Finally, the grand stage for the Battle Bladers tournament was set. Such was the anticipation in the air, like sparks of electricity, that Metal City buzzed with excitement. The tournament bracket flashed in bright lights on massive digital screens, and Bladers had come from every corner of the globe to find out who would emerge victorious. It was where legends were born, so it was not your average tournament.
The thunder of the crowd echoed past Ash, standing at the stadium's rim, his heart pounding. Gingka, Madoka, and Kenta were there, standing just behind him, their faces shining with pride and joy.
"I'm still stunned we made it here." Kenta's eyes opened wide.
Madoka nodded. "Ash, you've come far. All of your training and fighting have led to this."
Sensing the comfortable weight of Storm Greninja in his launcher, Ash tightened his fist. "And I'm not going to waste it. We will show them what we can do."
The voice of the tournament host boomed throughout the stadium from the massive arena gates.
"Everybody welcome to the Battle Bladers tournament! Where Bladers from across the globe battle for glory, honour, and the champion's title! The rules are simple: fight, live, and evolve! May the best Blader win!"
The people applauded as the sky was lighted up with fireworks. Nervousness flickered over Ash's expression as he watched with awe. He had never taken part in a bigger competition than this tournament. The pressure had never been greater.
Gingka encouraged him with a nod. "Just believe in yourself and Greninja. The toughest fight is always the very first one."
Ash nodded. "Okay."
Ash looked around the staging area while participants formed the queue. Powerful Bladers with powerful Beys, some of whom he had never met before, burdened him with the weight of the competition. Even opponents from previous battles were familiar to him: Benkei with Dark Bull, Tsubasa with Earth Eagle, and naturally, the unbeatable Hikaru with her Thunder Libra.
Above all, however, Ash's gaze landed on Ryuga, the single Blader. The wielder of L-Drago.
Ryuga had his arms crossed, his expression cold and formidable. Weaker Bladers stepped back at the mere presence of him. Ash didn't look away despite getting a shiver running down his spine. He knew that they would be meeting again soon enough.
His train of thought was interrupted by the host's voice.
"Ash Ketchum vs. Travis of Spiral Valley is our first battle!"
Ash raised an eyebrow. "Spiral Valley?"
Madoka tapped her laptop. "Travis specializes in endurance and defense tactics. He's famous for misleading opponents by using tricks based on the environment. Be careful."
With a nod, Ash stepped onto the stadium platform. A blonde-haired Blader with spikey hair and a green cloak grinned confidently opposite him.
Travis twirled his Bey on his finger and declared, "I hope you're ready, rookie. Because there's no escape once Spiral Python wraps around you."
Ash tightened Storm Greninja's launcher. "We'll see when it tears."
The commentator raised his hand. "Prepare your launchers, Bladers!"
The crowd held its breath.
"3! 2! 1! Let it rip!"
With a burst of energy, both Beys charged into the stadium. With its wide defensive ring spinning like a solid wall, Spiral Python moved fast to take centre stage. Greninja circled fast to try out the moves of its opponent.
"Take your time!" Ash shouted. "Move like water and measure the spin!"
With rapid, zigzag motions, Greninja zoomed across the stadium, kicking up dust as she went. Travis smiled.
"Too slow! Python Bind!"
With a grinding sound, Spiral Python spun, magnetically pulling Greninja towards it. Python's ring of lead contained magnetised edges, therefore it was a trap!
Greninja stumbled under the pressure and began to lose its beat. Ash's eyes widened.
"No! Get Torrent Spiral now!"
With an abrupt change of direction, Storm Greninja departed from the spiral course and employed its signature spin move. When the Bey detonated into an unexpected cyclone, the gust of wind swirled around the stadium, kicking up dust and pummelling full strength into Spiral Python.
It struck with force—CLANG! The energy wave spinning like a tornado disoriented Python, stripping it of its magnetism, which sent it stumbling. Across the stadium, it spun out of control.
Travis growled. "What?"
Ash's eyes grew narrow. "Torrent Cyclone, let's wrap this up!"
Gathering speed by twisting around into itself, Greninja landed a final, precise hit that struck Spiral Python right in the middle. Python was knocked clean out of the stadium as the impact created shockwaves through the arena.
Stadium Out!
The crowd erupted into cheers.
"Ash Ketchum won!"
Ash pounded his fist. "Yes!"
Madoka leaped out of her chair. "That was awesome!"
Kenta jumped alongside her. "Greninja's command has gotten a lot better! You can't get in the way of that whirling attack!"
Stunned but polite, Travis got back onto the stage and retrieved his Bey. "You're good, kid. I think I underrated you."
Ash nodded and smiled. "Thanks. The fight was amazing."
The bracket on the huge screen was posted later that evening.
Ash's name appeared.
Kenta blew a whistle. "The second round is officially on you!"
Ash took a deep breath. "A step closer."
But the schedule for the next matches was shown on the screen before the commotion died down. One name flashed right below Ash's, and he stiffened.
"Ryuga is the next opponent."
The others went quiet.
Madoka stated tensely. "You're. facing him so soon?"
Gingka narrowed his eyes. "Ash, that's no battle. L-Drago isn't an ordinary Bey. Be ready for anything."
Ash held Storm Greninja firmly as he stared at the screen.
"I won't give up. No matter how strong Ryuga is. I have to continue."
Although the Battle Bladers competition had only begun, Ash was already faced with a challenge that would determine his destiny.
And the dragon was going to meet the storm this time.