My thoughts~
I'm impressed with absolutely everything in this episode. The animation, the characters' voice actors jobs, and yup, even the outcome of Valt's and Free's battle.
The reigning world champion forfeiting is something we haven't seen in Beyblade before. Sure, the reason is somewhat disappointing, but I love how it was executed. It put importance on Christina's role in the series again, and Free's behavior on the roof after the battle was just heartwarming. One could really feel how the outcome of the battle changed him as a person, yet he's still the Free we know. And people who have experienced what it feels like to go beyond their physical limits and then have to deal with the painful consequences might relate to Free even more now. Not gonna lie, this was one of my favorite battles in the entire Burst series. A true congrats to the writers.
Well now, I can't disregard the second half of the episode. It's always nice to see our old protagonist team return. In contrast to others *looks at Shu*, they have kept their Bey spirit even though they weren't able to participate in the championships. You just gotta love the Beyclub. ♥
Oh, and apparently there is not Red Eye, only Zuul Spriggan. Possession confirmed, I guess that makes Shu's development less infuriating... somehow?
The next battle will be one hell of a ride, haha.