness, he could not do otherwise. Life has taught him that either you put into something one hundred percent of your effort, or sooner or later that laziness will kick you in the ass. There are never shortcuts on the way to success and those who think differently have not experienced what hard work is. As you know, different paths lead to the wrestling industry. Some people gain their place here by making a great impression as future talents, while others use their financial situation, beauty or good contacts. Whether they really belong to this business is quickly verified. Especially in big matches like Rumbles you can see the class difference between roster members. This is exactly what Larry KaChow wanted to check out. It seemed to be a good solution, as there were many new sign ups among the participants. However, Arata was able to tell at first glance that most of them weren't too much of a threat.*

*This match was also one of the reasons for this sudden meeting with The Black Sun. For the past week his people have been doing research on Opportunity Knocks Rumble' participants. Arata had to listen to these reports and analyze everything without any rush. After all of this was done, the man sat quietly on a black leather couch opposite a heavy wooden table. After everything he heard that evening, he knew perfectly well what he had to say towards the Proving Ground roster. That is why, he asked one of his partners in crime to set up the camera.*

*As the recording starts, the lens is close to the torso of a man who puts his hand into the inside pocket of a gray jacket. He takes out a deck of cards and places it on the table next to the small black box. After a few seconds, the vision of the camera becomes wider, so as it catches the entire figure of the Japanese man. Apart from an elegant jacket, the man is wearing suit pants of the same color, as well as a black turtleneck. On the Arata's wrist you can notice a silver watch that matches well with the frame of the sunglasses. While Asakura's attire is quite formal, his body language indicates that he is quite relaxed. He sits comfortably, resting his back against the couch headrest, with his left ankle placed on his right knee. While one of the man's hands lies on his thigh, the other is supporting his cheek, as his elbow is resting on the armrest. It doesn't even take a short while, as Arata quickly begins his speech. In the firm tone of his voice you can sense the confidence and quite a clear disregard to what Project Honor has to offer.*

Number. This is the first thing that comes to people's minds, when they hear the word 'Rumble'. They always wonder who will be in the ring at what point and how the order will affect the course of it. After all, as it is generally accepted, those who enter later have easier job to do. But is it really so? Like everything in this world, both of these have their pros and cons. Unfortunately, many can't see this and prefer to stick to the popular opinion. The earlier between the ropes, the worse. This is what I constantly hear. Why is it like that? As the most common argument they use the fatigue that comes with the time. However, being one of the first to participate in a Rumble match is not such a bad option. Yes, you may lose your freshness and energy over time, but good physical preparation can solve this problem. The thing is, the pretty useful benefit of being one of the first entrants is that it's easier to control the situation and keep the ring awareness. You know who is in the squared circle and more or less where the rest of the participants are. If you can't see, at least you hear someone new joining. When we look at it from the other side of the coin, we have exactly the opposite. A person entering with a number near the end will always have a fresher mind and new energy, that others may be lacking. On the other hand, they enter a battlefield, that they do not know yet and the slightest mistake is enough to find themselves on the way to failure. Now, you are probably wondering why I am talking about this. It is nothing complicated if I am to be honest. I just try to show everyone, that complaining about your starting position is just a simple excuse to justify your incompetence. In a match like this, it doesn't matter if you are first or last. The only thing that matters is whether you are the last man standing. That's why I don't even know my number. I don't care about it. After these words, you probably won't be surprised to see what was left from the envelope with the number that I was given.

*Arata picks up the black box and opens its lid. He pulls one of his hands forward, shifting his position to a more hunched one. Then he drops the contents of the package onto his hand. As you can see, it is ash.*

This is the only thing left of the envelope with the number I got, because I'm not going to be influenced by such flimsy things. If you want to be successful you always have to be ready. If you want to be on top of a mountain, you can't cry at the thought of having to survive nineteen other people. I know from experience that the best in the business could start with number one and be in the final stages of this type of clash. And even win it. I had the opportunity to find myself in a similar situation. While I lacked a bit of luck that day, I was still better than thirty-seven other people. The conclusion is, that if someone has the skills and quality, they don't have to put all their hopes in the hands of fate. If someone is immediately demotivated after receiving a low number, they should not even enter the ring. Way to success is never easy. If you can't show that you are much better than others, how do you want to become a champion? People like to talk about their worth, but forget that it also has to be confirmed with their actions. Therefore, all these new 'stars' quickly stop shining. When the first steps in their careers go wrong, they immediately burn out and turn into ashes.

*A man blows ash from his hand, which spreads around one of the casino's rooms. Arata just continues, not paying attention to the dirt.*

Unfortunately, you will see a lot of such people during this Rumble. People who quickly find out that this industry is much more demanding and dreams alone are not enough. Over the past week, I have had the opportunity to examine each of these people to some extent. As much as it was extremely annoying, I can even call it a waste of my free time. It made me convinced that most of them, not only have no chance of winning this match, but also that they would not stay in the industry for a long time. I wouldn't be surprised if it was their first and last match in their career. Why? Mainly, because they completely don't understand how the wrestling industry works. As I mentioned a moment ago, motivation and being a dreamer is not everything. You need to have something more...something special...something to keep people paying attention to you. Being just another kid in wrestling pants, who is looking to make a career isn't enough to get the spotlight. It seems to be damn logical, but every single time I see shit ton of fools without personality at all. During our at Proving Ground alone, there are at least five such people, if not more. Ace Sky. Cadillac Jackson. Mark Kelly. Victoria McKenzie. Swindle Shelldrake. All in all, I could go on and on. The thing is that they differ only in surnames, origins and appearance. Well, one of them has stupid name after car. However, their motivations and approach are almost the same. All of them want to get money, fame, attention, and the love of fans. They are basically people who want to be a wrestler, while I want to be THE WRESTLER. There is a huge difference between those who want real success, and these mongrels who are content with whatever leftovers are thrown to them by this company. I suppose that for these five or a few other people, participating in this match is something that pushes their ego to the moon. They have the idea in their stupid little minds, that the company sees the future in them and therefore gives them this opportunity. No. No. No. For many of you, this is a test to see if it is worth keeping you on this roster. After all, nobody wants the waste of space. During this Rumble, most of you will actually be struggling to stay at Proving Ground, and the real prize will be left to one of the very few people. Perhaps such words are incredibly cruel to some, but I am not a person who likes to please others with manipulations or prisms. Personally, I think it's better to be hit with truth in the face, because being lied to is worse. When someone can't tell you where your place is and makes you believe you're worth more...they just hurt you. Through lies, you start to build a false image of yourself, and when you finally get a better chance, you break down, because you screwed up. You wonder how it could have happened, since no one ever said a bad word to you. You start making excuses. You blame others for your incompetence and lack of skills. Until finally the truth that comes to you begins to destroy you from the inside. You feel as if it is slowly tearing your organs apart, taking away the will to live. You are brought to such a state that you cannot enjoy life anymore. And for what is it worth hurting other people in such a way? Just because you want to be nice? Ridiculous.

*Arata laughs sincerely after these words, but he quickly calms down.*

All these feelings are the perspective of the person being lied to. But what do people around feel? I'll tell you. It's incredibly annoying, when I have to keep hearing about these self-proclaimed queens, goddesses, princesses and other shit. Within a week in the Project Honor itself, I've heard these phrases so many times that I don't have enough fingers to count them. What's funny, these people often didn't even achieve anything in their careers to confirm this statement. I don't give a shit if you're a rookie like McKenzie or veteran like Fenix, just don't take on such serious nicknames if you are fucking mediocrity. I guess, I have to quickly explain one thing, since fans of Tara Fenix will be sliding into my dms with insults, because she won this and that Blah, blah, blah. It took this woman so many years to win the five championships. While in two and a half years I doubled her achievements. So I'm sorry, but I'm not especially impressed. Besides, the list of achievements alone does not fully show the value of a wrestler. Sometimes these young beginners make a much better impression than those who have been in the industry for 20 years. I've seen something like that in Emmy, but we'll come back to her in a moment.

*Another object is taken from the table. This time it is a deck of cards that Arata had taken from his jacket pocket before. The man first shuffles the cards and picks some of them. He hides them at the end of the deck and separates them from the rest. The Japanese competitor threw most of the deck on the table. After a closer look, you can notice that the cards are portraits of the participants of the Rumble Match. Each of them was given denominations from two to five.*

This match is like a deck of cards. Most are weak and worth nothing, but some of them are precious. Those few can change the course of the game. Keep the tense among the viewers, before the grand finale.

*Arata drops the cards off the table and places the three others on the wooden surface. However, they are turned upside down. A man turns one of them. It is a picture of Emmanuelle in the form of a queen.*

Emmy, it's been a while since we saw each other. Last time we stood in one ring, you were lucky enough to steal my title. I must admit that I respect that you were able to do this. Many have tried throughout this time, and you were the first to beat me clean for the belt I mentioned. The thing is, I'm afraid we've changed over these few months. I found a new path...a new motivation and more importantly a new goal in my life. The goal that I will achieve even if I have to walk over the dead bodies, Emmy. Despite the enormous hatred from people and unpleasant moments in my career, still with my head held high I go towards a better future. While you, Emmy? The moment you lost your Shogun Championship, you showed that you were always overrated. At first, I thought that you were impressive, strong, different from those who have been seen so far. However, you couldn't fucking manage yourself after first failure. You got so hysterical, that you went and shaved your head. Is this how the champion behaves? Should someone who is at the top of the division break down so easily? So fucking pathetic, sweetheart. Looking at how impulsive you are. I'm afraid to think what will happen if you also lose that beautiful shiny belt that you managed to get in Project Honor. I wouldn't be surprised if you would just retire. I doubt you would even hesitate. It's one thing, that you don't know how to deal with loss, but the other is that you never cared about the wrestling industry. You always despised this business, despite how masochist you are to sign so many contracts. Why? Because you have such a whim. So...if something like that was able to make you do something you hate, then surely a whim will end your career as well.

*The next card is finally up. The Red King's card is the current X-Factor Champion, Lance Williams.*

As for this guy, I don't have much to say. I didn't really hear much about him, until I set foot in this company. The only reason I give him a little attention is because he is a champion. Of course, the fact that he has a belt doesn't mean he's a huge threat. It happened more than once that these great champs were just ordinary clowns who, for various reasons, reached the top. However, it is better to have more common sense than to regret a mistake later.

*Arata shows the last card, also the king, with the image of Ozymandias. A sweet smile appears on the man's face, as he taps this very card with his fingers.*

A terrifying beast that so many people have feared. Someone with whom others did not want to stand in the ring to protect their life. Most importantly, someone who was always fucking overrated. I knew it from the beginning, but the match during which he was almost murdered by Havoc and with the little luck he stole the belt was like long awaited proof. Then you were not even able to reach one defense, as you immediately dropped to Colt Montoya. I am pretty sure, someone will say that no one cares about the other company. You might not give a shit about it, but I'm not going to ignore what I witnessed. As far as it does not matter to you, I have already met Ozy there. It was there that I had the opportunity to see what a loser he is, and convince myself that he is not as scary as he is described. What is more important, those few months were enough for me to be sure that I am much better than him. However, now I have the opportunity for the whole world to see it as well. That is why, I am very happy that the champion himself is a participant in this match. I am very pleased with the fact that before I take the Grand Championship from him, he will be able to get a taste of his failure against me.

*The man again pays attention to the three cards in front of him and continues to speak, looking at them.*

In the eyes of the viewer, a queen and kings can appear like powerful cards. However, even among the best there is someone special. Someone who is a game changer. There is someone that surpasses the royal family. There is Ace.

*Arata puts closer to his face the last card with the Ace symbol and with his own image, making him look like he is covering his eye. Revealing only the gold one, that the man showed while taking off his glasses.*

The statement is clear. I know I am the best in this match and this company. I am sure, I will win this stupid match and then become Grand Champion.