VISION OF "U"
The loss of Great Panther cast a long shadow over the U-Warriors. They immediately began quibbling, twisted vectors that could not be set straight.
That's when Sumisu was forced to make a choice. A painful one.
History is written behind the scenes. Sumisu could sense the end was coming.
HIGAKI: "I'm not trying to break us apart. All I want is to develop a new style of wrestling, one that defies all preconceptions. A true evolution of pro wrestling!"
HIGAKI: "Krauser used to say, 'Wrestling is 30% body and 70% mind'. It's a modern version of what the ancient Greeks called Pankration."
HIGAKI: "I haven't found my answer yet. That's why I need to keep searching."
HIGAKI: "Maybe I won't find it in my lifetime, but I can still leave something behind for the next generation. I will not let the fire of pro wrestling go out."
HIGAKI: "A pure fight with mutual respect and recognition: that is the utopia I'm chasing."
KAJIWARA: "You're just showing off. We're all in the same business here."
KAJIWARA: "Style doesn't matter, all we need is a ring to jump into. It's about fighting, not thinking."
SANADA: "My goal as an athlete is to reach Shigeo Nagashima, I've looked up to him since I was a child."
SANADA: "Musashi became known as 'The strongest pro wrestler in the world' through his outstanding charisma and skill. I want to pick up where he left off, and achieve what he could not."
SANADA: "There is no other path for me."
SAEBA: "We are all athletes. But more than that, we are all human beings."
SAEBA: "In karate, kick-boxing, even in judo, all that matters is your strength."
SAEBA: "I'm tired of being bound by rules."
SAEBA: "Under our current system, it's the ones at the top who decide who's strongest. I refuse to be a tool for this idiotic, media-driven charade."
SAEBA: "I'll walk alone if I have to, but I have no interest in wrestling in a ring controlled by pathetic old men."
SAEBA: "They call themselves professionals, but all they do is make shit up to protect their jobs. A pro wrestler is supposed to get results in the ring! They're 'all talk and no action!'"
SAEBA: "These cowards make their living from martial arts, but they don't have the balls to get in a real fight. You don't need an audience to fight, you don't need fireworks."
SAEBA: "Without mutual respect, there's no point in calling us professionals. You've got your whole career ahead of you, Sumisu. Don't take the wrong turn now!"
The four U-Warriors had spoken their minds, but the future of UWH was still shrouded in darkness.
... And then, the time came for Sumisu to make his choice.
Which wrestler did he resonate with? Nobuhisa Sanada - Joe Kajiwara [Makoto Higaki] - Akira Saeba
His heart torn with doubt, Sumisu faced the four of them. The final showdown was about to begin.
KAJIWARA: "I'm Kajiwara. My finishing hold is the Hurricanrana. Nah, actually, I'll let you pick."
SUMISU: "Then I choose the Waki Gatame."
KAJIWARA: "Fun match. I don't care if I win or lose. You remind me of Higaki when he was young."
SANADA: "I'll take on anyone."
SUMISU: "You're not even on my radar!"
SANADA: "I'm weak, and he's strong. I'm just not ready yet. That's all there is to it."
HIGAKI: "I believe that our match will show us the path to the future."
SUMISU: "I'm on the same page. Let us fight without worrying about winning or losing."
HIGAKI: "I just got a glimpse of the style that I'm searching for. Thank you, Sumisu. From now on, we're friends and comrades."
HIGAKI: "You just witnessed the birth of Hybrid Wrestling."
SAEBA: "You have to cross the Red Zone if you want to be a top competitor. I know you've got what it takes. Now, prove it."
SUMISU: "Red Zone? What are you talking about? You think I'm gonna pull the brakes? Think again!"
SAEBA: "I can tell you're gonna be a monster when you get to my age. You're lucky to have joined us so young."
SAEBA: "But that's coming to an end. As of today, UWH is disbanded. We'll go our separate ways. Though the name of U may be lost, the soul of U is eternal."
I now know the ecstasy and anxiety of being the chosen one. January 7th 19XX. On that day, UWH collapsed, along with the dreams of all their fans. The scars would never heal...
ITTETSU: "Sumisu! Pull yourself together!"