Apparently squatting 1,000 times improves your wrestling abilities.
Episode #3 of the new Tiger Mask W cartoon used multiple flashback scenes to tell more of the origin stories of Naoto and his raven-haired friend Takuma.
Early in the episode, Naoto recalls their days as young trainees in the Zipangu Wrestling Federation where they were forced by their trainer to perform 1,000 squats to build their leg strength.
Having completed their side-by-side masturbation — I mean SQUATS — the two friends collapse like exhausted lovers in a tangled bed, panting heavily and gazing into each other’s eyes as if they just completed a very passionate and torrid romp. Naoto flashes a suggestive little smile and utters “We did it.” What did you just do?
This is also the wettest episode of the series so far, beginning with the matted hair and beads of perspiration pouring down the faces of our spent young trainees. They’re then informed that their debut match has been booked. Against one another. SCHWINGGG!
The young rivals are together in the ring, stripped down to trunks and boots with Naoto in a snug burgundy speedo and Takuma in blue briefs.
The sexual tension is through the roof in this short match between our two protagonists and would-be lovers. The images are drawn with extreme intensity and ferocity.
Sweat pours down their naked torsos, muscles strain, and teeth are bared like wild animals in heat. Thousands of young viewers of this cartoon are suddenly converted into lifelong wrestling lovers.
We understand the stakes are high: winner will assume the role of Alpha Male.
Naoto surrenders to his strong young crush.
Once again, Takuma proves to be dominant over our handsome young Naoto, forcing a submission with a grueling Boston Crab.
Naoto is pictured face-down in the submissive position as Takuma tosses back his head and strains with all his might. The image implies that they’re doing more than wrestling with each other.
Their expressive eyes reveal their true feelings for each other.
The cartoonists then feature close-ups of their faces to hint at a budding relationship.
Naoto surprises Takuma with a flirtatious grin. Takuma’s double-take implies that he suddenly realizes that Naoto has feelings for him and vice versa.
Someone needs to take revenge on this Devil!
The final match on the card is the same match we saw at the very beginning of Episode 1 — the boss of Zipangu Wrestling Federation against Yellow Devil.
Again we see the trainees at ringside watching in horror as the evil Devil slashes open the boss’s chest and then Takuma’s forehead.
The remainder of the episode fills in more of the backstory. With his injured forehead bandaged, we see Takuma confront Yellow Devil outside the arena. Impressed by the young man’s strength (and his “eyes of the tiger”), the villain recruits young Takuma to join Tiger’s Den and train to become a ruthless Heel. Takuma agrees so that he can gain the power to destroy Yellow Devil.
Later, back at the training gym, Naoto is informed that his friend Takuma has vanished, the injured boss was forced to retire, and their small federation is being closed. This is all Yellow Devil’s fault — the monster has come between Naoto and Takuma and therefore must be destroyed. Get him, Tiger Mask!
The saddest and most beautiful scene so far in this series.
Determined to defeat Yellow Devil, we see Naoto, now all alone, beginning his 1,000 squats. Instead of perspiration, now tears pour down his face and soak his cheeks as he recalls the companion who used to exercise with him.
We get the sense that this small young man has no chance, all alone, against the forces of evil like Yellow Devil and the other cruel Heels from Tiger’s Den. This cartoon is so great, I love it.