''Let it rip!"
The golden streak of Flame Sagittario shot across the warehouse, its spin sharp, fast, and determined. It wasn't a reckless launch. It was aimed with precision.
Kyoya's foot was inches from Dark Bull when Sagittario struck.
The impact deflected his boot back slightly, pushing Leon away from Bull's vulnerable body.
Kyoya's eyes flicked toward the source, expression unchanging.
Kenta stood at the entrance, launcher still raised, chest heaving from his sprint. "That's enough, Kyoya!"
Kyoya's gaze stayed locked on Sagittario as it spun defensively in front of Dark Bull, shielding it like a golden barrier.
"I don't remember asking for a backup," Kyoya said, his tone sharp but controlled.
Kenta's stance didn't waver. "I'm not here to protect Benkei. I'm here to protect his Beyblade."
Benkei, still on one knee, his body aching, looked toward Kenta. He wanted to shout for him to stay out, but his voice faltered. The determination in Kenta's eyes said everything.
"You're not destroying Bull," Kenta said, clenching his fists. "If you want to crush it, you'll have to go through Sagittario first."
Kyoya's smirk returned—faint and cold.
"As you wish."
He adjusted his launcher grip, not bothering with theatrics.
"Leone."
The green Beyblade surged forward without hesitation.
The clash was immediate.
Sagittario met Leone head-on, sparks flying as the two collided.
Kenta's launch was strong, his spin tight, but it wasn't enough. Leone's power, sharpened through brutal training, was on a different level.
Sagittario was pushed back, its rotations shaken but not broken.
Kenta gritted his teeth. "Sagittario, keep holding!"
Leone wasn't rushing.
Kyoya's attacks were methodical, just as they had been with Benkei. He wasn't aiming to shatter Sagittario in one blow. He was breaking it down, step by step.
Each clash forced Sagittario's spin line to weaken.
Kenta's fingers trembled, but he didn't let go of his launcher. "You're not… taking this one…"
Sagittario's spin faltered.
Leone's next strike hit with precision, sending Sagittario flying across the stadium. The golden Beyblade clattered against the floor, its rotations collapsing to a stop beside Dark Bull.
Kyoya stepped forward, his shadow casting over both fallen blades.
"Is that it?"
Kenta staggered forward, his body tensing, but his legs felt frozen.
Kyoya's boot rose once more.
Benkei watched, his fists trembling.
This wasn't a battle anymore.
Kyoya's foot descended—
But it didn't hit the Beyblades.
Benkei's body slammed over them.
He moved faster than his injuries should've allowed, covering Bull and Sagittario with his own back, arms spread wide.
Kyoya's boot didn't hesitate. It landed squarely on Benkei's spine, the impact heavy, forcing a sharp grunt from him.
The pressure pressed Benkei to the ground, but he didn't move away.
Kenta's voice cracked. "Benkei—stop! You'll get hurt!"
Benkei's reply was strained, but steady. "Let him try…"
Kyoya's gaze didn't soften.
"You still don't get it, do you?" Kyoya said, pressing down harder. "Protecting weak blades with your body doesn't change their strength."
Benkei's arms shook, his muscles screaming in protest.
"I don't care," Benkei forced out. "A Blader… protects what matters."
Kyoya's foot remained for a moment longer.
Then, with a slight push, he stepped back, removing the pressure.
He looked down at Benkei, who remained hunched, shielding the Beyblades beneath him.
"You're still a fool, Benkei," Kyoya said, his tone colder now. "But at least you're a fool standing on your own."
Without another word, Kyoya turned.
He walked away from the warehouse, his footsteps echoing without urgency, without drama.
The warehouse fell into a quiet stillness once again.
Kenta rushed to Benkei, helping him sit up.
"You idiot… why'd you jump in like that?"
Benkei gave a half-smirk, even through the pain. "It's what you do for your blade, right?"
Kenta's grip on Sagittario tightened, emotions boiling behind his eyes.
Benkei reached out, gently placing Dark Bull back in his launcher cradle.
Neither blade had been crushed.
But the weight of Kyoya's presence still lingered.
Aarav had been right.
This city's spin hadn't settled yet.