Hedy explained her team when she took a plate of shrimp sushi, "I've had my team prepared. My three are known as the TC Trio. The main one is based on The O. You might have guessed it, it's greatest strength is having four beam sabers at once although trying to do much else is really tricky. I've been working with it for years and it's still a challenge to handle them all at once." She began on her other gunplas, "The other ones I have are secondary. The TC Wheel is based on the Brucknerg and has a lot of speed going for it. The TC Banner is based on the Hambrabi so I can get an aerial advantage. Not really much in terms of offense but they can really help with the upcoming non battle events."
She considered Kartal's question when she remembered, "I did see that Sanada guy who was followed by these rock guys. It sounds like he's the new champion for Japan. He probably thinks he's a big shot right now seeing how he made his way through the qualifiers. But then again he has God Gundam and that will make him a challenge up close." She thought about another possible opponent when she added, "Early this morning I saw the New Zealand Char Clone Brigade basically give an intro outside the hotel. His name is David Holden, you might have noticed him in the Carozzo Ronah outfit and it sounds like he doesn't want anyone to know his real identity.

"I brought two with me: The Marmara Hyperion and Mavi Zeta." He explained. " The Marmara Hyperion is based on the Hyperion Gundam but I gave additional close-combat abilities and still keeps the 'Armoire Lumiere' as defence. When I need speed over defence, I use the Mavi Zeta, also modified for extra edge in close-combat." He got a swordfish out of the conveyor. "Mavi is 'blue' in Turkish."
Kartal listened on the other fighters. "I know him as well." He shared. "I watched his qualification match and he made his God Gundam like a Aegis-equipped destroyer. His anti-Mobile Suit missile attacks are deadly as I watched as well. He represents the Kanto region of Japan and I think he's from Kanagawa." The Revolution brothers were easy to recognise with the description. "Heine and Miguel are the image characters for this year." He explained. "They're band members of Revolution and expect a large number of fangirls in their matches. As far as I see they use a GOUF Ignited." The Carozzo cosplayer was someone new. "He did stick out like a sore-thumb in the reception." He remarked. "Don't know much about him. If he can enter the reception with cosplay then I will try that with an Earth Alliance uniform." He also remembered others that can be challenge. "There's also the returning Thai's Luang Dallara, Britain's Beckett, Greece's Laertius and others to watch out for." He grabbed the swordfish and ate it.

"I see," YingJue replied, "Thank you for trusting me enough to give me such vital information." The last few names the Kartal mentioned were returning veterans like himself, so YingJue figured she go and do some research on them in her own time. She suddenly thought that rather than being serious and discussing the competition the entire time, maybe she should actually try and make friends and socialize. "So what's your reason, what drives you to compete in the tournament?" she asked.

The Eagle of Istanbul thought of his reason. "You can say that every Gunpla builder wanted a tournament before the Plavsky particles were discovered." He answered. "It gave a way to prove who's models are the best with how piloting them is now a factor. It's also everyone's dream to pilot their own models." He had a look at the time in his watch, thankfully changed during his flight to prevent confusion in time. After Hedy gives her answer he should wrap this up to let them sleep for tomorrow.

There was a man that looked like Harrison Martin that saw the conversation between a man in his thirties and two girls obviously younger than him. "That lolicon..." He hypocritically snarked.

Hedy was finishing her last plate when she answered, "Pretty great to see people have their idea of ambition. Me I'm just on a love quest. I'm sure that he's out there somewhere and on the international scale I won't deny the possibilty of where he is." She began to dreamily elaborate on her goal, "I've always had my eyes set on that one man and had to live in the comfort of other girls believing that he would be out of my reach. But one day when I have gone farthrough the tournament rank, he'll see we're meant for one another." She snapped to attention when she realized her sudden slip of an earlier comment into the open. "Uh... What can I say? It's better than teen pregnancy right?" She began to feel awkward from the conversation and began to force a yawn, "Oh man will you look at that I should probably get some sleep soon. It's been great talking to you guys but I've got to make sure I get used to the timezones out here and get my beauty sleep. See you guys there, latter, bye." She backed away while waving before leaving the restaurant. She cursed herself on the slip on her way back when she commented, "Oh darn it. I was supposed to be subtle. Never mention things like those on a first date."

YingJue was a little befuddled by Hedy's unusual confession and abrupt departure, but it only made Hedy seem like a more interesting person. Turning back to Kartal, YingJue said, "Well, thank you for dinner, I'll treat you and Hedy next time." She got up and they parted ways.

Back in her room, YingJue decided to get a good nights rest, to overcome the little bit of jetlag that came from the slight switch of time zones.

Kartal found listening to everyone's hopes for this tournament interesting. Unfortunately they will have to clash eventually. He was offguard with Hedy's quick departure. "Okay, see you tomorrow." He said his goodbye. With YingJue leaving, he walked to the counter to pay for the meals. Akahana counted the plates and gave the total to pay. What the Turkish champion failed to realise was how much he ates during the dinner. "I'll pay by card..." He said.

***

“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for waiting. We will now begin the 10th Gunpla Battle Championship World Tournament”

The stadium was immediately filled with cheers from the audience.

“The first period is a four-player knockout match and the winner will receive four points.” The monitor showed the lists of players in each round.

The first battle of the first round was outside the Libot Colony from Gundam 0080, where the battle taking place was fast-paced. A Bertigo unleased the bits on it’s opponents to quickly gain the upper-hand, forcing it’s enemies to scatter. It was shot down by a Gelgoog Jager’s machine gun, catching attention. The After War Mobile Suit turned to the Gunpla that destroyed it’s main weapon and began to charge at it to bring it to it’s disadvantage. It’s charge was interrupted by a fast moving modified Sandrock, it’s psyco-frame shining green and bisected the Mobile Suit. The Gelgoog attempted to gun down the new Gundam in front of him but his machine gun was not fast enough to give a hit. Unknown to it, a Ball was behind the Gelgoog and shot the back with the hyper bazooka attached. The Sandrock and the Ball, now the only survivors engaged in what looked like a game of cat and mouse. The chase ended when the Sandrock caught up and grabbed the ball’s bazooka like a tail to throw it at the wall of the Colony to destroy it.
“The winner of Match 1 is Germany Champion: Lady Lindemann!” The announcer announced the result. The monitors in the stadium focused on the pilot of the Sandrock, the same woman that Kartal saw in the cocktail reception. Information on her was displayed on the screen including a photo of her and information on her Gunpla: XXXG-01SGTr Gundam Sandesgeist Trabant. Her attire was more practical than the one at the reception with black tank-top, rain-camo trousers, boots and a black and white keffiyeh.

A Jegan with the legs of a Loto moved through New Hong Kong city from Zeta Gundam. It transformed back it’s Mobile Suit mode when a GM II was spotted. With target in sight a sniper fire was fired from a Tieren Long Range Cannon Type but was blocked by the Jegan using the GM II as a shield who retaliated with missiles at the direction of the failed long-range attack. An Akatsuki Gundam attempted to sneak at the Jegan from behind but the pilot reacted with a kick at the arm to disarm his enemy, followed by a massive punch to the cockpit.
“The winner of Match 2 is Israel Champion: Josef Brisker.“ The monitors showed the builder, a young man who hid his eyes with a shade, brown hair and wore olive clothing. ‘RGM-89Kv Krav Jega’ was shown alongside his name on the monitor.

Kartal arrived for his battle, heading to the large battlefield in the middle of the stadium. The three other contestants were already there. “Fourth year, I will make it to the finals.” He vowed at he set his Marmara Hyperion and GP Base.
The Marmara Hyperion, a Septem and a Dragon Gundam were speeding through the jungle of Jaburo. They were all relying on the jungle for cover and constantly avoid each other’s shots. Little were they aware that a camouflaged Xamel took a high ground on a hill and were lured to be finished off instantly. The heavy artillery Mobile Suit let down a rain of customized napalm into the jungle, razing the trees and the Mobile Suits in there. Just as the flames faded the Marmara Hyperion’s ‘Armure Lumiere’ mono-phase lightwave shield allowed it to remain unscathed. The Xamel attempted to finish it off by firing it’s gun-cannons at the Gundam but it was undamaged with the shield still active and was moving towards it. The Marmara Hyperion Jumped to reach the artillery Mobile Suit and ended the battle with the heavy scimitar into the cockpit from above.

“The winner of Match 3 is Turkey Champion Kartal Korkusuz.”

Kartal was seen on the monitor as done with the victors. “That was close.” He remarked at his victory. With the hard-earned win he returned to the contestant’s lounge to look at the battles after him.

"Here goes nothing! Here goes nothing!" Hedy encouraged herself when her match began to count down. "The world's watching alright... But remember Tieria is out there in the world. And he has to be watching from somewhere! Any man has to value constant victory above anything else."
Hedy continued these thoughts before the announcer proclaimed, "And now we're ready to begin the next match! Let's get ready to welcome the American Champion Hedy McVey!"
"Here it goes!" Hedy rushed out as she prepared for the battle with her TC gunpla in hand. Across from the Battle System were the Egyptian, Mexican, and Italian Champions ready for combat. They waved to one another signaling their preparation while announcements and the preparations were made for the new match to begin.

The TC stood inside the colony of Moon Moon with an aztec structure behind it. One of its opponents materialized at the foot of the pyramid in the form of an orange Deathscythe Hell. A third one descending from the sky came in the form Kyrios with Wing Zero parts attached, most notably the pile driver shield. Before it could make its attack on the victims below a blue coated NZ-333 α Azieru launched its mega arms towards the diving gunpla.
Hedy was able to notice the two aerial gunplas were able to give at least one advantage while she faced the Deathscythe Hell modification before her. The two had their weapons prepared and dashed forward with the full intention of destruciton. The TC didn't draw all of its beam sabers until reaching towards the last moment of the closest distance to the enemy unit.

Brian was once again in the disguise of Carozzo Ronah when he observed the battle before him. The aerial camera and ground camera offering the highlights of the battles.
A member dressed as Schwartz Bruder of the Brigade held both of Brian's gunplas when Brian asked him, "Has the preparations for my gunplas been completed?"
The member brushed off some dust while preparing extra armor parts, "They have been Dave. I hope you have some ace strategies with these in mind."
"Trust me. I do." Brian brushed off the concern as he watched the four gunpla models on the big screen stage their hand to hand battle. He looked over his scheduled opponents when he pointed out, "Looks like I'll have a date with France, Brazil, and India this upcoming match. Who among them do you think has the best chance of giving me a problem?"
The Brigade member placed the gunplas down before asking, "You want me to give a full evaluation Dave?"
"Do so and be honest. Amuse me and show how hopeless of a situation I might have."
The member tugged on his collar before explaining, "Well France is just represented by some girly girl out there so she won't be much trouble. Brazil could be a problem if you don't have decent long range weapons but it won't be hard to outrun. That guy from India though, I hope you know what you're doing. He's Habib Bhanjee. He has a modification of the Altron Gundam that doesn't have any hindrance to weapon capabilities. Not to mention the dragons have been adjusted to fire artillery as large as missiles."
Brian rubbed his mask's chin when he observed, "Missiles eh?" He took the easy way to his alone time when he instructed, "I shall require time to think. Call for me when the time of my entry is announced."
The member stood next to the door for the champion's room as if he were a guard, "You got it Dave. This is going to be something else dude!"
Brain quickly entered the room when he tugged off the Carozzo helmet before taking a deep breath, "Whew... Finally I get a chance out of this costume for bit. Now that I have my opponents..." He grabbed a nearby list of the tournament opponents and his briefcase when he prepared, "Hehehe... Fake gunplas aren't going to get me anything but no one can resist a good deal." He made his way towards the window and removed the remainder of the armor before making his way out.

Brian was in his regular suit when he found the contestants for the next match waiting their turn and watching the battle. "Hello there contestants. You must be excited for this upcoming match to get under way I take it?"
The young man named Bhanjee didn't turn around when he answered, "Watching the battles does give an idea of what to anticipate. We shall be all the more knowledgeable for doing so."
The French Champion was more enthusiastic when she agreed, "I cannot wait for my turn! I will make my fellow countrymen so proud!"
The Brazilian Champion began to make a sprint around the Gunpla stadium when he warned, "Too bad guys, but you know that this will be my match. It's just too bad That Holden guy doesn't feel like wishing good luck to his betters."
As soon as the Brazilian Champion began his run Brian agreed under his breath, "Heh... Indeed." He took out a business card introducing, "So I'd like to introduce myself first. J. J. Martin at your service. I been allowed backstage pass on official business from Bandai." The card had an official look while displaying his false name.
The French Champion was the one to ask, "Really? What kind?"
Brian tucked away his card when he sat down to open his briefcase offering, "Just seeing how desperately people back here want to win is all. I have some pieces that may be of interest to you."
"Bandai is letting this sort of thing at the last minute?"
Brian took out a small weapon when he explained, "Sure are. So here's the first thing to get hyped about. A chevalier beam saber so compact and yet so powerful that it could easily cut through the shield of the Physalis like it was nothing."
"For real?"
"Oh yes we do have something that powerful. Not on the market yet but for a pretty penny or a pretty yen whatever you got, this could be yours to demonstrate first hand to our potential future customers."
The French Champion took out her purse when she began to pay him. "Oh please, I'd like to try it!"
Bhanjee didn't turn around or show any interest when he reminded himself, "It won't matter who has what. I will be able to win the next battle purely off of my skill. I must remember what my Gunpla has before it can attain the skills to bring it to greatness."
Brian seemed to hear this and made his way next to him asking, "Not even with Mark-82 nuclear warheads with fit for artillery fire on a special bargain?"
Bhanjee broke away from his determination when he turned around asking, "... How special and how many?"
Brian held one of the warheads he took from a small case offering, "I'd say we're talking about 40% asking price I've only got two but one should be enough to get you through the next two at least."
After a short moment of hesitation Bhanjee demanded, "Make it 35 and they're yours."
"Deal." Brian took the money the Indian Champion had and parted from the waiting booth, "Pleasure doing business with you both. Please put in a good word for Bandai before you begin your match. This sponsorship will do us some serious good."
The French Champion began to work the new saber onto her gunplay offering, "Of course. Do enjoy the show Mr. Martin."
Bhanjee looked at the warheads in his hand when he agreed, "I will honor your word to see these warheads work."
Brian bowed as he shut the door, "Why thank you champs. Thank you." Brian permitted a small chuckle as he adjusted his tie and pocketed his money. "Well, time to return to the waiting room then." He began to walk back to the area David Holden was supposed to be waiting in.

The NZ-333 α Azieru fell to the ground when the Kyrios threw it down. It fell down to the tip of the pyramid below when its victor gave a final thrust with its shield. The Kyrios moved away from its opponent’s landing site and prepared to engage the remaining two mobile suits down below.
The Deathscythe Hell and TC were both engaged in contact before it broke away and found the opening necessary to break into the block. The scythe was broken as the TC used a simultaneous upward and downward swipe before its opponent could back away from the attack. The Deathscythe gunplay moved away before it made a desperate final drive with its shield and the TC prepared to slice it a final time but found both of their attacks blocked by the Kyrios attempting to make another attack. The three locked their weapons to one another as they tried to break away into domination but was for the moment was nothing more than a struggle for the audience to observe with anticipation.

The Mythos' DRAGOONS were not made for function under gravity so it was fortunate for YingJue that her first battle used a space environment, specifically, the debris belt from Gundam Seed. Almost immediately, every gundam found cover and began hiding behind the debris and asteroids, waiting for the others to pop their heads out. YingJue, however, sent her twelve small DRAGOONs out, four to seek out each enemy, while keeping her four large DRAGOONs mounted to her shoulders and back packs. Mythos peeked over the asteroid it was hiding behind and tilted its backpack and shoulder packs forward, pointing all four large DRAGOONs in the same direction and concentrated her fire on a large piece of debris in an attempt to flush out her enemies. This however, gave away her location as an enemy modified Sinanju peeked out from behind a nearby asteroid and began firing missiles at Mythos' asteroid. YingJue shot down missiles with her large DRAGOONs, while the four small ones she had sent off in the direction of the Sinanju zeroed in on him, attacking him from behind. the Sinanju turned around, to defend against both the DRAGOONs behind him and Mythos Gundam itself. YingJue landed a few good hits on the Sinanju, but multiple lasers came firing down unexpectedly on the Sinanju, damaging it heavily and disabling it, removing the Sinanju from the competition. YingJue looked up to see a modified Freedom Gundam, its plasma cannons, rail cannons, and beam rifle, still firing downwards, its special targeting system allowing it to destroy the four DRAGOONs YingJue had used to harass the Sinanju. Seeing that the Freedom could essentially take out all of her DRAGOONs, thus crippling her firepower, she called back the four that she had sent at the third enemy, a Serpent, which had fended off her DRAGOON fire with Mercurius-style planet defensors. Sending her remaining eight small DRAGOONs to deal with the Freedom, Mythos dodged to another large piece of debris as the relentless assault of the Freedom tore the asteroid apart. Occasional fire came from the Serpent who was trying to wear this battle out, but the Freedom, who the shots were aimed at as he was the most exposed, dodged the shots quite easily. YingJue took a chance and launched out her four large DRAGOONs as well and dashed forward with her beam javelin to engage the Freedom at close range. The Freedom obliged, pulling out its beam javelin as well. Yingjue would slash and parry, and every moment they disengaged, she would command her DRAGOONs to fire at the Freedom giving him no chance for respite, yet the pilot dodged magnificently, and still managed to gun a down a few more of her DRAGOONs. Suddenly, a volley of missiles came from the Serpent who was still waiting it out behind a derelict battleship, forcing both the Mythos and the Freedom to dodge. During this YingJue saw an opportunity to strike the Freedom down and lunged at him with her beam javelin. This however, was a feint, the Serpent had, amidst its missile volley, fired a beam at the Freedom. The Freedom, noticing this, opened itself up, leading the Mythos directly into the Serpent's beam. YingJue, who awareness had been divided between the Mythos, the Freedom, her DRAGOONs, and the missiles, had failed to notice the beam, so the Mythos took a direct shot in the shoulder, causing her arm and shoulder pack to fall off. As the Mythos was defended on both sides by the massive shielding its shoulder packs provided, it was now exposed, like a clam on a half shell. The Freedom took no time to press its advantage, pulling back and firing a single volley of cannon fire directly into the Mythos' expose side. Realizing that it was next, the Serpent began firing recklessly at the Freedom. The Freedom, dodging gracefully, flew off to grab his third kill of the match, leaving the Mythos, disabled and smoldering.

"The winner of Match 5 is Canada Champion Andrew Penn."

YingJue was devastated. She had lost her first match of the tournament and was off to a bad start. She had never had a free-for-all, and realized that China's Gunpla scene lacked match diversity, and focused on one-on-one duels. Keeping track of more than one opponent was something she had never had to deal with before. She would have to do extensive repairs on the Mythos, fortunately, she bought extra replacement DRAGOONs, Legends, and Nix Providences. The contestants all met in the middle and shook hands. The pilot for the SInanju looked a little sore at having been the first one to be taken out, while YingJue's admiration for Andrew, the pilot of the Freedom, slightly outweighed her resentment. "I've never seen anyone dodge like that," YingJue said.

"Hah," Andrew laughed, "The way you use your funnels, I'd think you were a real Coordinator or Newtype."

YingJue smiled a bit at the compliment.

Kartal watched the matches after him from the lounge. Sipping on a paper cup filled with melon soda, he observed the battles. When he saw how YingJue's Gundam was eliminated by Penn it was a reminder of how some countries do not have the skills to compete against others. Even he had to build his skills over the years he participated. He thought he could naively win every battle but he was proven wrong. The Survival Round of the 7th Tournament was a wake-up call for him as his Hyperion was effortly destroyed by a customised Qubeley. Later on in that tournament he suffered terrible losses that broke him.
Sanada was also watching the matches from the lounge. "They all look powerful." He commented. "I will have quite a challenge in my match."
Outside of the lounge Brisker was speaking with some suited officials, his sponsors. "This battle has given us invaluable data, keep winning the matches for us." The leading man in a suit said to him.
Brisker gave a salute. "It is an honour to be bestowed a powerful model." He replied. "I will continue as ordered."
The senior official returned the salute. "Very good, we will look forward in your further progress." He concluded and left.

Accidental double post. Please ignore...

The Egyptian Champion was still caught in between the two opposing gunplas when he tried to break both of their weapons. "Come on. These things have got to break at some point!" He snapped to attention when he remembered, "Kind of hard to break away at beam sabers and a scythe isn't it?" He turned to the custom Deathscythe Hell when he decided, "Hey, a scythe right?" He lifted his left pile driver shield got ready to make his move.
The Mexican Champion saw the opening given when he warned, "Too late. Looks I'ts time I finished this!" The Deathscythe took its chance and sliced down at the pile driver shield but found it striking only air when the Kyrios made a dash away.
Hedy saw the sudden opening she was given and commented, "If this were teamwork I'd be greatful. But I have to take what I can!" The TC moved in and made a strike across the chest of the Deathscythe Hell and made a dash away from its explosion. Hedy looked around to notice what was happening in the battlefield and saw the Kyrios attempting to take its chance as the final victor when it fired its missile launchers. The TC made its sweeps while moving away from the destruction. As the missiles came in Hedy used every arm that was available to slice away at their incoming signature.
The Egyptian Champion commented, "Not bad. But you'll still have to deal with me head on!" The Kyrios gunpla moved in and continued to fire when it had the opening window with its machine guns.
Hedy turned the TC around and found it near the foot of the pyramid. "Maybe heights will give me some advantage." The TC made its way up the pyramid's sides while the Kyrios stood in waiting of its final destination.
The Egyptian Champion began to engage the Kyrios in a transformation when he warned, "Going that high isn't going to save you!" The Kyrios was transformed when it began to fly towards the pyramid's peak where the TC lied in waiting.
Hedy prepared the TC's beam sabers at all arms and told herself, "Come on. I have to be able to handle this! I have to use something he doesn't have!" She turned her head around to both sides when she decided, "Well maybe you'll want optimum accuracy just to make sure right?"
The Kyrios made its flight towards the pyramid as it fired its machine guns while it attempted to hit the TC but ended up hitting the tip of the structure causing it to crumble. The TC didn't go down as planned though and instead hung onto what remained of the pyramid's point. The Kyrios was moving in to a close distance when the Egyptian Champion cursed, "Damn. Too close." The Egyptian Champion saw the target closing in when he pulled up proclaiming, "Let's see how long you last from above!" The Kyrios pulled up into the air and began to make a quick dive down to fire on the TC's area.
The TC managed to make a few dodges away from the fire in what small space it had while Hedy looked up preparing herself, "Well let's find out how it goes." The TC used its thrusters to propel itself into the same space as the Kryios with its beam sabers in hand. Hedy's opponent clearly saw this and began to transform but wasn't fast enough when the two gunplas collided in mid-air. "AHHH!!!" Hedy held onto her control systems. By pure accident though she gripped one of the nearest beam saber orbs and made a slice up towards the Kyrios. The chaos was immeasurable for both when the Kyrios lost both of its arms in the swipes but Hedy saw the opportunity and drove into the center of the Kyrios. The two gunplas crash landed in the middle of a nearby forest with the TC making its final plunge with the beam sabers. The TC made its way back from the upcoming explosion before the duel finally came to a conclusion.

'Battle End.' The Battle System displayed the final results with the other champions left in awe by the final moments of the TC's struggle. "The winner of Match 4 is American Champion Hedy McVey!"
Hedy let out a hefty sigh when she waved to the fans of her victory. She turned to the others thanking, "Good one guys. Hope you have better luck next time." The Champions didn't show any displeasure when they accepted one another's congratulations.

The next match was unfortunately not as entertaining for Hedy when she saw YingJue lose to the Canadian Champion and waited for her and the others to arrive in the lounge. As soon as she arrived Hedy introduced, "Hey there. Well I guess not all of us can do great out there on our first time. We've still got a few more events to go before we find out who's going to the finals after all." She considered the nest issue YingJue might have when she asked, "You don't need any help with gunpla fixes do you?"

The matches continued before the Brigade member watching over Brian's room knocked, "Dave, it's time. Match 6 is coming up."
Brian had his Carozzo mask back on when he announced, "Perfect. Time to get ready then." He opened the door while marching out prepared for the match.
The Brigade member took up both of Brian's gunplas when he asked, "So you've been able to get some big strategies for what's coming up right dude?"
Brian was able to hide the smugness under his helmet when he confirmed, "Quite right. I believe that I will be able to know the enemy quite well and they shall have a very short match by comparison."
"You got it Dave. Go out there and prove it for the Brigade!"
Brian grabbed for the Vigna Ghina gunplas when he promised, "As I shall."

The Turkish champion had a thought about the chances of making it to the finals for YingJue now. She will have to win the other matches now to try and qualify to get to the final tournament. He had a look at the rosters of the fighters and realised that YingJue must improve in order to stay in the tournament. He listened to how Hedy offered to help repair the Mythos and thought that he should help too. "I can help train you in combat as well." He also offered.

Heine had a look at the other fighters that will be fighting soon. "So I'm tenth." He commented. It will be after the matches with the Carozzo cosplayer, Luang, Sanada and Morris, which he could watch those matches for analysis. He was eager to use his orange GOUF in battle.

To Hedy's offer, YingJue had to decline, "I'll be fine repairing Mythos." For YingJue, the building and repairing process was something intimate, between herself and her gundam. As to Kartal's offer, "Yes, I think I would really appreciate it if you...if both of you...would be willing to train me." YingJue bowed modestly, glad that her future teammates started by offering support rather than criticism.

Brian stood at his side of the Battle System when he waited for the match to begin. He waved to the audience in his costume before taking a look at the champions before him. As promised the Indian, Brazilian, and French Champions were waiting for him to arrive. Thanks to his helmet no one could see him grin, “Just the first of my big name victories.”

The four gunplas materialized at the foot of the La Tour orbital elevator when the Vigna Ghina with its M2000GX High-Energy Long-Range Beam Cannon prepared in both hands took a survey of the arena. It was a few seconds before the gunplas appeared and Brian was ready for the battle.
The first gunpla opponent appeared with a Rose Gundam preparing the new saber Brian had sold. The second one was a bright green Vayeate with a mega beam cannon over its right shoulder. The final one was the Altron Gundam with its claws aiming at the two nearest targets.
The Altron Gundam took aim at the Rose Gundam and prepared to fire when Bhanjee warned, “Time to show what I’ve got for you.” In the next moment the claw exploded in an atomic blast while the other Gunplas made their move away from the blast. A few seconds had passed in the match and one gunpla was already destroyed while the other three made their dash back.
The French Champion observed the dash back when she saw a possible opening against the Vigna Ghina. “Oh dear… It seems like he had an issue with that weapon.” She considered the status of her weapon but decided it was time to invest what she had in the next moment. “It’s too late for me to discover the rest now I guess!” The Rose Gundam prepared its new saber when it rushed forward but the Vigna Ghina had its own beam saber when it set its beam cannon behind. Without any effort the beam saber managed to cut through the Rose Gundam’s saber as if it were nothing. It was only a few strikes before the Vigna Ghina managed to slice a clear direction across its cockpit. “AH!!!” The Rose Gundam exploded in the battlefield and the last two gunplas were forced to face one another.
The Brazilian Champion saw the sudden chaos of the two gunplas lost when he warned, “Damn. Those two were pushovers. Well it’ll make for one short match in that case!” The bright green Vayeate dashed away from the final gunplay while it fired both of its beam rifles from what it saw a safe distance.
Brian observed the dashing of the Vayeate and heard the comment when he agreed, “I think you’re right. Now stand still like a good target!”
The two gunplas were forced to swarm around one another with the long range weapons. The firing continued until the Vigna Ghina blasted off the Vayeate’s shoulder cannon and forced himself to use his remaining weapon. “Aw man! How do I pull this off?” The Brazilian Champion cursed. He could only curse his luck for so much longer before the Vigna Ghina managed to make a few final shots against the opponent to end the match.
Brian settled the Vigna Ghina as he observed the ashes of the destroyed opponents. “Ah. Just the sort of match I seek to engage.”

“The winner of Match 6 is New Zealand Champion David Holden!” The Indian and French Champions were distraught at the sight of their gunplas being at the complete mercy of circumstance and what little effort the New Zealand Champion had to use. Brian turned around when he greeted the audience pleased with the results and not concerned of the other’s reactions.

Hedy saw the match and was left perplexed by the results. “That David guy managed to two of them out easy. But how did the Altron gunpla destroy itself?”

The other contestants watched the match that was very unique where it ended quickly. The two commenters were shocked with the result as well. They had to send the match information to verify the win, along with the International Gunpla Referees. The winner was announced by the female announcer, confirming that they have to believe now that they saw it. "I'm not sure what I saw there Torres." One of the commentators remarked. "It looked like if this year's batch of Gunpla Builders had some weapon problems or Holden there proved to be a superior builder."
Torres was speechless until he had to respond. "I can only say this year will be interesting Saegusa." He replied. "I think we have one of the top contenders for winning the tournament already."

Kartal responded to JingJue. "Sure. We're allies until we have to battle." He replied. "I've been there multiple times as well." He related to the first defeat. The broadcast of the sixth battle got his attention away briefly. "This will be an interesting year." He commented on it. "We have a possible ace against us at some point."

The next battles took place. Sanada managed to secure his victory, taking down a Messala, GN-X IV and Virgo II. Luang proved that he is still capable of fighting with his Zansbine, defeating a Re-GZ, Mandala Gundam and Hamma Hamma. A purple-coloured 00 Raiser dominated the following match and it was Heine's match next.

The first round ended in the day and the rosters were shown publicly in different places. Kartal found himself and Hedy with four points as the other winners but YingJue as expected had no points. It is going to be a good start for him this year.

YingJue realized that she had very little reason to resent her loss. She had had a good fight against Penn. Match 6 on the other hand...there was something not right about it requiring it to be sent to the referees for deliberation. YingJue agreed with Hedy's confusion, "It will be interesting to hear what Mr. Bhanjee might have to say about this match."

YingJue knew that she had some catching up to do, but she felt better for it. The point was ultimately to do her best, to trust in herself, her Gundam, and her teammates, and to have good matches. It wouldn't be fun if it was easy.

Bhanjee found one of the nearest security guards when he explained, "I swear I had to be rigged at some point!"
"We've done several checks through the system Mr. Habib. From everything we have seen in the Battle System the most we can find is the moment the artillery in your gunpla imploded."
Bhanjee looked down at the small missile between his fingers when he cursed, "Damn. I paid good money for this stuff. That J.J. scammed me!"
The French Champion agreed holding up the piece, "I believe you might be right. That chevalier beam saber he sold me was just a painted over pole extender!"
The guard was curious when he asked, "J.J.? Who is he?"
Bhanjee found the opportune moment to explain when he answered, "This guy named J.J. Martin sold us some parts before the match that sounded like they would give us an advantage in battle. He was supposed to be with Bandai but as it would seem he wanted us to be humiliated with these false pieces."
The guard asked, "Remember what he looks like?"
The French Champion began to explain, "He has flattop purple hair and he dresses... Well decently. I've seen better."
"The brand of clothes then?"
The French Champion shook her head when she answered, "I'm not sure. Some Giorgio Armani knock-off. That's all I can remember."
"We'll have to look into this. We might have a conartist in the ranks."

Hedy observed the scores after the results were tallied. "Well it looks like that's if for the first round. Still a ways to go before we get to the main event."

Kartal agreed. "There are seven more matches to go. There's still chance." He looked at the next match on the pamphlet. "We have survival next. We can work together for this also." He looked at YingJue. "We'll be able help at the slightest there at least." He thought about getting a drink. "If you still want to train I'll be at the training room. I'll get a drink before heading there." He walked off to let them do what they want.

He went to a cafe to get some coffee. It wasn't the unfiltered Turkish coffee but it was still good. Some of his friends in Turkey calls Western Coffee for the baby. He got a small spongecake to eat as well, something he tried last time and liked it. As he exited the cafe he found the Revolution brothers recording for the television audience.

"Hello!" Heine started "We just ended the first day of the world tournament! The battles today had the same momentum as last year, where twenty people have gone closer to the final tournament!"

Kartal decided to let them go through with the broadcast since it's nothing like Char's speech in Dakar. He found the training room with the battlefield but it was already occupied with two champions training with a Crossbone Gundam X1 and a Zaku II Kai. He took a seat nearby and watched the mock battle.

YingJue followed Kartal to the training room. "I didn't bring a spare Gunpla, and it will take a few hours for me to repair the Mythos. Is it possible to train without it?" she asked.