Terms/Abbreviations:

GanGan Galaxy - GGG

Wang Hu Zhang - WHZ

Desert Blaze - DBZ

Excalibur - EU/Excalibur

Beyblade World Championships - BWCS

Chapter 17: GanGan Galaxy vs Wildfang Lineups

After being on the road all over the world for the last couple of months, GanGan Galaxy are returning to their home turf, Japan to face Wildfang for a spot in the A-Block Finals.

As expected, being the home team, fans from across the country were waiting for their arrival as they landed from a long flight; swarming the team, begging for autographs and signings while bodyguards protected them as they exited the airport.

There were even some Wildfang fans who tried to distract them but GGG paid them no attention.

As the team were walking by the all familiar Bey Park, two boys were calling out to them.

You guys!

Gingka and Co recognized the voices as they saw Kenta and Yu were running towards them.

Kenta! Yu! Gingka shouted as they reunited for the first time in months.

How ya been pal? Gingka asked, patting both Kenta and Yu on the head.

But instead of simply replying, filled with adrenaline and excitement, Kenta lunges towards the red haired blader yelling: WELCOME HOME!

Taking Gingka and the rest by surprise as both roll down the small hill before landing in the river.

Everyone but Akuma laughed at Kenta's silly antics.

What about, we catch up at my place? Madoka suggested; to which everyone agreed so one train ride later, they arrived at the all familiar B-Pit.

Of course I was watching your matches! In the battles with the Chinese and the Russian team! Everyone was so amazing! Kenta gushed at the team's performance thus far in the tournament.

Masamune took the opportunity to brag about his skills. My moves were super cool! You'd have to agree right?

Absolutely! Like your battle with… your battle with… ugh… Who did you battle again? Kenta tried to recall Masamune's battles, only to come empty handed as the rest of the group took the opportunity to tease the unicorn blader.

He would have the chance to battle but then. Madoka started the sentence.

Gingka, then joined in on the fun. He got himself lost in the Russian wilderness.

I told you not to mention that! Masamune accepted the teasing with diligence while Akuma looked disappointed but no one noticed as everyone was having too much fun.

The important thing is that you were all able to make it back without losing! Now it's time for the third round, I'm so pumped! Kenta gushed once again.

It's go time alright! Gingka started to get serious as he clinched Pegasus. It's time to meet him face to face.

"There's only one person in the world I wanna defeat and it's you Gingka!" Kyouya's statement still haunted Gingka after all these months but he was determined to beat him again.

He feels so strongly about this, I will take him on just all the others! Gingka vowed but Masamune wasn't having any of it.

No fair! I wanna battle Kyouya! Masamune shouted as everyone had to remind him once again why it was Gingka and only Gingka who had the right to challenge Kyouya.

It's simple, he's the team leader! In that case, I, Masamune Kadoya, the number one blader, should be his opponent! Masamune argued.

NO! And that's final. Gingka simply stated in a serious manner.

WHY?! It makes no sense?!

Kenta butted in. Of course it does Masamune! Kyouya turned down his spot as one of Japan's representatives just so he could battle Gingka!

He worked through an unbelievably tough selection process just to get this moment! Madoka said in the same serious tone as Gingka and Yu.

There's only one of us that can deal with Kyouya's aggressive battle style and that's Gingka. Tsubasa added.

Yeah Mu-mu, give your head a shake, Masamune. Yu teased.

You're all… ganging up on me!? Masamune still couldn't understand why everyone was protective of this particular battle.

Masamune… I'm sorry but this battle is mine and mine alone. Gingka looked Masamune dead in the eye as he said those words.

Ugh! Fine you win! Masamune admitted defeat.

Thank you, I know it's not what you want but it's something I must do. Gingka apologized.

Do I have to remind you, Masamune, you can't participate unless a starting member is deemed unfit to battle or if they swap with you. Hikaru reminded him.

Stupid rule… Masamune moaned.

Press conference: GanGan Galaxy vs Wildfang

The next day, both teams gathered in a crowded press conference as photographers and journalists took photos and recorded everything.

As all four members of each team waited for the Japanese DJ to finish hyping up the media, Madoka, Kenta, Hikaru and Yu were standing backstage.

Isn't it kind of rare to see Kyouya at an event like this? Kenta whispered to the rest.

Madoka nodded before giving her perspective. I guess he's doing everything he can to keep us focused on the match with Gingka.

They both look so focused, I have never seen them like that before. Hikaru commented.

The bigger question is… Kenta changed the subject.

How long do you think Ben-Ben gonna keep wearing that goofy costume? We all know it's him. Yu rhetorically asked.

I guess we just watch and wait. Kenta, Madoka, Yu and Hikaru sniggered as Benkei waved at them before realizing he had to stay in character but did everything but that.

I'M A MYSTERY MAN! Benkei blurted out of nowhere.

OK, before mystery man explodes, are there any questions for team Wildfang? DJ asked the paparazzi who all started fighting for an opportunity to ask questions.

You there in the front row. DJ picked someone.

Kyouya, is it true that you refused a spot as one of Japan's representatives and joined the African team for a chance to battle with Gingka?

Kyouya, looking serious and immediate as usual, made his stance clear. That is not important at all. Kyouya said, much to the confusion of the press.

Just grab a ticket and watch us battle! Gingka, you better be ready cause me and Leone are going to crush you! Kyouya called out his rival in front of the whole world as both stood up from their chairs.

Bring it on! Pegasus and I were born ready! Gingka answered his rival, determined to win.

So is it on? The same journalist asked for clarification.

DJ decided to make the call out of the blue and confirmed the match between Gingka and Kyouya had been decided before the battles had begun. The press immediately started writing the first drafts for their respective outlet, knowing how fans all over the world would read anything related to the battle.

Glad, I don't have to deal with that. Akuma expressed his relief at not being on the receiving end of the barrage of the microphones and cameras.

It's only natural. Tsubasa simply said while Masamune looked jealous and frustrated at all the attention.

Meanwhile Benkei couldn't hold back the happy tears, seeing his best friend getting to finally battle Gingka on the world stage before arguing with DJ, once again, denying any claims he was Benkei. Not that anyone believed him.

This clash of these two great rivals is sure to be one for the history books! As DJ said those words, Masamune snapped.

Who does he think he is?! Saying this battle will go down in beyblade history?! LISTEN UP PAL! If it's a famous battle you want, then you're forgetting to mention the name of one very important person here! Masamune stood up from his chair and called out DJ.

Who might that be? DJ genuinely had no clue who the unicorn blader was referring to.

ME! THAT'S WHO! I don't have a choice so I'll let Gingka take the battle with Kyouya but I will show you an awesome battle too! One to remember for generations to come, it will be the greatest battle ever! Do you hear me! I, the number one blader, the amazing Masamune Kadoya will make Gingka and Kyouya's battle look like a kid's game of marbles! My opponent will be Nile! I challenge you!

Nile scoffed, un-phased by GGG's sub member. Hah! You sure make a lot of noise for a little guy.

Who are you calling little?! I'm big enough for y- Masamune didn't get to finish as Nile shoved his beyblade into his face.

I don't think so. We will teach you what a bey battle really means; take a good look at Vulcan Horuseus.

Big deal, I'm going to whoop your ass with my Striker and my incredible strength! Masamune hit back as he showed off his bey too.

Hikaru, Madoka, Kenta and Yu sweatdropped as Masamune forgot he couldn't participate.

Is what I would have said but you're not worth my time and aren't you a sub? Nile bluntly stated.

WHAT?! Masamune felt disrespected by Nile's comment.

He's right, unless a starting member is unavailable or willingly gives you their spot you're not allowed to battle. DJ explained.

Come on! Masamune ranted but before he could beg his teammates, Nile spoke up.

But a battle with Akuma, that's a battle I'm looking forward to. Nile said with excitement in his voice.

Oh baby! Things are really heating up. Nile has openly challenged the ace of GanGan Galaxy! What will be his response DJ announced as the cameras zoomed in on Akuma.

Akuma sighed, not wanting the attention. Can't say I feel the same. Akuma honestly replied.

Why's that Akuma? A journalist asked.

It's simple, no one in this world championship is worth my time. Akuma bluntly stated.

The journalists typed away the golden content they were given to them on a plate as every competitor felt disrespected by his comment.

Is that so? Nile, however, smirked at Akuma's arrogance. You will regret your words once you battled me.

What is it going to be, Akuma? DJ asked.

Akuma looked at Tsubasa who didn't seem to have any fighting spirit and then he looked at Masamune.

"I might regret this but Nile always starts the first battle so I can win in the third round. Tsubasa doesn't seem to be in any mood to battle and the loudmouth needs a wake up call. Can't believe I'm doing this." Akuma thought to himself before giving his decision.

Y'know what? Masamune, you can have him. Akuma's answer took everyone including his own team by surprise.

What?!

Are you serious?!

Akuma?!

Woah!

Everyone looked at Akuma in disbelief, even Masamune was taken back by his response.

You wanted to battle, here's your chance, don't disappoint me. Akuma coldly said to Masamune.

I don't know what to say… Can't believe I'm saying this but thank you. You're on Sandman! Masamune revived his challenge against the Egyptian blader.

Tsk.. Don't cry after I beat you. Nile mocked as both glared at each other.

What a turn of events folks! It's been decided, Masamune vs Nile, Gingka vs Kyouya, this upcoming third round battle of the BWCS is sure to be one you don't want to miss! DJ hyped up.

Meanwhile Tsubasa was lost in thoughts, Akuma had a feeling what he was thinking about and sighed, wondering if this team was worthy of becoming world champions.

Somewhere else

Meanwhile on the other side of the world, another competing team was paying close attention to the battle.

As the TV showed Masamune and Nile, Gingka and Kyouya glaring at each other as the press conference came to an end, showing highlights from both teams, showing off their respective wins and memorable moments with the DJs hyping up everything, this team was not impressed.

What's so special about these guys? Ian Garcia from the Brazilian team Garcias laughed.

That Akuma guy sure is arrogant. The sister, Selen Garcia laughed at his comment.

Amazing, huh! The youngest sibling, Enso Garcia shouted.

While the 3 siblings were underestimating their potential opponents, laughing and mocking them. One didn't share their enthusiasm as he sat in the dark corner of the room, paying close attention to the TV before stepping out of the shadows and kicking the TV.

Pathetic. Argo Garcia, leader and the oldest brother of the Garcias, spitted out.

That was enough for the siblings to shut up and listen up.

Listen up, we're going to crush anyone that gets in our way, doesn't matter how we do it… We're going to win this championship and leave this place once and for all!

Yes.

Right.

This is going to be fun!

Selen and Ian immediately froze up as Enso made the mistake of showing excitement.

What did you say? Argo demanded.

Come big bro, we're - Enso didn't have the time to finish his sentence as Argo grabbed Enso by the neck, lifted the small body into the air and started choking him.

Do you think this is funny?! Have you forgotten why we are in this dump in the first place?! Argo berated his younger brother, not hesitating to hurt him.

Selen and Ian simply watched on, not wanting to intervene.

I'm… sorry…. I… won't… do… it again. Enso puffed out as Argo let him go, giving him a stern look.

Then as the TV showed footage of Akuma and Bahamut, Argo had decided which team to screw up.

That guy… Selen, Ian. Argo called out.

Yes brother! Both answered.

Make sure those Japanese guys don't go through… Argo commanded.