During the Multiverse Grand Prix, Jexi was inside the ship as he looked over the deck he was putting together for the Buddy Masters while listening to TV set to the world.
"In other news, four more fighters have been selected for the upcoming Buddy Masters. For Dungeon World from the Darkness Universe, Miss Onyx Dark of the Dark Royal Family. For Katana World from the Shinto Universe, the shrine maiden Chihiro Shinbari. For Danger World, a fighter from an unknown universe who only answers to Zane and finally for Ancient World, a mysterious fighter who calls himself the priest. That's all for now. Only three more worlds that need to be represented." the newscaster said.
"So...Zane's gotten into Buddyfight. This is not gonna be easy then." Jexi said continuing to build his deck.
"I know what you mean. A lot of big names coming into this thing." David said. "Plus there's Yoko, Marco, Mana, Francisca and Ace. They all want a shot at this, but there are only three spots left. And no disrespect to Ace, but I don't think he'll be competing if you already have the Legend World spot."
"Ace? I didn't even know he played." Jexi said.
"He's been interested ever since the news came in, but the main thing is that he chooses to use Legend World. I don't know what's with the guy and setting expectations so high." David said.
"Yeah. This Buddy Masters is a special tournament that has been set so it picks ten from their home world and 10 from outside of it. And the only slots left are for Dragon World, Darkness Dragon World and Star Dragon World." Jexi said.
"Riku's gonna get the Darkness Dragon World spot. There's no doubt about that, either him or Shade. But the other two...I think it will come down to Mana and Yoko. But...can we be sure that they'll be good enough to keep up with it all?" David asked.
"But they're so new. You think they'll be picked?" Jexi asked.
"That's why I'm not so sure. But there's Zane. He picked on it, and he's already been recommended." David said.
"Yeah apparently he followed a rule meant for fighters outside the main world. Apparently the invitations can be won if a challenger beats a picked rep in an official buddyfight." Jexi said.
"A way to not just find newcomers with possible talent but also to see powerful strategy and fighters. No surprise Zane went at it if he heard I was in it."
"Wait, time out. You can win an invitation?" David asked.
"Yeah but the only thing is the person has to use the same world as you." Jexi said.
"Hmm… That is quite an interesting development." David said.
"From what I heard, many challengers faced those other people too only to get beaten." Jexi said. "So we need to watch our backs."
"I hear that. I'm used to having a target on my back." David said. "I know all about what it's like."
"Same here." Jexi said. "Though most of those are Flux."
"Flux… I swear, that guy just has nothing better to do than just mess with you." David said. "If you ask me, he might need a hobby. Something to get his head off those machines he keeps building. Still, we have a lot of people interested in this tournament. With only 10 spots, one in each world, it's gonna be tough to thin out."
"I know. It's gonna be pretty exciting though when the battles come." Jexi said. "I've been improving my legend world deck just for the event."
"I've been sprucing up my deck, too. But considering who my partner's gonna be, I'm not sure if it'll amount to anyway. I mean, Tetsuya's win-loss record isn't exactly what I would call...assuring." David said.
"Oh yeah. Well, you can breathe easy for right now. The partners for the masters haven't been set yet. Apparently they'll be decided randomly." Jexi said. "So there's a chance you won't end up partners with him. That rule was set up so certain people wouldn't team up with tournament favorites. For example...Hope picking to be with Gao."
"Oh yeah. Gao's always been his go-to guy, hasn't he?" David asked.
"Yeah but that's only because he was the first person Hope buddyfight alongside of." Jexi said.
"Though, I think that's a good point. If Hope wants to get better, whether in being a hero or buddyfights or anything considered competitive, he needs to get out of his comfort zone." David said. "And here's how we do it. As the days roll by before the Buddy Masters Cup, we'll hold a mock tournament of our own."
"Hmm. That would be fun. And it would give me the chance to experiment with my new deck." Jexi said.
"Alright. Shall we gather everyone and let them know?" David asked.
"Definitely. After all...with this Multiverse Grand Prix thing going on...we could use something to take our minds of it." Jexi said.
"Are we talking about a buddyfight tournament without me?" Hope said standing in the doorway.
"Uh...have you been standing there since the start of the conversation?" Jexi asked.
"No, I just overheard you guys as i was heading back to my room after the second race." Hope said. "I'm not that awkward."
"Well you were hearing right. We were planning to hold a mock tourney here on the ship." Jexi said.
"Sounds perfect. I was looking for a chance to run with my new deck. I had to re-organize it because the original concept of it was getting a little crowded with all my original cards." Hope said.
"I was looking to spruce up my deck too. Heard there were some new cards that would fit it real good." David said.
"Yeah. As for me, I've taken a whole new approach with my heroes and made things a bit more...interesting." Jexi said. "Though I won't tell you what."
"Alrighty. Let's gather up the guys and see about putting together some matches." Hope said.
"Hold it. You should know we're planning on having some of the newer players fight too. That includes Ace." Jexi said.
"Oh, thanks for the heads is, a few of my guys wanna play the game too. I think i even saw Luna and Croagunk trying to put a deck together, but i don't know what world she would fight for." Hope said.
"Okay….not sure why you mentioned that but we'll see if she gets picked. We'll keep the tournament down to 8 players. 4 veterans and 4 new players." Jexi said.
"Gonna be hard to break the news to some of them." David said.
"I'm sure it won't be that hard. It actually will be pretty fun for us and the newer players." Hope said.
"Okay. For right now, veterans are me, David and you. And newcomers are Ace, Mana and Yoko. We still need one more for each." Jexi said.
"Hard to guess. I was thinking either Francisca or Marco." David said.
"Hmm. How about we go with Francisca? She seems like someone who would be good at this." Jexi said.
"Good point. Alright, I can get her in." David said. "Now for the last vet. There are so many to pick from."
"I would think Sunset, probably. But then again, she'd have to totally rework her deck, considering all the stuff that happened during the events of her adventure." Hope said.
"Hope, I don't think we need to go through Enma Unleashed again." David said.
"Look. Here's how we'll do it. I've written the names of ten veterans and put them in a hat. Name I draw, that's who gets the spot." Jexi said.
"Sounds fair." David said.
"And our last vet is…" Jexi said drawing the name. "Wendy Marvell."
"Wendy? She played before?" David asked. "I...didn't know that."
"Yeah, she played during the Gaen Cup as a Dragon World fighter. Oh right, you weren't around during that." Hope said.
"Yeah, I was too busy getting wrapped in Junko's chaos, scurrying the streets like a rat." David said. "Thanks for taking her down, by the way."
"Once again, you're welcome. Well, that's it. Eight fighters all set." Hope said.
"I can already tell this will be fun." Jexi said.
"Let's give Ace and the others a real game to remember." Hope said.