As Bladers congregated for the local tournament, the streets were abuzz with excitement. Although it wasn't as big as the WBBA championships, it was just the right venue for young Bladers to perfect their skills.
Among them, Ash held his Beyblade, *Storm Greninja*. He had been training with Gingka's guidance over the last few days, mastering strategy and control. Now was the time to put all that practice to use.
Ash shrugged his shoulders and muttered to himself, "Okay." "Let's see if I can do a real match."
A huge stadium had been constructed in an empty lot for the tournament. It was ringed by a small cluster of Bladers and spectators who were eagerly watching the battles.
Gingka grinned as she stood beside Ash. "You ready for this?"
Ash nodded. "Sure thing! I'm looking forward to it."
Madoka adjusted her glasses. "Keep in mind, Ash. The best thing about your Beyblade is speed, but it will be a weakness if you can't master it."
Ash smiled. "I've got it mastered."
He was about to find out if that was true.
First Battle: Hiro vs. Ash
Hiro, a confident Blader, was Ash's initial opponent. He possessed a heavy, defensive-type Beyblade called Ursa Titan. It was made to take hits and last longer than opponents.
Hiro sneered at Ash and said, "This should be easy." "My defence won't be damaged by a fast Beyblade like yours."
Ash's fists tightened. "We'll see about that."
The referee raised his hand. "3.....,2..... , 1..... Let it rip!"
The two Beyblades battled within the stadium. Storm Greninja zipped around Ursa Titan at lightning speed, which remained firmly in the center.
"Not bad," Hiro said. "Yet speed alone won't beat my defense."
Ash's eyes narrowed. Hiro was right. It always bounced off without doing any damage when Storm Greninja struck. The weight difference was too great.
From the stands, Gingka shouted. "Think, Ash! Use your speed to the fullest!"
Ash took a deep breath. He needed to change his plan. He had to utilize his agility instead of making a head-on attack.
"All right, Storm Greninja! Speed it up!
His Beyblade sped up, racing around the stadium in a blur.
Hiro frowned. "What is he doing?"
Suddenly, Storm Greninja began to spin rapidly, generating a strong gust of wind. Ursa Titan's equilibrium was disrupted by the force of the wind.
Hiro's eyes widened. "What?"
Ash grinned. "Now, Storm Greninja! Smash it!"
His Beyblade utilized the instability of Ursa Titan to attack it from the side. When the defensive Beyblade stumbled, it received a final blow and was sent out of the stadium.
Ring out!
The referee raised his hand. "Ash Ketchum won!"
Ash fist-pumped. "Yes!"
Hiro stared at his defeated Beyblade. "No way. I lost to speed?"
Gingka applauded with his hand. Ash, that's how you do it! Being fast isn't just about attacking fast; it's also about dominating the battle!
Ash smiled. Now he was starting to get it.
Final Battle: Ash vs. Tommy
After a few more victories, Ash was matched against Tommy, one of the best Bladers, in the finals.
This fight was a real test of speed since Tommy's Beyblade, Aero Falcon, was one that attacked quickly too.
Tommy smiled. "Ash, you do have good instincts. But let's see if you can keep pace with mine."
Ash smiled. "There is no other way I would like it."
The referee raised his hand. "3.....,2.....,1..... Let it rip!"
With incredible speed, both Beyblades zoomed across the battlefield and into the stadium. As they kept colliding without surrendering, sparks flew.
"Storm Greninja!" shouted Ash." Speed up! "
Tommy smiled. "Good try. Aero Falcon Stay on it!"
Dodging out of each other's way, the two Beyblades speedily navigated around the stadium. With the audience struggling to keep pace, it was a whirlwind of motion.
Gingka curled his fists. "This is seriously intense."
Madoka adjusted her glasses. "It's a battle of pure speed. The one who makes a single error loses."
Ash clenched his jaw. Aero Falcon was matching Storm Greninja's speed, move for move. He needed something more.
Then he remembered something.
"All right, Storm Greninja! It's time to step it up!"
Ash's Beyblade started moving in wild, jerky turns instead of dodging. Creating an opening was more crucial than just being fast.
Tommy's eyes widened. "What?"
Storm Greninja reached its mark and unleashed a deadly blow in that single second.
BOOM!
In the air outside the stadium, Aero Falcon fell and crashed.
Ring out!
The referee waved his hand. "Ash Ketchum won!"
Gasping for air, Ash looked at the wrecked Beyblade. Then his face broke into a grin. "I did it!"
Gingka rushed over. "Ash, that was amazing!"
Tommy smiled as he lifted his Beyblade. "That game was great. You're not kidding about your speed."
Ash smiled. "Thanks! Though I still have lots to learn."
Ash realized towards the end of the tournament that he had found his style of fighting. It was not the only means to obtain speed. It was a weapon. He now knew how to use it.