(NOAH) The close relationship between annihilation and sheer determination.

Weekly Pro 24th October 2000

(Issue No. 1000)

More than a month has passed since Kikuchi rushed to Kobashi's side. During that time, Noah has held four shows, but Kikuchi's transformation is not just limited to his appearance changing to tights with the Japanese flag. What I feel most strongly is their motivation and rekindled competitive spirit.

Having been away from the front lines of battle for so long, some were worried about Kikuchi's fighting style, but the way he threw his small body and soul into his opponents was exactly the same as when he was relentlessly climbing the ranks in the Super Generation Army. However, his opponent that day, Takayama, proved to be a formidable obstacle, repelling Kikuchi's attacks. He withstood Kikuchi's Zero Fighter Kicks and elbows, showing no signs of Kikuchi being a match for him. Nevertheless, Kikuchi, fuelled by sheer determination, managed to inflict several blows on Takayama's face. However, he couldn't land the fatal blow, and in the end, he was subjected to a barrage of knee strikes, resulting in a disappointing referee stoppage. It would be more accurate to say that he was rendered unable to fight rather than that he simply avoided being pinned. For Kikuchi, who wanted to take down Takayama, this must be an incredibly frustrating result.

"I came here to break someone's arm, and I showed them what happens." 

Takayama's comment, "They're no match for me," even suggested a sense of composure, but behind Kikuchi's desperate struggle lay an unyielding determination to win. Because of this insatiable thirst for victory, one can't help but feel there's more to come.

"Tenacity -> Annihilation -> What comes next?" Perhaps the word "victory.

As Kikuchi retreated, his eyes filled with regret, there was a glimmer of hope.

Notes

Kikuchi applied an arm lock to Takayama from the apron 

"You can feel Kikuchi's determination to torment Takayama" 

Takayama attacked Kikuchi with a Cobra twist