[@Double]
As Riku continued to watch the battle and point out his observations, Naoki smiled, also watching but making sure to listen to Riku every word. Despite looking tough and somewhat violent Naoki guessed, after seeing Riku score and the play back from round one, that Riku had a somewhat strategic mind if his ambush and high score was any indicator. And he was happy that he guessed right. 

Naoki agreed and disagreed with some of Riku's points. The Shark is loud, sure, but even lions roar to show their strength and he’s more than shown he can fight, for someone who is said to be a beginner anyways. Although it was a straight build Blade handles it remarkably well, being able to defeat 3 opponents with customized gunpla. And Kai, who at this point had dived into the water to begin his plan, was full of surprises. 

As Riku finished giving his opinion he refocused his attention on Naoki, "But why ask me that? You're clearly interested in them but... why do you care what I think?"

Naoki stayed quiet for a second, before he put the question to the side to explain. “The domain of Gunpla … keeps growing.” He started, “And with the introduction of the WARS format 3 years ago that replaced the U-19, the demand for gunpla fighters has increased in the country of japan. And with the elimination of the under 19 rule, everyone can compete in it, from the young and old,” he said as he looked to the arcades counter, where the store owner Takemori and young boy Tomiyoka talked, 

“From the solo to the group fighters,” he looked to the exit where a hooded teen and the 3 Yui siblings were exiting. 

“And from the experienced to the beginners” he finished as he looked back to the battle. Looking between the Reaper and Shark. The Shark is still fighting the Wing Zero and the Reaper was underwater doing … something, Naoki still wasn’t sure. 

“There had always been a cardinal rule in Gunpla battling, but in the WARS format where people are teaming up left and right it’s become more necessary than ever.” And at that moment Kais plan unfolded, with an explosion that felt like it shook both the arena and the crowd. “RESPECT STRENGTH!” He said loudly in order to make sure Riku heard over the cheering crowd. “As long as you can respect your opponents strength you can fight an enemy on equal ground, but more importantly, as long as you can respect your teammates strength you can work together.” He said with a smile. “In short, I want to invite you all to my Gunpla Team, and I wanted to make sure you were someone who I could work with.”

At the table, the holograms began to fade as Takemori walked to the front, “Everybody we have our winner!!!”

Naoki waves towards the tables “Seems like they’re done. We can get this meeting started.”

[hr]
[@Shiyonichi][@KenjuGuy][@Blade17]


The explosion was what truly marked the climax of the battle as both the Wing Zero and Captain Miracle tried to dodge the large explosion. 

Blade tried to use the Wing Zeros still superior air mobility to escape the blast, but with his broken wing he wasn’t able to fully escape the attack and his gunpla was unable to handle the blast, falling to the ground before crashing amongst the mountains near the coast. 

Jun, having escaped the center but not the shockwave of the blast, had been launched into the forest below. Now missing an arm and a leg, he crawled towards Kai to fire one last shot .. before internally blowing up, truly ending the round in an explosion. 

For the 3 fighters, the holograms around them began to fade as Takemori walked to the table, “Everybody we have our winner!!! Kai and his Taisen!!” He said as he walked up to Kai, “If you could take out your GP base I can upload your results.” He said as the two did just that, Kais GP base showing he had another local win to his record. “Uh, hey kid, this is gonna be a weird question but could you stay a bit after this? A friend of mine has something he’d like to talk to you about.” He said as he motioned over to the side of the arcade where Naoki and Riku stood, Naoki waving at them. 

Over on the other side of the table, the 12 year old Tomiyoka approached Blade and Jun. “E-excuse me sirs, uh if you don’t mind there’s someone who wants to talk with you both!” He said with a bow as he also motioned to the side of the arcade where Naoki and Riku stood, Naoki waving at them as well.