#toby mfb

DAY 20 CRUSH YAYYYYY

An Overview of the Arrangement System

General Context

The Arrangement System is a way to artificially enhance a blader's abilities. It was created by Dr. Ziggurat and was a major plot point in the last part of Beyblade Metal Masters. The system takes the shape of a pod into which someone has to enter. Only four characters have been shown to be able to use this power: Zeo Abyss, Jack, Damian Hart, and Faust (Toby's alternate persona). I wanted to discuss the details surrounding this invention of Ziggurat—namely, what could be the principle of the machine, what are the effects and side effects, who is compatible and why.

Principle

We know that Ziggurat is a neurologist, a brain expert. The mind is also brought up a lot when it comes to his system since both it and the body are apparently connected to the machine. It can even give data to help design the best Bey for the user and help monitor heart rate and the synchronization between the blader and their Bey. The process begins when the blader goes inside the pod, which closes, metal rods then come closer to the person, and lights turn on.

Considering all this, maybe the machine stimulates the neuronal system—after all, neurons are connected to motion. I think the term "stimulus" is appropriate because it has been seen that Star Breaker needs to repeatedly take Arrangement in order to maintain their power. It is also notable that the biggest side effect of the Arrangement is a change in personality, something directly linked to the brain.

Effects and Side Effects

The system's biggest purpose was to create stronger bladers, and considering Zeo's sudden improvement even though he was only partially compatible, it’s effective. Ziggurat, as said by Ryusei, is capable thanks to the Arrangement of bringing "100% of one's ability" using science instead of training.

The first side effect, which ties in with compatibility, is the inability for some people to withstand the effects of the Arrangement, resulting in "physical and mental damage."

A second side effect is personality change: the subject becomes more aggressive and agitated, they might even develop new interests or an entirely new personality altogether.

The third side effect is physical change, notably through lighter and sometimes longer hair, a change in eye color (for Faust), and an overall more mature/villainous looking face.

Once again, we see the association between physical and mental dimensions in the effects.

Compatibility

The issue of compatibility is rather interesting, considering the three members of Team Star Breaker have little in common except this.

First, the problem with compatibility lies in two different areas. The first is that some people can't withstand the power the Arrangement gives them. The second is that it appears some have difficulty withstanding the system itself. For example, Zeo wasn't able to reach 100% completion, though he was able to use Byxis’s power just fine without suffering any injuries.

Secondly, to understand why some people are compatible, we need to remember that the system brings out hidden potential. This explains why Ziggurat massively recruited weak bladers like Zeo and Jack. The theory is that their weakness came from the fact that they didn’t realize their full potential, instead of having no talent. This might explain why Zeo has difficulty withstanding the system—because he trained hard for many years. Even though the results weren’t as good as for Masamune or Toby, he still improved.

In the case of Damian, considering his flashback in which he gazes, a little puzzled, at a Bey like it’s the first time he sees one, I think it’s not too far-fetched to assume he never played Beyblade before going into an Arrangement. This means 0% of his potential was previously awakened, so the Arrangement could do all the work.

For Toby, the idea is that since he was hospitalized for a long time, his body became weaker. Even after feeling better, he was still in a wheelchair. He would probably have to do some rehabilitation. Considering physical form is important in MFB to be a good blader, his performance might have taken a hit.

Conclusion

Though the Arrangement is still mysterious, we know that Ziggurat used his knowledge of the human brain to create a machine that can make people stronger with no effort—though not everyone is compatible, and those who are can suffer drastic changes in their body and personality, almost like they aged prematurely. This, in a way, symbolizes the innocence that the doctor has stolen from his test subjects. The idea that the system is more compatible with weaker bladers or people physically weaker is more etheric than anything, but I believe it can help justify why Ziggurat was targeting Toby and how he would know he would be compatible.

i will flipflop between most of these, but these are based on vibes

Zeo: constant anxiety

Toby: denial

Jack: perfection

i finished this drawing finally, but it's not even winter anymore!! oh well. small doodle under the cut thing! i miss drawing mfb a lot and i plan to do more :]