Terms/Abbreviations:

GanGan Galaxy - GGG

Wang Hu Zhang - WHZ

Desert Blaze - DBZ

Excalibur - EU/Excalibur

Beyblade World Championships - BWCS

Chapter 14: Wang Hu Zhong Returns

The blue sea, the white clouds, the shining sun and the sound of PASSIONATE bladers! Madoka said as she watched her teammates practise from underneath the beach umbrella while enjoying a glass of orange juice with a slice of orange on top and cold ice.

OK! Time for some intense training!

We'll get this teamwork thing down in no time!

And then we can stand at the top of the world!

YEAH! The guys except for Akuma motivated each other to become even stronger so they could beat Excalibur for real.

Everyone sure is fired up. I was worried about how they would feel after losing to the EU team but they seem fine. Madoka stopped her train of thoughts for a moment to take a zip of her drink before continuing. If they have that much drive, it'll be alright. Madoka positively said with a smile on her face.

I don't think so Madoka, they might look like they're fine but inside I bet they're frustrated with themselves for losing against Excalibur. If it hadn't been for Akuma, I'd imagine it would be worse. Hikaru bluntly said.

Flashback starts

"Akuma, you showed them to not mess with us!" Masamune bragged.

"I genuinely thought you were really going to destroy Destroyer there but I'm happy you changed Akuma," Madoka complimented.

"That's good and all but what about the rest of us? Could we really win the world championship as we are right now?" Tsubasa questioned the team's attitude.

"What are you talking about Tsubasa? Of course we can and we will!" Masamune positively claimed.

"He's right, Masamune, Akuma may have won us the battle but we lost and we couldn't do anything about it." Gingka admitted.

"True but we'll show them next time!"

"Next time huh?" Akuma, who had been quiet, finally expressed his thoughts.

"Akuma…" Hikaru muttered, she could tell Akuma didn't destroy Destroyer out of kindness but to prove a point.

"Will there be a TRULY next time, hmmm?" Akuma asked as he looked at Masamune for an answer.

"Of course, we will win our next match and the one after that and we'll win the BWCS and become number-" Masamune got interrupted by a frustrated Akuma.

"With how you guys battled today, I don't think so. Forget about being number one with this team. Any more of that display and we might as well go home." Akuma stated.

"Huh? You're telling us we're going to lose? No way buddy!" Masamune refused to believe it.

"Oh yeah? And when, not "if" it will happen, can you really accept you gave it your all? What I saw was a bunch of rookies."

"What did you call us?!" Masamune felt his pride being disrespected while Gingka and Tsubasa clinched their fists and bit their tongues.

"You heard me." Akuma fueled Masamune's aggressiveness.

"Well, we don't need you! We'll be perfectly fine without you!" Masamune called him out.

"Masamune!" Madoka and Hikaru raised their voices.

"NO! I'M TIRED OF HIM, LOOKING DOWN AT US! WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?! WE ALL WORKED OUR ASSES OFF TO GET HERE, SO WHAT YOU'VE WON ALL OF YOUR MATCHES? WITHOUT OUR HELP, YOU WOULDN'T BE HERE!" Masamune ranted while Akuma chuckled.

"What's so funny?!"

"Without your help? Says the guy who hasn't battled since the qualifiers, do you really think you could win if Gingka, Tsubasa or me weren't available? You claim all the time you want to be number one in the world yet haven't won a single world championship match. You're so far up your ass, you haven't realised your words mean NOTHING unless you can prove it. And you know why? You lost against me and ended up as a sub because you didn't take care of Striker."

YOU LITTLE!

"The world isn't waiting to hand us the championship, every day our opponents are getting stronger. I refuse to lose the world championship because my teammates weren't strong enough."

"WE GET IT AKUMA! NO NEED TO SHOVE IT ON OUR FACES!" Masamune yelled as they were about to butt heads but Gingka, Tsubasa, Madoka and Hikaru intervened, separating the two.

Flashback ends

It stings but he's right, we need to get stronger if we wanna win the championship. Madoka sighed. Before realising Akuma wasn't present. Where is he anyway?

I don't know actually, when I told him we were going to train on the beach, he seemed uncomfortable. Hikaru revealed.

Akuma, uncomfortable? No way. Madoka blinked, not thinking it was possible for their ace to be uncomfortable.

I'll check up on him, I'll be right back. Hikaru said as she returned to the hotel.

Meanwhile Gingka decided to start things off. Alright so first we'll battle each one on one and the winner stays.

Cool.

Um? Now we just have to decide who's battling first. Masamune questioned as the guys didn't think that far ahead.

Let's decide with rock paper scissors. Tsubasa suggested and the guys nodded without much of a thought.

Fine with me.

Sounds good to me.

READY?! ONE, TWO, THREE!

The first attempt ended in a draw as everyone took each other out.

OK, once more. Tsubasa said.

ONE, TWO, THREE!

Another tie… Masamune remarked.

One, two, three…

STOP TYING YOU GUYS! ENOUGH! Gingka called out his teammates.

We're not trying to! Masamune argued.

One more time. Tsubasa was sure it was going to work.

OK, let's do it right this time. Gingka encouraged the guys.

ONE, TWO, THREE!

It's like they're experts in not working together; this is not gonna be easy. Madoka commented as she scratched her chin as the guys kept failing miserably.

ONE, TWO, THREE!

OK, THIS IS ABSOLUTELY USELESS! Gingka ranted.

You tell me, let's just battle to decide this. Masamune suggested.

Sounds good. Gingka agreed with the unicorn blader.

HEY! Hang on a second.

NO… Let's do this. Tsubasa was not in favour of changing things up.

HEY! That would completely ruin the point Gingka, you're supposed to be working as a team! Madoka berated their leader.

Oh yeah… I guess you're right. Gingka didn't question their mechanic's argument. Madoka changed things up by having each member pull out a stick from a box. Those with matching sticks battled first.

OK, it's decided that Gingka vs Tsubasa. Madoka announced the results much to Masamune's dismay.

Done deal! Start training!

Listen, this is training to improve your team spirit and individual skills so you have to make sure to identify your weaknesses and learn to minimise them when you battle, understand? Madoka stated.

Got it. Tsubasa replied.

Yeah we've got it now. Gingka and Masamune replied.

That's great, if it's true… Alright, here we go!

THREE!

TWO!

ONE!

LET IT RIP!

Here I go! Pegasus, star booster attack!

Using his big move right away! Tsubasa looked up to the sky as Eagle simply moved out of the way.

What do you think you're doing out there Gingka?! That was dangerous! Madoka berated their leader who was attacking recklessly, almost destroying the stadium.

I was aiming for Eagle, not my fault he moved out of the way! Gingka excused himself.

Come on, Gingka, it was a predictable move, even by your standards. Tsubasa gave his leader feedback but Gingka misunderstood it as a mockery.

What did you say?!

LET IT RIP!

Masamune! Madoka berated as Masamune couldn't wait for his turn and entered the battle.

Sorry Madoka but it was too boring to wait.

You're doomed! Calling special move: LIGHTNING SWORD FLASH!

What do you think you're doing?! Tsubasa questioned as both he and Gingka were taken by surprise.

Eagle! Metal wing smash! Eagle countered with his own special move.

Pegasus, storm bringer!

All three clashed, causing a massive explosion.

WHAT?! That was close… Masamune had to grab his chest as it was getting intense.

YES, too close. Tsubasa said.

WHAT WERE YOU DOING TSUBASA!? Masamune angrily shouted.

What's that? What do you mean? Tsubasa asked, acting as if he didn't understand.

QUIT FOOLING AROUND! ARE YOU TRYING TO SEND STRIKER FLYING TOO!?

Says the guy who couldn't wait for his turn! Gingka took a jab at Masamune.

You were going to lose anyway, I can easily defeat Tsubsa without breaking a sweat.

Is that so… Both his opponents said together.

I'm number one do you hear?!

Pegasus, attack Striker!

You too, Eagle!

Wait, WHAT?!

Instead of a one vs one battle, it turned into a battle royale till Madoka had enough of their petty squabble.

GET A HOLD OF YOURSELVES! What are you guys doing? You're supposed to be improving your team spirit. Why are you fighting each other? Madoka berated her teammates.

It's Masamune's fault for doing whatever he wants! Gingka claimed.

I don't know what you're talking about. Masamune pretended like it never happened as he looked away.

Don't act as if you didn't start all of this! Gingka hit back.

Seriously? Tsubasa pinched his nose.

You have a gloomy personality, y'know that!? Gingka and Masamune ganged up on Tsubasa.

What difference does that make? Your hair is a lethal weapon and your hair is a hot mess. All the boys had forgotten about beyblading and butted heads with each other.

STOP IT NOW! Fine, fine, fine! Just give it all up and quit everything! The training, the world championships, quit it all! There's no way we can win against the EU team like this… IT'S OVER! TEAM GANGAN GALAXY IS DISBANDING! Madoka announced as she furiously stomped back to the hotel.

WHAT?!

Hey! Madoka, wait a minute! Gingka tried to calm her down.

NO WAY!

With their mechanic gone, the guys had no clue as to what to do.

If she's really that upset she might actually disband the team! Tsubasa stated while panicking.

This isn't good! We won't be able to become number one in the world if she does. Masamune started to sweat like a mad man. Gingka what do we do!

Well, the only thing to do. Let's apologise. Gingka swallowed his pride as he rubbed the back of his head.

Having left the beach and changed back to their normal outfits, the boys were standing outside of room 205.

Helloooo?

Madoka, please change your mindddd?

We really do our training this time, OK?

We brought you a super cold drink.

And a fruit basket. They guys gave a terrible apology as Madoka opened the door for a second, glaring at them with disappointment before slamming the door shut.

This is bad. All of them said at the same time.

What's going here, aren't you guys supposed to be training? Hikaru asked as she appeared from the hallway.

Well about that… Gingka, Masamune and Tsubasa were sweating as they didn't want to tell the truth.

Well what? Hikaru raised an eyebrow.

You see… The guys recapped the events.

I see. Hikaru simply replied.

You're not angry with us? Gingka was baffled that their secretary didn't show any hostile reaction.

No, not at all. Hikaru smiled as they sensed a furious aura emitting from here.

We are sorry Hikaru! The guys immediately bowed in front of their secretary.

Yeah, we got a little overboard that's all, right Gingka?

Yupp!

It was nice knowing you guys. Tsubasa had accepted he wasn't coming back.

I need to go!

Me too!

Where do you think you're going, hmmm? Hikaru asked as she was smiling too happily, the guys froze as her red aura was getting stronger.

Come with me, for a second.

"We're so dead!" The boys thought the same thing.

One painful lesson later

She was really angry.

This means she'll probably break up the team.

Isn't there something we can do? They all tried to find a quick solution as they were bandaged up from Hikaru's painful lesson.

I can't believe you guys! Can't you guys be any more stupid? Hikaru vented out her frustration as someone called out to them.

What's up? Haven't seen faces that long since the horse show.

Whoa?! GGG gasped as they didn't expect to reunite with the Chinese team in Greece of all places.

Dashan!

Chiyun!

Chao Xin!

Yo.

Mei-Mei!

It's been a while guys. Mei-Mei said as she waved at the boys.

What are you all doing here? Gingka asked.

We came to see you dudes of course. Chao Xin replied.

Really? How come?

We heard about your battle at the festival of warriors.

You guys lost to the EU team isn't that right? Mei-Mei teased, knowing full well they did.

You already know about that? Yu said, not wanting to refresh bad memories.

We have China's 4 000 year old information network. Chiyun reminded them.

Is anything in China not 4 000 years old? Masamune asked.

We thought you might be bummed out so we came to enrage you. Mei-Mei stated.

Dashan cleared throat before correcting his teammate. She means we came to encourage you. If there's anything we can do to help we will be glad to. Dashan kindly offered their services.

You came all this way for that? Tsubasa was taken by surprise by Dashan's response.

Thank you from all of us. Gingka said.

Don't think of it as a favour. Dashan quickly said.

We're not doing it for you. Chiyun clarified.

What does that mean? Masamune asked.

It means that if we beat you while you're bummed out from losing to the EU team, it won't be any fun. Chao Xin explained.

If we don't defeat GanGan Galaxy at their strongest it's not a win. Mei-Mei added.

We just want to even the score and on our terms. Chiyun said.

Why is that important? Gingka asked.

We still have a chance of becoming the wild card. The qilin blader revealed.

What is a wild card?! Gingka and Masamune looked at each other with confusion.

The beyblade world championships has a system where the team that lost in the first and second rounds compete in another tournament. The winning team in that tournament gets to re-enter the

world championships. Dashan explained with a serious tone.

I see now… it's like a consolation match. Tsubasa summarised.

We've already won our first battle; we planned to keep on winning and re-enter the world championships. Dashan vowed.

And this time we, WHZ, are gonna win! Chiyun stated.

Cool! That sounds like a plan. Gingka was excited to potentially battling the Chinese team once more.

Except that our team still intends to win the tournament. Masamune bolstered.

Don't be so sure that the disorganised looking team we saw just now isn't effective at all. Mei-Mei didn't hold back on her feedback.

Yeah well-

Besides that I can't believe that you guys are in the world championships but don't know about the wild card. Chao Xin pointed out.

You guys really are total rookies aren't you? Mei-Mei shrugged her shoulders.

The word "rookies" felt like they got stabbed in the heart as they got reminded of yesterday's events.

Something wrong? Mei-Mei asked.

No… No… nothing at all, we're fine. Gingka said, looking the total opposite. WHZ decided to not delve into the topic any further.

Well, we did have our qualifying battle right before leaving so we didn't have very much time to learn about the ins and outs of the world championships. Tsubasa quickly gave an excuse for the team.

But your friends Madoka and Hikaru would know all about it right? Mei-Mei claimed.

Uhmmm. The guys sweated once again as they looked at their secretary.

If you guys would listen in our meetings, you would know what they're talking about. Hikaru complained.

Where is Madoka? Chao Xin asked as he looked around.

And Akuma? Dashan added.

As for Akuma, he's doing his own thing at the moment, as for Madoka, I'll let the guys tell the story for themselves, isn't that right? Hikaru smiled.

Uh well you see… she's, she's… Gingka stuttered as the other guys looked ashamed of themselves.

You guys really blew it huh? No biggie, just leave it to me. Chao Xin said.

You better watch it!

She is really seriously mad at us.

Don't underestimate her anger; she could totally mess you up. The guys warned as Chao Xin laughed it off.

It's fine; just trust me, OK?

You guys just don't get it! Madoka yelled as she opened the door, only to be surprised to see Chao Xin.

Yo, how's it going, Madoka? Long time no see. The idol blader said.

Chao Xin, what are you doing here?

Well I just want to talk for a minute. That's okay right? Chao Xin said as he entered her room without asking.

Some time later

I guess they are just silly little boys.

I know, right? You can't leave them bumbling around by themselves.

No way, someone has to look out for them.

They're really just out of their diapers.

They're just toddlers. Chao Xin and Madoka laughed as they gossiped about the boys.

What in the world is going on in there? Masamune wondered as they stepped out of her room.

Thanks for the advice, Chao Xin. Madoka smiled, looking happier than before.

Well you know what you definitely look the best when you're smiling Madoka. Chao Xin complimented as the guys couldn't believe how he managed to do it.

It's amazing, now she's back in a good mood again…

Is that a 4 000 year old Chinese technique too?!

His charmy attitude sure works wonders. Gingka, Tsubasa and Masamune were sweating of relief while also staring at complete disbelief.

Everyone, let's start the training. Chao Xin and the others say they'll help us out too; IT'S BACK ON! Madoka shouted.

RIGHT ON! The boys put their fists into the air.

Wait… We're still just us three. Shouldn't Akuma be with us? Gingka asked.

Don't worry about it, we'll have some ideas and if Akuma joins in, all the better. Dashan reassured as everyone headed down to the beach once again.

Amazing!

So that's China's 4 000 year old teamwork?

We could work 24/7 and still not be able to do that.

That just looks kind of-

IMPOSSIBLE!

Gingka, Tsubasa and Masamune didn't understand how WHZ could stand on top of each other as Dashan balanced on a Yoga ball that was sitting on a rock in the middle of the water.

No kidding boys, you have to learn to walk before you can run. Dashan smiled.

We'll be happy to teach you something much simpler if you'd like. Mei-Mei smiled.

What's the deal then? Why did you show us this first?

Just to bug ya, that's why! Chiyun bragged.

NOT NICE!

OK, is everybody ready? Dashan asked as he showed a rope?

What are we supposed to do with that? Masamune asked.

Glad you asked, Masamune, You're going to be tied together and running in sync with each other. Any more questions? Dashan asked.

Yeah, we're still just the three of us?

Don't worry, I'll fill in for Akuma, Mei-Mei raised her hand as she walked up to Gingka. I'm with Gingka, OK?

Sure, I'm cool with that.

No problem with me. Tsubasa and Masamune replied.

Thanks Mei-Mei.

No problem Gingka. Mei-Mei smiled back.

Good, we'll begin the special Chinese 4000 year old teamwork training now! Dashan instructed.

Don't hold me back; OK, Tsubasa? Masamune demanded.

That's my line and you know it! Tsubasa argued.

OK, on your marks boys! Get set… GO! Chao Xin announced. As soon as they began running, Gingka and Mei-Mei tripped up and crashed head first into the sand while Tsubasa and Masamune were fighting each other as they ran at different speeds.

Sorry Mei-Mei. Gingka apologised.

It's OK, Gingka.

Madoka sighed at the horrendous teamwork. It sure looks like they have a lot of work to do on this teamwork stuff.

No big deal, all of us looked like those guys when we started. Chiyun admitted.

Sorry? Madoka thought she misheard.

That's right! Chao Xin smiled, proud of how far their teamwork has gotten.

But after a lot of training and sweat we ended up with the perfect teamwork routine. Dashan said.

Perfect you say? Again, Madoka was a bit sceptical over their words.

1,2,1,2,1,2… Gingka and Mei-Mei counted together as they slowly were getting in sync with each other.

Is this OK? Yeah, just match my stride and timing. Tsubasa and Masamune asked each other.

They're already starting to sync up.

Yeah no worries there. Chiyun and Chao Xin took notice as Madoka and Hikaru smiled at their team's effort.

Hey, isn't Mei-Mei having a bit too much fun? Chao Xin wondered as said person was having a good time with the Pegasus blader.

Really? She seems fine to me. Chiyun was the least interested while Madoka and Hikaru read the signs.

So that's how it is. Madoka said with a smug expression.

Since when? Hikaru wondered.

The gang began a long routine of exercises to help them improve their teamwork with big help from WHZ. They were going at it all day, failing over and over till they got it. Soon they were back to the first exercise but this time, all four were tied together.

They're doing pretty well, aren't they?

They're getting the hang of it.

It's amazing they've come so far so quickly.

They had a high level of skill from the very beginning.

Let's move on to the final stage. Dashan announced as the Chinese representatives, Madoka and Hikaru admired the guy's fast progress.

The final stage? Madoka asked.

They must battle. Dashan simply said.

Of course they do… Madoka and Hikaru sweatdropped.

Here we go! Gingka said as they did rock paper scissors.

ONE, TWO, THREE!

OK, so I'm with Gingka. Mei-Mei said.

And I'm with Tsubasa, Masamune said.

All right. This time combine your strengths when you battle. Madoka instructed.

We got this!

Very well; let's do this! Dashan said.

3,2,1 LET IT RIP!

Go now Striker!

What?!

I got you!

HEY! Zurafa is supposed to be my opponent. Tsubasa claimed.

First come, first served. Masamune grinned as he argued he picked first.

Let's go Eagle!

Think quick! We can't have you forgetting about me now, can we?

It took 4 000 years to perfect this move.

It's the pincer attack. Chao Xin revealed as Zurafa was used as bait, making Striker and Eagle follow him while Virgo sneaked behind so both could sandwich them in. The horses got sent into the air.

That was so close. Tsubasa was relieved both beys managed to stay in the stadium.

What are you doing Masamune?!

It wasn't my fault! Masamune argued.

Looking good! You rock! Keep it up, Pegasus! Gingka encouraged his partner as it was pushing Lacerta much to Mei-Mei's enjoyment.

I almost had him… Gingka sighed.

You'll get him next time. Mei-Mei encouraged her temporary teammate.

Let's go Lacertas! Chiyun commanded as he was using both his default and spare Lacerta.

STRAIGHT MOUNTAIN FORMATION!

That's not gonna work on us. Gingka confidently bragged as Pegasus stopped Lacerta's attack.

Gingka, wait! Mei-Mei warned too late as the other Lacerta attacked from the side.

PEGASUS!

Dammit I should have seen that coming!? Gingka ranted.

HEAVEN, EARTH FORMATION!

This time, one Lacerta circled around the other Lacerta before slingshotting towards Aquario who managed to dodge but scraped enough to make Aquario lose balance.

WHAT ARE YOU GUYS DOING? YOU HAVEN'T CHANGED YOUR ATTITUDE AT ALL! Madoka shouted.

Dashan and Chao Xin began laughing at the Japanese team's pathetic display and mocking them.

Honestly, was your win against us just a fluke or what?

Seriously, what a joke! Dashan and Chao Xin mocked their opponents.

Do you really think you can stand at the top of the world with that effort? Dashan called out the team.

If that's all you've got we're gonna leave you in the dust, trust me!

it'll be an embarrassment to even have you in the tournament! Chiyun and Mei-Mei pointed their fingers as they joined in on the mocking.

We'll become the number one in the world in your place! Wang Hu Zhang claimed.

What do you say!? Madoka demanded her teammates hit back with an answer.

It's hard to say but at the moment Dashan is right.

Gingka!

It's true, right now we have no chance to be number one in the world.

To become team players takes years of practice and discipline.

It's impossible to learn everything we need to in just a day. Gingka, Tsubasa and Masamune admitted.

But guys! Madoka was getting increasingly worried.

Wait Madoka, just listen. Hikaru suggested.

WE WON'T GIVE UP! WE'VE GONE TOO FAR! We fought too hard to give up our dream to be number one in the world! Gingka vowed with all of his bey spirit.

He's right! We will not give up on our dream! Not now, not ever! Masamune added.

WE WILL NOT BOW TO EXCALIBUR! Gingka stated.

Ganging up doesn't rule! Masamune shouted.

WATCH US BATTLE, WE WILL STAND TOGETHER AT THE TOP OF THE WORLD! All three vowed together.

What a team! Madoka felt proud calling them her teammates at that moment.

Seems like you've gotten your will to fight back. Dashan remarked.

But WE: Wang Hu Zhang, will become number one in the world, got it?! Chao Xin claimed.

Rock Zurafa!

We won't lose now!

Nice try! Dashan mocked as Eagle missed.

Masamune, your turn!

I'm on it! Striker took advantage of Eagle's distraction to hit Zurafa.

Oh no, Virgo!

Tsubasa!

I'm on it! Tsubasa said as Eagle stopped Virgo from helping Zurafa.

Nice one!

You too!

Things are really turning around! Madoka awed whereas Hikaru smiled.

Let's not celebrate yet.

STRAIGHT MOUNTAIN FORMATION!

DO IT NOW MEI-MEI! Gingka instructed as Pegasus stopped Lacerta from attacking Aquario.

ON IT! Mei-Mei acknowledged Gingka's command as Aquario did a sneak attack on Lacerta, almost eliminating the lizard in a stadium out.

I have to admit, you two work really well together. Chiyun praised the duo.

Awesome! Their teamwork is coming together naturally. They do wanna be number one and their desire to defeat WHZ and Excalibur have joined all their spirits into one! Madoka said.

Keep smacking them!

This is more like the team I remember.

I'm amazed they could join together so fast!

So am I but when it comes to teamwork we're still the best!

We'll show YOU who the better team is! The various Wang Hu Zhang members expressed their thoughts.

Alright! Let's finish this right now! Gingka ordered.

YEAH! Everyone agreed, including WHZ.

Special move: Tempestuous Whirlwind Sword!

Aquario, Soaring Firebird!

Let's do this! Eagle Diving Crush!

OK! Virgo, Blue Dragon Whirlwind Sword!

Rock Zurafa! STORM SURGE!

Striker! Lightning Sword Flash!

Special move: Starbooster Attack!

It's a tie! Gingka was in shock over the result as Pegasus, Aquario and the Lacertas stopped spinning.

STRIKER! Masamune shouted as Dashan and Chao Xin had a few tricks left as they combined their special moves and took out Striker, leaving Eagle alone.

"No… not now" Tsubasa thought as he had to grab his chest.

Dashan!

Right!

Zurafa and Virgo blocked any opportunity for Eagle to escape.

"Do you want to lose?" Tsubasa's evil persona asked in a laughing manner.

"No, get out of my head!" Tsubasa screamed.

"You need me, hahaha."

"SHUT UP, SHUT UP!"

Lose? I REFUSE TO LOSE! Tsubasa screamed as the darkness took hold of him once more.

What's this?!

Is he OK?

Oh no! Gingka and the gang realised.

GET OUT OF MY WAY! Tsubasa shouted as Eagle, covered in the dark aura, ran rampant, attacking anything in its way.

Not again, Tsubasa, you gotta calm down! Masamune shouted but Tsubasa didn't listen as Eagle went on a rampage.

Everyone ganged up and attacked Eagle at the same time, caging the hawk but the dark power kept growing by the second as Eagle blasted everyone away.

SO WEAK! CRUSH THEM EAGLE! Tsubasa commanded as Eagle covered in the dark mist mercilessly attacked his teammates' beys.

HAHAHA! Tsubasa laughed hysterically, enjoying the destruction. Suddenly out of nowhere, a beyblade got in the way.

WHAT?! Tsubasa was taken back as Bahamut stopped Eagle's rampage.

Bahamut, hold him off. Everyone. Get ready to use your special moves. Akuma ordered.

You say what? But Bahamut will get attacked too! Gingka yelled.

So? Bahamut can handle it. Akuma casually replied.

But-

Gingka, we don't have time to think, let's do what Akuma says. Dashan interrupted.

Gingka shook his head as it was no time to doubt himself.

Everyone called their respective special move while Bahamut kept Eagle distracted.

GET OUT OF MY WAY! Tsubasa vented out his frustration as Eagle's dark powers grew stronger, pushing Bahamut back a little bit but Akuma's plan worked as everyone's combined powers defeated Eagle.

NOOooo. Tsubasa said as he passed out from exhaustion.

TSUBASA! Everyone rushed to his side.

The next day

If you keep working together you'll get even stronger. The members of WHZ complimented GGG on their progress as a team.

Well, I'll become stronger because everything I put my mind to succeeds. I made my pace of play match yours so you should be grateful Gingka. Masamune cheekly claimed.

Look pal! I WAS the one that matched your pace, OK?

You guys haven't changed one little bit, have you?! Madoka berated the boys while WHZ laughed in the background.

OK, hear me now! Our team will be returning to the world championships, got it?! We will not lose until we get to battle you again… So you guys must keep winning too. Then we can meet in the finals and settle this thing once and for all. Dashan demanded.

Count on it, Dashan!

How's Tsubasa? Chiyun asked but he almost regretted asking as the mood within the Japanese team turned sour except for Akuma who didn't give a shit.

He's resting but he'll be alright. Madoka answered, trying to sound positive but she knew very well something was wrong with Tsubasa.

Is he though? He seemed out of control last night like the time he battled Chiyun. Mei-Mei commented much to GanGan Galaxy's frustrations.

Yeah… He hasn't been himself since the tournament started… But we believe in him and he in us. He'll come back stronger and together we'll take the world championship by storm, y'hear?! Gingka claimed.

Sounds good… We'll see you there, OK? Dashan asked.

Yeah!

Not a problem at all! Gingka and Masamune answered with enthusiasm.

Hikaru, do you have any idea what team you'll be battling next? Mei-Mei asked.

Just a second. Hikaru pulled up her tablet. Let's see, apparently we'll play the winner of the team Chandora vs team Wild fang battle.

Team Wild fang… Dashan's eyes widened at the mention of the African team.

Do you know them? Gingka asked.

I've heard of them. Even though they seem to appear out of nowhere and won the African tournament with crushing strength. if I remember correctly the leader uses a Leone, they say he fights like a lion like the actual king of the jungle itself. Dashan revealed.

He fights just like a lion… Could it possibly be him?! Gingka gasped.