Hoshistar: OH. MY. GOD! Remind me to never to take a hiatus like that again!
Yusei: You don't have to tell me that. I thought that you would never finish this chapter.
Hoshistar: I don't think I've ever typed ten pages worth for a chapter until now. Well dear readers, I do apologize, but that hiatus did more harm than good for me. Well, now that you know I'm not dead, enjoy the beginning of Arc 2 of my story.
Yusei: This would be the part where I would do the disclaimer, but I'm getting really tired of saying it over and over. I think having done it for the first thirteen chapters is good enough.
Neo Domino City; the Memorial Circuit
The stadium was alive with the enthusiastic cheers of the audience, who were jam-packed into the seats. The MC was just as excited as he spoke into his microphone.
"The last Riding Duel of the preliminary round here in Neo Domino has not failed to impress the crowd. The King's team; Team 5D's, has lived up to hype and expectation as they have breezed through the contest!"
On the track, Team 5D's' last D-Wheeler, Fudo Yusei, prepared for his final strike, which would result in the team's latest win. Declaring battle, his 'Stardust Dragon' attacked the monster on the opponent's field. Yusei triggered one of his set cards; 'Synchro Striker Unit', boosting his dragon's ATK by 1000 until the end of the battle phase. Then from his graveyard he activates, 'Skill Successor', boosting his dragon's ATK by a further 800. His opponent counters with 'Mirror Force', but Yusei activates 'Stardust Dragon's' Victim Sanctuary effect, negating its destruction.
"Now I activate my last face-down; 'Cosmic Blast'; when a dragon-type Synchro monster leaves my field, I inflict damage to my opponent equal to its ATK."
His opponent, not having any means to counter, got hit with the effect of Yusei's trap, ending the Duel, with Team 5D's' victory, and the crowd went wild.
In the observation Tower Mayor Ishida was rather pleased about this turn of events. After the amount of persuading needed to convince Team 5D's to compete in the DX Grand Prix, he hoped they would deliver.
"You've more than earned your legend, Team 5D's. And you in particular, Yusei. You remind me of that young man from 10 years ago."
He chuckled to himself. "I suppose that's no surprise. After all, you were both able to form a bond with a group of disparate souls, and form a team that sticks together through thick and thin."
That evening, Fudo Residence
The six members of Team 5D's were celebrating their latest victory. Carly, Sherry, Mizoguchi, Martha and Saiga were present as well.
"I sure hope that Mayor Ishida is getting his money's worth out of us," said Rua. "Cause I sure am enjoying this."
"I think you speak for all of us," said Jack.
"So," said Martha. "Do you know if you've made it to the Finals?"
Crow handed her a drink. "Not yet. The results will get published tomorrow, but I'm sure we've made it through."
"Well," said Yusei. "We only suffered one loss."
"About that," said Saiga. "Do you reckon that Team made it through? Cause from where I was sitting, it looked like they had designed their decks specifically to beat you guys."
"Doubt it. You're not allowed to switch your decks in the tournament. Aside from the side deck options of course," said Ruka.
At the same time Sherry, Aki and Carly were having a very different conversation, mostly revolving around Carly's pregnancy, into which she was now closing in on her final couple of weeks.
"So, have you thought on a name for the baby yet?" said Aki.
"We have been tossing a few ideas about, but we haven't got any definite ideas yet," Carly rubbed her belly. "Although, we've been considering calling the baby 'John' if it's a boy."
"Why John?" asked Sherry.
"We thought that it would fall into the same line as Jack's. In that it is a Western name that sounds similar to his. By the way Aki, I know it's none of my business, but have you and Yusei considered having a child?"
"Well, Yusei did talk a lot about that a little while after we got married, but not so much after the DXGP started."
"Disappointed?" Sherry asked, a cheeky grin on her face.
"Wha-no. I wish you'd stop making jokes like that."
Carly giggled a bit, earning her a slight glare from Aki.
"Well if we're on the subject then, what about you and Crow?" asked Aki.
"I've talked with him about marriage and eventually having a child, but he keeps saying it's too early for us."
"Impatient much?" asked Carly.
"Don't push him," said Aki. "He probably wants to wait till the end of the tournament."
Sherry sighed. "Guess you're right."
The Next Morning; Jack and Carly's Penthouse
Carly was resting on the couch, something she was doing rather regularly since she entered the later stages of her pregnancy, when Jack entered the room. He came over and rubbed her shoulder. "Feeling ok?"
"I'm fine sweety. How long before they announce who'll be in the finals?"
"Not much longer," he said as he picked up his TV remote. "I'm interested to see who we'll be going up against."
A few minutes after Jack turned the TV on, the announcements for the qualifying teams began, with the MC on screen giving the results with his usual flair.
"All right. The time is finally here. After a fierce series of Duel's worldwide, the eight teams who will gather in the peace-striving city; Neo Domino, have, at last, been announced."
A screen appeared next to the MC, showing eight blank slots; where the names of teams would appear. "The first team, just to get the others excited, is made up of the six extraordinary individuals who saved this city not once, but twice and is led by the world-famous 'King of Riding Duels'; Team 5D's!"
Jack grinned. "See? Knew we'd get through."
Carly giggled a little. "Ok, no need to get all high and mighty on me."
"Next, is a Team from Switzerland. Wielding the might of their frozen mountain-top home, and led by one of the most promising female D-Wheelers to come about in recent years; Team Blizzard! From Germany is a team that wields the ancient powers of the dark arts; Team Arcane!"
"From America, a team that delivers despair and infection to their foes, it's Team Infestation! From China, they fight alongside the creatures that personify the flames of destruction, Team Inferno!" "From the land of the Greek Gods comes a team who have the powers of the heavens on their side; Team Omega! One more team from Japan; in fact from Neo Domino as well. They are the swift pursuers who mete out justice, that's right the Security backed team; Team Justice!"
"Aren't those guys being backed by the current head of security?" said Carly.
"From what I heard, yeah they are. They've certainly done well."
"And finally, a team from Malaysia, consisting of seven rising pro duellists, who've battled long and hard for an opportunity like this; Team Dragon-Force!"
After the presentation wrapped up, Jack turned off the TV and reclined on the sofa next to his wife. "That's certainly an interesting roster," Jack commented.
"Rather."
Then the doorbell rang, and Jack silently hoped that whoever it was, it wasn't a news reporter who wanted to get something out of him regarding the finals. When he did answer the door, he found himself facing a member of Security.
A little while later; Security Bureau HQ
Jack had been asked to come to this building for an, as of now, unknown purpose.
Must be important, considering that man said that all members of Team 5D's have been asked to come here.
After entering the building, he was led to an office at the top of the building. When he entered he saw that the rest of his team were already there.
"You're finally here then," said Crow.
"Just making sure Carly was fine at home. So, any idea why we're here?"
"I can answer that."
The Team turned to see a man, probably in his mid to late 40's, enter the office. He had green eyes, short pale hair that curled outward from either side of head. He wore a purple overcoat, with orange details on the cuffs and collar. Yusei gave a small smile, recognizing the individual.
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Security Director; Jean-Michel Roger."
"The pleasure is all mine, Team 5D's," he replied, stepping to shake hands with Yusei. "And you in particular, Mr. Fudo. You should know that I took on this position because it was my desire to protect the peace you and your teammates had given us."
"Well, I'm glad we could inspire an individual as notable as yourself."
After taking a seat at his desk, Jean decided to get right to it. "As you know this tournament was orchestrated by the Mayor as a means to celebrate the peace in Neo Domino and to another extent, the world."
"That much is common knowledge," said Aki.
"Yes, that may be, but, and I can understand if you think I'm being paranoid, but I believe Mayor Ishida may have an ulterior motive for this tournament."
Ruka raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure, you're not letting your position with him cloud your judgement?"
It was a well-known fact in Neo Domino that Director Jean and Mayor Ishida do not get along. There are also rumours that Jean secretly covets the position of Mayor and is looking for any kind of evidence to discredit the current Mayor, all the while maintaining an image of a dutiful enforcer of the law.
"That's probably true, but I have been informed that a couple of years ago, several fugitives from justice disappeared off the grid, and the Mayor himself specifically told me to drop the investigation. Also, I've heard that Ishida himself was being, well…I suppose, hunted, for lack of a better term."
Yusei was confused for a moment why he used the word 'hunted', but suddenly a memory was jolted in his mind. "Do you know who was looking for him?"
The rest of the Team looked at him, all with a puzzled expression.
"Well, I don't have any proof. But I do have an inkling as to who it might be." Jean pulled a remote out from a drawer and a screen appeared behind him, the image that was being shown was one that the group had seen not too long ago, in fact they had all seen it just a few minutes prior to coming here: the image of Team Dragon-Force.
"The young man in the middle is the Team leader. I believe him to be the one who was hunting the Mayor. Why, I do not know."
The man in the middle looked to be about the same age as Yusei, Jack and Crow. He had dark skin, violet eyes, and vibrant blue hair, with lighter blue highlights witch spiked up on either side of his head.
"Could he be…?" Yusei half muttered.
"Hm? Do you know him?" said Jean.
"No," said Yusei. "I was just wondering about something."
Jean wasn't really convinced, but decided to let it slide. "Well then. I just wanted to let you all know that there may be a possibility that there is something more to this tournament," Jean pressed a button. "If anything should happen just contact me."
Three men appeared at the door. "You called sir?" said the first man.
"Yes. Shinji, Kenji, escort Team 5D's out of the building, except for Aki Fudo."
Yusei and Aki looked at him. "I just need to speak to your wife in private."
Yusei looked at Aki, who nodded. Taking that as confirmation, he left with the rest of the Team.
After they left, Aki said, "So what did you want to say to me specifically?"
"When I mentioned the six fugitives who'd vanished from police files, I didn't mention that I still have their names on file."
"And what does that have to do with me?"
Jean didn't speak right away. "One of them was man called Seer."
Aki felt a shock go through her very being. "Are you sure?"
"Yes. Given that you were both members of the Arcadia Movement, I thought it would be best to warn you at least."
Aki thought back to what Seer had said at the Wedding reception. "He did say he was working with someone who wanted to have my help as well as my husband's."
"So you've met him? In this city?"
"Yes," Aki said quietly.
Jean nodded. "Well, do let me know if you make contact with him again. I can have a Duel Chaser track him."
"Thank you."
"You're most welcome. Goro, escort her out of the building."
Goro nodded and led Aki out. After they had left, Jean let out an exasperated sigh. "Just what are you up to Ishida?"
Outside
While the rest of the group were waiting for Aki, a conversation had been struck up, mostly due to the fact that Shinji, Kenji, and Goro were the members of Team Justice.
"So, I take it the Director is backing a Team in the DXGP because of his suspicion of the Mayor?" said Rua.
"Well, that is part of the reason. But mostly he just allowed us to participate when we expressed our interest in going against you guys," said Shinji.
"It has been a dream of ours since we saw you guys participate in the WRGP," said Kenji.
Presently, they heard Aki and Goro come out of the building. Aki looked a little distraught, but quickly hid it so her friends wouldn't notice. "We're done."
"Alright," said Yusei. "I hope you guys do well in the finals."
"You too," said Shinji.
"Well, we are hoping that we get a shot at you guys in the finals," said Goro.
Jack smirked. "Well, good luck trying to stand against us if that happens."
As Team 5D's headed away from the Bureau building, Ruka asked Yusei a question. "Why were you interested about who had been, supposedly, hunting Mayor Ishida?"
Yusei thought about his answer for a bit. "When Director Roger mentioned it, I remembered what Kiryu had told us about how he had heard about the tournament. And about the duellist who gave him that info."
Crow's eyes widened. "So, you're thinking that Team Dragon-Force's leader, is the guy Kiryu met?"
"If that's so," said Aki. "we'll be seeing him soon, the DXGP finals begin within a few days. Which means that we may find out how he knows you."
"Oh yeah," said Rua. "I forgot about that part until now."
The group pondered about this for a bit, before going their separate ways back home.
That Evening; the Twins Penthouse
Rua was watching the TV while his sister sat at the computer doing a bit of research.
"What are you looking at sis?"
"I'm trying to find info about Team Dragon-Force. See if there's any indication about the leader and how he may know Yusei."
Rua glanced in her direction. "So it caught your attention then?"
Ruka paused her typing. "Kind of."
Rua came over, and peered over her shoulder. "So his name is Hoshi Hikari? Name doesn't ring a bell."
"No, but, I did find out that his father was a leading card designer at Industrial Illusions."
"Really?" Rua said, almost exclaimed. "Anything on the other members?"
"Yeah, I'll go through them. First there's Hoshi's wife; Hana Hikari," Ruka highlighted the red haired woman standing on Hoshi's left. "They got married a few years ago and she is considered the queen of the Malaysian circuit, while her husband is considered the king." She then moved to the young man on Hoshi's right, who wore a red scarf. "Sect Hikari is Hoshi's younger brother."
"They don't look similar at all," said Rua. "Must be adopted siblings."
"He says he owes his success to his older brother's guidance, and he's grateful for the chances he's been given to show his skills. The couple standing next to him are; Taro and Yasashi Kotaishi," Ruka said, highlighting the spikey auburn-haired man, and the sea-blue haired woman next to him. "Taro's career started around the same time as Sect's. He says that his wife, Yasashi, constantly gives him her support and keeps telling him to give it his best. The two of them have made a name for themselves as Malaysia's top tag-team duellists."
"Hey," said Rua. "I think I recognize this guy," he pointed to the black-haired man standing on the furthest left.
"That's the former king of the Malaysian circuit; Shinrai Kuro."
"That's right, I remember hearing a news article around the time after we beat the Dark Signers, that he had lost his title. So the guy who beat him must've been…"
"Yep, you guessed it. He lost to Hoshi. The two of them share a rivalry, and are also good friends as well. The last guy is Hiroshi Jinsoku. He's been a close friend to Hoshi for some time, after they met at the same tournament where Hoshi stole the champion title from Shinrai. He says that Hoshi helped him to broaden his horizons as a duellist."
Ruka thought that, as a team, these seven were quite a tight-knit group. If any team had a chance of taking down Team 5D's, it would be this one.
That night; Crow and Sherry's apartment
Crow and Sherry were settling down for the night. After pulling the duvet over them, Sherry rested her head on his chest almost immediately.
"What's on your mind?" she inquired.
Crow sighed. "Well, as if finding out that our current Mayor may have a shady past wasn't enough, now we've been slammed with the possibility that he may have an ulterior motive for this tournament."
Sherry rolled her eyes. "Now I know why you're a little bogged down."
Crow put his arm around her. "Just once I wish I could play a tournament here, at home, without someone trying to cause the ****ing apocalypse."
"That's a bit much don't you think?"
"Maybe. But I do wonder about that Team Dragon-Force."
"The team who's leader seems to have a keen interest in Yusei?"
"Yeah."
The couple settled down for the night, letting their worries melt away.
The same time; Town Hall
To say that Scorch was not pleased, was an understatement. Seer thought his eardrums were going to burst at this rate.
"I'm serious about this! Why don't you ban them from entering the country? They could derail everything and you know it," Scorch continued.
"Be that as it may, if I were to follow your suggestion, I'd end up drawing even more attention to myself," replied the man sitting in the chair; the same individual Scorch's complaints were being directed at.
"Give it a rest Scorch," said Zapper. "What's the worst that could happen?"
Before Scorch could reply, he was interjected by the soft-spoken Lucius. "We have the element of surprise on our side. Even if they know of our activities, Team Dragon-Force can't afford to act rashly."
"Mr doom-and-gloom is right," said Lilith, who was sat on their boss's desk. "As long as we're here we have the advantage."
"But if they were to get the help of Team 5D's? Then what?" said Seer.
Everyone in the room looked in Seer's direction.
"That is a possibility," said Andro.
Their boss leaned forward in his chair. "I don't think it will come to that."
"How can you be sure?" Seer inquired.
Their boss smirked a little. "Because their leader is a lot like Yusei, he will bear the burden himself."
Next Morning, Over the Pacific
A jet was flying over the ocean as it made its way to Neo Domino City, Japan. It was the private jet of Team Dragon-Force, and Hoshi Hikari had been silent for most of the journey. He was wearing dark blue jeans, a light grey shirt with a red svastika in the centre and a sky blue sur-coat that reached down to his mid back. Sitting next to him was his wife, Hana. Hana wore a deep red full-sleeved blouse, and a turquoise corset over it, and a pair of deep blue palazzo pants completed her look. She rested her head on his shoulder, causing him to look at her. "Feeling nervous?" he asked.
"Sort of. It's been so long since I was last in Neo Domino," said Hana.
Hiroshi was sitting in the seat in front of the couple, along with Sect. Hiroshi wore a deep red and grey tracksuit with black wristbands, while Sect wore a short red scarf, beige trousers and a blue t-shirt.
"That's right," said Hiroshi. "You used to live in Neo Domino City before your family moved."
"Anything you could tell us about it, Hana?" asked Sect.
"Guys. Don't be so hard on her. It's been quite a number of years, so everything she was familiar with may have changed," said Yasashi, who was sitting across from Hoshi and Hana. Yasashi was wearing a silver grey sleeveless dress with a wraparound skirt, which was tied at her waist with an obi-like belt. She also wore a teal coloured caplet, which was fastened around her neck with a small tie. Sitting next to her was her husband, Taro. He wore light brown trousers, a short-sleeved yellow hoody, and a black waistcoat.
"Well we can't help but be curious, you know? It's Neo Domino City. The place where the Riding Duel was born," said Taro.
"Huh, men," Yasashi said with a sigh.
Up front was Shinrai. He wore black trousers and a grey shirt, along with a dark-grey trench coat. He also wore red stud earrings. "I know we're all looking forward to this, but what about the other reason we're going?"
"We'll deal with that issue as it arises," said Hoshi. "For now everyone, let's just enjoy the DXGP to the fullest." The rest of the team all voiced their agreement.
That Afternoon, Jack and Carly's Penthouse
Carly was sat on the sofa, waiting for Sherry and Mizoguchi to turn up, Jack had already left for the Riding Duel Circuit Nexus to attend the welcoming ceremony for the international teams. Sherry had been coming over during the entire tournament, keeping her company. With her being in the last stages of her pregnancy, she was glad for the support she was getting from all her friends as well as her husband. There was a ring at the doorbell, and Carly made her over to the door, knowing who it was. Sure enough on the other side was Sherry and her butler.
"I thought you wouldn't get here in time," said Carly as she made her back to the sofa.
"Mizoguchi, lend her a hand."
He nodded, and helped Carly back to the sofa.
"I thought we'd be late as well. The traffic is unbelievable."
"Due to the new teams arriving, I'd wager," said Mizoguchi.
After settling down, Carly grabbed the remote and turned the TV on.
At the same time; Riding Duel Circuit Nexus
Melissa Claire, a reporter for the Neo Domino Times, was at the Nexus, covering the welcoming ceremony, for all the DX Grand Prix finalists who were coming from overseas.
"Hello everyone, this is Melissa Claire reporting from inside the Riding Duel Circuit Nexus, where the Finals for the DXGP will take place. The two local teams; Team 5D's and Team Justice are already here in the Nexus. In just a few minutes the overseas teams will be here, so stay tuned."
A few minutes later, several cars pulled up at the entrance. The first team who exited was Team Omega, who were followed by Team Blizzard, then Team Infestation, Team Inferno, Team Arcane and lastly; Team Dragon-Force. As the Teams made their way inside, being greeted by enthusiastic cheers from the crowd, the members of Team 5D's had their attention mainly focused on Team Dragon-Force. As the Teams congregated inside the Nexus, Mayor Ishida stepped up to the observation platform to give a welcoming speech.
"You who have gathered here in Neo Domino City, I would like to congratulate you for making it this far. This tournament was designed to celebrate the peace that we have all worked towards in the past decade. As the Finals for the DXGP progress, show us all what it means to be a true Riding Duellist, who fears nothing."
As the crowd cheered at the Mayors speech, only Team 5D's, Team Justice and Team Dragon-Force weren't that taken with it.
"Now then," Ishida continued. "I would like to mention that the Leader of Malaysia's Team Dragon-Force; Hoshi Hikari, is the son of one of Pegasus J. Crawford's leading card designers at Industrial Illusions."
This announcement was met with quite the response, but only made Hoshi cringe.
"Since we have such an honoured guest here, today, I would like to propose an exhibition match, between a member of Team Dragon-Force, and any opponent they choose from one of the other Teams."
Everyone within the Nexus was a little surprised to hear the Mayor's proposal. But after thinking on it, Hoshi said; "Very well. As a way to get the audience's blood pumping for the finals, I accept your proposal."
"Are you sure about this Aniki?" asked Sect.
"It will be fine. Besides, I'm not the one who's going to Duel," he said, turning to Shinrai.
Shinrai got the message and smirked.
"Being generous are we?"
"I know you've always wanted a shot at him, so, now's your chance."
Shinrai stepped forward, proclaiming himself to be the Team's Duellist for the exhibition duel.
"Very well," said the Mayor. "And who shall be your opponent?"
As everyone tensed at who Shinrai's choice would be, without any hesitation he pointed towards his desired opponent; "I challenge the King of Riding Duels; Jack Atlas!"
Everyone was taken aback at his bold choice for an opponent, but Jack himself kept a serious expression as he accepted Shinrai's challenge.
Shinrai and Jack took up their positions on the Duel Arena platforms, and without wasting another second, they began the exhibition match: "DUEL!"
Shinrai LP: 4000, Jack LP: 4000
Shinrai: Turn 1
[Shinrai summons 'Dragunity Aklys' (LV: 2, ATK: 1000, DEF: 800) and activates its effect, allowing him to summon a 'Dragunity' monster from his hand and equip it with 'Aklys'. Shinrai special summons 'Dragunity Militum' (LV: 4, ATK: 1700, DEF: 1200) and then equips 'Aklys' to 'Militum'.]
"So, he plays a 'Dragunity' deck, does he?" said Crow.
"A theme that consists of Dragons and Winged-Beasts, with a focus on using the Dragon-type tuners as equip cards to enhance the more powerful monsters, making them stronger," said Rua.
Jack simply huffed at his opponents opening move. "If that's your best, then this won't be any challenge."
"Don't underestimate my Dragunitys, they are more than capable of standing up to you. I can assure you of that, King."
[Shinrai activates 'Militum's' effect, allowing him to special summon a 'Dragunity' card in his Spell/Trap zone. Using this effect he special summons 'Aklys back to the field as a monster, then tunes his 'Dragunity Militum' (LV: 4), with his 'Dragunity Aklys' (LV: 2).]
"From atop a cloud covered mountain, a new order will now take their first steps into battle. Synchro Summon!" A white Dragon with a rider mounted atop its back emerged. "Knight of Honour, 'Dragunity Knight – Gae Bulg'!" (LV: 6, ATK: 2000, DEF: 1100)
[Shinrai sets one card face-down, and ends his turn.]
Jack: Turn 2
[Jack special summons 'Vice Dragon' (LV: 5, ATK: 2000, DEF: 2400), and as a result its ATK is halved (ATK: 2000-1000). He then normal summons 'Force Resonator' (LV: 2, ATK: 500, DEF: 500), and uses it to tune his LV: 5 'Vice Dragon'.]
"The ruler's shouts echo throughout. Hammer of Victory, shatter the very earth. Synchro Summon! Flap your wings, 'Exploder Dragonwing'!" (LV: 7, ATK: 2400, DEF: 1600) "I am more than aware that your 'Dragunity Knight – Gae Bulg' can banish a Winged-beast-type 'Dragunity' when it battles to increase its ATK by that of the banished monster's. But when 'Exploder Dragonwing' battles an opponent's monster with a lower ATK than its own, it will destroy that monster at the start of the damage step."
"Well, you certainly live up to your reputation, King."
[Jack commands his 'Exploder Dragonwing to attack. Due to its effect, it destroys 'Gae Bulg before it can counter (Shinrai LP: 4000-2000). Jack sets two cards and ends the turn.]
Shinrai: Turn 3
[Shinrai begins his turn by activating one of his face-down cards; 'Call of the Haunted', allowing him to special summon 'Dragunity Militum' from his Graveyard. Next he activates 'Transmodify'; By sending 1 face-up monster he controls to the Graveyard, he can special summon 1 monster with the same Type and Attribute as that monster in the Graveyard, but 1 Level higher from his deck. Sending 'Militum' to his Graveyard, he then special summons 'Dragunity Primus Pilus' (LV: 5, ATK: 2200, DEF: 1600) and then normal summons 'Dragunity Dakspear' (LV: 3, ATK, 1000, DEF, 1000).]
Now that I have the necessary materials, I can summon my ace, thought Shinrai. But he then felt as though that someone was watching him intently. He turned to see it was Hoshi, who seemed to know what Shinrai was planning. Realising that Hoshi wouldn't allow his next play in this duel, Shinrai reluctantly decided to switch tactics.
[Shinrai activates 'Hand Destruction' making both players discard two cards from their hand and then draw two new cards from their decks. Shinrai then tuned his LV: 5 'Dragunity Primus Pilus' with his LV: 3 'Dragunity Darkspear'.]
"Proud warrior of the new order, take flight now and drive away the enemy with a beat of your wings. Synchro Summon! Knight of Justice, 'Dragunity Knight – Barcha'!" (LV: 8, ATK: 2000, DEF: 1200)
"But that monster is weaker than 'Primus Pilus'," said Ruka.
"Don't be fooled sis," said Rua. "When 'Dragunity Knight – Barcha' is Synchro summoned, it can equip as many Dragon-type 'Dragunity' monsters in the Graveyard to it as possible and for each one equipped, it gains 300 ATK."
"Also," said Yusei. "Don't forget that some Dragon-type 'Dragunitys' can give bonus effects to the monsters they're equipped to."
"So that's why he used 'Hand Destruction'," said Aki.
[Shinrai then equips four Dragunitys from his Graveyard to 'Barcha' (ATK: 2000-3200). The monsters equipped are 'Dragunity Aklys', 'Dragunity Darkspear', 'Dragunity Javelin, and 'Dragunity Brandistock' which allows the equipped monster to attack twice.]
"The difference between your 'Exploder Dragonwing' and my 'Dragunity Knight – Barcha' is exactly 800. Add to that the effect of 'Dragunity Brandistock', which gives me two attacks this turn, and I'll have pulled off an OTK against the King. Now, take this!"
['Dragunity Knight – Barcha' attacks 'Exploder Dragonwing' (Jack LP: 4000-3200), then attacks Jack directly, resulting in an explosion. But as the smoke clears, Jacks face-down is revealed; 'Ray of Hope' halves the battle damage he was about to take. (Jack LP: 3200-1600).]
"Huh, so you survived."
"A small attack like that was not going to make me flinch. 'Ray of Hope's' other effect allows me to special summon a LV: 1 monster from my hand. I special summon 'Attack Gainer' (LV: 1, ATK: 0, DEF: 0)."
"I'll end my turn."
Jack: Turn 4
[Jack activates 'Spell books from the Pot' allowing both players to draw three cards from their deck. Jack activates 'Double Summon', first calling out his 'Small Piece Golem' (LV: 3, ATK: 1100, DEF: 0), and then his 'Twin-Shield Defender' (LV: 4, ATK: 700, DEF: 1600). Jack then tunes his 'Small Piece Golem' and 'Twin-Shield Defender' with his 'Attack Gainer']
"The pulse of the king now forms a line here. Witness the power of the rumbling heavens. Synchro Summon! My soul, Red Demon Dragon!" (LV: 8, ATK: 3000, DEF: 2000)
"So, that's 'Red Demon Dragon'," said Taro.
Yasashii turned to Hoshi. "I swear Shinrai was going to summon his ace for a minute there."
"It's better that he didn't, no need to cause alarm this early on. Besides, if he loses, Shinrai has the perfect incentive to try his best in the Finals. This duel was a way for me to get his fighting spirit charged," said Hoshi.
[When 'Attack Gainer' is used in a Synchro summon, Jack can reduce the ATK of a monster his opponent controls by 1000 until the End Phase ('Dragunity Knight – Barcha' ATK: 3200-2200). Jack the reveals his face-down card; Trap card 'Synchro Strike', which boosts the ATK of a Synchro monster by 500 for each material monster used for it ('Red Demon Dragon' ATK: 3000-4500).]
Shinrai knew he would have had a fighting chance if he hadn't held back. He made a mental note to confront Hoshi about this afterward.
"This is what happens when you challenge the King!" declared Jack. "Now fall before my 'Red Demon Dragon'! Absolute Powerforce!"
['Red Demon Dragon' pulverised 'Barcha' with a flaming claw, resulting in an explosion (Shinrai LP: 2000-0).]
Duel Result: Jack Wins
Shinari stepped down from the duel platform and re-joined Team Dragon-Force, not looking pleased. "Any reason in particular you didn't want me to use that card?" he said to Hoshi.
"This was a test," he said looking in the direction of the Mayor. "He wants to judge our strength, to see if we're still the biggest threat to him here."
Back with Team 5D's, Jack voiced his suspicion that Shinrai may have held back.
"But why?" said Ruka.
"I don't know. It would seem that of all the teams here, they are certainly the most mysterious," Jack said as he turned towards Team Dragon-Force.
As Aki looked over as well, she noticed Hana Hikari looking back, giving Aki a small wave and slight smile. Aki didn't know what to make of it, so she didn't openly respond.
Mayor Ishida proceded to congratulate the Jack on his splendid victory, and then announce the layout for the Finals; as with most tournaments, there would be two brackets, four teams in each bracket to start the Quarter Finals. The screen then displayed the placement of the teams. In Bracket A was Team 5D's, Team Justice, Team Omega, and Team Arcane, while Bracket B had Team Dragon-Force, Team Blizzard, Team Infestation and Team Inferno.
"We'll have to make it to the Final if we want to take on Team 5D's," said Hiroshi.
"That's assuming they don't get beaten along the way," said Hoshi.
Meanwhile, Team 5D's were concerned with their first opponents; Team Justice.
At the same time; Security Bureau HQ
Jean-Michael Roger had been watching the coverage of the welcoming ceremony, and he found the first match-up a little suspicious.
"Is he planning to see how serious I am to get to him? If he suspects me that much, I have no chance of getting him out of office. And as for Team Dragon-Force; just what is their stake in all of this?"
Next Chapter Preview: The finals for the DX Grand Prix kick-off with Team 5D's against Team Justice. As their fierce spirits clash, we learn about the reformation of the Security Bureau, and how Kenji, Shinji, and Goro became enforcers for a new breed of Duel Chasers who weren't hunters, but defenders.
Hoshistar: Well, do keep your fingers crossed that I don't slack off again.
Yusei: ...
Hoshistar: Why are you staring at me like that?
Yusei: Um, just wondering about why you and Hoshi Hikari not only share the same name, but also why you look a lot like him.
Hoshistar: Uh, never-mind. Let's just call it off.
Yusei: Ok, uh, sure.