(Y/n) (L/n) ~

So, who got a call from the head office to deliver an athlete's pledge during the opening ceremony of the Nationals?

Valt did.

Who's the only person very miserable under the spotlight and pretty much freaks out even in front of ten people?

Valt is.

And who absolutely lost Valtryek and became a zombie while trying out the skateboard of some random boy named Quon Limon?

Valt did.

Some responsible leader he is...

Even though things turned out fantastic with Quon (the skater guy didn't steal Valtryek although I totally would've done so if I were in his place), Valt still had a long way to go regarding the first day's speech. If things don't go well, I might or might not refuse to accept the fact that he's related to me in any way.

The day of the Tournament was finally here and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't pretty unsure and nervous myself.

Me... nervous? Not about the upcoming beybattles or encounters with more skilled players, but the fact that it was my first time competing along with a team.

I wasn't unsure of winning, but this sudden change in the direction of wind that led me to stray my path as a solo blader... what will be waiting for me at the end of it all?

Was this a dream? No, I really was going to do it. And I had a strong feeling in the corner of my heart — this decision would cost me a lot more suffering than I had already endured.

I woke up in the morning, cleaned myself more than usual, and dressed up to the best of my abilities. Another tournament — another new outfit!

My clothes today were more dignified as compared to my generally casual outfits. Afterall, it is said that the clothes you put on describe a lot about your interest in the place you're going! Just like all other tournaments I've competed in, I wanted my appearance to be crisp and neat here as well.

Obviously, not like Zac the Sunrise though. He's just plain embarrassing.

Oh, not to forget, a pair of new shoes! To hit in the face of bladers who dared —

My phone started ringing loudly and I almost fell in front of the doorway. Ugh, I really need to be changing this dangerous ringtone. It starts off so intense and sudden like a war drum, taking me off guard every damn time!

Just my luck. The caller ID said Ashtem.

WHY IS THIS BASTARD CALLING ME?

"How do you want to die?" I asked right after picking up the call.

"Ah, such a warm greeting," Theodore's deep and evil voice echoed from the other side. For one short moment, I randomly started wondering what the heck was so special about his voice that it could motivate the best of bladers to join his dark side.

"I was wondering why you had signed up for the Team Tournaments, so I did some research — "

"You're still going on about that?" I asked incredulously. That conversation was about two weeks ago and he's not over it yet? Why does this bastard think that this whole situation is more important for him than it is for me?

"Going on about that? Really?" He laughed, but I didn't find it funny. "I don't need to be reminding you how much you've made me suffer since your ridiculous decision. How convenient for you, you're on a break from all the managerial work! Do you have any idea how many calls, e-mails and letters I've been receiving about you 'leaving the Raging Bulls'? Like, who even spread that lame rumour?!"

Well... I had a feeling this would happen. At first, I had underestimated my position and responsibility as the alternate owner of the Raging Bulls, but then I casually ignored it because there wasn't really any going back. Besides, this problem falls on Theodore's shoulders since I'm out of office right now, so yay! Freedom for me!

"Oh?" I asked innocently. "I had no idea — "

"Of course you have no idea! Executives from different organisations keep calling me as if I had anything to do with your dumb decision. They keep asking me if you're free for a new contract, like I'll ever let that happen!" he continued ranting. "Owners of several small clubs have even given me multiple applications to recruit them in your place and hand over the job! I DON'T EVEN UNDERSTAND WHY THEIR MINDS WORK LIKE THAT. I never advertised anything!"

Ah, is it that bad?

"Obviously there would be people waiting for a chance," I muttered knowingly. "Why are you surprised? Raging Bulls is a well-known team."

"Are you trying to shift the blame on me?" Theo asked incredulously. "Say that again?"

Handling things on an international level was already too much of a job. Without my support, there's no way Ashtem would be able to control the situation for long. I condemned him for being careless about the Snake Pit's secrecy, but it was I who really made a mess this time.

"I'll — " I started to say what I'd do to solve the problem, but the truth was, I didn't really have much ideas of my own. My words got caught up in my throat. "Wha... What do you expect me to do?"

"Dispatch a document confirming your relation with the Raging Bulls," he swiftly said. "Claim your position as your own. And make sure to mention that you won't be giving up your status anytime soon."

So, the bastard had a solution all along, huh? He just wanted an excuse to rant unnecessarily.

"I don't have a format with me..." I said slowly.

"WHAT DID YOU EVEN PACK IN THOSE FOUR BIG SUITCASES WHEN YOU FLEW TO JAPAN?"

"Surely not formats from the office!" I argued. "How would I have known you'd need my help all the way out here, you big baby?!"

"That's it. I've heard enough of your nonsense!" he started angrily. "Listen you — "

"Can your tantrums wait?" I interrupted. "I've kinda got a tournament to attend to...?"

"...right, of course," he replied saltily. "Sure, go ahead, yes, your team tournament, oh, how could I forget?"

"Theo, we've talked about this — "

He abruptly hung up on me. Um well, that was new. It is generally me who angrily disconnects the call. Theodore usually maintains his temper and doesn't scream like this. Poor man must have been really stressed.

Well, either way, at least he'll finally come to realize my worth! Always underestimating my work and looking down on me like I'm some sort of puppet tied to his hand — now that damn snake will understand the true value of my hard work and support.

Good job, (Y/n).

Having that settled, once again, I motivated myself and set out towards the Nationals arena. Talking to Theodore had helped me calm my nerves and feel sure of my decisions, even if he pretty much kept screaming and crying the whole time.

Although, I'll have to write a document later...

The weather was nice and warm. A few clouds here and there, but no sign of rain. Sparyon was happy with me in my pocket. I had my launcher strapped to my waist. And both my gloves were glistening new! It was a perfect day to start new battles.

"Dude, (Y/n)! Over here!" someone desperately called out my name from across the street. I quickly recognised the intense voice to be Rantaro Kiyama's. He must be on his way to the arena as well.

I turned around and he hurried over to me.

"Yo, what's up?" He grinned happily and held up his hand for a high five. Before I could decide whether I should actually high five or pull his hand to throw him off, his expression changed and he took down his hand. Missed a chance!

His wide eyes quickly scanned me up and down. "Mmm, you're looking soooo fine today."

"I'm seeing why girls stay away from you."

"WHA — ? I WAS JUST HANDING OUT A GENEROUS COMPLIMENT!" He explained furiously and we began to walk towards our destination. "No bad thoughts behind it!"

"You? Giving me compliments?" I suspiciously raised an eyebrow. "Does this change in attitude have anything to do with my parents being rich?"

"Er, uhh..." he fumbled for words and actually looked offended. "WHAT DO YOU TAKE ME FOR, SOME GOLD DIGGER?!"

"You said it."

"You...! YOU!" He pointed an accusing finger at me. "I'LL BREAK YOUR — "

"How sweet," I smirked and punched my palm. "Will we be doing some breaking? I'm totally in for it."

"Which reminds me," his expression suddenly turned normal. "Man, we're up for the Team Battles today and I'm honestly worried for Valt."

"Hmm," I put a hand to my chin. "Is this about his athlete's pledge?"

Rantaro nodded, curiously staring at me.

"Eyes to the ROAD," I punched his face, forcing him to look forward. For some reason, his eyes were making me feel awfully nasty today.

"WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM?!"

"ME?" I asked incredulously. "WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM?! WHY DO YOU KEEP STARING AT ME LIKE THAT?"

"You know, generally I change my path if I see you walking on the same road!" He explained aggressively. "But for once, you actually look less like a cannibal and more like a human! I actually decided to accompany you today. My stare probably seems different because for the first time, I'm being friendly to you!"

Oh... so that's what?

"But why?" Now I was the one who was curious. "Did I not try to, like, murder you about two times in the past week?"

"(Y/n), we laughed together! Near the bridge, remember?" he grinned playfully and took out his fan. How he produced it out of thin air, is beyond me. "That's how I decide my friendship with someone. Valt and I became friends by laughing together!"

I stopped walking and stared at his face. There was no trace of any complications or ingenuity.

I couldn't deny it. I was completely in awe. Rantaro — and everyone else from the Beyclub — they had such a simple definition of friendship; it made my hurt feelings from the past resurface again. The kind of love, like they loved each other, and it all mattered to me at some point...

I had absolutely no idea how things ended up like this with the Beyclub, but it was clear that some part of me lights up when I'm with my team. Is this how a team is supposed to feel like? Bladers coming together due to their bonds, not because of plain power? Was Raging Bulls ever really a team to me?

What did a team even mean to me?

-------------

"HEY, (Y/N)! HONCHO!" Valt screamed with a big mouth as soon as we arrived backstage. Daigo, Shu, Toko and Nika were gathered there as well. Hanami's voice was echoing in the whole arena, transmitting all details about the tournament and loads of random facts about different bladers. I kept quiet while everyone else from the Beyclub was busy talking to each other. It was the National Tournament, afterall, and they had every right to be excited.

The arena... it wasn't my first time in this magnificent blue and silver building. Back when I was here, three years ago — the president of wbba, Shin Komazaki, made a brutal mistake that changed the course of the beyblade world... this place still gives off a dark and ominous aura.

I looked around to become aware of my surroundings and saw several groups of bladers gathered with their team members, all excited, getting ready and talking about different things. I spotted Alexander, Ukyo, Yugo, Zachary and... hold on, is that Gabe Brunai?

That's the team leader of —

"Excited, are you?" Daigo came up to me and spoke. "I don't hear you speaking much. Is there something going on?"

I sighed and looked away. There's so much to worry about and too little left to console me. I need to be taking things easy. But just when I put aside one problem, another one pops up.

"Daigo..." I started to say, but no words in this world could explain everything.

Shifting and taking part in the team battles. Theodore's call earlier today. Coming back to this arena with a dark past. Accidentally seeing Gabe Brunai, which once more, takes me back to my original goal: Lui Shirosagi. And even if I succeed in that, what's waiting for me when I go back home? The issues with the Snake Pit.

When will my problems end?

"Yeah, just excited," I told him slowly.

Excited didn't even come in the top fifteen things I was feeling in that moment.

"Alright, we'll watch you at the stage!" Rantaro ended his conversation with Valt and stepped between me and Daigo. "Let's go, sit with the audience, guys! Wakiya, Hoji and Valt's mom are holding seats for us."

"Heyyy, twinkle toes!" Zac the Sunrise's exceptionally dazzling and sickly sweet voice was easy to recognise. Plus, the fact that he was the only person who called Valt 'twinkle-toes'.

"I heard about your big newwwws," he sang. "Good luck with the pledge!"

Valt's eyes almost popped out of their sockets. His mouth fell open in a square shape and his reaction made it clear that he had completely forgotten about the pledge. His face displayed a deep state of fear, shock and nervousness. Valt quickly screamed, "AAARRGGHHH, I NEED TO GO TO THE BATHROOM!" and ran away into the crowd.

The rest of us blinked and silently stared at each other, not really sure what was gonna happen to the pledge (and Valt) now.

"Sooo... hey, tiny star! I figure — "

"NO! Don't even try," I quickly cut off Zachary before he could challenge, provoke or annoy me. "You don't even come in the top ten list of people I wish to battle, so just shut up."

"How did you kn — "

"We need to go," I looked around at the Beyclub to signal them and began walking forward. Without needing to be told twice, Shu, Rantaro and Daigo followed purposefully and stayed close to me as if we were inseparable. Just before entering the main audience hall, I let a small smile spill from the corner of my lips.

My dear teammates...

------------

"Alright. As I call each team, the captains please come forward!" Hanami instructed/screamed cheerfully. National Tournament meant that this man was the most enthusiastic one in the whole crowd, afterall, the payment of announcing at a national level is almost 17 times the salary he gets the rest of the year. Who wouldn't be excited?

"Now, let's announce the first team. Beystars that glimmer with unparalleled beauty, The Superstars! Their captain is the singing and dancing blader, the Triple Threat, Zac the Sunrise!"

The gate opened and spotlight flashed, but Zachary wasn't there. Instead, another spotlight pointed at the platform above stage. Smoke filled with glitter exploded and Zac appeared on the top (clearly tied by strings). The crowd went crazy for that ridiculous extra show of stupidity. Ugh.

As if that wasn't enough to make me regret having the front seat, Zac actually hopped down and flew around in a whole circle (his trail was filled with glitter), then landed beside the stadium and asked the crowd, "Heh, like what you see?"

Once again, the audience went wild and I couldn't help but cringe away out of embarrassment. How does this person not realize he's very intolerable?

Valt's mom even took a photo. So unworthy.

"Next, the magnificent shimmering blade that took the beyblade world by storm, The Sword Flames! And their captain is Xander Shakadera!"

Alexander came out of the correct gate and without making a scene; although his zig zag teeth were hideous for the stage picture.

He wasn't even trying to hide them.

"Next up, this team has been called a pack of wild animals, introducing The Beasts! Their captain is Ben Azuki!"

A short boy of tanned skin and pink hair with a purple Mohawk walked out of the gate. I had never seen the blader before, so I tried to pay extra attention to his body language. I could very much be battling him sometime soon.

"Now, elegant but deadly, this team calls itself Ice Blades! Their captain is Quon Limon!"

The supposed skater that Valt encountered earlier, who also found Valt's home to return Valtryek, walked out of the gate. I had heard all about the boy from Valt but was seeing him for the first time.

"Wouldn't you say, it's about time Rideout takes the stage?! Their captain is Gabe Brunai!"

Gabe walked out of the gate, looking as stern and serious as I'd remembered him. I've met the guy quite more than a few times, but not in the last two years. I wonder if he's changed as a blader, or as a person, even.

Out of all the captains yet, he was the only one who rotated his head to the audience — as if his eyes were trained to find me in the crowd. It should be dark and hard to see where I'm sitting, but the stare Gabe served in my direction was more accurate than my bey's stability. It was only one second, but more than enough to make my hands sweat with nervousness.

Did he actually see me or am I imagining things? Was it possible that he met Lui before the match? Did they talk about me? Why did Gabe have to look in this direction? Does this mean something or it's just a nasty trick to stir my anger?

I shivered at all the possibilities, even though I might as well be overthinking things. I tried to control my reaction by slowly stroking my arm with the other hand, looking straight ahead so that it doesn't seem suspicious.

On my right side, Shu shifted in his place and put a hand in the space between us. I peeked from the corner of my eye, but he wasn't looking in this direction. Did he notice...?

"That's fifteen teams as far, who's our final team?! Let me give you a hint — they're unpredictable as can be, it's The Beigoma Academy Beyclub. And their captain is Valt Aoi!" Hanami announced for us and I recoiled out of embarrassment.

Seriously, The Beigoma Academy Beyclub? What kind of a team name was that?! Nobody listened to me when everyone was deciding the name. There's cool ones like Ice Blades, Sword Flames, Rideout; and then there's this ridiculously uncreative and long name like The Beigoma Academy Beyclub.

Please kill me now.

The gate opened, but there was no sign of Valt when the smoke disappeared. Ah, that's so like our little captain...

"Ahem, Valt Ao — " Hanami tried to call his name again, just as Valt ran out of the gate with both hands in the air, head down, and screamed "And he's safe!" like when a player successfully reaches the base in baseball.

"Just... embarrassing," Honcho muttered.

Realization hit Valt when he lifted his head and saw the huge crowd. His face contorted into a weird shape and he started to walk in a rigid, robot-like manner.

Expected.

"Looks a little stiff," Toko sighed.

"Mhm, just as I called it," Nika said sheepishly.

"It's too horrible. I don't think I can watch," Daigo grabbed his head, shaking it in disappointment.

"Nah, it's gonna be awesome," Wakiya grinned. "Nothing like a good train wreck."

"He'll get over it," I reasoned, then added: "if he doesn't faint first."

"Hey, Valt!" Chiharu shouted softly, recording everything. "Just ignore the huge crowd, s'kay?"

As if that was so easy.

"And these are the sixteen groups in our Team Battles!" Hanami continued once Valt claimed his standing spot. "Without further ado, the athlete's pledge — let's do it! After consideration, the blader chosen to address the audience is none other than VALT AOI!"

The crowd roared with excitement but Valt's expression made it clear that he hadn't prepared a single word, or if he had, he'd completely forgotten everything. Moreover, the huge amount of audience and the spotlights weren't helping his stage fright at all.

"That's my baby!" Chiharu looked like she'd start crying any second now. Her camera was on the whole time and she kept recording pretty much everything. "My proudest mama moment yet."

Everyone eagerly waited for Valt to move, but the poor guy was frozen by a blizzard. I could see Xander, Zac and Quon saying something to him. Words of encouragement, perhaps.

Valt finally moved, with the same rigid and stiff movements, obviously, but even walking was an improvement.

With much difficulty, he reached in front of the mic. Even opening his mouth seemed to take a lot of effort out of him. "I – I – I – "

Rantaro and the twins kept screaming encouraging words to him, even though I doubted he was able to hear any of it.

"I – I – UH... AAAAAAA! I FORGOT EVERYTHING."

Xander's jaw fell open out of absolute shock. On the other hand, Zac's face looked like he expected this to happen. The whole team groaned beside me and I honestly didn't know what to expect next. With Valt, anything could happen.

"At least he's honest," Nika said sheepishly.

"It's all over..." Honcho sadly dropped his head.

"Worst day ever," Daigo closed his eyes.

"I still think... he'll get over it," I stood by my earlier resolve. "Look, he hasn't fainted yet."

For the first time since arriving here, the statue of boredom Shu Kurenai said something. "It's too early to give up."

Valt was sweating and practically drowning all over the stage. His nervous state led him to take out Valtryek from his pocket.

That's it! Communication. Only his bey can inspire him now.

'One, then two. Strange incidents are lining up.'
Sparyon's heavy demonic voice echoed at the back of my head. Even thinking about Valtryek's communication with Valt triggered my own bey into waking up.

If this doesn't give proof of Sparyon's power, I don't know what will.

I ignored his call of attention once again. I've been doing this since the day I joined the Beyclub. I wondered if Sparyon was right about the warnings, and if there'll be consequences or not.

"LISTEN UP!" Valt's abrupt confidence-filled voice shook the arena. Wow, his bond with his bey could be as strong as mine. "I swear on my partner!" He extended his hand to show off Valtryek to the crowd. "I promise to fight with all my strength. And I know Valtyek will fight for all that's worth, too. We worked so hard and made it all this way. Come on, let's show this crowd some crazy good battles!"

There was silence. A short, awkward silence.

I didn't know what was going on in everyone else's mind, but I was absolute that Valt's pledge exceeded expectations. I should applaud but —

Shu started clapping as if he'd heard my thoughts. I looked at him and hesitantly did the same. The rest of the Beyclub followed, then the remaining audience. It didn't talk long for the sound to reverberate through the whole arena. I bet people on the opposite end of this building would feel the walls shaking.

"That was original. Leave it to Valt to switch things up," Shu said to himself.

"Good job! You're the coolest!" The twins screamed towards Valt.

"Nice one!" Chiharu shouted. "That was a ten out of ten!"

Valt's shy, blushing face was displayed all over the big screen. He laughed nervously at our encouraging words and praises. The crowd never stopped cheering, and once again, the tournament programme continued smoothly.

"Oh, did you hear that perfect speech?!" Hanami said with excitement. "Valt Aoi just gave the greatest athlete's pledge in history! TIME TO START THE TEAM BATTLES."

-----------

Unsurprisingly, just my luck, our team was the first one to battle, exactly on the opening day of the tournament! Why did we have to be the ones to start? It's not that I hated the stage or anything, but it was my first time and I wanted to, I don't know, rethink my decisions or... strategically disappear?

"In the red corner, it's The Beigoma Academy Beyclub!" the gate opened and the smoke dissipated to reveal the six of us to the audience. The crowd was cheering in our support and honestly, Rantaro's coat was taking up so much space behind him and slightly tickling my arm everytime it moved, which made me want to grab the back of his neck and slam him into the shiny stadium floor. Why does he even hang his coat on his shoulders like that?

I was forced to remain silent.

There were cameras.

"There's captain Valt Aoi, a finalist from the Regional Tournament," Hanami started to introduce each of us one by one and the screen displayed our faces respectively.

"Wakiya Murasaki, who also earned his spot here through the Regionals!

"The hot-headed funny man, Rantaro Kiyama.

"The mysterious Daigo Kurogami.

"Member of the Supreme Four, Shu Kurenai!

"And FINALLY, brace yourselves, an international personality — the legendary Golden Blader and the American Champion, (Y/n) (L/n) — participating in a team for the first time ever! Folks, HISTORY IS BEING MADE HERE right in front of our eyes!"

Of course the overacting goes a long way. Hanami most definitely didn't need to add those extra sentences for me, but once again, I was forced to act normal. My face was being shown on the big screen.

As soon as the camera pointed towards the other team, we descended the stairs on the left to settle in our corner. Hanami was giving the same kind of enthusiastic introduction for Ice Blades, and obviously, it didn't have any information worth hearing.

"Legendary blader? International personality? Oh, please, there must be a mistake," Wakiya rolled his eyes.

I sat down on the bench and stayed silent in order to avoid any unnecessary bickering just before my first ever match as a team. I needed to be focused for my performance today, even if I don't get a chance to battle.

There was already a flawless strategy surfacing at the back of my head.

"Didn't you hear what the announcer said? She's the real deal!" Rantaro frantically explained to Wakiya. "I've suddenly realized how important our team is, having popular bladers like Shu and (Y/n) with us. They have a proper reputation!"

"Guys, focus, listen to the announcer!" Shu scolded. Finally, someone sensible.

" — eams are getting ready in their corners," Hanami was saying. "Only three bladers can compete in this first match. The question is: who will they pick? Time to strategize!"

I looked at our leader.

Valt couldn't stop fanboying since he found out we'll be against Quon's team. Hopeless case of hyper-enthusiasm...

"Okay," Daigo began. "Who's going in?"

"Well," Wakiya scoffed. "I'm clearly the number one pick."

"You're certainly number one something," Rantaro countered sassily.

"All of their beys are defence types, remember?" Wakiya explained cockily. "We'll have to use that to our advantage."

"Except that Wyvron's a defence type too!" Rantaro continued to put Wakiya in his place. "Got a better idea? My Roktavor's a stamina type!"

I added another fragment of information to my strategy. And connecting it with the previous idea, I was able to come up with an almost perfect plan.

"This is no time for arguments," Shu scolded them again.

"What do you say, captain? You make the calls," Daigo went with the most diplomatic approach.

"E-Eh?!" Valt seemed surprised, although Daigo didn't say anything to deserve such a reaction.

"Daigo's right, Valt," Shu directed at him. "It's your decision."

I was still silent. My strategy wasn't complete yet. And above that, Valt must be feeling a lot of pressure because of leadership anyway, so I didn't want to burden him more. He already had a difficult choice to make.

Valt crossed his arms and sat down beside me.

Too close.

I had to cross my legs and lean away in order to look at his face properly.

He closed his eyes seriously for a few seconds, and just as I thought he would say something very intellectual and strategic, he jumped up and gave us a huge grin.

All of us looked at him confusingly, not really sure if he had come up with a brilliant idea or he was just fooling around.

"What's up?" Rantaro poked him.

"Hehehe," Valt kept grinning. "Whoever I say goes, am I right? I decided I'm going up first!"

Classic.

"Slow down a little, buddy," Rantaro mumbled to him. "We need three in total to — "

"Yay, captain rocks!" Valt celebrated for a moment then quickly came back to reality. "Oh, yeah, the other two."

"Right!" Rantaro perked up. "We all know I'm your first pick, capt — "

"Wakiya and Shu, it is!" Valt announced with his finger in the air, making Rantaro fall in defeat.

"Aren't you forgetting somebody?!" Rantaro put his face in front of Valt.

"Hm? Nah, I don't think so," Valt wondered innocently. "If you mean (Y/n) then — "

"You don't mean... me," I said carefully, standing up and unfolding my arms. "Captain."

Valt's posture stiffened for some reason.

"If Quon's whole team is comprised of defence types, then I'm sure stamina isn't the most appropriate pick, as straightforward as it seems to you, Rantaro," I looked at him.

"What're you getting at, eh?! It's not like you got a chance to battle, either!" Rantaro asked out of frustration.

That's right. Valt's choice of bladers had added the final touch to my plan.

"I don't need a chance," I gave him a knowing look but he seemed even more confused. "Let's be real. They must be very much expecting a stamina type and even strategizing accordingly. So by not throwing you in, we will be at an advantage of surprise."

"That's correct," Shu backed me up and Rantaro fell silent, understanding the point here.

"Besides, I believe Shu and Wakiya have the kind of special moves up their sleeve which are more than equipped to handle this," I finished off and nodded in their direction. "Put on a show out there."

Wakiya and Shu nodded back.

"Hey, hey!" Valt jumped and waved his hands in front of me. "What about me? You didn't mention me! I have good moves too!"

I frowned down at him. Oh, yeah, he's also battling...

"What the hell are you doing here?" I said sharply. "I didn't strategize about you. You are not needed in a battle against the defence types."

Valt sulked and was almost about to cry, until he abruptly straightened up and looked to the ceiling with determination. "I'LL PROVE YOU WRONG, JUST YOU WAIT!" Then he pointed at Shu and Wakiya. "I'LL GO FIRST, YOU GUYS STAY BACK."

Hanami started to announce the rules and we went through everything once again. My mind was clear. I had faith in my strategy. If my experience as a team owner serves me right, Shu and Wakiya should be able to grab the required points to win. Even bonus points if Valt smashes his battle, although Valtryek might have to struggle against a defence type.

"Will the first bladers please step forward?" the referee requested into the microphone.

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In 5246 words.

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