Ash wiped the sweat from his forehead as he emerged victorious from the qualifying matches. Though he knew that the path ahead of him was going only to become tougher, the adrenaline of combat was still coursing through his veins. The Bladers with whom he was going to compete in *Battle Bladers* were entirely different, and the competition was fierce.
He noticed a single Blader training under the shade of a tree while walking through the training areas, his movements purposeful and precise. With smooth ease, he parried imaginary attacks and then attacked with laser precision with his Beyblade. Ash couldn't help but be awed.
"That's Tsubasa Otori," whispered Madoka, who stood beside him. "He is one of the strongest Bladers in the world. He's very talented and has unmatched experience reading the rhythm of battle."
Ash's eyes sparkled with excitement. "So I have to battle him?!"
Kenta seemed nervous. "Are you sure, Ash? Tsubasa is not kidding around. He's on a different level entirely!"
Ash smiled. "That makes it all the more exciting."
Tsubasa peeked up as he approached him, his silvery locks ruffling in the breeze. His own eyes, sharp blue, searched Ash out before he did speak. "Are you not Ash Ketchum? Who qualified at Battle Bladers?"
Ash grinned. "I am that! And I'd like to battle you!"
With a nod, Tsubasa produced Earth Eagle, one of the strong Balance-type Beyblades famous for its precision and control. "Then let's see if you can keep your head up."
The two Bladers proceeded to the fighting platform. While they prepared their launchers, the air surrounding them grew intense.
"3... 2... 1... LET IT RIP!"
Earth Eagle and Storm Greninja burst into the stadium and immediately clashed. Sparks flashed as the two Beys fought for dominance after colliding. Ash attacked immediately. "Aqua Dash*, Storm Greninja!" His Bey bounded forward, aiming for a straight shot.
But Earth Eagle diverted course at the last moment and dodged with a smooth glide at the very last instant.
Ash's eyes widened. "What was that?"
Tsubasa smiled. "That is the power of flexibility."
With a quick acceleration, Earth Eagle counterattacked, striking Storm Greninja and sending it flying back. Tsubasa struck again before Ash could even respond.
"Eagle Slash, Earth Eagle!"
While Earth Eagle rotated rapidly, a cutting wave of wind cut through the air and struck Storm Greninja right in the face. Storm Greninja slid as a consequence of the blow, losing precious stamina.
Madoka and Kenta stood by anxiously.
"The fight is completely in his hands." Kenta whispered.
Madoka nodded. "Tsubasa is toying with Ash. He is testing his ability to adapt."
Ash clenched his jaw. He had to do something to turn this around. 'He is dodging all of my straight attacks. What if I make dodging it impossible?'
His fist tightened. "Use Tornado Surge, Storm Greninja!"
The stadium shook as Storm Greninja was surrounded by a powerful wind vortex. Earth Eagle's movement was limited when the tornado forced it into a tight space.
Tsubasa narrowed his eyes. "A good plan. But it is not enough. Eagle, Metal Wing Smash!"
Blowing away the winds and colliding with Storm Greninja, Earth Eagle's metal-plated wings shone as it charged through the whirlpool with power. Ash's Bey soared out of the arena in a corkscrew after the collision.
The referee raised his hand. "Tsubasa Otori is the winner!"
As Storm Greninja remained motionless outside the arena, Ash stood there with his mouth agape. He was beaten. And badly.
Tsubasa grinned and approached him. "Ash, you have potential. But you still have too much reliance on basic attacks. You need to adopt flexibility if you plan to beat the best. Go through the battle. Adapt to your opponent. You will be invincible if you can do that."
Ash looked back at Tsubasa after looking down at Storm Greninja. Instead of being discouraged, he was more determined than ever. "I get it now. Best regards, Tsubasa. Next time, I won't lose so badly. "
Tsubasa nodded in approval. "I'm looking forward to seeing how much you improve."