The streets were deserted as the sun began to set, casting a ghostly orange light over them. Ash, Kenta, and Madoka had been tracking the movements of Dark Nebula since their encounter with Ryuga. Ash had been rattled by the fight, but it had made him more determined than discouraged.
"We need to toughen ourselves," Ash breathed. He clamped his grip on Storm Greninja.
Kenta nodded. "Yes, but how? The L-Drago's power was amazing."
Madoka shifted her glasses. "L-Drago depends not only on body strength. It draws in power and benefits from a left-spin. We have to come up with an antidote."
Ash's fists curled. "Then we practice more. We train harder. I have to battle stronger if I'm going to beat Ryuga."
A slow clap echoed down the alleyway, as if answering his taunt.
"Well, well, well. What do we have here?"
A figure materialized out of the shadows. He had a condescending smirk, dark blue hair, and piercing grey eyes. He sported the Dark Nebula insignia.
Madoka tensed. "That emblem. He is on their side."
The Blader was laughing. "You learn fast. It's Sami. You? You're the beginner who thought he could beat Ryuga." He smiled even wider. "How did that work out for you?"
Ash's eyes narrowed. "Want to know? Then fight me!"
Sami laughed. "Pretty blunt, isn't it? That's what I like. He pulled out his Beyblade, a dark blue, eagle-shaped blade with the constellation Aquila and silver markings. this guy is Shadow Aquila . You'll see what real power is from this Stamina-Type."
Ash smiled. "We'll see about that." He stood in position, as did Sami.
"3....., 2..., 1..., LET IT RIP!"
Sparks flew as the two Beyblades met as they flew into the stadium. Storm Greninja orbited it, Shadow Aquila spinning smoothly in the middle, hardly swaying.
Madoka frowned. "That Beyblade. It isn't even aggressive.
Kenta gulped. "It is waiting."
Ash clenched his jaw. "Then I'll make the first move. Aqua Dash, Storm Greninja!"
Greninja leaped forward with incredible speed and struck Aquila with a powerful punch. But Aquila absorbed the punch and remained perfectly balanced rather than being pushed back.
Ash's eyes widened. "What?"
Sami smiled. "The center of gravity of my Aquila is unbeatable. It will recover no matter how many times you hit it."
Ash was not going to give up. "I'll just keep on attacking after that! Greninja, Quick Attacks!"
With a flurry of quick swings, Storm Greninja bombarded Aquila time and time again. Sparks erupted with every blow, yet Aquila barely flinched.
Madoka gasped. "This is terrible. Greninja will tire itself out before Aquila if Ash keeps going like this."
Sami chuckled. "You're just an irresponsible beginner. Without strategy, brute strength doesn't matter. His eyes sparkled brightly. "Now watch very closely—Phantom Talon, Aquila!"
Aquila suddenly swung to the side, turning in the opposite direction with the power of Greninja's last attack. With a wild counterattack, it spun around like a boomerang and slammed into Storm Greninja's flank.
Greninja was sent flying.
Kenta's jaw dropped. "Not at all!"
Ash clenched his jaw. "I'm not going to give up here! Final Surge, Greninja!"
Storm Greninja rebounded in midair, then launched back into the battle, clashing with Aquila in a high-impact, decisive confrontation. Finally, with one final burst of strength, both Beys stopped abruptly at the same time after frantically spinning.
There was stillness on the battlefield.
Madoka stared. "It's a tie."
Ash exhaled, his trembling hands. It had been hard.
Sami nodded slightly but sneered. "Not bad. I underestimated your strength. His arms were crossed. But you can't beat Dark Nebula with strength alone. You'd better take this seriously if you really want to have a fighting chance against Ryuga."
Ash grinned. "I'm not joking. And I'll win next time."
Sami laughed. "We'll see about that." He then turned and walked away, his shadow spreading under the weak streetlights.
Kenta breathed a sigh of relief. "That was pretty intense."
Madoka adjusted her eyeglasses. "Ash, you should change your approach. When dealing with strong opponents, using only offense is not enough."
Ash nodded. "Now I get it. I need strategy as well as power if I'm going to beat Ryuga."
Ash understood in the evening that this was just the start.