The American Dome
A light and festive air filled the surroundings of the American Dome, adding to its already monumental presence in the middle of the city. As mentioned before, the American Dome is America's largest Dome located in the city of New York. This is where significant tournaments and sports are held, granting it the title of one of the most famous stadiums in the world.
When Satoshi and everyone else arrived at the American Dome, he suddenly felt slightly light-headed. He knew he had a clear shot at rising to the top, but even then, he felt like he was about to go through a trial of some sort. This should be an easy clear for a tournament, but Satoshi felt intense pressure welling up within him.
"Feeling nervous? That's just normal. This is your first official tournament here in America, so you'll feel nervous. The entire world's watching you, after all." Grado patted Satoshi on the back.
"Let's meet at the finals," Ash said, puffing up his chest. Even though he knew that White Mist and his father, Jean Grey, were going to join the Official Tournament, he still had clear confidence that he'd survive until the finals.
"Right, thanks," Satoshi muttered under his breath as he heaved out an exhale. This is it, the moment he was waiting for. As a beast tamer, this is his debut— a debut that the entire world would watch. Just thinking about it gave Satoshi the shivers.
"That's right. You don't have to feel nervous, son. You're a Midoriyama, show them what a Midoriyama's made of." Tatsuki encouraged him, stretching his hand for a fist bump. "Do your best out there."
Satoshi nodded.
There were two lines by the entrance of the American Dome— one for the spectators and one for the participants. Satoshi lined up with the participants going through a few security measures. Waving his hand, Satoshi greeted his parents before he headed to his personal waiting room.
"Satoshi, wait!" Shiroi called out, pushing through the crowd so she could catch up to Satoshi. She then handed him something. "We're all rooting for you." She bashfully said before turning away.
"Hoh hoh hoh," Grado, Tatsuki, and even Shiroi's father, Yukine, started 'hoh hoh'ing as if they already knew what was going on. Once Shiroi regrouped with them. However, they cleared their throats and acted as if nothing had happened.
"I told you, my son's going down that route." Tatsuki proudly said.
"As expected of my grandson." Grado rubbed his nose while nodding his head.
"As expected of my daughter." Yukine also started rubbing his nose. Obviously, he approved of the development that was going on between his daughter and Satoshi.
...
With all the commotion happening right outside the American Dome, Yun Zhe knew that he'd be able to blend into the crowd and that no one would recognize him. He decided to join the Black Fog Faction. And just a few days ago, Black Fog registered him as a participant in the Official Beast Tournament.
He had to take care of many things, such as passports and visas, but Black Fog helped him through the process, giving him a clear pass to America.
Currently, he was riding a limousine while eating some cheese and grapes. He didn't feel that nervous at all. In fact, he was confident that he'd be able to bring the title of the beast master home.
After all, he had seen the fight between White Mist and Jean Grey. He didn't even feel threatened by them. To him, they were just small fries waiting to be stomped on like a bug. He didn't say it out loud, but he more or less concluded that White Mist and Jean Grey were weak. "I'm a Disciple, and there's no way I'm going to lose against these guys."
"We're here, sir Yun Zhe." The driver of the limousine, who's also a member of the Black Fog Faction, nodded his head towards Yun Zhe.
"All right. My time has come. My debut to the world as the strongest Disciple and the strongest beast tamer. I'm going to crush everyone and climb to the summit." Yun Zhe said to himself. He wasn't usually this talkative, but even then, he wanted to pump himself at least up before participating in the tournament.
The limousine was parked in front of the American Dome. In that instant, a couple of personnel wearing black suits lined up all the way to the entrance of the American Dome. Suddenly, a hug white gorilla appeared out of nowhere, carrying a red carpet. The white gorilla then rolled the red carpet all the way up to the entrance.
"Welcome! Co-leader of the Black Fog Faction, Yun Zhe! We wish you the best of luck for the upcoming Official Beast Tournament!" The entire two lines of people in black suits screamed their lungs out as soon as Yun Zhe stepped out.
Everything outside the American Dome seemed to have taken a halt when Yun Zhe appeared. Not only did he have the grandest of entrances, his prestige as the co-leader of the Black Fog Faction also took everyone by surprise.
Actors, actresses, superheroes, political figures, and important people alike couldn't even compare to his welcome. They were taken by surprise, in a good way, of course. Such an important figure appeared out of nowhere, and they were the first ones to witness his arrival.
In other words, Yun Zhe's plan of keeping a low profile backfired against him. And now, he was the center of attention. Even those who were patiently lining up decided to step out of the way, making way for Yun Zhe as he walked nearer to the entrance of the American Dome.
"Welcome, sir," The security guards by the entrance even bowed toward Yun Zhe, much to his surprise.
Everything went by in a flash, like some sort of odd routine that Yun Zhe got used to in a snap of a finger. He was already way past the security checkpoint, but he still couldn't fathom the grand entrance exclusively for him. He felt greatly embarrassed, but he didn't bother complaining to everyone who showed up for the grand entrance. He knew they were just doing as instructed, but that didn't mean he didn't feel uncomfortable throughout the process.
"Master! Master! Master!" Black Fog called out from behind, catching up to Yun Zhe and locking arms with him. "How did you find the grand welcome? Was it to your liking? I was the one who came up with the setup. Was it nice? Seeing you walk up the steps of the American Dome is so awesome! Finally, the world will know who is the strongest beast tamer out there."
"I'm not used to being the center of attention... but if it made an impact, I think I just have to get used to it. You're right; this is my debut. I should show off as much as I can." Yun Zhe muttered to himself as his eyes were filled with determination.
"See you in the finals, master." Black Fog pressed his fist on his palm before bowing down toward Yun Zhe. "My waiting room is right beside yours, master. Just call out to me if you ever need anything. I assigned one of my disciples to assist you. Please don't hesitate to give him an order."
Yun Zhe nodded, muttering a soft thank you before he headed inside the waiting room. When he got inside, he noticed that a young man, not much older than him, was sitting by the couch, breathing in and out as if trying to calm himself. "Isn't he my attendant? Why is he sitting so comfortably on the couch?"
Then again, Yun Zhe didn't bother telling his attendant off. He figured that the young man was probably tired after running a couple of errands a few moments ago during his grand welcome. Besides, Yun Zhe didn't feel the need to have an attendant, so seeing the young man act like someone his age made him feel more comfortable.
"If Black Fog found out that you were slacking off, he might bite your head off. Rest easy, though. I'm not going to rat you out. You can relax as much as you can." Yun Zhe called out, sitting beside the black-haired young man and patting him on the shoulder. "Still, I'm surprised that you've been accepted to the Black Fog Faction despite your young age. You must be someone talented."
"I'm sorry?" The black-haired man asked. He was surprised to see someone in the waiting room with him... and what's more, the unfamiliar teenager was actually acting all giddy-giddy with him even though this was their first meeting. "I'm sorry. Should I know you?"
"What?" Yun Zhe was more than surprised. He couldn't believe that someone from the Black Fog Faction didn't know who he was.
"And also, this waiting room should be... shouldn't this be exclusive to one person? Wait... did I go to the wrong waiting room?" Satoshi exclaimed, bolting upright and heading towards the waiting room door. He double-checked the number written there, and to his relief, he was in the right room.
"I'm sorry, what are you talking about? Aren't you my attendant?" Yun Zhe asked.
"What? Me? Since when?" Satoshi returned in shock.
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