In Metal City, the wind was turbulent. The Dark Nebula, an organisation that posed a threat to Beyblade's very existence, was the source of the storm clouds that brewed above, not from above the clouds. Tales of pilfered Beys, tainted power, and ferocious fights that reduced Bladers to shattered pieces in most ways had started spreading across the underground Blader society like wildfire as news of their nefarious activities filtered out.
Ash stood atop a hill overlooking the city with Kenta, Madoka, and Gingka. His expression was sternly serious. The atmosphere had shifted since the Gingka-Ryuga duel. Amiable duels and fun tournaments were being replaced by something darker.
Gingka's eyes became narrow as he growled, "They're plotting something." "And Ryuga—he's just the tip of the iceberg."
Madoka clicked on her laptop and nodded. "I've been monitoring Beyblade energy readings all around the region. At least five mysterious accounts of Beys completely drained in the last week have been reported. The Dark Nebula is involved in each case."
Ash's fists curled. "They are injuring innocent Bladers for power. We can't let that continue."
"Right," Gingka agreed. "That's why we need to always be ahead."
Kenta looked uneasy. "But how can we fight against something so big? They have top-notch Bladers and Ryuga, and we're just—"
"No way," Ash cut in, his eyes burning. "We are greater than anything. We have been trained. We have battled. We have grown. And no matter how much they may be, we won't surrender."
Madoka smiled faintly. "Talk like a true Blader."
An enigmatic invitation to an underground Beyblade arena—a seedy location where Dark Nebula agents were supposedly known to test out their latest recruits—arrived later in the day for the group. It was their only clue, and it was dangerous—potentially a setup.
They hesitated not.
Cold, flickering lights lit up the underground arena. The stadium floor was topped by a steel dome, and the air was thick with the scent of metal and oil. The allure of status and power brought bladers together, their eyes hollow and hungry. A tall figure in black robes stood in the center of the room, and his voice was heard clearly down the hall.
"Hello from the future battlefield. The era of light is gone. Beyblade is no longer a game of love and dreams but of dominance and terror."
Shadows were what Ash and his friends looked from.
Gingka grumbled, "That's a Dark Nebula officer." "We have to uncover their deeds."
The man, quick as a flash, pointed straight at them. "You're there. newbies. Come on."
As waves, the crowd dispersed. Without so much as a thought, Ash stepped into the ring.
"My name is Ash. And I'm here to foil your nefarious plots."
The policeman let out a dismal chuckle. "What a blaze. Good, Ash. Let's see the worth of your blaze. Sami, one of our best, will be your rival."
With a wicked grin, Sami emerged from the background. "Ash, it's nice to see you again."
His sneering visage, his ruthless Beyblade strategy, his merciless fight mode from their previous battle were all fresh in Ash's mind.
"You're not hurting anyone else this time!" With a firmer grip on Storm Greninja, Ash cried out."
"Then stop me."
Their launchers were ready.
"3... 2... 1... LET IT RIP!"
There was a conflict of light and dark energy between Greninja and Sami's Bey, the Void Serpent. The Void Serpent struck with wild, toxic blows, quicker and more ferocious than ever. But Storm Greninja had grown too. Ash's training made it faster, and that made it a fighting chance.
"Greninja! Aqua Slash!"
Serpent was knocked off balance when the blue Bey curved through the stadium and hit its flank.
Sami's gaze narrowed. "You've gotten better. But it won't be enough. Shadow Bind, Serpent!"
His Bey released a bolt of dark energy that wrapped around Greninja and bogged it down. The crowd cheered, hungering for chaos.
Ash clenched his teeth. "Don't lose! Greninja, you're great at speed. Let's free ourselves!"
Greninja broke the shackles and dashed with a burst of water-like energy.
"Torrent Cyclone!"
A strong whirlpool attack slammed into Void Serpent, sending it flying high into the air before slamming it onto the ground. The dark Bey stumbled, then stopped spinning.
There was a moment of silence in the arena.
"Ash won!"
The crowd gasped a few times, and then there was scattered applause. The officer scowled but said nothing.
Sami took a step back. "The Dark Nebula won't be defeated by you."
Ash stepped forward. "Perhaps not today. But I will never allow you to steal the heart out of Beyblade."
Gingka smiled as they exited the arena. "You did that better than I expected you to."
Ash smiled. "I suppose I've been learning tricks from the best."
Kenta patted him on the back. "Ash, that was incredible. You are really getting stronger."
"But we can't drop our guard," Madoka went on. "Things will only worsen if the Dark Nebula keeps behaving like this in public."
Outside the city lights, Ash could barely see the stars in the dark sky. He knew that the battle was just beginning.
"We will battle with all our strength if they attempt to dominate the Beyblade world," Ash declared firmly.
In unison, the group nodded. Despite the gloomy road ahead, their resolve was stronger than ever.