*The scene is the studio’s stage in the middle of the night. Faint drumming sounds in rhythmic patterns. A green light appears backstage.*
*into his codec* Target has been localized. Come as soon as possible, I don’t want to have to deal with this myself… What? You want me to go talk to him? You do realize my strong point is to spy on people, not to… Hrngh… Fine, but please come quickly.
*suddenly stops* I-is someone there?
It’s me, Solid Snake. I have to talk to you.
Mr. Snake! Am I being too loud?
N-No. I’m here since someone sent me to come and find you.
Huh, I was waiting for you to ask me who it was. I guess you already know.
Hrngh… I’m not very good at saying things like this but… Listen, kid, sorry about what happened during the tournament. Many battles were close, but I don’t think anybody was expecting an outcome like yours. 20 votes…
20 votes… don…
I spoke with the Great Soul; she made me hear Kat-chan’s voice, and it cheered me up a bit. She advised me to play some taiko to prepare for the next match. It should help me cheer up too, but…
Not sure I understand whatever that was about great souls and whoever this “Catt” is… Contacting your “Great Soul” was a wise… erm… tactical decision to help make you feel better, I guess.
His name is Katsu. He’s my brother, da-don.
I see. You know, I think you and Ms. Hakuko make for a good team. That American rocker with that red creature fought quite excellently, but you two put up a good fight.
I guess, don… I still think it’s not fair, don…
Well, sometimes a light goes on you at random and you alert the guards, so you have to escape and postpone your mission. Life can’t always be fair.
Hrgghh… come on now, soldier. Stay with me. You know, I’d prefer to lose by 20 votes instead of 2,000.
Why would you say that? It’s horrible! We were so close, da-*sniff*-don…
N-No, I didn’t mean it like that. Even though you lost, it was only by a tiny margin. Some other contestants were completely crushed by their opponents, but you weren’t. Goes to show that a lot of people out there are rooting for you.
Do you see what I mean? You lost, but you weren’t obliterated. You stood your ground. Frankly… that was impressive.
*sniff* T-t-thanks, da-don… But- but- but I got lazy again and I don’t even know who our next opponent will be, don…
Hrmmm… I believe Otacon told me about this opponent of yours before. His name is “Eminem Slim Marshall”. “Rap God”, or so he claims. Specializes in profanity-ridden bars and word play. Added a touch of salsa to his game recently.
Whoa! How do you know all of this?
Don’t ask me, ask Otacon.
Don-chan, there you are! I’ve been looking everywhere for you, I was so worried! Are you all right?
Oh, Hakuko-san! I’m sorry I left without telling you, da-don! I needed to talk to the Great Soul, and a bit of time off…
Mr. Snake, thank you for telling me about Don-chan’s whereabouts! You’re the best spy in the tournament, so I knew you would also be the best at finding people!
Don’t mention it. It’s the least I could do after a matchup such as your own.
Thank you! I’m pumped and ready to feel the beat again. Are you ready too, Don-chan? That was a minor setback, let’s beat the competition in the losers’ bracket! Furu?
Combo, da-don! Thank you Hakuko-san! Thank you Mr. Snake! *sniff*
Mr. Snake, I know you lost some training time to look for Don-chan… so thank you again for your help.
Don’t worry. I’ll be ready for the Doctor. He won’t see it comin’.
Good luck, Mr. Snake-don!
Snake! I’ve been wanting to talk to you ever since I saw the match’s outcome, I can’t believe you made it past Round 1 this time! What took you so long to get back to me?
Oh, it’s uh, nothing. I was just given a quick task from one of our other contestants. She wanted me to locate and… comfort her friend.
Phhft! You did what? That’s not the Snake I know!
It’s a long story. That’s not what I’m here for though, I’m curious about some other people. Do you know anything about the green rude doctor… or that taiko drum?