(NOAH) Regarding the newly established title, Akiyama said: "It's meaningless if someone who's already held the Triple Crown wins it." With the new title being created, Kobashi says - "I have the strongest desire for the belt!"
Weekly Pro 14th November 2000 (Issue No. 1003) One Night Navigation - 28th October, Soka City, Saitama Prefecture, Sports and Health City. "Kobashi the Black" and "Akiyama the White"—beyond the stark contrast in their color motifs, it is fair to say that the two currently stand at absolute opposite poles. Akiyama responded to Kobashi’s remarks by saying, in effect, "No, that's not true." Naturally, Kobashi reacted to Akiyama’s own statements in much the same way. Their perspectives never intersected at all. Yet, as it turns out, both sides appear to be looking toward the same point in two key respects. One might say that while the paths they have taken to get there differ, they are both aiming for the very same summit. The first instance takes place on December 23rd at the Ariake Coliseum. Kobashi, desiring a singles match against Akiyama for this major event, makes the request to the company, and Akiyama agrees. Here, the perspectives of "black...
