Chapter 3: A New Challenge!

The sun shone brightly above the city. Its rays gleamed against the glass windows of the WBBA Headquarters, where two familiar figures stood in the main operations room.

“Matches to choose the representatives, who will compete in the Beyblade World Championships have begun all over the globe,” Hikaru reported, standing beside Ryu, their eyes locked on the large screen in front.

The digital globe on the screen, dotted with bright markers representing the regional battles.

“Some areas like South America, Africa, and Europe have already begun their final matches. There's a lot of interest,” Hikaru noted as the screen zoomed in to show images of battles from different countries.

“Very impressive,” Ryu murmured with a nod of approval.

“From continent to continent, others are in the process of deciding representatives as well,” Hikaru continued. “The representatives for the China block have already been decided.”

“They are the team that will face our representatives first, is that right?” Ryu asked glancing over.

“Yes. Team Wang Hu Zhong. We’d better pick up the pace if we're going to have a team ready to battle them. They appear to be raring to go,” Hikaru added.

Ryu nodded again, gaze hardening as the responsibility weighed in. “Yes.”

Just then, the screen displayed a new set of profiles, Japan’s Top 20 Bladers. At the top was a familiar face, smiling confidently in his photo.

“These are Japan's top 20 Bladers. Ranking number one, of course, is Gingka, since he won Battle Bladers,” Hikaru said, pausing as a new Bey appeared beside his name. “Huh, is that a new Bey? I've never seen it before.”

“Yes,” Ryu confirmed. “It’s Galaxy Pegasis.”

“Come again, did you say Galaxy Pegasis?” Hikaru asked as she looked at the data more closely.

“Yes.” Ryu’s voice was calm but filled with excitement. “Excellent. This is what I've been waiting for…” starring ahead.…

At B-Pit, the local hangout of our main group of Bladers, the scene was anything but tense.

Gingka and Masamune were locked in a heated… handstand competition. Sweat rolled down their faces as they trembled, trying not to collapse.

“Uh… Gingka? Masamune?” Kenta called out, watching the bizarre sight.

As if on cue, both of them lost their balance and fell over with a heavy thud, groaning on the floor. They got up arguing about who won. Then, they immediately launched into a breath-holding competition, puffing up their cheeks.

“Hello there, both of you. Give it a rest already,” Kenta sighed, watching the ongoing madness alongside the others.

Haruka stood off to the side, one hand resting on her side, expression calm but mildly annoyed. “How are they not tired yet? Seriously.”

“So, just what exactly are those two doing over there?” Benkei asked, baffled by the antics.

Madoka answered, “Gingka is trying to get a rematch with him.”

“A rematch?” Benkei blinked.

“Yeah, if Gingka can beat Masamune at something other than Beyblade, he'll agree to a rematch,” Kenta explained.

Benkei’s eyes bulged. “Excuse me?! Are you telling me that dude actually won against Gingka?! What kind of ridiculous story is that?!”

“It’s no story,” Kenta said solemnly.

“It happened... as much as it’s hard to believe,” Haruka added, though she still didn’t accept it as a proper victory.

Benkei was practically short-circuiting. “I just can't believe it! No way was Gingka beaten by that guy!? Even if he got lucky one time, there's no way the winner of Battle Bladers should lose to the likes of that guy!”

In the background, Gingka and Masamune were now panting like exhausted dogs, having just tied again.

“It’s gotta be a mistake! It can’t be true! It just can’t be, make it stop!” Benkei said wailing in disbelief, dramatically as Haruka side-eyed him, amused. She sighed, shaking her head.

“If there was an official match, I think that they could settle this,” Kenta suggested.

“Now that’s an idea,” Haruka agreed.

“That would work,” Madoka added, “but there haven’t been any tournaments lately.”

Meanwhile, the ridiculous contest escalated. They tried skipping—tied. Bubble popping—tied. Triangle drawing—tied. Flute playing—still tied. The room grew dull with repetition.

“This is getting too ridiculous… and too boring,” Madoka sighed.

Haruka, deep in thought, finally spoke, “Well, I still think that victory wasn’t a proper one, in a manner of speaking.”

Masamune’s ears twitched. “What?!” he spun and pushed Gingka aside anime-style, marching straight toward Haruka. “What did you say?! That was a definite victory! Me and Striker won it!”

Haruka didn’t flinch. “I’m not saying you didn’t win, Masamune. You trained with Striker and battled well with true spirit,” she acknowledged with a firm nod. “But I don’t think I’d call that a win, since technically, Pegasis didn’t stop spinning due to Striker’s direct hit, now did it?”

Masamune scowled. “Oh really? Fine then!” He held up Striker in front of her. “I’ll battle you next! You’re his sister, and you were in Battle Bladers too, so I’ll just defeat you as well!”

“Huh?!” Gingka blurted out from behind.

“First Gingka, now Haruka?” Kenta asked, stunned.

Haruka gave a calm nod. “Fine. But on one condition.”

“Huh? What?” Masamune asked.

Haruka smirked slightly. “If I win against you in the battle, you’ll give Gingka the rematch he wants.”

“What?!” Masamune was completely caught off guard.

“Oh…” Gingka blinked, surprised.

Haruka gazed at him and gave a small, confident wink. She wasn’t just trying to help, she wanted to see what Gingka could really do now that he’d finally mastered Galaxy Pegasis. A proper fight between him and Masamune would prove it.

Gingka watching, smiled back in understanding.

“What? Are you backing out?” Haruka asked, raising an eyebrow. “Cause I don’t think the number one Blader would let go of a challenge.”

Masamune huffed, then grinned. “Ah, fine. But let me tell you, Striker and I don’t intend to lose!”

“Alright then,” Haruka replied, pulling out her Bey. “Let’s get to it!”

“But,” Masamune added, holding up a finger, “If I win, then Gingka has to accept that I, Masamune Kadoya, am the number one Blader in the world!” He smirked, proud of himself.

“What?!” Gingka shouted, stepping forward.

They both immediately began arguing again, completely ignoring everyone else.

Haruka sighed. “Alright. I agree. That does seem fair.”

“Okay then, it’s settled. Get ready to lose!” Masamune declared.

The room buzzed with tension as everyone tried to process the sudden, unexpected challenge.

But suddenly—CLANG!

A loud gong noise rang through the shop, startling everyone.

“Ahhh!” the group shrieked in unison, spinning around.

The door to B-Pit opened and a young girl in a pink kimono stepped inside, her hair tied into twin buns. In her hands was the source of the noise, a brass gong, which she rang twice more for good measure before stopping in front of them.

“Greetings and a very good morning to everyone here,” she said with a polite bow.

Everyone stared, baffled. “Huh?”

“Is Master Gingka and Miss Haruka here?” she asked kindly.

Gingka and Haruka exchanged glances.

“Well, I’m Gingka Hagane,” Gingka said, pointing at himself.

“And I’m Haruka Hagane,” Haruka added calmly.

The girl got nervous. “Today I have come to invite… a delivery… I mean, to deliver an igloo… um, to ignite another nation—!”

Masamune blinked. “What’s she trying to say?”

“I’m not sure…” Haruka said, trying to stay polite. “Could you explain that?”

“Oh, I’m getting all confused!” the girl whined, before pointing at Masamune accusingly. “Don’t laugh, Gingka!”

Masamune looked taken aback. “My name is Masamune!” he said pointing to himself.

The girl turned to Benkei. “Gingka?”

“No, I’m Benkei… um, ma’am,” Benkei muttered, completely disoriented.

Gingka sweatdropped. “Like I said, that’s me, and this is my sister Haruka.”

“Take this from me and right away,” the girl said, suddenly serious, handing Haruka an envelope.

Haruka blinked, taking it. “Uh… okay?”

“Accept this invitation and please be on time. If you guys don’t, I’m gonna cry! See ya!” And with that, she turned and ran out of the shop.

“But—hey wait! Wait up!” Gingka called after her, running out the door.

The others followed, stepping outside just in time to see the girl trip and fall. She popped back up instantly, wailing, and disappeared down the road as they watched her go sweat dropping.

“Strange…” Haruka murmured, holding the letter still in her hand.

“May I see that?” Madoka asked, stepping beside her. As she lightly took it from her.

“Huh?” Haruka muttered.

“Thanks.” Madoka opened the envelope and began reading aloud as everyone huddled around her.

“‘Today at noon, come to the Grand Restaurant Plaza and wait there,’”

Benkei recognized the spot, mentioning it being a great restaurant and its marvelous cuisines, captivating everyone. The boys were drooling by the time he finished, visions of steaming plates dancing in their heads.

“Just listen to the rest of it!” Madoka shouted, startling the boys as she regained their attention.

“‘Today at noon, come to the Grand Restaurant Plaza and wait there. Chi-Yun Li of Wang Hu Zhong.’”

“Wang Hu Zhong?” Gingka asked curiously.

“What is that?” Haruka questioned, finding it odd.

“Is that some kind of a spice?” Masamune asked.

“Maybe it’s a dish,” Kenta offered.

“I eat a lot, never heard of it,” Benkei admitted.

“Maybe it’s a girl’s name,” Madoka added, looking again at the letter. “Strange… Instead of an invitation, it sounds like—”

“It’s settled! I’m going!” Gingka announced boldly.

And just like that, the entire group excited by the idea of Chinese food took off running toward the restaurant plaza.

Madoka stared after them, still holding the letter, not getting the chance to explain her worry about it as she also followed after, not to lose them.…

Later, arriving at the restaurant, the group found themselves utterly alone. The place was completely deserted. They had arrived way before noon, which meant only one thing — they’d have to wait.

And wait they did.

Hours passed by slowly. The sun climbed higher, their stomachs louder, and the mood? Agonizing.

Now, sprawled across the floor of the restaurant’s outdoor courtyard, Gingka, Masamune, and Benkei groaned dramatically as they clutched their stomachs in hunger. Kenta, Madoka, and Haruka stood nearby, watching the trio pitifully.

"I'm so hungry," Masamune whined, like he was on the verge of collapse.

“I can’t take it much longer…” Benkei groaned, his eyes half-lidded from exhaustion.

Suddenly, the heavy front gate of the plaza creaked open, drawing everyone's attention.

“Its opening!” Gingka perked up as they all quickly scrambled to their feet and dashed forward…Only to be met with an empty space.

“There’s… nothing here?!” Gingka said, disappointment plastered across his face.

“Where’s all the food?!” Benkei cried, desperate for any scent of dumplings.

Haruka narrowed her eyes, scanning the surroundings. “Something… doesn’t seem right.”

Before them, a short distance ahead, stood a large decorative gong, towering over the place.

“I’ve been waiting for you, Gingka… and Haruka,” a sudden voice rang out across the plaza.

“Huh?” All six of them snapped their heads toward the sound.

With a loud, resonant strike, the giant gong trembled, and from behind it emerged a figure in purple robes. A young boy with sharp features and confident eyes stepped into view.

“If you call yourself the world’s strongest,” he declared, “then battle me. I am Chi Yun.”

“Aww…” Everyone let out a collective sound of realization, though it was less of amazement and more of annoyance.

“Where’s the food?” Masamune deadpanned.

“What?” Chi Yun blinked, momentarily thrown off.

“You heard him! The food!” Benkei added, stepping forward.

“I’m hungry…” Gingka muttered miserably.

“We want something to eat!” Masamune shouted in protest.

Chi Yun called out. “Yo, Mei Mei!”

From behind the gong, the girl from earlier appeared, the same one who’d handed them the invitation.

“Yes!” she chirped.

“Did you give them the message?” Chi Yun asked.

“Yes, of course,” Mei Mei replied brightly. “They accepted the invitation and came right here so I wouldn’t cry all afternoon, am I right?” She turned to the gang with a smile.

The guys nodded.

Chi Yun sighed and pointed at Gingka and Haruka. “I saw Battle Bladers!”

“Huh?” The twins blinked in unison.

“That’s why I came here to battle you, Gingka and Haruka! The tournament’s two strongest Bladers!”

“The strongest?” Haruka raised an eyebrow, surprised.

“I knew it!” Madoka cleared, pulling out the letter. “This wasn’t just an invitation, it was a challenge!” She scanned the paper and confirmed her suspicions. “So, what is this? ‘Wang Hu Zhong?’” she asked, looking at the letter.

“It’s our team name, hello,” Mei Mei answered matter-of-factly.

“Huh?” the group responded, even more confused now.

“We’re members of China’s representative team, Wang Hu Zhong,” Mei Mei clarified.

“Challengers from overseas? How cool is that!” Gingka exclaimed, excitement bubbling up.

“Now that’s interesting!” Haruka said with a grin. Her competitive spark had been ignited.

“Not cool at all!” Benkei bellowed, pointing furiously. “Calling us to a place like this at lunchtime without having any food to offer, what is wrong with you people?!”

Chi Yun was unbothered. “I don’t have business with anyone but Gingka and Haruka.” With a snap of his fingers, servants appeared from the sidelines.

As if summoned by magic, long banquet tables rolled into view, adorned with platters of steaming dumplings, sizzling fried rice, and fluffy steamed buns. The smell alone was enough to drop jaws.

“You have my permission to eat whatever you want,” Chi Yun offered, as though it were no big deal.

“Now you’re talking!” Benkei’s eyes gleamed as he named each dish in a trance-like state. “Dumplings… fried rice… steamed buns…”

“Please, by all means, go ahead. Help yourselves to whatever you like,” Mei Mei said with a warm, inviting smile.

“You are too kind, way too kind!” Benkei said, “It all looks so good, but then I apologize for my tone earlier. Now gotta fish!” Without another word, he darted toward the feast.

The rest of the group stood frozen in awe.

“Look at that free food…” Gingka whispered, eyes sparkling.

“Sure looks… inviting,” Haruka admitted, trying hard not to give in to temptation.

“Can you focus, Gingka?! Haruka?” Madoka snapped, breaking their trance.

Gingka jumped, startled back into reality. Haruka let out a small nervous chuckle, sweatdropping.

“Let’s battle, Gingka and Haruka!” Chi Yun called out.

“Huh?” The twins turned to him, now reminded of why they were actually here.

Without warning, Mei Mei and Chi Yun leapt out of the way. Suddenly, the massive gong came crashing down from its stand. Everyone screamed and scrambled away, just barely dodging it as it slammed onto the ground.

“This gong is the stadium!” Chi Yun declared dramatically.

“If you say so…” Gingka muttered.

“Sure…” Haruka echoed, recovering from almost being pancaked.

Chi Yun raised his Bey. “Possessing the power of the lizard constellation, my bey Thermal Lacerta!”

“This is the first time I’ve seen that Bey!” Madoka said, gazing at it.

“Interesting!” Gingka and Haruka said together, both fired up now for the long-awaited battle.

“Interesting!” Masamune parroted, stepping forward. “I, the world’s strongest, will be your opponent!”

“What?!” Gingka exclaimed.

“We are the world’s strongest, Wang Hu Zhong!” Chi Yun announced with pride.

“All right then, let’s battle!” Gingka shouted, his energy back.

“I’m ready when you are! Let’s see what you’ve got!” Haruka added confidently.

“I’m doing it!” Masamune shouted, pointing to himself with his thumb.

“What? This is my and Haruka’s battle, not yours!” Gingka snapped.

“No way! I want a shot too!” Masamune argued.

“Sorry,” Haruka said calmly, “but this battle is ours, Masamune.”

“But I—!” Masamune started.

“Hey,” Haruka added sweetly, “If you don’t clam it, this could all go a whole other way.”

A chill ran down Masamune’s spine. Her smile was calm, but the dangerous aura radiating off her said otherwise.

“No fair…” Masamune muttered, retreating with dotted anime eyes and a nervous sweatdrop.

The others sweatdropped too, they all knew that side of Haruka well.

Gingka sighed, turning his attention back. “All right, we’re ready!”

“This will be a two-on-two match,” Chi Yun explained. “A perfect team battle practice for us.”

“Team battle?” Haruka questioned.

“What is that?” Gingka asked, confused.

“A two-on-two fight that’s over when one member of a team loses,” Chi Yun replied.

“Huh? When one member loses…” Gingka glanced to Haruka, realizing the weight of it. “Then we’ll have to be careful.”

“Yeah, got it,” Haruka nodded, her gaze sharpening.

“Let’s do it then!” Chi Yun called.

“Bring it!” Gingka said, gripping his launcher tightly.

“We’re ready!” Haruka said, determined as ever.

“Yeah! Let’s have a good battle, okay?” Mei Mei added with a grin.….

Kenta observed. “Mei Mei’s Bey is an Aquario, huh?”

“Thermal Lacerta…” Madoka murmured watching, “Just what kind of Bey is it?”…

“3! 2! 1! Let it Rip!”

The sound of four launchers echoed as all Beys were released into the stadium. Pegasis, Phoenix, Lacerta, and Aquario landed, each spinning fiercely.

“So, what have you got?” Gingka asked confidently, smirking as Pegasis zoomed along the stadium’s surface.

“Let’s see it,” Haruka added with a determined glint in her eyes, excited to see what these new opponents could do.

“Mei Mei!” Chi Yun called.

“Ready!” Mei Mei nodded.

“Ha!” They struck a synchronized pose, then shouted, “Heaven and Earth Formation!”

Aquario immediately began orbiting Lacerta, forming a seamless defensive pattern.

“Huh?” Gingka blinked, surprised by the coordinated motion.

“What?” Haruka narrowed her eyes, clearly intrigued.…

On the sidelines, Masamune leaned forward, puzzled. “What are they doing?”

Benkei walked up, a hot bun in hand. “How’s the battle going so far, guys?”

“Benkei,” Kenta acknowledged. “Hey, is Lacerta a defense-type Bey? What do you think?”

“It could be,” Madoka chimed in, eyes still on the stadium. “But the attack type Aquario has taken a defensive position too.”…

“Well, if you won’t attack,” Haruka grinned, stepping up.

“Then we’ll do it! I’ll show you the power of Galaxy Pegasis!” Gingka declared with a grin.

As Pegasis circled the gong, gaining momentum, Gingka shouted, “Pegasis!” It darted straight toward the center of the formation.

“Go! Phoenix!” Haruka followed, sending her Bey after them.

Chi Yun and Mei Mei struck another pose. “Ha!” they exclaimed, and their Beys shifted just in time.

Lacerta and Aquario split apart in a synchronized maneuver, allowing Pegasis and Phoenix to slam directly into each other, the resulting clash sending both reeling.

“Ha! Pegasis!” Gingka called out, startled.

“Phoenix!” Haruka gasped, concern in her voice.

The two Beys pulled back, both wobbling slightly.

“Careful, Gingka!” Haruka warned.

“Yeah… I got it,” Gingka muttered, resetting his stance.

The enemy Beys returned to their previous formation, spinning in perfect harmony.…

On the sidelines, their friends watched intently.

“Hey, what gives?” Masamune muttered.

“Am I nuts or are they moving together?” Kenta asked, brow furrowed.

“You’re right, they’re in formation.” Madoka confirmed.

“They’re in formation?” the others echoed in unison.

Madoka began explaining, “In a two-on-two battle with the rule that if one Blader loses, it’s over. A strategy of moving together is much more effective, you won't smash into your partner for one thing.”…

Back in the stadium, Lacerta and Aquario continued moving in perfect formation.

“Pegasis!” Gingka launched another attack. But Pegasis missed again as the two Beys dodged in unison.

“Now, Phoenix!” Haruka followed up, but Phoenix also failed to land a hit.…

“Gingka and Haruka need to work together too!” Kenta said with urgency.

“Yeah, they should be able to do it,” Benkei nodded, confident in the twin Bladers’ potential.…

Once more, Pegasis and Phoenix charged but once again, they ended up colliding into each other.

“Haruka, come on!” Gingka exclaimed.

“I’m not doing it on purpose!” Haruka shouted back.…

“Are you kidding me? Can’t they work together already?” Masamune said, exasperated.

“Well, you aren’t wrong,” Kenta added, “But it’s been a while since they’ve actually battled together.”…

“Ha! Great Mountain Formation!” Mei Mei and Chi Yun declared.

Lacerta gave a sharp jolt, pushing Aquario forward. Aquario dashed and clashed into Pegasis with surprising force.

“Pegasis won’t even feel that! You’re just wasting your time!” Gingka stated confident, as Pegasis was in a head on clash.

But Lacerta followed up, aiming a heavy strike toward Pegasis.

“Phoenix, now!” Haruka reacted quickly.

Phoenix intercepted Lacerta mid-charge, pushing it back with a blaze of sparks.

“What?!” Chi Yun gasped, momentarily stunned.

Seizing the opportunity, Pegasis struck back, knocking Aquario across the stadium.

“Nice one, Haruka!” Gingka called out, now grinning.

“Yeah! We can do it too!” Haruka nodded.

The twins were starting to find their rhythm.…

“Now that’s cooperation!” Kenta said, smiling proudly.

“That was something!” Masamune admitted, arms crossed but impressed.…

Suddenly, “Ha! Haa!” Chi Yun’s eyes flared with focus, a red aura flickering around him. “Lacerta!” he shouted.

Lacerta spun forward with incredible force, crashing into Pegasis sending it flying and clashed down onto Phoenix. Both Beys shook from the heavy impact.

“No!” Haruka shouted.

“Oh, come on!” Gingka groaned in frustration.…

“Lacerta’s attack power is amazing!” Kenta commented, wide-eyed.

“So it’s not a defense-type huh?” Benkei said, chomping away on the steamed buns.

“It’s actually a balance-type,” Madoka corrected, bringing up data on her screen. “Check it out, these wings on its spin track are raising its attack power!”

“Now that’s some serious power!” Masamune said in awe.

“So it’s a tag battle between attack and balance types on both sides,” Kenta observed. …

Chi Yun and Mei Mei once again moved in sync. “Heaven and Earth Formation!” they shouted together.

Lacerta positioned itself at the center while Aquario began orbiting it again.

“We’ve got to be careful, Gingka!” Haruka warned. Phoenix circled the arena, closely followed by Pegasis.

“I know! But if we keep crashing into each other, we can’t win like this!” Gingka muttered, struggling to find a solution.

Chi Yun looked at them and smirked. “Are you really planning to go into the Beyblade World Championships acting like that?”

“World… championships?” Haruka echoed, confused.

“What are you talking about?” Gingka asked.

“I’m asking if you’re actually entering the World Championships with such a weak style?” Chi Yun said bluntly.

“Huh? What World Championships?” Gingka asked again, innocently.…

At the WBBA headquarters, a quiet buzz filled the room. Ryu stood by one of the large screens, his expression calm yet thoughtful as he spoke to Hikaru.

“It all started with Battle Bladers,” Ryu said, eyes narrowing as memories flooded back, the powerful clash between Gingka and Ryuga, the final impact as Pegasis triumphed over L-Drago.

“Gingka won that tournament and was given the title of the strongest Blader. When Bladers around the world saw that, they wanted that title for themselves. They wanted to be able to say, ‘I am the strongest Blader in the world.’”

Hikaru nodded in understanding. “And that is why it was decided that a Beyblade World Championship would be held.”

Ryu turned back toward the large display. “Yes. The World Championships will be fought in teams.”…

Back at the ongoing battle. Chi Yun stood confidently, explaining the tournament structure. “Representative teams from various countries will each contain five people—three regular members, one sub-member, and one support member.”

“Awesome!” Gingka exclaimed, eyes lighting up. “This is serious stuff!”

“A world championship! I'm getting excited!” Haruka added, her amazement matching her brother’s.

Chi Yun smirked. “So, I wanted to see your real power firsthand before the championship, but it seems I wasted a trip.”

“Hmm? What do you mean by that?” Gingka asked, frowning.

“I mean you two, you don’t stand a chance in the World Championships,” Chi Yun said sharply, taunting.

“What?!” Haruka stepped forward, clearly not liking what she heard.

“What did you just say?!” Gingka echoed, just as fired up.

“Oh, we’ll show you!” Haruka retorted, ready to prove him wrong.

“Gingka! Haruka! Get into formation, like Wang Hu Zhong!” Madoka called out from the sidelines.

“Formation?” the twins asked in unison, blinking.

Chi Yun chuckled. “These two? This I gotta see.”

Haruka took the lead, focused. “Gingka, I’ll charge ahead, follow by backing me up, okay?”

“Alright! Pegasis and I will be ready!” Gingka nodded.

“Go! Phoenix!” Haruka called out, her bey launching with fiery precision.

“Pegasis!” Gingka commanded his own bey, following her lead.

Pegasis and Phoenix charged in unison, both soaring forward along the same path, managing to keep from colliding.…

“Look at that! Those two are going in one direction!” Kenta exclaimed, eyes wide.

“Yeah! Now they won’t crash into each other!” Madoka added excitedly.…

With increasing speed, Pegasis and Phoenix closed in on their opponents.

“Alright! Keep going and then hit em!” Gingka shouted.

“Leave it to me!” Haruka responded, confidence blazing in her tone.

Chi Yun scoffed. “A pair of clowns!”He and Mei Mei readied themselves. “Ha!” With a stance, Lacerta surged forward, pushing Aquario toward the oncoming beys.

“Sorry! Not this time!” Haruka countered as Phoenix clashed fiercely into Aquario, sending it flying out of the center.

“Aquario!” Mei Mei gasped, watching her bey soar through the air.

“How’d you like that formation!” Haruka grinned.

“Now, Pegasis!” Gingka commanded as his bey darted ahead. Phoenix followed immediately behind.

Chi Yun narrowed his eyes. “Lacerta!”The lizard spirit materialized with a flash of red hue.

“Pegasis!” Gingka called out, the ethereal horse emerged.

“Phoenix!” Haruka echoed, the vermillion bird rose with radiant flame.

“Go now!” they both yelled in unison.

The three beys collided in an intense impact, light exploding across the stadium. Everyone stared in stunned silence, unsure of what outcome would follow.

As the blinding glow began to fade, the beys were revealed—Pegasis, Phoenix, and Lacerta were all still spinning.

“Lacerta’s still spinning out there!” Madoka said, surprised.

Just then, Kenta noticed something falling from above, as the object hit the ground beside the stadium.…

“Aquario is at a stadium out!” Masamune exclaimed from the sidelines.

“So Gingka and Haruka win!” Benkei shouted, punching the air in celebration.…

Gingka and Haruka didn’t share the same joy. Their expressions were less triumphant, arms crossed as they stared at the beystadium.

“Hmm...” they both muttered.

“It just doesn't feel right, does it?” Gingka said with a raised brow.

“No, it doesn't,” Haruka agreed, mirroring the same uneasy feeling.

“We were trying to defeat Lacerta, am I right?” Gingka mentioned.

“Yeah, but the only reason we won was because of Aquario’s stadium out.” Haruka replied.

Chi Yun shrugged, calm despite the outcome. “Huh. Even if it’s by chance, a loss is a loss.”  Retrieving his bey, he turned toward Mei Mei. “Mei Mei, your kung fu... it still needs work, you know that, don’t you?”

“Yes, sir. I promise to train even harder.” Mei Mei said earnestly.

“See that you do. Even though you're a sub, you're still a member of the team. Do not neglect your training.” Chi Yun stated.

“Yes, sir!” Mei Mei responded firmly.

“Wait, did I hear that right?” Haruka said, perking up. “Sub?”

“Hey, sub is short for substitute, right?” Gingka added.

“Yeah... and we had that much trouble going up against a substitute? That does not seem good,” Haruka said, frowning.

Gingka nodded in agreement.

“Let’s go,” Chi Yun said, turning away.

“Yes, coming,” Mei Mei replied, following.

“We’ll be waiting for you two at the World Championships,” Chi Yun said as they walked off.…

“So that’s the talent level we can expect from the Chinese team...” Masamune muttered, arms crossed as he watched the duo depart.

“Those guys were definitely tough,” Haruka commented.

“I wonder what other strong opponents will be waiting at the World Championships,” Gingka said in awe.

“It’s a big world out there. There are bound to be tons of great Bladers in other countries,” Masamune replied.

“Tons?” Gingka and Haruka repeated together.

“Yeah, tons of them!” Masamune grinned.

“Tons of them? This’ll be so great!” Gingka exclaimed, excitement returning.

“Just think, so many strong Bladers to face out there!” Haruka chimed in, fired up.

“But Japan’s team hasn’t been chosen yet, right? How’s that going to be decided?” Kenta asked.

“So far, there isn’t any information about it at all,” Madoka said thoughtfully.

“Don’t worry about it,” Haruka said with a casual wave.

“Yeah! Okay, so the team will have three regular members, one support member, and one substitute, right?” Gingka asked.

“Yeah, that’s what Chi Yun mentioned,” Madoka confirmed.

“So it’s clear! We’ll form the Japanese team, of course, and follow into the World Championship!” Masamune declared enthusiastically.

“Yeah, but who’ll be the substitute?” Benkei asked.

“Oh, that’s simple,” Haruka said with a sly grin. “Masamune will, of course.”

“What?! Huh?!” Masamune yelped.

“You’ll be perfect for it,” Haruka teased.

“Yeah, seems like the right spot for him!” Gingka added with a grin, exchanging a high-five with his sister.

“No way! If you want a substitute, then put Gingka in that place!” Masamune shot back.

“What?! No way?!” Gingka shouted as the two boys broke into a comical argument.

Meanwhile, Kenta spoke up genuine, “So tell me, how will the Japanese team be selected?” asking the real question.…

Back at WBBA headquarters, the answer was already taking shape.Ryu stood tall before the central monitor, determination gleaming in his eyes. “A tournament to choose Japan's representatives for the Beyblade World Championships must be held soon! Notify every Blader in the country,” he said firmly, turning to Hikaru.

“Yes, sir,” Hikaru nodded, already moving into action.

Ryu stared ahead, as the massive screen lit up with the world map, “It’s almost time, everybody. Buckle up!”

A new chapter awaited all our heroes—soon to come.

**************

Author's note: Hope you enjoyed.Now we're heading to the main arc💫

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Thanks.