World conquest with toys? Impossible!

Bright… is it morning already? Huh? What was I doing?

A strange ceiling comes into vague view, tubes attached to my arm. What’s this?

Is this… a hospital? I feel the presence of people nearby… Ah, my father and mother? Did they rush over after hearing about my injury? They haven’t noticed that I’ve woken up yet.

Ah? I can’t speak? My body won’t move either. What’s this?

Ah, my mother is peeling an apple… her knife skills are as precarious as ever. Her lack of proficiency in household chores hasn’t changed. The apple is being butchered mercilessly.

“That’s what I said, Gotama Town is dangerous. The soul trend of this town is too biased towards shooters. Places like this easily become hotbeds for evil schemes.”

Eh, really? I thought it was a town with bad public order, but is it a problem with the land?

“But Mamoru has grown up in this town. Through Shooter Battles, he made friends and thwarted evil schemes with his righteous soul… Our son has grown into a strong and kind child.”

But that’s not the point, Dad. Keep children away from danger. This isn’t the time to be moved.

“The problem is also with growing up. If he continues to stay in this land, Mamoru will…”

What about me? What will happen? Is Gotama Town dangerous? Is it the Gotama Virus or Gotama Town Syndrome?

“I understand. But I want to let him spend time in this town until the end of his second grade. Mamoru seemed happy playing Shooter Battles with them… Suddenly, saying goodbye would be tough.”

No, if my safety is at risk, let’s move! Dad, you’re blind! It’s not that I hate Sora-kun and the others, but my safety is more important!

“Yes… perhaps I am a failure as a mother, not considering such things. I’ve only caused Mamoru and Mamori pain… surely they hate me.”

If you’re aware, then stop forcing training on me. Otherwise, I don’t hate you, Mom. I just think you’re a bit crazy.

“I’m equally to blame, but thinking of these children’s future, it’s necessary. We must endure, Mimori.”

Dad comforted Mom by putting his arm around her.

Hey, if you’ll be lovey-dovey, do it in another room. I don’t want to see that side of my parents. I won’t oppose it if you’re reconciling, but…

Damn! Move, my body! I’ll be forced to witness my parents’ mushy interaction at this rate! I have no such fetish! Move, my body!

A beep from a machine echoes in the room. What’s this sound?

“This reaction! Has Mamoru regained consciousness?”

“Mamoru!? Do you have any pain!?”

“I-i-cha… tsu…”

Damn, I can’t speak properly? What’s happened to my body?

A week later, my body started moving without any issues.

Back to normal… rather, it feels even better than before. My body feels lighter, and my movements are sharper. It’s creepy not knowing why.

Probably, it has something to do with what Dad and Mom were talking about.

But no matter how much I pressed them, they wouldn’t tell me, insisting they would when the time came. Damn you, Dad, always playing it so close to the chest.

Naturally, I spent my winter break completely in the hospital.

Hearing that I had regained consciousness, Sora-kun and other Shooters came to visit one after another.

It was nice to have visitors, but their high energy was exhausting. Despite being hospitalized, those days were restless.

And then, the new semester began, and the last few months of my second grade flew by.

Reluctantly, my days were soaked in Shooter Battles. After the brainwashing was lifted, Minato-kun joined the Mitama Shooters, and we battled to raise our official ranks.

I could have refused. The final battle ended in a grand victory for Sora-kun and the others, and the BB gang was destroyed.

From a personal safety standpoint, there was no longer a reason for me to stay on the team. I could have convinced Sora-kun and the others by citing my recovery from illness.

But I never left the Mitama Shooters.

After spending nearly a year together, I’ve grown attached to the team and the town, feeling like sticking it out till the end.

Yes, the end. I’m moving to a different town with a new school and starting a new life with the new school year.

Dad told me, and I agreed without objection. I’ve informed everyone on the team, classmates, and known Shooters.

Shooter Battles are indeed painful, hard, and dangerous. How often have I thought, “What is the PTA doing?” wishing for sales to be banned?

But… but there’s a tiny bit of fun. I found a little bit of enjoyment in the days spent competing and cooperating with friends.

If this feeling is called a Shooter’s spirit, I might have finally understood it. Just a tiny bit, though.

Well, maybe it’s just because it’s the end that I’m feeling sentimental. All’s well that ends. I might be deluding myself into thinking so.

But that’s okay because it’s the end, after all.

Heh, thinking about the new life, I won’t have to endure pain, fear for my life, or the hardship of fighting evil organizations.

Thinking about that, everything seems forgivable. A feeling of liberation gives birth to a gentle and generous heart. I might have reached enlightenment.

And then, the day of farewell arrived. We had a goodbye party a few days ago, so only the team members came to see me off today: Sora-kun, Riku-kun, Kai-kun, and Minato-kun.

I face them in front of the house where I spent my time in this town. Dad waits in the car, and I say my final goodbyes to my friends.

This might be the last time I see them. Memories of friends I spent only my second grade with shine now but will fade over the years.

I find that sad. It’s not a lie; I genuinely feel a friendship with Sora-kun and the others. Fighting together risking our lives, inevitably fosters such emotions.

Quietly, in a corner of my heart, they’ll become memories I occasionally recall. Maybe we’ll never meet again.

But that’s okay. Repeating encounters and farewells, people slowly grow up… or so they say.

Yeah, staying with them any longer would be dangerous. A second season might start with a new evil organization emerging.

I’ll become a memory and fade out. I’d be happy to make a brief appearance in the final episode.

“Everyone, thank you for the year. I won’t forget the days I spent Shooter Battling with you.”

A lifetime of memories, you know. Days of fighting evil organizations aren’t normal.

“You guys might experience it because you’re like the protagonists… but anyway, do your best. I’ll be supporting you from my new home.”

“I’ll continue Shooter Battles to a certain extent, Sora-kun. There shouldn’t be as dangerous a spot as Gotama Town so that I can enjoy normal hobby battles with peace of mind.”

“Thanks to you too, Mamoru! You helped me out. Stay well over there! If you ever have trouble, I’ll come running! Even if we’re apart, we’re still a team!”

You brought us into situations that needed saving, Riku-kun… but it’s over, so I forgive you.

“Heh, teaming up with you wasn’t half bad… Stay sharp, Mamoru. When we next meet, let’s settle our score at an even greater height, where we have evolved.”

Right, right, Kai-kun’s spirit remains unshaken to the very end. It’s heartening to see him grow so steadfast and healthy.

“Mamoru-kun… Thank you. Because of you, both Mercurius and I were able to rediscover our Shooter spirit. Truly, thank you.”

Minato-kun, clutching my hand and persistently thanking me with eyes brimming with tears. Since joining the team, he’s been notably affectionate. Is that typical for an elementary schooler? And every time he touches me, there’s this peculiar tingling… Could it be a leftover effect from that harrowing experience at the aerial fortress?

“Mamoru, it’s about time.”

Dad urges me with an apologetic look. Indeed, if we don’t leave soon, we’ll arrive at our destination in the middle of the night.

“Got it, Dad… Everyone, see you again! Even if we’re apart, we’re connected! Our bonds are eternal!”

Saying something heroic, I get into the car, farewell to my friends! Farewell, Shooter Battles! Farewell, Gotama Town! Forever!

Through the passenger seat mirror, I can see everyone waving back. I lean out the window and wave back to them until they’re out of sight.

Goodbye everyone, goodbye, Gotama Town.

Looking out the window, the familiar scenery of Gotama Town is no longer in sight. Feeling a bit sentimental.

“Mamoru… I’m sorry, it must be hard to part with Sora-kun and the others.”

Dad mutters softly. Indeed, it’s lonely, but seeing him so solemn makes it even harder.

“Yeah, it’s a bit lonely… But, in the new town, I can make new friends. Thinking like that, I don’t feel so lonely. It’s okay, Dad.”

“That’s right… You’re strong, Mamoru.”

Yes, yes, I’m such a good child—so admirable. God should bestow a reward on me. How about winning three hundred million yen in the lottery?

“That’s right, there’s a case in the bag I gave you. Open it.”

Huh? A case? This one is small enough to fit in both hands.

A metal case with an elaborate decoration… Deja vu? Anyway, let’s open it.

“Dad… What’s this?”

Inside was a toy. A metal spinning top composed of multiple parts… Wait, this is…

“The name of that Soul Spinner is ‘Silver Moon,’ made exclusively for you. Take good care of it.”

It’s a Beyblade. This toy is completely a Beyblade.

“Thank you, Dad, I’ll cherish it.”

Well, I knew about Soul Spinners. There are five types of popular Soul Gear, common knowledge to everyone.

Living normally, you’d inevitably hear about it. Life in Gotama Town was anything but normal, though…

And Soul Gear is quite expensive. The cheapest mass-produced models are nearly one hundred thousand yen, and custom-made ones like this could cost as much as a luxury car. Knowing that I can’t treat it carelessly.

Dad’s family seems to be quite wealthy, too. He’s said to be surveying the land’s Soul tendencies, but does that job pay so well?

“In the new town of Spinner Town, Soul Spinners are popular. The town’s Soul specializes in Spinner Battles, so if you battle with your classmates, you’ll make new friends quickly. You’ll be fine.”

What’s this uneasy feeling…? I have a really bad premonition. My wariness towards the new town is tingling.

“Ah, looking forward to it…”

No way there’s another town with as bad security as Gotama Town. My worries are probably unfounded.

It’s okay, it’s okay… It’s all good, right? No problems, right?

◆

As the car carrying Mamoru-kun vanished from sight, I found myself pondering when our paths would cross again.

“He’s gone… It’s going to feel lonely without Mamoru around.”

Sora-kun’s voice, usually so full of life, was subdued as he muttered, highlighting the profound impact Mamoru-kun’s absence had on him.

“That’s not like you, Sora. If you make a gloomy face, Mamoru will laugh at you! If you, the leader, are like that, the team’s morale will drop.”

“You’re right. It’s your noisy self that’s truly you. The gap he left is huge; we don’t have time to be disheartened.”

Riku-kun and Aniki exchanged banter, a mutual attempt at lifting spirits that seemed as much for their own reassurance as for each other’s.

“…That’s right! Even if we’re apart, Mamoru and I are connected! Working together! Never give up! Believing! He taught us all of that! As his partner, I must not forget!”

Sora-kun’s smile returned, his words revealing the depth of their relationship unknown to me… I felt a bit jealous, knowing that Sora-kun knew a Mamoru-kun I didn’t.

“That’s right, the Mitama Shooters are close to being promoted to A-rank! This is the critical moment! If we get promoted within this year, we’ll be the youngest A-rank team in the junior division!”

“That’s true… But from A-rank onwards, individual matches and team battles are added to rank battles. Increasing our team members is essential. We need at least two more people.”

A team can have up to ten members; in Shooter Battles’ team fights, up to six can participate at once. Hence, at minimum, we need two more members, considering substitutes, maybe five.

We don’t need a sixth; we’ll keep Mamoru-kun’s spot open. Sora and the others surely intend that too. Mamoru-kun and I are connected, and the fact that he’s a team member inspires us. Keeping one slot open won’t be a disadvantage.

The connection between Mamoru-kun and me is especially special. I realized it was fate when he freed me at the aerial fortress. Mamoru-kun and I are destined to be together, and Mercurius thinks so too.

“Plus, the Special Cup hosted by Planet Corporation will be held in three years, right? The entry condition is to be among the top six A-rank teams nationally. We barely have time to earn points; we can’t afford to stand still.”

We will reunite with Mamoru-kun. Bound by a strong soul bond, we are destined to meet again. As long as we keep our Shooter spirit, it’s a promise.

By then, we must not disappoint Mamoru-kun; we must aim higher.

The Special Cup, gathering fierce competitors from all over, will be a fitting stage for our reunion. We must prepare properly.

“Yeah, that’s right. Both Mercurius and I will do our best! Let’s all become stronger together! We must not disappoint Mamoru-kun when we meet again!”

The void left by Mamoru-kun is palpable, affecting us both emotionally and strategically.

Owning more than ten special moves, Mamoru-kun is said to be a first-class Shooter. Despite certain limitations on his machine that reduce the power of Soul Shoot, he’s a genius Shooter.

His ability to adapt to a variety of techniques is incredible. As someone who has fought against him, I know well.

Just when I thought I had him cornered, he would find a way out and turn the tables. Facing him as an opponent is extremely troublesome.

That’s why, on the battlefield, Sora and the others relied on him. Having him as an ally, there’s no more dependable Shooter. The path to victory is clear when he moves to support his allies.

Even Aniki, who never trusted others, was charmed by Mamoru-kun. He learned the greatness of cooperating and understood the power of teamwork.

“Huh, you’re motivated, Minato. I thought you’d be down with Mamoru gone, but I worried for nothing.”

“Yeah, yeah, Kai is always kind to Minato, huh? Despite being so tsundere usually… Is it because sisters are special?”

“Kai is what you call a brocon, right? Mamoru said so!”

“No! It’s siscon! No, wait, not that either!? Not a siscon! Dammit, Mamoru, what a weird misunderstanding…”

“Haha, can’t be helped, Aniki. You’ve only shown Mamoru-kun your boyish side, so it’s not his fault.”

Forced into this bothersome guise by my father, I was strictly instructed to act as Aniki’s twin brother. It wasn’t my intention.

But it was just right to spend time with Mamoru-kun. Being the same sex, it wasn’t strange to interact with him, and every touch was a wonderful time, feeling the buzz of fate.

“Sigh… All to escape the duty of our clan. Dad makes Minato do strange things.”

Yeah, it was suffocating. Having always to pretend, it was unbearably stifling.

That’s why I embraced that mask and surrendered my heart to the evil soul. It was easy to resist, but I chose not to.

Driven by desire, whispered encouragements, and prompts, I wanted to destroy this cramped and suffocating world. I tried to mess everything up and end it all.

I still feel that way; my urge to destroy hasn’t vanished. I stopped caring because I found a bigger impulse, something I truly should desire.

Of course, that’s Mamoru-kun.

The first time we met without masks, the times we fought as enemies, the moment he touched me at the aerial fortress, every encounter made the impulse within me swell, blowing away my petty world.

This is fate, destiny, and inevitability; therefore, it’s natural.

I was born to feel this impulse. I was born to experience this thrill. I was born to meet Mamoru-kun.

Our souls draw Mamoru-kun and me together. No doubt, Mercurius says so too.

Parting with Mamoru-kun is unbearably sad and lonely.

But it’s okay. Mamoru-kun and I will surely reunite. We will meet again.

Mercurius will tell me. Mercury’s will guides me.

I believe in it. Wait for me, Mamoru-kun.