There was a buzzing environment at the Beypark. The sound of spinning tops crashing into one another, excited Bladers, and the intermittent flashes of sparks from violent impact filled the air. Ash grasped his launcher firmly as he stood at the edge of the stadium. As much as he had won, he knew he still had so much to learn. He was to fight Benkei Hanawa, the most powerful fighter he had yet to encounter. Benkei laughed heartily and cracked his knuckles. "So you think that because you won some battles you're desirable? Prepare yourself, for I am going to show you what real power is like."
Ash narrowed his eyes, determined. "I won't give up! Let's see what you've got."
Madoka leaned in Kenta's way. "Ash might struggle with this. Benkei's Dark Bull is the Balance-type Beyblade. It possesses good stability and powerful attacks.
Nodding, Kenta spoke. Yes, and Benkei has a great deal of training experience. He's extremely powerful.".
Ash wasn't afraid. He was even more excited, if anything. He'd battled Bladers who were speed demons, but now he was battling someone who could punch hard and still maintain.
Benkei grinned at that. "Alright, let's get on with it.
3., 2., 1., Let it rip!"
Both Beyblades struck the stadium. Dark Bull charged straight for the center, maintaining its position with its weight, while Storm Greninja circled the outer circle, employing its speed to remain nimble. The stadium shook from the impact of their first collision.
Ash's fist tightened. "Go, Storm Greninja! Don't let it stop you.".
Benkei grinned as his Beyblade zigzagged, trying to strike Dark Bull with rapid attacks. "You think you can just run away forever? "Horn Bash, Dark Bull!"
Dark Bull leaned to one side, intercepting Storm Greninja and landing a devastating strike. Ash's Beyblade regained its footing, but it quickly regained its balance.
"Whoa! That was a powerful hit!" Ash grumbled.
Madoka adjusted her glasses. "Benkei is employing more than brute force. He is taking hits and returning strong counterattacks by employing his Bey's balance.
Kenta nodded. "Yes! Benkei is really hard to beat due to this.
Benkei crossed his arms. "Come on, Ash! Dark Bull won't fall that easily, no matter how much you dash!"
Ash clenched his jaw. He needed a new plan. During previous fights, his quickness had worked well, but he needed to plan more strategically here. He watched Dark Bull stick to its location near the centre, sometimes producing powerful attacks whenever Storm Greninja came near.
Then he came up with an idea. "Alright, try something different here, Storm Greninja! Get speed by utilising the walls."
With each turn, his Beyblade ricocheted off the walls and soared around the stadium, speeding up every time. It was difficult to track because it was traveling so fast.
Benkei glared. "What are you doing? "Hold steady, Dark Bull!"
Storm Greninja had turned before Benkei could act, and it struck Dark Bull from the side before turning back immediately. Then it did it again. And again. Landing swift punches without giving Dark Bull a chance to strike back was like a hit-and-run tactic.
Benkei growled. "Oh no! Stop running and fight head-on."
Ash smiled. "Oh, don't panic. We are just getting started! Shadow Dash, Storm Greninja!"
To make one final attack, his Beyblade flashed into a blur, darting at irregular angles. Dark Bull slid across the stadium after they crashed into each other.
With Benkei gasped. "No way!"
Thrill went through the audience. Dark Bull rocked, but then—
"Hey! You thought that to be enough?" Benkei shouted. "Dark Bull, Counter Stampede!"
Dark Bull suddenly picked up speed and smashed into Storm Greninja with incredible power. Ash's Beyblade went flying this time. It was rotating weakly and just managed to enter the stadium.
Ash's fists tightened. "No way. Does he still have strength after all those blows?"
Benkei burst out laughing. "That's right! My Dark Bull isn't just resilient—it becomes stronger the longer it fights!"
in the center of the stadium, Storm Greninja and Dark Bull fought their last battle. They refused to give up and were grinding against each other, shooting sparks everywhere. Everyone in the audience was on edge.
Then, with a final burst of effort, both Beyblades came to a halt—simultaneously, at the same instant.
Madoka gasped. "It's a tie!"
Benkei scratched his head following a blink. "What? A draw? It is not fair! I should have destroyed you.
With a sigh, Ash put down Storm Greninja. "That was amazing! Benkei, you are very powerful."
After whining for quite some time, Benkei grinned. "Hey! You yourself are not very bad! But this does not mean that we are done. I am certainly going to win the next time."
"Man, that was a tough fight!" Ash smiled. "I wouldn't have it any other way!"