Through the Grapevine: Enter Junzo
Aug 12, 2018 22:59:23 GMT -5
M͓̽o͓̽n͓̽e͓̽y͓̽ M͓̽i͓̽k͓̽e͓̽ and CJ Phoenix like this
Post by Dionysus on Aug 12, 2018 22:59:23 GMT -5
NOTE: Any quotations in italics is to indicate the words are being said in Japanese.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
March 23rd, 2018
Location: Kyoto, Japan
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
…
…Okay, Dion…deep breath…
Its been a while since you have done this…
It will be fine…
You have your friends…
Your adoring audience…
All you have to do…
Is show them who you are…
…
…
…
Showtime…
…
…
…
…
…
The scene opens to Dionysus standing in midframe, staring at a monitor…as the music began to play.
Before Dionysus could sing, however, the frame froze and a record scratch could be heard.
“Yup, that’s me, Dionysus Necurat,” said the voice of the Lord of the Vine. “You’re probably wondering how I ended up here. Well, it is actually a pretty short story, about an old friend, and a man named Junzo…”
~~~~~~~~Three Weeks Prior~~~~~~~~
I had just returned home from a marketing production conference, as I planned on assisting our marketing team in coming up with ways to better promote our events. As I tossed my keys into the bowl on the coffee table, I decided to lie down, letting the fatigue of my travel take me. Granted, the conference was in Minnesota, but it can still be an exhausting experience, especially after my rehabilitation had ended. There was plenty I could have done around my home, I suppose; while allowing my shoulder to recover, it had become quite the incomprehensible mess.
Regardless, I permitted myself an opportunity to catch up on my rest. The cleaning would be done in no time, I assured myself. However, no sooner than I had lay my head on the pillow, my phone began to buzz in my pocket. Oh lord, what now? I thought to myself. I swear to the heights of Olympus, if Benjamin is calling me about a problem with the Foundation…
I sat upright, drawing the phone from my pocket. As I looked at the screen, I noticed that not only was this a number I was unfamiliar with…I knew the country code was from Japan. The phone buzzed a third time in my hand. Although I will admit my first thought was that this call was a telemarketer or a scammer, I did decide to find out whether my suspicions were correct. I accepted the call, bringing the phone to my ear. “Hello, Dionysus Necurat speaking,” I greeted. “Just curious, how did you get this number?”
There was silence on the other line, aside from some light breathing. I knew there was someone on the line. “Hello? Is anyone there?” I inquired.
“Well THAT isn’t any way to say ‘hi’ to good friends, Dion! Honestly, you’re still hopeless!”
The realization hit me. “…Wait…is this Kina? Akina Kanai?”
“You better believe it, you big red lummox!” Akina replied snottily. Just as quickly, though, she threw herself into a fit of laughter. “I’m only kidding, Dion. Its been so long! How have you been?”
My dear friend Akina Kanai…I had nearly forgotten about her. We were in the same program in college and became friends through our unique hobbies. Afterward, she worked in the Twin Cities before returning to her home in Japan to be closer to family. I hadn’t seen nor spoken to her since then. That had been three or four years ago, now that I think on it.
“Well, you know me. Still wrestling, still trying to break through, but otherwise alright,” I responded. “Still plenty to do and plenty of time to do it with. But enough about me; how are you? And to what do I owe the pleasure of a phone call?”
“I’ve been doing pretty good. I started working for an event promoter out in Kyoto, and the work has been a lot of fun! Oh, and actually, that’s the reason why I called. See, you and my new boss have a lot in common, and he would really like to meet you!”
My heart sank. I was really hoping old friends would not use my small semblance of fame to travel and meet other fans. I let out a sigh before responding, “Akina, I’d love to come and visit, but I have a schedule to keep with both wrestling and my business, and I really don’t-“
“Oh, I’m sorry, I should have started with that. He’s actually wanting to meet with you about business.”
“Reeeeeally?” I responded, amused.
“Of course! He wants to meet you, as one promoter to another, as soon as you are able. Those were his exact words!”
I will admit, it was surprising to want to meet a fellow promoter, especially if we have a lot in common, as Akina had mentioned. “I’m glad to hear its for business reasons. I can free up my schedule to come and visit him. Do you still use the same email address?”
“Sure! We’ll work out the details on our end, and all you need to do is meet with us!”
“That would be greatly appreciated. Plus, we will have time to catch up, too!”
“Of course!” she replied with a giggle. “Looking forward to seeing you again!”
I disconnected the line, looking back at my recent contacts on my phone. Chuckling to myself, I quickly added Akina’s information to my phone, and put myself to rest. I would send the information off later, and in a few days’ time, I would be travelling to Kyoto to meet my future business partner.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The scene resumed where it had left off, this time with better lighting in the room. Dionysus stood on a stage at a karaoke bar in Kyoto, Japan, singing his heart out…though he would admit, and some would agree, not very well. However, given he was a foreigner singing a Japanese pop song, he became an instant hit in the bar.
As the song concluded, the crowd cheered encouragement. Akina Kanai stood up, applauding for her friend as he stepped off the stage. Dionysus was dressed fairly casual for this bar; a white button-up shirt with a grey sportcoat, jeans and dress shoes. Akina was dressed for a night out on the town, wearing a knee-length dark teal dress and sandals. "Its been a while since I've done that," Dionysus said, "but it sounds like people enjoyed themselves."
Akina nodded with a smile. "They sure did! Oh, I saw my boss come in while you were singing. He's coming over now!"
Dionysus turned his head, looking at the man who stood before him. He was dressed to the nines, sporting a tuxedo and bowtie. Dionysus was taken slightly aback by the eyepatch the man wore, but he was no stranger to men having lost an eye. Dionysus stood, withdrawing a business card from his pocket. "Hello. My name is Dionysus Necurat. Pleasure to meet you, and please, take my card," Dionysus said, obviously having rehearsed the greeting, and politely bowed.
The man stared coolly at him first, then slowly warmed into a smile as he accepted Dionysus's business card. In turn, he pulled out his own. "Nakahara Junzo. I am pleased to meet you as well," he replied. The trio took their seat at the table while a drunken businessman stumbled his way through another song. "I have heard high praise from Akina about your business acumen...as well as your singing. Do you enjoy Karaoke?"
"I will admit, Junzo, I am not much of a singer," Dionysus responded. "However, when the mood suits me, I can be persuaded." He looked over at Akina with a quizzical look, and she grinned and giggled.
Junzo laughed. "Ah yes, Akina is a great assistant to have. But I suppose we should get to our business, yes?"
"Yes. Unfortunately, I do not have a lot of time to spend in Kyoto. What can I help you with?"
"You see, Mr. Necurat, like you, I am a promoter of sorts. I used to be a professional wrestler, much like yourself. However..." Junzo paused, gesturing to his eyepatch. "...Well, accidents happen. As it turns out, I have had requests come in from contacts of mine. Old friends from the business who have a new crop of recruits for the wrestling business. Sadly, I do not have any facilities of my own to train these students, nor do I have any coaches. Or I had...except, I do not have the finances to fund this endeavor on my own."
Dionysus held up a hand to stop Junzo. "You're looking to me to be an investor, right?"
"Oh, more than that, Mr. Necurat," Junzo countered. "I would like you and I to be business partners. I forsee this being a partnership where we share equal administrative responsibility, and I handle the day-to-day operations. All you would need to do is provide financing to make this happen. I will let you know, Mr. Necurat, that this might sound like I am trying to swindle you. Let me assure you, I intend to bring a new generation of wrestlers to Japan, no matter what it takes. Do we have an agreement?"
Junzo held his hand out expectantly, assuming that the deal was on. Dionysus paused momentarily, considering his options. On the one hand, Dionysus had been burned in business opportunities in the past. He really did not want to see a financial loss in this business, and he really did not want to find out how the man had lost his eye. On the other hand, Junzo seemed earnest, honest, and hungry. Traits that Dionysus respected in men. Plus, he trusted that Akina would not work for just anyone.
Dionysus accepted the handshake. "Lets make this happen, Mr. Nakahara. And please, call me Dionysus."
Junzo shook his hand vigorously, smiling. "And you can call me Junzo. Now, if you don't mind, my song has come up." He bowed politely and turned toward the stage.
While Junzo was singing on stage, Akina leaned over toward Dionysus. "What did I tell you? He's a very interesting man, right?"
Dionysus nodded, taking a sip of the sake he had on the table. "You were right, Akina. I have a feeling this is the beginning of an interesting partnership."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Through the Grapevine
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As many of you are aware, I use Through the Grapevine to talk about whatever seems to tickle my fancy, wrestling-related or otherwise. Recently, I have earned the ire of Action Wrestling jobber, resident MAGA-ite, and overall fucktrumpet, John Hammers. Now, you might say this began when I returned to the ring after he declared his mission to "Make Action Wrestling Great Again," and I resoundingly put him on his back, but lets be perfectly honest here; Action Wrestling has always been great, and will be even better with my return. It will make guys like Hammers disappear, who know they can't hack it in a real wrestling match, and I can take my place once again in the business as the measuring stick.
That's how I feel going into my upcoming match at Uprising. An opportunity at a midcard title of my choosing? Its the perfect stipulation! Sure, when I had started in Action Wrestling, I was pursuing the world title, but hey, opportunity knocks where it knocks. In order for me to achieve this, however, I have to defeat two men; Frank Solomon and CJ Phoenix. Lets not pretend that Solomon is any measure of actual competition; he's a filler to make the match more interesting. No, the real contest is between two men, back from the abyss, looking to find their place in the spotlight...and much like last week, I see myself contending against a fellow brother. If you don't mind, my fellow fans, permit me a moment to speak directly to my actual opponent, CJ Phoenix.
...*Ahem*...
Good to see you again, CJ. Glad they finally managed to not forget booking you. You should feel proud; your first match back to the ring, and you have a title opportunity! Now, I'm not really saying any of this to mock you by any means; I know what you are capable of CJ. Its why I say that to you; I am honestly glad to see you getting recognition for the work that you put in. Before even having a match in Action Wrestling, you're given an opportunity at the spotlight. You have a reputation that has carried over. But I must warn you, CJ, that reputation can only take you so far, and you have been away for some time. Tell me, Phoenix, how long has it taken you to shake off the ring rust? How long has it been since our hay day in WCF, bonding and building ourselves up within The Brotherhood? Do you remember the shaggy homeless-looking fellow that could barely win a match to save his life?
I must inform you, Phoenix, that that man is long gone. Tempered by the vine and tempered by the chaos, I have emerged as The God That Comes. What exactly does that mean? ...To be honest, I'm not entirely sure; it was something marketing said would be funny for my character. I still prefer Lord of the Vine myself.
Regardless, I am not the same man you met long ago. I have changed, for the better, and I don't intend to look back at how I have carried myself. I expect you to do the same. Do not assume I will be an easy win, nor assume I will think you have nothing new to show me. We will tear down the house together.
...Oh, and Frank Solomon will be there too.
Funny enough, I was asked by a fan which of the two titles I would go after should I win this match. And this circles back to the conversation of John Hammers. Wouldn't it just stick it in his red-pill-swallowing craw if I became the US Champion? He'd have Alex Jones levels of mental fits!
But let me make something plain to you, Hammers; if you do anything, and I mean ANYTHING, to interfere in this match, I will crack your head wider than Mueller has cracked this investigation into our glorious president.
You have been warned.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
March 23rd, 2018
Location: Kyoto, Japan
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
…
…Okay, Dion…deep breath…
Its been a while since you have done this…
It will be fine…
You have your friends…
Your adoring audience…
All you have to do…
Is show them who you are…
…
…
…
Showtime…
…
…
…
…
…
The scene opens to Dionysus standing in midframe, staring at a monitor…as the music began to play.
Before Dionysus could sing, however, the frame froze and a record scratch could be heard.
“Yup, that’s me, Dionysus Necurat,” said the voice of the Lord of the Vine. “You’re probably wondering how I ended up here. Well, it is actually a pretty short story, about an old friend, and a man named Junzo…”
~~~~~~~~Three Weeks Prior~~~~~~~~
I had just returned home from a marketing production conference, as I planned on assisting our marketing team in coming up with ways to better promote our events. As I tossed my keys into the bowl on the coffee table, I decided to lie down, letting the fatigue of my travel take me. Granted, the conference was in Minnesota, but it can still be an exhausting experience, especially after my rehabilitation had ended. There was plenty I could have done around my home, I suppose; while allowing my shoulder to recover, it had become quite the incomprehensible mess.
Regardless, I permitted myself an opportunity to catch up on my rest. The cleaning would be done in no time, I assured myself. However, no sooner than I had lay my head on the pillow, my phone began to buzz in my pocket. Oh lord, what now? I thought to myself. I swear to the heights of Olympus, if Benjamin is calling me about a problem with the Foundation…
I sat upright, drawing the phone from my pocket. As I looked at the screen, I noticed that not only was this a number I was unfamiliar with…I knew the country code was from Japan. The phone buzzed a third time in my hand. Although I will admit my first thought was that this call was a telemarketer or a scammer, I did decide to find out whether my suspicions were correct. I accepted the call, bringing the phone to my ear. “Hello, Dionysus Necurat speaking,” I greeted. “Just curious, how did you get this number?”
There was silence on the other line, aside from some light breathing. I knew there was someone on the line. “Hello? Is anyone there?” I inquired.
“Well THAT isn’t any way to say ‘hi’ to good friends, Dion! Honestly, you’re still hopeless!”
The realization hit me. “…Wait…is this Kina? Akina Kanai?”
“You better believe it, you big red lummox!” Akina replied snottily. Just as quickly, though, she threw herself into a fit of laughter. “I’m only kidding, Dion. Its been so long! How have you been?”
My dear friend Akina Kanai…I had nearly forgotten about her. We were in the same program in college and became friends through our unique hobbies. Afterward, she worked in the Twin Cities before returning to her home in Japan to be closer to family. I hadn’t seen nor spoken to her since then. That had been three or four years ago, now that I think on it.
“Well, you know me. Still wrestling, still trying to break through, but otherwise alright,” I responded. “Still plenty to do and plenty of time to do it with. But enough about me; how are you? And to what do I owe the pleasure of a phone call?”
“I’ve been doing pretty good. I started working for an event promoter out in Kyoto, and the work has been a lot of fun! Oh, and actually, that’s the reason why I called. See, you and my new boss have a lot in common, and he would really like to meet you!”
My heart sank. I was really hoping old friends would not use my small semblance of fame to travel and meet other fans. I let out a sigh before responding, “Akina, I’d love to come and visit, but I have a schedule to keep with both wrestling and my business, and I really don’t-“
“Oh, I’m sorry, I should have started with that. He’s actually wanting to meet with you about business.”
“Reeeeeally?” I responded, amused.
“Of course! He wants to meet you, as one promoter to another, as soon as you are able. Those were his exact words!”
I will admit, it was surprising to want to meet a fellow promoter, especially if we have a lot in common, as Akina had mentioned. “I’m glad to hear its for business reasons. I can free up my schedule to come and visit him. Do you still use the same email address?”
“Sure! We’ll work out the details on our end, and all you need to do is meet with us!”
“That would be greatly appreciated. Plus, we will have time to catch up, too!”
“Of course!” she replied with a giggle. “Looking forward to seeing you again!”
I disconnected the line, looking back at my recent contacts on my phone. Chuckling to myself, I quickly added Akina’s information to my phone, and put myself to rest. I would send the information off later, and in a few days’ time, I would be travelling to Kyoto to meet my future business partner.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The scene resumed where it had left off, this time with better lighting in the room. Dionysus stood on a stage at a karaoke bar in Kyoto, Japan, singing his heart out…though he would admit, and some would agree, not very well. However, given he was a foreigner singing a Japanese pop song, he became an instant hit in the bar.
As the song concluded, the crowd cheered encouragement. Akina Kanai stood up, applauding for her friend as he stepped off the stage. Dionysus was dressed fairly casual for this bar; a white button-up shirt with a grey sportcoat, jeans and dress shoes. Akina was dressed for a night out on the town, wearing a knee-length dark teal dress and sandals. "Its been a while since I've done that," Dionysus said, "but it sounds like people enjoyed themselves."
Akina nodded with a smile. "They sure did! Oh, I saw my boss come in while you were singing. He's coming over now!"
Dionysus turned his head, looking at the man who stood before him. He was dressed to the nines, sporting a tuxedo and bowtie. Dionysus was taken slightly aback by the eyepatch the man wore, but he was no stranger to men having lost an eye. Dionysus stood, withdrawing a business card from his pocket. "Hello. My name is Dionysus Necurat. Pleasure to meet you, and please, take my card," Dionysus said, obviously having rehearsed the greeting, and politely bowed.
The man stared coolly at him first, then slowly warmed into a smile as he accepted Dionysus's business card. In turn, he pulled out his own. "Nakahara Junzo. I am pleased to meet you as well," he replied. The trio took their seat at the table while a drunken businessman stumbled his way through another song. "I have heard high praise from Akina about your business acumen...as well as your singing. Do you enjoy Karaoke?"
"I will admit, Junzo, I am not much of a singer," Dionysus responded. "However, when the mood suits me, I can be persuaded." He looked over at Akina with a quizzical look, and she grinned and giggled.
Junzo laughed. "Ah yes, Akina is a great assistant to have. But I suppose we should get to our business, yes?"
"Yes. Unfortunately, I do not have a lot of time to spend in Kyoto. What can I help you with?"
"You see, Mr. Necurat, like you, I am a promoter of sorts. I used to be a professional wrestler, much like yourself. However..." Junzo paused, gesturing to his eyepatch. "...Well, accidents happen. As it turns out, I have had requests come in from contacts of mine. Old friends from the business who have a new crop of recruits for the wrestling business. Sadly, I do not have any facilities of my own to train these students, nor do I have any coaches. Or I had...except, I do not have the finances to fund this endeavor on my own."
Dionysus held up a hand to stop Junzo. "You're looking to me to be an investor, right?"
"Oh, more than that, Mr. Necurat," Junzo countered. "I would like you and I to be business partners. I forsee this being a partnership where we share equal administrative responsibility, and I handle the day-to-day operations. All you would need to do is provide financing to make this happen. I will let you know, Mr. Necurat, that this might sound like I am trying to swindle you. Let me assure you, I intend to bring a new generation of wrestlers to Japan, no matter what it takes. Do we have an agreement?"
Junzo held his hand out expectantly, assuming that the deal was on. Dionysus paused momentarily, considering his options. On the one hand, Dionysus had been burned in business opportunities in the past. He really did not want to see a financial loss in this business, and he really did not want to find out how the man had lost his eye. On the other hand, Junzo seemed earnest, honest, and hungry. Traits that Dionysus respected in men. Plus, he trusted that Akina would not work for just anyone.
Dionysus accepted the handshake. "Lets make this happen, Mr. Nakahara. And please, call me Dionysus."
Junzo shook his hand vigorously, smiling. "And you can call me Junzo. Now, if you don't mind, my song has come up." He bowed politely and turned toward the stage.
While Junzo was singing on stage, Akina leaned over toward Dionysus. "What did I tell you? He's a very interesting man, right?"
Dionysus nodded, taking a sip of the sake he had on the table. "You were right, Akina. I have a feeling this is the beginning of an interesting partnership."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Through the Grapevine
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As many of you are aware, I use Through the Grapevine to talk about whatever seems to tickle my fancy, wrestling-related or otherwise. Recently, I have earned the ire of Action Wrestling jobber, resident MAGA-ite, and overall fucktrumpet, John Hammers. Now, you might say this began when I returned to the ring after he declared his mission to "Make Action Wrestling Great Again," and I resoundingly put him on his back, but lets be perfectly honest here; Action Wrestling has always been great, and will be even better with my return. It will make guys like Hammers disappear, who know they can't hack it in a real wrestling match, and I can take my place once again in the business as the measuring stick.
That's how I feel going into my upcoming match at Uprising. An opportunity at a midcard title of my choosing? Its the perfect stipulation! Sure, when I had started in Action Wrestling, I was pursuing the world title, but hey, opportunity knocks where it knocks. In order for me to achieve this, however, I have to defeat two men; Frank Solomon and CJ Phoenix. Lets not pretend that Solomon is any measure of actual competition; he's a filler to make the match more interesting. No, the real contest is between two men, back from the abyss, looking to find their place in the spotlight...and much like last week, I see myself contending against a fellow brother. If you don't mind, my fellow fans, permit me a moment to speak directly to my actual opponent, CJ Phoenix.
...*Ahem*...
Good to see you again, CJ. Glad they finally managed to not forget booking you. You should feel proud; your first match back to the ring, and you have a title opportunity! Now, I'm not really saying any of this to mock you by any means; I know what you are capable of CJ. Its why I say that to you; I am honestly glad to see you getting recognition for the work that you put in. Before even having a match in Action Wrestling, you're given an opportunity at the spotlight. You have a reputation that has carried over. But I must warn you, CJ, that reputation can only take you so far, and you have been away for some time. Tell me, Phoenix, how long has it taken you to shake off the ring rust? How long has it been since our hay day in WCF, bonding and building ourselves up within The Brotherhood? Do you remember the shaggy homeless-looking fellow that could barely win a match to save his life?
I must inform you, Phoenix, that that man is long gone. Tempered by the vine and tempered by the chaos, I have emerged as The God That Comes. What exactly does that mean? ...To be honest, I'm not entirely sure; it was something marketing said would be funny for my character. I still prefer Lord of the Vine myself.
Regardless, I am not the same man you met long ago. I have changed, for the better, and I don't intend to look back at how I have carried myself. I expect you to do the same. Do not assume I will be an easy win, nor assume I will think you have nothing new to show me. We will tear down the house together.
...Oh, and Frank Solomon will be there too.
Funny enough, I was asked by a fan which of the two titles I would go after should I win this match. And this circles back to the conversation of John Hammers. Wouldn't it just stick it in his red-pill-swallowing craw if I became the US Champion? He'd have Alex Jones levels of mental fits!
But let me make something plain to you, Hammers; if you do anything, and I mean ANYTHING, to interfere in this match, I will crack your head wider than Mueller has cracked this investigation into our glorious president.
You have been warned.