From his exciting game against Benkei, Ash was still excited with expectation. He always learned something from every fight, and he could feel his own improvement. His mind would never cease to go back to Kyoya's words as he walked down the streets with Kenta and Madoka.
"Beyblade's real world is much more dangerous than you realise, despite your strength."
What did that mean? Was Beyblade more than about rivalry?
Madoka cried out, cutting across his train of thought. "Kenta, Ash. Look at that!"
Ash glanced and noticed a large crowd of people sitting in a shopfront window, all gathered around a TV screen. There was video of a Blader standing in the middle of a stadium on the news. There were cracks in the floor, broken walls, and pieces of Beyblade debris scattered everywhere in the arena, which was completely destroyed. The voice of the announcer was frantic.
"The mysterious Blader responsible for this destruction is under investigation by the authorities. Witnesses describe him as having wielded an intimidating Beyblade which had dark energy that never appeared before. He has been met by many Bladers, but none have survived longer than a few seconds."
Ash's back prickled as the camera panned to the Blader in question. The boy looked even more menacing because of his dark, sinister eyes and his black and purple outfit. Next to him, his Beyblade spun, a creepy aura surrounding it.
"Who is he?" With a nervous tone, Kenta asked.
Lost in thought, Madoka pushed her glasses up her nose. "I've heard rumors. He's a member of a group called Dark Nebula. They're something much worse than Bladers."
Ash's fists balled. "What do you mean?"
Her face was serious as she turned to him. "They battle for reasons other than amusement or competition. They battle for control, dominance, and destruction. And their top Blader is that guy."
Kenta shivered. "You mean he's even stronger than Gingka or Kyoya?"
Madoka nodded. "He's on a completely different level if the rumors are true."
Ash smiled. "Well, I want to battle him if he's that strong!"
Both Kenta and Madoka stared at him incredulously.
"Are you out of your mind, Ash?" Madoka lost his patience. "This is no ordinary Blader! He could destroy Storm Greninja or worse, injure you!"
Ash crossed his arms. "I'm not scared. I'll never improve if I back down because someone is stronger. Additionally, somebody has to deal with them if this Dark Nebula is as threatening as you make him out to be!"
Madoka sighed. "You don't get it at all. But I expected you to say something like that."
Kenta shook his head. "I see your strength, Ash, but maybe we should find Gingka first. He's the only one who knows this man."
Ash nodded. "Good thinking. Let's go!"
In the meantime.
A wicked chuckle echoed deep within a dark room.
"So a new Blader has arrived?" A man's cold, calculating gaze was on Ash's face on a screen as he leaned forward in his chair. He radiated authority in his black suit. "Interesting. His Beyblade seems to be special."
Standing nearby, a dark figure smiled. "Should we test him?"
The man chuckled. "Not yet. Let's first see how he does in front of our little welcoming committee."
Back in the City
Ash, Kenta, and Madoka were unable to get to Gingka's usual training grounds before a masked group of Bladers stood in their way.
One of them sneered, "Well, well." "It seems that we have found ourselves a new target."
Ash's eyes narrowed. "Who are you?"
The leader smiled. "We are a member of the scouting team for Dark Nebula. Also, you are on our list."
Kenta took a step back. "I don't like this, Ash."
"These guys. they're dangerous," Madoka grumbled.
Ash held his launcher tighter. "I don't care who they are. They have one if they want to fight!"
The leader smiled. "That's the idea. But before you go dreaming about fighting the real might of Dark Nebula;, try to handle us first."
Grinning with cruel intent in their Beyblades, they all pulled out their launchers.
"3..... 2..... 1.....LET IT RIP!"
And thus Ash's first encounter with the Dark Nebula began.