The Blacksmith and the Roses

It had been centuries since I left the Sage Council. There are so many incredible warriors in this world that I wish to meet. I'd rather not be a watcher but an explorer. Since I left, I took a journey around the world, seeing incredible fights between Otaku. To see people from all over the globe fighting to save lives is definitely admirable, and the battles are truly a sight. However, with these powers, it feels like I could do more, outside of Paragon. That is when I decided to expand my horizons. I asked the Sages for help, and despite my leaving, helped in creating a pocket dimension for me where I could live. Here, I would run a workshop where I could create weapons for heroes and worthy warriors from other universes. Thanks to them, it was perfect. It had a highly advanced computer, a workshop where I could design and create weapons, a bedroom which had a bed that was as soft as a cloud, and more. I could control it with my own powers, meaning I could expand it by adding more bedrooms if I had guests, or place security features as well. The greatest of them all was an inter-dimensional portal, allowing me to enter different universes. However, Amaterasu, the Sage of Light, wanted me to do one thing for her. She was always so caring, so I listened. She wished for me to try to create peace between our worlds by facing heartless villains and giving them the punishment they deserve or by simply helping heroes or powerful warriors. I agreed without a single sense of doubt. It might make things more interesting. After construction was complete, I decided to set up shop. I browsed on the computer for a while and then decided to head out to find some strong warriors. I set the coordinates for the portal on random and moved out.



Next thing I knew, I was teleported to a crowded entrance of a stadium. Not wanting to attract attention, I changed my appearance to look casual enough to blend in. I'd rather not be hunted down and dissected by this world's government. I asked one of the attendees what was going on, and they said that it was for the Rumble Roses Tournament. He handed me a flyer for it and I read through it. Apparently, it's a tournament where the world's strongest female wrestlers are competing for a cash prize. I was a bit curious, but I thought about how I could get inside. It was way too crowded to go in through the front. Through a side door, I saw a skinny guy wearing a suit and a headset, walking out while covered in bruises, having a black eye and a bloody nose. I walked up to him and asked what was wrong. Apparently, he was the interviewer for the contestants, and he asked some questions that shouldn't have been asked. For confidentiality's sake, I won't say what he asked, but he should be grateful to be alive. He decided to quit, and, letting curiosity be my guide, I asked him if I could be the interviewer. He handed me the headset he was wearing, a backstage pass out of his suit jacket's pocket, told me good luck, ran to his car and drove off. What a weird man...



With his backstage pass, I managed to enter the stadium through the back door. Walking through the halls, I saw posters of the tournament scattered on the walls. I kept walking down the halls, hoping to find the office of the CEO. I did find someone, or rather, she found me. She appeared to be a tall dark-skinned woman with brown hair and green eyes, wearing a shiny white skin-tight sleeveless mini-dress that almost goes down to her thighs. The zipper was undone, showing off her cleavage and abs. It was pretty clear that she was a nurse, due to her dress looking like a nurse's gown and the nurse's cap she wore on her head. "Who are you?" she asked. "What are you doing back here?" "Well, the interviewer sort of...quit." "What?" I explained to her what happened outside the stadium. "I see. So Johnny left." "Yeah, apparently he got his butt handed to him by one of the wrestlers. Just a quick question, are you a competitor?" "You could say that. I'm Anesthesia, assistant and nurse to Lady X, the CEO." She extended her hand for a handshake, and I accepted it. "Hmm, firm shake," she said. "Thank you," I replied. "Now we need a new interviewer", she said in an annoyed voice.. "It's going to take forever to find one, and the tournament is starting soon." "I could be the new interviewer." She looked at me, from head to toe and back up. "Let me guess, that's a no. Can't say I blame you. Who would want to talk to a fat mess like this?" "Someone's hard on themselves." "Better than being overconfident. Besides, the only reason I came to this tournament in the first place is because I love wrestling. I wished to see what these ladies could do." "So enthusiastic. I like you.  All right, you got the job." "Seriously? Huh, that was easy."



The interviewing room appeared to be a mix between a locker room and an exercise room. There were black leather couch chairs that were really comfortable. While waiting for the first contestant, I took out a small notebook from my side pocket. Even though I'm going universal travelling, I'm still working on new styles. At this point, I've been working on a style based on magic, with little success. When I heard footsteps approaching, I put the notebook away. The person approaching the room was a young woman wearing short red and black top, red short shorts with the zipper undone, and a red and black neckband. Her hair was brown and short, and she had hazel eyes. She was fair-skinned with a lean muscular build. “Hey, are you the interviewer?” she asked. “Yeah, that’s me. Jack Thompson, at your service,” I said as I took a bow. “I assume you’re my first client.” “That’s right. My name is Reiko Hinomoto.” It’s a pleasure, miss. I’ll make this as quickly as possible. I wouldn't want you getting sick from seeing my face.” Why would you think that?” “Well, to be honest, I’m just a fat pig wearing glasses with pimples. You, on the other hand, are a beauty clad in red and black.” She blushed and said, “Thank you, but you shouldn't be so hard on yourself. You may not look as ugly as you think.” “Perhaps, but I see myself as an abomination, both in terms of appearance and personality. However, I know you didn't come to hear me ramble on about myself. Let’s get started, shall we?” We both sat down and started the interview. “So tell me about yourself, Ms. Hinomoto.” “Well, I’m from Yokohama, Japan.” “Heh, always wanted to go to Japan.” “Believe me, it’s great. Anyway, I was raised by my mom, Yukiko, with my bigger sister, Fujiko. My mom was the late great Kamikaze Rose, the greatest female wrestler in the world back then.” “Wait, ‘late’? I’m sorry.” “Yeah, she died in the ring during one of her matches. It was horrible.” I’m so sorry.” “But, I know that she’s watching me up there.” That’s a beautiful thought.” “Thank you”, she said as she blushed. “You mentioned a sister?”, I asked.  “Yeah, her name’s Fujiko. She came here last year to carry on our mom’s legacy. But, for some reason, I haven’t heard from her since, and I’m worried.” Hmm, maybe she could still be in the tournament.” “I doubt it.” “Well, I’ll let you know if something comes up.” “Thanks.” “Sorry if it was too personal.” “It’s okay. Should we continue?” “Very well. Let’s start with something smaller. “What’s your favorite food?” “Ice cream. I’m addicted to it, and found a great place next to my school.” “Nice. What’s your favorite color?” That would be red. It just psyches me up.” “Cool. Though, I could tell from your attire. Anyway, what are you focusing on besides wrestling?” Nutrition. I eat like crazy after matches. As a wrestler, I really need to gain some more weight. But, I wish I didn't need to.” “Trust me. It’s not exactly glamorous. What do you do on a regular day?” “I train for matches and work for a part-time job. I’m also moonlighting as a race queen.” “Oh, cool. So, I assume you've come to carry on your mother’s legacy.” “That’s right. I made a vow with my sister to become the strongest wrestler in the world, and make my mom proud.” I stood up, put my stuff down and got in a fighting stance. “Well, you’ll need a wrestling dummy then.” “You want me to fight you?” “Yep. I want to see how strong you are.” She got up and got in a fighting stance. “All right then.” We charged at each other. She definitely had a great deal of strength, as she managed to push me back. She performed a high kick, and I blocked it with my arm. “Nice, but don’t leave any openings.” As I swung her foot away, I grabbed her to perform a bearhug. I didn't do it too hard though. She actually managed to open my arms, duck while landing, and knocked me down with a sweep kick. I got up on my feet and said, “Your speed’s impressive. Let me see your punches.” I put my hands up as she punched them, once again showing some good strength in her. “Impressive. You've got some great speed and good strength. Your mom would be proud.” She blushed as she thanked me. After that, I asked her a few more questions until her session was over. “Well, I guess your torture’s over. You won’t have to hear this droning voice ever again.” She walked up to me and said, “You're not as bad as you say. You’re actually very sweet.” “Then I must be crazy.” “Crazy or not, you're a good guy, Jack.” I hesitated for a second. Then, I said, “Thank you, Ms. Hinomoto.” “You can just call me Reiko.” “All right then. Best of luck in the tournament.” “Thanks.” Right before she walked out the door, she ran up to me and gave me a peck on the cheek. “Thanks for the interview. You're a great guy.” She walked out while I just sat there, awestruck. I then put my hand on my cheek and smiled. Maybe, this could be fun after all.



Let the games begin…