Tsukiya stood outside her family's grand estate, the moonlight casting a pale glow on the elegant, traditional Japanese architecture. The weight of her next step felt heavy, her heart pounding in her chest. She had spent her whole life hiding her passion for Beyblade, wearing a mask—both literally and figuratively. But after her conversation with Kenta, after learning about the coming threat of Nemesis and the role Legendary Bladers like Ryuga would play, she knew it was time to come clean.

Tonight, she would tell her parents the truth.

Taking a deep breath, she pushed open the large wooden door and stepped inside. The quiet of the house contrasted sharply with the chaos of her thoughts. Her father, Mikazuki Itsuki, was seated in his study, surrounded by business documents, his glasses perched on his nose as he reviewed numbers and market trends. Her mother, Mie, sat nearby, delicately sipping tea.

Tsukiya hesitated for a moment before finally walking in.

"Father, Mother," she said, her voice steady but filled with purpose.

Both of them looked up, surprised to see their usually quiet daughter standing so boldly before them. Itsuki adjusted his glasses, eyeing her curiously. "Tsukiya, what is it ?" he asked, his voice calm but authoritative.

Mie, always perceptive, set down her cup. "Is something troubling you, dear ?" she asked gently.

Tsukiya clenched her fists at her sides, gathering her courage. She had rehearsed this conversation in her mind countless times, but now that she was actually here, the words seemed harder to say. But she had to do it.

"I have something to confess," Tsukiya began, her voice trembling slightly. "For a long time… I've been living a double life. I've been competing in Beyblade battles—serious ones. I'm a blader, and my Beyblade is Flame Artemis, my grandma's."

Itsuki's expression immediately darkened. "Beyblade ?" he repeated, his tone hardening. "Tsukiya, we've talked about this. I don't want you involved in those dangerous games. It's not the path for you."

Tsukiya nodded, expecting his reaction. "I know, Father. I know you wanted me to follow in your footsteps, to study business, to work in the family company. But… that's not what I want." She took a deep breath, finally voicing what she had held in for so long. "I love Beyblade. I've been competing for years now. I've faced some of the strongest bladers in Japan, and… I'm good at it. Really good."

Itsuki leaned back in his chair, his brows furrowed in disappointment. "Tsukiya, you've always been smart and responsible. You have a future ahead of you in business. You could take over everything I've built. Beyblade is just a game, a distraction."

"It's not just a game," Tsukiya interrupted, her voice firmer now. "It's who I am. I inherited Flame Artemis from Grandma, and I've been working hard to honor her legacy. You may not understand it, but Beyblade is part of our family history, our heritage. And now… there's something even bigger at stake."

Mie exchanged a worried glance with her father. "What do you mean, Tsukiya ?" her mother asked, her voice filled with concern.

Tsukiya took a deep breath. This was the hardest part to explain, but it had to be done. "There's a threat coming. A blader I met recently… his name is Kenta. He's following someone as ruthless as the dragon emperor, because he needs his power to stop the return of Nemesis and the Black Sun ».

Itsuki shook his head, still overwhelmed. "The Dragon Emperor… you mean Ryuga ? The boy who nearly caused a disaster on that tournament… something bladers ?"

Tsukiya nodded « yes. As terrible as they say he is, I assure you. But also strong enough to play his role at stopping Nemesis… if he plays this role ».

Mie gasped softly, and Itsuki' eyes widened. "Nemesis ? Tsukiya, this is…"

"I'm not lying, Dad," she said quickly. "Kenta told me everything. The Legendary Bladers—people like the Dragon Emperor—they're the ones who have the power to stop Nemesis. And I need to go with them. Nemesis is… it's the incarnation of destruction, and if it comes back, it could destroy the world. I didn't wrap my head aroundit all yet, but… tye world'sgonna need all the help possible."

Itsuki scoffed, clearly unconvinced. "The incarnation of destruction ? Tsukiya, this is all nonsense. A child's fantasy."

"No, it's not !" Tsukiya insisted, her voice rising with urgency. "The bladers fighting to stop Nemesis—they're real, and they're powerful. And they need all the help they can get. They need me. I've faced the Dragon Emperor, and even though he defeated me, I've learned what I need to grow stronger… i need to go and help."

Her father stood up, towering over her. "I don't want to hear any more of this. You're not going on some wild adventure. You have responsibilities here, Tsukiya. You're my daughter. You belong here, studying, preparing for your future, not running around battling with spinning tops."

Tsukiya's heart clenched. She loved her father deeply, but she couldn't back down. "Father, I've been battling for years, and I've never once been hurt. I'm careful. I'm strong. Beyblade is my future, not business. You've always taught me to follow my heart and to be true to myself. Well, this is me being true to myself."

Her mother stood up now, walking over to her with concern written all over her face. "Tsukiya, we just want you to be safe. We don't want to lose you to some… dangerous world."

Tsukiya looked at her mother, her ice-blue eyes filled with determination. "I understand that, Mother. But the world is in danger. Nemesis could destroy everything. I have the power to help stop that. Please, believe me. I won't be going alone. Kenta will be with me, and the Dragon Emperor….he'll be there too. Although I'm not surethis is a convenient."

Itsuki sighed, running a hand through his hair. He wasn't cold-hearted ; he loved his daughter more than anything. But the thought of losing her to a world he couldn't control, one where danger lurked around every corner—it terrified him. "Tsukiya… I don't want to lose you," he admitted quietly. "You're all we have."

Tsukiya softened at his words. She stepped forward and gently placed a hand on his arm. "You won't lose me, Father. I promise. I've already faced some of the strongest bladers in the world, and I'm still standing. I'm stronger than you think. And… I'm doing this for Grandma too. She believed in me, and I can't let her down."

Her father's eyes flickered with emotion. He could see how much this meant to her. The stubbornness, the fire in her eyes—it reminded him of his own mother, Tsukiya's grandmother. He sighed heavily, finally relenting. "You've always been so much like her," he muttered, shaking his head. "I suppose I can't stop you. But promise me, Tsukiya—promise me you'll be careful."

Tsukiya smiled, her heart lightening. "I will. I promise."

Her mother wrapped her arms around her, pulling her into a tight embrace. "Just… don't forget us," she whispered, her voice soft with worry.

"I could never," Tsukiya replied, hugging her back.

Her father, though still reluctant, nodded in agreement. "Alright… but if you need anything, anything at all—you come back."

Tsukiya nodded. "I will. Thank you, Father. Thank you, Mother. I won't let you down."

As she left the room, Tsukiya felt a surge of confidence. The path ahead would be dangerous, but she wasn't alone. And now, with her parents' acceptance, she could truly focus on the battle to come. She had to prepare for this journey.

At the first light of dawn, Ryuga and Kenta stood at the edge of the forest, the morning mist curling around them as they prepared to continue their journey. Ryuga, as always, was impatient, his arms crossed as he glared down the path, waiting for Kenta to finish packing. His piercing golden eyes gleamed with annoyance as he muttered, "Hurry up, Kenta. We're wasting time."

Kenta, though moving quickly, couldn't help but feel a pang of excitement. Ever since he'd met Tsukiya—now knowing her real name—he'd wondered if he'd see her again. She had been so determined, so strong despite her defeat, and he admired that about her. But he didn't expect her to come back so soon.

As if on cue, a voice broke the quiet of the early morning. "Took me long enough to find you two."

Kenta and Ryuga both turned toward the sound, and Kenta's face immediately lit up with joy. "Tsukiya-chan !"

She stood at the edge of the clearing, no mask this time, revealing her calm yet confident expression. Her long midnight blue hair flowed freely, and her ice-blue eyes sparkled with amusement. She was dressed in a white shirt, white pants, black boots, and a black sleeveless leather jacket, with her travel bag slung over one shoulder and her kyudo bow strapped across her back. The same belts for her Beyblade set were fastened at her waist.

Ryuga blinked at her, clearly confused, his sharp eyes narrowing. "Who's this ?"

Kenta beamed as he rushed over to her. "It's Tsukiya ! You know, the blader from the tournament—Selene ?"

At that, recognition flashed in Ryuga's eyes. His expression soured instantly. "You."

Tsukiya grinned, clearly amused by his reaction. "Nice to see you again too, Dragon Emperor," she said, the title slipping from her tongue like a challenge. "I wasn't expecting such a warm welcome."

Ryuga's expression darkened as he finally made the connection. This girl—this seemingly normal, unmasked girl—was the same one who had dared to challenge him. He let out a low, disdainful chuckle, shaking his head. "So you're back for more, kid ? Haven't you had enough ?"

Tsukiya, undeterred by Ryuga's hostility, gave a polite bow. "My name is Tsukiya Mikazuki. It's a pleasure to meet you properly this time," she said, her tone courteous, though her eyes held a mischievous spark. "And no, I'm not here for another match. I'm here because I'm joining your little adventure."

Kenta chuckled nervously, looking between them. "Tsukiya-chan, I didn't think you'd be here so soon ! But… I'm really glad you're coming."

She smiled warmly at Kenta. "I'm not letting you face all this alone, Kenta-kun. You have enough on your plate trying to deal with him," she added, nodding toward Ryuga, who was still glaring at her. "Besides, someone has to make sure the Dragon Emperor doesn't go on a rampage."

Kenta's joy at seeing her again was quickly replaced by concern as his eyes dropped to the holder on her hip. "But… what about Artemis ? Last time we saw each other, Ryuga really did a number on your Bey…"

Tsukiya reached into her jacket and pulled out Flame Artemis, holding it up for both boys to see. It gleamed in the morning light, looking as good as new. Kenta's eyes widened in amazement, and even Ryuga, for a brief moment, looked surprised.

"How… ?" Kenta started to ask, but Tsukiya just smirked, tossing the Beyblade up and catching it smoothly in her hand.

"I'm pretty good at fixing Beys too, no thanks to someone," she said, casting a side-eye at Ryuga, clearly hinting at what he'd done to her Bey during their battle. "It took a bit of work, but I got Artemis back in top shape."

Ryuga's expression didn't change, though a flicker of surprise crossed his eyes. "Hmph. Still not good enough to beat me," he muttered, though his voice held less edge now.

"Maybe not yet," Tsukiya admitted with a shrug. "But I'm not here for you, anyway. I'm here for Kenta-kun. I promised I'd help, and that's exactly what I'm going to do." She slung Artemis back onto her belt and squared her shoulders, staring directly at Ryuga. "And whether you like it or not, I'm coming with you."

Ryuga's eyes darkened. He stepped toward her, his presence almost suffocating. "I don't need a kid slowing me down," he growled, his voice low and threatening.

Tsukiya didn't flinch. She stood her ground, crossing her arms. "I'm fifteen. And there's no way you're that much older, Dragon Emperor. Besides," she added, flexing her arms just enough for both Kenta and Ryuga to notice the definition of her biceps, "I'm a black belt in karate. So, if you try anything… let's just say it wouldn't be wise."

Ryuga's eyes flickered down to her arms briefly, a slight smirk forming on his lips, though his tone remained mocking and clearly annoyed "Impressive. But this isn't a martial arts tournament."

Tsukiya shrugged. "Doesn't have to be. I'm just making sure you know what you're dealing with."

Kenta, though concerned about the tension building between them, couldn't help but be amazed by Tsukiya's confidence. She wasn't afraid of Ryuga at all, not even a little. He admired that. Still, he quickly stepped forward, trying to smooth things over. "Uh, Ryuga, maybe having Tsukiya-chan with us isn't such a bad thing… She's really strong, and she's great at fixing Beyblades. She could help us."

Ryuga shot him a sharp look, clearly annoyed that Kenta was taking her side. "I don't need help."

Tsukiya rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed with his stubbornness. "Sure, you don't. But I'm not doing this for you, anyway. I'm doing it for Kenta. If anyone's going to keep an eye on him, it's me."

Ryuga huffed, turning his back on her. "Do what you want. Just don't expect me to babysit you."

"I wasn't asking for your permission," Tsukiya shot back, a playful glint in her eyes as she hoisted her travel bag higher onto her shoulder. The tension between them was palpable, but she refused to back down. She was here to stay, and she made sure Ryuga knew that.

As they began to walk, Tsukiya kept pace with Kenta, ignoring Ryuga's attempts to push her away. Kenta, on the other hand, was secretly thrilled. He was glad that Tsukiya was coming along. The journey ahead was going to be tough, and he could already feel the weight of their mission. Having someone else by his side, especially someone as strong as Tsukiya, made him feel less alone.

He glanced over at her as they walked. "You're really serious about this, huh ?"

Tsukiya smiled softly. "I made a promise to you, Kenta-kun. I don't go back on my word."

Ryuga, still walking ahead of them, scowled, clearly irritated by the conversation behind him. He could feel her presence like a thorn in his side, but he said nothing. If she wanted to tag along, fine. He'd ignore her until she got tired and left on her own.

But something told him that wasn't going to happen anytime soon.