28, but the American choices actually make sense
Oct 16, 2024 14:20:53 GMT -5
sasukewarrior333, azn, and 4 more like this
Post by subtleagent on Oct 16, 2024 14:20:53 GMT -5
So I'm not sure how many of these I will do, this is more of an experimental thing but essentially I felt the Americans picked were too random and decided to pick two who had more of a history with the show. I chose Paul and David because they had both reached Stage 3 twice by that point, I passed on Brent because (aside from everything he's done of course) I didn't feel comfortable choosing someone who got an edited clear on Stage 2 in ANW.
I'm still on the fence if I should've added Derek Nakamoto as he has no history with SASUKE, but he came in joint 2nd with Paul. However I wanted to keep it at 2 as was the tournament (though I may do one of these for him if it fits).
#94: Paul Kasemir
#95: David Campbell
P: “I’ve been training hard and it’s good to get another attempt at SASUKE, but it’s been a long time so I hope I can keep up the momentum.”
H: “SASUKE has been reborn from the ashes and with it a new field of athletes. Our next contestant braving the #94 bib has reached the Third Stage on two previous attempts. He’s an American Software Engineer, Paul Kasemir, age 27!”
Running in the 90s Paul has restored hope watching the newly appointed Shin Sedai members Ryo, Kanno and champion Urushihara clear. Five total have done so, can Paul be the sixth?
He starts off and hits each of the steps on the Godantobi with ease and mounts the dreaded Rolling Escargot. Slowly he turns the wheel down with each rotation threatening to take him off, but he rides it out and clears. Facing the Spin Bridge he acknowledges it looks more dangerous than last time! Thankfully with some well placed footing he completes the obstacle and runs right into the Jump Hang Kai!
He is the first and only competitor this tournament to choose the left net, he takes a little extra time here, but clears and has reached the Ni Ren Soritatsu Kabe with 56 seconds! Paul is looking strong, over the first Warped Wall as if it wasn’t even there and is quick to summit the second with only the Tarzan Rope and Rope Ladder to go. 36 seconds remain as he unhooks the rope and swings to the finish. He catches the net at the top not unlike how Wakky failed to do so. He clampers his way to the top and hits the buzzer with a strong 17.34 seconds, the 2nd fastest time of the day!
R: “Mr. Kasemir you made it!”
P: “Yes I did.”
R: “Was there anywhere you felt uncomfortable?”
P: “I was a little worried about the Spin Bridge, but I knew as long as I kept my foot placement right I would beat it.”
R: “And you did, well done!”
Paul watched as his cohort David Campbell took to the start line. He practiced his breathing exercises and got into the zone.
H: “The Final Stage looms over our competitors, awaiting its next victim. Will our next competitor be able to tame the savage beast? To do so he must first complete the First Stage! He is a three time veteran! David Campbell, Age 35! His fellow American Kasemir has shown him the way! Last time he came within inches of completing the Ultimate Cliffhanger!”
Campbell glides past the Godantobi and having practiced the Rolling Escargot at home he rolls easily to the bottom, avoiding the stalls that have plagued many today. Approaching the Spin Bridge he remembered his failure in ANW 4 and did not want a repeat of such.
Taking his usual breaths he rushes across each sphere and with near perfect foot placement he is across and runs right into the Jump Hang Kai, opting to travel across the right net. He quickly decimates the obstacle, and approaches the Ni Ren Soritatsu Kabe! With no hesitation he scales the first wall and breathes before the second. He runs up and easily catches the top! With 56 seconds to go he is once more on pace to capture the top time. The current fastest time is set by Yuuji Urushihara at 21.37 seconds! Ascending the bothersome cargo net, he reaches the top and enthusiastically hits the red button with an insane 38.79 seconds left. He had passed the top time by almost 20 seconds!
The crowd cheers him on, as does Paul and his fellow competitors. Akiyama watches from the start line and smiles at the camera. “He was really fast!” The crab fisherman noted.
“So fast!” Added Shingo.
R: “Mr. Campbell! You were so fast!”
D: “Yeah, speed isn’t really my endgame, but when I get into the zone I become ferocious.”
R: “Do you think you can win it all this time?”
D: “I think it’s possible, but this course does have some new areas and it all depends if I can get past them.”
Nagano was interviewed. “He’s truly incredible. Kasemir too. I think they were a good pick to send to SASUKE.”
Kasemir and Campbell would be the last two competitors to clear the First Stage, bringing the total to seven. They were then present to witness the tragic final run of the SASUKE All-Stars as Akiyama and Yamamoto failed the Spin Bridge, Takeda failed the Rolling Escargot, and Yamada and Nagano would be finished by the walls. The stage ends on a somber note, little did the Americans know this would not be the last attack of the All-Stars.
The Second Stage awaited with six brand new obstacles lying in wait for the seven survivors.
Kasemir: “It looks like there’s a few things that have changed.”
Campbell: “My only concern is the swimming pool, I feel like that is an unusual change as it’s the opposite of what SASUKE expects from us and I feel that may throw me off.”
The two Americans would bear witness to the new obstacles as decathlete Koki Someya was swiftly erased by the new Swap Salmon Ladder while Matachi had timed out on the new Passing Wall. On the bright side the rest of the stars Asa, Urushihara and Kanno all passed despite being slowed by the Backstream.
Kasemir took to the platform.
H: “Five have run and two have fallen victim to the Second Stage! Two Americans remain to face the beast! Will they join our three survivors? Up next is a two time Third Stage competitor, Paul Kasemir!”
He mounts the Cross Slider and begins his journey! Although not used to the obstacle he makes it down successfully and starts on the Swap Salmon Ladder. One jump! The rungs extend! He turns around and repeats these motions in a swift and natural flow. The new Swap Salmon Ladder possesses no problems for Kasemir! The shorter Unstable Bridge does not either as he quickly defeats that and charges into the Spider Walk. He is not slowed by this long-standing obstacle and faces the Backstream. Taking a moment to catch his breath he casts out and reaches the end of the pool with time to spare.
On the Passing Wall he tore through the three walls, not even paying them any mind and he hits the button with 33.58 seconds left. The new Second Stage was no match for Kasemir!
Campbell lays applause while Kasemir dries off.
R: “Kasemir-san! You made it!”
P: “I knew as long as I got the pool, I would be okay.”
H: “And now he arises, the last competitor to attempt the Second Stage today! Four have cleared including Kasemir before him! He has been a speed machine and quite possibly the closest American to Kanzenseiha. Please once again welcome Artist and Musician, David Campbell!
Campbell places his arms on the Cross Slider and lifts off! He slides his way down and goes directly into the Swap Salmon Ladder! Much like the Flying Bar he navigates each jump smoothly and directly goes into the Unstable Bridge! He lights up the Spider Walk, not wasting any time he sizes up the Backstream! He was uncertain about this one, but he sets off and despite his doubts he manages to reach the end of the pool and secures his grip on the first Passing Wall. He lifts it, followed by splitting apart the second and easily lifts the third, finishing with 37.10 seconds! He pumps his fists in triumph as he is our final clear, bringing the amount of Stage Three attempts to five!
Stage 3
Having witnessed the wrath of the Crazy Cliffhanger take out Asa and Urushihara followed by Kanno and with him the hopes of Japan, the two Americans remaining discussed how they were gonna approach this obstacle. Kasemir took to the starting line.
H: “With each renewal comes a greater challenge, this challenge having eliminated all Japanese competitors. But our friends from the west arise to avenge their fallen friends. Next to the stage, a software engineer and rock climber, Paul Kasemir!”
Kasemir gripped the Rumbling Dice and spun the box as quickly as he could, each movement fluid with his hand placement. He made quick work of the obstacle and gazed upon the Iron Paddler that stalled the previous three competitors. He too began struggling, the bar was harder to move than he realized. Grimacing, Kasemir pressed on, flailing about. Despite pumping as hard as he could he could not move the bar very fast. As he inched towards the end he began moving slower and slower. At about two-thirds he stopped completely and did not have the energy to go much further. Shaking his head, he eventually lowered himself, knowing full well he had given it his all and dropped into the water.
Campbell dropped his head, knowing now the entire tournament rested on him.
Replay
H: “Kasemir had seen our previous three competitors struggle, perhaps it got to him as well. Despite getting to the Third Stage for the third time, he lost the fight against the Iron Paddler. This simple obstacle may look easy enough, but once Kasemir lost his center of gravity, it was all over.
R: “Mr. Kasemir, what happened?”
P: “Well once I started slowing, I knew I wasn’t gonna be able to beat it. I just couldn’t quite figure it out and then I guess I hit my limit.”
D: “This is my third time facing Stage 3, but my first as the last man running. I can feel the pressure, but I’m gonna give it all I have and hopefully I can carry everyone to Stage 4.”
H: “Midoriyama waits for no man, shows no mercy, and accepts no substitutes! Every year they come and the wheat and the chaff see the difference between them! Our last competitor and American steps up to the plate. He has faced this stage twice in the past! Please welcome, artist and musician David Campbell!”
The audience cheered for Campbell, giving him all the encouragement they could.
“In 2011 New Years and 2011 Fall, he fell victim to the menacing Ultimate Cliffhanger, now having evolved into the Crazy Cliffhanger. The fight has only gotten harder!”
Campbell grasped the Rumbling Dice and ferociously rolled the box to the end of the track, like Kasemir he wanted to get this menacing obstacle out of the way. Getting to the end he dismounted, beating the obstacle in a brisk 20 seconds. The Iron Paddler awaited him and it had just taken out Kasemir before him. Having gotten to watch he formulated a strategy, bending his arms and leaning forward he pumped across slowly, but easily. He was moving the fastest of anyone that night, he did not intend to let this pesky freshman obstacle end his night! Although he too began to slow he eventually made it to the end mat and dismounted. The obstacle took a little more to beat than he anticipated, but he was past it.
Next he faced the Crazy Cliffhanger, it having eliminated three out of the last four competitors. He had been training hard on the Cliffhanger, but he had never faced one like this. Nonetheless, he set off. He fluidly scurried across the first three ledges and was in position for the jump. Looking back he built his momentum and even moved his hand to get at a better angle.
With one last swing he jumped and– no! He could not hold onto the last ledge. He had gotten both hands in place, but he could not maintain his grip!
Campbell stared at the ledge, wondering what went wrong on that last jump. With that the tournament was over and everyone congratulated Campbell for his effort. Likewise, Campbell bowed to the crowd, knowing he had given it his all.
R: “You were so close Mr. Campbell!”
D: “When I had made that jump, I was certain I had it. But then, my weight pulled me down and I just didn’t have myself in the right position. Then I slipped and got a little wet.”
R: “Was the new Cliffhanger what you expected?”
D: “It was hard, I think it was a worthy successor and now that it’s here I know I need to train harder.”
R: “Would you like to come back again?”
D: “I will come back every year you invite me, SASUKE is a lot of fun and it pushes you to your limit.”
And with that, the tournament ended with no one reaching the Final Stage.
I'm still on the fence if I should've added Derek Nakamoto as he has no history with SASUKE, but he came in joint 2nd with Paul. However I wanted to keep it at 2 as was the tournament (though I may do one of these for him if it fits).
#94: Paul Kasemir
#95: David Campbell
P: “I’ve been training hard and it’s good to get another attempt at SASUKE, but it’s been a long time so I hope I can keep up the momentum.”
H: “SASUKE has been reborn from the ashes and with it a new field of athletes. Our next contestant braving the #94 bib has reached the Third Stage on two previous attempts. He’s an American Software Engineer, Paul Kasemir, age 27!”
Running in the 90s Paul has restored hope watching the newly appointed Shin Sedai members Ryo, Kanno and champion Urushihara clear. Five total have done so, can Paul be the sixth?
He starts off and hits each of the steps on the Godantobi with ease and mounts the dreaded Rolling Escargot. Slowly he turns the wheel down with each rotation threatening to take him off, but he rides it out and clears. Facing the Spin Bridge he acknowledges it looks more dangerous than last time! Thankfully with some well placed footing he completes the obstacle and runs right into the Jump Hang Kai!
He is the first and only competitor this tournament to choose the left net, he takes a little extra time here, but clears and has reached the Ni Ren Soritatsu Kabe with 56 seconds! Paul is looking strong, over the first Warped Wall as if it wasn’t even there and is quick to summit the second with only the Tarzan Rope and Rope Ladder to go. 36 seconds remain as he unhooks the rope and swings to the finish. He catches the net at the top not unlike how Wakky failed to do so. He clampers his way to the top and hits the buzzer with a strong 17.34 seconds, the 2nd fastest time of the day!
R: “Mr. Kasemir you made it!”
P: “Yes I did.”
R: “Was there anywhere you felt uncomfortable?”
P: “I was a little worried about the Spin Bridge, but I knew as long as I kept my foot placement right I would beat it.”
R: “And you did, well done!”
Paul watched as his cohort David Campbell took to the start line. He practiced his breathing exercises and got into the zone.
H: “The Final Stage looms over our competitors, awaiting its next victim. Will our next competitor be able to tame the savage beast? To do so he must first complete the First Stage! He is a three time veteran! David Campbell, Age 35! His fellow American Kasemir has shown him the way! Last time he came within inches of completing the Ultimate Cliffhanger!”
Campbell glides past the Godantobi and having practiced the Rolling Escargot at home he rolls easily to the bottom, avoiding the stalls that have plagued many today. Approaching the Spin Bridge he remembered his failure in ANW 4 and did not want a repeat of such.
Taking his usual breaths he rushes across each sphere and with near perfect foot placement he is across and runs right into the Jump Hang Kai, opting to travel across the right net. He quickly decimates the obstacle, and approaches the Ni Ren Soritatsu Kabe! With no hesitation he scales the first wall and breathes before the second. He runs up and easily catches the top! With 56 seconds to go he is once more on pace to capture the top time. The current fastest time is set by Yuuji Urushihara at 21.37 seconds! Ascending the bothersome cargo net, he reaches the top and enthusiastically hits the red button with an insane 38.79 seconds left. He had passed the top time by almost 20 seconds!
The crowd cheers him on, as does Paul and his fellow competitors. Akiyama watches from the start line and smiles at the camera. “He was really fast!” The crab fisherman noted.
“So fast!” Added Shingo.
R: “Mr. Campbell! You were so fast!”
D: “Yeah, speed isn’t really my endgame, but when I get into the zone I become ferocious.”
R: “Do you think you can win it all this time?”
D: “I think it’s possible, but this course does have some new areas and it all depends if I can get past them.”
Nagano was interviewed. “He’s truly incredible. Kasemir too. I think they were a good pick to send to SASUKE.”
Kasemir and Campbell would be the last two competitors to clear the First Stage, bringing the total to seven. They were then present to witness the tragic final run of the SASUKE All-Stars as Akiyama and Yamamoto failed the Spin Bridge, Takeda failed the Rolling Escargot, and Yamada and Nagano would be finished by the walls. The stage ends on a somber note, little did the Americans know this would not be the last attack of the All-Stars.
The Second Stage awaited with six brand new obstacles lying in wait for the seven survivors.
Kasemir: “It looks like there’s a few things that have changed.”
Campbell: “My only concern is the swimming pool, I feel like that is an unusual change as it’s the opposite of what SASUKE expects from us and I feel that may throw me off.”
The two Americans would bear witness to the new obstacles as decathlete Koki Someya was swiftly erased by the new Swap Salmon Ladder while Matachi had timed out on the new Passing Wall. On the bright side the rest of the stars Asa, Urushihara and Kanno all passed despite being slowed by the Backstream.
Kasemir took to the platform.
H: “Five have run and two have fallen victim to the Second Stage! Two Americans remain to face the beast! Will they join our three survivors? Up next is a two time Third Stage competitor, Paul Kasemir!”
He mounts the Cross Slider and begins his journey! Although not used to the obstacle he makes it down successfully and starts on the Swap Salmon Ladder. One jump! The rungs extend! He turns around and repeats these motions in a swift and natural flow. The new Swap Salmon Ladder possesses no problems for Kasemir! The shorter Unstable Bridge does not either as he quickly defeats that and charges into the Spider Walk. He is not slowed by this long-standing obstacle and faces the Backstream. Taking a moment to catch his breath he casts out and reaches the end of the pool with time to spare.
On the Passing Wall he tore through the three walls, not even paying them any mind and he hits the button with 33.58 seconds left. The new Second Stage was no match for Kasemir!
Campbell lays applause while Kasemir dries off.
R: “Kasemir-san! You made it!”
P: “I knew as long as I got the pool, I would be okay.”
H: “And now he arises, the last competitor to attempt the Second Stage today! Four have cleared including Kasemir before him! He has been a speed machine and quite possibly the closest American to Kanzenseiha. Please once again welcome Artist and Musician, David Campbell!
Campbell places his arms on the Cross Slider and lifts off! He slides his way down and goes directly into the Swap Salmon Ladder! Much like the Flying Bar he navigates each jump smoothly and directly goes into the Unstable Bridge! He lights up the Spider Walk, not wasting any time he sizes up the Backstream! He was uncertain about this one, but he sets off and despite his doubts he manages to reach the end of the pool and secures his grip on the first Passing Wall. He lifts it, followed by splitting apart the second and easily lifts the third, finishing with 37.10 seconds! He pumps his fists in triumph as he is our final clear, bringing the amount of Stage Three attempts to five!
Stage 3
Having witnessed the wrath of the Crazy Cliffhanger take out Asa and Urushihara followed by Kanno and with him the hopes of Japan, the two Americans remaining discussed how they were gonna approach this obstacle. Kasemir took to the starting line.
H: “With each renewal comes a greater challenge, this challenge having eliminated all Japanese competitors. But our friends from the west arise to avenge their fallen friends. Next to the stage, a software engineer and rock climber, Paul Kasemir!”
Kasemir gripped the Rumbling Dice and spun the box as quickly as he could, each movement fluid with his hand placement. He made quick work of the obstacle and gazed upon the Iron Paddler that stalled the previous three competitors. He too began struggling, the bar was harder to move than he realized. Grimacing, Kasemir pressed on, flailing about. Despite pumping as hard as he could he could not move the bar very fast. As he inched towards the end he began moving slower and slower. At about two-thirds he stopped completely and did not have the energy to go much further. Shaking his head, he eventually lowered himself, knowing full well he had given it his all and dropped into the water.
Campbell dropped his head, knowing now the entire tournament rested on him.
Replay
H: “Kasemir had seen our previous three competitors struggle, perhaps it got to him as well. Despite getting to the Third Stage for the third time, he lost the fight against the Iron Paddler. This simple obstacle may look easy enough, but once Kasemir lost his center of gravity, it was all over.
R: “Mr. Kasemir, what happened?”
P: “Well once I started slowing, I knew I wasn’t gonna be able to beat it. I just couldn’t quite figure it out and then I guess I hit my limit.”
D: “This is my third time facing Stage 3, but my first as the last man running. I can feel the pressure, but I’m gonna give it all I have and hopefully I can carry everyone to Stage 4.”
H: “Midoriyama waits for no man, shows no mercy, and accepts no substitutes! Every year they come and the wheat and the chaff see the difference between them! Our last competitor and American steps up to the plate. He has faced this stage twice in the past! Please welcome, artist and musician David Campbell!”
The audience cheered for Campbell, giving him all the encouragement they could.
“In 2011 New Years and 2011 Fall, he fell victim to the menacing Ultimate Cliffhanger, now having evolved into the Crazy Cliffhanger. The fight has only gotten harder!”
Campbell grasped the Rumbling Dice and ferociously rolled the box to the end of the track, like Kasemir he wanted to get this menacing obstacle out of the way. Getting to the end he dismounted, beating the obstacle in a brisk 20 seconds. The Iron Paddler awaited him and it had just taken out Kasemir before him. Having gotten to watch he formulated a strategy, bending his arms and leaning forward he pumped across slowly, but easily. He was moving the fastest of anyone that night, he did not intend to let this pesky freshman obstacle end his night! Although he too began to slow he eventually made it to the end mat and dismounted. The obstacle took a little more to beat than he anticipated, but he was past it.
Next he faced the Crazy Cliffhanger, it having eliminated three out of the last four competitors. He had been training hard on the Cliffhanger, but he had never faced one like this. Nonetheless, he set off. He fluidly scurried across the first three ledges and was in position for the jump. Looking back he built his momentum and even moved his hand to get at a better angle.
With one last swing he jumped and– no! He could not hold onto the last ledge. He had gotten both hands in place, but he could not maintain his grip!
Campbell stared at the ledge, wondering what went wrong on that last jump. With that the tournament was over and everyone congratulated Campbell for his effort. Likewise, Campbell bowed to the crowd, knowing he had given it his all.
R: “You were so close Mr. Campbell!”
D: “When I had made that jump, I was certain I had it. But then, my weight pulled me down and I just didn’t have myself in the right position. Then I slipped and got a little wet.”
R: “Was the new Cliffhanger what you expected?”
D: “It was hard, I think it was a worthy successor and now that it’s here I know I need to train harder.”
R: “Would you like to come back again?”
D: “I will come back every year you invite me, SASUKE is a lot of fun and it pushes you to your limit.”
And with that, the tournament ended with no one reaching the Final Stage.
