So sorry for the wait. Writing block struck and no idea if anyone is interested in beyblade stories in general or this one but I don't really care. After all these years I enjoys writing these and hope you want to follow this story through. Little slow at the moment but I'm enjoying it and have ideas.
Thank you for the reviews. As I was planning this and the sequel for this I actually forgot Hiro since I haven't watched season 3 more than 2-3 times. I was actually planning leaving him out of the sequel and let Bruce be like Tyson at the start and mature on the way. But good points and we'll see where this goes.
Do enjoy :D
Chapter 6: Blocks, Current Champion And Semi-finalist
-With Bruce And Others Few Days Later-
'This is awesome!' Bruce stared at the big stadium. It had red roof and white walls with many lights. There were many children of different ages walking in.
'There are so many kids here. I thought you said beyblading wasn't popular sport,' Judy asked.
'It's true but that doesn't mean there aren't hundreds of bladers. I believe it's going to become more known around the world in time,' Shin explained, 'Let's go in.'
They walked in and were met with Dickenson and even Taro. Bruce was surprised to see his others from school, Sara, Katherine, Yoshie, Mathew, Dennis and so on.
'What are they doing here?' Bruce pondered.
'We heard about this tournament and decided to come watch you guys,' Dennis said.
'That's nice of you guys,' Bruce smiled as Dickenson walked closer.
'But do you actually think you're going to win?' Mathew asked next.
'Maybe not but I'm going to try,' Bruce answered and he sounded more realistic about it but he was happy.
'Yeah right. Might as well give up,' Dennis laughed.
'Why do you say that?' Frank asked.
'Two things: Shin is here and you haven't played that long,' Dennis replied. Bruce laughed nervously. Shin was glad to see that Bruce wasn't entirely oblivious.
'You might want to add Susumu to your list,' Katherine said calmly.
'Huh? Why?' Dennis asked.
'Mr. Dickenson here told me that Susumu's name is registered in,' Katherine said.
'Really?!' Bruce was excited.
'You do realize that you won't stance a chance, don't you?' Judy reminded.
'Is he a blader too and a good one?' Mathew asked.
'He's a former champion,' Shin cleared out.
'Damn, we didn't know that one,' Mathew was amazed.
'How could we? He was barely in school and when he was, he didn't talk to anyone,' Dennis commented.
'Anyway, he's taking part on this? Either the text Shin send worked or he got some other interests,' Bruce ignored Dennis and changed the subject.
'Mr. Hiwatari is registered but he hasn't shown up yet,' Dickenson explained, 'He has time to arrive but I do suggest getting ready. Tournament starts in an hour.' Dickenson left the bladers to themselves and to get ready for upcoming battles.
'We are out. You might see us in the audience,' Dennis and others said and left first.
'They have a point though. Might as well compete just for the second place,' Judy sighed. Even though she stated something obvious, it was on everyone's mind.
'I hope you don't have stage fright,' Shin said and started walking towards the waiting rooms.
'What do you mean?' Franks asked.
'Battles are going to be shown in television. Didn't I mention it?' Shin asked.
'Not for me! Scary,' Frank was worried.
'You're not blading so relax,' Taro said smiling.
'I'm repeating myself but I find it weird that beyblade it's not popular. We hadn't heard about it before Shin anyway,' Judy spoke.
'Maybe it is popular but I have never met other bladers or news about it in here,' Shin shrugged his shoulders. Sometimes a sport can be known better in other countries more.
'You're right about that. I'm just going to leave it,' Judy chuckled. She had tied her hair in a ponytail and out of the way.
They sat down among other kids and continued talking about strategies. Many kids recognized Shin and asked for an autograph. Well, he had been the second best blader last time he took part in battles.
'I just realized something,' Bruce snapped his fingers, 'Who is the current champion now?' Others gazed at him with puzzled looks.
'That's a… good question. No idea,' Shin smirked.
'Seriously?' Bruce asked.
'That can be fixed easily,' Frank took his phone out and did a quick search.
'Last year world champion tournament winner is called… James Connor and he's in block E today,' Frank answered.
'James? Good for him,' Shin smiled.
'You know him?' Judy asked.
'Yeah. He's good blader too and it's not actually surprising that he won last year. He did took part in the tournament the time I was in too,' Shin answered.
'You won though?' Bruce stated.
'Yeah and he was on third place that time. Did he win the other ones?' Shin asked.
'Umm… no, it says just that one. It looks like he didn't participate either to those tournaments,' Frank closed his phone. As he did the announcer's voice was heard through the speakers.
'Hello bladers! Rookies and veterans! We are happy to announce this year's regional tournament open!'
'Regional?... Oh right, Mr. D confirmed that it's inside Japan only,' Bruce recalled.
'Not only inside Japan. Other countries held their own tournaments too and some day it might lead to the world champion tournaments,' Shin added a little more information. They had been too excited to train which meant that many things weren't cleared out.
'It doesn't always lead to that?' Bruce asked.
'No. We might hear about it at the end of tournament though if it happens,' Shin said.
'You were part of the world tournaments, right?' Judy said, 'How was it? Other than battling against Susumu.'
'It's hectic even when we were alone in there,' Shin answered.
'You battled solo?' Frank asked this time.
'Every year it was like that and has always been like that but let's listen to the rest,' Shin pointed towards the speakers in the room.
'First round includes different blocks! Last standing blader heads to the next round! First starts block A! Bladers may step in the ring!'
'See you later,' Shin said and stood up.
'Beat them good!' Bruce cheered.
'Can we watch it somewhere?' Frank asked.
'No but you will hear about it shortly,' Shin noted and headed out.
'I kind of feel bad for the rest of that group,' Judy smirked and leaned back. Everyone knew Shin would win this one. Bruce looked around the room and noticed nervous looks and for a reason. They didn't talk and just listened to the announcer. Sure enough, Shin had one in matter of minutes.
'And the winner is… Shin!'
After that Shin walked back in the waiting room and was greeted with happy looks from Bruce and others.
'Next we welcome block B! Bladers get ready!'
'Judy, you're up,' Frank said happily.
'Good luck out there,' Shin said calmly. Judy nodded and left to the ring among other rookies this time.
'I'm going to go to the audience to watch the rest of the battles. You can do that too,' Shin informed and left too. Others simply nodded and continued to wait their own turn. Out of three of them Bruce was only one left there to wait his turn and Frank had stayed with him to keep him company.
'The winner of block B is… Judy!'
'She did it,' Bruce could have guessed that. She had begun practising earlier than he did.
'Block C group can step up to test their mettle!'
Bruce gulped, stood up and headed out next. He was excited and nervous at the same time. Was he too hasty when it came to taking part in a tournament? At the end it was going to be a good experience. In the stadium, he saw red dish and kids gathered around them. Bruce turned to the audience and quickly found Shin, Frank and Judy.
'I can do this,' Bruce said to himself.
'Bladers ready?!' the announcer called out, '3… 2… 1… and let it rip!' With that every blade were launched. Bruce was nervous how it would end up but after noticing how rookies other kids were too, he somehow relaxed and got better handling of the battle. It took around 15 minutes to battle to end and Bruce stood victorious.
'And the winner is… Bruce!' the announcer said and people cheered. Bruce headed to the others and got happy smiles.
'You won. How does it feel?' Shin asked.
'I feel like nervous wreck,' Bruce sat down and sweat could be seen on his forehead, 'Shin makes it look so easy.'
'I have just bladed longer and have better blade physically. Better parts but I'm sure we can upgrade your blades too soon,' Shin pointed slightly towards Mr. Dickenson.
'Using connections is good,' Judy laughed.
'If you must say it like that, sure,' Shin couldn't agree more.
'But what now? After block D is done, do we go or watch the block E too?' Frank asked.
'After the block E they will hold another around tomorrow to know the fourth semi-finalist and I think they just randomly put up the next battles,' Shin said.
'I knew this was going to happen. I kind of hope I get to battle against Judy first,' Bruce said.
'Oh? You think you can win?' Judy crossed her hands.
'At least against you if I try,' Brice nodded.
'Where did that 'I'll win entire tournament' attitude go?' Judy questioned chuckling.
Before Bruce could answer, the announcer spoke again, 'Finally, block D bladers! Step in!'
'Susumu should be in this group since I don't see his name on block E,' Frank checked the information again. They watched kids walk to the ring to surround it. Block stood still for a few more moments when Susumu finally showed up. He was wearing his usual black clothing with long black jacket.
'He looks like a vampire. So pale,' Frank noted.
'Not enough sun I say,' Bruce agreed with Frank but that wasn't entirely what Bruce was focused on. Susumu had his cold stare on and clearly rookies were terrified. It looked like Susumu being former champion hadn't gone unnoticed from anyone.
'Oh, look who it is,' Bruce hear very amused sounding voice behind him. Turning around he saw a boy standing next to the seats, maybe a little older than he was, maybe around Shin's age.
'That's James Connor,' Shin said.
'Oh,' Bruce stated. James didn't look… friendly.
'What are you staring at?' James said angrily.
'Nothing. I heard today that you won world tournament and are the current champion,' Bruce quickly answered. He hated conflict and just wanted to enjoy his time.
'It has been a long time Shin. It looks like you finally decided to come out of hiding,' James snorted.
'What are you talking about?' Bruce was puzzled.
'Don't worry about it Bruce. It's James's way of saying hello,' Shin was calm and James's retorts didn't seem to bother him.
'You haven't changed shit,' James on the other hand wasn't amused.
'It looks like this blader who lost to you and Susumu is a jerk,' Judy stated next.
'What did you say bitch?!' James cursed, scaring Frank and Bruce from the sudden outburst.
'You heard me. The only reason you won the last tournament was because Shin and Susumu didn't take a part in it. If you ask me, you're about to lose your crown,' Judy spoke with stern voice.
'Come on Judy. There's no need to say that for whatever reason,' Shin sighed. James hadn't changed either. He was one of those bladers whose ego grew from every win and Judy picked up it too.
'Can't help it. His ego seems too big to fit in this room,' Judy joked and Bruce couldn't hold in his laughter.
'You better fucking stop that. You're nothing but rookies and I can beat you easily,' James tried to sound threatening.
'Obviously dude and we don't deny that. I was just saying that your ego is big and Susumu there is also the former champion and only because he didn't take part in this last time and same goes to Shin here. So, in reality, you're in third place as long as until you haven't beaten Susumu and Shin,' Judy said. James stared at Judy dumbfounded and was clearly trying to come up with something to shout back but Judy had made herself clear.
'You better fucking watch me,' James finally stated and walked away.
'That was… cool Judy,' Bruce was amazed.
'Hopefully he doesn't try challenging me later,' Shin said but he did sound amused.
'That would proof us right though and that he needs to come back to earth,' Frank said.
'Speaking of which battle is starting,' Bruce turned back to the stadium. Their exchange which James had lasted only few minutes, but it did feel longer. Bruce looked Susumu who looked already bored but he can understand why. Since he battled against him already and he lost under a second.
'3… 2… 1… and let it rip!' the announcer said and blades were out again. But before anyone could blink all expect one blade were out of the dish.
'Is it over already?' Frank asked with wide eyes and he was not the only one.
'It's… It's over! The winner is Susumu!' the announcer managed finally to say it out loud. With cool manner Susumu grabbed his blade and turned around to leave.
'That was so cool. How can blade move that fast?' Bruce asked.
'I'm wondering about that too,' Judy pondered while holding her own chin.
'What I can tell is that he has trained a long time. Even Shin's blade is faster than ours but Susumu is on other level,' Frank calculated.
'Looks like he hasn't changed much either,' Shin smiled.
'Huh?' others stared at him.
'He's even better now. It looks like he hasn't stopped training all this time,' Shin said.
'That's dedication but… did we ask you why you two stopped going to the tournaments?' Bruce asked.
'For me it was simply no time back then anymore. I had to return home in China and concentrate on school. I was smaller child then. For Susumu… I don't know. Maybe not strong enough opponents,' Shin answered.
'I wonder if he decided to come because you're in it too?' Bruce asked, 'Or he's looking for new bladers?'
'Who knows but let's go. Battles continue tomorrow and we got more time to train and check some parts if you're interested,' Shin suggested.
'Let's go then,' Bruce nodded and glanced at Susumu, 'I'm going to see if Susumu wants to join in. Let's meet up at my place.' With that Bruce left running.
'Why does he seriously bother with Susumu? It's clear Susumu doesn't want to be friends with anyone,' Judy sighed.
'With that attitude it's going to be guaranteed,' Shin said little annoyed. He could only guess that Bruce wanted to accept other people as who they were but Shin did wonder why Bruce was trying to connect to Susumu. But Judy's attitude wasn't any better.
'Just saying,' Judy raised here hands slightly up like she surrendered.
-With Bruce-
Bruce managed to caught up with Susumu in the hallway.
'Wait up man!' Bruce called out panting. Susumu didn't say anything and glared at Bruce with narrow eyes.
'I was… wondering… if… One second,' Bruce took a deep breath and continued, 'I was wondering if you liked to join us to train and check better bey parts for tomorrow.' Susumu kept his eyes on Bruce before walking past him without a word.
'If you decide to come, come to my place! It's the big dojo looking building near the park!' Bruce called out after him before leaving himself too. He did hope that Susumu would come at some point since he might give some advice or pointers to upcoming battles. Then again they were up against each other and even in the finals. Everyone could tell at the moment that Susumu was going to be in the finals and maybe Shin too but that didn't stop Bruce from trying to reach there. He was even more nervous than before but luckily opponents were his friends.
-With Susumu-
Susumu stopped walking for a moment and glanced behind him to see Bruce run off. Susumu had managed to sneak out of the house. Well, walk out since father didn't bother what he did outside of house as long as he didn't embarrass Hiwatari name. Susumu was meant to be the perfect being and father didn't hide it from Susumu, even though it didn't look like it. That was the main reason why father had home schooled Susumu at the end because it was becoming embarrassing.
Susumu didn't know anymore what his father wanted. Voltaire apparently wanted Susumu to be a perfect being and not care about him all at the same time. And Bruce here didn't seem to care what other people thought and talked to Susumu every time he could. Everyone else avoided him which didn't bother Susumu himself. Bruce bothered him and it didn't seem to stop.
'Morons,' Susumu sighed.
-Next Morning At The Dojo-
Bruce was packing his bag in case he could take some part home later. Shin and others were already waiting outside but they weren't in a hurry. They were talking among themselves and even laughing a bit when Bruce came out. Bruce looked around a bit and even glanced behind the corner.
'We haven't seen Susumu yet if that's what you're looking for,' Frank stated.
'Too bad though. I was hoping to train with him,' Bruce said and walked back to others.
'Why?' Judy asked puzzled, 'You talk about him constantly.'
'Fine, I'll stop. But the reason is simple actually,' Bruce began.
'You wish to battle him again and try learn from it?' Shin asked.
'That's one way of putting it. I mean to be strong blader, I need to fight the strongest. Right?' Bruce added. Others just nodded and left it there since Bruce had a point. In short time Bruce had learned a lot. They headed to BBA building first to get better parts for all of them. Judy's and Bruce's blades got the biggest upgrades and now it was time to try control them.
With help of Frank and Shin they managed to come up with new moves and were practising it when announcement came about the tournament pairs. Since James was defending champion, he also had won his block but they missed it since they left after Susumu had won.
'His ego is going to blow up,' Shin shook his head as pairs for next battles came to the screen.
'I'm battling against Shin?!' Bruce called out, 'Don't go easy on me.'
'So you can lose faster?' Frank joked.
'Ha, ha,' Bruce picked his blade from the dish and turned to Judy since she was against James, 'What's your game plan?'
'Maybe… not to lose under a minute?' Judy chuckled. She was realistic and knew she didn't have a chance at winning after so little training compared to James' experience.
'Me too,' Bruce admitted and everyone laughed, 'But I am interested what kind of match Shin and Susumu will have.'
'If we are realistic, it's kind of boring. I bet everyone here thinks Susumu will win,' Shin closed the TV as others nodded.
'Let's make it interesting then. Let's be hopefully and try to win,' Bruce suggested.
'How is that making it interesting?' Shin asked.
'I'm not going to give up just because you've played longer,' Bruce was firm in his decision. They had about 30 minutes before battles began. First match was between Shin and Bruce, next one between Judy and James and Susumu would battle against either Judy or James and so on. Matches would last one round at the moment and it meant that they basically had one chance to battle before semi-finals. As Frank was going through they parts with Shin Bruce glanced at the room but didn't see Susumu yet. Maybe he would arrive before his battle just like last time.
Bruce could only shrug his shoulders and continue upgrading his bey. He wasn't going to take it easy but still have fun when blading against Shin.
Hope you enjoyed. I'll see when the next chapter is up in this or on other ones.
