A new journey, a deal struck

//Oswald’s nightclub. Downtown Japan//

Thus Oswald and Gabe laid out the preparations, elegant trays of seafood lay atop the surface of the table. As was his way Oswald had classical music playing, a sign of his refined and aristocratic nature. Goblets of wine were set out astride the table, the very aesthetic of the room was a welcoming one, at least on the surface.

Soft and light footsteps echoed along the ground, announcing the arrival of the would-be usurpers to the throne of the Japanese underworld that Oswald planned on taking for himself.

Shortly thereafter the local crime bosses had all taken their seats around the table. Each and every one of them was dressed in fancy suits, partaking of the wine in the goblets set out before them.

Crime Boss #1: “Gaikokujin. Foreigner. Oswald Knight. ‘Mr Penguin’. You’ve crossed the ocean from your homeland, and come to ours. Our reports indicate that you are a showman, a performer inside the wrestling ring. Despite your proclivity for being a showman, you seem to be putting pieces in place to work your way up in the criminal underworld, a scene run by the Yakuza for untold centuries.”

A pause was taken here, contemplative in nature.

Crime Boss #1: “I can respect how bold you are. It takes guts to make the moves you’ve made in such a short time. Here’s the deal. You get to keep operating as you have been. We won’t stop you. In exchange for your continued operation, you’ll pay us 25% percent of your earnings each week. It would also be a sign of respect for those who have come before if you were to take time and learn about the way things are done here.”

Oswald ran a hand over his chin, considering this offer which seemed to be something that was beneficial to his rise.

‘Mr Penguin’ Oswald Knight: “25% seems a reasonable percentage to hand over on a weekly basis. In regards to learning more about the culture, the way things are done, how would I go about that?”.

An earnest expression lit up Oswald’s eyes as though he were silently communicating that he was being genuine in his words at this moment.

Crime Boss #1: “You could visit the ancient temples, read many books. Speak to the locals, find a place amongst us. Perhaps this could be the start of a wonderful and mutually beneficial working relationship.”

Oswald merely nodded, a light and overtly polite smile tipping his lips. Bowing his head low he began to speak, determined to remain in control, to not let his snarky nature slip out on accident.

‘Mr Penguin’ Oswald Knight: “I appreciate how genuine and straightforward you have been. I admit it is rare to see someone so straightforward and honest as you are in our line of work. For this show of respect, I’ll honour your homeland, seek out answers, unravel the mysteries that lay in the heart of your wonderful land. Such a rich culture, majesty and sophistication at every turn I’ve heard.”

Crime Boss #1: “There is more to Japan, than what the western movies show. It’s not all samurai’s, drug deals and brutality in the underworld. Respect and loyalty mean everything as do manners. A lesson most Americans don’t seem to quite get”.

Soft laughter peeled out from between Oswald’s lips, leading into a new round of speech.

‘Mr Penguin’ Oswald Knight: “I’m not American. I’m Australian born. Raised with a different set of values. Speak softly and carry a big stick I believe would be the correct term here.”

Crime Boss #1: “Fascinating. You speak so openly, without obscuring anything at all. Forgive me Mr Knight, I’ve yet to reveal my name. You can call me Maseo.”

Extending a hand, Oswald kept his smile in sight, a tilt of his head to acknowledge the man known as Maseo.

‘Mr Penguin’ Oswald Knight: “Well met Maseo. You and I are going to be the very best of friends I can tell. As a sign of good faith between friends, I offer Gabe’s assistance to you. He’s not much upstairs, but he’s good at sending a message. At breaking kneecaps, if given the order to do so.”

Maseo: “That is generous, entrusting a underling into the hands of a friend you’ve just made. I can’t tell if you are reckless or just that cunning. Time will tell which one you are Mr Knight.” Maseo spoke quietly, his intelligence a honed blade, a more lethal weapon than any Oswald had seen in his short time in Japan.

Breathing gently, Oswald sipped at his wine, his mind spinning with thoughts.

‘Mr Penguin’ Oswald Knight: “It’s like my mother said once, if you do not trust, how can you expect anyone to trust you my little knight. I’ve carried her words and lessons with me into everything that I do.”

Silence held fast for a few moments, Maseo offering a bow as he strode out of the nightclub with Gabe following him at a slow measured clip.

//Pre recorded footage, earlier that day//

Blossoming branches came into view, nature was the dominant theme in this lush garden unlike anything Oswald had ever seen before. It was in the quiet places like this that Oswald felt most at home. One might assume that Oswald himself was born to the quiet, to the types of places few ever visited.

Trailing fingers along the soft and brilliant beauty of nature a smile would flash upon Oswald’s features. Dressed in his usual rich black and white suit, top hat perched atop his head, softly spoken words began to slip out from between his lips.

‘Mr Penguin’ Oswald Knight: “The man of lightning. You may yet boast superior speed, you may lay claim to the title of hero. You know what happens to heroes? They fall. They die. They lose. Will you join the countless legion of your heroic brethren to know what it is like to lose? Will you find it in you to rise above and seize victory?. The way I see it your chances of victory are low, bad odds if this were a betting game. Duc. I do not think you have better odds, yet if I am to find true competition, It would seem that you are where I'll find it. Or maybe that is just wishful thinking on my part.”

//End of pre-recorded footage//

Oswald Knight: “Lightning Man. Duc. Mr Penguin is looking forward to seeing you both in the ring. May the odds be in your favour. Bring your best effort, show me your skills. It’s fight night boys, A Hero, A Penguin and a Dragon walk into a ring… who walks out remains to be seen. Sounds like the opening to a joke doesn't it?”

Oswald laughed harshly, a mocking smile could be seen on his face, this chilling smile his last parting shot as he awaited the match that promised to be rather interesting from his own viewpoint.

Fade to black….