Setsuna stands in the empty IZANAMI ring.
SETSUNA: <Liberty-san, there’s a lot of talk about you online. You speak such big words about how when you win, everyone wins. You act like you’re some big role model for everyone to follow. Really? I guess you’re as dishonest to yourself as you are to everyone else. Despite what you say, the only thing that separates you from Jackobin-san is that she’s honest about who she is.>
Setsuna slams a fist into her right palm.
SETSUNA: <Jackobin-san robbed me of my dream, and you robbed her. A thief who steals from another thief isn’t any more deserving of respect. Unlike you, I’m going to be painfully honest about who I am. I don’t hide behind empty ideas and promises. I work harder than you could even imagine because I have something worth fighting for. And in the main event, I'm going to prove that the Lioness Cup was a fluke. I’m going to sanctify this ring by ringing your Liberty Bell so hard you’ll think you’re back in America.>
Setsuna folds her arms over her chest.
SETSUNA: <You’re cunning and ruthless, but the main reason you’re champion is because you didn’t face me. You may not care about the Lioness Cup, but I do. You may crush other girls’ dreams, but mine can’t be destroyed. It’s harder to achieve than I thought, but I will keep my promise. That championship deserves to be carried with honor and prestige. Our sacred Joshi ring should be a place where the future of Joshi Puroresu flourishes. Those who disrespect it will be crushed. That starts with the fall of Liberty.>
In the small kitchen of the Izanami Dojo, Setsuna Kojima is doing some impromptu pushups against the counter. Sweat beads her brow as she continues her warm up. It only ends when Bison Kojima enters the room with heavy steps.
BISON KOJIMA: <There you are, Setsuna-chan. There’s something we must discuss.>
Setsuna pushes herself back off the counter and stands to attention.
SETSUNA KOJIMA: <Of course, what is it Kojima-san?>
The legend looks down at the teenager thoughtfully for a long moment before she speaks again.
BISON KOJIMA: <As soon as this show has ended I will be departing to complete my final preparations for Battles Without Honor or Humanity. There will not be time to speak after this moment. Whatever happens here tonight or at the Shrine, I want you to promise you will uphold the traditions of Joshi Puroresu and Power Rise.>
Setsuna’s brow furrows but she nods emphatically.
SETSUNA KOJIMA: <No question about it, you have my word. Even if it’s only me, I’ll continue to make you proud.>
Kojima lets out a low grunt of approval.
BISON KOJIMA: <I’m certain that when you get your opportunity, you’ll crush the gaijin and add more glory to the Kojima name. That video I had Takara-san record got a lot of attention. The eyes of the wrestling world are on you now - make the most of this opportunity..>
SETSUNA KOJIMA: <I will. You’ve taught me well.>
Kojima somewhat hesitantly pats Setsuna on the head, then takes a step back.
BISON KOJIMA: <Beginning tonight, make your own history Setsuna-chan. An Ace can follow no path but her own.>
SETSUNA KOJIMA: <Kojima-san! I know it’s selfish, but I have a request of you.>
She turns to leave but at Setsuna’s sudden interjection she stops dead in her tracks.
BISON KOJIMA: <Making demands of me?>
SETSUNA KOJIMA: <Only one. This Shrine is dangerous - whatever happens, please promise me that you’ll come back.>
Kojima looks over her shoulder, gazing deep into the girl’s soul. Setsuna watches her mentor expectantly, bearing more confident than she’s appeared in Kojima’s presence before.
BISON KOJIMA: <I will do my best, Setsuna-chan. You will see me again. I’ll meet you downstairs to help finish your preparations for tonight. Don’t keep me waiting.>
WIth that the legend walks off, leaving Setsuna in the kitchen wearing an expression of great concern. Before she can act further Runa Takara pokes her head into the kitchen.
RUNA TAKARA: <Setsuna-san, what are you doing in here? Why aren’t you with the other girls? The show’s starting soon.>
SETSUNA KOJIMA: <I was preparing. I have to be extra prepared in case one of them tries anything underhanded tonight.>
Runa walks into the kitchen, frowning at the teenager’s response.
RUNA TAKARA: <What happened at the Young Lioness Cup was unfortunate, but all we can do is move forward. I noticed you’ve been training on your own instead of with the others. Is something wrong?>
Setsuna sighs and leans back against the counter.
SETSUNA KOJIMA: <The only thing wrong is how many of them are taking spots that should’ve been filled with local talent. This is supposed to be a Joshi dojo isn’t it?>
Runa sighs in return.
RUNA TAKARA: <You know, if you tried interacting with them I’m sure you’d find them less terrible than you’re thinking. Didn’t you offer to take Sophie-san phone shopping?>
Setsuna shrugs.
SETSUNA KOJIMA: <I did, and look what happened to her. Injured by one of the dishonorable girls Reeve-san generously allowed to join our dojo. If she’s concerned about our well being, shouldn’t there have been consequences for their actions? Or is she blind to them?>
Runa’s mouth twitches in annoyance at the accusation.
RUNA TAKARA: <Setsuna-san, I know you look up to Kojima-san but her way of thinking is dangerous. You’re a good person, and I don’t want to see you get hurt by something you don’t fully understand.>
Setsuna pushes herself off the counter and glares at the trainer.
SETSUNA KOJIMA: <The only thing I don’t understand is why you all defend them. But that’s fine. I’ll make sure there are consequences for Liberty Dare-san.>
She begins to walk off before stopping to look back at Runa.
SETSUNA KOJIMA: <After I drive her through the mat with my DRAGON Spike, she’ll regret she dared take so many liberties in our sacred ring.>
