Chapter 10: Mother Russia

After watching team EU vs DBZ, GanGan Galaxy headed north; towards Russia to play the second round of the A Block. Currently they were on a train, taking in the scenic view of the snowy landscape.

Woah. Hikaru and Madoka were in awe of the snowy environment they were passing by as they saw many wild animals including reindeers.

That makes 9755. Madoka counted.

Forest, reindeer, forest, reindeer. Gingka repeated as he was getting bored of seeing them. Oh, the same scenery keeps going forever. Gingka complained.

When are we going to reach the arena for the second round?! Masamune was losing his patience as he complained from his bed.

Don't get your knickers in a knot, we'll arrive tomorrow afternoon. Tsubasa simply said as he was reading his book.

So until then it's just forest and reindeer. Gingka sighed.

Dudes, I wanna battle in round two; I want the Russian team right now! Team… Masamune paused for a moment as he forgot their name. What was their name?

Um, lip bump, link sausage, llama? Gingka tried to recall but ended up butchering the name.

It's "Lovushka" Tsubasa reminded the boys.

I wonder what their bladers are gonna be like? Gingka eagerly wondered.

Like who cares? I say no matter who the opponents are; bring them on! Masamune confidently said as Tsubasa tempered their expectations.

Don't get overconfident. We have to remember that the world is full of strong bladers, we know nothing about. Like the EU's Julian for example. Tsubasa said as the boys recalled the battle.

"Here's the finale." Julian stated as he bested Zidane and Karte to win the first round for the EU team.

Julian Konzern. Gingka still couldn't get him out of his mind; to not only have two left-spinning beyblades but three! It was hard to grasp.

A bey that can spin to the left and the right should be against the rules. It's just wrong! I, Masamune will get revenge for our Saharian friends DBZ. Masamune vowed.

In order to do that, first we have to get through round two. Let's make sure we win! Gingka hyped the team as Masamune shouted in agreement while Tsubasa smiled.

Well actually about that, there's something I want to talk to you two about OK? Masamune said as he looked at the guys.

What is it?

In the next battle I want one of you to switch with me. Masamune said, taking the guys by surprise.

If I'm going to prove I'm number one, I'll need to show the world what I'm capable of, Masamune proudly stated.

So Gingka will you switch me? Masamune suggested as he looked at his leader.

Huh? Why me?!

I mean, Akuma sure is not switching so it's between you and Tsubasa.

Not in a million years. Gingka bluntly said.

Why, you stubborn! Fine! What about you, Tsubasa? Masamune expressed his frustration at their leader before looking at the Eagle Blader with pleading eyes.

Huh? OK then, I'll think about it. Tsubasa's response surprised his teammates.

Come… Sorry you said what? Masamune thought he misheard.

Tsubasa…. Gingka looked at his silver haired teammate and wondered if something was wrong. Tsubasa reflected on his loss against Chiyun.

"PLEASE STOP IT! I WANT TO WIN, I WILL WIN!"

"That was… That feeling was… I was out of control, I can't let that happen again during a battle, I can't." Tsubasa deeply thought.

Huh? Where did Hikaru and Madoka go? Masamune asked, just realising their secretary and mechanic were gone.

They left a while ago to get something to drink. Tsubasa answered.

Speaking off? Has anyone seen Akuma? Gingka asked.

Yeah, where is that guy? Masamune wondered when they last actually saw him.

Speaking of Hikaru and Madoka, they were in the restaurant carriage where Madoka was admiring the young man sitting next to her while Hikaru felt like a third wheel.

As for Akuma who was shirtless and Bahamut, they were on the roof on one of the carriages, training to withstand the Russian coldness in order to increase their stamina and resistance.

It's so beautiful, truly gorgeous. Aleksey complimented as he admired Madoka's laptop.

Really? Madoka asked.

Yeah, gorgeous, what a sweet laptop.

I'm glad you like it. It's a one-of-a-kind handmade model. Madoka revealed as she sipped her drink.

I'm very sorry about bumping into you before, I'm so clumsy. Aleksey apologised.

Oh no, no. I wasn't watching where I was going at all. Madoka modestly said.

"Madoka, you've known this guy for a few minutes and you're already head over heels…" Hikaru sighed in her mind.

Well this really is a beautiful design. A titanium case with two dual mpus. Oh? And it has an SSD! The guy broke down every little detail he could find like a kid in a candy store.

That's exactly right Aleksey. I have never met anyone who understands me so well. Madoka complimented her newly acquainted friend as she blushed.

Yeah, yeah.

Aleksey, you said you were a scientist but what are you researching exactly? Madoka asked.

I'm doing research in space science at well y'know SK space training centre. Aleksey revealed.

Awesome! That's the foremost institution in all of Russia. How wonderful… Hey Aleksey, can I ask you one question? It's concerning something about super strength theory. Madoka asked.

Of course. At first Einstein's general theory of relativity could accurately describe things in the macro world where gravity is higher but in the micro world of atoms and molecules describing phenomena became difficult to document and so… Aleksey explains.

Meanwhile Masamune and Gingka were watching from the door, looking suspiciously at Aleksey.

"Why did I come along?" Hikaru continued to sigh in her thoughts as she sipped her orange juice.

That's so amazing. Madoka awed at Aleksey's knowledge who brought out a USB memory stick from his pocket but quickly put it back as Masamune and Gingka interrupted their conversation much to Aleksey's frustrations.

What are you guys doing here? Madoka asked, feeling annoyed by their presence.

We were worried you two got lost. Gingka explained.

So we came looking for you. Is that some sort of a crime? Masamune rudely asked.

It would be pretty hard for me to get lost on a train wouldn't it? Madoka answered.

As you can see, we were doing fine. Hikaru added. "Never thought I would say this but thanks for coming, you guys."

The guys looked at each other.

Oh, this is my friend Aleksey, he knows a lot about all sorts of things. Madoka introduced and complimented her Russian friend.

You're Madoka's travel companions; she told me you were bladers. Well I'm Aleksey, it's really nice to meet you. A real pleasure indeed. Aleksey acted all nice as he offered a handshake.

Ah yeah… Nice to meet you. You could hear Gingka's awkwardness in his voice as he shook hands.

Nice to meet you too.

Yeah, yeah likewise. Masamune said.

So what were you talking about that got you so pumped up? Gingka asked.

Aleksey was teaching me all about super string theory. Madoka answered.

Super string?

Yes, in Einstein's general theory of relativity, super string is- Aleksey stopped as he realised the guys and Hikaru had no clue what he was talking about.

Don't interrupt! Aleksey, please continue. Madoka quickly changed moods as she and Aleksey returned to their conversation while Gingka and Masamune looked lost and confused at their scientific "gibberish."

Your order? The food & beverage attendant asked. Gingka randomly blurted out a Russian dish and Masamune asked for the same thing but "supersized."

I'll take a beef stroganoff and a coffee, please. Hikaru ordered.

Some time had passed and it was now getting dark. The group said their goodbyes to Aleksey and were heading back to their booth.

Aleksey is so amazing, don't you guys agree? Madoka giggled as she tried to resist blushing.

Yeah… Both Masamune and Gingka lied as they didn't want to express their real opinion.

Madoka, are you sure about this Aleksey? I mean you two just met. Hikaru questioned.

Whaa? Don't you tell me you never dreamed of meeting your knight in shining armour? Madoka responds as she fantasises about Aleksey.

If you say so… Hikaru sighed knowing she couldn't change her opinion. Meanwhile the guys sweatdropped at the front.

I don't get it. What's the deal with being in a relationship? Gingka wondered.

Me neither, dude, isn't it too early for us to think about marriage and stuff? Masamune said. Whoa! The group fell back as they opened the door to enter the next carriage when Akuma appeared out of nowhere, looking really cold as his face was blue as ice.

There you are! Where have you been? Masamune asked but it sounded more like he was demanding it.

Training. Akuma simply replied as he didn't bother to chit chat and left for the restaurant.

Don't tell me he actually trained on the roof, that's dangerous! Madoka couldn't understand how reckless her teammate was.

Yeah… I know he's strong but that seems overkill even for me. Masamune added.

I dunno about you guys but I'm getting pretty tired. Gingka yawned. I need some shut eye before tomorrow's match.

Me too. Masamune stretched out his hands as he was feeling sleepy as well.

Well, night then, me and Hikaru are staying up a bit longer.

The group split off as the guys headed for the bed while the girls continued their conversation.

Another bowl of borscht. Masamune mumbled in his sleep.

Oh, I can't eat anymore. Gingka mumbled.

Ah, everything Aleksey said was so interesting. Ah, I hope I see him tomorrow. Madoka talked to herself as she blushed.

Hikaru tried to ignore the mechanic's fangirling by looking through the latest data WWBA HQ sent her but it was getting a bit annoying by this stage.

What are you looking at, Hikaru?

Now that I think about it, I felt like I'd seen him before… Hikari replied as she scrolled through her tablet, trying to find how.

Who? Aleksey? I didn't see you as a science aficionado. Madoka questioned as she put her hands on her cheeks.

I'm not but I can't put my finger on it. Where have I seen him before? Hikaru was getting frustrated as she couldn't find the answers.

Come in. Anton, team Lovushka's manager said as Aleksey entered the compartment coach.

Were you able to get hold of team GGG's data like I told you to?

No, not yet. Aleksey replied.

You had an assignment and you failed. That's very disappointing. You do want to win too, don't you Aleksey? Anton asked.

Yes.

If you want to win and realise your dream then you must get the Japan team's data. It is a shortcut to victory. As long as we win, the way we do it, doesn't matter. A rose is still a rose even if it's BLACK! Anton said with a hint of frustration in his voice.

I understand. In the name of Russia's victory, I will absolutely get the data. Aleksey vowed much to Anton's pleasure.

Meanwhile Gingka was freezing from the cold weather.

It's f-freezing. I can't sleep like this… Wait! That's my blanket! Gingka realised Masamune had taken his blanket.

I can't eat anymore. Masamune muttered in his sleep as he dreamed about food.

He took it! I know. Gingka got an idea as he woke everyone up and brought them to the carriage with a practice bey stadium in it. Everyone but Akuma that is as he refused to be disturbed.

We can warm ourselves with this.

Gingka, did you really have to wake us all up for practice in the middle of the night? Hikaru sighed with a hint of annoyance in her tone.

This is how Gingka rules. Tsubasa sighed.

Another bowl of borscht. Masamune remained asleep somehow as Gingka had enough and yelled at him in an attempt to wake him up.

There is no more borscht OK? NOW WAKE UP! Gingka shouted in Masamune's ear as he removed his blanket. Masamune immediately woke up from the sheer cold temperature.

All right, here we go.

3,2,1 LET IT RIP!

Eagle!

Striker!

Pegasus!

Go NOW! Everyone commanded the same instruction as Madoka smiled at their passion.

Nothing like a good old bey battle to make everyone forget about the cold. Madoka remarked.

Absolutely. Hikaru agreed with Madoka's statement.

Wait a minute, I got an idea, if I beat both of you, I'll get to battle in the next round. Masamune suggested.

I'll think about it. Hikaru replied much to Masamune's joy.

Say what?! Come on Hikaru, that's not fair! Gingka questioned.

Tsubsa, what do you think… Huh? Gingka gave him a questionable look as Striker knocked Eagle out of the stadium without any effort.

Battle seriously Tsubasa! Masamune demanded. I won't be happy if I beat you like that y'know?

Sorry.

What's wrong Tsubasa? Madoka asked as a big guy in an astronaut suit walked up to her without her noticing. It seems like your heart's not in it… AHHHH!

An alien! Masamune blurted out.

I… I… um… sorry for-

I'm sorry for startling you is what he's saying. Nowa gobber is shy so he keeps his helmet on because he's nervous plus he speaks softly. So all you listen really closely so you can hear himmmm, Lera explained.

Just one question? Who are you guys? Masamune asked for the whole team.

Don't you just stand there! Stop talking and take aim! Get ready to battle us! Lera ordered.

Cut it out Lera. You're bothering these people. Aleksey said.

Hi Aleksey! Madoka immediately became happy seeing the Russian.

We met again. These two are Nowaguma and Lera. They do research with me at the SK space training center. Aleksey introduced his "friends" to GGG.

"Nowaguma and Lera… I definitely heard their names somewhere before too, aghh why can't I remember?!" Hikaru berated herself as her memory was failing her.

That makes sense! Madoka responded loudly.

"Hmm, something is up with these guys." Hikaru stared at the Russians.

As part of our space research, we are using beyblades to help us learn. Aleksey revealed.

Do you really use beyblades in space research? Madoka questioned while Masamune and Gingka looked suspiciously at Aleksey and his friends.

Yes! The Earth, the solar system and the galaxy are all rotating but why do they rotate? We think that the secret behind that can be found in beyblades. Aleksey explained.

Amazing… Madoka awed as her eyes lit up like stars.

Madoka… Hikaru sighed but the mechanic paid her no attention.

That is why we're gonna battle you guys so get ready! Lera demanded, losing her patience.

If it's alright, could we get you to battle with us please? Aleksey asked Gingka.

I had no idea you were a blader but yeah sure we will. Who's going first?

Sounds good to me. Masamune gave a thumbs up.

I'll stand down. Tsubasa stated much to his teammates' confusion.

Tsubasa… Masamune remarked.

Because I wanna let Eagle rest for tomorrow's match. Tsubasa quickly explained with a hint of anger in his voice as he left the coach.

I wonder if something really is wrong with him? Gingka pondered.

You mean besides that hairdo? Masamune remarked.

Masamune… Madoka didn't mind the banter but this was not the time.

Well uh, so… do-

Nowa says he's happy to go first! Lera stated.

Wait a minute, now we're only two against the three of them. Masamune pointed out.

Oh right… What do we know? Gingka wondered.

I know, why don't one of you battle twice, we don't mind, Lera suggested.

Sure, that sounds good to us, no matter the opponent, we will always be ready, isn't that right Masamune? Gingka claimed.

Damn straight we are.

I'll go first, OK? Gingka said as he prepared to launch his Pegasus.

Sure… Wait a minute! Masamune grumbled.

Let's have a good battle. Nowaguma said as he showed off his beyblade.

That's a Rock Orso. Madoka immediately identified the beyblade model. Be careful with its attack power. Madoka warned.

Alright, 3,2,1 LET IT RIP!

Orso made the first move as it attacked Pegasus from the sides.

Let's turn it up a notch, Go Pegasus! Gingka excitedly commanded as Pegasus knocked it off its back.

What are you doing Nowaguma! His purple haired friend yelled.

Sorry for the unscheduled battle. Aleksey apologised.

Oh no, it's fine. Gingka and the others always enjoy a match. Madoka shrugged off the apology.

By the way Madoka, do you have your computer on you? I'd love to take a look at it one more time. Aleksey smilingly asked.

Sure, here. Madoka brought out her laptop from her bag and handed it over to the Russian researcher.

Thanks very much.

"What are you doing?" Hikaru narrowed down her eyes at Aleksey.

Let's do this! Pegasus, starbooster-

You can't! Madoka immediately rushed towards Gingka before he doomed everyone.

Are you trying to put a hole through the top of the train?! Hikaru berated the team leader as Aleksey took advantage of the situation and inserted a USB-stick into Madoka's laptop and it started copying down all of Madoka's data.

Oh, you're right. Gingka realised.

No kidding Gingka, try thinking things through. Masamune joined Madoka and Hikaru in berating the red haired blader.

Yeah, yeah, what else then?!

You'll think of something Gingka! Madoka cheered.

GO! Pegasus attacked with full speed and defeated Rock Orso with a stadium knock out.

He's strong. Nowaguma commented.

He said he lost on purpose, that's exactly what he said! Got it!? Lera made it all up to make her friend look tough.

Well done Gingka, standing up to Nowaguma's power like that is quite impressive. Aleksey complimented in an effort to drag things out as he hid the laptop behind his back.

OK! Now it's my turn! Masumune said.

You look like you slept in those clothes, playboy. Lera sneered.

So what if I did?! Masamune quickly defended his fashion style.

Whatever, I'll still battle ya! Lera accepted his challenge as she showed off her bey.

This time it's a Rock Scorpio. Madoka remarked.

It'll be good at defense alright but it's still no match for my Ray Striker. Masamune confidently said.

If you think you can beat me, just try. Lera retorted.

Will do.

3,2,1 LET IT RIP!

Both beys wasted no time attacking each other head on.

Yeah, dig in Striker.

Eye of the tiger Masamune. Madoka cheered while Aleksey started to sweat from the long download.

"What's taking so long?!" Aleksey thought.

Are you feeling OK Aleksey? Madoka gave him a worried look.

Huh? Madoka… Do you have any interest in the theorem that the speed of light is constant? Aleksey quickly improvised so as to not get caught.

"What is he doing now?" Hikaru wondered as she quickly realised, she didn't see Madoka's laptop.

I do, I do! Tell me about it. Madoka giggled with great interest.

Here they go again… Masamune and Gingka simultaneously said as they couldn't handle the "nerd talk."

Where's the laptop? Hikaru demanded. Aleksey sweatdropped.

"Shot, I've been caught!"

Oh, I almost forgot. Madoka realised.

Give it back! Hikaru reached out for her friend's laptop as the USB stick bleeped.

"Done." Aleksey thought as he quickly removed the stick.

Striker, Lightning Sword Flash! Masamune commanded as Scorpio left the stadium.

Boom goes the dynamite!

Just remember I lost on purpose! Lera flustered out of embarrassment.

Yeah, y- Masamune got interrupted by a furious Hikaru.

Now, I remember who you are, Aleksey or should I say the leader of team Lovushka. What did you do with her laptop?! Hikaru demanded.

What?! Aleksey, no, don't tell me, it's true. Madoka felt her heart drop as she realised she'd been used all along.

I'm sorry Madoka, I truly am but we're gonna win at all cost. And since our cover is blown, yes, I am indeed the one you speak of. Here catch, I won't be needing it anymore. Aleksey admitted as the threw the laptop towards Madoka who managed to catch it.

Aleksey, wait! Madoka begged.

Wait, what just happened? Masamune who was too caught in celebrating his win.

They stole our data! We need to get it back! Hikaru ordered.

Oh right, achooo! Gingka sneezed. Did I catch a cold?

But as Hikaru reached for the door, they had locked it.

Damn it! Hikaru kicked the door out of frustration.

We could've beaten those guys easily! This is so unfair! Lera ranted.

Lera, we did not play them to win this time. Aleksey reminded her.

I know…

We got their data and that was the plan. We must make sure we win, that's all that is important because that is all that matters to us. Aleksey stated.

So we can realise our dream… Nowaguma and Lera said together.

See? You can do it if you try. With this you're one step closer to victory and what was the other team like? Anton asked.

Tsubasa seems to be in extremely bad shape. Aleksey said.

Well he did lose in the first round. He shouldn't be any trouble for us. Anton said with a smug on his face.

Masamune Kadoya doesn't seem to have much on the ball and we didn't see this Akuma guy. Lera expressed.

I see, in that case as expected the two we have to be most cautious of are… Gingka and Akuma. Anton looked at the stolen data as he began strategizing their "victory."

He's the champion of battle bladers. There can be no doubting his true power, that is certain, however, there's no need to worry because he will not be taking part in the battle and Akuma, he will be difficult to stop but I'll think of something Anton revealed.

What do you mean? Aleksey asked.

Just leave it to me. As long as we win, the methods we use do not matter. A rose without its petals is still a rose. Anton evilly chuckled.

A few moments later, Aleksey was looking at the night sky when Lera walked up to him.

Aleksey…

Huh?

Is this really alright? Stealing the enemy's data? Lera questioned their actions.

Of course it's not alright but we have a dream and it's a big one. A dream that we want to come true. Aleksey said as he imagined the three of them going to space.

Our dream to go into space. Lera muttered.

In order to do it we must win the BWCS by any means necessary! No matter how guilty we feel, the only way for us to get there is to beat the other teams! Aleksey passionately.

That's right. Nowaguma agreed.

The train eventually stopped as more passengers entered and exited. The team tried to find the Russian team but they were quickly disturbing the other passengers and decided to confront them when they arrived. Masamune and Gingka went back to sleep while Madoka and Hikaru were staying up, looking up what the Russian team stole and reporting to the WBBA.

How could I've been such an idiot… Madoka sighed.

Madoka, you couldn't have known, I should've realised he was a part of the Russian team much earlier. Hikaru tried to cheer her friend up.

But…

No buts, all we can do now is to figure out what they stole and hope WBBA does the right thing. Hikaru stated.

Alright… Wait do you smell that? Madoka pointed out as they noticed the smell of delicious burgers in the air.

As a trail of burgers was laid out, a person wearing a blanket became excited and started munching away at the burgers while Anton, who watched from a distance, smiled at his successful plan.

Goodbye Gingka. Anton whispered as the person entered the train on the other end of the station.

Haha, my plan worked absolutely perfectly. Anton laughed. Gingka can't battle us if he's on the wrong train now can he? Anton continued laughing as he reentered his train.

I'm so hungry, I think I'll go get something from the dining car. Madoka informed Hikaru. Suddenly in the corner of her eye, she sees Masamune eating a burger in the other train and panicked.

What's wrong, Madoka? Hikaru asked her panicked mechanic.

Look!

Oh no!

Gingka! Madoka and Hikaru rushed to inform their leader who was freezing because he had no blanket to shield him from the cold.

Masamune? Why is he on the other train? And where did he get that beautiful hamburger? Gingka wondered and drooled at the same time.

Hey… We smelled something delicious earlier didn't we? Madoka recalled.

Yeah. Hikaru nodded.

I didn't smell anything.

That's because you have a cold so your nose is stuffed up. Madoka reminded him.

AGHHHH MASAMUNE! They screamed as the trains headed in different directions.

I'm so nice and full. Masamune said as he was half asleep and too busy enjoying the burgers.

There he goes. What should we do? Madoka asked.

I don't know! He's been hamburger napped! Gingka stressfully responded.

Don't worry, I'll notify the WBBA right away. Hikaru immediately took action as she pulled up her tablet.

The next day

Hikaru! Did you contact the WBBA? Gingka asked.

Yes, they said they will try to find out where he went from headquarters but I also have bad news, unless we show proof of them stealing our data, there's nothing we can do. Hikaru revealed.

Man, I can't believe this. Gingka sighed.

We'll just win without him. Akuma indifferently said.

He's our teammate, don't you care at all? Gingka questioned Akuma's attitude.

What does it matter? He's the sub, he wouldn't have battled anyway and he shouldn't have fallen for a trap like that in the first place. Akuma stated.

A trap? Gingka wondered what he meant.

They've been waiting for you. Anton said to his black rose as he walked up to GGG. Team GanGan Galaxy, I am Anton, the manager of the Russian team, Lovushka. I welcome you.

The team glared at the manager but Anton seemed unfaced.

Yes, I will be your guide in this unfamiliar land, agh! Anton flinched as he saw Gingka.

Something wrong? Madoka asked, thinking he was feeling guilty for stealing the data.

What? No, no nothing. Anton responded.

"Why is Gingka here and Masamune Kadoya is nowhere to be seen? I just have to stay calm and change my plans slightly and it will be fine" Anton evilly thought.

OK…? Madoka muttered.

Where are my manners? Let me show you the stadium right away. Come along. Anton said as he excited the station.

Where's Masamune?! Gingka demanded realising what Akuma meant.

I'm sorry, I have no idea what you're accusing me of? Anton played dumb.

Let's go, Gingka. Hikaru ordered.

But…

I know, Gingka, I'm mad as well for what they did but there's nothing we can but defeat in battle for now. Hikaru said and Gingka clenched his fists.

She's right. Madoka agreed with their secretary before she thought. "Aleksey, why did you do it?" Madoka sighed as she wasn't ready to face the man who toyed with her feelings.

You OK, Madoka? Hikaru asked.

No, but I will be, thanks Hikaru. Madoka smiled, knowing she had a friend that cared for her.

This is the stadium. Anton said as they stood in front of the big old building.

So this is the arena for round two? Just looking at it, gets me fired up, achooo! Gingka sneezed as the cold wind passed by.

Are you going to be alright Gingka? Madoka asked.

Don't worry, I'm fine.

There's still time before the battle begins. How about getting something warm? To eat? Anton suggested.

Sure… Akuma simply said as the rest were still angry.

Before that, please allow me to introduce you to all the members of Russia's team, Lovushka. Anton said as three familiar people appeared.

You! All GGG members but Akuma yelled.

We meet again, my "friends." Aleksey waved.

Aleksey…

You tricked us all along. Tsubasa remarked.

I'm sorry, it was just a little Siberian surprise for you all. Aleksey cheekly replied but deep down, he felt guilty for what he did.

Yep, just a little surprise! Nowaguma and Lera said, acting as if nothing had happened.

But Aleksey… I don't. Madoka said with sadness in her voice as Aleksey couldn't look her in the eye.

Meanwhile somewhere else

Huh? Where the heck am I! Masamune shouted as he had somehow ended up on a sunny beach.

Another chapter that was a drag to write because of the build up towards the next episode and the usual anime tropes.