The War Council The scene gradually opens to a secluded television studio where a granite backdrop sets the overal mood of the room. Before it, a creative Death Wish Cowndown logo is affixed before its center before the camera pans away slowly to an entering Donny Layne. A tailor made Black suit, White shirt and complementary Royal Blue tie is the attire of the day. The astute wrestling journalist would stand at the ready, armed with a miniature clipped microphone on his lapel and a casual resolve. Layne: “Good evening, jOlt Wrestling fans, across the globe...I am your host, Donny Layne and welcome to jOlt Wrestling: COUNTDOWN! We are officially on the road to perhaps the most violent and arcane pay per view venues in this promotion’s history. The 2nd edition of Death Wish...” Camera 1 would offer an angled view of Layne in which he adjusted himself toward it. “From top to bottom, this card is loaded with bad blood.” Donny continued. “Some old rivalries that have been boiling over for some time, just as there are some new. The reasons and motives all vary yet all in all, all the participants in this year’s Death Wish will no doubt, unified in their collective pursuit of Power, Glory and Redemption. Speaking of which, live in the studio, we have the esteemed honor of the current jOlt World Tag Team Champions, the former jOlt Underground Champion & the former jOlt World Heavyweight Champion; all representatives of the Inogami Clan...they are The Crimson Order...Kenshiro Inogami & The Blood Raven’ Eiji Kugasari...” Camera 2 would pan back and allot the viewers to see the Japanese quartet entered the scene from the far right. Adorned in clan centric colored male kimonos, both Takeshi & Heido would casually sauntered forward with the championships slung over their respective shoulders. In tow, Kenshiro & Eiji would appear in Americanized civilian attire. Respectfully, the subtle nods were granted toward the broadcast host before the interview would begin. Layne: “Gentlemen; it is a pleasure to have you both here.” Kenshiro: “The pleasure is ours, Mr. Layne.” “Why thank you all.” Donny continued. “With all due respect, we are going to start things off with a question for the reigning tag team champions.” Kenshiro: “By all means.” Eiji: Sure. “Excellent.: Layne opened. “Gentlemen; On the behalf of the fans, we were looking to gauge your honest thoughts on becoming the jOlt Tag Champions for the 1st time.” “Well, for the both of us, it was a very proud moment.” Heido opened. “Given the current circumstances, we were physically and mentally spent yet both elated.” Takeshi nodded in compliance with the statement. “Now, you and Takeshi both make a very formidable team with your highly unique pairing and circumstances.” Layne inquired. “So how are you both able to effectively communicate in order, given Takeshi’s perceived handicap?” Heido: “First and foremost; my brother had to master his personal perspective of what was and is deemed as an ’ailment’ or what have you.” Heido replied. “Granted, it is most beneficial to know and fluently communicate via sign language yet our connection is much stronger. He and I share many concepts, principles and foresight as both individual men and as a focused unit. We needn’t rely heavily on said limitations as we can feel out the given situations set before and upon us. It is our ring awareness. The wrestling acumen that has been inbred within us that strengthens us. There are other teams that openly or privately envy what Takeshi and I possess and notably, for credible reasons.” “That is indeed a rare yet vital element you both share.” Layne mentioned. “Yet there was a key opportunity or lesson rather, that the two of you had to endure before hand and that moment was agreeing to be removed from contending and competing at the WrestleCade venue. Explain to us what all transpired?” “Actually, it was Lord Kenshiro’s suggestion.” Heido replied. “Wow.” Layne responded openly as the ninjas readjusted themselves in their seats. Heido: “All me to explain; Lord Kenshiro held a meeting a week beforehand to bluntly inform us that we were not at the suitable level to compete at the event.” Layne: “Mr. Inogami; what was it that you saw that brought on this critical assessment?” “Quite frankly, they were not up to my standard as credible representatives for neither that event nor in contention for the jOlt Tag Team Championships.” The clan general replied bluntly. “In this clan, you aspire to stand out as the best regardless and in my opinion, they needed to earn their spot. Not as a credible team but as competitors as well. Just as simple as that.” “And how did you both feel in being told that?” Layne replied. "Admittedly, it was very sobering for the both of us.” Heido continued. “Takeshi took it the hardest as it took several days to begin seeing the merit of Lord Kenshiro’s assessments. Having foregone our opportunity to compete and possibly, earn these on the grandest stage in this promotion that is WrestleCade, together, we soon overstood that patience is indeed a rewarding virtue. We both needed to seriously look at each other and ourselves openly and honestly before finally realizing the message. It was then that we began and continue to make the proper corrections for the embetterment of ourselves and our clan.” Takeshi nodded in kind before nudging his comrade before utilizing sign language to voice his muted options. Heido: “Takeshi says ‘It was not the easiest decision to walk away from our 1st WrestleCade opportunity. He was looking forward to that moment; to ply our trade before a capacity crowd. Especially with an opened arena. The crowd was highly motivating yet when Lord Kenshiro approached us, he let us know we were not ready. I was angry yet in time, his leadership has made us a far more formidable and wiser unit. Made us more ambitious. Driven to succeed by every means necessary...” Layne: “That is understandable as it was a risky decision. However, many will believe that has solidified the bond with not just yourselves but among your fellow clan brethren.” Heido: “Indeed it has. Given the climate within this promotion during our official debut and even now, Trust stands among the most paramount for us all.” “Alright.” Layne voiced. “Now, onto you, Mr. Kugasari.” “Of course.” Eiji replied. “Given to date, you stand as the youngest heavyweight champion in this promotion’s history...” Layne started.” “Yes...” Eiji replied. “When did it actually sink in that you were the jOlt Heavyweight Champion?” Donny inquired as Eiji rested his forearms atop the desk. “It was...It was long after the adrenaline rush had worn off backstage that the reality firmly set in.” The ninja continued. “It was when I was alone onto myself that I breathed in deeply. I was unable to sleep for almost 2 days in the wake of it all. It was literally surreal as you have been enamored along the sidelines, as a youth, you mention to yourself and your peers that ‘You can do that’...’that moment is what many wrestling fans reserve onto themselves yet to bring that moment into fruition...It was and is beyond measure.” Layne:”...And how would you describe your Wrestlecade experience?” Eiji: “It was notably bittersweet. Not only in the way it ended yet knowing my brothers were not able to experience it along with me. It was discussed long before our arrival, here in the States. It was what bound us together in those arduous days and nights of intense training yet it was what drove us. Together as a unit yet to look back, I was disappointed with the initial decision yet took it upon myself to try and live in that moment for them. More than myself.” Layne: “So, seeing that you have this renewed rivalry between yourself and the last jOlt Flyweight Champion in ’Mr. Infamous’, Jimmy B. Martinez; what is that spurns this mutual animosity between you two?” Eiji: “He & I are both competitive individuals. Prideful even and since Day 1, the promotion sought it best to literally worship him. They lauded him as ’The Chosen One’ and I, for one, was highly against it...” Layne: “What do you mean?” Kugasari: “At first, it was under the stern assumption of backstage politics and fraternization. Seeing as to how his trainer was as boisterous as he was. If not more.” Layne: You are referring to the heavily decorate veteran and jOlt Hall of Famer, Sylo? Am I correct.?” Eiji: “ Yeah. That guy. Anyway, it was only motivation to push myself further. To ply my craft all the more to beat him. The company’s perceived ’Golden Boy’ and make a definitive statement not just for myself but onto them. Those who I deemed athletically near-sighted as he did exactly what I expected; he crumbled underneath the pressure and quit. Unlike most, I wasn’t surprised yet I was both resentful yet eager to see him return. I felt he had robbed me of the opportunity to personally bury him and now that opportunity is at hand.” Layne: “Is this what this is all about?” Kugasari: “This is personal. I will bear no shame in conveying that I want to embarrass him. I overstand that he and I are standing in each other’s way en route to the jOlt championship. Without question nor debate, that is the underlying story of this rivalry. I have tasted the very victory that he covets. He knows this. Just as I make it a point to ensure that he never shares the same title in this promotion; jOlt World Heavyweight Champion. This is much more than some jaded crusade. This is a matter of survival as I know this is what drives him to improve himself. To do any and everything at and beyond his limitations in order to achieve and or surpass my accomplishments. You may call it whatever you wish. Anyone can yet I have made it my personal ambition to see to it he never reaches that summit. Ever. As I have mentioned on social media, Death Wish is the most appropriate setting for eulogize my rival and everything he stands for. Everythi” Layne: “And what will you do if he just so happens to bring his dreams into fruition, in spite of everything? What are you doing to think? What will you do? Eiji: “Ensure his reign at the top is the shortest in professional wrestling history. By every means necessary.” Layne: “Wow...Alrighty then. Well, this brings us all back to you, Mr. Inogami.” “It would seem that way, Mr. Layne.” The ninja clan general replied while leaning back in his chair. “Well, seeing that you and your clan have been called out on random occasions...” Donny opened. “What was it that brought you to this moment where you will be pitting yourself against the enigmatic yet highly calculating brawler that is Providence?” “It was inevitable.” The ninja replied coldly. “He is not that much different than a Brody Mack nor many ambitious professionals in this nor any business aspires to do; make a definitive name for themselves by challenging the elite in their respective fields. Albeit faintly flattering, the intent is simple; challenge the prominent faces in pursuit of the crown. Reputation. Power. Everything aside from one’s respective agendas.” Layne: “Indeed. Now what was it that inspired you to challenge him into one of the most grueling environments? One that every participant has never left unscathed and encouraged others to stray far from it better renown as The Pitt?” Kenshiro: “I would encourage you to read Sun Tzu’s “Art of War” for an appropriate answer to your own inquiry, Mr. Layne. In respects to this encounter, I stand reluctant to arm my opposition strategically. He is going to have to earn everything on his own merit. Now in regards to the match selection, it was merely a matter of personal preference. I needed an challenge and seeing as not many are willing to utilize this structure as intended, why shouldn’t I? War can expose the inner man or woman readily. Weather they want to attempt to lie to themselves or finally embrace their truths, this venue...this match is perfect. Flawless by design and intent for in the defense of my clan and myself, I am more than willing to wage war with my opposition at a moment’s notice.” Layne: “Mr. Inogami; Providence is a highly skilled fighter that survived the wilds of the long defunct Asylum Fighting organization. How does that factor in with your own fighting acumen?” Kenshiro: “It matters yet not to the degree in which, you believe. I have dealt with ’his kind’. Mr. Haunt, to be exact. However, I am merely giving the people and my opposition what they want; a genuine contribution into this forthcoming venue of ’controlled chaos’. Unfortunately, I an unable to guarantee the deliverance of restraint in this encounter.” Layne: “Well, I am sure this will be one hell an outing for the entire Inogami Clan at Death Wish.” Heido: “Of course.” Eiji: “This is what we all ask for. This is what we pray for.” Layne: “Wow. Well, I wish to bring this back to you and Takeshi once more.” Heido: “We stand ready.” “Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter, in the here and now; your championship run thus far...” Layne mentioned. “Your road to Death Wish has brought you both here; as World Tag Champions, in the defense against the No1. Contenders in The House as well as the tag team representatives for The Rebellion renown as Cross The Hood. As the reigning champions, what are your honest thoughts of your opponents, entering to face you both this coming Sunday?” Both ninjas cleared their throats amidst a mutual pair of stoic expressions. Kenshiro & Eiji casually fell back while listening. “In regards to those pair of hooligans that you were referring to, they have done little to prove themselves worthy.” The Kansai Crippler muttered. “They have chosen the coward’s way into this position and we shall personally make them pay. Inside that ring. Political favor will not serve them well this Sunday as The Crimson Order detest cowards.” “As for the No. 1 contenders themselves.” Heido continued. “The House have earned a minute measure of respect; they are perennial crowd favorites . They have earned that. However, playing to the crowd is neither a priority nor concern. We have earned these belts, not in a mere match but in a literal tag team war. Locked in a massive cell, pitted against the entire tag team division. Takeshi & I now have the opportunity to engage our opposition in a more traditional style of wrestling. Puroresu. The lauded Strong Style that has been emulated by the vast majority of this entire industry. Both The House & the unworthy challengers that shall remain unmentioned have a monumental task set before them; they have to face the best team in this company. Unrepentant. Unyielding and determined to become the undisputed and reigning Tag Team Champions in this promotion’s history. Takeshi & I are all the more eager to enter & leave that ring this Sunday just as you see right now; as this promotion’s rightful champions.” The Mute Mountain Splitter offered a stern nod before staring back at Donny Layne. Heido adjusted his belt slightly across his shoulder. “Now, gentlemen; I know you all are pressed for time yet we want to thank you all from coming out and wish every one of you luck this Sunday at Death Wish.” Layne replied with an extended hand out. “Again, it was our pleasure; Mr. Layne.” Heido replied as every ninja promptly stood to their feet to begin their mutual egress from the studio.