The next few weeks contained a winning streak by the school's Net Battle Team, who made it to the battle for the championship with Ameroupe's team.
"We're going to Ameroupe High next week, and you sausages are a pathetic excuse for a team!" Protoman said. "But, we can get better."
"Sausages?" Tony muttered to Megaman. "Someone's running out of insults."
"What did you say?" Protoman yelled. "Oh, whatever, I don't care!" Protoman sat down next to Colonel by the gray captain's table. "Colonel, can you slap a bow on this puppy?"
Colonel stood up. "Er, what he said. We will get in the shape to take on Ameroupe and take home the championship!"
The pep talk was followed by rigorous training in just about everything Net Battle.
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"Numberman, are you coming to the Net Battle game tonight?" Tomahawkman asked.
"I guess." Numberman said robotically.
"Oh, come on!" Tomahawkman exclaimed. "Ring's a jerk. It's not worth getting this depressed over. What happened to the old Numberman who would shrug this off like it's nothing?"
"Tomahawkman, that time just felt...different." Numberman explained. "You can only take so much for this long."
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"Oh so what? You got kicked out of cheerleading. Who needs that brat Ring anyway?" Roll consoled to Meddy at the Ameroupe Net Battle field.
"Yeah, I guess you're right." Meddy said. "But that doesn't change the fact that I still feel stupid for letting that continue."
"Don't worry about it. At least she can't fool you again, right?"
Meddy gave a weak smile and shifted in her seat on the bleachers.
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"Why did you make me come here?" Numberman said.
"Because you need to get out there again." Tomahawkman sympathetically said.
As the duo walked to their seats, they passed by the cheer team on their way to the locker room, with Ring leading them.
Ring saw them as the walked ahead. "What are you two dorks doing around here?"
"We're here to see the Net Battle game." Tomahawkman answered. "What, are we not allowed to go see the game?"
Ring disregarded the teal Navi's comment. "What's up with him?" She pointed at Numberman.
"Oh, just a broken heart." The green Navi said.
"Wait, no," Ring began. "You were actually in love with me?" She let out a high squeal of a laugh. "You actually thought you had a chance with me? You're terrible! You're a lonely spazzing loser!" She continued to laugh.
A fire was lit in Numberman's eyes. "Listen up, Ring!" She stopped laughing, but still had a patronizing look on her face. "You are the one who is horrible. I can't believe I had even a shred of affection for scum like yourself. You're only concerned with what benefits you, what's going on in your world. You are the most selfish person I have ever met. Now, I'm happy you rejected me. I hope I never have to come within even a micrometer of you!"
Ring's face contorted from anger to hurt to embarassment. Before she could speak, Numberman cut her off. "And as a final note, I am not lonely, because I have a great best friend who would do anything to help me." He turned to Tomahawkman. "Thanks for sticking with me through all of this."
"No problem." he responded. "What are friends for?"
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"What?" Protoman yelled. "What do you mean you want me to sit out?"
"Protoman, I know you." Colonel responded. "When the going gets tough, and it will, you tend to get reckless. That could cost us the game!"
Protoman raised his eyebrows. "Do you just want to be in the spotlight?"
"What are you talking about?" Colonel asked.
"You want to be one who deals the final blow and takes home the trophy!" Protoman raised his sword. "We'll then, I'll just make you sit out!"
"Protoman, please!" Colonel dodged the red Navi, who hit his head on the wall behind Colonel.
He fell flat on his back. "Is he okay?" Bruce said.
After a minute of Colonel shaking Protoman, he spoke. "Someone get a paramedic! He's not waking up!"
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"He has a concussion." The paramedic plainly said. "He can't play."
The team took a collective worried gasp. "Who's gonna lead offense now?" Clint said.
"We're gonna lose." Steve nervously concluded.
"Would you all just stop whining?" Protoman yelled. "I'll tell you who's gonna lead offense!" He pointed to Megaman. "You! Come over here!"
Megaman slowly walked over. "Yeah?"
Protoman gulped and sat up. "You're leading offense."
"What? I can't do it!"
"You will. Now take it before I change my mind!"
"I guess..."
"No!" Protoman suddenly yelled. "You don't guess! You will, right?"
"Yes! Yes, I will!" Megaman answered.
"Good. Colonel, give him the Variable Sword."
"Are you sure if he's ready for that?" Colonel said.
"Do I look not sure?" Protoman retorted.
"Okay then."
The paramedic walked him out of the locker room, the fate of the championship on Megaman's shoulders.