#789 He Who Pursues the Truth

My name is Shinbishanme.

I am a noble journalist.

My mission is to write articles and convey the truth of the world to the masses.

Everyone in this world has the right to know the truth!

It’s my duty to uncover secrets that some powers might be hiding and inform everyone, rectifying injustices!

That said, I recently exposed a local feudal lord’s affair for everyone in the nation to see!

Behold, people in power! This is the justice of journalism!

The next fiery topic compelling my righteous pen is...

This!

— “Who is the mysterious masked wrestler, Miss Bean Crush?!”

Starting just last year and gaining popularity across borders: pro wrestling!

Overseen by the S-class adventurer and former mercenary Bill Bruson, it’s creating a buzz. But there’s a standout star that shines even brighter.

That’s the masked Miss Bean Crush!

Among the beautiful wrestlers showcased, she is the only one hiding her face behind a mask. 

But what’s more distinct is her winning streak!

Undefeated in all matches!

She doesn’t back down from opponents, overpowering them with sheer strength.

With her confident fighting style, combined with her unwavering victories, her fan base grows year after year.

Now, she even surpasses the promoter, Bill Bruson, in both skill and popularity.

She’s become the face of professional wrestling.

But! My pure journalist soul screams that I cannot allow her existence to go unchecked.

Why the mask?

Why hide her face?

It’s natural for a journalist to uncover what’s hidden!

That’s why I’ll dig deep!

I’ll reveal the identity of the masked wrestler, Miss Bean Crush, and share it with the world!!!

“Why not focus on more peaceful articles instead of such nonsense?”

Huh? What are you talking about, colleague?!

Peace is overrated! Conflict, strife, disagreements, feuds! Real journalism thrives on controversy!

Peace is dull, doofus!

The good old days were better...!

The Human-Demon War gave plenty of article materials.

But now that the war ended without my consent... there’s nothing left to write about!

Now, I have to resort to uncovering some petty domestic issues of the powerful to vent my frustrations!

“Just the other day, we lost a sponsor because of your article. Remember the feudal lord whose affair you exposed? He was a major sponsor. Please think about the relationships you’re damaging.”

“Why should a journalist have to consider the feelings of the powerful? We’re supposed to challenge those in authority!!!”

“But during the war, you were happily writing articles praising victories as instructed by the palace...! Now that the war’s over and we lost our biggest sponsor, we must adapt.”

“Being influenced by the times isn’t real journalism!!!”

Oh, colleague! If you aim to be a true journalist, you need to have a rebellious spirit!

It’s a journalist’s duty to challenge the powerful!!!

That’s why I’ll uncover Miss Bean Crush’s identity!

All secrets must come to light!

Exposing them is a journalist’s mission!

“Why are you so fixated on Miss Bean Crush?”

I’m not fixated!

I just don’t like that whole wrestling show thing!

It’s downright bizarre that brute of a woman, Bill Bruson, climbed to an S-class adventurer in the first place!

Most regular adventurers take decades to earn that title!

And who reached that illustrious rank in just a few years? Bill Bruson!

She was originally a mercenary, a leftover from war who lost her job! Out of options, she just turned to adventuring – what a washed-up loser!!!

“The Adventurers’ Guild already explained. Due to many mercenaries joining the adventurers post-war, she was quickly granted S-class for integration.”

Special treatment!!!

The one thing a journalist who embodies fairness despises!

“The public is convinced by that explanation, and above all, Pink Tonton’s skills are clearly S-tier, proven by her many accomplishments during her mercenary days. No matter the nitpicks thrown at her or the guild, neither will waver.”

“What do you mean by ‘nitpicks’?!”

A legitimate criticism from a journalist is nitpicking?!

“I get it. You have a grudge against her. You even stubbornly call her by her old name from her mercenary days, Bill Bruson...!”

“Of course! What’s with the Pink Tonton?! You can’t just change names and escape the past!”

“But can’t you see the public likes her decision to leave behind her past glory and adapt to a new environment?”

Shut up! I don’t care about public sentiment!!!

It’s the media’s duty to control the masses!!!

“Anyway, it’s crucial to unveil the true identity of Miss Bean Crush to take down that wicked Pink Tonton! We, the journalists of justice, must devote ourselves to uncovering the true identity of this sly masked wrestler!”

“But Miss Bean Crush is known for her fair fights, isn’t she?”

“Merely hiding her identity makes her sly to begin with!!!”

Listen well, remember this universal truth!

Powerful figures are always up to no good in the shadows! All of them, without exception! 

Unmasking and bringing them to social justice is the journalist’s duty!

I, a genuine journalist, will strive for that mission!!!

***

Then, the day arrived. 

It’s the press conference of the wrestling group organized by Pink Tonton. 

They seem to be announcing their schedule here, aiming for publicity, while also bringing out some top wrestlers for casual talks and fan questions. 

That’s my chance!

Among the attending wrestlers, that accursed Miss Bean Crush is also present.

That’s why I, the dignified genuine journalist, am attending this foolish event!

It’s a rare opportunity to ask questions!

I’ll confront her with delicate questions to expose her hidden secrets!!!

“Watch out, foolish commoners! In the next match, I’ll win and dominate all of you as slaves!!!”

“Alright, alright, that was Pandora’s mic performance.”

As the heel wrestler exits, it’s finally time for Miss Bean Crush.

Putting her in the grand finale proves that her reputation as a star wrestler is solid inside and outside the ring.

And there she is, the masked woman.

“Hello, everyone! The messenger sent by the beans is here! Miss Bean Cr...!”

“Shinbishanme from the Super Genuine Human Times here! I have a question for you, if you don’t mind!”

“I’m not even done introducing myself...!”

Hmph! So what?!

If she’s annoyed, good! It’ll be easier for her to slip up.

In the first place, ruffling some feathers is all part of a journalist’s job. If someone gets offended by every question, it’s on them for being too thin-skinned!

“...Oh well. What’s your question?”

“Why do you hide your face, Miss Bean Crush? This arouses suspicion among fans. Why not bravely show your face?!”

How’s that for a flawless journalist question?!

Let’s see her try to weasel her way out of that!

“Heh, you don’t understand, Mr. Journalist.”

“Wh-What...?!”

“A secret is an accessory that highlights a woman’s charm!”

What kind of joke of an answer is that?!

Answer the question seriously!

“Oh...! What a witty response!”

“That humorous talk is one of her charms!”

“It’s no wonder she’s the top in both skills and popularity...!”

Um, hello? Other reporters?!

Why are you siding with the masked woman?! Shouldn’t we be uniting, using our journalistic integrity to pressure her?

“May I ask a question? With your performances, Miss Bean Crush, wrestling is gaining popularity worldwide. We’d like to know about your future plans...!”

“Hey, you! I wasn’t done asking! Don’t just butt in!”

“Uh...? I thought each person gets one question...!”

I’ll ask as many questions as I like!!!

“I have another question for Miss Bean Crush! Your masked persona has raised doubts, and some feel it’s unfair to the fans! What are your thoughts?”

“Has there been such feedback...?”

Damn it, other reporters!

When I voice an opinion, it becomes the voice of the public!

“Well... I always want to meet my fans’ expectations.”

“Then show your face right now! That’s the nation’s wish! The public has the right to know!”

“But simply taking it off isn’t fun.”

What?!

“I’m a wrestler, so shouldn’t I decide whether to remove the mask in the ring? You know what, I’ve just had a brilliant idea. I promise to spice things up in the next match with this new concept!”