Match of the Millennium

The New Fighting Generation has begun releasing a third series of interviews with the prospects in the leadup to the final tournament of the season. They've been ominously titled the 'Final Interview' series. This one features Djamila! 1.) How do you feel you compare as a fighter between when you joined the NFG and now? I've gotten better because of my opponents, my sponsors, and different things happening during NFG. I followed a path. Not a rigid one, but it mostly feels like I went from A to B. 2.) How do you feel you compare as a person between when you joined the NFG and now? I grew. Especially after the rumble. I looked at myself, and I felt like I was heading toward a wall. I changed things about myself, and I feel better for it. My friends I met along the way also helped me be a better person, a better version of myself. 3.) Which fight was your favorite to take part in and why? I think it was against Chevy. Pole vs Pole. Though our styles are very different. 4.) Which fight that you weren't a part of did you find most exciting? I would say the Rumble, but I had a part in that. Genie against Buck. The fight she had against me didn't go too well. But then she managed to draw with Buck who is also a great fighter. I find it very exciting because Genie never gave up. I am proud of her. 5.) If you could change anything about your time in the NFG, what would it be and why? The bad mindset I was in before the rumble. I made many mistakes. If I could have a redo, that would be great. 6.) If you could relive any time in the NFG, what would it be and why? I want to relive the time I spent with my teammates in Metal. They know who they are. They are awesome. 7.) Which sponsor have you found most inspirational and why? Mint was the most inspirational to me. if I may say so. She has been a motherly figure who helped me push forward, and her training helped me become even better. 8.) Which of your fellow competitors have you most admired and why? Most admire. I don't know if there is a most. I admire a few for different reasons. Hawksley because he's a great fellow, you can count on him. Kenzo because he's so kind. He saved my life, and he's all around great. Ayala, because she never gives up and she packs a punch. She is a great friend. I want to mention Iris also because she's a badass magic-user. Oh and Sarah, because no matter what, she seems always cheerful. It's very inspirational. 9.) Who do you hope to stay in touch with after the contest is done? Kenzo, Iris, Hawksley, Ayala. Others, too, but the four most important. 10.) What are your plans for after the NFG? Love, strip, and fight. The rest, I don't know. I am living life as it comes. I don't plan everything for it.

The New Fighting Generation has begun releasing a third series of interviews with the prospects in the leadup to the final tournament of the season. They've been ominously titled the 'Final Interview' series. This one features Hawksley! Q1.) How do you feel you compare as a fighter between when you joined the NFG and now? A1.) When I joined this whole thing I was a reckless young brawler. As several people pointed out at the start of the contest, I had no real fighting style to speak of. A bit of boxing from my da, a bit of being a resourceful rascal from fighting on the streets and in pubs. Plus there was my inner fire or whatever you wanna call that shite. Now? I could babble on about growing and developing and all that but I reckon I've just become even more of a hard bastard. I've always been someone who refused to give up in a fight and that instinct has only increased in this contest. I've probably got better at defending myself too. I still play a dangerous game and get hit by a lot of blows as a result but I've learned how to position my body better in order to block more of them too. One of these days I might even escape without having bruises and bleeding all over the place. Although maybe that wouldn't be as much fun. Q2.) How do you feel you compare as a person between when you joined the NFG and now? A2.) Is this where I'm supposed to come over all emotional? Seriously though, I think I've grown up a bit. I admit I was a bit of a mammy's boy back in Cork. Not that I don't still adore the woman but at least I can cook for myself now. I mean I don't much but I could if I wanted to. I've also cheered the feck up. I was a broken hearted boy when I arrived in Southtown but now I feel on top of the world, so I do. As much as I love my city, I've learned that the world is a bloody big place and I don't have to stay in one tiny section of it for the rest of my days. After this, I believe I could go pretty much anywhere and do almost anything. Gawd, would you listen to me? I sound like I'm getting too big for my boots. What I really mean is I've become ambitious or something. Does that make me sound like an eejit? Maybe so but feck it. Hawksley Moore has become more ambitious. Would you ever have believed it? Q3.) Which fight was your favourite to take part in and why? A3.) The one with Bucky boy on the beach. Why? Because it just felt like a brawl with one of the lads back home but better. I was on a fecking beach in California, I'd had a shite night's sleep but I was able to pull it back and get in the zone. We pushed each other hard and I had to fight for the win right to the very last. It all went a bit fecking mental after that but the fight itself? It was a beautiful thing, so it was. Q4.) Which fight that you weren't a part of did you find most exciting? A4.) Coco and Chevy at the car lot. I mean come on now, lads. Do I need to explain why? Not that bit at the end obviously, that was all kinds of wrong but before then? I was having a grand old time. Plus I actually got to see it in person which helps. I've watched all the fights on the stream but there's nothing like being up so close you can witness the intent in a fighter's eyes or see the sweat on their skin. Q5.) If you could change anything about your time in the NFG what would it be and why? A5.) I'd have drank more beer. Nah, seriously though. I'd have probably put myself out there socially with more of the lovely lads and lasses of the New Fighting Generation. Some of them I feel I've got to know pretty well, others are still a fecking mystery to me. I kept meaning to get around to organising a lad's night out but the nearest I've got so far is me and Buck in that Scottish bar. Oh and I suppose there's been the boozing, brawling and pizza nights at Blaze. Those are a bit of a laugh. Q6.) If you could relive any time in the NFG what would it be and why? A6.) Every single blow or strike I've landed. Jesus, the buzz of it! It's like nothing else. I just get lost in myself and the moment. It doesn't matter who I'm smacking around, it could be anyone alive. It's a gawd damn gorgeous thing, so it is. Q7.) Which sponsor have you found most inspirational and why? A7.) Ah come on now. This is not an easy question to be answering. You all know I ran my mouth off before Metro City and I still ended up back on Blaze. Feck, I can't believe I'm gonna be saying this but maybe it's Zog? I hated him back in Sunshine but he's been alright of late and the lad knows how to have a good time. He's always happy to ring for pizza too. Oh and I wanna give an honourable mention to Ariastra of Thunder because she stopped my face from being fecked up after I headbutted those bombs. Q8.) Which of your fellow competitors have you most admired and why? A8.) Coco Pops when she has another wardrobe malfunction. I suppose you're talking about something deeper than that though, so I'll humour you. I'm gonna go with Ichika. She's fifteen years old and she's flown around the world with a bunch of violent nutters to follow her dreams. She handles herself better than some of us so called grown ups and I just think she's a fecking little star. Fair play to her. Q9.) Who do you hope to stay in touch with after the contest is done? A9.) Coco, Chevy, Buck, Ichika, Djamila, Kenzo, Braun, John Doe, Iris, Brian Storm. But honestly any single one of these beautiful people I've had the pleasure of sharing this journey with. Oh feck, I said the jay word. You'd be thinking I was on the ex factor or some shite. Q10.) What are your plans for after the NFG? A10.) I'm supposed to have plans? Don't be making my brain hurt now. Well I wanna go home for Christmas and see my family and friends. It'll be so lovely to see all their faces again. Then I wanna do something that lets me earn money for fighting. I know it's what I'm meant to do with my life, I'm just not sure what direction that will take yet.

The New Fighting Generation has begun releasing a third series of interviews with the prospects in the leadup to the final tournament of the season. They've been ominously titled the 'Final Interview' series. This one features Ichika! 1.) How do you feel you compare as a fighter between when you joined the NFG and now? There is no comparison, on a technical level. I understand the ebb and flow of fighting so much better now. I am much stronger, faster and tougher than I was before. More importantly, I am beginning to see how many unknowns there still are to me. When I entered the tournament, I thought I had learned all I needed to learn about the possibilities of fighting through careful study. I now understand how ignorant I was, and how many mysteries there still are to answer. 2.) How do you feel you compare as a person between when you joined the NFG and now? I was very angry, and I was desperate to seek the approval of others. Now I am much calmer, and I understand that it is my own approval of myself which must come first. Trying to be someone I am not to meet the expectations of others will only let us all down in the long run. 3.) Which fight was your favourite to take part in and why? There have been so many, it is difficult to choose just one. The Rumble was when I felt I had reached an undeniable new milestone along the Warrior's Road... but in my heart, I think my fight against Bouvier-san remains my favourite. I still find myself thinking about that fight, and the many unanswered questions I have about it. 4.) Which fight that you weren't a part of did you find most exciting? Chevy's battle with Constance Coalbridge. I find myself thinking about that a lot, too. Even if many other things have happened since then, I hope Coalbridge-san has not forgotten my promise to her. I have not. 5.) If you could change anything about your time in the NFG what would it be and why? There is nothing I would change. I do not mean this to sound like a non-answer. The journey that I have undertaken here had to be made just as it was. If I could correct the mistakes I have made, and there were many of them, I would still be the person I was when I first stepped up to battle Fadel-san. That would be a tragedy. 6.) If you could relive any time in the NFG what would it be and why? There was a training exercise where Buck, Chevy and I climbed Mount Shasta. It would not be proper for me to explain everything that occurred, but I will say that spending the night atop that mountain, laughing and shivering around the campfire... was the happiest I have ever been. 7.) Which sponsor have you found most inspirational and why? I will not be drawn to pick favourites. All of my sponsors have been incredible. I admire Ariastra-sensei's passion for her students, Peng You-sensei's wisdom, Ichijo-sensei's tactical insight, Frei's calm and Lightheart-sensei's ambition. It is my hope that I can take all of these qualities forward and honour the lessons that I have learned. 8.) Which of your fellow competitors have you most admired and why? Iris. She and I have discussed many things that I will not repeat here. I will only say that there is no other competitor I have been more excited to see reach for their potential. 9.) Who do you hope to stay in touch with after the contest is done? Everyone. Even the individuals I have not spent much time with. We are walking the Warrior's Road together, now. We are the New Fighting Generation. There is a bond that cannot be broken, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for us all. 10.) What are your plans for after the NFG? I suppose I should say that I intend to return to school, complete my studies, and pursue fighting as I can. (There is a long pause) We will see.

The New Fighting Generation has begun releasing a third series of interviews with the prospects in the leadup to the final tournament of the season. They've been ominously titled the 'Final Interview' series. This one features Chevy! 1.) How do you feel you compare as a fighter between when you joined the NFG and now? Oh, it's night and day! Before joining NFG I thought I'd be like Brian Storm, just picking people up and slamming them around and such. But when I got into fights for real, I saw that it wasn't like that. I learned how to be a better fighter and think more on my feet. And it's all thanks to the NFG for putting together such an awesome group of fighters! 2.) How do you feel you compare as a person between when you joined the NFG and now? That's a tricky one! I can say this though: with the NFG taking place in three big cities around the globe, I really had my eyes opened to inequality. We've got poor folks living down in Farmville of course but it can get to be a lot tougher for folks in big cities to get the basics for living. Life's tough -- but I'm gonna do what I can to help people out people in need. 3.) Which fight was your favourite to take part in and why? The Rumble was my favorite, hands down! I had taken some time off leading up to the Rumble, and that gave me a chance to clear my head and learn something I hadn't gotten around to before: surfing! So I really liked being able to channel that into my fight and show people what I'd learned. Plus Misirlou is a really rockin' song. 4.) Which fight that you weren't a part of did you find most exciting? I really got into the fight between Hawksley and Buck -- they're both really good friends of mine and I knew a lot about both fighters' styles. So just being in the crowd and feeling the energy for real, in a place we helped clean up thanks to Lucky Chloe, that was a really good feeling for me. 5.) If you could change anything about your time in the NFG what would it be and why? I would have had my agent Dev spot-check my email to Tom and Lou before mashing "Send." And yes, he's helping me write this and he's the best ever. I would happily give my whole bonus to him knowing that it's now in print and there are no such things as takebacks in social media. Also I definitely just told him "OK Dev that looks great" without reading any of this even though it was bright red and underlined. 6.) If you could relive any time in the NFG what would it be and why? I would want to go back and relive my fight with Tamaki. She's super cool and we were both so new to fighting. I would love to go back and revisit that fight with fresh eyes. 7.) Which sponsor have you found most inspirational and why? It's really tough to choose. I hated telling Mr Goldlewis and Mr Abigail "no" to their kind invitation, but they've proven themselves to be great inspirations for Team Frost. Team Thunder, of course, is a huge part in shaping who I've become as a fighter and I have nothing but love for all of them. But since I have to single out one person, I'd have to say Miss Ayame Ichijo. She's so quiet and cool. Spending time with her really helped me a lot on a personal level. And -- this is huge -- seeing her approach to self-improvement really lit a fire inside me. 8.) Which of your fellow competitors have you most admired and why? Team Thunder, of course! Ichika is amazing for being able to keep up with us while also balancing time with her schoolwork. Buck is the bomb for keeping a smile on his face even when the chips might be down for the moment. Junko's got fortitude to deal with just about anything and I hope the best for her. Hated R -- gosh, he works so hard keeping everyone entertained! And of course, I'd have to give props to Hawksley for staying strong, Iris for keeping me on my toes with that ice trick, and Genie for doing the best she can! 9.) Who do you hope to stay in touch with after the contest is done? Oh, that one's easy: everyone! I love everyone in the NFG, you all are the best! 10.) What are your plans for after the NFG? Gosh, that's a bit tough. I might see about helping out with food kitchens though. There's so many people out there just trying to make it through the day. It's way harder without a full tummy. I might look into Neo League, though! It looks fun!

The New Fighting Generation has begun releasing a third series of interviews with the prospects in the leadup to the final tournament of the season. They've been ominously titled the 'Final Interview' series. This one features Buck! 1.) How do you feel you compare as a fighter between when you joined the NFG and now? "I can only say I've gotten better. I was pretty much self taught before this so having the mentors has been a big help, and I've gotten some great techniques from my fellow competitors. I think everyone has gotten so much better. I've definitely learned more about my own abilities, too. I guess having to think on your feet or get punched in the face helps with that." 2.) How do you feel you compare as a person between when you joined the NFG and now? "I think I'm the same ol' Buck. More friends, more travelled, but I think I'm still me. I've always liked the me I am so I don't see any reason to go changing it. If anything, I guess I'm just a little more wise for this whole thing and maybe a little more willin' to sit back and think instead of charge in head first." 3.) Which fight was your favourite to take part in and why? "Even though I lost, I gotta say when I finally got to cross fists with Hawksley. I had been waitin' for that one. I almost had him, too." Buck holds up a hand, thumb and forefinger almost touching. "But I've enjoyed most of my fights, everyone's so different it's great." 4.) Which fight that you weren't a part of did you find most exciting? "Hawks and Chevs. I gotta say, I had been kind of waitin' for that one. You know, fire and water, and it's always good to see two friends going at each other whole hog. I think then you can really let loose and show off your skills, and they did. Sad I wasn't there in person." 5.) If you could change anything about your time in the NFG what would it be and why? "Missin' out on the first round. I mean, I'm not the latest late comer anymore, and no one treated me differently for comin' in late. But I sure wish I had been here from the start and really tak full advantage of this opportunity. Other than that, I don't regret anything." 6.) If you could relive any time in the NFG what would it be and why? "End of the Rumble. It was sort of my high. I slept for a whole day after but dang, that was just such a rush. I'd be happy to have that feelin' again." 7.) Which sponsor have you found most inspirational and why? "Sensei Peng You. He rerally gave me the most instruction early on and really helped me to figure out a few things that have helped me get through this whole tournament. I don't think I would have done nearly as well as I did without those lessons. I'd love to just train under him for a year or so and really soak it all in." 8.) Which of your fellow competitors have you most admired and why? "Hands down, Ichika. She.." Buck trails off, then shrugs. "She's a dang inspiration is what she is. One of the youngest.. maybe the youngest, I don't pay that much attention, but I wouldn't be surprised if she took this whole thing. She's so hard on herself, but I think she's probably one of the most improved out of all of us." 9.) Who do you hope to stay in touch with after the contest is done? "You want a list? Everyone." Buck stops, thinks for a moment, scrunches up his face and corrects. "Almost everyone. Not gonna single some out and make them feel bad, but.. yeah." 10.) What are your plans for after the NFG? "Well, I still want that cabin on a lake. And I still need to finish college. College is important, stay in school kids. And keep fighting in tournaments, now that my name is out there, I need to make sure people remember me."

The New Fighting Generation has begun releasing a third series of interviews with the prospects in the leadup to the final tournament of the season. They've been ominously titled the 'Final Interview' series. This one features Coco! 1.) How do you feel you compare as a fighter between when you joined the NFG and now? "Honestly, there's like, no comparison, really. I mean, let's be honest, I was always pretty good at hitting people for a novice, but I was practically wetting my knickers when I realised there was a good chance that I was going to get punched in the face. Now, look at me! I've been stabbed with a spear, cut with a katana, and whacked with a stick. And my face is totally fine! See?" *poses* 2.) How do you feel you compare as a person between when you joined the NFG and now? "Let me say, when I joined, I had absolutely no clue what I really wanted to be or do with my life. I mean, why else do you join a fighting competition for newbies? And now, I still have absolutely no clue what I really want to be or do with my life, but at least I know that whatever I choose, I can make it happen." 3.) Which fight was your favourite to take part in and why? "Let's see. I'm trying to think if there was one where my clothes didn't somehow managed to get ruined. Oh! I really liked the one where I beat Chevy. That was the one where I started caring, and it went how I wanted it to. The one where I sort of went, 'oh, I get this fighting thing.'" 4.) Which fight that you weren't a part of did you find most exciting? "Probably when Lucky fought Nixie in the final of the first tournament. I was really excited to see if Lucky could go all the way. What? Yes, I know I voted for Nixie to win, but that was just because I was narked at Hawksley for pushing me in the ocean while we were on a walk." 5.) If you could change anything about your time in the NFG what would it be and why? "Well, I suppose winning the first tournament would have been lovely, but I think losing to Hawksley inspired me to give the rest of it a bit more of a go, and it all went pretty well for me after that, didn't it? I suppose I'd rather not have been kidnapped or any of the rubbish that happened around then, but it all worked out for me quite nicely." 6.) If you could relive any time in the NFG what would it be and why? *she gets a bit of a distant look and slowly goes a bit red before composing herself and putting on a snooty air* "Oh, well, probably the bit where I showed Chevy who's boss. I relive that one pretty regularly, actually, whenever I need a bit of a lift." 7.) Which sponsor have you found most inspirational and why? "Juri, mostly. She's helped me understand myself quite a bit better, and she's a great role model for me as a strong, independent young person. Oh, and Angel, too. Her fashion sense is just so... her. I'm thinking of getting a motorcycle, actually." 8.) Which of your fellow competitors have you most admired and why? *she looks thoughtful for a moment, then folds her arms* "Well, let's say I wouldn't have such a problem with one of our competitors if I didn't think she were a bit bloody lovely when she's not being a sneaky, cheeky little bee-word. I won't name names, though. That's the question? Well, too bad." 9.) Who do you hope to stay in touch with after the contest is done? "I'd join the WhatsUpper with all of them. Maybe we could all go on a cruise together after this is all done. Definitely Genie, though. And probably Hawksley, maybe. I suppose." 10.) What are your plans for after the NFG? "I might see if I can keep training with the likes of Juri or the other sponsors and see if I can give this fighting thing a go properly. And, in the short term, there's always that cruise. We'll have to see how it all ends."

The New Fighting Generation has begun releasing a third series of interviews with the prospects in the leadup to the final tournament of the season. They've been ominously titled the 'Final Interview' series. This one features Junko! 1.) How do you feel you compare as a fighter between when you joined the NFG and now? "It is difficult to gauge one's own growth in such a short time. Honestly, I did not hold this contest in much esteem at first and did little to focus on improving my martial skill. As I was trained by the strongest fighters in my village, I assumed that my talents would prove up to the challenge. In that respect, I have been humbled. It is clear to me that I have much room for improvement left." 2.) How do you feel you compare as a person between when you joined the NFG and now? "Another difficult question to answer about oneself. Self-reflection is something that has consumed me for a very long time. There are some mistakes that cannot be undone. But, if there is anything that I have learned in my short time here, it is that hope can come from the most unexpected of places. You just have to be willing to give it a chance." 3.) Which fight was your favourite to take part in and why? "Fighting is not something that I take a great deal of pleasure from. I... understand the thrill that comes from witnessing impressive displays of skill. However, my arts were meant for destroying demons, not entertainment. In that regards, I suppose I did take particular pleasure in my fights against the two bakemono I have been pitted against. It is still staggering to me that such creatures are welcomed into society with open arms. However, the opportunity to engage these foes was most educational. I look forward to taking what I have learned and applying it to my future encounters." 4.) Which fight that you weren't a part of did you find most exciting? "Unfortunately, my blindness makes it difficult to watch the... um... re-cord-ing? Is that what they are called? So, I cannot comment on any of the other matches." *She bows deeply.* "My apologies." 5.) If you could change anything about your time in the NFG what would it be and why? "I have not been the most pleasant person since my arrival here. And there are those who I have wronged terribly. Perhaps if I had spoken to certain people sooner, that could have been avoided. I hope to try and make up for those mistakes." 6.) If you could relive any time in the NFG what would it be and why? "Ah... any time, you say? Well... it isn't related to the contest directly but..." *The girl blushes slightly and looks away.* "Chevy-san took me to a shop that sells sweets recently. A bakery, yes? It was the most heavenly experience I have had since... well, in a very long time." 7.) Which sponsor have you found most inspirational and why? "That would be Hazuki-sensei, without a doubt. It was his intervention and wisdom that showed me there might be a path forward that I had long since thought closed off. I am yet uncertain if following this road will lead me to a place of happiness but... at least I feel as if there might be a chance now. That is all I can say on this matter." 8.) Which of your fellow competitors have you most admired and why? "To be honest, I have paid little attention to the others participating in this contest until recently. But, of those who I have had the chance to meet, it is Chevy-san who has inspired me the most. She reached out to me, even after... after I did something that made me entirely unworthy of such friendship. I am still unsure what it is that she sees in me but... I hope that I can be more deserving of such consideration in the future. Both to her and the rest of my team. 9.) Who do you hope to stay in touch with after the contest is done? "I am unsure if such a thing will be possible. *Her head lowers dejectedly.* "My village is very secluded and does not welcome outside contact. Tradition dictates that we remain cut off from the outside world to protect our way of life. It is likely that I will return there when everything is over and resume my duties as future head of the clan. But, if it were possible, I would like to keep in contact with as many people as I can. Hazuki-sensei and Chevy-san, in particular." 10.) What are your plans for after the NFG? "I do not know. As I said, it is likely I will be required to return home. But, if given the chance to remain abroad..." *She shakes her head after a moment of thought.* "I am unsure. There is so much left for me to learn about the outside world. Perhaps someone from my team would have a good suggestion."

The New Fighting Generation has begun releasing a third series of interviews with the prospects in the leadup to the final tournament of the season. They've been ominously titled the 'Final Interview' series. This one features Iris! 1.) How do you feel you compare as a fighter between when you joined the NFG and now? Honestly, I think I've learned a lot, and most of it is psychological, too. I didn't start in fighting, so from the outside it always looks like 'who's best at punching,' but a lot of it is about mindset, even philosophy. There's a lot more to it than people think and the only way to learn some of it is to get your [redacted] beat a couple times! 2.) How do you feel you compare as a person between when you joined the NFG and now? I, uh. [There's a long pause in the audio] When I started this whole thing, I'd just lost the last of my living family. I went from having no expectations being put on me to having a ton of them. [Another, shorter pause] I think I did this to get away from that, really. As a lark, I guess? I halfway thought at the end I'd go 'well that was fun' and walk away. But the truth is, I might keep at it, because I learned that it's actually POSSIBLE to keep at it. That I could do that, instead of letting myself think it was just 'a lark' because deep down I didn't think I had what it takes. 3.) Which fight was your favourite to take part in and why? You know... as weird an experience as it was, I still feel like the Rumble was a weird turning point for me. Plus, well. Buck's fighting style might be horror show nightmare fuel, but looked at objectively, it IS really cool. I never did get to ask you about how all that came to be, Buck! Call me, alright? 4.) Which fight that you weren't a part of did you find most exciting? Chevy and Hawksley, for sure. Who wouldn't want to be there for the epic clash of elemental powers, right? That whole thing was wild to watch even on video. Honestly, I wish I'd made more of an attempt to be in the audience for people's matches in general. We've got some bloody budding showmen in this group, you know. 5.) If you could change anything about your time in the NFG what would it be and why? I've joked about meeting my Team Blaze teammates for the first time in the second round, but I truly wish I'd had more of a chance to get to know them, and I should have made more of an effort to reach out. Have to wonder if things might have gone down differently if I had. 6.) If you could relive any time in the NFG what would it be and why? I really do wish I could go back to round 1 knowing what I know now about fighting. Not... in a 'I'd win for sure!' way, but maybe to just... approach things differently. But that could be circular, too, you know? Maybe it's because I had a really different mindset in the first round that I was able to reach the place I got to in round 2. Changing the past sounds great on paper, but... I dunno. 7.) Which sponsor have you found most inspirational and why? I haven't really interacted with many, but I want to say a huge thank you to Mint Panesh, who really took my issues seriously and worked hard to try and find solutions that would actually help me, instead of just saying 'well you're doing it wrong.' You might not think so, Corporal, but you're a pretty good teacher. Also, uh... this isn't so much about a single sponsor, but I wanted to say thank you to Ultratech, who put... resources behind helping me that they didn't really have to. Even if we're parting ways once the NFG is over, I respect the investment in me as a person and my crazy ideas. 8.) Which of your fellow competitors have you most admired and why? I hate 'the most' because I feel like I learned a lot from everyone I met in different ways. But if I have to give an answer here, it's definitely Ichika Kasumoto. I know you're gonna hear this and get frustrated with me, Ichika, but you're very young and you've taken on so much and striven so hard. When I was your age I wasn't taking things even half as seriously as you do, even learning magic, the thing I'm ostensibly good at. That dedication really speaks volumes about you. But, uh... I hope you'll make some time to do fun teenager stuff for yourself too, at some point. 9.) Who do you hope to stay in touch with after the contest is done? I didn't get to meet everyone, but definitely my teammates on Team Metal. Ichika, Hawksley, Coco, Chevy, Buck, Genie, Tamaki... really, anyone who wants to keep in touch. I'm easy to find, and... well, who knows when it might come in handy to know a wizard, right? 10.) What are your plans for after the NFG? Well, I still have every intention to make the Osterlund Anything Agency a thing, but I think first I just... [She heaves a heavy sigh] I need to go home. I dove right into the NFG instead of handling some things in life and I don't think I can move forward until I really sort that stuff out. But I think I'd like to keep going, as a fighter. See what I can do. Who knows, maybe in a few years or so I'll be playing mentor to some fresh-faced NFG person!

The New Fighting Generation has begun releasing a third series of interviews with the prospects in the leadup to the final tournament of the season. They've been ominously titled the 'Final Interview' series. This one features Braun! 1.) How do you feel you compare as a fighter between when you joined the NFG and now? I gotten a lot stronger. Faster. Tougher. Better. No question I been seein' results. Got a long ways to go but this tourney's been doing the job... 2.) How do you feel you compare as a person between when you joined the NFG and now? Heh.. Hmmm...that's a good one. I guess....maybe...I'm more tolerant of people. I'm not exactly somebody that goes around tryin' to hug it out or something but bein' on a team, meeting folk from other teams... It was fun. Yeah...it was fun. 3.) Which fight was your favourite to take part in and why? Mm that's a tough one. They were all really intense and wild which is what I wanted but... Kenzo. Yeah. The fight with Kenzo. That was back and forth from start to finish with mutual respect from both o'us. I took the loss there by a wire but it was close and every blow that landed was earned. Mad props t'the guy. That was a good one. 4.) Which fight that you weren't a part of did you find most exciting? Man these questions are hard. I dunno man. They were all pretty oustandain'. I gotta give props where it's due. I guess, since you got me on the spot and all, the two things that come to mind was missin' The Rumble and that, really, just feeds into missin' out on the first half of this thing period. But if I had to really narrow it down, that last match between Hawksley and Chevy was just incredibly fun from start t'finish. 5.) If you could change anything about your time in the NFG what would it be and why? Eh, just that I wish I hada gotten here sooner. I feel like comin' in as a newcomer...you start off just a little unbalanced which, y'know, makes sense. The others have the experience on their plate you don't and I guess shared experiences and history matters. But that's about it. No complaints. 6.) If you could relive any time in the NFG what would it be and why? Y'know,...not that I'm softenin' up or something but....bein' on a team, rivalries with other teams....just sorta hangin' out and eatin' and drinkin'. Those are kinda....whaddya call it..memory makin' moments yeah? Maybe the sorta thing you don't wanna forget and want to hold on to or to do it over again. Yeah. That'd be nice... 7.) Which sponsor have you found most inspirational and why? Team Blaze's sponsors were beasts. Scary stuff but funny cause it was scary in a sort of 'inspirationa' way. They wanted you to suceed even if it meant poundin' you into the ground likg a tent peg to do that. Can't single any one o'them out cause for me they all brought different things to the table that worked for me. 8.) Which of your fellow competitors have you most admired and why? -Another- tough one....man. I dunno, I got mad respect for Kenzo, Djamila, Chevy....hell..Buford's kinda inspirational in his own way. Looks like he should be sittin' in some basement with a headset on but somehow he's got swordskills like that? Th'hell am I hittin' the gym for--but--I guess if I -had- to pick someone I'd pick out Hawksley. I remember seeing footage of him trainin' with Zog and he just wouldn't lay down. Had heart and had fire and a good spirit on top o'that. That's more then I can say for a lot of folk. Good stuff...good stuff. 9.) Who do you hope to stay in touch with after the contest is done? Heeey...as many o'them as want to stay in touch with me. I'll even give that crazy firestarter a chance if she's cooled down a bit. 10.) What are your plans for after the NFG? Heh, this show is just gettin' started. I ain't got no plans but to keep doin' what I'm doin' to get stronger and if NFG is endin' then it's on to the next thing to make that happen. I got a goal to hit and people I need to prove somethin' to, including myself. So it aint over by a long shot. It aint over.

The New Fighting Generation has begun releasing a third series of interviews with the prospects in the leadup to the final tournament of the season. They've been ominously titled the 'Final Interview' series. This one features Kenzo! 1.) How do you feel you compare as a fighter between when you joined the NFG and now? I was a pretty good fighter on a technical level but the NFG forced me to acknowledge that at times, I need more than just a technical grounding to be a successful fighter. 2.) How do you feel you compare as a person between when you joined the NFG and now? While I suppose it applies to me as a fighter, it also applies to me as a person as well. I became someone more apt to create opportunities rather than waiting for them. 3.) Which fight was your favourite to take part in and why? It's difficult to choose between the one against Buck and the one against Braun. With the variety of changes Buck could make to himself, it felt like I was fighting several different people. In the case of Braun, it was a back and forth affair that forced me to be at my best. The deciding factor would be that the Braun one is the one that I won. 4.) Which fight that you weren't a part of did you find most exciting? The Ichika vs. Nixie fight. You would be hard pressed to find a better example of a fight where it is as much a battle of wits as a battle of skill. 5.) If you could change anything about your time in the NFG what would it be and why? How I reacted to Harland Adrian attacking me in the middle of my fight. I had came in prepared to fight a single opponent and ended up fighting three. Inazuma, Harland, and myself. I'd like to think that I'd handle it differently but I don't know. I'm also pretty sure Harland would like to change what happened that day too for a couple of different reasons. 6.) If you could relive any time in the NFG what would it be and why? After the fight with Buck where he became the one man puppy filter when he was taking pics. 7.) Which sponsor have you found most inspirational and why? Mint. Between her skill as a maker and her skill as a fighter, she is a large part of the reason I've improved so much, so quickly. That being said, Zel is an excellent teacher as well. 8.) Which of your fellow competitors have you most admired and why? Iris. She's achieved things others would be hard pressed to duplicate. No. I'm not saying. 9.) Who do you hope to stay in touch with after the contest is done? Almost anyone from the season who wants to stay in touch but Djamila, hands down, is the one I want to stay in contact with the most. We've seen each other's ups and downs and helped each other become better people. Iris is a cool person and I'm really glad I had a chance to meet her. Hawksley, Ayala and Buck are cool people and I wouldn't mind getting a drink with them when I can legally drink. Chevy is also an awesome person to talk to and it's a shame that I haven't had as much of an opportunity to talk with Ichika as I would have liked. Ichika 2 - NEET 0. 10.) What are your plans for after the NFG? I still have to finish my education at Southtown University but I wouldn't be opposed to getting in some Neo League fights in between classes. If there's a King of Fighters on the horizon, I'd be interested in participating.

The New Fighting Generation has begun releasing a third series of interviews with the prospects in the leadup to the final tournament of the season. They've been ominously titled the 'Final Interview' series. This one features Sarah! 1.) How do you feel you compare as a fighter between when you joined the NFG and now? When I first joined, I felt I was pretty confident in my skills, but now that I've had some time to take part, I've come to realize that I'm even more skilled than I first imagined. 2.) How do you feel you compare as a person between when you joined the NFG and now? At the time, I was uncertain about if I could do well, but after a few matches, I've come to learn that I can truly achieve anything if I put my mind to it! 3.) Which fight was your favourite to take part in and why? The one where I was taking on an opponent in a nightclub. That felt like some kind of irony given my background as a DJ. *giggles* 4.) Which fight that you weren't a part of did you find most exciting? I'm not sure, honestly. 5.) If you could change anything about your time in the NFG what would it be and why? Honestly, I've enjoyed every moment of it. If I could though, I'd like to change what happened at the nightclub so I came out on top. *shrugs* 6.) If you could relive any time in the NFG what would it be and why? Definitely the one at the nightclub, albeit doing my job as a disk jockey so I can get two types of entertainment for the price of one! *giggles again* 7.) Which sponsor have you found most inspirational and why? They've each had their own unique methods of inspiring me. I can't pick just one. 8.) Which of your fellow competitors have you most admired and why? *grins* Is that multiple choice? *she laughs* I'd have to say each and every one of them as they've each brought something unique to each battle, and the variety of techniques I've had to work with have taught me how to adapt to any situation. 9.) Who do you hope to stay in touch with after the contest is done? Djamila and Chevy are a couple of fighters, but honestly I'd like to keep in touch with as many of them as I can. 10.) What are your plans for after the NFG? To continue improving my fighting skills in whatever battles come my way. That's not to say I'm giving up on being a disk jockey. *she tips the visor of her baseball cap briefly before looking up and smiling again* Whether I'm DJ Supernova or just Sarah, I'll always find new motivation to keep going! *she gives a thumbs up and winks*

The New Fighting Generation has begun releasing a third series of interviews with the prospects in the leadup to the final tournament of the season. They've been ominously titled the 'Final Interview' series. This one features Zarine! 1.) How do you feel you compare as a fighter between when you joined the NFG and now? I do not believe I have changed overmuch. I, unlike most of the rest of the competition, have merely had three fights, and I have not, in my opinion, grown my power much, if at all. 2.) How do you feel you compare as a person between when you joined the NFG and now? This ... This question is interesting. I am a vampire. I do not age. Time does not move for me in the same way that it does for those who still breathe. This event has been, to me, as hours are to you. That said, I have experienced the strength of humans. It has been ... an ego check. 3.) Which fight was your favourite to take part in and why? My battle with Miss Beaumont. Closely followed by my bout with Miss Laurel. While the latter was var more viscerally satisfying, my fight with Miss Beaumont was enlightening. She is incredibly skilled and I will watch her further exploits with interest. 4.) Which fight that you weren't a part of did you find most exciting? Almost every fight I have witnessed has been an impressive display. That said, for raw entertainment value, because I am nothing if not a petty creature, the fight between Miss Bouvier and Miss Colebridge was quite a fun watch. 5.) If you could change anything about your time in the NFG what would it be and why? I would have started earlier. 6.) If you could relive any time in the NFG what would it be and why? I'm afraid I do not have a sastisfactory answer to this question. My time was brief. 7.) Which sponsor have you found most inspirational and why? Miss Angel. If only as a further demonstration of now -not- to wield one's femininity and physical allure as a weapon. 8.) Which of your fellow competitors have you most admired and why? Master Braun is unabashedly who he is. He has no care of the opinions of others, does as he pleases and lives the life he wishes to live. He would make a fine vampire. 9.) Who do you hope to stay in touch with after the contest is done? I ... 10.) What are your plans for after the NFG? I wish to continue developing my powers. Perhaps someday I will attempt to retake my ancestral home back. Perhaps I will simply make FightTube videos doing fashion and etiquette critiques.

The New Fighting Generation has begun releasing a third series of interviews with the prospects in the leadup to the final tournament of the season. They've been ominously titled the 'Final Interview' series. This one features Buford! 1.) How do you feel you compare as a fighter between when you joined the NFG and now? I remembered when I was just a young and idealistic ronin, a street samurai from the grizzled streets of the West Edmonton Mall. When I had joined the NFG, I had hoped to be trained by a master swordsman, and attracted the attention of a white haired maiden of bare feet. Now, I can rest assured that my beliefs are validated. I am very much my own man still, still independent despite my training. I am such a powerful swordsman, I can quickly and easily defeat the strongest men. And thanks to my experience with the unfairer sex, I am confident that I can cut down both men and women, and everything inside and outside that. And this path is solely mine, and mine alone, without depending on anybody else to do so. I will not need any maidens to nurture and support me. And what more, any maidens that wish to do so now, will have to -earn- my attention, rather than getting it freely from their sensei senpai. 2.) How do you feel you compare as a person between when you joined the NFG and now? When I first began my journey, I could be considered to be somewhat simpathetic to women, and would often give undeserved respect even to the crudest and rudest child, if she were to be a she. In a way, I would imagine them not unlike my own mother. A figure I had long respected, as she had taken care of me for so long, even as the men in my life had made things so hard. Now, with my enhanced rationality, as well as the guidance of the noble and wise Abigail, I've realized my mistake. It's not the men in my life who are making things impossible for me. It's the women! It's my (who I now loath to call the Matriarch of my family clan) mother who has failed me! Why, even my step-father shouldn't even be held accountable when it's my mother who manipulates and toys with him, forcing him to throw me out while. I am pleased to tell you that as I make my victorious exit out of NFG, it will be as a brave new Buford who slay queens instead of submit to them! If I refuse to hold back against women, then I will truly achieve my perfection as a samurai. The old Buford wouldn't be heading back to punish his mother for treating him like a child. Because I'm not a child! I'm a man! And deserve to be treated as a man! We'll see who is the master of the household, when I punish my mother! I will take back my sculpted pvc figurines, forcing her to be without a sizable retirement investment of collectables! And then, to truly make her suffer, I will force her to realize that I will be living in my -own- place with my Mad Gear friends! Oh, how she will weep when she realizes her beloved baby Boof-Boof has become a man, and has finally abandoned her to live home alone with her new husband! 3.) Which fight was your favourite to take part in and why? Many of my most favorite fights have been tainted by the presence of my female opponents. The Star Wars match, the battle with Tamaki, why even the surprise trial with Ichika, where we demonstrated our swordsmanship. And the rematch, with the free for all. But no, no, those all are poisoned! Thus, I must default to my showdown with Brian Storm of course. Despite his American Handicap, he is the real kind man I aspire to be. Plus, our fight was a turning point n my life, when I truly recognized how important Abigail and Mad Gear was to me! Braun is good too but he's not a real man obviously, with his furry characteristics, though I appreciate his rather affectionate manner, not unlike Kenzo with me. Men make the best tsunderes, after all. 4.) Which fight that you weren't a part of did you find most exciting? Having religio- rationalistically followed every fight to the closest intimidate details, and followed up on analysis from some of the greatest minds in the FightTube community, . As such, it's no contest that the most exciting fight was between Nixie and Ayala, the gobbo versus the cave woman. I had almost expected one of them to eat the other, based on the analysis between each of them in a fight. Could you just imagine how exciting that would have been? And certainly, as it is between two women, it can be nothing else but a matter of entertainment. 5.) If you could change anything about your time in the NFG what would it be and why? I would have not wasted so much time being a fine and respectful gentleman to those women who did not deserve my time. Ungrateful harpies! I would have treated them as I would treat any other man! Oh, imagine how they would feel, having to experience the -real- Buford instead of the polite and boyishly charming ronin! I would have won every fight along the way against those shrews! Ichika wouldn't be belittling me in every one of her childish audio blogs, but apologizing! Apologizing for how such a stupid child she is! Instead of obsessing and projecting on to me, as I live rent free in her head! As I live rent free in the head of every one of those witches! Including the witch! 6.) If you could relive any time in the NFG what would it be and why? I would relive the time at the party, at the Southtown Hotel. And I would be just like Abigail! I would command respect from the room! I wouldn't be forced into being a shy and pathetic loser, a dorky wallflower! I would be the Alpha! I would be the Sigma! The top guy that everyone would respect, just like Abigail! Could you imagine them being afraid to approach me, yet blushing and overwhelmed when I approached them? I would be the center of attention, not him, and Abigail would only feel even more proud of me! In fact, I plan on reliving that time again and again, with my new private Hitscord server. I have set up some artificial intelligences that brilliantly and accurately simulate the fighters in the NFG, and have trained them to perfectly act out just like their counterparts. I can relive any part of the NFG I want, and exactly to the terms I want! And I won't have to deal with mistakes, other people's mistakes, ruining my enjoyment and growth. 7.) Which sponsor have you found most inspirational and why? Obviously, it is Abigail. He has taught me the right way to be a man, and the right way for women to respect you. He is the one who set me back on the path of NFG, when I wanted to give up and quit. He's the one who stopped me from going back and being mother's docile little pet, who slaves at a worthless retail job, instead of following my dreams! He's the one who fixed my sword when it was sundered in my match with Brian Storm, reforging and repairing Suchimusodo to vape more powerfully than ever! And what more was his Mad Gear allies. He is the one who had me meet Katana, the master samurai of Metro City, who took a break from his trucking side job to personally train me in the art of the blade! And how could I forget when Roxy sacrificed her personal neck massager as a key component for the vibro-blade feature of Suchimusodo. She showed me that a real woman is humble around a real man, and is willing to sacrifice anything for him, instead of him sacrificing for her! Abigail has given so much to me, and he deserves to get the same from me. Why, he's practically a father to me! And a good son must show himself to be a man worthy of attention and praise to his father! As such, I will prove myself to be the greatest of all the Mad Gear! 8.) Which of your fellow competitors have you most admired and why? Admiring the other competitors? Well you can skip all those women, like Chevy, Tamaki, Ichika, the worst of all Djamila! She hardly even considered how I imagined our date would have gone while waiting for her, especially after our, well, fight afterwards. As my mother had a long career in the field of dancing, I had hoped that I could appreciate our match together! But it was ruined by her manipulations, a feature that I am now aware of all women! Their false kindness has been a poison to my soul. Thus, I most admire the men I have experienced. I would have to be Braun, because Braun truly respected me! Real men respect me, which is the only thing that should matter. Also Hated R, for helping me get my Rapping Ronin career launched. I regret calling him MC-17, when clearly, he was someone to be supported rather than destroyed. I've contacted some of Hated R's friends, we're buddies now. I'm hoping to release my first album soon, once we get a sound studio. Real Men have already learned to appreciate my cultured executions, both with my sick poetry as well as my lethal bladework. 9.) Who do you hope to stay in touch with after the contest is done? Abigail, of course. I don't care about all those other fighters. Why should I, since they don't care about me! Besides, I've very clearly surpassed all the other fighters in my personal journey to perfection. They are all distractions from my own personal journey to perfection into the fighting form. Nobody becomes stronger by gossiping or talking about feelings. You become stronger by fighting! You don't need friends who are rivals. I have found my best friends in Mad Gear. And they respect me for my strength, not because of my personality or my social skills or my hygiene. That's the way of a real warrior. 10.) What are your plans for after the NFG? I plan on staying in Metro City. They have malls here, and unlike Edmonton, they are much more liberal with both open carry weapons and sampling nature's bounty from trash cans. Of course, those who belittled me sorry should be making plans too. On how they should best fall to their knees in apologies to me, especially after my Mad Gear friends hear about how badly treated I've been! Especially because I am pleased to announce that I am no longer single. I acquired a real girlfriend now, who has fully confessed, and I have finally deemed worthy to act as someone committed to me! She's from Europe, and we have our own private Hitscord server to commemorate our union. Unlike some girls, she respects a real samurai, who can write his own lyrics, who can rap, and if you work really hard, you will -earn- my affection instead of having it tossed freely like loose change. As to protect her identity, I won't share her name, but needless to say, if you saw what she looks like, you'd be amazed at her personality. My own place, my own girlfriend, and my own city, I've truly benefited the most from the NFG!

The New Fighting Generation has begun releasing a third series of interviews with the prospects in the leadup to the final tournament of the season. They've been ominously titled the 'Final Interview' series. This one features Ayala! 1.) How do you feel you compare as a fighter between when you joined the NFG and now? "Ayala was not very skilled when she first started out in NFG. She has trained and learned a lot, and met a lot of new people and opponents she has learned from. She thinks she can take on anyone now!" 2.) How do you feel you compare as a person between when you joined the NFG and now? "Ayala didn't know too much about the rest of the world when she joined NFG--she had only been in South America before, and was only concerned about protecting tribe. Learned there's a lot more out there, and so much she didn't know. Also made many more friends! Never thought she'd miss tribe homeland less..." 3.) Which fight was your favourite to take part in and why? "John Doe. Fighting him was real test of Ayala's strength and endurance, after Ayala fought him in Rumble, she was not sure she could do it. Did not win, but turned out okay for Ayala." 4.) Which fight that you weren't a part of did you find most exciting? "Genie vs Djamila! Ayala not even sure what happened there, she wonder if JD bit Djamila, or something--because she just did not stop." 5.) If you could change anything about your time in the NFG what would it be and why? "Ayala wishes she got her stuff together sooner and started training harder before she entered, and during her time there. Also would have tried to meet more people, and try to learn more different fighting styles." 6.) If you could relive any time in the NFG what would it be and why? "Ayala try to live in moment, but--diving to avoid glass from Nixie's potion bomb was very exciting! Also when I finally got my hands on her." 7.) Which sponsor have you found most inspirational and why? "Ayala thought Juri and Abigail were pretty helpful, both in trying to keep us training but also talking to us and trying to explain how to fight." 8.) Which of your fellow competitors have you most admired and why? "Probably Chevy for water-bending trick she does, it interesting magic--and Djamila's techniques, and JD's endurance really surprised Ayala. She wishes she could be that strong." 9.) Who do you hope to stay in touch with after the contest is done? "Kenzo, Djamila, Braun, old sponsors, also will want to see how some of my old teammates and opponents wind up in a few years, like Buford. Maybe we get him to stop wearing long funny coat and hat!" 10.) What are your plans for after the NFG? "Ayala going to head back to go home, and see what she can do to help her tribe. Expanse is much more dangerous than Earth, and she fears they will not last there."