PRINCE PEACH (MASARU SHINJA)

“I do not like that name.” Oh Tadao says. “It’s not intimidating at all.”

Tadao stands with his back to the balcony railing, the Las Vegas skyline behind him. Tadao has his arms crossed, as he usually does and his eyes are fixed on his protege. Masaru Shinja isn’t looking at his mentor, his eyes are on the city. Shinja takes a sip from his tea cup and clears his throat in a most obnoxious manner.

“You think we will be sued. I do not worry about such things.” Shinja says.

“Prince Peach is a terrible nickname for a wrestler. I do not understand what it even means.” Tadao says. “Is that not a video game character?”

“No. That is Princess Peach. Very different. I just like the color peach. I want to drape myself in that color. It is unique. People here in America love uniqueness. They all try to be unique. So much so that they end up all being the same. It’s beautiful.” Shinja says, drinking the rest of his tea in one satisfying gulp.

“You make no sense to me.” Tadao says. “And what about this dog? Can you even afford this dog?” Tadao says. At his feet is a beautiful Shiba Inu. The dog is sniffing around Tadao’s pant leg and you can tell that Tadao is not a fan of it in the least.

“Dog has a name. Bertrand. It’s a strong name. He is my companion. He will join me wherever I go. He makes me happy and he makes me wrestle better.” Shinja says. He leans forward in his chair and pats Bertrand on the head. The dog gives a happy wag of it’s tail.

“I think it is a distraction.” Tadao says. At once Bertrand turns his head back and is…scowling? Tadao has never seen a dog scowl before but here it is.

“No, no. He is motivation for me. I want to provide a good life for him, so I will wrestle better. Prince Peach will be the best wrestler in the entire company so that Bertrand can live a life of luxury and comfort. It is my sole goal.” Shinja says. “I want to give him a better life than Daisy Duke has lived. She is from a trailer park and it makes me sad. She must have had to fight tooth and nail for every meal like many children here in America.”

“That is not true at all.” Tadao says with a sigh. Bertrand is still glaring at him which unnerves the veteran grappler.

“Well even if it isn’t true about the children, Daisy Duke looks as if she has had a very difficult life. I feel horrible that I have to defeat her but my reputation can not stand to lose to someone as – unqualified – as her.” Shinja says as he picks up Bertrand, putting the dog on his lap.

“You should not underestimate her. She has a violent history. She wrestles in a similar fashion to PJ Lemon – who you just lost to.” Tadao says. Bertrand barks, startling Tadao.

“Oh that was just one mistake. I do not worry about Daisy Duke. I have to beat her so that Bertrand gets what he deserves. Do not worry, Tadao. We are going to be fine. Prince Peach, Cooler Than Cool, The Profile Of Style – whatever else I am called does not truly matter because I am always called one thing above all.” Shinja says.

“And what is that?” Tadao asks.

“Entertaining.” Shinja says and he shoots finger guns at Tadao.

Tadao stands there, unimpressed. That is until Bertrand starts growling. Shinja stares at his mentor and the dog’s growls get louder. Tadao sighs and reluctantly returns the finger guns which prompts Bertrand to go back to a docile state. Good dog.