LAW Apex event have been showcasing many great matches that the LAW roster could offer. The ladies in Platinum Sky in particular have showed matches that earned them some talks, more so as individuals than a collective. Of course, they're not just there to prove that they could hang with the best of the best. The founder and leader of Platinum Sky, Haruna Yamamoto have eyes on some raw potentials and ones that she believed to be needing a little more push to drive them to the top. She believed that the girls that she and her sister Kanata have trained could be ones that draw out all the potentials that one have. Thus, she is on the hunt for a working agreement to other managers and the likes for spars, matches, anything that could elevate both parties involved.
Haruna have been eyeing on one certain individual in particular to this. A woman that have beaten her sister in the Apex qualifiers, Astrid Arvidsson. Beating Kanata wasn't much of an accomplishment on it's own. But to draw out the brutal lady that Kanata was before she started to take it slow? On top of that, kicking out of her surefire finisher the Burning Hammer? Not just that, to bring the stubborn Kanata to respect her younger opponent? Of course, one of her girls even approached her and pointed to that match. Expressing interest to have a match with Astrid. That girl was Rena, she was similar to Kanata in some way, but she was younger and of course, there's lot of room for her to grow to surpass Kanata and be Astrid's equal.
And thus, Haruna extended a meeting invitation towards Astrid and her manager. Offering to talk about potential match and partnership deal with her manager for future matchups. She believed whoever managed Astrid would have quite the keen eye for top level talents. The meeting would take place in a traditional Japanese restaurant that offered a secluded private room, in the evening, just in time for dinner. Of course, Haruna also mentioned in the invitation that Astrid and her manager don't need to wear anything too formal. She also added that she would love for Astrid to meet a wrestler that is inspired by that match against Kanata and would love to not just arrange a match to happen, but to arrange a healthy partnership with her and her manager. Haruna
Please ignore the fact she had animal ears, she doesn't have it.
Rena
Now, on the evening of the meeting. Haruna and Rena arrived at the restaurant earlier than the time of the meeting. The restaurant itself have quite the traditional decoration with some tables having tatami seating and waiter/waitresses dressed in a yukata uniform. There are some rooms in the back where the private tables would be. Haruna have made a reservation before so there were no trouble for them to get a table in the private area. Haruna then told the waitress to delay processing her order until she give the go ahead. She looked over to Rena as she started to head to the table she had reserved.
"Rena, I trust you wouldn't make any big scene when you meet Astrid. So can I count on you to wait here for them to arrive and lead them to the table for me?" Haruna requested.
"Of course Sensei." Rena replied with a slight bow.
"Good, I'm counting on you." Haruna then left Rena to head to the private room as Rena then glanced at the waitress and gave her a sign that she'll wait outside and greet the people they're waiting for. Rena then proceeds to take a seat at the waiting area right beside the entrance. Calmly waiting for Astrid and her manager to arrive.
"So do you often hold such meetings?" Astrid asked without turning her head from the rear window.
"If we're talking about LAW, this is the first time," Victoria replied, sorting through financial documents. "But before I became LAW manager, I worked for a long time as the personal secretary of a high-ranking Japanese diplomat, so I attended many official meetings, if you're interested."
"This diplomat is Karen's father, right?" This time the blonde turned to her manager.
"Yes, Toshi Aoki," Victoria looked away from the documents and adjusted her glasses. "I think if it wasn't for him, I would never have ended up in Japan." The Englishwoman paused briefly. "And if it wasn't for Karen, I would never have ended up in LAW."
"I heard her call you mother," Astrid tilted her head slightly. "But she's not your..."
"I've been taking care of her since she was a child," Victoria interrupted Astrid. "Just like now I care about you, Charlotte, Nerissa and everyone else who became part of my team." Victoria turned her head and looked into Astrid's eyes. "Maybe Karen and I have different blood, but she's like a daughter to me, just like..."
"We are in place." A stern male voice sounded from the driver's seat.
Victoria and Astrid just stared at each other for a few more seconds. But they both understood that it would be better to continue this conversation another time. They had more important things to do now. Therefore, the Norwegian woman nodded briefly to the manager, wordlessly informing her that everything is fine, after which she got out of the car. Victoria adjusted her glasses once again, and then put all the documents in a folder.
"Thank you, Damien, I'll let you know if we need to be picked up." She told the driver.
"Of course, Miss Palmer."
The corners of the brunette's lips lifted slightly, she always liked it when she was addressed in this way. There was no particular reason for this, but it seemed to her that it sounded very representative. Taking the folder, she got out of the car and walked over to Astrid, who was looking at the front of a classic Japanese restaurant. Victoria Palmer
Astrid Arvidsson
So, why were they here? The other day Victoria received an invitation to an official meeting from another manager, Haruna Yamamoto, Kanata's older sister, with whom Astrid fought in one of her Apex qualifying matches. As she learned, Haruna was not only a manager, but also a coach of young and promising fighters. And the essence of this meeting was to establish cooperation.
As a manager, Victoria could not refuse such an opportunity. But if this is a meeting of two managers, then what is Astrid doing here? In addition to the offer of cooperation, Victoria also received information that one of Haruna's students is interested in a match against Astrid. Victoria didn't have to ask Astrid twice, because the Norwegian woman was always happy about a new challenge.
"Ready?" The brunette asked.
"To what, huh?" Sneered Astrid. "I'm sure you and Haruna will be doing most of the talking."
"I just don't want that bar situation to happen again." Pursing her lips, Victoria said.
"I just finished what Nerissa started." The blonde shrugged.
With a curt nod, Victoria headed for the entrance, and Astrid followed her manager. Upon entering the lobby, they greeted the receptionist, but instead of escorting them to the reserved table, the receptionist pointed to a woman sitting on the sofa. Victoria, who spent some time preparing for this meeting, immediately realized who exactly this blonde was.
"Renata, I suppose?" The manager asked politely, approaching her and extending right hand for a handshake. "Victoria Palmer, nice to meet you."
"Hey!" Astrid said after her manager, less formally, but also extending her hand for a handshake. "Astrid Arvidsson." As if they were in the ring, she ran her eyes over the other blonde from top to toe.
Last edited by skip-stop on Wed Jul 26, 2023 2:14 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Rena tapped her foot lightly as she waited at the lobby. Normally, she would be stone faced, but to think that she'd meet Astrid. She couldn't help but to move her lip to a smirk. And of course, with Victoria and Astrid arriving, Rena stood up from the sofa and pat her skirt lightly. Readying herself to greet the two. She couldn't help but to eye over to Astrid and scanned her figure from head to toe. Shaking her head lightly as Victoria and Astrid approached her.
"My pleasure." Rena replied as she took Victoria's hand for a formal handshake. Short, businesslike, accompanied with a slight bow. Letting go of Victoria's hand, she turned her attention to Astrid. She let out a smirk as she then took Astrid's hand. Shaking her hand firmly as she then pulled Astrid close. Stepping forward as well as her forehead met with Astrid's. Engaging into a close and intense eye to eye contact. "Mighty Rena." She introduced herself as she pulled her hand away from the handshake, though she kept pressing her forehead against Astrid. "I see it, the limits that you pushed against Kanata-sensei. Can't wait to meet you in the battlefield." She let out as she then took a step back.
Rena then turned her attention to Victoria. "Apologies, I can't help but to feel it." She bowed her upper body down formally, knowing full well that her act earlier was unwarranted. Rising back up, she then moved her arm to the way the reserved table. "If you two would please follow me this way..." She continued, walking through the restaurant leading the guest to the meeting to the reserved table, located in the back, secluded and separate from the crowded restaurant hall. Rena stopped in front of a sliding door. Opening it slightly and nodding to Haruna who were waiting inside. Rena closed the door and looked over to Victoria and Astrid. "Please remove your shoes, put it over there." She requested as she pointed to the shoes rack which already had Haruna's heels on it. Rena removed her slippers and put them on the shoes rack and then opened the sliding door and entered the reserved room. The room itself was a traditional tatami room. Soft cushions laid on the tatami floor as places to sit on, along with a low legged table laid at the center of the room.
Rena moved in and stood beside Haruna. "Good evening, my apologies for my student's behavior if she did something unpleasant beforehand." Haruna bowed down followed by Rena welcoming their invited guests. "Please sit down and order something, we'll get to business while we dine." She added as she waved her hand to where Victoria and Astrid would sit. And with proper business-like conduct, Haruna and Rena would move to sit down after their guest. With Haruna sitting in front of Victoria and Rena sitting in front of Astrid. Face to face, separated by the table.
Astrid didn't have a complaisant temper, that's a fact. She never hid that she usually preferred to solve most issues radically. However, she respected her manager too much. During the time she spent with Victoria, they became too close. Several times the Norwegian woman caught herself thinking that Victoria looked more like her second mother than just a manager.
For this reason, Astrid was going to make some effort not to do anything stupid today. Given her fiery temperament, she has never had a problem finding conflicts even in the most relaxed environment. But not today. At least that's what she was counting on.
Apparently, Rena held a different position. When she accepted Astrid's handshake, the blonde felt a strong grip. But for her, this was not a cause for concern, because it is unlikely that two fighters would shake hands gently. However, instead of letting go of Astrid's hand, the other blonde abruptly pulled the descendant of the great Vikings to her, causing their foreheads to collide.
At the same moment, Astrid clenched her left fist, preparing to fight if Rena gave her at least one reason to do so. However, it soon became clear that the other blonde just wanted to demonstrate the firmness of her temper. And after she called her alias instead of her name, Astrid's lips stretched into such a wide smile that she even bared her teeth.
"Oh, we're using our made-up names," she said, not looking away from Rena's eyes. "Then I am the Golden Dragon."
Rena let go of Astrid's hand, but their foreheads were still in contact. The Indonesian woman expressed a desire to meet Astrid in the ring as soon as possible, at the same time letting the long-haired blonde understand that Kanata was her sensei. Without a doubt, Rena was serious.
"Trust me, I'm not going to keep you waiting, huh!" Astrid replied with fire in her eyes.
In order not to give Renata a reason to feel absolutely free, the descendant of the great Vikings sharply tilted her head forward, thereby pushing the other blonde with her forehead. Yes, Astrid was not the kind of person who allows you to put pressure on them with authority. For a few seconds, she and Rena looked at each other as if the match should start right here and now. But as soon as Victoria cleared her throat to remind about herself, Rena turned to the Englishwoman and apologized for her behavior.
Astrid couldn't blame her. In this woman, Astrid saw many qualities that she herself possessed. Passion for real challenges and the desire to overcome any obstacles. These are the traits of a true warrior and the descendant of the great Vikings respected this. Renata definitely caught her attention.
However, this little clash distracted them from why they were all gathered here. Rena asked Astrid and Victoria to follow her so that they could all start their business meeting together. Lagging behind the short-haired blonde by three steps, Astrid and her manager headed to the reserved table, where Haruna was already waiting for them.
"What was that? Victoria asked in a barely audible voice.
"Real fighting spirit!" Astrid answered just as quietly. "And I definitely liked it!"
Soon enough, Rena stopped in front of a sliding door. Oh, it seems Haruna has taken care of a whole separate room for them. Astrid and Victoria nodded at the request to leave their shoes on the rack. And then they entered the reserved room, where they were met by Haruna Yamamoto herself. The Japanese woman greeted them and, as if knowing in advance that everything would happen that way, apologized for Renata's behavior.
"Konbanwa!" Victoria greeted, bowing in return. "There's no need to apologize, I guess Renata and Astrid just found a common language."
"Wouldn't say better," Astrid chuckled slightly, casting a quick glance at Rena, then followed the example of her manager and bowed to Haruna. "Konbanwa."
Victoria nodded at Haruna's suggestion and walked over to the table with Astrid. Despite the fact that at that moment the blonde kept her emotions under control, it did not escape Victory's sharp gaze that for a split second the corners of her ward's lips twitched. Unlike Victoria, who has lived in Japan for quite a long time, the Norwegian woman still found Japanese etiquette too rigid.
However, both women took their seizo poses, sitting opposite the "other team". Astrid and Victoria picked up the menu in order to choose dishes for themselves. For Victoria, it was not difficult because she had long ago decided on her tastes in Japanese cuisine. Astrid also did not spend much time on this because after meeting with one woman, she also began to visit classic Japanese restaurants more often. When the waitress approached them, they were ready to make their orders.
"Yakiniku, please," Astrid said. "Beef, sweet pepper and eggplant."
"Sashimi," Victoria said shortly. "Assorted, but without scomber and carangidae, please."
Haruna let out a pleasant smile as she sat opposite of Astrid and Victoria. Rena herself kept herself gazing straight to Astrid. Uncharacteristically grinning as she really felt it. The feel of two strong warriors meeting and wanting to prove one another who's the strongest. Haruna noticed it at the side of her eye and promptly elbowed Rena's side lightly. Warning her to not go overboard to needlessly provoking her would be opponent. The two nodded along as Victoria and Astrid made their order.
"Sashimi Moriawase. No allergy to be aware of." Haruna said to the waitress
"Unagi Donburi" Rena gazed to the waitress shortly to order before returning her gaze to Astrid.
"As for drinks... Hot Ocha for me, how about you all?" Haruna looked around between Victoria, Astrid and Rena. "Beer." Rena replied without breaking her gaze to Astrid. And then after Victoria and Astrid said their drinks of choice... "That will be all for now." Haruna smiled at the waitress as the waitress then excused herself to prepare their food and drinks.
"Right... To start us off, I'm Haruna Yamamoto. One of the co-founders of Platinum Sky dojo alongside my younger sister Kanata Yamamoto..." Haruna opened up with her introduction and then turned her gaze over to Astrid. "Who I believe Arvidsson-san over here have met and know very well in the ring... I must say, your match with Kanata-chan is awe inspiring for us, not just for you and Rena's generation proving that you're on par if not better than us. But for us veterans too, I am relieved to know that my sister still proved that even veterans can bring out the newer generations beyond their limits." She praised Astrid for her performance. "I do agree with Kanata-chan, I believe you are one of the women fit to represent up front how great wrestling is! Not just in LAW, any other promotions known in the world would be honored to have you as their ace!" In her own words, she repeated the sentiment Kanata have towards Astrid.
"Of course, we're not just talking about Arvidsson-san here, even if she's a big part of my intention and goal of our meet here." Haruna turned her attention back to Victoria. "Let's not forget about Aira and another woman in your management, Charlotte Ravel. I can tell they're not done just from how their encounter went. Not just that, Aira herself seemed to learn quite some things from that encounter." She recounted to another encounter involving women in both women's care. "And of course, I would be very rude to not mention Nerissa Labong, her wild behavior and violent tendencies... I honestly can tell how much of a headache she was even if she's a really good and strong wrestler. Just like our little Yuzuha..." She sighed out right after, Rena then turned her attention away from Astrid briefly to look at Haruna with slight concern. "Sensei... You do realize she hates it when you refer to her as small or little right?" Rena mentioned. "Yeah I know, consider us lucky she or Nerissa isn't here then, else they'd be a headache for both of us." Haruna let out a short laugh right after.
"Anyway, right beside me is one of our students... Renata Ayu Juliani." Haruna then introduced Rena to Astrid and Victoria. Rena bowed to both Astrid and Victoria following her introduction. "Just call me Rena." Rena added. "Rena here is still studying for her bachelor's degree. Same university as Aira too! The two came together and while Aira have seen more action in LAW, Rena have yet to make that meaningful splash. But I really see her being a worthy contender to the top." Haruna continued, introducing Rena even more. "I believe you also see the women in your management to be ones that are capable to reach the top right, Palmer-san?" Haruna questioned Victoria with a pleasant smile. Her disposition is very friendly though with a touch of business-like formality. Though the same couldn't really be said about Rena as she was more like a tiger, analyzing Astrid up and down and studying her gesture. Though she somewhat masked this intentful gaze with polite gestures. Only breaking her gaze briefly when she was addressed by Haruna.
Oh. If Victoria wasn't around, Astrid would probably have asked why the hell Rena was staring at her. There was no flirting or anything like that in the look of the short-haired blonde. Astrid knew that look. She was sure that at this very moment Rena was imagining the two of them in the ring and was probably planning what movements she would use to throw the Golden Dragon down. And Astrid wouldn't have a problem with that if they met in some bar. But it was a business meeting and that's why...
"Why..." she began.
But she didn't get a chance to finish the sentence due to the fact that Victoria and Haruna did the same thing almost perfectly at the same time. The managers nudged their wards slightly with their elbows in order to cool their ardor. The Norwegian woman pursed her lips for a moment, but then nodded, remembering the promise to be calm today.
A much more positive moment was that after choosing dishes, it came to choosing drinks. When Rena ordered a beer, Astrid turned her head to Victoria and looked at her questioningly. Victoria asked her to do without alcohol today in the case that she would be the only one willing. However, after Rena, the Englishwoman had no reason to limit Astrid.
"Feel free..." she said, adjusting her glasses.
"Then I'll have a beer too!" Astrid said to the waitress with a clearly more upbeat mood than a minute ago.
"Hot ocha, please," the brunette ordered after closing the menu.
It seems they found a rather funny, but still the first point of contact, because in terms of drinks, Astrid's tastes coincided with Rena's, and Victoria's tastes coincided with Haruna's. The waitress bowed to everyone present, and then left their room in order to return next time with their orders.
And literally right after the sliding door closed, Haruna officially started their meeting. It came as a complete surprise to Astrid that the Japanese woman started the conversation with praise in her direction. The blonde was flooded with memories of the match with Kanata and it made her smile with gratitude. In order to win, she had to go far beyond her capabilities and she was flattered that this match was noticed. Victoria turned her head and despite her composure, she succumbed to emotions and proudly looked at her ward.
Victoria continued to listen to Haruna without interrupting her, finding it impolite, especially considering that now it was her turn to be flattered after Astrid. Now there is no doubt that the other manager has prepared well, having studied the recent successes of not only the Golden Dragon, but also the rest of the outstanding women from the Victoria's team. As a manager, she was extremely pleased to hear such a high opinion of her wards. Although she didn't agree with absolutely every word Haruna said, especially when it came to Nerissa.
"Huh," Astrid chuckled slightly when she heard Haruna call Nerissa a headache, as it was close enough to the truth, despite the fact that in her opinion Haruna was wrong about her best friend in many ways.
When Haruna formally introduced Rena, Victoria gave a curt nod, while Astrid sent the other blonde a smirk. Rena still continued to look at the Golden Dragon as if Astrid was supposed to be her main dish instead of unagi donburi. Because of this, the Norwegian woman involuntarily clenched her fists. She regretted that she had promised Victoria to behave with restraint, because it made it look like she was afraid of Rena. Deep down, she prayed to all the gods that this blonde would give her a clear reason to break her promise.
"I think before answering your question, I will also officially introduce myself," the manager said when Haruna finished her speech. "Victoria Palmer, thank you for the initiative of this meeting." The Englishwoman bowed politely to her interlocutor. "But although our meeting is business, I think there is no need for formalities, because we are certainly gathered here for our common interests, so just Victoria is more than enough if you don't mind, Haruna-san." She really didn't want things to be so formal today. "Now, answering your last question, yes, I certainly see potential in every woman and girl on my team." Victoria glanced briefly at Astrid and the corners of her lips lifted slightly. "Someone has already managed to prove themselves, someone else has yet to do it, but they are all outstanding fighters without exception with their dreams and aspirations." The brunette adjusted her glasses because it was somewhat personal for her, but, nevertheless, she believed that in such negotiations you need to be sincere. "I am proud to be a part of their stories, because their aspirations to the top inspire me and I feel that I have to help them on their difficult path with everything I can."
The Norwegian woman looked at Victoria with gratitude. When she signed the contract offered by the Englishwoman, she was sure that they would be bound exclusively by business relations. But with each new meeting, with each new conversation before the match, Astrid became more and more convinced that Victoria was not looking at her as a ward. Very often the manager considers fighters only as... a thing with which you can earn money and reputation. The success of a fighter means the success of a manager. However, in the case of Victoria, she knew that the Englishwoman wanted to help them succeed not for personal gain, but because she really wanted to help each of her team realize their dreams.
"Astrid Arvidsson is definitely the most promising member of my team at the moment." Victoria turned her palm up and pointed at the blonde. "Thanks to her desire to fight with the best of the best, she has already earned a certain reputation for herself." Victoria did not pay attention to the quiet laugh that her ward made. "And if at first they looked at her as an upstart newcomer, now, judging by my information, some veterans of the federation have begun to understand that sooner or later, but Astrid will get to them, it's only a matter of time." Victoria did not mention that she also plays a certain role in this, now it wasn't about her. "In this, as I said, she was helped by matches with outstanding women, including your sister, Kanata-san." Victoria bowed respectfully.
"This match has changed a lot," Astrid said, catching a pause between Victoria's words. "I won't deny that I was quite skeptical about... hmmm... fighters of the older generation." The blonde always preferred to speak directly. "It seemed to me that they continue to enter the ring only because pride does not allow them to understand that it's time to give way to the young." Astrid smiled slightly, recalling her match with Kanata. "But I'm not ashamed to admit that I was wrong, the match against your sister made me see that the fire of a fighter is not something that can go out with age." The Norwegian woman looked at her palms and clenched them into fists. "She not only took me beyond my limits, but also... gave me the strength to win the Apex match, so..." Astrid relaxed her fists and nodded to Haruna. "I think if it wasn't for her and the match she put me through, I wouldn't have been able to become a contender for the openweight title."
"That's right," Victoria nodded. "And for that, I express my gratitude and respect to Kanata-san and your entire dojo." The Englishwoman adjusted her glasses. "As for Charlotte, I absolutely agree that their story with Aira has just begun, she sees potential in Aira and she is sure that they will have to face each other in the ring more than once." She did not delve into the relationship between Charlotte and Aira because now was definitely not the time and not the place for this. "Charlotte, despite her young age, shares your desire to share experience and knowledge, she has a difficult fate, but martial arts is an integral part of her life, she traveled the world for many years, studying with a variety of masters." Victoria smiled slightly, remembering her first meeting with the Frenchwoman. "After she finished traveling, she opened a martial arts school here, in Tokyo, that's how I met her, at that moment I was looking for a master for two of my most inexperienced wards, I was amazed at Charlotte's skill and offered her a contract." The brunette looked at Astrid, who by that time began to look at Rena with the same hungry look as a short-haired blonde had. "And now Charlotte is also striving for the top, you probably know that she also won her Apex match and although the middleweight belt eluded her, she, like Astrid, claims to become the first openweight champion."
"But, don't take me rude, I can't agree with your words about Nerissa," Victoria tilted her head slightly, because a glare ran through the surface of her glasses. "She really is the most ardent in my team, and she really has a passion for both hardcore and... obscene things." All this was really true, but Victoria knew for sure that this was not all that could be said about Nerissa. "But if she was just a rabid dog with a craving for violence, she would never have been on my team." Victoria knew what impression Nerissa was creating, but that didn't mean that this impression was correct. "No matter how strange it may be, but she has principles, the main one of which is that she does not allow anyone to look at her from high." Victoria smiled. "But you're absolutely right, sometimes she can be a real headache."
"You have no idea," Astrid chuckled, remembering that not so long ago she had to end a fight between Nerissa and Alice Gaster in a bar.
"Summing up, Astrid, Charlotte and Nerissa are definitely the driving force of my team, each of them is strong enough to breathe into each other's necks, not letting each other forget that none of them has the right to relax, am I right, Astrid?"
"Rght," Astrid nodded, looking away from Rena. "We are friends, even best friends, but there is competition between us, each of us is no more than one step behind each other, the percentage of wins in our sparring sessions never stands still, and thanks to this we force each other to become stronger."
"I don't want to talk about such things at the table, but for the sake of fairness I have to mention a few more members of my team," Victoria said, which made Astrid chuckle because the blonde knew what the manager wanted to say. "Lunara Ashmore, she decided to build a career in the hentai division, and she is making clear progress in this." Victoria clearly did not want to delve into this. "And, of course, I recently signed contracts with the Hidesato sisters, Yaone and Itone." she adjusted her glasses. "You may know this surname because their family is one of the most influential in Japan, according to the traditions of the family, the first and second heiress should glorify the family not only in business, but also in something else, Yaone and Itone chose pro wrestling, and now they intend to say their word in the tag team division."
Victoria cleared her throat slightly as she had forgotten the last time she had spoken so much. Taking advantage of this moment, Astrid narrowed her eyes slightly, looking at Rena. The blonde hoped that soon their managers would move on to their match because the longer Rena looked at her, the faster she wanted to be in the ring with her to check if the Indonesian woman had enough reason to look at her so defiantly.
"I believe that the day will come when our wards will succeed," Victoria said in conclusion. "Perhaps even without glasses I would have noticed how Rena looks at Astrid, I have no doubt that she wants to show that she has learned a lot from you, Haruna-san and your sister." Victoria gave Rena a sharp look. "And if all your students have such an ardent attitude to pro wrestling, I'm sure they will for sure deserve their rightful place under the sun."
Haruna let out a relieved sigh as Victoria requested to tune down the formality. Of course, she doesn't want to be impolite towards her guests that even in this casual meet. She'd keep a degree of formality to respect them. But to know they're fine with less formalities is a little burden off her weight. And to hear that they're both have the same goal in the women they managed. For them to prove they belong in their own way and realize their dream. Not as vehicle for her own fame. Was a good sign that they'll get along well and align together for what's best for everyone.
Not forgetting how Astrid expressed that the match against Kanata changed her perception towards veterans. The fact that they're still fighting are not to push future wrestlers away from making it. It's because they don't want to stop fighting. That's the main reason, at least... Haruna and Kanata felt that way. But given how they need to slow down. They resolved to impart their skills and wisdom to the younger generations while wrestling part time and see how they fare against the veteran. See their worth and everything.
Of course, with all those praises, Haruna made a slight mistake in making a little joke on praising Nerissa. Tie-ing how Yuzuha's brutal antics made a headache for everyone sorting it out. But of course, as Victoria said it better. Haruna also saw some quality in Yuzuha similar to how Victoria sees one in Nerissa despite their violent tendencies. Even to hear that the trio of Astrid, Charlotte, and Nerissa was the driving force and is also a close knit friendship... Haruna smiled a bit as she glanced at Rena. It felt similar towards how Aira, Rena and Yuzuha pushed every one and the other towards their limits.
Hearing about others under Victoria's wing was also quite interesting, Haruna had heard about the Hidesato family. To know that Victoria took such people under her management was quite impressive. Taking a mental note to arrange more matches to happen in this relationship. Nodding along in conclusion. Haruna then started replying. "True, she really does want to prove herself, as evident with how she looked at Astrid here." She started before elbowing Rena's side to cool it off. "Sorry Sensei." Rena lowered her head slightly, but she was already quite impatient that she really want Haruna to get to the point.
"First off, I humbly apologize for that remark about Nerissa. It was a small joke that I feel I can somewhat relate with one of our other student, Yuzuha. She was quite similar to Nerissa. Violent, causing headaches to everyone here and there. But she does have her principles. Even if things are currently a bit shaky with her, I still believe she can make it up there in her own way." She apologized for her somewhat rude remark and explained her stance. "Not only her, Aira, and Rena here... We also have some more students. I never would start this venture if it wasn't for the persistence of DDT to persuade me and Kanata to train them. The half sisters are formidable solo and even stronger together. If you're interested in setting up a match between the Hidesato sisters and DDT I would happily arrange that." Haruna then continued and introduced with her words, her first apprentices. "Of course, me and Kanata wouldn't mind stepping into the ring to test your girls. Just like she did with Astrid." Not just that, she also offered that she would be interested to train the womens under Victoria's management.
But that's not what this meeting are for actually... "But before I trail off and offer more..." Haruna then glanced towards Rena, turning her attention between Rena and Astrid. "As I've stated in our e-mail exchange prior to this meet. I wanted Astrid to meet Rena who was inspired and drawn by her match against Kanata. And of course, looking between the two..." Rena looked up and gazes straight to Astrid eyes with full of confidence. "I can tell that these two really can't wait to meet in the ring!" Haruna let out with enthusiastic smile. "You've seen what we could offer in Astrid/Kanata last time, what say we make this a working relationship to help both our girls rise to the top? How about it Victoria-san?" She turned her attention to Victoria with a confident smile and extends her hand forward for a handshake.
The Englishwoman had to make some efforts to remain cool-headed at the moment when Haruna cooled the ardor of her ward. She didn't want to show too much emotion, but she really liked this powerful woman. In a sense, Victoria saw herself in Haruna. They both treated their charges with kindness, but at the same time their authority was unshakeable.
"No need to apologize," Victoria said with all confidence after the words about Nerissa. "You don't know Nerissa the way we know her, so your joke was quite appropriate." Victoria adjusted her glasses. "I just wanted to let you know that she's actually a completely different person." The brunette smiled slightly. "However, I think thanks to Yuzuha, you know exactly what I mean."
Victoria listened with interest to Haruna when she said a few words about other members of her roster, including the half sisters in the tag team division. Yes, Victoria had heard about them and even thought for a while about a potential match between them and the Frost Birds. And now that Haruna had suggested it herself, it was only a matter of time.
"Yaone and Itone debuted not so long ago and are now preparing for their first solo matches," she said. "But once they get through this, I'm sure we'll find the right moment for our tag teams to meet in the ring." After briefly glancing at Astrid, Victoria nodded at Haruna's suggestion that she and her sister could fight other members of Victoria's team. "After what I saw in the match between Astrid and Kanata, I'm sure it will be an invaluable experience for each of them."
Wow. When Victoria received the invitation, she could only hope that everything would go smoothly. Yes, this was her first meeting with another manager, but it was far from the first business negotiations for her. From her experience, she could tell that in most cases, the person sitting across from you at the negotiating table is always trying to put you in a position that will be beneficial to them, but definitely not beneficial to you. Haruna was a completely different person. Her questions and answers were straight as a rail, not to mention that her goals were as open as possible.
Finally, Haruna got to what both Astrid and Rena had been waiting for so much. After Haruna cooled the short-haired blonde's ardor, Astrid immediately became much more relaxed. She frankly didn't like the way Rena was looking at her defiantly, but after that look stopped pressing on her, she felt much better. Nevertheless, the Norwegian woman was visibly encouraged when Haruna offered, albeit only in words, to schedule a match for her and Rena. After that, Rena began to stare at the long-haired blonde again. However, this time Astrid just ignored it, instead she turned her head to Victoria.
Victoria also turned her head to the side and looked at Astrid. Without a doubt, it is the manager who is responsible for the matches of their wards. Even if two fighters passionately want to meet in the ring, the manager has every right to make sure that this never happens. Of course, this was not the case because Victoria wanted this match to take place from the very beginning. However, there was complete trust between her and Astrid, so she wanted to personally make sure that this was exactly what the strongest woman in her team wanted.
She got the answer in the blonde's eyes. The corners of Astrid's lips were slightly raised, but there was a passionate fire in her eyes. There was no need for words, Victoria clearly understood that Astrid was eager for a new challenge. Barely suppressing a smile, the Englishwoman nodded briefly to her ward. Only then Astrid turned her head to its original position, and her gaze went to Rena's eyes. Her smile became so wide that she even bared her teeth slightly. All you could read on her face was a very simple message. I will crush you.
"Who are we to prevent them from fighting each other?" Victoria asked a rhetorical question, turning her head to Haruna. "So be it!"
With that, she extended her right hand and gave the other manager a confident shake. At that moment, even despite her composure, a glint could be seen in her eyes. Perhaps none of them would have said it out loud, but there was no point in denying one thing. Yes, they are both managers and they are both open with each other. But there was exactly the same competition between them as between their wards. The deal was made just in time because just a few seconds later two waitresses entered their room to put dishes and drinks on the table. Perfect timing because what had just happened definitely deserved a toast.
