Chapter 6: One-sided Dance

Everyone except Masamune had gathered around in Gingka's and Akuma's hotel room to strategise for their upcoming battle with WHZ.

We have to pay attention to the wings on Thermal Lacerta's spin track because they increase its attack power. Madoka stated as she displayed a compilation of WHZ's matches.

So if you drop your guard even for a moment; the great lizard will attack without mercy. Tsubasa interpreted.

Yes. And from the little we know about Dashan and his Rock Zurafa, it absorbs almost any attack with it's spin track. Madoka continued.

If Zurafa stays in a defensive position; winning will be really hard. How can we break his defenses I wonder? Gingka questioned.

The last one isn't that strong, it's a Virgo. Madoka finished her analysis.

It's not just a Virgo. With an eternal sharp performance tip and an eternal defense spin track, it appears to be highly customised and coupled with tai chi, Chao Xin's skills is also quite impressive even a head-on attack will be warded off and won't do damage. Tsubasa explained.

Sounds like the type of opponent Masamune has the most difficulty with. Gingka said.

Where is he by the way? He should be here strategising with the rest of us. Madoka asked.

He left early to train and probably frustrated he won't get his rematch. Akuma said as he chilled on his bed.

You're saying that now?! Madoka said with a hint of frustration in her voice.

Nobody asked and we already decided I would take on Chao Xin. Akuma indifferently said as he stared into the ceiling.

Somewhere in the mountains

Masamune had walked into the isolated mountain areas to train while taking out his frustration for not being able to take part in the first round.

I need more power and speed to beat Chao Xin's Virgo before it has the chance to fend off the attack. Masamune talked to himself as he imagined Xin's face.

Despite knowing he won't get to battle, Masamune remained optimistic he would get the chance to battle Chao Xin once more. As he launched Striker towards the big rock pillar, it caused a piece to fall off and roll down the mountain.

No way… Masamune couldn't believe it himself.

AGHHHH! Someone screamed in pain.

Oh not good. Masamune said as he rushed towards the person. Are you alright, gramps? Did that rock hit you? Masamune asked, feeling responsible.

My stomach, my stomach.. The old man repeated.

Your stomach, did it hit your stomach?! Masamune felt guilty.

My stomach is empty. The old man revealed as you could hear his stomach growling.

A few minutes later. Masamune had given the old man all of his snacks as he ferociously consumed all of it in minutes.

Um, hello? That was all of my food. Masamune let the old man know.

Water! The old man begged. What?! Uh here Masamune said as he handed over the water. In seconds, the water was gone.

Now I feel much better. The old man said, feeling rejuvenated.

Good for you. I was worried because I thought that rock had hit you. Don't freak me out like that. Masamune scolded.

I'm the one who got freaked out. The old man replied, much to Masamune's confusion.

What are you doing in a place like this? The old man asked.

Special bey training obviously. There's an opponent that I want to beat more than anything. Masamune rudely replied.

No kidding. So that's why you're practicing. The old man now understands the context.

Yeah, check it out. Masamune said as he launched Stiker, destroying another rock piece as the old man applauded.

Pretty sweet huh? Masamune said, proud of himself.

Quite good indeed I must say; both your speed and power are most excellent. The old man praised the young teenager.

Ah, go on. Masamune replied, feeling overconfident.

However, that is quite meaningless. The old man finished his sentence, surprising Masamune.

What did you say?! What do you understand about it?! Masamune yelled.

It is YOU who understands nothing. The old man revealed.

Who? Me?! Masamune responded as he blinked with a mix of confusion and surprise.

Follow me. The old man ordered as he began walking towards somewhere. I'll pay you back for feeding me.

Where are we going? Masamune questioned as he caught up to the man.

Some time later, they had entered a large bamboo forest in the middle of nowhere.

First I will teach you the most effective way to use your power. The old man revealed he was gonna train him as he pointed towards what Masamune thought was the bamboo.

Bamboo? You want me to break bamboo instead of breaking rocks? Masamune asked, thinking this was going to be easy.

No, I do not. I think it will be better for you to break this. The old man clarified as a bamboo leaf fell into his hand.

A leaf? Masamune questioned the old man's training

Tell me youngster, do you think you can shred this with your fist? The old man asked

Ha, that's easy. Here I go. Masamune said as he began the punch the falling leaves.

How's that? Masamune was confident he completed the assignment.

Your reflexes are good but I thought I told you to shred the leaf. The old man corrected.

I… I know that. Masamune tried but came up short every time, getting frustrated.

Even if you have the power to break a stone; a leaf will simply laugh at your silly waste of effort. To shred a leaf, you don't need great strength or power. You must focus the power into a single point. The old man demonstrated as he easily shredded a leaf with just one finger.

Amazed by the old man's skills, Masamune begged who he was. Well who am I you ask? I'm just an old man passing through the forest, nothing more, nothing less. The old man grinned.

From there, the old man began training Masamune till the sundown; being amazed by Masamune's ability to quickly improve in such a short time as Masamune managed to stop an incoming bamboo with his pointy finger in a matter of hours.

GanGan Galaxy's Hotel

I can't believe he hasn't come back yet. What's happened to you Masamune?! Madoka shouted to the wall, cracking her voice.

We don't know where he went so we can't even begin to look for him. Tsubasa stated.

As long as he makes it back in time for the match, there's no problem right? Gingka said.

I guess so but-

It's going to be okay Madoka, Masamune wouldn't abandon his teammates like that, I'm sure he will come back. "Otherwise I will make him pay for the trouble he gets us in" Hikaru said, calming the mechanic down while secretly planning her punishment.

"Sometimes I don't get them." Akuma thought.

Bamboo Forest

Masamune mediated while Striker was spinning in front of him.

Focus your spirit and then put all of your power flowing through your body into one point. If you yourself memorise how to use the power. It will be conveyed to the bet as well. The old man explained.

"Put all of my power into one point" Masamune repeated his teacher's words in his thought as he imagined being an open space just filled with water as long as the eyes could see.

Suddenly the water burst at one point as it rapidly turned into a water tornado before Striker appeared from the eye of the storm, galloping upwards.

Go now! Masamune commanded as Striker shredded the falling leaf.

The Next Day

Jet planes flew over the arena, creating lines of coloured smoke as fans cheered.

It's the biggest event ever as it will decide who is the world's strongest, the BWCS! As we witness the start of the world tournament wit the first round for the A Block; The Chinese arena has been whipped into a flurry of excitement! The Chinese DJ hyped the crowd up as the fans cheered for the home team.

With the title of the best in the world on the line, the cheers of support are accepting and to pump up the madness. This competition is being broadcasted via satellites so bladers all round the world will be watching. The Chinese DJ explained in a dramatic fashion.

The screens changed, showing fans from all over the world including Japan where Benkei and Kenta sat in one of many arenas cheering for their friends.

Speaking of the Japanese team, they were rushing to get to the arena. It's already starting, oh no, oh no where are you Masamune! Madoka shouted as she looked around for any signs.

Just then, they saw him already waiting for them as he was covered in dirt.

You guys are late. Masamune grinned.

Masamune! We had no idea where you were, thank you very much! Madoka scolded.

Well, he's here now so let's go everyone. Gingka said as he raised his fists.

Please give it up for Team Japan. DJ announced as the team stepped up to their side of the arena, taking in the crowd. Even Akuma was smiling.

Led by the winner of Battle Bladers, Gingka. It's GanGan Galaxy. Will their winning ways continue here at the world tournament? DJ asked the crowd.

Next, we have the arrival of the team that carries the nation of China's hopes for the top of the podium. Team Wang Hu Zhang. Chosen out of the 1.3 billion people in China, they are the best four! DJ not hiding his bias.

We're counting on you, Chao Xin! Mei-Mei showed her support. Don't let your guard down, proceed with caution. Dashan warned.

Yeah, Yeah, no problem. To shine, I'll perform as brilliantly and cooly as always. Chao Xin responded, not feeling any reason to take it seriously.

Now then, appearing in the highly anticipated first match, leading WHZ's first line of attack is CHAO XIN! DJ announced as Xin's fangirls cheered for him.

You're the best!

I love you Chao Xin!

So cool! They yelled.

Thank you everyone! This won't take long, you can count on that. Chao Xin claimed as he waved to the crowd.

The cheering for the home team is pretty impressive. Madoka admitted. Suddenly they felt Akuma switching persona as his aura reeked.

His opponent from Japan's team is Akuma! DJ announced as Akuma stepped into the stadium floor.

Hm? What's this? The annoying kid pulled out? Chao Xin laughed.

Chao Xin, don't underestimate him! Chiyun warned as soon as he saw Akuma walk up but obviously his teammate was too caught up in his own world to care.

So which one are you? The guy who hates losing? The downer or the overconfident guy? Chao Xin asked.

Masamune, what's he talking about? Gingka asked.

Nothing, I have no idea what he's referring to. Masamune said as he looked away, sweating for his dear life.

Masamune, did you run your mouth again? Madoka interrogated as she glared at her teammate.

What. No,no,no, absolutely not, I would never. Masamune panicked.

Y'know he's our substitute right? Akuma laughed.

He's your what?! Chao Xin laughed at the fact Masamune acted so big yet was the sub.

Hey! Just because I'm the sub, doesn't mean I would have lost to you again. I'm not the same blader I was back then. I would totally crush you if we battled right here, right now! Masamune hit back.

Ha, keep telling yourself that. Chao Xin laughed it off. Suddenly the arena booed Team Japan.

They sure don't like us out here do they? Masamune pointed out.

What did you expect? We're on the enemy's home turf. Tsubasa stated.

Are we going to battle or not are you going to keep yapping? Akuma laughed as he prepared to launch.

The impatient one I see, this is going to be easy, I see. Chao Xin said as he also prepared to launch his bey.

Awww.

Chao Xin, you're so cool. His fangirls cheered.

It feels like we're at some teenage boy band concert. Madoka commented as she didn't understand the appeal.

Tell me about it, Hikaru said; not liking this Chao Xin guy.

The difference is that this guy actually has talent. Tsubasa added.

Show him what you got Akuma! Gingka cheered on his teammate.

We're about to make beyblade history right here and now folks. Let the faithful first match begin! DJ announced as he hit the big gong.

3,2,1 LET IT RIP!

Oh no, he's doing it again. Mei-Mei worryingly said while Chiyun clinched his fists.

What's wrong with you two? Dashan asked.

As much as I hate to admit, they've won the first battle. Chiyun said with a disdain in his tone.

Seriously dude, you think you can win against me without launching properly, how uncool is that? Chao Xin mocked Akuma. Virgo, let's finish this. Chao Xin commanded as Virgo charged head on.

But as Virgo hit Bahamut, Chao Xin would start to understand the terrors of his opponent as Bahamut shrugged off the attack like it was nothing and began to spin a little bit faster after each hit.

Interesting, looks like you will entertain me for a bit. Chao Xin smiled as Virgo charged again but this time with some more power behind it. Bahamut got sent flying into the air.

But I see, just like your teammate, you're not the brightest one. Poison Virgo doesn't like when you get in its face. Chao Xin smuggly said.

He's customised it even before! Tsubasa realised.

When making a live appearance on stage, you just can't show up in casual wear dude. With all those fans checking you out; come on appearance is everything man. You should know that. Chao Xin berated Akuma.

Are you going to talk me to death or are you actually going to try? Akuma wickly smiled as Bahamut landed back in the stadium.

Seriously? Not you too, just give up already? That's not charming at all and speaking about charm. Virgo can slash anything it sees as my enemy. Fierce Lady Slash! Chao Xin commanded.

Virgo sent Bahamut flying back and before Bahamut managed to recover, Chao Xin called upon his second special move: 100 hit fearsome splendor.

Virgo's poison fusion wheel closed in on Bahamut, cutting and pushing it back.

Check out Poison Virgo's 15 fearsome blades. Can Bahamut escape its fearsome attacks? DJ asked the crowd.

Bahamut tried to counter but Virgo's spin track combined with tai chi easily avoided the attacks.

That's embarrassing, can't you at least try to not be uncool? Chao Xin disappointedly said.

No, he's tricking you Chao Xin! Chiyun shouted. Dashan, who had been quiet till now, realised what his teammates saw and demanded his teammate to wrap it up.

Come on you guys, he's nothing to worry about but anyway, I got a date after this so let's finish it up ok? Chao Xin asked.

HA HA HA! Akuma laughed at Chao Xin's ignorance.

Hikaru, are you ok? Madoka asked. Yeah, it's just a bit frightening. Hikaru admitted.

Don't worry, I'm here for you ok, I know his split persona is creeping us out and he's a douche but don't let it get to you. Madoka said.

Right. Hikaru nodded.

What's up with that creepy laugh? Chao Xin questioned as he was taken back by his opponent's response.

Chao Xin! Look at his beyblade! Dashan demanded.

Huh, what are y… What?! Chao Xin was shocked at what he was seeing.

You forgot my Bahamut started out slow or were you too caught up with your fanclub? Akuma mocked.

At least I got one and it doesn't matter, time for a stunning finish. Virgo! Chao Xin commanded as Virgo charged with the intention to finish it.

Chao Xin, hold it! Chiyun and Mei-Mei shouted. But it was too late as Virgo got pushed back.

In a shocking turn of events Japan's Akuma countered Virgo's head on attack and sent it straight into the sky. DJ shouted into his mic.

That's all you've got? Akuma grinned.

Lucky break, Virgo, let's take this baby home. Chao Xin shouted but Virgo's attack didn't make Bahamut even flinch.

You kidding? What's going on here? Bro can't fend it off! Chao Xin was lost for words as Bahamut was now in the control of the battle.

Wow folks, in a surprising twist, Bahamut is toying with his opponent. Will the strongest team Wang Hu Zhang allow an upset?! DJ said, not hiding his bias.

What's going on Chao Xin?

Pull yourself together!

I don't get it! His fangirls worried for their idol as Chao Xin was getting frustrated.

You got this Akuma! Gingka cheered.

As much as I hate the guy, he knows how to control a match. Hikaru sighed.

What's wrong, flashy boy. Not cool enough for ya? Akuma laughed.

Shut up! Don't mess with me. I'm the cool one. I'mma end it right now. Chao Xin shouted back.

Sorry, not going to happen. Akuma grinned as Chao Xin began to sweat.

Man this coat is too hot to wear after a while. Chao Xin complained as he took it off.

Is that really Chao Xin? Mei-Mei said, not believing it.

Maybe but it looks like he's not giving up yet. Dashan smiled, seeing his teammate taking it seriously.

Hm, Akuma stopped laughing as Bahamut stopped moving and stood still in the middle of the arena.

What's happening, Bahamut has completely stopped attacking. Has the fierce dragon given up?! DJ commented.

Enough of this, time to spin big my beautiful maiden warrior, you can get through this! SPECIAL MOVE: BLUE DRAGON WHIRLWIND SWORD. Virgo spun around, twisting her blades as she attacked with all she got.

The attack caused a big explosion as the crowd had to cover their eyes from the force.

What, how?! Chao Xin couldn't believe it as Virgo's special move was nullified. Suddenly Akuma opened his eyes as Bahamut roared as everyone could feel its power growing.

Disappointing. BAHAMUT DESTROY VIRGO! Bahamut charged and displayed the same force it did against Striker and Pegasus.

Bahamut barraged Virgo with extreme force as the warrior couldn't defend against such raw power. And then Chao Xin could feel it, piece by piece, Virgo began to crack.

No! What are you doing dude? Virgo, fight back! Chao Xin tried to execute his command but Virgo, she was in pain.

Chao Xin, retreat! Chiyun screamed, helping his teammate.

But it was no use. In a flash, Bahamut rushed head-on so quickly, no one had time to register what happened as Virgo got pushed into the stadium wall, destroying a large chunk and when the smoke cleared, like his opponents before him, Virgo was smashed into pieces.

VIRGO! Chao Xin cried out.

In an upset, Akuma and his Bahamut show why they're not one to be trifled with as Team Japan takes the first match.

I… I lost? Me? This is so new and uncool. Chao Xin berated himself, clenching his fists.

Way to go Chao Xin!

You really hung in there, that was so cool!

You'll win for sure next time.

Hey! Use this. His fangirls cheered him up as one of them threw hima towel. The crowd made their voices clear as they cheered his name.

Seeing the response from the crowd, Chao Xin's views of beyblade had changed. Guess it doesn't really matter. Chao Xin muttered.

That idiot. Chiyun spitted.

In exchange for this painful defeat we've received one excellent blader. Dashan commented.

That's true. Mei-Mei sighed.

Not cool man. Masamune berated his teammate for destroying another bey.

Winning is winning. Akuma retorted as he switched back to his indifferent persona.

Do you think it's fun to destroy other people's beys huh?! How would you feel if someone destroyed yours!? Masamune yelled back.

Then I lost, not my problem that my opponents can't handle my Bahamut even when he's at 20%. Akuma responded as he shrugged his shoulders.

Enough guys, Akuma won, we should be celebrating! Gingka intervened.

"Just how strong is he?" Madoka thought, not believing Akuma was holding back that much power. Meanwhile Hikaru looked at Akuma, worried if she could handle seeing him at his best.

That ends the first round battle for the A Block. After a convincing display. Team GanGan Galaxy takes the lead. We'll be right back folks, right after we made some repairs to the stadium. DJ announced.