Kartal had a view of Shizuoka city from the highway on a bus provided by the organisers to international fighters. It was about the fourth time he saw the city from there, the first being the 7th tournament. He looked back at how his attempts have so far been fruitless, always eliminated before the final tournament. From what he heard with all the fighters from around the world and the different arrival times and airport he knows he’s not the only batch arriving with more already arrived or coming later.

The bus stopped at the hotel the fighters are staying. He got off and retrieved his suitcase from the storage. He was going to head to the hotel but noticed how there was also a man with a camera crew some distance away as well.

“Hello fans! I’m Heine from the band Revolution, the image character chosen for this year’s tournament!” The man introduced. “Right now I’m in Shizuoka city in the Shizuoka prefecture. Tomorrow in this city the World Tournament will begin! Over 80 Gunpla fighters from 68 countries will gather to decide who will be the strongest of all! My brother and fellow band member Miguel will explain the rules for us!” He passed the role to a blonde man.
“Thanks Heine!” Miguel started. “The contestants will win points through different battles in the form of individual, team or endurance. The 16 fighters with the most points will advance to the final tournament and go further to become a champion!”

Kartal just passed through them but the conclusion he heard got his attention. “That will be all from us, Heine and Miguel of Revolution!” Heine was about to finish. “I will also be participating in the tournament, representing Japan’s Kansai!” That announcement realized that they’re not just good musicians and his opponents will come in different forms. He continued to the hotel where he will check in.

***

As Kartal entered his room, he inserted the keycard to give electricity to the room he found an envelope with the logo of Yajima Trading on a bed and had a read through. “The usual cocktail reception.” He commented on it. From his suitcase he got his suit for the night out to get his Marmara Hyperion and Mavi Zeta, both carefully wrapped to prevent damage. “I will win this time.” He vowed to both of his models. “If we can’t then we’ll go as far as we can. We will try again next year.”