#791 The Mask Hunter’s Messenger

And so it finally begins.

The match that would decide the fate of Letasreit’s wrestling career and, incidentally, whether or not world peace would be disturbed.

The Mask-Ripping Deathmatch.

Apparently, it’s a standard format in the wrestling world, given the significant number of masked wrestlers out there.

For a masked wrestler, their mask is their face and pride. To have it removed is like denying their very existence.

This is bound to be a thrilling match they absolutely cannot afford to lose.

Furthermore, fans are simply curious to see the face beneath the mask.

Especially if it’s a female wrestler, who might be seen somewhat like an idol.

...Is it really any wonder that people get so excited about this?

“Hoa! Hoa! Hoa! Miss Bean Crush!!!!”

A seemingly hardcore fan shouted...

“Hoa, hoa, hoaaaa.”

Ahhhhhhhhhhh! Junior’s mimicking him?!

That’s it. We’re leaving! This isn’t a good influence for the kids!!!

“You can’t leave now, Master. The match is starting, and it would disturb the other spectators. Please sit down and enjoy the match.”

Resistance is futile if Horkosfon says so!!!

“The star of the show is making her entrance.”

Looking as directed, there she is, a masked female walking down the aisle towards the ring.

Even with the mask on, I can tell - that’s Letasreit. 

Dressed in a flamboyantly stylish leotard, she looks both glamorous and powerful.

“Miss Bean Crushhhhhhhh!!!”

“The masked lady enters the ringgggggg!!!”

“We came to see your victory today! Crush those insignificant girlsssssssss!”

The audience is going wild.

I guess Letasreit is genuinely a top player and crowd favorite here.

Watching her since her spoiled brat days, I’m genuinely surprised at her growth. 

She’s come a long way.

“But she seems pretty calm, doesn’t she...?”

That’s unexpected, knowing her from way back.

“The reason is simple. Letasreit has gained experience and knows the art of showmanship.”

“Really?”

“Just watch, Master.”

Watching closely as instructed by Horkosfon...

...Oh?

Letasreit’s pulling out something.

It seems to be wrapped in paper... where did she get that from?!

Miss Bean Crush, aka Letasreit, holding several mysterious small bags, starts throwing them at the crowd!

What’s she doing?!

Yet the crowd goes wild. Far from being upset at the bags thrown at them, they’re actually ecstatic.

In fact, they’re eagerly reaching out, hoping to snag one for themselves.

“Inside those bags are roasted beans.”

“Roasted beans?!”

“They’re popular Letasreit merchandise. And, they’re tasty. Fans adore them, and it fits her goal of spreading beans across the world.”

Letasreit... Such a strategy sounds just like her! 

Attracting the crowd with offerings and promoting her love for beans.

When did she become so cunning?!

“Dad, Dadddd.”

“Yes?”

Junior tugs on my sleeve.

“I want beans, toooooo.”

“Okayyyyy! Hang on, Junior! Horyaaaaaah!!!”

Handing Norito to Horkosfon, I charge towards Letasreit!

I aim to grab one of those bags as I navigate the crowd!

Out of the way! That bag’s mine!

I promise, Junior, I’ll get you that bag of beansssssssssss!!!

... 

Somehow, I managed to get one.

Thinking about it, aren’t these beans harvested from my farm?

That means I roasted them myself.

I remember Letasreit asking for my help with this just the other day.

Why am I fighting over beans I grew and roasted myself?

Don’t worry, Junior, when we get home, I’ll give you a bowl of roasted beans!!!

“So gooooood. I love beanssss.”

It tastes just like the ones we always eat on the farm!

Has the novelty of this event clouded my son’s judgment?!

“Now that the ceremony is over, the real action begins. Here comes the first opponent.”

Oh, another beautiful woman in a wrestling costume appears from the corner opposite of Letasreit.

“I am Masked Momoko! I wear this mask today to defeat Bean Crush!!!”

Whoever she is, that ring name doesn’t seem to hide her identity at all.

She genuinely seems to have adopted the masked persona just for this Mask-Ripping Deathmatch.

“Don’t think I’m wearing a random mask! This enchanted mask grants its wearer special powers. Now, take this! My special Masked Momoko’s Diving Peach Attack!!!” 

“Steel Bean Body!”

“Guah?!”

As the opposing wrestler charged at her at full speed, Letasreit simply stood her ground, catching and repelling Masked Momoko effortlessly!

Has Letasreit’s body, honed and toughened by her bean regimen, become so formidable that even half-hearted attacks not only bounce off but inflict critical damage in return?!

“Masked Momoko can’t continue! The winner is Miss Bean Crush!!!”

As the referee announced, the crowd erupted. 

Before we knew it, the first match was over.

Everything happened so quickly. Can someone explain?

“While Momoko has improved, she can’t keep up with Letasreit’s ever-growing power. A victory for her seems unlikely at her current rate.”

“Is that so?”

Letasreit approaches her dazed opponent, yanks off her mask, and proudly declares...

“I got the mask!” 

She holds it up high, announcing her victory in the process.

Right, this was the rule, wasn’t it? 

In a Mask-Ripping Deathmatch, the loser’s mask is taken. 

Doesn’t seem like much of a risk.

Now, onto the second match.

“Hmph, only I can defeat that bean lady. I am the ultimate and unparalleled beauty, Masked Pandora!!!”

Wait, Pandora? 

Wasn’t she supposed to be sealed inside a box?

“That selfish attitude of hers makes her an excellent heel. On match days, we release her to let her fight.”

Talk about making the best use of available resources!

Truly, there’s a place for every person.

“Today, I’ll defeat you and trap you in this box. The loser gets sealed inside!!!”

Isn’t that a Coffin Deathmatch? 

This event seems to be a mix of Mask-Ripping and Coffin Deathmatches. How jam-packed.

“Take this! My unbeatable Pandora Buster!!!” 

“Counter! Bean Hold!”

“Aghhhhhhhhh!!!”

Another match decided in a split second. 

Letasreit’s joint lock left Pandora frothing at the mouth, unconscious.

Is Letasreit seriously this strong?

Letasreit removes Pandora’s mask and shoves her back into the box.

That’s two challengers down for Letasreit. 

How many are left? She seems to be taking them all on.

“All the wrestlers today will face Letasreit, Master.”

“Seriously?”

“She’s staking her identity on this. She plans to face and defeat every single challenger.”

That’s quite ambitious.

Letasreit’s battle, where her very identity and perhaps the fate of the world hangs in the balance against all other female wrestlers, is far from over.