POOL OR OCEAN [MASARU SHINJA]

It’s a dry heat. That’s what everyone says about this kind of weather in Nevada. It doesn’t bother Masaru Shinja one bit because he is lounging poolside on a deck chair with a paloma in one hand and his phone in the other. His head is still bandaged, after receiving a blow from Brogan Duffy’s shillelagh but he is in good spirits.

Bertrand, his beloved Shiba Inu, is tied to the deck chair, shielded from the sun by his own peach and white patterned umbrella. The good boy whimpers softly, prompting Shinja to lift his sunglasses and pay immediate attention to him.

“What’s that, Bertrand?” Shinja says. Bertrand groans again, this time slightly louder. “No. I was unable to secure tickets to the Eras tour, you know that. I tried and I tried but to no avail I’m afraid.”

Bertrand rolls onto his side, looking forlorn.

“You know I want to get you the very best of everything but I was not fast enough. She is quite popular, you understand.” Shinja says. Bertrand doesn’t reply. A shadow falls on Shinja, blocking his sunlight.

“Pardon me. You are standing in my light.” Shinja says.

“You are lucky to be standing at all.” Oh Tadao responds.

“I’m lounging, actually.” Shinja replies cheekily.

“Do you think that we will get to the gym today? Your win/loss record is getting worse and worse every time you wrestle. Perhaps it is time that we take a different approach?” Tadao says. Bertrand growls at Tadao. He clearly wants to stay by the pool.

“I think that our approach is just fine. Brogan had to cheat to defeat me. I see no reason to feel embarrassed. If anything, it proves how formidable I am. Prince Peach is feared by the RAZOR Wrestling roster.” Shinja says. He pulls down his sunglasses and takes a sip from his paloma.

Tadao sighs. This is not the same young man that he faced over a decade ago. Shinja has become complacent and lazy since coming to America. The once hungry young wrestler has resigned himself to looking up at the lights and cashing a pay cheque.

“I think maybe it is time for me to move on, Shinja.” Tadao says with regret. Bertrand comes back to life and seems to be listening. Shinja sets his drink down and removes his sunglasses again.

“Why would you say such a thing? We are only getting started, my old friend.” Shinja says. All bravado has dissolved, he is genuinely upset.

“Your heart is not in this any more. I still have time to have a few more great matches and secure my legacy. Watching you be defeated week after week from ringside is not how I would choose to spend the twilight of my career.” Tadao says. “This sport means too much to me.”

Silence. Neither man says a thing. Even Bertrand is quiet. After a few moments, Shinja takes a deep breath and removes the bandage from his head.

“You are right. I have been unfair to you. Wrestling in America has always been my dream and now that I am here, I have lost the fire that used to drive me. Enough is enough, my friend. When I face Adam García you will see what I am capable of.” Shinja says with conviction. “I am one of the Original Eight of RAZOR Wrestling and it is time that I start acting like it. Adam will see what it is like here in this company. He will see how hard his journey is going to be.”

Tadao seems doubtful but forces a smile.

“So you are ready to stop lounging by the pool? You are ready to dive into the ocean and start taking things more seriously?” Tadao asks.

“I already have a towel. Let us begin.” Shinja says with a smile, extending his hand. Tadao takes it and although he has his misgivings, he chooses to give Shinja another chance. Bertrand barks in solidarity. Maybe they will get those concert tickets after all…