Kishimoto Arcade, Local Tournament.
@Dezuel @Crimson Lion - Seize your Play!

Blade stood there as he stretched and he smiled and went over to Naoki said,” yes I’ve been building Snow white for a while now she’s an upgraded version of the gundam wing.” He said holding onto the new gunpla. As he looks into the crowd. “ Our first victory! We won guys.” He looks at everyone and smiles.

Kishimoto Arcade
@Crimson Lion

They... won? They won! That went surprisingly well, all things considered. But Riku wouldn't complain. He actually had detected the location of the Taurus units but when the Full Armor was shot down that was no longer relevant. Team Imagine Victory won by virtue of eliminating the enemy team members.

It looked like the other battle hadn't end yet, and so their team would have a brief window of time to perform repairs or make other relevant preparations for the next battle. Good thing, too, because that first round made it perfectly clear that Riku needed to think about more heavily arming his Gunpla. The Shin Musha Hyaku Shiki was, in its current form, a one-trick pony - albeit a very powerful one. Maybe it could do with having a back up weapon or two, just in case something happened to the Izanagi in the middle of the next battle? The Manticore needed to be equipped better for aerial combat, but as there was no time for that much of an overhaul, the surfboard shield would simply have to do.

Hmm... by this point Riku was looking over the spare weapons and parts he'd brought with him. Eventually he hurriedly removed the twin beam cannons from the Manticore's shoulders and replaced them with two entirely different weapons. One was a Hyper Bazooka that was equipped to the left shoulder, and the other was a Dober Gun that was equipped to the right shoulder. He also took the beam shield generator off the arm of a Victory Gundam and used super glue to fit it to the left arm of the Manticore. Unfortunately, there was no time to apply any paint changes, meaning the beam shield projector, bazooka, and dober gun would all retain their default colors. Also, Riku couldn't find any weapons he could really add to the Shin Musha's arsenal, but he wondered if Naoki had brought any extra parts or weapons he might be willing to loan out?

"Hey, uh... Naoki?" Riku asked him, seemingly out of nowhere, "Did you happen to bring any extra weapon parts with you? I think my Shin Musha could use a backup weapon or two, but none of the weapons I brought seem like they would suit it. I was hoping you might have one I could borrow for the fight against Seo's team."

He had also been listening in on the talk concerning the Mercs. They certainly sounded as tough as he guessed they would be, if not more so. Seemed to even have Takemori worried and wanting them to come up with a new strategy. Well... the only one Riku could offer was one that they may not want to resort to, "I'm pretty sure the Yamato's trump card could probably wipe them out. Though I can't help but feel like it would be a waste to use that much power on just two enemy Gunpla."

"Coward! You are a shameful warrior!" Charmaine yelled over the coms towards Hachiyama.

"Hmph! You cheapen the old man's victory and went against Seo's orders, isn't he your commander? Isn't he your leader? Do you not respect him ehh?! The old man might let you off the hook, but if you interfere in my duels and I will shoot you down myself!" Charmaine snarled over the coms, making his displeasure of seeing a two against one unfold briefly and then beholding trans-am, one of the few things he really didn't like. While he could understand and respect the desire to fight in a battle, he couldn't help but feel like his team had stained itself to the point they might aswell had been on the opponents team.

'How dare you put us on the same level as these people. Damnable background character!' Charmaine thought in irritation about Hachiyama, watching how Ryoichi was making short work of the enemy in the red gunpla. Painting it red was surely giving it at least a 100% boost in performance, or so it was likely believed. 'The metal devil? More like mental weevil. Hm. That gunpla of his is fast, but the exterior seems worn out. What builder would allow his gunpla to enter looking like that? No doubt about it, someone else made that thing for him. Someone quite skilled too.' The masked young man pondered as he beheld the Gundam Baelstrom, all things considered it was a potent gunpla by the looks of it.

Kai cracked his neck, another victory. He didn’t really celebrate or have any real option on this. They were stronger and that was it, no need to think about it more than that. Kai cracked his neck and walked over to the others who were discussing the others. “Oh we’re talking about Hachiyama’s team.” Kai said having completely forgotten Seo’s existence.

The Gunpla fighter looked over the footage taking a look at both the footage of the “mercenaries” that Seo had hired and gave his thoughts. “The masked guy, I’m assuming, he’s good, but it feels more of a big fish in a small pond kinda deal, the guy Loudmouth pissed off is the more dangerous of the two. Pretty sure he actually experienced, think this guy might have been in a higher league like regionals or nationals. It’s not out of the question that Loudmouth might have to look out for a new Gunpla afterwards.” Kai summarized.

“Though I don’t think ya’d have to be too worried about them, like it or not a team fight is a team fight, the weakest member dictates the the strength of the team, not the strongest. They can’t be everywhere at once. If we separate them from the rest then, they don’t matter. There’s only one other person who I can say would give us trouble, the rest of the team shouldn’t be too difficult to defeat.”

Jun slammed his fist together in triumphant victory as their mission was accomplished. "Haha! Well that's only the obvious conclusion!" he shouted and reclaimed his from the station. "Good job Tomi! A genius like me could already see this result from a mile away!" he high-fived Tomiyoka as he grouped together back with his team mates.

"Blade, that was pretty cool out there,...in fact it was so cool that it kind of irritates me! I told you I was gonna be the main event but you went ahead and stole the spotlight once you returned!" he clenched his fight at Blade with a slight annoyance. Really though, he was glad the usually silent fighter pulled through for them at the end.

Jun then focused his attention back towards Naoki, Riku and Kai. A small grin appeared on his face "So you guys succeeded too huh? I knew I picked good teammates.".

While tinkering at the repairs for his Captain Miracle, Jun gave a cocky smile once the topic of their next opponents came up. "Heh, I'm not gonna go shaking in my boots over these guys. They won't know what's hit 'em once they see me on the battlefield!" he loudly declared at their table. Then of course, he shifted his focus to that no-good Kai, "Who the heck's gonna 'need a new Gunpla'?! When I'm done with that old guy I'm gonna send him back to the retirement home! Then after that, you're next Kai!"

Hachiyama POV
@Dezuel@Renny
Team Ikuro High has lost all their points. The winner is Team Zenshin High!
I sighed in relief but also in discomfort as the holograms around us started to disappear. After Charmaine had started scolding him he knew the merc was right. He broke orders and disobeyed Seo. And he wasn’t sure he wanted to physically face either Seo or Charmaine right now with their .. strong personalities.

“Hachiyama.” Seos cold voice said as I slowly turned to him. And the look on his face was just as cold, a dark look behind the eyes. “It seems, you’ve decided your better then the plan.” He said with crossed arms.

I gulped as I tried to come up with an excuse. An excuse for disobeying a direct order. But .. I was just so frustrated. We were there. The enemy was there. We were both on the battlefield and I was there before even the mercenaries! He had full rights to fight but still.

Before I could speak whatever excuse I could he stopped me. “Fine.” He said as his mood changed from cold anger to something much more evil. “If you think the plans up till now are so benign then I’ll just have to change that. Everybody group up! We’re changing the plan I made everyone learn all for Hachiyama!” He said, earning a groan from Tanaka and a huff from Komi. I looked over and bowed a sorry to them, Kobayashi giving me a look of sympathy.

“And Hachiyama!” Seo added, making me straighten my back. “You better follow this next plan to the T. Otherwise, you're off the team. Now everyone group up so I can explain the plan!” He commanded as I felt a new wave of dread.

Fuck.

---

Naoki POV
@Double
The Baelstorm ferociously charges forth, using the explosion behind it to move it even faster forward, grabbing the Captain Miracle by the waist in the process. The Miracle takes out its beam saber in an attempt to destroy it, only to be crushed before he could follow through.

As the Manticore tries to reach its teammate, the Creusherazade grabs its head from behind before its sub arms pierced the cockpit with its beam sabers. The two of them turn to face me as I try to drag the half destroyed Zaku II Benkei back to the Yamato. The Creusherazade lurched forward, throwing the Manticore to the side as-

“Naoki are you listening?” Takemoris voice asked as I reopened my eyes. Readjusting to my surroundings as I looked back down at the tablet in hand, the video of Ryoichi and Charmaines battles replaying on loop.

That match up won’t work.

“Sorry, I was thinking.” I apologized. As I tried to organize my thoughts.

“Any epiphany’s?”

“Yeah, I don’t know anything about Blades new Gunpla so planning ahead is difficult, I’m hoping it’s specs are similar to the Wings but I’m trying not to make assumptions. Also the Baelstorm can outspeed Jun, and it’s pilot has a lot of experience and wit. He’s powerful. The other .. is dangerous. The Creusherazade seems to be a high performance kitbash and I suspect it has more weapons then the Manticore and Zaku Benkei combined.” I exaggerated as I tried again to imagine the battlefield. “I think .. I’m going to see it fight myself. It’s too complicated an enemy to fight blind against. I’m gonna need to lay my cards on the table in order to properly evaluate him.”

Takemori nodded as he looked down at his tablet. “Any thoughts on the enemy strategies?” He asked as he pulled up the squad graph with all their photos.

“I think Seo will go for a point defeat. He won’t care about the objective. Point based defeats are considered the truest of win amongst people who care about things like that. And Seo is definitely one of those idiots.” I answered back.

"Hey, uh... Naoki?" Riku asked him from behind, gaining both of their attentions., "Did you happen to bring any extra weapon parts with you? I think my Shin Musha could use a backup weapon or two, but none of the weapons I brought seem like they would suit it. I was hoping you might have one I could borrow for the fight against Seo's team."

I nodded, setting down the tablet and reaching over to a case, opening it up on the table reveals a varied assortment of weapons from the Seed series, from the Destiny's Arondight ship destroyer to the Strike Launchers Agni cannon. along with 2 Gunpla cases to the side. “I like weapons from the Comic Era a lot, they're flashy and get the job done so I carry alot of spares on me.” I replied, “You can use whatever you want, you can even use the gatlings from the Fantastic GM, I’m going to be using a different Gunpla next round anyways.” I said as I took out the first box and put the Fantastic GM into it, before taking the second box.

Takemori chimed in, looking at RIku. “Ah, speaking of the next round, any thoughts on the mercs Riku?”

"I'm pretty sure the Yamato's trump card could probably wipe them out. Though I can't help but feel like it would be a waste to use that much power on just two enemy Gunpla." Riku added in and I nodded.

“Two enemy Gunpla. Yeah it would be a waste.” I commented with a pause. “But, this isn’t a fight against just two MS Gunpla. In WARS, a super weapon might be just what we need. Also and unlike the Noa Family team, Zenshin actually has a full team of 7.”

“A team led by an arrogant child.” Takemori commented, looking over his shoulder as he could hear the tail end of Zenshins battle.

“Despite his low piloting skills, Seo is an intelligent guy. I’ve actually faced him before, twice. And after our second battle I had learned something I hate to admit, but he thinks like me. He’s a researcher. Someone who analyzes and plans accordingly after compiling data. And while I had destroyed him in our first fight he had become incredibly more annoying in the second.” I admitted, and it was true.

Back when I had started using remote weapons, he decided to use the NT-D system to take control over them. It was because of that fight that I had decided to install the NT-D system into my own Gunpla to counter it. When I started using I fields, he started using physical bullets. When I started using an anti-ship sword he would start using beam javelins to counter. He was adaptable, and persistent.

“Still though, I think I’ll leave the decision up to you, Riku.” I pointed to him. “It's your creation, so you should have the best idea on when and if we should use it. Just make sure I'm out of the blast radius when you do.” I joked with a smile as I watched the hologram around team Zenshin disappear.

“Takemori, can you gather everyone up? I’ve decided on a plan.” I said as I looked to the side at Kai, Jun and Blade talking, Tomiyoka doing repairs in the back.

---

Naoki/Seo POV
@KenjuGuy@Shiyonichi@Double@Blade17@Dezuel@Renny
Naoki

I looked over at the assembled Team Imagine V. Everyone creating a semicircle around me as I stood up with the tablet in hand. “I’ve received the details for the next round. We'll be playting the part of Federation soldiers against Zeon enemies. It’s going to be a territory battle in space.” I said as I showed everyone the screen.

A former Side 4 Colony has been turned into a battlefield! As part of the Earth Federation Forces, destroy the Living Dead Division and regain control over the Thunderbolt Sector! There are 3 areas that need reclamation, conquer 2 to win.

---

Seo

Our control over the former Side 4 Colony has been challenged, and the whole area has turned into a battlefield! As part of the Living Dead Division, destroy the Earth Federation invaders and retain control over the Thunderbolt Sector! There are 3 areas that need refortification, fortify 2 to win.

I stopped showing my Zenshin underlings the message as I continued. “Hehe, Sieg Zeon." I joked as I continued. "Now I’ve told you all before but I’ll say it again since SOME of you obviously need to be told twice.” I said, looking straight at Hachiyama. “In space, if you’re ever confused on which ways you or down, just look at your compass, it’s the holographic ball with a spike that always points upwards. Even an idiot would understand how to use it.”

---

Naoki

“The second thing you need to remember about space combat is the loss of gravity. Both you and your opponents will be moving many times faster in space combat than on earth arenas since your Gunpla have no weight.” I said as I looked over at Tomiyoka. “Tomi, you especially will need to take into account your new speeds since your Waverider mode doesn’t have the fastest reverse thrusters.”

Tomiyoka nodded. “U-understood, Naoki-san”

---

Seo

“And the third thing.” I added, looking over to the Mercenaries specifically. “Is that remote and large scale weapons and Gunpla work much more efficiently in space. So be prepared because I’m sure Team Wannabe Yukihara has some of those up their sleeves. Naoki especially.” I said as I remembered our first battle. What an .. irritating memory.

A memory of a swarm of bits surrounding him. Of funnels looping, dashing and zigzagging in unreadable patterns as they used their lasers to poke and prod his gunpla. Of a laughing Yukihara relishing in his defeat as dragoon lasers ripped through his previous Gunpla.

Ignoring the memory I went back to explaining my master plan. “Now you see, I’m almost completely sure Naoki will expect us to use a 2-3-3 formation in order to divide and conquer, but instead I’ve decided we’ll use a 3-5 split. We’ll use the higher firepower of a bigger group to hold a position easily.”

---

Naoki

“Seo is 100% without a doubt going to do either a 4-4 or a 3-5 formation. There’s no way he cares about the mission he wants the elimination win.” I said with a sigh. “I can already tell, he’s going to make one team himself, the Haro and the two mercenaries and the other team will be the other four. Or something similar to that.”

---

Seo

“However unlike the ORIGINAL plan.” I said looking again at Hachyama, watching him sink in his seat. “I’ll be having Hachiyama escort me and Charmaine instead of Ryoichi.” I said with a smirk, knowing full well Charmaines disdain for him.

“And unlike the original plan, Ryoichi will be leading squad 2 with Haro, Kobayashi, Tanaka and Komi.” And I saw Kobayashi look surprised at his demotion from squad leader. Oh well, blame Hachyama.

“In short, my plan is to split into Squad 1 and 2 and defend the points while destroying all their units. And remember do NOT stand on the objectives until AFTER I’ve gotten my revenge on Naoki!”

---

Naoki

“Our plan is to have the group split into a 3-2-2 formation in order to cover all three points. Riku and Tomiyoka will be Squad A.” I said as Tomiyoka nodded, gulping nervously.

“Blade, you take Haro and the Yamato and work as Squad B. With that new Gunpla of yours I’m sure you’ll be able to handle the Zenshin squad with just Haros support.” I said with conviction. I remembered the speed of that Gunpla when it chased after the train. Over 70 Kilometers traveled in around 55 seconds. Sure he had the help of the Yamato’s catapult but that distance was insane even accounting for it. He’d have to beg Blade later to let him run some tests.

“And lastly.” I said, “Kai and Jun will come with me, as Squad C. But unlike Squad A and B, our job won’t be to capture an area but rather to act as bait to lure out Seo and the Mercs.” I was nervous about this play. I wasn’t sure how the team or the enemy would react to this. He was banking on the fact that Seo was blood thirsty. But honestly these two Mercs weren’t the usual pushovers you can half ass to beat. If both of them team up they can probably destroy most squads.

“In summary. Squad A and B will go out to capture two points. And whichever team doesn’t run into the Zenshin squad will capture their area first before they rush over to assist Squad C in defeating Seo. Squad A and B had methods of traveling fast across the battlefield so you’ll be able to provide backup faster.”

---

“Remember boys, draw this out so we can crush them in full!!!”

---

“Remember team, we need to capture the points quickly and end this tournament!!”

---

“This victory will be the beginning of our new era!”

---

“This tournaments our first so let’s start our story strong!”

---

“Focus, and fully imagine our/their victory/defeat!” They finished their speeches as the set up for the final battle finished, the hexagonal table in the center of the room began lighting up, revealing a hologram of a wrecked battlefield with a destroyed colony spanning from one end of the arena to the other, debris floating all around as they created multiple clusters above and below the colony.

---

As everyone stood around the table, Naoki took one last gulp of air as he looked to his left and right, seeing his teammates all preparing to launch themselves.

“Ok, Lets do this!” He said setting down his black and white Gunpla. “Naoki Yukihiro. Become real, Fantastic Jesta V2!!!”

“Tomiyoka here! Fantastic Zeta Lets Go!!”

“Haro Fight!! Battleship Yamato, Launch!!”

Kishimoto Arcade, Local Tournament.
@Dezuel @Crimson Lion - Seize your Play!

“Thunderbolt Sector...?” Kai looked at the objective... and knew nothing about the setting they were thrown into, so the Gundam noob took out his phone and looked up “thunderbolt sector gundam.” “Oh, it’s a debris field with a bunch of lightning.” Kai rubbed the back of his neck. “Oi, kid.” Kai called out to Tomiyoka.

“The field is gonna be a debris field, agility is more important than raw speed. You’re probably going to have to switch to AMBAC controls, instead of relying your transformation. When you’re controlling a Gunpla with a Humanoid form, don’t think to control it’s limbs by moving your controller. It’s all about instinct. Well, I should stop there, it’s not something that can be taught explaining it in detail would be detrimental.” Kai simply stopped his advice. Like he said, controlling a Gunpla fundamentally came down to instinct, he couldn’t really teach that, he could only push him to the right answer.

Kai had no real problem, well he was disappointed that he wouldn’t really be able to fight Hachiyama, while he felt taking out a worthy opponent like he did back in the old tournament was dissatisfying, he wasn’t one to put it above the rest of the team. He needed to do what he needed to do, after all he had a score to settle and he needed to win here.

Kai reached inside his back for the case that he kept the Benkei. It was time to fight... only he didn’t manage to wrap his fingers around the Zaku, rather he pulled out a lacquer box. “Huh... Do ya want to fight to partner?” Kai told muttered to himself. There was a thousand reasons why Kai shouldn’t use what was in the box and only one reason to use it, but that one reason overpowered the others. The Gunpla Fighter removed the ropes binding the box and unsealed his broken blade. “Alright partner, just this once.” Kai got to the Gunpla table, holding the lacquer box.

“Kai Asakura... Turn-XCEED Gundam, launching to the fray!”

The Gunpla that was launched into the battlefield was covered in a nanoskin cloak, as it shifted to avoid the debris, parts of it’s body was revealed. The silver and blue unit had cracks and battle scars lining it’s body on some parts black tape was wrapped around to keep it intact, it didn’t seem combat worthy, but that served as a testament to the build quality that it was still able to move with such agility.

“Sorry about this, boss.” Kai told Naoki, knowing that he probably had no idea that he even had another Gunpla and it seemed to be in bad shape and probably messed with his plans. “I just wanted to use this.” It was a simple reason, he was starting to move forward, he got nostalgic, he wanted to use his partner.

There was no other reason.

@Crimson Lion@Renny@Dezuel - A Decisive Sortie!
Riku POV

Thanks to Naoki's assortment of weaponry, Riku was finally able to find something he thought would suit the Shin Musha well enough. It was one of Naoki's spare Tactical Arms, meaning the Shin Musha's entire backpack part had now been replaced. In addition, the extra shoulder plates it had sported were also removed so as not to get in the way of the Tactical Arms during it's various mode changes. While this did have the unfortunate side effect of causing the Shin Musha to lose a little bit of its Samurai aesthetic, in exchange it now had greater aerial maneuverability in addition to a wider range of attack options via the Tactical Arms' Sword Mode and Gatling Mode. But fortunately for Riku, this particular Tactical Arms looked like it had originally been used with a Astray Gold Frame build, and so it was colored mostly gold and white. That at least made his inner artist feel better about using it, since the Red or Blue color would have clashed horribly with the Shin Musha's golden armor. Lastly, Riku had included a pair of yellow-bladed beam sabers that he attached to the Gunpla's right side leg armor.

Wonder if I should rename you the Shin Musha Hyaku Shiki Kai? Riku wondered to himself for a moment before shaking his head. Perhaps later, but right now there was no time left. During his last minute modifications, Riku listened in on the plan and heard Naoki pair him up with the kid, Tomiyoka. A flight-based Zeta build made for a good support unit, and so Riku decided then and there that he would open this battle using the Shin Musha. The Manticore was, itself, a squad support unit, so pairing it up with another support wouldn't make much tactical sense. It also meant that Riku would have to play the lead role in this squad due to the kid's confidence issues.

"Haro..." Riku said to the AI privately over the comms while waiting for his turn to launch, "...if I get shot down, then I want you to change positions with me. Use my Manticore to provide the others support while I take command of the Yamato. If things get bad enough I'll use the secret weapon and destroy the colony entirely. That might hopefully still score us the win." he wasn't fully confident in that idea, not knowing if destroying the capture points still counted as "capturing" them. But still, it made sense to have it on the back burner at least, giving the team a sort of safety net to fall back on if things went far enough south in the battle.

And then it was finally his turn to launch, "Tenkagomen Kogane no Samurai: Shin Musha Hyaku Shiki... mairu!" and the newly modified golden Gunpla flew out into space like a horseback samurai galloping onto the fields of valor and honor. He let himself keep pace with Tomi's Zeta, no sense in the two of them separating too much. Especially not if Naoki's prediction about Seo was correct. There was a solid chance they'd have to face 3, 4 or even 5 opponents at once. They'd be crushed if alone, especially Tomi.

"You okay up there, Tomi?" asked Riku, wanting to check on the kid and make sure he wasn't too nervous, "Just keep within visual range of me for now. We'll play it safe for the time being, force them to make the first move." it probably seemed a little unusual to go with a defensive opening play when they were supposed to be the invading force. But everything Naoki had told them about Seo's tactics informed Riku that the Zenshin Team would be the aggressors of this battle regardless of the objectives, "Don't let your nerves get the best of you, Tomi. If you need to, just use this brief calm to practice controlling your breathing. It's something I picked up while doing my boxing training. Good breath control is a great way to empty the mind of distractions and staying focused. And if that doesn't work for you? I've also found that music has a way of really helping me to stay in the right mindset."

Blade nodded as he said,” alright we got this guys let’s go!” He was ready for this battle nothing can stop him and the snow white gundam. He was ready for this space battle and he had a feeling knowing snow whites full capacity and capability in space there won’t be any trouble she’s truly a beaty and a threat on the field he knew Naoki was impressed and would ask him some stuff later but right now he needed to focus.

Charmaine pinched the bridge of his nose the moment Seo had addressed Hachiyama, it wasn't that Charmaine was concerned with what either Seo or Hachiyama felt, nor did he care about the plan which Seo had made up. That Ryoichi had placed his hand on the young man's shoulder had almost become a tradition by now and there seemed to be little use in telling him that he was not allowed to place his hands on, what Charmaine considered. A higher ranking officer.

"Hmph. I'll win. Be sure of that." Charmaine snorted and crossed his arms.

'This team winning or losing doesn't matter... The only victory I need is one where I defeat -him-. If we lose it's not because of them being strong... but of them being cowards.' He thought, his lips curling into a sign of disgust when he thought about the possibility of seeing a two against one from either side. This was the one chance he needed to face Naoki, he was going to take it and defeat him or the ghosts of his past would never vanish.

Flashback to three years ago...

Three years ago, at the great tournament Naoki had been the one who wore a mask. Naoki had both been a national champion and a runner-up with Team Domino, Charmaine knew both of these things, as it was due to Naoki that he had begun to watch and build gunpla.

Having watched the tournaments and right before their last fight three years ago, Charmaine had just finished his first gunpla and wanted to show it off to the former national champion.

Whilst it had been a busy time for all contestants, Charmaine had nontheless pushed his way past the crowd of people to approach Naoki in order to have his gunpla-box autographed. At this time, Charmaine still had his legs. Yet when the moment had come, the young man's voice had vanished amidst the screams of the various fans gathered and his masked idol had to his knowledge ignored him. There had been bumpings in the crowd by many fans trying to get in closer to have a look and take pictures of the former champ. It was one of these bumps that knocked Charmaine's box out of his hands and unto the ground, crumpling it from some people coming into contact with it.

The young man had been devestated and had managed to recover the dropped box, yet it had been too damaged, even if the gunpla within had gotten away unscatched. Naoki was gone and so were his team. The sound had gradually faded out and he was no longer smiling, the crowds cheering and jumping. Yet amidst it all he stood quiet and silent. Charmaine had soon after left the crowd and the building, he didn't feel like watching the tournament anymore. He wanted nothing more than to go home, where he would stuff the gunpla box into a shelf and let it be forgotten.

The young man walked in the rain, having forgotten to bring with him an umbrella, he made his way towards the nearest substation. His gaze at the box he carried in both his hands. The street-signals were glowing red, like the eyes of a zaku before turning yellow. Yet he couldn't see them, he couldn't hear anything and then as they turned green. A sound came through. A loud horn, two lights glowing into his eyes and then darkness took him. Next thing he knew he woke up in a white room, laying in a bed, the crumpled box sat on a small table next to him. His body was aching, his mind was slightly dullened yet it didn't take him long to rip the blanket away that laid on top of him.

His legs. His legs were gone by the knee-cap. It took a few moments to realize and then sorrow, but it came to gradually fade and give way to a new feeling. Anger. Unspeakable anger. And such anger could only grow so far until it would need to be unleashed. He had allowed his eyes to fall upon the crumpled up gunpla box.

'It's all because of you. I... I'll make the greatest gunpla ever and defeat you. I'll defeat them all... I will make you acknowledge my existance!'

The flashback faded away...

"I will get back everything..." Charmaine gritted his teeth and set his Creusherazade gunpla down.

"Charmaine Creusherenada, Creusherazade exterminating the target!" He spoke up, his eyes narrowing, his gaze setting on Naoki on the other side before the scene came into view.

"Space? Damnable spacenoids!" He grunted to himself on hearing Seo praise Zeon, it made his stomach almost turn in disgust. 'I wanted to be earth federation....' There was a slight irritation, but it was soon overpowered by his desire to fight Naoki. Whilst Seo was reminding everyone about the plan and giving advice on how to easier manuever in space, his voice was gradually being faded out by Charmaine. There was excitement in the air. Fighting to be had and an enemy to defeat.

'This is my reason for being here! This is my reason to live! NAOKIIIIII!!!' His eyes flared open and he took off alongside Seo and Hachiyama.

While Seo no doubt had his own reasons to seek revenge on Naoki, it would have to wait or perhaps by taking Naoki down Seo would be pleased enough. One thing was clear however, if Seo would try to engage Naoki before him. He would have to shoot him down right there. Nothing was going to get inbetween him and his target. Not Seo. Not Hachiyama... and not the old guy! If it would not be for his belief of now being nearly divine on the battlefield, Charmaine would have looked over the recordings of his opponents, yet to him there was only one real threat as far as he knew. Naoki.

@Crimson Lion @Shiyonichi

"HUUUUH!?" Jun made his surprise loud and apparent. His reaction was obvious though, as it was in response in having to be in the same squad as non other than Kai.

The proud fighter looked over at his blond teammate with disgust, "I always knew I had to work with this punk at some point but actually having to do it is making me fume!" As Jun finished the repairs for his miracle, the boy stood to his feet and spoke with Naoki, "I'll do it, but I'm not gonna like it!"

After stating that bluntly, Jun turned for the docking stations. Yet that was when he noticed a pain in his stomach. 'What the....did that old guy really psych me out?..' he thought to himself hesitantly. His mind went back to that last confrontation earlier with that old guy. Surely, there was something about him that had Jun shaken.

However, just the thought of that angered him moreso, 'Screw that! Even if I stumble, I just have to keep running forward like I always do! Fake it till I make it...' A determined expression rose to his face as he assumed his starting position along with his fellow teammates.

"Jun Takamaki, Captain Miracle, LETS DO IT!"

The Captain Miracle took off into the distance. As Jun shifted into formation with Naoki and Kai, he began to speak, "Alright guys, just leave the heavy lifting to-"

Jun immediately was cut off by seeing the sudden appearance of Kai's gunpla. It was incredibly ragged, with chips and scars all around. Even parts held together with tape!? "Hey! Kai! What the hell is that!? You got some nerve calling me reckless! Grrr, are you even taking this seriously! Naoki, I'm really gonna blast this bastard to pieces!!"

Hachiyama POV
@Renny@Dezuel
“Lets deploy, Team Zenshin.” Seo commanded as he placed his Mobile Armor on its gunpla base, a full royal purple and gold Alvatore. As the “Flagship” of our crew, it was the most customized and armored, equipped with hidden funnels under the wings of the Alvaaron hidden within.

I followed him and placed my own Gunpla on my base, the same custom gunpla the other 4 of us had but with different armaments and colored red. All 4 of our gunpla were chosen in that way to increase team ‘unity’, as Seo says. “Hachiyama, Ruby GN-X, Entering Combat!” I yelled as I mentally rechecked my gunpla, a red GN-X equipped with the Gundam Throne Zwei’s GN Buster sword.

“Kobayashi, Sapphire GN-X, Locking On!” A blue GN-X with a high powered sniper rifle and multiple long range sensors.

“Tanaka, Emerald GN-X, Arms Ready!” A green GN-X with missiles and GN Bazookas.

“Komi, Amber GN-X, Scouting Out!” An orange GN-X with extra boosters and beam sabers.

“HARO, GN Arms, FIGHTING!!” Our purple and gold Haro announced as it opened up its head to reveal a Purple GN Arms launch.

The 8 Gunpla of Team Zenshin launched as we got into formation, the GN-Xs of the group following behind our respective squad captains.

“Everyone, attention.” Seos voice said over the comms. “The area locations have been given out to the two teams, Ryoichi, your group will go to the Eastern quadrant and conquer Zone C. Charmaine, we will be going to Zona A in the Western quadrant. That way we can spread our presence over the battlefield and flank if they go for B.” He said and we all parroted a Yes Sir before our groups split off.

I followed closely behind the Alvatore, watching its back and flanks as we continued through a more junk-filled area, lightning beginning to strike closer and closer to us then before.

I looked behind me at Charmaine, who was also looking around with his gunpla. I don’t know why, but ever since we split off into groups he felt more .. hostile. Like a rabid dog shifting into a hungry wolf. It was like he was looking for a reason, any reason, to destroy me and the Alvatore we are meant to protect.

Perhaps that's just the pressure of the guy's presence getting to me.

“ALERT, ALERT, ALERT. LOCATION DATA HAS BEEN BROADCASTED.” Haro’s voice said over the comms.

“What? Whose?” Seo asked

“Yukihara Naoki.” In an instant I felt a shift in the non existent air of space, and turning around Charmaine and the Creusherazade were nowhere to be found.

---

Naoki POV
@KenjuGuy@Shiyonichi@Dezuel

“Sorry about this, boss.” I heard Kai say as I looked to my side, seeing Kai pilot a gunpla I had no recollection of? What the? “I just wanted to use this.” He finished.

Before I could comment I heard Jun speak. "Hey! Kai! What the hell is that!? You got some nerve calling me reckless! Grrr, are you even taking this seriously! Naoki, I'm really gonna blast this bastard to pieces!!" He threatened before I slowed my gunpla to fly in between the two. “It’s fine, it’s fine. I never made a rule about which Gunpla we have to use. Although I have to admit, are you sure the gunpla is .. combat ready?” I asked as I examined the black tape, faded paint and crackings on its parts. It looked well built, but not well maintained. “I’m fine with changes like this. But I’m still expecting you to go all out like always.” I said growing alittle worried with the ‘plan’.

As we finally reached a good distance away from the other two groups I relayed to Kai and Jun. ”Ok guys, it's time for our plan to lure out Seo and the Mercs to start. In order to guarantee they come for us, I’ve decided to do something drastic.” I said as I took a huge deep breath and pressed a button on my interface, broadcasting my gunplas coordinates over the comms.

Broadcasting my location was a hug risk, since snipers and long range weaponry could easily hit me. But I knew that Seo would immediately B-line it for us if I did.

This would guarantee an easy time for either team B or C.

“Jun, Kai, I’ve broadcasted my location. Break off from me to avoid stray long range fire and keep an eye out for an ambush!” I said as I began flying ahead of the two of them. “Once we encounter them, I’ll take Seo on while you two get rid of the Mercen-” But before I could finish a very quickly approaching gunpla began charging at my location from the side. I immediately activated the NTD system and unleashed my extra shields, making a wall between me and my opponent as he pushed me off course.

“You’re, the Creusherazade?!” I shouted confused as I saw the Alvatore and red GN-X try to follow us but where interrupted by a large current of lightning creating an almost wall between us. Me and the Creusherazade on one side flying away and Jun with Kai as they were stuck with Seo and Hachiyama.

As we continued to move I saw Seo activate the Alvatores funnels to attack at Jun before Hachiyama immediately activates his Buster sword, swinging at Kai. That was all I could see before I began to lose vision from distance.

“Oi what the hell are you doing? Let GO!!” I yelled as I shoved my shields forward to knock back the Creusherazade.

Now the two of us stood there, face to face and separated from our allies by an electric curtain. “I see, so the new Zeon weapon wants to fight me alone. Can’t say I didn’t see this coming, just didn’t expect it.” I said over the public comms to Charmaine as I got into the mood of what I called ‘battlefield banter’.

"That looks to be a new New-Type weapon. Luckily for me," I said as I activated the NTD system, giving my gunpla a soft blue glow as I released a dozen funnels to surround us. A beam saber in one hand and a rifle in the other. "I have one too." I said as I held my beam saber out, ready to counter. "Come at me spacenoid!!!"

---

Kobayashi POV
@Blade17@Renny
As Squad 2 exited a cluster of junk, we began to fly faster, trying to keep speed with Ryoichi and the Baelstorm. “Tanaka, link with the GN Arms, Your GN-X is the most heavily equipped and needs the extra boost. Plus if we get into an ambush you have the best chance of counter attacks.”

“Roger Roger, Linking up now.” He said as he flew ahead and combined the GN-X with the Arms.

As we continued to fly I examined my sensors, trying to gather any info we could. While examining the area I could see the Baelstorms speed compared to our own. So fast, so precise. It made it clear the performance differences between our guinpla. And the top was filled with people like this. Could our team really go toe to toe with people like this?

Before he could continue this line, 1 large blip and another smaller one appeared on the map as Zone C came into range. “Se- er Merc? Senpai.” He finally said, not really knowing what to call Ryoichi. “Senpai! A large Gunpla has shown up on sensors, along with another smaller gunpla. I think it’s their flagship!!”

As he finished saying this, a lone laser rushed past them, overhead missing by a large margin. Then another, then another before a torment of blasts from the Yamato began raining on them. “They’ve seen us!!”

---

No POV
@Blade17
As Blade and Haro waited at the checkpoint, getting there much quicker thanks to having the highest mobility in the team, Haro noticed 5 enemies on the long range sensors.

"Zone C being attacked! 5 enemies identified!!!" It called to Blade and the rest of the crew as it began to launch a barrage in counterance.

---

Tomiyoka POV
@Double
Move the gunpla like its your own body. Control and relax my breathing. Move on instinct. Believe in your self and others.

I kept replaying the lessons given as me and Riku waited inside the ruined colony, standing within the highlighted zone that showed it was Zone B. Ever since we had got here it had been pretty quiet so I had taken Rikus advice to take time and practice.

Before I could continue flying around I hear Haro yell over the comms. "Zone C being attacked! 5 enemies identified!!!" We all heard and I nodded. I see, so that along with Naokis plan would mean that the enemy were going for Zones A and C.

"Y'know Riku." Tomiyoka started. "We only need 1 person on the point for 10 minutes in order to claim this point. And we also have an extra 1000 points since we don't have a 7th so ... I can defend this point myself!!!" I tried to say confidently.

“Don’t worry about it, this XCEED Gundam is not for show.” Kai responded confidently, but didn’t explain further exactly why he was so confident about his damaged Gunpla, it’s actions would speak louder than his word. Instead he silently agreed to Naoki’s gambit.

“Crazier than I thought.” Kai commented as both Naoki and Charmine were sent flying and out of reach, but the surprise wasn’t over as they were missing one mercenary and that mercenary’s replacement would be a certain Red GN-X. As it dashed towards Kai the battle worn Gundam would wave it’s right hand out as the top of the armor would slide forwards to make a finger protector for the Gunpla as it’s hand glowed with energy and particles, before reaching forwards... and catching the GN Buster sword as a testament to the sheer strength of the Gunpla even in it’s current state, as it stopped the charge of the Red Unit with one hand. After all, this unit was made by Souji Kiryu, prodigy in Gunpla building called the second coming of Iori Sei. “Oi, The other mercenary is at another team, they switched them out on our end. The merc they switched out is the oldman, be careful.” Kai informed the rest of his crew. Before turning his attention to Hachiyama.

“Well, good to seeya.” Kai greeted Hachiyama. “That was a good attack.” It sounded sarcastic considering how easily it was stopped, but Kai was legitimate in his complement and wasn’t actually belittling the red GN-X pilot. “Though I got to ask ya, why do ya let yourself be held back?” The Gunpla fighter questioned. “I will say ya have quite a bit of potential, but you’re not being allowed to express that potential to the furthest, are ya? If ya did, you’d probably be more dangerous than that moron over there.” That moron being Seo, Kai didn’t need to fight him to see that he wasn’t anything special, just looking at how he controlled his funnels he could tell that. While he was definitely not expecting to see funnel control on the level of his old team leader, it was still below his standards and he’d expected Loudmouth to have barely any trouble against him.

“And Ya probably could have hit me with this.” The fingers of the XCEED tightened around the GN Buster Sword, which started to form cracks on the surface of the weapon under the pressure of the XCEED’s hand.

@Crimson Lion

Riku was silent at first. The suggestion made by Tomiyoka was a genuine surprise to him, and thus caught him off guard. That moment of silence almost felt eternal at first, Riku clearly racking his brain and considering all the options. At least, what few options there were. Since no one appeared to be coming here, it looked like the two were going to be stuck with guard duty. Not the most glamorous role, but still important right.

"That'd be a pretty reckless move..." Riku finally said in response. It sounded like he was about to reject the plan, and truth be told part of him knew he probably should. And yet, he still ended up saying the next words that came out of his mouth, "...you sure you can handle it?"

Of course, even as they spoke, Blade was unfortunately having to deal with a 5v1 battle with no help save for Haro and the Yamato. And while the flagship could provide some support, much of it's offensive capability was devoted instead to the secret weapon. So even its support could only help so much before Blade could be potentially overwhelmed. As such, Riku didn't wait long before he spoke to Tomiyoka again, "Just hold your position here. If anyone comes, take whatever shots you can afford but prioritize keeping your distance over that. And make sure you call me back here before you do anything else." was it the most intricate of strategies or battle plans? No, not really, it was incredibly simple in fact. But it was better than nothing.

"I won't stray too far. I promise!" was the last thing Riku said to Tomi before his golden Gunpla shot off in the direction of Zone C.

Thanks to the Tactical Arms flight unit, his Gunpla could move incredibly fast and with equally impressive mobility due to how the wings of the Tactical Arms worked. In fact, from a distance, it looked like like a streak of light through the darkness of space. At least, it did once it was outside the confines of the Colony anyway. Riku was careful to slow his speed when he reached the edge between Zones B and C. Better not to waste too much energy, and he also wanted to remain undetected for as long as he was able to.

@Blade17@Renny

When Blade's Snow White came into view in the distance, Riku stopped. Having arrived here a but later than anyone else, the 5 Gunpla from Seo's team would have already begun their assault against Blade and the Yamato. But there was one among them that wasn't like the others. It moved faster, with much greater speed and mobility, practically identical to the Shin Musha's current level of speed and mobility. And it's design was absolutely nothing like the other four. The others all used GN-X variations for the most part, but this one looked like a Testament Gundam instead. In other words, it didn't look like it belonged in the formation at all.

"One of the mercs. Has to be." Riku whispered to himself. There was no other possibility. He knew Blade could handle himself, but he also heard that one of the Mercs was far more experienced than any of them. They'd be a challenge even in 1v1, but while being backed up by 4 others? No, Riku didn't like those odds at all. And that was why he had come. To hopefully even the odds in Blade's favor. By now, the Yamato's longer ranged sensors would have detected Riku's presence and thus Haro would very likely have informed Blade. But the shorter range sensors of the Gunpla would certainly have not detected him, at least not yet. That possibly gave Riku the incredibly important element of surprise.

The Tactical Arms on the Shin Musha's back was suddenly ejected. But rather than be discarded, the golden gunpla spun around and grabbed the part in its hands. Immediately, the Tactical Arms parts shifted into the shape of a massive sword. But rather than charge forward, Riku held his position. Upon another activation, the massive sword opened up on both sides and extended into the shape of a giant bow. The weapon was easily as long as the Gunpla was tall, if not a bit longer.

The gunpla held the bow out in order to take aim. This wouldn't be like sniping. Riku didn't have the luxury of a long range aiming computer in this build. That meant he would have to eyeball his shot. As such, Riku once again held position for a bit of time. He was only going to get one solidly good surprise shot, and he wanted to make absolutely sure it counted. And so while the battle between Blade and his five opponents fired up, Riku watched from his position and waited for a good shot to present itself. And when one finally did...

The Shin Musha Hyaku Shiki let loose its shot. A arrow-like beam shot lanced across the distance and would threaten to nail the merc's Gunpla square in the back.

Blade notice and said,” thanks haro, also hey Riku we got this alrighty.” He see the machine ofnthe merc flying towards them blade took out his teo swoard and said,” fangs fly!” His fangs began to come out of his many wings as his normal wing behind the fangs popped out as his 5 wings on each side started to set into battle mode meaning even faster mobility and speed. But it does put to much strain on the user. He said,” Riku let’s go!!!!!!!!”

Kishimoto Arcade, Local Tournament.
@Crimson Lion @Double @Blade17 - Just the START!

Blade dodgeed the beam as he then moved forward quickly getting real close to Ryoichi gunpla. He said,” hello there.” He took a swing getting really close to the head.

"Hnn hnn ahahaha! Fate is on my side! I am glad you know it's name! It shall tell your bedtime story!" Charmaine replied to the first sentence Naoki had shouted out to him, that Seo and Hachiyama had been cut off to follow him in his pursuit of Naoki had indeed been fate.

"Let go?! I'll never let it go!" The masked youngling had replied swifly as he had been knocked back by Naoki's gunpla's shields, as expected from the one he had looked up to those years ago. His gunpla was well built and equipped to handle most situation. 'A barrier..? Is it able to absorb my beam attacks or deflect them? Tch.. I'll make a single shot with one and see what happens.' He narrowed his eyes, he decided on having to rely more on his physical weaponry for this.

"Domino Masque! You are the only Zeon weapon here! I didn't join this fight for the money! After all... you are the reason of this! We've met once before... many years ago!" Charmaine called out, hurling his Mjolnir hammer towards Naoki's gunpla, aiming for his physical shields. Whereof it would hit or not, the masked young man would open fire using his wrist-mounted 110mm Machine Cannons and then follow up with a single tap of his 115mm Ram Cannon to see if the beam itself would be absorbed or deflect off his enemy. Providing it would hit.

Charmaine allowed a smirk to form on his lips on seeing Naoki's funnels starting to surround them. 'Go ahead! Shoot me with your beams! This machine was made to defeat you! I'll gladly return all the beams back at you!' Charmaine thought as his mouth opened to form a fight-hungry expression only someone like Ali Al Sacheez could otherwise pull off.

"We'll see about that! Acknowledge my existance! Gundam!" The Creusherazade's main hand GN beamclaw ignited, much like how it looked like on the original Garazzo, it formed five beams one per finger before forming unto a single stronger one, it was just in case Naoki would lunge in he would be ready to block his beamsaber with his own. Charmaine had not pondered on what he would do after his fight with Naoki, providing it would all go in his favor. There was however an uneasy feeling, there was someone or something else nearby. He could feel it. Yet amidst the fight with Naoki it would have to wait. It was almost like that space-lightning bolt. A connection?