a little note...
TEW's Hell in Highwater. Minako vs Brandon Kraus, the X Core Championship up for grabs. No doubt Kraus is more deserving, but that doesn't mean he will win.. or does it?a chance at gold
One and two. Not bad, but could be better. Could always be better in Yamada-san's eyes. 'Nothing less than perfection', he says. 'Lack of talent is lack of brain power', he says. Hopefully winning the X Core title is enough for him.. provided we can get past Brandon Kraus. Of course.. winning this will only make him think that we're destined for greatness by gaining a shot at the World title. Oh, how wrong he is.º º º Inside a local Japanese restaurant º º º
As they seat theirselves at a table, they thank the waiter for thier menus just before he rushes off. As Minako glances at hers, Yamada glares at her over the edge of his.
MINAKO: What is it, Yamada-san?
YAMADA: You have a wonderful opportunity tonight. You face Brandon Kraus for the X Core Championship. You have earned this. I do not want you to lose and in the same moment, lose everything you have worked for in the last month. Should you win, it will show everyone what a challenge you truly are. I know you can do this, so do not tell me you cannot.
MINAKO: (Nodding) I can, Yamada-san. I know I can. I will not let you down again.
YAMADA: I should hope not. You are destined for great things, Sasaki. Every time you fail, you prove your opponents right and ultimately, me wrong. Is that what you want to do? Prove me wrong? Do you want to show everyone that I made a wrong choice by choosing to guide you?
MINAKO: No, Yamada-san. I will win. I will get the gold, I promise.
YAMADA: Good, good. What did you think about what he had to say? Was he respectable at least, or did he prove to be the typical American male?
MINAKO: No, he was very cordial. He spoke of me, saying I am a young, beautiful girl who got to where she is by breaking out of the norms of Japanese society and I have worked hard to get here. He does not doubt my talent, and he has not faced someone that utilizes traditional Japanese tactics since he was young.
YAMADA: Yes, yes, but what did you think of it all? Don't repeat it, respond to it.
MINAKO: Alright, well.. I would have to say that he is very respectful, and I appreciate it, but respect only gets one so far before they begin relying on contacts and skill. He, thankfully, has not just yet. He still has respect among his peers as well as skill. I one day hope to have the same. I will not have what I want if I do not take risks and go for the gold, as they say, when I have the chance. This title match, although it is the least of the two titles in the company, is still very important. I intend to treat it as if it is a chance at the World title and do my very best.
YAMADA: Was there anything else he said?
MINAKO: (Thinks, then nods) His wife said that if you interfere, she will handle things. I suggest you do not, Yamada-san. This family does not make idle threats, I hear. If I am to win, let me win on my own.. by the same token, if I am to lose, let me lose on my own.
YAMADA: I will not hit a woman, provided she does nothing to me first. Should she prevent me from doing my job, trust me.. I will take it up with the neccesary personnel. This woman means nothing to me, Sasaki. Do not worry about her.
MINAKO: I will not. I only need worry about Brandon Kraus. He is the one who stands in the way of me claiming the X Core Championship for my own. I have yet to claim gold anywhere, yet he has had many chances and successes. It is my turn now. I am the one to win, not him.. and I will prove it in the ring. I promise you, Yamada-san.. I will win.
YAMADA: I certainly hope so. Promises mean nothing if they are not kept. You know this.
MINAKO: (Nodding) I do.. I will do my best to keep mine.
YAMADA: I certainly hope so.
As their waiter returns to the table to deliver the sake and cups, they turn to him, cutting off the conversation just before the scene fades out.