Our story begins in Altru City, a booming metropolis, that boasts an impressive competitive dueling scene. The city is defined by it's tall, beautiful skyscrapers which pierce the skies and proudly show off each of the various companies sponsored duelists. The sponsoring of duelists became a fad in the city after a professional duelist named Takehoko Konido won the "Altru City Duel Gauntlet", an intense dueling tournament that pits various pro duelists in a round robin to decide the champion of Altru city. Takehoko, known by the nickname "Blade", was able to use his Noble Knight cards in order to sweep the competition and win the tournament. And as per the rules of the tournament, he was able to have his name and status immortalized in the champions hall in the city hall. It was one of the cities most popular attractions and garnered the viewing of many city goers, tourists, and various companies in search of a talented duelist to sponsor. One of these onlookers was a young man named Toshiru Ishinaka, an upcoming high school 1st year who had always looked up to the various pro duelists which stood tall at the top of the dueling scene. He had started playing duel monsters as a child for fun, but as he grew older it became a dream of his to enter the pro league and stand on the same stage as his idols. However due to his subdued and quiet nature, he never seems to stand out to others. This story will show his development and evolution, as he tries to gain the title of the #1 duelist in Altru City.

One week after the "Altru City Duel Gauntlet"

"Damn, that Takehoko sure is tough! Really makes you wonder if we could even hold a candle to him if we ever got into the pro league!" Tanio said excitedly

The tall boy said as his messy hair was blowing in the wind. He could be described as a plain looking person who didn't care about how he looked to others. It was shown by his bed head, and his insistence to wear his signature red jacket and black jeans. Despite both being rather outdated fashion wise.

"Yeah... he sure is. Did you hear he's going to our high school this year?" Toshiru said in a quiet voice, as if they would ever get to meet someone like him

"Of course I did! Who hasn't heard?! If I see him I'm definitely going to challenge him! I mean think of it, his Noble Knight deck versus my Shield Deck? It sounds like something out of a storybook, the ultimate Sword against the Ultimate Shield!" Tanio boasted as he puffed out his chest in confidence

"Yeah, you're right haha... that'd be an intense match for sure. The thought of challenging someone like him is enough to make anyone hyped up, and not to mention nervous" Toshiru said quietly

"Come on Toshi, grow a backbone! I mean you were the best duelist back in our middle school club right? You could take on Takehoko easy, like super easy, ultimately ultra supremely easy-" Tanio said as he patted his friend on the pack supportively

"I get it, I get it. It's just..." Toshiru said unsure of himself "How could someone like me ever challenge someone like him? He's strong, cool, popular, outgoing. Everything I'm not haha..." Toshiru said sulking

"Don't say that, I mean you're you right? That already makes you like, a bajillion times cooler than most people! You just have to have more confidence in yourself is all, I mean you have the skills to be just as good as any of them!" Tanio said proudly

"Thanks Tanio, that means a lot. You're right, my road to the pro league is just getting started! We should go finish our registration for school though, it's almost closing time. Besides, I won't have to deal with anyone that strong for a while haha" Toshiru said as he turned the corner leading to the school entrance.

*THUD*

"I-I'm sorry! I was so caught up in talking to my friend! Are you alright?" Toshiru said as he picked himself up from the ground after running into the stranger

"No no, it was my fault. I've been trying to evade the paparazzi to get my registration done." said the blonde boy. He was dressed in a black suit, tie and all, he looked like he just came out of a fashion magazine. His shining blonde bangs covered his sunglasses.

"Paparazzi...?" Toshiru said in confusion

"H-hey Toshi, d-do you know who that is?!" said Tanio in shock

"Huh...?" Toshiru looked at the stranger again and his eyes became wide as he realized who he had just walked into

"I should introduce myself, my name is..." the blonde haired boy said as he removed his sunglasses and scarf

"Takehoko"

How will Toshiru and Tanio react to meeting their idol? Find out in chapter 2!