Post by Nate Pierce on Nov 18, 2022 2:28:57 GMT
The camera opens to a darkened warehouse, lights on a rather dim setting as the camera begins to move down a select aisle, pallets loaded with various boxes of what could be equipment or some other kind of goods stored inside. In the distance, faint echoes of strikes hitting what sounds like a sandbag or punching bag gradually become more audible until it comes to stop a small distance away from a hooded figure taking their shots at said punching bag. Outside of the light, another figure stands nearby, arms folded across their chest. In time, Hanzo’s voice begins to come through as the training session continues.
Hanzo: “Adrenaline X was supposed to be a grand occasion for my fledgling career but alas…like most things, didn’t exactly get it right on that first pass. No matter. Where you fall, you pick yourself back up and push back ten times as hard. Another valuable lesson I’ve taken to heart ever since my sensei’s hellacious training regiment, but like everything else I’ve said, I’m determined to make it all manifest and have his teachings bear fruit. They’ve done so for two of his pupils, and now it’s just a matter of time for the third one to attain much of the same.”
The hooded figure begins firing away with a series of roundhouse kicks to the side of the bag, alternating between legs. The figure beside them can faintly be heard counting in rhythm in Japanese.
Hanzo: “Now the wheel has landed on C. Someone who I’m only vaguely familiar with given the appearances he’s made thus far, but nevertheless, has made himself known to be a rather formidable foe in that squared circle. Defeating JUDITH was certainly no easy task, and to step up to MYOJIN after retaining against Hate and I is certainly a power move in its own right. However, I’m not here to sing a man’s praises when he seems rather intent on making more enemies than friends.”
Switching it up, the hooded figure replaces the kicks with repeated punches, the other figure still counting aloud.
Hanzo: “See, someone who’s labeled himself ‘The Purifier’ clearly has no idea as to how tainted this business already is and it always will be given its track record. There never was any cleanliness to begin with and while you may be a little spark of light in a dark world, you’ll find yourself swallowed up in due time, C. Whether it be losing prestige, turning your back on those that were your friends, or simply developing a taste for blood and carnage, it will catch up to you. I had to suffer being in the dark for a long time. Never having a real chance to prove anything, being pushed out of potential spotlight, and that was even in my native Japan. Took me a trip across the globe to arrive here in Europe when my wings finally started to develop.”
The figure out of the light states something to the hooded one, seemingly telling them to take a brief respite.
Hanzo: “I made the final three of the battle royale, punched my ticket to Adrenaline X afterward, and even though I didn’t take the gold, it laid down a foundation for me to build and improve from…and it starts with you, C. These past few weeks were not just me being a flash in the pan, they were meant to showcase the entirety of IPW and the world what I’m truly capable of when given a proper chance to put on display my abilities as a wrestler. I may not have anything lofty or grand as the accolades you have in your back pockets but what I do have is a drive and hunger to reclimb the ladder and earn another crack at the World Championship. See, unlike your last outing in Adrenaline, I’m not hesitating nor being apprehensive on the matter that stands before me, all morals aside in this regard. It’s hesitancy that will often leave people wanting for something that should’ve been different and in your error, it cost you and JUDITH both.”
A chuckle escapes him.
Hanzo: “One can not afford to second guess or question themselves in this business. The only way forward is to focus up and keep pushing. Push against all roadblocks, push for that which you want, and push to be the damn best that the company has to offer on hand. I know I can be the best and that I can overcome obstacles even with stacked odds. I’ve already silenced many who would think otherwise of me, and a prime example being Stefan McCain before he got given the boot. Where you pause, C, I keep going forward. That’s all I know what to do, and it’s what I’ll keep doing with you in the way. Try and knock me down…and you’ll get laid out for your efforts at trying to prevent me from going to further heights.”
The hooded figure removes their hood, revealing it to be Hanzo underneath, hands running along his mask with an exhausted sigh. The shadowed figure offers a nod in to him before taking their leave, leaving The Eagle by his lonesome as he stares at the punching bag.
Hanzo: “Adrenaline XII is going to be the start of my rebound, and this time I’m going to go for that coveted strap with a lot more fire in my belly, and a lot more heart than anyone else can give. You’re the stepping stone, C, and I’ll make sure you remember exactly who I am and ensure that this Eagle soars above you on its way back for round two for that world title. If I were you, I’d focus up…because you can’t hesitate once a bird of prey has you in its sight. It’s either run, or bleed to its talons. The choice is yours, C.”
With a quiet huff, Hanzo takes his leave from the shot, screen fading to black.
Hanzo: “Adrenaline X was supposed to be a grand occasion for my fledgling career but alas…like most things, didn’t exactly get it right on that first pass. No matter. Where you fall, you pick yourself back up and push back ten times as hard. Another valuable lesson I’ve taken to heart ever since my sensei’s hellacious training regiment, but like everything else I’ve said, I’m determined to make it all manifest and have his teachings bear fruit. They’ve done so for two of his pupils, and now it’s just a matter of time for the third one to attain much of the same.”
The hooded figure begins firing away with a series of roundhouse kicks to the side of the bag, alternating between legs. The figure beside them can faintly be heard counting in rhythm in Japanese.
Hanzo: “Now the wheel has landed on C. Someone who I’m only vaguely familiar with given the appearances he’s made thus far, but nevertheless, has made himself known to be a rather formidable foe in that squared circle. Defeating JUDITH was certainly no easy task, and to step up to MYOJIN after retaining against Hate and I is certainly a power move in its own right. However, I’m not here to sing a man’s praises when he seems rather intent on making more enemies than friends.”
Switching it up, the hooded figure replaces the kicks with repeated punches, the other figure still counting aloud.
Hanzo: “See, someone who’s labeled himself ‘The Purifier’ clearly has no idea as to how tainted this business already is and it always will be given its track record. There never was any cleanliness to begin with and while you may be a little spark of light in a dark world, you’ll find yourself swallowed up in due time, C. Whether it be losing prestige, turning your back on those that were your friends, or simply developing a taste for blood and carnage, it will catch up to you. I had to suffer being in the dark for a long time. Never having a real chance to prove anything, being pushed out of potential spotlight, and that was even in my native Japan. Took me a trip across the globe to arrive here in Europe when my wings finally started to develop.”
The figure out of the light states something to the hooded one, seemingly telling them to take a brief respite.
Hanzo: “I made the final three of the battle royale, punched my ticket to Adrenaline X afterward, and even though I didn’t take the gold, it laid down a foundation for me to build and improve from…and it starts with you, C. These past few weeks were not just me being a flash in the pan, they were meant to showcase the entirety of IPW and the world what I’m truly capable of when given a proper chance to put on display my abilities as a wrestler. I may not have anything lofty or grand as the accolades you have in your back pockets but what I do have is a drive and hunger to reclimb the ladder and earn another crack at the World Championship. See, unlike your last outing in Adrenaline, I’m not hesitating nor being apprehensive on the matter that stands before me, all morals aside in this regard. It’s hesitancy that will often leave people wanting for something that should’ve been different and in your error, it cost you and JUDITH both.”
A chuckle escapes him.
Hanzo: “One can not afford to second guess or question themselves in this business. The only way forward is to focus up and keep pushing. Push against all roadblocks, push for that which you want, and push to be the damn best that the company has to offer on hand. I know I can be the best and that I can overcome obstacles even with stacked odds. I’ve already silenced many who would think otherwise of me, and a prime example being Stefan McCain before he got given the boot. Where you pause, C, I keep going forward. That’s all I know what to do, and it’s what I’ll keep doing with you in the way. Try and knock me down…and you’ll get laid out for your efforts at trying to prevent me from going to further heights.”
The hooded figure removes their hood, revealing it to be Hanzo underneath, hands running along his mask with an exhausted sigh. The shadowed figure offers a nod in to him before taking their leave, leaving The Eagle by his lonesome as he stares at the punching bag.
Hanzo: “Adrenaline XII is going to be the start of my rebound, and this time I’m going to go for that coveted strap with a lot more fire in my belly, and a lot more heart than anyone else can give. You’re the stepping stone, C, and I’ll make sure you remember exactly who I am and ensure that this Eagle soars above you on its way back for round two for that world title. If I were you, I’d focus up…because you can’t hesitate once a bird of prey has you in its sight. It’s either run, or bleed to its talons. The choice is yours, C.”
With a quiet huff, Hanzo takes his leave from the shot, screen fading to black.