*We see the interview room where on a table there are 5 people, an interviewer in the middle. On the left side sits Renshou who has a relaxed posture physically, even if his eyes are heavy with weariness. On the right side is Nero, who seems to have with a coiled, aggressive energy and has behind him Vergil who is arms crossed, somewhat disapproval on his face while being stoic overall, and Dante who is just tapping the table with his fingers, sitting back on a chair*
Interview: Welcome, gentlemen, to this special interview ahead of the Lethal Lottery match at Genesis. Renshou, let's start with you, the world knows your story about how you're in this match to get the briefcase, so you can act as a failsafe against the Oddities, all to protect your friend Banri. Can you walk us through that?
Renshou: *He lets out a slow breath, his voice low and calm* There's not much to walk through than what I already said. It's not about glory or the gold, but about preventing a future I've already seen in my nightmares, pardon if that sounds too extreme. If Teddy and his crew get that title, Banri will try to be the hero, since for all he acts like a delinquent at the end of the day the kid is a good guy willing to put himself at risk to help others, and it will break him considering how The Oddities are. I won't watch it happen. The briefcase is...a necessary burden, as insurance against Banri being demolished by Teddy, Happy and Patches.
Nero: *Scoffs, leaning forward* Insurance? Pathetic. I get your goal of protecting those close to you, truly, but you're fighting with your tail between your legs. Scared of a ghost story you've gotten on your head, of a future that hasn't even happened yet. I fight for the here and now and for power. I'm in this match to get a guaranteed shot at Link, to prove that my strength is absolute by defeating him at one-hundred percent once I get that title shot. Your motivation is fear; mine is a fact.
Dante: *Without looking up* The briefcase sounds like a lot of hassle for you. *He finally looks at Renshou* Why not just crash the main event if you're so worried? Cut out the middleman. Way more fun, even if there would be more fireworks for you to deal with. Just sayin'.
Vergil: *His voice cuts through the air, cold and sharp* "Fun" is irrelevant to Renshou, Dante. And the "fireworks" you mention would just be a distraction that he'd have to deal with if he were to try to screw them normally instead of with Lethal Lottery, it's still 3 on 1. Renshou's purpose is born of weakness to his mind.
Nero: There you go! I knew you---
Vergil: HOWEVER, Nero, yours is born of vanity as you have a desperate need for validation.
Nero: First off, sorry for wanting to be the best. Second, both are flawed...what's the word...ah yes, philosophies. Also, I'm not just going for power so I'm not on the one track mind camp like Renshou is on his errand. *He smirks* You know, Dante's got a point, old man. If you're so determined to stop the Oddities, why wait and leave it to chance? A real threat to those three would walk down that ramp tonight during the title match and end it. You say you want to protect your friend? Then protect him. Unless...you know you don't have the skill or power to do it directly.
*Renshou's calm expression doesn't change, but his eyes narrow slightly, as he turns his head slowly to face Nero*
Renshou: Power, you and Vergil talk a lot about it. Let's talk about your plan, you want the briefcase to challenge Link, to get a shot to prove you're the best. Then, may I ask, how does cashing in on a man who has just been through a war prove that? The champion is weakened, exhausted. It's the victory of a vulture picking at a carcass. Is that the kind of respect you crave, kid?
*Nero's smirk tightens, as Renshou leans in slightly*
Renshou: And if your plan is to be "honorable", as much as playing off your ego is honorable, and announce your match in advance, then why do you need the briefcase at all? A true challenger earns their shot. They don't need a shortcut. So why do you? Unless...you're afraid you can't actually win a fair fight.
*The accusation hangs in the air as Nero's face flushes with anger due to being hit on the one place he's vulnerable when not involving his close ones: his pride*
Nero: I'll take ANY advantage I can to get my shot! The Power of the briefcase is just that! The record books don't care how you got a title shot, only that you won! That title is my destiny!
Vergil: The "how" is everything, though, Nero.
Nero: Oh come on, who's side are you on?
Vergil: You are acting not for honor, but for dominance in a wrong way, may as you try to claim you want to be the best by winning fair and square Link. A true victor creates his own circumstances; he does not rely on scavenging for an automatic title shot or shortcuts that come with Lethal Lottery, both his and your reasoning are built on sand.
Dante: *He chuckles, finally sitting up straight* Got him right in the pride, Ren. Gotta respect that attitude, you even got Nero to show his hand. I thought this was just another stuffy interview, but it turns out we've got front-row seats to a full-blown mess of two people that don't need the briefcase but are fighting for it. Sadly, this is gonna be a great show for the Devilz, Renshou. You're not leaving with that briefcase since I will tell you this, when Nero said he got why you are trying to stop the Oddities...let's just say that he's just as determined as you are when he has to protect someone he cares about. So he is as tough as you may be, if not more. Good luck.
*The segment ends with Nero glaring daggers at a placid Renshou, before looking at Vergil who just ignored him*
