"Come on out! Playmaker!" The Knight of Hanoi spoke, riding on the digital sea that stretched through the air.
…Except he wasn't a Knight of Hanoi. Underneath his disguised Avatar he was Go Onizuka, and this was his chance! To defeat Playmaker, to once again become the center of the dueling world! It was a brilliant plan, not that he was one to brag. Playmaker couldn't possibly turn down the chance to fight a Knight of Hanoi right here out in the open. And once the duel was accepted, he would unveil his true identity and prove once and for all that he was the greatest duelist. No one needed to be worshipping some sort of vigilante as long as he was around. Yes, he would-
"Knight of Hanoi, you are under arrest," A security drone spoke in its metallic voice, appearing alongside Go. Before Go could react, it projected a field of blue energy, putting Go's avatar in Stasis. He could no longer move.
"You will now be transported to the authorities."
This wasn't how this was supposed to go!
"Well, well, well," the chief of police said, slowly and deliberately walking around Go's chair in the interrogation room, Go's hands chained together. He was a tall man with blond hair and a soft spoken voice. "to think that the world's leading Charisma Duelist would in fact be a Knight of Hanoi. What a scandal."
"Sir, you've got it all wrong! I'm innocent!" This was the worst. He had planned to regain his position at the top of the dueling world, and instead he had gotten arrested on charges of being a terrorist! He felt sick to his stomach. Was his dueling career over? No, he couldn't let it end like this!
"Innocent?" The chief questioned, finishing his circle around and returning to face Go on the other side of the table. "Why would an innocent person declare themselves a member of an organization that just a few days ago infiltrated the network and killed several people? That's not the sort of group one wants to be associated with."
"It was all just a ploy to lure out Playmaker!"
"Yes, I'm well aware. Playmaker is one of your organization's enemies, after all."
Go groaned in frustration. "You're not listening to what I'm saying!"
"You'll find that I'm listening quite well. And in fact I want you to keep talking. Where is your organization based at? What is your next plan of action? Who is your leader?"
"I'm telling you I don't know!"
It seemed as if the questioning would continue like this for some time, were it not for a knock on the door.
"come in," the Chief spoke. And in stepped Akira Zaizen.
"Zaizen?" The Chief pressed, "what brings you here?"
"I believe there has been something of a misunderstanding."
It was an hour later that Akira and Go exited the police station, the latter cleared of all suspicion. Akira, who had been mostly to the point while in the station, giving his word and filling out paperwork to ensure Go's release, turned to speak.
"You acted recklessly. It was fortunate I was here to help."
Go growled. "I could've handled things on my own."
"You'll find that claiming allegiance with the Knights of Hanoi is not a crime easily forgiven, especially in light of current events."
"…Why did you come to bail me out in the first place?"
"Because I didn't want to see an innocent man behind bars. And also because you remain a valuable asset to our cause."
Go scowled. "I told you, I refuse."
"Even now, after all I've done for you?"
"I didn't ask for your help."
"In any case," Akira continued. "If you wanted to try such a bold plan, you should have told SOL ahead of time. We could have made an allowance for you."
"Why are you telling me this?"
"Just because, if you care to take a second try, you'll have our full support. Just try to tell us ahead of time."
Go silently mulled his words over, but said nothing. Once it was clear that Go had nothing more to say, Akira simply said "another time then," and turned to leave.