Chapter 4: Welcome to China

Well we finally made it to China. Gingka said as they stood in the middle of the plaza.

So what are we supposed to do next? Now that we're here. Gingka asked the team.

For starters, we should check-in into our hotel and leave off our luggage. Hikaru suggested.

And what then? Masamune asked.

Our battle is in 3 days. Tsubasa simply said. So what? Masamune responded as he yawned because of the jet lag.

It's not exactly brain surgery. We collect information. Madoka stated.

Huh? You want us to collect information? Gingka and Masamune replied looking confused.

Come on you guys… Tsubasa said as he pinched his forehead. Think about it; other than Chiyun and Mei-Mei, we don't know a single thing about our opponents, isn't that right? Madoka explained.

Oh, I get it. Get in their skin and crawl around a bit huh. Gingka said. That's it Gingka. Madoka was happy they finally understood.

So the better we know the opposition, the better prepared we will be right? Gingka asked for clarification. That's the plan stan. Madoka confirmed.

All right so let's all go out and collect information together. Gingka suggested.

Well, after- Hikaru said before she got interrupted as they ended up sightseeing instead.

The Great Wall of China

That's cool. Gingka said as he admired the amazing view.

So where are they? Come here pandas. Masamune couldn't care less about the wall as he was on the lookout for the black and white bears.

Pandas? Madoka wondered as Hikaru sweatdropped and Akuma sighed.

Haochi Restaurant

All right! Masamune and Gingka cheered as they got to experience true Chinese cuisine for the first time.

Where are the pandas? Here pandas. Masamune shouted while showing food into his mouth.

What are you talking about? Madoka questioned her teammate's intelligence.

Seriously? Akuma looked at the Striker blader with a raised eyebrow thinking similar thoughts to Madoka but with more inappropriate words. Meanwhile, Tsubasa and Hikaru just enjoyed the food.

The Forbidden City

Wow! Everyone except Akuma and Masamune said, admiring the size of the forbidden city.

It's so big! Gingka commented as Masamune still was on the lookout for the pandas.

But where are the pandas, here pandas! Masamune shouted, attracting weird looks from the locals.

Give the pandas a rest already! Madoka yelled as she had enough of Masamune's stupidity.

Tsubasa just admired the city quietly, Hikaru was about to just had enough with Masamune's obsession and Akuma took photos.

That was so cool! Everyone said except Hikaru, Tsubasa and Akuma.

Well now that we've eaten like pigs and seen the sites, time to chill at the hotel. Gingka suggested as he and Masamune headed for the accommodation.

Seriously, lack of pandas though. Masamune commented, disappointed not seeing any pandas.

Where are you guys going! Madoka shouted. We're not here to collect information about China! We have to collect info about the team we're facing, Wang Hu Zhang[WHZ]! Do you understand?! Madoka ranted.

Seriously you guys are truly unbelievable… Tsubasa added. Amen, Akuma and Hikaru agreed with the Eagle blader.

Everybody's a critic huh. Gingka said in response.

We don't even know where those guys are, so what can we do? Besides, exploring the country you're visiting for the first time is important too. Masamune said.

Well said, Masamune. Gingka agreed with his fellow teammate.

That's… True of course but still. Madoka responded.

Listen up everyone, we can all scout our opponents and enjoy our visit but first we need to check-in at our hotel; The check-in time is closing soon. Hikaru warned.

Do you guys hear that? Tsubasa.

Suddenly, they all heard beyblades clashing against one another and rushed to the source,

As they turn around the corner, they see Mei-Mei fight against 3 men while protecting some kids.

What's the matter sweetie? Where all your confidence go huh? Blader #3 mockingly said.

You wanted to take all three of us on by yourself. It's too late back out now sister. Blader #2

If we win, we get your bey just as promised. Blader #1

If you lose, you'll return all of the beys you took from these kids, is that the deal? Mei-Mei asked as the guys laughed.

Yeah, sure we will. If you win, no problem. Blader #3 laughed as Mei-Mei showed her true bey skills.

Ferocious Tiger Waltz! Mei-Mei commanded her bey as it took all three beys by surprise. Soaring Firebird! Blader #1's bey got attacked from the sky as his bey crashed into the walls.

Fighting Snake Flash as Mei's Aquario zig-zagged like a snake taking out the remaining beys in one swoop.

Now hand over the kids beys you creeps! Mei-Mei demanded.

We'll remember this! Blader #3 said as he threw the stolen beys and ran away with the rest of his group.

You better, you big bullies! Mei-Mei responded as she stuck out her tongue.

Whoa, that was cool. Masamune praised. Man! And she's just a sub member of WHZ. Gingka added as neither couldn't believe how she was a sub.

It just shows you how unbelievably skilled their team is. Madoka said.

Yeah… Hikaru replied as she remembered her own Aquario.

Thanks a lot, miss. One of the kids said. No more battling with guys like that ok? Mei-Mei suggested.

Mei-Mei! Gingka called out as she turned around to see her upcoming opponents.

Gingka, Akuma and your friends too! Mei-Mei said as she was surprised to see them all. At last you've come to China! Mei-Mei continued.

You bet! To battle you, Team WHZ And we don't intend on losing in the first round either. Gingka stated.

Actually, we're really glad to see you. Masamune said as the rest were surprised by his comments. We've been looking all over for you guys. Mei-Mei.

Looking for us, why? Mei-Mei asked.

Well cause Madoka's been bugging us all day to collect information about the enemy. Masamune explained.

What?! Madoka couldn't believe her ears as Masamune revealed their plans so casually.

Huh, what kind of information? Mei-Mei seeking more answers.

Masamune, you knucklehead! Madoka angrily said as she covered his mouth. What did I do? Masamune was muffled as he tried to escape her hold.

What he means is we'd like you to show us how your team practices if it's not too much trouble. Gingka requested.

Ah, real subtle Gingka… Madoka disappointedly said as she thought there was no way she'd agree.

Sure, it's fine. Mei-Mei casually said as GanGan Galaxy[GGG] were shocked they would allow it.

Thanks Mei-Mei, you're the coolest. Gingka thanked his enemy. Mei-Mei smiled back.

So let's go! Masamune eagerly said as he couldn't wait.

It's no problem at all but it might destroy your confidence. Mei-Mei mentions. Everyone but Akuma were taken back by the bun girl's comment.

What's that about "destroying our confidence?" Madoka asked.

You'll understand once you see. Mei-Mei smiled.

Well as much as we love too. Guys, we need to check-in asap! Hikaru demanded not wanting to wait any longer.

Come on, Hikaru, it's probably our best chance to see them train more than ever! Gingka complained.

I understand Gingka but I don't want our team to sleep outside for the night. Hikaru said standing her ground.

What about this; Hikaru, you go and check-in for all of us while the rest of us join Mei-Mei? Does that sound good to you? Madoka suggested.

Hm… Well alright then, just hand me your passports and we all should be good. Hikaru said as everyone handed their IDs except Akuma.

Akuma? Madoka asked. I'll join Hikaru, not feeling like watching practice. Akuma simply replied.

Are you afraid you'll lose your confidence? Mei-Mei smiled but Akuma didn't pay her attention as he and Hikaru started leaving. Leaving Mei-Mei disappointed.

GanGan Galaxy's hotel

Akuma and Hikaru just checked in for everyone and entered the elevator to leave their luggage in their rooms.

Why didn't you join the rest? Don't you want to battle strong bladers? Hikaru asked.

Hm.. Not really, I already know I'll win against anyone in their team and besides I could tell from miles away, it's a trap. Akuma explained.

A trap? Why didn't you warn them? Hikaru demanded answers.

They're playing mind games with us. The way that sub members easily accepted to show their training routines was too nice of her. I bet they're tricking Gingka and the others into showing their full strength. As for your other question, I couldn't care less. Akuma explained.

That's so mean. Akuma, we're a team and we help each other out. Hikaru scolded.

Not my problem. Akuma replied.

Not your problem?! NOT YOUR PROBLEM! Hikaru was getting angrier by the minute. Don't you care about the BWCS at all! Hikaru is baffled by Akuma's indifferent attitude towards GGG.

Says the girl who quit beyblade. Akuma hitted back with a witty remark.

Excuse me?! Hikaru couldn't believe what he just said. As they both excited the elevator.

You heard me. I haven't known you guys for long but from what I can remember, you, Tsubasa and Kyouya all lost against that Ryuga guy and two of you are still battling while one chickened out because OF ONE LOSS! And now she's watching from the sides while doing paperwork. How pathetic HAHAHA. Akuma laughed as he changed personality.

SHUT UP! YOU DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT ME! Hikaru shouted as she began tearing over the sensitive topic.

Oh yeah? Prove it to me right now then, let's battle, hehehe. Akuma showed his wicked smile as he was ready to battle.

Hikaru gritted her teeths as she didn't want to but she wanted to put Akuma in his place. FINE, I'LL SHOW YOU TO NOT MESS WITH ME! Hikaru brought out her Aquario and put her bey into the launcher.

That's better, HAHAHA, Akuma laughed like crazy.

3 - Hikaru

2 - Akuma

1 - Akuma/Hikaru

But as they counted down to 1, Hikaru saw herself back at Battle Bladers getting attacked by the three dark dragons and fell to her knees while Aquario fell off her launcher.

Hikaru screamed as her trauma kicked in.

Tsk, though so, Akuma said as he put down his bey and decided to check on her.

DON'T TOUCH ME! Hikaru yelled as she pushed away Akuma's hand. I REALLY THOUGHT YOU WERE DIFFERENT BUT YOU'RE JUST LIKE HIM, A MONSTER! Hikaru finished as she slapped Akuma on the cheek and ran into her hotel room, hyperventilating, crying and slamming the door shut.

Akuma reverted back to his indifferent persona and shrugged the whole thing off and carried the guys' stuff to their respective rooms.

BEYLIN TEMPLE

The group except for Mei-Mei, Gingka and Tsubasa huffed as they had walked a long way from civilization and into the mountains.

Man, how far is this place? Masamune asked as he struggled for air.

Not much further. It's right over there, see? The group looked in the direction Mei-Mei pointed and was amazed by the temple standing at the top of the mountains.

So every time you practice, you come all the way into the mountains? How do you have the energy to do this? Masamune asked in disbelief.

The climb is part of our training too. So let's pick up the pace okay? Mei-Mei recommended while the group moaned in pain.

As they entered the enemy's training ground, they were amazed by how many bladers were there; exercising to become an elite blader.

What is this place?! Madoka asked with awe.

It's our practice area. It's called Beylin Temple. Mei-Mei answered.

Beylin Temple has been around for over 4000 years now. China's best bladers train here. Chiyun added.

Welcome Gingka. Chiyun greeted his guests. Here at Beylin Temple, talented bladers from around the country gather to practice and hone their skills. After completing the rigorous training, they're then acknowledged as the top blader's in all of China. Chiyun explained how it all worked.

Wang Hu Zhang is a team consisting of 4 elite bladers who have proven that their skills are the very best in the country. Mei-Mei explained.

Wow, that's impressive. Madoka praised.

So then the special training here is the secret of WHZ's strength. Tsubasa said.

So when you said we might lose our confidence, you weren't kidding were you. Madoka realized what Mei-Mei meant earlier.

Now then follow me. There's someone I want you all to meet. Mei-Mei asked the guests.

And who might that be? Gingka asked as they walked deeper into the temple.

They entered an area with a large beyblade stadium in the middle with several trainees standing in a circle around the stadium, ready to launch their beys.

In the middle of the arena, stood what looked to be their trainer with a similar looking beyblade to the trainees.

What's happening here? Gingka asked.

3,2,1 LET IT RIP! All the trainees launched their beys at the same time, attacking their coach who dodged them with ease before launching his bey in the air and defeated all beys in one swoop.

What's this? Who are these people? The person demanded as he glared at them.

Who are you calling people?! Masamune responded not liking his tone.

Let me introduce you to them. These are Japan's Representatives, Team GanGan Galaxy in the flesh. Mei-Mei said as the guy's mood changed.

Please excuse my rudeness. I'm the leader of China's representatives. I'm Dashan Wang. Said person introduced himself.

You're China's team leader? Gingka was surprised to see their leader for the first time.

Dashan Wang. Masamune repeated as he stared at him, feeling something was up.

Welcome all to our Beylin Temple. Dashan said as he smiled.

What? You mean Chiyun isn't the leader? Masamune asked.

I never claimed to be the leader. Chiyun clarified.

No, I guess you didn't. We just assumed. Madoka explained.

Hang on a minute, where's your fourth member? Tsubasa asked as he noticed only three were present.

Immediately the Chinese team made excuses as Chiyun said they didn't know where he was.

Huh? GGG was surprised at his answer. Mei-Mei quickly stepped in.

He's not here right now, you'll meet him sooner or later. Mei-Mei improvised as she flailed her hands.

More importantly, you're Gingka isn't that right? Dashan asked as he stepped forward.

Surprised by the comment, Gingka said. Wait a minute, you know who I am?

Of course I do. Ever since you won Battle Bladers you have become really famous in China too and I heard great things about you from Mei-Mei and Chiyun. Dashan complimented the stallion blader.

There must be bladers all over the world who'd like to have a battle with you. Dashan said with a hint of eagerness in his voice.

Go on noowww. Gingka blushed.

But you won't have the chance to face them. The fact is the ones to win the first round and battle the rest of the world will be US! Wang Hu Zhong. Dashan claimed.

WHAT! The group did not expect Dashan to call them out.

What did you say?! Masamune confronted the team leader.

You've all seen our various techniques. You must be impressed with them. After seeing that, do you really think you can win against us? Dashan simply stated.

Of course! No problem! Gingka quickly hit back. Why wouldn't we? Masamune added. You aren't the only ones who've been putting in long hours, all bladers work hard to grow a little bit stronger every day. THAT'S WHAT WE DO! Gingka defended his team.

A good work ethic will never let you down. If you think you're gonna walk all over us, you've got another thing coming pal. Masamune called Dashan out.

Dashan yawned as he said: I'll give you passion, I'll give you that. Well then Gingka and Akuma, why don't you join me in my training? Dashan offered.

You can show me the results of these long hours that you spoke of. Dashan continued as he looked at Gingka and Tsubasa, thinking he was Akuma.

Bring it on, let's do this! Gingka accepted. Me too! I'll do it too! Masamune did not want to be left behind.

Masamune, calm down! Madoka told him.

Also, sorry but Akuma is not with us at the moment. Madoka informed Dashan was genuinely surprised by the news.

Yeah… Mei-Mei confirmed. He wasn't interested in coming along.

Is that so? Dashan disappointedly said which made Masamune frustrated as Dashan so far seemingly ignored him.

Gingka and Masamune were quickly shown the dressing room and changed into their respective Beylin trainee uniform.

Dashan returned with a long bamboo staff with an added weight on the very end of the stick.

A powerful launch requires good arm strength. Dashan said as he launched the staff forward, taking the team by surprise.

This training exercise is used to gain that arm strength. Being able to completely control this weighted staff makes a true… BLADER! Dashan explained while easily spinning it around above his head.

Whoa… That looks like a lot of fun. Ha! This will be a piece of cake. Gingka and Masamune said.

As both grabbed a staff, they realized it wasn't as easy as it looked. Both struggled to keep their respective staff straight up and holding their balance as the rest of the group felt embarrassed.

Well that went well didn't it. Madoka commented.

A steady launch requires a keen sense of balance. So being able to launch accurately while crossing these floating logs makes one a true… BLADER! Dashan explained as he demonstrated the exercise.

Dashan jumped from log to log without losing his balance in quick succession before launching his beyblade 4 times hitting the center of each target.

We should be able to do this one no problem. Easy as pie, both said as true to their words, they managed to replicate Dashan's movement but got too excited causing them to fall into the pool.

Yeah, great. Madoka sarcastically said while Tsubasa held his forehead.

Actually, hitting the target on your very first try is pretty impressive. Well done Gingka. Dashan completemed and ignored Masamune again.

If you cannot launch accurately from any position, you will never know the feeling of victory. Dashan explained another one of his training courses as he dodged the wooden dolls with his martial art before hitting one of the targets, resetting the dolls to their default positions.

Being able to launch accurately while dodging the wooden dummies attacks makes one a true blader. Dashan continued.

If..If it's just dodging, I can do that. Gingka hesitated. No sweat… Masamune agreed with his fellow teammate as they rushed head on but couldn't get past the first doll.

Are you guys conscious? Madoka asked.

Then they proceeded to do the remaining exercises with a mixed result. At the end of it all, both were knackered.

Are you two alright? Madoka worried they might overdone it. They've been training here for a long time, of course they're better at those tests. Tsubasa scolded.

You're right. They have the advantage but we still should have done much better. Gingka argued.

Absolutely right! Masamune agreed once again.

I was surprised. Dashan simply said as he got their attention. That you were able to do as well as you did. You're definitely worthy to be the Battle Bladers' champion Gingka. Dashan praised Gingka once again.

I'm still here! Hello! Masamune said unsuccessfully as Dashan kept ignoring him.

No really, to do that much on your first try is truly impressive, Gingka. Dashan continued with his praise.

What?! Am I invisible or you lose your glasses? Once again Masamune's words didn't interest Dashan at all.

You must be tired, how about hanging out with me a little bit longer? Dashan suggested.

Um, okay but to do what exactly? Gingkas asked. To do battle with me. Dashan eagerly said. But something about his tone made Masamune confirm his suspicion.

I heard you put on a great display with Akuma during the Japan Qualifiers and I'm interested in seeing the champion's skills first hand. Dashan explained.

Oh please stop hehe! But no one can do. Gingka gave the bad news, surprising WHZ.

You see, my Pegasus got severely damaged during my battle with Akuma and It's still being repaired. Gingka explained while scratching the back of his head.

Chiyun and Mei-Mei were shocked. While they saw themselves as the better bladers, they acknowledged Gingka as a strong blader so hearing Akuma's power was that much bigger.

I see, that's disappointing-

Disappointing for you guys alright but not for us ha! Masamune interrupted.

MASAMUNE?! GanGan Galaxy yelled.

I figured it out. First I thought it was weird that he was only complimenting you Gingka. It was rude and goofy but after sucking up to you and if Pegasus was battle ready, he would have made you show them your best skills before the competition. Isn't that right, Dashan? Masamune explained with confidence.

Dashan clapped, acknowledging Masamune's theory. I see why you made it this far. You're an interesting bunch. Now I'm really looking forward to the first round. Dashan said as he turned around and left alongside his teammates.

Well, Masamune, I gotta say, that was impressive of you to figure it all out on your own. Madoka complimented.

Well, when you're the number one-

And that's enough compliments for one day. Madoka interrupted him as she didn't wanna hear his number one talk.

Can't believe we made them reveal our strengths and we still don't know much about our opponents. Tsubasa sadly said.

That's no big deal. The stronger the opponent is, the more pumped up we get right! Gingka motivates his friends.

Why can't it start sooner, Bring it on Wang Hu Zhang! We're going to hit you with everything we got. Gingka vowed.

YEAH! Everyone shouted and while they didn't see Dashan's response. He grinned with confidence.