Gungi: The Second Meeting

[dlamp]

"So.. we're just doing it like this?" As the camera started to roll and display the room it revealed a rather small and intimate traditional setting. Tatami mats all around a small room with a single kotatsu in the center of it. Around the kotatsu sat all the members of Senso no Hana, all wearing much simpler and lighter yukata of their respective colors compared the detailed and intricate kimonos they were wearing in their last promo. The crew behind the scenes was much simpler as well, the cameraman and a few staff members double checking equipment.

"We can't get dolled up and be orderly all the time, runt. Let's save that for the real big announcements." Himeko said. "Besides, you shake like a leaf when we put too much focus on you. Better to keep things casual for now."

Reiko blushed, pouting for a moment but shifted to a more neutral expression soon after. "Haaaiii..."

"Well, that's enough idle talk." Nanase said, interjecting with a few claps of her hand before looking to the camera. She paused, sat up straight, and met the camera with a gentle smile before gesturing to the room around them. "Welcome again to our War Council." She paused a moment to let the words hang before continue. "We're going to be much more informal this time around. Hopefully we'll make this a bit more a frequent thing, but we have a lot to discuss today."

"Do we really, Nanana?" Himeko said. "It's just some general news and plans."

Nanase smiled. "Oh, we have plenty to discuss. Rei-chan's PPV event, a few other matches during the PPV, our future plans, and so on." She turned back to the camera. "In any case, I'm Nakano Nanase, or Hangaku in the ring, the Pillar of our group. To my side are Taishuya Himeko and Maizono Reiko, Kou-Hime and Amano-Jaku respectively."

"I still can't believe Ane-san just spelled her name backwards and made it her ring name." Reiko grumbled, earning a kick around the kotatsu from Himeko.

"It was my old titled back in high school."

"It's your name. Spelt. Backwards."

Another kick from Himeko silenced Reiko, leaving her only pouting.

After a small giggle from Nanase Himeko sighed, shaking her head. "Fine, whatever. You're running the show this time Nanana, so what's first on the agenda then?"

[dlamp]

"Well, first up on the list of topics is Rei-chan's PPV match with Eirina." Nanase started. "It was a rather intense match, wasn't it Hime-chan? I was a little surprised how sudden the match was made, but our little Hellion handled herself well."

"You know I don't watch that stuff, Nanana." Himeko stated. "But I heard about the highlights of it. It went about the way everyone expected it to. The runt got one point off Makishima, and then she stopped getting points." She shrugged. "It was decent TNA for those wanting it I guess."

Nanase looked toward Reiko, seeing her shift in place with an embarrassed frown before turning back to Himeko. "Hime-chan... care to give some words of encouragement to our little hellion?"

Himeko looked to Reiko, looking her over and frowning. Then slapped her hard along her back. "Runt, calm down. I'm not mad you lost. Hell, I'm more surprised you were willing to even do a hentai match after what happened in America." She said with a shrug.

Reiko fidgeted in place for a moment. "But-"

"But what? You lost against a former hentai champion in a hentai match? You fought an opponent that has height, reach, and experience on you and survived longer than most people thought?" Himeko rolled her eyes. "Seriously Runt, didn't I tell you to not worry about that stuff. You just need to be you in that ring an-"

Nanase cut Himeko off, gesturing to the growing frown on Reiko's face as she shook her head.

"What's wrong Rei-chan?"

"... ... ..." Reiko pursed her lips, staying silent a moment longer before speaking. "I... wasn't really happy about the match." She finally said. "I was kind of scared when I realized I was going to fight Makishima-sensei in a hentai match. I didn't really do too well in our first match, and after my match against Rose I..." She paused, looking away. "I just... it felt like they were pushing me in another match where I just... well..."

"Get worn like a glove and fucked so hard they'd have another highlight reel of your orgasms plastered on LAW's 18+ page?"

Reiko froze in place, barely able to nod her head. "It just..." There was another pause, and Reiko's face turned from the camera.

"Rei-chan..." Nanase placed a hand on Reiko's shoulder. "It was your second PPV event, and with a former champion at that. Take that match to heart and use it to understand the level you'll have to be at in order to find success."

Reiko looked up at Nanase, her face finding a little more stability.

"Beside, my first run against a champion went about as well as yours."

Reiko and Himeko canted their heads, confused. Nanase only smiled wider.

"You two know I'm a former MMA fighter, correct? I've had my handful of runs in both Japanese and Chinese circuits. Facing those women at the top of their respective pyramids and trading blows with them was quite the experience. I only won a championship once, and I lost it rather quickly." Nanase paused, seeming to reminisce a moment. "It was actually back in China. The officials weren't too keen on having a Japanese champion in their Chinese circuit, and so made sure my next few challengers were tailor trained to attack my weak points and make me look like a fighter that got a lucky submission to win the belt. In then end I only had one successful title defense to my name and every other circuit I went to made sure to gatekeep me for the rest of my time in that country..." She let out a sigh, a wry smile on her face. "The women of the combat world are hungry, ambitious, and ruthless, but the officials and organizers are far worse. And even when a champion loses their title they're keen to prove why they earned it in the first place by going rather hard on their opponents, especially rookies like yourself, Rei-chan." She looked at Reiko with a sly smile. "And you've fought that person twice, Rei-chan. No one doubts you or your abilities, least of all us or Eirina. I think there's only a handful of Middleweight women that can say the same. She only went so hard on your to make sure you understand that. Had it been me I would had gone even further than a piledriver."

Both Himeko and Reiko shivered at the sadism in Nanase's voice, Himeko shaking it off just a little quicker and settling into a more relaxed posture with Reiko's going even more rigid.

"Remember when I told you that your career was about to get rough now that LAW's controlling more of your matches, Runt? This is what I meant." Himeko stated. "Since you couldn't beat Rose and snatch that belt from her hands I can see the heads and suits wanting to just... y'know shove you off to the curb. They're wild card Joker couldn't get the job done, and they've decided to stop fucking around and throw their strongest card in Estrella to challenge Rose next. It'd be smart to try and make sure your attempt is a footnote and you left to dry. Turn your Kimodameshi matches into a hell of your own making and having you be laughed off the stage by the chucklefucks online before sweeping you under the rug..."

Now Nanase shivered, a visible bead of sweat along her face. Something Himeko smirked at as she noticed.

"Oh, I know how they treated you in China, Nanana. That sounds pretty familiar, huh?"

The tightening of Nanase's jaw was all the answer Himeko needed, and she turned back to Reiko.

"Runt, just keep doing match. Don't give up. The most you can do right now is prove that you aren't afraid of whatever LAW throws at you. Take those hits, brush them off, and get back up. Be the damn nuisance that they can't get rid, if not for your effort, then your tenacity. They'll run out of bad match ups eventually, and those in the cheap seats won't have much to say to the chick that's still actively fighting while their barely able to get into the Undercard." She slapped Amano's back again. "Just be you, okay kiddo? I'll worry about the rest."

After a small nod from Reiko the room was quiet again. Reiko shuffled in place before speaking again. "Um... what about the other PPV matches."

Himeko let out a loud scoff, giving a dismissive wave of her hand. "Hah! Over half of those damn matches were Apex Qualifiers, once again proving my point that half this damn roster will just jump, bark, and wag their little tails to DeFranco's tune whenever he shows them the newest, shiniest toy from his little box of distractions the roster can clamor over. No point in talking about the sideshow to a sideshow. Half that shouldn't have even been on the Main Card." She stated, rolling her eyes. "But yeah, the Young Lioness Cup was a thing, and a pretty smart move on DeFranco's part for once in that Suit's life. That Tanner girl's doing pretty good right?" Himeko looked to Reiko.

"Hm... yeah I guess..." Reiko's tone sounded unsure, and her face mixed with annoyance and confusion.

Himeko canted her head. "Aren't you friends with her? I know you talked about her once or twice. I mean, she's a loudmouth and basically a typical annoying American, but... well, this company tolerates Jones being here."

Reiko's eyes narrowed at the kotatsu, trying to find the words to explain things. "It's... complicated."

Himeko paused, looked to Nanase who had a similar confused expression, then shrugged.

"Let's see... what else happened at We Are LAW..." Himeko paused, waiting for one of the others to add something.

And waited.

And waited.

And waited.

"... ... ..."

"... ... ..."

"... ... ..."

"You know we have to talk about it, Hime-chan."

Himeko let out an audible groan, slamming her head down on the kotatsu with an audible, ugly thud that got Reiko and Nanase to jolt in place.

"Do we really, Nanana? Hell, where do we even begin? We wanna' start with the actual match or the reaction to it?" She lifted her head, her eyes already weary as if she lost a day of sleep from the thought alone. "Fuck it. Whatever. Fine. Fine. FINE, Nanana. Let's just start from the top." She turned to the camera.

"So, after Midas Touch number 'I stopped fucking counting after the Runt's ex' against that Young Lioness we get our Chinese takeout from, Astrid Ostberg -Heavyweight Champion and apparently the only other person in this company next to the Runt and Estrella with the stones and skills to match Rose- decided to call her out on her bullshit in person instead of online like a certain other heavyweight and actually fight her. They fought, Astrid lost an-"

...

Himeko paused, as if a thought stopped her flow. Then, she sighed. A long, exhausted sigh that had her shoulders droop down. Nanase and Reiko exchanging confused looks. "Fuck, I'm really about to do this." After a half-minute of pause she pushed herself up.

"Alright. No more fucking around. If I'm doing this, I'm doing this once and NEVER talking about it again for a long. Ass. TIME. So here it is. Here's Business Graduate and Zaibatsu Heiress Taishuya Himeko's full synopsis on both this match and what's happening in this damn company." She straightened up, looking directly into the camera as if the lens was a person, hands laid on the table folded. Her tone immediately shifting from a blunt and crass pattern to a short, terse, business-like cadence.

And, in near-perfect English.

"[ Astrid Ostberg is one of the best wrestlers to come to LAW. She had the pedigree and backing of her family, along with the skills to match it. She's won nearly all her defenses, challenges, and matches in a fair manner. Few in this company can say she's a poor wrestler, person, or even commodity. And despite my personal opinion I have no issue with someone that has proven themselves time and time again. ]"

Reiko and Nanase were frozen in place. The lack of accent nearly rivaled Nanase, and polite, business-like tone sounded alien to the two as they stared wide-eyed. But Himeko continued without pause.

"[ The buildup toward the match was perfect for LAW to take advantage of. The fact that it was a champion-versus-champion match was best chance to not only slow down Rose's momentum with a solid loss on her growing high record, but also in a way that could be done safely. As Heavyweight Champion, Astrid could easily out match Rose and show the world not only a champion level match, but that also keep Rose's momentum within Lightweight Division solely within the Lightweight Division and contain her behavior to Midas Touch while not tarnishing her marketability and draw as a wrestler. If the Heels truly are the heroes as Rose says, then they would only be welcomes within this Division and her behavior and corruption of the division could be safely contained while still pushing Rose as a commodity. A loss would also help the untouchable queen feel a little a more human. But, that was just the buildup the match proper was a different story. ]"

Himeko paused, a break that felt like hours to the two watching her before they noticed the dents in her steely expression before she continued.

"[ In that match. The match I watched and examined. ]" She paused, as if a record skipped over something before her face shifted to a eerily cold smile. "[ Astrid put the fear of God into Rose even better than Maizono putting the fear of Hell into her. When I saw that match I saw Rose try to trick, cheat, and scheme her way out of a match she had no real hope of winning. She failed to force a ringout DQ by hiding outside the ring. She tried forcing a referee to count pins that weren't locked. She screamed, hollered, and begged for the match to end when she got the tiniest advantage before she got desperate. Our Champion. Afraid to take on someone that's at her level by our company's standards. Fear and desperation were the only emotions I saw on Rose's face in that match. And Astrid? I saw Astrid do her all in her power to prove why she got what she had and why she deserved it. A woman that, for all people's claims of being boring and uninteresting as a champion, kept my eyes fixated on the screen as I watched her outplay, and out wrestle our 'Ace'. And when Rose finally seemed to have luck be on her side and just barely grant her a win. As she fled the scene like it was an assault she just barely survived I was left with many thoughts. 'Maybe LAW has some worth after all.' 'Maybe both sex appeal and technical skill has a place and can fuse like my assistant Nakano keeps telling me.' 'Maybe I should start pulling my weight more as a leader and work in front instead from behind to show this company few of us in this division are afraid of Rose.' ]" Her expression turned dark soon after saying that.

"[ And what happened afterwards? ]" A pause. An earnest pause that truly seemed like Himeko needed a moment to compose herself after the stoic professionalism she showed. Her face turned down at the table, and her fold hands twitched as she refused to look back up. "[ What happened afterwards? ]"

Reiko and Nanase looked to each other, the question seemed to be in their direction but... they too hesitated. Himeko's voice broke it's business-like tone and cracked. And both girls froze again as they saw their leader's hands continue shaking and her accent slip. "[ How did these piece of shit, catfighting, indie upstarts that think their padded out their high school record is worth a damn think that match of a lifetime went? ]"

Just as Nanase open her mouth to speak Himeko slammed on the kotatsu with enough force to make a crack, causing Reiko to jump back.

"THESE CHUCKLEFUCKS THOUGHT IT WAS A FAILURE!"

Blood started to drip along the table, several staff members starting to voice their worry before Himeko turned to them with an icy glare, immediately looking to Nanase who still had her mouth open.

"Don't. Don't defend them. Don't defend the assholes that only know how to talk when a keyboard is in front of them. And especially not the ones that don't deliver on their callouts and claims." She moved her clenched fist from the kotatsu's surface, revealing the splattered bloodstain underneath. Then, she exhaled. "No, I'm wrong to assume their faceless. It's only one person leading that narrative, isn't it?" She brought her hand down under the table, letting out a sigh. "Fine. I'll be the one to say it. I'll do this company's job and make sure the right people hear the right words." She turned to Reiko and Nanase with a softened expression, then back to the camera lens, almost immediately shift back to her business persona. Hands folded on the cracked table as if nothing had happened.

"[ Thereisa Niedermeyer ]" Her accent shifted again, speaking the heavyweight fighter's name in mildly successful German accent, her entire speech now in semi-decent German. "[ I will be blunt. I do not know if you have decided to finally retire after seeing that match or if you are planning a scheme of sorts, but either way it ends. Weight divisions exist for the safety of fighters first and foremost. As a competitive judoka I can tell you from experience that weight classes are for the sake of fairness in ability and tactics. Lightweights be in vogue now is a matter of the company's marketing and Rose's personality. To put it bluntly, the lack of prominent Heavyweights pushing themselves is a large factor in their lack of popularity and attention. I speak personally when I say that aside from Astrid the only prominent heavyweights I can think of are ones wearing a cat outfit, a bee outfit, and a myriad of wrestlers with an Egyptian aesthetic. And given your large array of cosplay matches I had figured you were leading the Heavyweight Division into this... costume party it has started to become. Believe you me, I would love to see another legitimate, straightforward wrestler like Astrid come into the spotlight. Someone like Kyojin, or Selene Sugar, or Vera Sapphire who can take this company by storm and become one of its many faces. However, instead you have decided to try and turn Astrid's near miss that everyone agreed was a fluke into an outright failure. One might be forgiven to think you are purposely trying to make your division crumble in order to personally rise it from the ashes and take the praise of that feat for yourself. At this point, I wouldn't even blame Dan DeFranco if he took that very idea and personally used Astrid's earnest effort and turned it into a a way to truly bury the Heavyweight division and ride the rising meteor that is the Lightweight Division. ]" She took a breath before continuing, now giving a polite, courteous smile that held no warmth. "[ And given your recent attempts to fight, bully, and harass the Lightweight Division with bounties, callouts, and a PPV match against a what seems to be a random wrestler of our division last year, one would also be forgiven if you were following in Rose footsteps, finding Lightweights to bully and pad your record not unlike our Ace before making another attempt at the belt after Astrid leaves it. ]"

There was a long pause, and Himeko let out a slow, quiet exhale before her gaze turned dark again and she switched back to Japanese.

"Oh right, you've been in this country long enough, you know Japanese too so I'll be blunt. If you make a another reactionary promo to what this whole damn company knows are basic facts, I will personally use the 10% of this company my family owns to REALLY bury your division. I don't need to fight you. I even need to look at you. I just have snap my damn fingers to make sure you're not a problem anymore. Hell, I said all that shit in German just so only you, your daughters, and the random Germans watches a Japanese-as-fuck podcast were the only ones hearing all the insults. Consider that the only kindness I owe you." Himeko shook her head, looking back at the camera.

"And Ostberg, if you're even watching this... Well, you tried. You did better than most. And what I said to Runt about her career goes double for you. This a prime chance to sweep you under the rug with the rest of Rose's victims. Be on your guard." She paused, her face lighting up as if realizing something.

"And since I'm on this point, if any Heavyweight really wants to shut me I'm trying to push this thing called 'Gekokujo' where I-"

A flash of red fabric blitzed along the table to tackle Himeko, and the stream soon went to black.

Technical Difficulties. Please be Patient. We Will Return Shortly.

Though... the title didn't stop the audio from coming through.

"OH NO YOU DON'T YOU DAMN BRAT!"

"YOU WANT TO FUCKING GO HERE, TITS-FOR-BRAIN?!"

"AT LEAST I'M NOT AFRAID TO SHOW MINE YOU VIOLENT PRUDE!"

"FUCKING ＤＩＥ, CUNT!"

"YOU FIRST, SHITRAG!"

"WAAAAAAAH-!"

[dlamp]

By the time the screen came back to life the room of the podcast seemed to have a fair amount of scuffs and scratches along it. A new kotatsu was at the center of the room, and all three women looked to have varying arrays of bandages, scrapes, and cuts. Even Reiko wasn't spared, sporting a bandage along her chin and bridge of her nose before her face planted into the kotatsu.

"Why... Why can't we just do a normal podcast?" Reiko moaned, hands clutched over her head. "This is the second time you guys fought on stream and broke the kotatsu..."

Nanase only gave a small hum at the accusation, and Himeko let out an audible click of her tongue. Neither woman responded outright, letting the awkward pause hang before Himeko coughed into her fist.

"Anyway... next topic." Himeko rolled her shoulders. "So what are our plans going forward? Like, in general? There's a still a lot going on and I can't personally push anything else until some stuff wraps up, either other events going on in LAW right now or our own events are already overlapping. So... what's everyone's plan now?"

There was silence for a minute, then Reiko spoke up. "I'm... going to keep doing matches." She started. "I want to fight more people. I'll keep my Kimodameshi matches open, but... I really want to branch out and look for other Lightweights and even Middleweights to go against. Then... I'm gonna' finally take on Kazikura again once I feel ready."

Himeko and Nanase exchanged looks, then the two smiled. Himeko nodded toward Reiko. "That's fine, Runt. You keep working on that. Hell, I'll see if I can pull some strings and find you someone that'll be right up your alley."

Nanase spoke up next. "As for me, I've already finished at least one Gekokujo match, and I intend to finish the rest before fully moving myself to the hentai division." She explained. "Ideally, I'll be building my reputation there and either attend one of LAW's yearly events or a hentai-specific tournament if another one comes up.

Himeko nodded. "Yeah, probably for the best. Can't really keep you do all this hardcore stuff forever."

Nanase smiled. "Just be prepared for when the time comes, Hime-chan. I have every intention to prove my place as Pillar correct and show you why I'm your vice captain."

Himeko rolled her eyes, opening her mouth to speak before Reiko interjected.

"ANYWAY! That's our gameplan! What else is left?"

...

...

Himeko tapped at the kotatsu's surface, deep in thought before she finally spoke. "Honestly? I'm tapped out in terms of topics. Talking about We Are LAW drained me."

"Oh my, I wonder how that happened?"

"Fuck off..." Himeko rolled her eyes. "Might as well talk about Fight the LAW since we're on the topic of PPVs." Himeko leaned forward, resting her hands on the table. "So, I know the Runt's not involved this time around, but it'd be nice if Senso no Hana could be involved in it." She started. "The Runt made a bit of a precedent for us to show up in some capacity at these yearly events. It'd be nice if the Runt could do this three times straight, but even I'm not that awful to throw her against another big name, especially after that speech I gave her." Himeko sighed, shaking her head. "What to do..."

Nanase and Reiko looked to each other, exchanging looks as if holding a silence conversation, then gazed at Himeko who just blinked at the two in confusion.

"What?"

"We, uh... already have a match for Fight the LAW." Reiko explained.

Himeko perked up, raising an eye. "Oh? Nanana sneaked her way onto the Undercard?" She turned her gaze to Nanase, who shied away.

"Not... quite." Nanase admitted.

Himeko sat up now, fully attentive. "Oh damn, you got on the Main Card, Nanana? Not bad." A small smile spread on Himeko's lips. However, Nanase and Reiko only exchanged nervous glances.

"Uh..."

"Hm..."

Now it was Himeko's turn to have a confused looked on her face. "... Okay, I'll bite. What's up?"

Nanase fidgeted in place, looking Himeko over. "Hime-chan... You're... on the card."

...

...

...

Himeko blinked, as if finally registering the words Nanase told her. Her face shifted a little, chewing the idea, then- "Oh." Himeko shrugged. "Alright, against who?"

...

...

...

Silence. Neither Reiko nor Nanase spoke for a moment, then Reiko finally answered. "Uh, Chika-chan."

Himeko's eyes lit up for a moment, blinking a few time again as if shifting to her memories. After another moment think her shoulders relaxed and rolled in a shrug. "Eh, that works for me. I've got a score to settle with her anyway."

...

...

...

"That's... it?" Nanase asked.

"Yeah." Himeko's reply was instant. "What, did you expect something else?"

"We, uh... kinda' expected you to throw a fit and try to duck the match."

More silence followed, and again Himeko's face twitched and shifted through a few expressions, processing the emotions internally before giving an answer. "I mean... in any other situation I probably would be." She admitted. "Originally, I didn't really want to do any matches because half of this damn roster is full of either freakshow attractions, wannabe loudmouths, or whatever other egomaniac with a chip on their shoulder thought this company was. I was going to just leave it to you and Nanana until someone caught my attention." She paused, shaking her head. "And we all saw how well that mindset went for Rose, now didn't we?" She forced a wry smile, leaning onto the kotatsu. "Honestly? If you sprang that on me five minute ago I probably would freak out a bit, but since I said all that shit awhile about leading this group and doing my job I'm... pretty chill with it."

Reiko's eyes widened in surprise, letting out a squeak of excitement. Nanase... only rose an eyes. "Even though it's against Igarashi-san?"

Himeko shrugged. "Given that me and her had some quality time at Anna Miller's sharing burgers together among other things..." She glanced toward the camera. "I'm sure we have plenty finish up." She turned to Nanase. "Besides, it's about time I show you why I'm the General of this stable and just why you take orders from me in the first place."

Nanase's lips twitched for a moment, fighting against a scowl. Reiko only blushed, looking away from Nanase and the camera.

"So what kind of match did you rope me into, Nanana?"

The response was instant. "A No-DQ Kendo Stick match."

Himeko chuckled at that, grinning wide. "Damn, and you set this up? Hoping Igarashi takes a few wacks at me in your stead? You that mad about Gekokujo, Nanana?" She leaned forward toward Nanase, her smile widening. "Hoping the Raven Knight makes the Steel Princess heel, Miss Bewitching Warrior?"

Nanase smiled back at Himeko, her eyes narrowed to slits as she stare right back at her leader. A stare that lasted ten whole seconds with a nervous Reiko watched until Nanase turned the camera with a much more pleasant expression as she spoke in a polite, cordial tone. "Igarashi-san." She began. "If you're listening, then please indulge me for a moment." She placed a hand to her chest. "I am Taishuya Himeko's personal attendant and bodyguard. I watch and oversee all of her matches, and by the contract I have signed with her father I am obligated to protect her at all times. This includes within the ring as well. As much as LAW is a combat sport, I am charged to match sure no further harm comes to her once the bell rings and signals the match's end. Even at the cost of my body and life I am to make sure Hime-chan is as safe as she can be at all times I am with her." She paused, letting the phrase hang in the air. "With. That. Said." She continued. "I also have her father's permission to... look away at times. Our Princess sometimes needs a reminder that my protection is an emergency shield, and not a personal one. That she should behave in a way that her title implies and to not invite unneeded harm to herself. Sometimes... she needs a few hard hits to understand that."

Himeko rolled her eyes, but Nanase continued.

"So, during your match with my dear Princess, you have my word as a wrestler, a martial artist, and a woman of the Taishuya family that I shall not interfere in your match like last time and let whatever happens play out." She let out a breath before speaking again. "So, Igarashi Chika, you have my expressed permission and blessing..." Nanase's tone went flat along with her expression.

"To beat this brat within an inch of her life."

And with that, the screen faded to black, revealing its end card.

Thank You for Attending