Yugioh Arc V: A New War

by HunterHQ

Peace reigns supreme throughout the 4 dimensions as calm is restored, the war ended and the worlds united thanks to the efforts of the lancers. However this was not to last. A new evil existing since the time of the original dimension is beginning to awaken. In this new war who will win and who will survive? (Takes place between previous 2 stories)

25. Chapter 24

Chapter 24

It was late at night and the moon rose over the sky and the stars glittered in the night over Heartland. As everyone was inside getting their rest in preparation for the next day, all was still, except for a shadowed figure moving towards the newly constructed Duel Tower that was developed inside the Duel Coaster Stadium, where the resistance camp once stood during the inter dimensional war. Appearing at the foot of the tower was a male figure covered underneath a grey cloak, standing at the bottom of a stairway leading to the entrance. He awaited a few moments before another male enshrouded in a grey cloak stepped out of the doors and stood above where he was at the top of the stairs "I trust everything is in order partner?" he asked.

His accomplice nodded, "That's right, in fact, I've selected the ideal agents to aid us in our cause." he said, "By tomorrow when Heartland Duel School reopens, they'll be sure to give those from Academia, a welcome they'll never forget." he concluded with a grin underneath his hood.

The other male then smirked underneath his with disgusting pleasure, "Excellent. I'll be sure to keep a close eye on matters and make sure they run smoothly." he replied, "In the mean time, I'd like you to continue scouting out anymore potential new recruits in Heartland. If we're going to make Academia suffer like how we did, we'll need as many duelists as we can rally to our side."

"I'll do just that." the other responded before voicing in some concern, "But what about the lancers? No doubt after that preemptive strike we dealt the previous night they're bound to be here by now. After their previous exploits and accomplishments in the other dimensions, they are not to be taken lightly." he said.

"You need not worry yourself too much, they're nothing more than distractions." his partner replied without any worry, "With the power we've acquired from that man, should the situation demand it we'll deal with them swiftly when they least expect it. They'll never know what hit them until it's too late." he voiced out as he reached into his sleeves and pulled out a pair of cards which glowed in a malevolent pink aura around them, as his eyes underneath his cloak glowed pink with the cards.

"Hehe, yeah you're right, we have nothing to worry about for sure." his partner replied grinning deviously as he pulled out a pair of cursed cards himself as his eyes flared dark pink with the cards.

"With this new power, we shall not only avenge the wrongs committed to us, but justice will finally be served." His partner declared with full confidence in their success, ready to take revenge on Academia.

(Next morning)

As the next day came, the city streets were filled with the sounds of excited cheers as crowds lined up at the gates of Heartland Academy. Once the building was known as Heartland Duel School and was divided into the Spade and Clover branches, but the xyz dimension's symbol of education and nurturing young minds for the future was devastated in the war and with it so was the hopeful future that came with it, as its' students were forced to wield their duel disks as blades to fight a war instead. Now however, due to the combined efforts of the 4 dimensions, the school had now been reborn as a new and improved beacon of hope, Heartland Academy. Where a ruin once stood, now was replaced with a large, glassy circular building where it was divided in half at the center, with several courts within its arena like space and several other facilities and features branching out from it. The new school brought immeasurable amounts of joy to its returning students as they couldn't wait to return back to learning environment they enjoyed most, and maybe experience even more than before!

Among the many individuals gathered at the entrance and barely able to hold in their excitement were none other than Yuto and the Kurosaki siblings, as they stood within the sea of people and barely managing to hold their spots with everyone else pushing and tugging at one another hoping to get a better look at the facility or to shift forward. Yet none of the 3 wavered in their determination to stand firm and pass through the gates of their once proud school, "Isn't this exciting Yuto?" Ruri cheered with pure joy brimming over her face, "After so long we finally get to go back to school! Oh I can hardly wait! EEEEE!" she screeched in excitement clenching her fists all pumped up while skipping about like a child, despite her adolescence inside she was just like a child who couldn't wait for her turn to go on a ride.

"Hahaha, the feeling's mutual Ruri." Yuto laughed with his face brightening up, feeling warm and comforted to see her happy like she was back before the war. Looking around to see everyone just as pumped up to go through the school doors he couldn't help but chuckle to himself, "It's rather ironic considering that last time, many would have been distraught at the thought of having to return to school. Though considering what we've been through, I'd say that anyone and everyone would be more than willing to return." he thought.

"Judging from our surroundings I'd say everyone else here is thinking the same thing as we do Yuto." commented Shun doing the same as his friend, "It's only been months and yet it seems like forever since we stepped upon these grounds."

"I agree Shun,"Yuto nodded, "Only this time, I'm certain it'll be even better than before."

"I really like its' new makeover," said Ruri who was completely captivated by the new sights and additions to their school, "I can't wait to see what new things it has to offer. Oh doesn't it just fill you with excitement, I almost feel like I'm going to explode!" she cheered once more and stretching her arms out widely.

"Hahah, slow down Ruri, no need to let it out all at once." chuckled Yuto calming her down as he placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Yeah, if I remember something Yusho mentioned to me while I was working under him, its that every good thing should be enjoyed slowly rather than all at once. That way you'll be able to treasure the moment all the more." added her older brother waking up to her before looking around them, "And besides, Allen and Sayaka aren't here yet, you wouldn't want them to miss out on the experience would you?"

"Not to mention, like a good meal, it'll be far more meaningful and memorable to share with friends." added Yuto having remembered something his foster mum Yoko had told him once when they were at dinner, in fact his new parents were so filled with great words of wisdom and inspiration he took them all to heart never forgotten even once.

Ruri then sighed calming herself down, "I suppose you're right Yuto…." She then looked around feeling somewhat concerned as it had been almost half and hour since they first got to their spot in the crowd and waited for their friends to arrive, "Still, it isn't really polite of them to keep us waiting like this." she said.

"True, I wonder what's keeping them." added Yuto as he and Shun began to mirror her expression, "Hope it isn't anything serious though." he added feeling worried if it may involve Heartland's recent incident, knowing Sayaka was affected the most by it.

They were almost about to begin worrying when a familiar voice called out along with a raised arm poking out from the crowd in the direction of the voice, "Hey guys!"

They immediately turned around to see a familiar boy and girl heading up towards them through the crowd and brightened up at the sight of them, "Allen! Sayaka! Good morning." called out Ruri in joy as Shun and Yuto brightened up at the sight of their friends.

"Heheh, sorry we're late," Allen snickered and grinned as he headed up to them, "Hope we didn't keep you waiting for too long."

"Oh no worries about that, it's all good." Yuto replied.

"We were just worried that you wouldn't be able to make it for the grand opening of the new Heartland Academy," added Shun who smiled with relief, "But now that you're here that's all that matters."

"Heh, better late than never I suppose." the poncho boy breathed with relief, "Thanks you guys, you're the best."

"Hahaha, don't mention it." Yuto chuckled before his smile vanished and was replaced with an expression of curiosity, "I am rather interested though, what was with the hold up?" he then asked.

"Yeah, usually you guys would be the ones waiting for us, not the other way around. Did something happen?" added Shun.

Before Allen could say a word however, Sayaka interrupted him, "I apologise for the delay, it's all my responsibility." she said in a rather monotonous voice to everyone's surprise. In fact, her face was rather expressionless and her eyes' pupils seemed to have vanished, making her almost lifeless.

"Y…you Sayaka?" her friends then asked rather surprised.

She then nodded, "The minute I woke up this morning, I was busy thinking about everything that had been happening lately here in Heartland and then began setting myself new goals to achieve. I was so focused on it all that I accidentally lost track of time and that's when Allen came for me." she explained having turned to Allen who was eying her with a rather odd expression.

Uneasily, Ruri then asked, "Sayaka….are you feeling okay? You don't sound like yourself at all, not to mention, making plans? That's not like you either…."

"That's what I told her a moment ago." added Allen at the end.

"Let's just say I've taken the time to think things over and for myself," Sayasama answered, "After that I realised that I needed a change of pace and move on with the times just like the city." she said closing her eyes before smiling rather lightly, "Today's a new day in xyz dimension and it's the same for me. You guys won't have to worry about me anymore, I'm certain I'll be able to protect both myself and everyone else from any possible danger that may come to us and our home. You can believe in me for sure." she answered sounding somewhat confident for once. Something which the others found really odd and they couldn't believe their ears.

"I'm….really glad you think that way Sayaka, and I'll say I'm very moved by your determination to get stronger, I fully support your decision to change too." cheered Ruri who was a bit unsettled at first but decided to trust in her close friend's words.

"The same is for me too, great on you Sayaka."

"Mhmm. I'm sure you'll make us proud." replied Shun and Yuto deciding to accept it as how it was.

While the others smiled back at Sayaka feeling rather proud of her 'new resolutions', Allen on the other hand narrowed his eyes in suspicion knowing something wasn't right with the picture he was seeing, "Hmm….."

Checking the time on his duel disk, "It's almost time to open the gates." said Yuto noticing it was almost time and the people around them were getting more restless.

"It's too bad Kaito couldn't join us," said Ruri feeling rather disappointed, "Then again you can't really blame him, he's got plenty of lost time to make up with his dad and brother."

"I can understand what he's going through, though I do hope he can make it the first chance he gets." added Yuto.

"It's not just him," said Allen, "I also tried pitching in a call to Kyoji and Luna, but Kyoji said he had errands to run at the orphanage and Luna simply messaged she was occupied and nothing more." he said shrugging his shoulders.

Shun placed a finger to his chin, "Hmm, they were among the best at the resistance, other than that we didn't really get to know them that much even if they were close partners of Jin." he thought out loud recalling the time Jin left to bring Kaito back and the other 2 deciding to leave and find other survivors further out in Heartland sometime later, before they met up with Jin to start up a second resistance team in the Heart of enemy grounds.

"That's quite a shame, I was hoping to get to know them a little more today….." sighed Ruri.

"Also Jin….." thought Yuto as he remembered the friend his age who helped him when he needed it most one time, and was kind enough to let the resistance use his home, the duel lodge, as a base should the situation ever demanded it. "Ryuga, Nushi and Yamata as well….just what is going on….." he thought again hoping to get to the bottom of this crisis as soon as possible, and hopefully get some answers out of their friends regarding their secretive actions and behaviour lately.

Feeling a ptuwat on his shoulder, he found Ruri pointing her finger out towards the front doors of the entrance where a red ribbon was stretched across the doors. It was at that point when a man, whom they assumed to be one of Yusho's staff workers, dressed in a bright formal suit and top hat stepped up at the front holding a pair of large scissors in one of his hands, "People of Heartland, it is with great honour that I declare Heartland Academy as opened!" he announced with a low bow before snipping the ribbon. After it was cut, roars and cheers mixed with applause echoed through the city as all the people gathered at the front immediately charged in through the doors like a tidal wave on a beach!

"Well, no point in worrying or feeling bad for them now." thought Yuto deciding to put the matter behind him and live in the moment while he can otherwise he'd be missing out a lot. As the 5 friends went inside together, they took their time enjoying the newly rebuilt and refurbished hallways of their former school now outfitted with a new array of colours splashed along the walls facilities inside. Passing by some of the classrooms they could see newly developed lecture halls and computers built into desks along with a couple of students already getting settled in. Other rooms and facilities they visited included a brand new gymnasium and swimming pool located next to it (even with it's own diving board). Heading outside they also taken the time to get to accustomed to the now repaired tennis court and sports fields too. To all the visitors, it was like they had time travelled into the future, as their old school couldn't compare to what they were witnessing now, filling them with great amounts of joy and excitement, making them almost want to start school again immediately. As they continued to dwell in and enjoy the moment, the school bell rang with an announcement being spoken through he school speakers.

BEEP! BEEP!

"Attention students, please gather in the auditorium in 15 minutes for a special announcement." an electronic voice spoke out.

Everyone looked at each other and began murmuring and conversing with one another, "Special announcement?" asked Yuto out loud.

"What could they be on about?" added Ruri curiously as they went together with their friends and everyone else towards the auditorium located in the center of the Academy.

Inside past the front doors was pretty much the same as last time, where several seats were on the borders of the room both on ground and on upper levels, and in the center was the stage where announcements and even duelling took place before between students or branches. Stepping into the middle of the hall was the same man from the entrance. As he cleared his throat everyone stopped talking and immediately listened to wha he was about to say, "Ahem! Greetings honoured students, visitors and freshmen of Heartland and xyz dimension!" he bellowed excitedly through the microphone, "It is with great honour that I now stand before every single one of you on this momentous day in our dimension's history!" As he began everyone then roared with applause and excitement, while Ruri couldn't help but cheer with the crowds, Allen, Yut and Shun simply smiled in a more reserved manner, though Sayaka however held a rather expressionless face and simply observed. "As magnificent as this occasion is," the announcer continued with much less positive energy than before, "We cannot forget the ordeals we went through during the inter dimensional war and by Zarc. A tragedy it was that we all faced and how each day we lived was a waking nightmare, how deeply we begged in agony that it would all end, as enemy forces grew stronger and ours lost hope…." as he said that in a solemn tone everyone else remained silent having their joy and positively being replaced with bad memories. Some of them were even questioning whether it was wise to bring up old history again.

"Yes, we have all suffered many severe losses in the past, that we cannot ever forget and deny. However, what we can do is move on and learn from the experience in the hope that it will only make us stronger. And in fact, that dream has now become a reality!" As the man called out once more everyone again roared with applause and positive energy again. The man shined a brilliant smile as he held out his arm and spun around to the crowds, "Thanks to the combined efforts and generous contributions by the 4 dimensions, Heartland and the entire xyz dimension has been slowly rebuilding piece by piece and its full restoration shall be achieved in only a matter of days now!" Everyone then smiled at each other seeing it was the combined efforts of all 4 worlds and Yuya who united them all together through duels and smiles, "Very soon, the nightmare we all endured for what seemed like forever shall soon be a memory of the past and nothing more! And we shall no doubt move on to a much brighter and prosperous future!" Everyone cheered louder than ver before with those words. The announcer grinned eagerly as he got to his favourite part of the speech, "Therefore, in order to celebrate the end of the war and to honour our newly developed allegiances with the 4 dimensions, we shall hold an exhibition duel right here in our new Heartland Academy to also commemorate its grand opening and the welcome of duelling to our beloved city once more!" he bellowed at the top of his lungs which caught the awe and shock of the entire audience.

"An exhibition duel!?"

"No way!"

"Wonder who's going to be in it?"

Shun blinked his eyes in surprise, "I definitely didn't see this coming."

"I think it's a really lovely idea brother." said Ruri who smiled warmly and clasped her hands together closing her eyes, "With this xyz dimension finally be able to let go of its old history with fusion and we can all get along like we should, uniting one another through duelling, just like Sensei Yusho always said we should do."

Shun then smiled back at her proud at her answer, "Glad you agree Ruri. I was thinking the exact same way."

"Finally, no more suffering, no more pain and no more crying….all that will be in the past." said Yuto in agreement before turning to Ruri, "In fact, if it wasn't for you there would have been times I would have crossed the line or worse gave up on hope…..thank you." He said remembering how he saw her pleading once with some of her fellow resistance members at the camp hoping for a more peaceful solution despite the ordeals they were going through. If it wasn't for her persistence in wanting to achieve peace he would have given up a long time ago and become merely a vessel harbouring vengeance like Kaito did, only even more so since he was one of Zarc's counterparts and the holder of dark rebellion xyz dragon.

Ruri then smiled back at him, "Hee hee, of course Yuto, I'm sure you'd do the same too….." she giggled.

Little did she know was that Sayaka was eying her rather intently before looking away back at the announcer who was still in his long winded speech.

"She's right about that." Shun thought to himself as he flashbacks to the time when Yuto knocked him out and fully restrained him back when pendulum dimension was standard, and also when he himself was going to cross the line during the war, "If it wasn't for you holding me back time and time again, I would have gone too far a lot more than I already have…..thank you my friend." After that he looked at Ruri with a smile she had grown up since the war, maybe there was some good that came out of their ordeals back then after all. "I never thought I'd see the day when I'd be able to duel for fun and smiles again, not to mention supporting the younger kids who looked up to me too." Shun then said as he laid back in his seat and looked up high.

"Hehehe, sounds like a lot of fun Shun! I just can't wait to get in on the action!" chuckled Allen excitedly as he held a straight fist up to the sky with eagerness. "I think with this we can say we'll all sleep easy knowing nothing bad will happen to us again. Don't you think so Sayaka?" Realising he didn't get any immediate response puzzled him, "Huh?" As he turned to look he noticed her staring seemingly into blank space, no way could she of all people be completely into the announcer's speech.

"…"

"Sayaka?" he called once more as he waved his hand in front of her eyes.

At the sound of his voice she then blinked her eyes suddenly and shook her head, snapping her out of her thoughts, "Oh sorry Allen, I was just thinking to myself about all this." she said turning to her friend who looked at her in a puzzling manner.

He raised an eyebrow win suspicion, "Thinking and keeping to yourself? Not even carrying the slightest expression at all? Again that's waaaay out of character for you." said Allen before leaning in, "In fact, I don't think you've been yourself one bit at all since yesterday evening when we went home. You didn't even seem to care that we didn't manage to see Sensei Yusho, you sure everything's okay?" he asked both suspiciously and out of concern.

Sayaka simply waved her hand out at him, "Oh Allen, really I'm okay. Honest." she said calmly, "I was just think about the efforts that Heartland and Sensei Yusho are putting into not only rebuilding Heartland but also restoring our trust with the outside dimensions. Even, welcoming in the very people who started the war with us in the first place…" Looking down below and seeing people across xyz, fusion and many more all gathered in 1 room excitedly awaiting the exhibition match, she even started to break slight smile "I think….it's great…..all of us finally being able to put behind all our sufferings and bad blood in the past and make peace once and for all….in fact, I can't wait to see what happens next for us, especially with what happened with the Tylers the other night, maybe things will be better."

"Riiiiight….." Allen replied pretending to buy her words, already seeing that her smile was forced and she was clearly hiding something. Though he couldn't figure it out, now clearly wasn't the time to be picking at her as he returned his focus to the event, "I've seen plenty of folks on edge since that incident, hopefully with this we can all forget about it and sleep easy, then again….things are never that simple…." he thought feeling Kayak's facade might be just to hide her worries, or maybe something else.

The announcer carried a rather nervous expression and sweated a bit before regrettably forcing out the next bit of his speech, "Unfortunately due to some unlucky timing, neither our school's greatest teacher Yusho Sakaki nor one of our best duelists, Kaito Tenjo, will be able to participate in the exhibition match to help kick off this new year." he said sadly, earning all sorts of boos and negative rants from the audience.

"Aww….."

"No fair!"

"Say what!? Is that what this is about!?"

"Building up our hopes just to smash them down again!?"

"I want my money back!"

"Boo!" Several held thumbs down or were even tempted to throw rubbish at the poor announcer.

Yuto and the others then sighed in disappointment at the unfortunate news.

"That's too bad I guess…." said Ruri feeling let down.

"Hope Kaito can make it up to everyone else when he gets the chance." added Yuto, "If he doesn't no doubt he'll have a riot on his hands…."

"Agreed…." The others replied to one another.

As the crowds began to feel more agitated and restless, the announcer quickly clapped his hands to get their attention, "Everyone please remain calm and hear us out." he said as everyone remained silent, "We understand how disappointed you may all feel having such high expectations for an event such as this." He then brightened up into an excited and energetic smile, "Which is why in place of Kaito Tenno, will be none other than one of our school's greatest sophomores and now a pro duelist!" He announced at the top of his lungs as everyone became puzzled and murmured to one another over who it could be.

"One of Heartland duel school's seniors?" asked Yuto.

"Who could they be talking about?" added Shun just as curious.

Ruri however gained an idea, "Wait a minute…could it be?"

Her thoughts were interrupted as the announcer continued, "Everyone, please give a warm welcome for Daisuke Katagiri!" As he annocuned to one of the entrances, stepping out from it and onto center stage was a tall young man with brown eyes, along with relatives spiked blond and brown hair, he also sported a red wearing a reddish jacket over a grey inner layer and he also wore a set of jeans. As he flashed a smile everyone seemed to instantly recall who he was and soon the hals were filled with the echoes and sounds of cheers and amazement!

"Whoa!"

As the announcer passed the microphone over to the returning duel pro, he then took the time to say a few introductory words of his own, "Thank you all for this momentous occasion, never in a million years would I ever pass up a chance to return to the very place which helped set me on the path to become the duelist I am today!" he announced as everyone clapped, "Once I stood upon these school grounds as one of you, now I am truly honoured to stand before all of you my fellow students both new and old alike. I will say this, no matter where we come from or what history we may have had, we are all equals here. I do hope we can all become great friends and kick off this new beginning with a bang we'll all remember for years to come!" As he said so everyone started cheering and felt more pumped up than ever, "Without further ado, let's kick off this new school year with an exhibition duel!"

The cheers and capping immediately transformed into roars and applause as they couldn't wait a second longer for the show to start. Daisuke then raised his arm to the hallways at the opposite side of the auditorium, "And for my first opponents, I shall give a heartfelt welcome to some new students who have travelled far and wide across dimensions to come here! Now let's all welcome them right here and now!" A group of transfer students form Academia stepped out from the hallways and at their position on the duel field as they all prepared their duel disks for a match to remember!

"Hehe, he sure knows how to get the crowds rolling." chuckled Allen with an excited grin.

Placing a finger to his chin, Yuto realised he may have met him somewhere before, "Hey Shun, haven't we seen him before? He looks familiar….." he asked.

Focusing his eyes a little more Shun could see what Yuto was thinking, "Hmmm now that you mention it….ah I remember now, we saw him at the duel lodge back when we arrived back in the xyz dimension." he said recalling when they first arrived at the resistance base/refugee home where Jin once lived.

They both then turned towards Allen who seemed to know a fair deal about him, "Hey Allen," he then turned towards them, "Any chance you can tell us about who he is?"

He blinked his eyes in surprise, "Say what? You seriously haven't heard about Daisuke you guys?"

They both then gained rather sheepish expressions at his reply. Looking away or scratching their head.

"Well I guess since you haven't been around Sensei Yusho much I'm not that surprised." said Ruri deciding to shed a little light on them.

They both turned to her in surprise, "Come again Ruri?"

"You mean he's-"

"That's right you guys!" Allen interrupted answering their question, "He's another one of Sensei Yusho's pupils like most of us here back at the clover branch." he said, "In fact, he was one of Sensei's best, second only to Kaito."

Yuto blinked his eyes, "Second? He's….that good?" he asked curiously.

Ruri nodded, "Mhmm, and you should see him in action on the duel field too. He's certainly a sight to behold." she said.

"In fact, he actually graduated from school and made a name for himself amongst the Heartland pros in Spartan City, where the greatest pro duel tournaments in the xyz dimension are held." added Allen, "True he may not be as strong a champion as Kaito is, but he's just as talented."

"Is that a fact?"

"How interesting." Yuto and Shun added smiling with interest, feeling somewhat eager to test their own skills against him, a pro duelist, when they have the chance.

"In fact, why don't you guys watch and see for yourselves, then you'll see where we're getting at." continued Allen as they all returned their attention to the duel.

"We'll be the judge of that."

Soon Daisuke's opponents assembled a myriad of xyz fusion combos, from D.3.S. Frog and Treatoad, Cyber dragon infinity and Chimeratech rampage dragon and even Elder Entity Norden and Outer Entity Nyarla. Little did everyone know was that from within a dark corridor backstage, a certain cloaked inficidual had been observing the entire event from start, and he was less than amused at what he saw, "Tainting our beloved homeland with the filth of fusion…..unforgivable….." he breathed furiously with venom under his hood.

Seeing the competition before his eyes however, Daisuke couldn't help but grin rather eagerly in contrast, "Combining the powers of xyz and fusion together eh?" He in fact enjoyed the thrill of this new twist and challenge, "Your skills are impressive, but not impressive enough!" He eventually assembled onto his field Beast king barbaros, Mosaic manticore and Manticore of darkness onto his field, "Go! Attack altogether!" he declared as all his monsters charged together and unleashed a furious barrage of attacks which took out all the enemy monsters and his opponents in a single turn!

As the explosion cleared, all his opponents were lying down on the ground beaten while he himself did a bow before the audience, earning praise and applause from everyone present.

"Whoa….."

"Okay I'll admit, he's impressive." Yuto and Shun had to admit, to pull of a combo as such to win required not only time and effort, but also a great deal of skill and talent. In their opinion he was indeed a worthy duelist.

"Told ya so!" said Allen while he held his head up high with a huge grin on his face.

"Beating them all like that, with a style of mercy and power, you don't see duelists like that everyday do you?" added Ruri who was quite moved by the display.

"Heh, I wouldn't mind having a go at him any day of the week." chuckled Yuto feeling rather pumped up.

"That goes double for me Yuto." added Shun.

Sayaka on the other hand said nothing in response but simply observed the entire match from start to finish without even mentioning a single word. While no one would really pay attention because of the duel up front, Allen on the other hand never took his eyes off from minute 1, and narrowed his eyes with suspicion.

Daisuke on the other hand made a statement in celebration of his victory, "Yes, they all lost, but on the bright side, they all get autographs and pictures of me!" he proclaimed as he was surrounded by a mountain of fans rushing in to get momentos of this glorious moment.

After that, both Shun and Yuto sweat dropped, "Kinda a glory hog though…." they both thought before smiling lightly, "Still, he does duel to make others happy and to inspire the next generation, I can clearly see Yusho's influence on him."

"Can I get a picture!"

"Duel me next!"

"Can I please have your autograph!?" Each of the fans requested or even begged as they each struggled desperately for a piece of him.

"Hahaha, of course of course, anything for such loyal and devoted fans like yourselves." he replied as he took out a pan to sign whatever they wanted, though it was rather difficult as they continued to push and shove giving him little room to move, "But please, one at a time, there's only so much of me to go around." he chuckled nervously and sweat dropped, showing the downside of being a popular pro.

"Wow, a man with the right balance of strong skill and noble of heart, just what you'd see in your perfect soul mate…" thouhght Ruri to herself feeling rather moved, though her statement was actually out id when her friends could hear her.

"Ruri….." she then turned and jumped in surprise to see Yuto and Shun glaring at her suspiciously.

"O…of course you'll always be number 1 in my heart Yuto! Really!" she quickly stuttered shaking her hands out.

"Hmm….." Shun then raised an eyebrow.

"D…don't look at me like that big brother! I know what you're thinking, but you know I'd never do something like that!" she then blurted out as she blushed red and steamed in embarrassment.

Shun then smirked, "Hehe, I know you're way better than that Ruri, just messing with you." he chuckled.

"Huh?"

She then noticed both Allen and Yuto were snickering in amusement. "You should've seen your face, it was just priceless!"

"My only regret was not having my duel disk's camera feature on."

She then puffed up her cheeks and steam erupted form her ears, "H…hey! That's not funny you guys! Stop teasing me like that! Meanies!" she growled in embarrassment and anger as she started to shake her fist at them, "Or would like to say it straight to my fists!" She then began to pound on them rather mercilessly for a girl, only for Shun to take hold of her and restrain her properly.

Back on the auditorium stage, Daisuke laughed joyously before taking a bow before everyone else, "Hahah, thank you thank you, you've been a wonderful audience. How it deeply pains me that I am all out of time for the moment." he then said sounding as sad as he could.

"Awww….."

"No fair….." everyone moaned disappointedly hoping to have more of him.

He then brightened up and pointed right to the sky, "But never fear, in fact over the next few days I'll be holding a special duelling class right here in Heartland Academy for all our students returning and new alike!" he cheered to everyone's amazement, "It'll be free for all and it'll surely help to inspire and help cultivate some new young minds so we can help build a better Heartland for tomorrow. And should you sign up for it, I might even give you the chance to duel me too!" he announced as everyone roared again in excitement, some of which were more than eager to enrol in his class.

"Whoa!"

"Duelling a pro xyz duelist who's also gonna teach too!?"

"Sign me up already!"

"I am truly honoured to see such enthusiastic young minds among you all." said Daisuke feeling very proud and honoured to be adored and appreciated by so many young souls, "But if you'll excuse me for the moment, I'll be going off to get myself some lunch." he said as he excused himself from the premises.

"See you later Daisuke!"

"Be sure to keep your promise!" They each cried before a group of teachers come form the stands to keep the students in line, also advising them to give Daisuke his privacy.

The cloaked individual kept watch over the entire event unbeknownst to everyone else, "Daisuke eh? Last I checked he wasn't exactly a fan of Academia when they attacked Heartland." he then smirked before turning around, "Perhaps he needs a little reminder about how disgusting and unforgivable they truly are." he thought to himself before melting away into the shadows.

"I've seen enough now, now it's time to make my move." thought Sayaka to herself as she stood up, having seen enough already.

Allen immediately noticed and turned to her, "Huh? Where're you going Sayaka?" he then asked curiously.

"I just need a little fresh air, this room's little stuffy for me." she simply replied without turning to him.

He raised an eyebrow, "Stuffy? Really?" he then sniffed and found the air to be perfectly normal, "It feels fine to me."

"Well….I'm not you okay? Now excuse me for a bit." she replied back before taking her leave after that.

"Okay…" Allen narrowed his eyes knowing there was definitely something going on. He may tolerated her secretive and somewhat rude behaviour at first but now was the last straw, "I don't know what's going on Sayaka, but I'm not buying it…..You've been acting weird since yesterday evening, you're hiding something and I'm going to find out what it is." he thought as he stood up, "Say guys, I've gotta go to the bathroom for a bit. Catch up with you later!" he said to Yuto, Ruri and Shun before he hurried off.

"Okay then, sure."

"See you later Allen!" they said to him.

"Same here, take care you guys!" he replied waving before he hurried doff hoping to catch up with his best friend as fast as he could, "I don't know what you're keeping to yourself Sayasama, but as your friend there's no way I'm going to standby and let you do things behind our backs."

Soon later after that, as everyone else was leaving the auditorium and going off to wherever they needed to me. Yuto and the Kurosaki siblings met up in the hallways together outside, "So, anything else you want to do today guys?" asked Yuto as students walked to and fro past them.

"As a matter of fact Yuto, I-" Suddenly Shun felt his duel dish vibrating, looking at it he saw there was an incoming call.

RING RING

"Hang on a sec." he replied as he stepped away into a more quieter spot away from the moving students, "Hello? Hmm, I see….like now? But I'm currently spending time with Yuto and Ruri now, can it wait?…..I understand, I'll be right there." after ending the call he sighed in disappointment before returning to Yuto and his sister, "Well…..unfortunately Yusho is in need of my assistance back at the grand tent, so I'm going to have to cut our time a little short today." he said sadly.

Ruri frowned, "Really Shun? There's noting you can do about it?" she asked.

He shook his head, "Sadly that's the case Ruri at the moment. Sorry about that, was really looking forward to enjoy the new sights and experiences here in the new school." he said looking around, he had hoped to enjoy more of the school's new atmosphere with his 2 favourite people in the 4 universes. Turning to the 2 of them he then broke into a war smile, "On the bright side, at least you both can have more time for yourselves doing what you want. In fact, you both have my permission." he said patting them both on the head.

As Ruri blushed in embarrassment, Yuto then raised an eyebrow,"S…since when did we ever need permission from you Shun?"

"Since I said so," he suddenly said rather grimly, to their surprise. He then leaned in close to them, a little close for their comfort, "I have to make sure you both don't get up to anything naughty behind my back without my notice after all." he said with fire in his eyes that could no doubt burn the world to ashes.

"Wh…whatever do you mean by that?" They said nervously, for once completely paralysed by Shun'a gaze!

He then suddenly smirked, "Heh, just messing with you." he snickered to their dismay.

They sweatdropped as he turned around and began making his way to the exit, "Just enjoy yourselves, in fact you're on school grounds, nothing bad can possibly happen. But still watch out for each other and say hi to some of our old friends for me will you?" he then asked turning his head to them.

"Of course Shun, we'll take care of ourselves just fine." replied Ruri.

"You can count on me to watch over Ruri and make sure she doesn't get herself into trouble like before Shun, you have my word." said Yuto bowing down.

Upon hearing her boyfriend's words, Ruri then blushed red in embarrassment and pouted her cheeks, "Hey, what's that supposed to mean!? I'm no damsel in distress and you know it Yuto!" she cried out shaking her fists at both Yuto and Shun who couldn't help but laugh at her childish behaviour.

"Hahahaha….." to them she hadn't changed a bit.

"Ugh! You guys are the worst!" she cried out before turning away and pouting, "Hmph!"

Despite the drama that just played, Shun was still at ease knowing that Ruri would be in good hands, "You'll both be fine don't worry about it." he said fully trusting them with the day, "Anyways, I've got to go now, see you both later, ciao." he said as he began to walk away. As he did he made serious eye contact with Yuto whom he was passing by, as if they were communicating with each other telepathically, "Yuto, make sure she's well looked after, I'm counting on you for this."

Yuto narrowed his eyes in response and nodded, "I promise I'll look after her like the elegant nightingale she is Shun, you have my word."

With that Shun then smiled as he parted ways with them and headed outside the school entrance.

"Bye Shun!"

"Take care big brother!" Both Yuto and Ruri called out as he disappeared from sight.

After that they each turned to each other to discuss what they should since they had the day to themselves now, "Well Ruri, anything you'd like to do?" Yuto asked considerately wanting her opinion first, "I actually plan on checking out some of the classes already in session and seeing how the teachers and students are getting along, maybe even say hi to some old and new faces too, get to know our surroundings and all that. You know?" he then suggested.

"That sounds lovely." Ruri replied with a smile.

"Interested in joining me?" he offered.

She then clasped her hands together, "Oh I'd love to Yuto," she replied before her smile loosened up and she turned to a bulletin board on the wall on the other side of the hall, "But, I was thinking of checking out the clubs first, in fact I've seen a couple of new ones on the roster when we were coming in so I wanted to go have a look. Not to mention, I also want to see a couple of my other old friends leading the clubs too."

"I see," Yuto then thought to himself before smiling back at her, "In that case, don't let me keep you waiting. Go ahead and have your time with your friends and we can catch up later."

"Sounds like a plan to me." she answered.

"I know Shun said we'd have to keep an eye on each other but I'm sure splitting up for a couple of minutes would hurt." said Yuto feeling confident nothing could possibly occur in such a short span of time and in such a good time as now.

"Yeah, what's the worst that can happen." Ruri giggled in agreement as they began to turn around and split up, "Catch you later Yuto." she called out as they split up in separate directions.

As the couple parted, little did they nor anyone else in Heartland knew that their daily activities were closely being watched. From the shadows, the head of dark armed, the savage onslaught dragon peered out from one of the empty hallways where only a dim light bulb flickered from above, observing the students passing by while keeping out of sight. As that took place, Judgement, the splendid celestial dragon flew high with the sun directly behind him to remain hidden from plain sight, keeping watch over the newly rebuilt Heartland shopping centre and seeing the people coming in and out of the place. At the heartland theme park, Trishula, the ice prison dragon kept a vigilance looking through the water at one of the river rides, seeing the smiles over families' faces as they had a splendid time enjoying the rides and each others' company.

At a new restaurant district in the city, where several new or rebuilt eateries like the BARian, Poka Poka Restaurant and Do! Do! Donut were being set up, Jin was standing by a secluded lamppost while drinking a strawberry milkshake he got just now from a snack bar, while observing everything the dragons were seeing through their eyes through his own duel disk and all seemed good as he had hoped. "All these people smiling warmly at each other, after a performance like earlier it's not surprising everyone is all warm and genuine." he thought to himself feeling at ease that everything was calm and no conflicts or tension between the masses mixed together, "Guess this shows our 2 worlds finally making peace and coming together like the monsters and the duelists who use them." This was something Jin had been wishing to achieve since the very beginning of the war, despite being a member of the resistance he always believed that establishing peace would be best for both sides and now he could rest easy seeing that was now the case before his eyes. His smile soon vanished and was replaced with looks of concern, "Still, I get the feeling this isn't going to last much longer…..so we'd best remain on guard." His thoughts were soon interrupted as he received a ringing sound on his duel disk.

RING RING

Having read the caller he immediately answered before it could ring a second time, "Hello it's me." he said into the voice receiver. He then raised an eyebrow upon hearing the voice at the end, "You have a lead Luna? Good to know." he replied pleased, "Be sure to inform Kyoji about this and get him ready to move at anytime, and don't worry, I'll see to it that the orphanage is kept safe while he's away." he concluded before ending the call. Having finished his shake he then tossed the cup into a rubbish bin nearby, and as he eventually left the area in a flash, a plump egg shaped robot on 4 small wheels with a sad like cade and a heart stamp on it aside rolled out of the alleyway and began sorting out the rubbish in the bin before devouring the rest and carrying the sorted out trash away in bags.

(Meanwhile)

After the overwhelming experience back at the auditorium, Daisuke was lucky to be able to make some time for himself in the locker room where he could cool off a bit in privacy, "Hahaha, it really feels great to give back to my old fans. Seeing their smiles helps fill me with the energy to see each day to the end." he laughed joyously, "Not to mention those fusion kids were so much fun, I haven't had such a great time duelling for years." As he said that his mind flashbacked to when the great times before then changed lost immedietarly for what seemed like forever when Academia invaded and turning their paradise into a war zone. After seeing so many people get carded he almost felt helpless 24/7 being cooped up at the duel lodge, and the nightmare finally ended when Yuya and the lancers arrived and set everything straight again, even turning their enemies into excellent allies, "It's quite ironic, considering they were the ones who invaded our homes in the first place." he chuckled lightly before sighing. Apparently the memories of all those times still hadn't faded away, in fact every night they continued to haunt him before he slept from exhaustion. Despite the doubts he had he then shook his head clear, "Still, they're actually pretty full of hope and promise once you truly get to know them." he then said to himself, "Maybe, there's a chance we all really can live together in peace and bury the past for good. No doubt we can make a better tomorrow for all of us together."

"You might want to give up on that ridiculous pipe dream while you still can." a voice suddenly spoke out to him from behind to his surprise.

"Huh!?" he gasped and turned around, "Who's there?" He nearly jumped when a mysterious cloaked figure who wasn't there before suddenly appeared before him, "Wh…who are you?" he asked nervously as a bead of sweat dripped from his face.

"Someone who sees what you don't, and that's the truth about Academia." the figure replied to him with a rather ghastly voice under the hood.

"The…truth?" Daisuke asked in confusion.

"That's right." the figure nodded, "Academia, scum of fusion, they are irredeemable, heartless monsters. They can't be trusted and will never change, you've seen their work first hand, all they've done is merely change their approach and the moment they establish a foothold in our own home of Heartland, they'll easily manipulate and doom us all!" he hissed aggressively.

Daisuke blinked his eyes in disbelief, unable to accept or process what he had just been told, "B…but that can't be….I saw it in their eyes…hope, good and sincerity, they'd never do such a thing to us again! I just know it!" he yelled back.

The figure said nothing for a moment before shaking his head in disapproval, "I see that their so called faces of joy have blinded you, deceived you." he said, "I don't blame you though, there was that time when their spy Dennis Macfield had infiltrated our city and we never suspected anything of him." He then reached into one of his sleeves before pulling out a card coated in dark pink aura! "However, with this card, you'll be able to open your eyes and see the truth." He then threw the card before Daisuke could respond!

"Wh….what the!?" before he could react, the card embedded itself deep into his chest before entering and possessing his mind and body completely! "AAAAAAAHHHH!" he cried in pain as dark powers began to corrupt his soul and he collapsed to the ground.

"You'll get used to it soon enough, when you do, heh, you'll be able to pay back those Academia swine a thousand times over." said the figure pleased with his work before taking his leave, "With that, you'll be able to pay them back exactly like how they did to us. I have no doubts about it." After he said that he vanished from sight.

Daisuke remained motionless on the ground for several minutes, but soon he began to stir as he tightened his palm into a fist. As he lifted up his head, they hardened and a dark pink aura glowed within them, "Urgh…Grr….."

A little while later, a trio of transfers from Academia, a pair of blues and a yellow, were walking across the courtyard behind the Academy searching for a certain person in mind. "You see him anywhere?" One asked.

"No, but I was sure I saw him coming down this way." Another replied.

Looking around, the 3rd student caught sight of just who they were looking for and pointed out, "Look! Over there it's him!" he cried. As they turned to where he pointed they saw Daisuke walking out from the locker room, slouching somewhat.

"Daisuke sir! Please just a moment!" they cried out to him as they hurried up to where he was.

He remained silent for a moment before stopping and asking, "Can I help you?" he asked without bothering to turn around.

"S…sorry to barge in on your private time," Yellow asked, "But me and some of my fellow students from Academia would really want to ask you for a small favour." he said.

Upon hearing his words, a sinister smirk appeared on Daisuke's face, "Academia? So you're from Fusion then?" he asked.

"Yeah that's right."

"I know you said you wanted a little time for yourself but we were really hoping you'd consider having a duel with us!" the others then said.

"Hehehe, a duel you say?" he chuckled, "Consider your wish granted."

The 3 students then brightened up and leaped for joy, "Th…thank you sir!"

"Aha! Yeah! I can't wait!"

"You don't know how much that means to us! We're really grateful for this."

"Well then, I'll be sure to give you kids a duel you'll never forget." he said which made them cut their celebration short as they then looked at him in confusion, realising something was off about him. He suddenly turned around with a maniacal look which caught them completely off guard! "One that'll burn into your puny little fusion minds forever! Just like how you burned our lives and scarred us!" he growled.

Their moment of joy soon ended and was soon replaced by shock and fear the moment they saw the demonic expression on Daisuke's face, "H…HUH!?" they all gasped.

"Let's DUEL!" Daisuke declared as he activated his duel disk!

(Meanwhile)

Kaito was walking down the path away from his home at the newly remodelled and rebuilt Heartland Tower, which was slowly being rebuilt to a new and improved form based on the Action Field Neo heartland city. After spending an entire day of playing catch up with his brother Haruto and his father Dr Faker, he was ready to check out Heartland Academy, hoping to make up for lost time with his friends. Having just finished completing Orbital 7 and a number of new robots, which Haruto dubbed litter bots, alongside his father to take care of home and to speed up Heartland's restoration he was on his way down the road for a little while before arriving at the entrance to the new school, "Phew, finally I made it." he breathed as he gazed upon the new school with his own eyes with pride and content, "This sure is a sight for sore eyes, never in my wildest dreams would I have expected to be able to come back here after the war." he thought to himself as he began to step through, "I may have missed the welcome festivites but at least now I'm here to-"

"HEEEELLLLPPP!" A sudden scream from out of nowhere caught his ears.

"Huh!?" He turned around trying to find the direction of where the voice where it was coming from, till he eventually caught sight of an adolescent in a yellow uniform running by frantically with panic all over his face.

"Somebody! Please help!" he screamed at the top of his lungs desperately. He was so caught up in looking for someone to come to his aid when he tripped over an uneven floor tile, "Ack!" he was barely able to use his hands to break his fall, only to land on his stomach on the ground. "Ooof….." he grinned having landed hard on the ground, and almost about to give up all hope. Luckily for him, an unlucky ally was about to come to his aid.

"Here, let me help you." a man said to him as he laid out an outstretched arm to him on the ground.

"Urgh…thanks….." the boy replied lifting his arm up. As he opened his eyes to get a better look at the person who answered him, he felt his heart skip a beat, "H…Huh!?" He jumped up and widened his eyes when he came face to face with a male duelist with a black trenchcoat with light blue-grey eyes, blond curled hair with spiked green bangs. There was no mistaking who this man was.

He blinked his eyes a bit in confusion to the boy's sudden change in behaviour, "What's the matter? What's wrong?" he asked.

"Gasp! Y…you're….Kaito Tenjo!" The boy gasped scampering backwards a bit while pointing out at him.

Kaito narrowed his eyes, apparently seeing him once before at a school signup a few days back, "You….you're one of the new Heartland Academy freshman from the fusion dimension aren't you?" he asked, apparently understanding his worry, considering he himself was well known for defeating many Academia duelists who went after him.

The boy stuttered wondering to himself whether he found someone far worse than who he was running from earlier, "I….I….." he froze in place as Kaito walked up to him, wanting to run but his legs firmly held still. He braced himself for the worse but instead was met with compassion.

"You have nothing to fear I promise you." said Kaito once again firmly, "Now tell me, what's the matter?"

The boy blinked his eyes a couple of times in disbelief, he couldn't believe he was engaging in a conversation with the notorious fusion hunter for over a minute, by now he'd have been sealed into a card. But he then shook his head remembering the reason why he was out to begin with, "C…can I really trust him? He's not exactly friendly with us fusion…..but….I may not be able find anyone else in time…..I've got no other choice now…." he then closed his eyes and grit his teeth as he cried, "I…it's horrible….my friends are being attacked! When all we wanted was just a friendly duel!"

Kaito's eyes widened in shock at the words he said, "What did you say!?" he exclaimed in disbelief.

"I can't tell him it's Daisuke otherwise he'll never believe me….." thought the student knowing that it'd only make him look suspicious, "C…come! I'll show you! You'll believe me when you see it!" he said then.

Kaito narrowed his eyes feeling defensive, for all he knew this could be a ruse to get anyone's attention, but from the way this student was behaving, maybe he could be telling the truth. Inches heart he knew there was only 1 way to find out, "Alright, lead the way then." he said firmly and the student nodded, showing him as they both ran off.

When they arrived on the scene, horror was the only word that could describe what they were feeling deep down inside and the expressions on their faces. Both the other 2 students were badly beaten, 1 of them knocked unconscious and lying down on the ground, and the other, barely able to stand and draw a card, let a lone duel! "Urgh…." he groaned as his vision began to blur and fatigue began to sweep in.

"Aw, what's wrong? Is that all you got!?" mocked Daisuke sadistically while he had Coach king giantrainer on his field with 2800 attack points. "You're no match for me! You've got no right to call yourself a duelist!" He continued to hurl painful insults which pierced the student's heart like a dagger, further weakening his resolve to fight, the fatigue was soon beginning to get to him even further as thoughts of discouragement continued to seep in.

"S…see? Just like I told you…..they just wanted a duel, but then he attacked us mercilessly!" croaked the student with Kaito as they watched from a distance behind some trees, "I was barely able to get away because of my friends….and now…."

Kaito then grit his teeth and hissed angrily under his breath, "Tch! What is he thinking!?" he thought furiously before raising a hand to the student next to him, "Stay here, I'll handle this." he said as he stepped out into the open. Before he could take another step, he felt a tug on his sleeve.

"G…good luck Kaito! Please save my friends…." the student begged desperately with tears in his eyes.

Kaito never imagined he be doing such a thing for a user of fusion, but he smiled back and nodded, "I promise." he replied, "Now go." The student then nodded and hid behind some bushes as Kaito prepared to take matters into his own hands.

"No more…please…no more…." Daisuke's opponent begged as tears from both emotional and physical pain began to get to him.

"Crying won't make anything better! Now go on it's your turn!" Daisuke demanded furiously, with immeasurable amounts of rage and impatience building up in his eyes, "Go on and bring out that last pathetic card I know you want to play! It won't save you!" he then grinned maliciously, "Or should I end you myself?!" At that moment, the student lost the will to continue and collapsed on the ground unconscious, thus causing Daisuke's monster to fade away and ending the duel without a conclusion, "Hehehe, how does it feel to be on the receiving end of the duel disk huh?" Daisuke snickered as he walked up to the defeated student and grabbed him by the neck and lifted him up high, "I never knew beating up on you Academia fodder could be so much fun, you losers ought to quit hanging around our dimension while you still can, or better yet, quit being duelists while you still have the chance! Hahahaha!"

"Daisuke!" a familiar voice yelled from behind him, interrupting his moment of glory.

Turning around, Daisuke then smirked in amusement, "Ah Kaito it's you my old friend." he said, "A little late to the party, but you're just in time to see me finish wiping the floor with these punks who are even lower than dirt!" He said as he began to pull back a punch to the boy's face!

Before he could deal the final blow to the now beaten and battered Academia student, Kaito charged straight at him, taking him down by surprise! "Argh!" Kaito grabbed him by his side and threw him, only for Daisuke to flip himself around back onto his feet to prevent himself from falling down to the ground.

Kaito then quickly grabbed the falling student and settled him down gently on the ground before turning to face the assailant, "What do you think you're doing!?" he demanded fiercely, "Attacking young kids!? Fusion no less!? Have you lost your mind Katagiri!?" he then added in disbelief and immeasurable amounts of confusion and anger mixed in.

Daisuke on the other hand grinned in response after he picked himself up and brushed the dirt off his shirt, "Heh, on the contrary, my head hasn't been this clear in years!" he said before cackling like a maniac, "I finally realised the truth! As long as Academia remains on xyz soil we can never be truly free from their horrendous acts against us!" he screamed, "In fact, their so called declaration of peace is nothing more than a facade! They're simply biding their time to attack us the moment we drop our guard! Heh, well not if we strike first! In fact, once we show them our strength and give them a taste of their own medicine they'll be the hunted and we'll be the hunters!"

Kaito couldn't believe the words that were coming out of his friend's mouth, "You….you've lost it…." He knew him from a long time in the pro tournaments they competed in, he was always a kind and compassionate duelist to any and all his opponents. He never cared whoever won or lost, all that mattered was that both duelists had a great time. But now, he hardly seemed like the same person at all!

"Come on Kaito, what do you say?" Daisuke asked once more holding out his hand, "Together we can cleanse this entire dimension from the filth of Fusion! Then after that, we'll eradicate them from their own world just like they did ours! Doesn't that sound just fun thinking about it old friend?"

At that point Kaito had all he could take, he then tightened his hand into a fist and yelled, "You're out of your mind for sure! We've worked hard to regain peace to Heartland, things are bad enough as they are already and I'm not about to let you make it any worse! No way am I going to let you go through with this!" he growled while hardening his gaze, "I don't know what's come over you, but know this, I want nothing to do with hatred and vengeance against Academia ever again, and I'm going to make sure you don't fall down the pit of hatred that I once did and drag countless innocents down with you."

Daisuke then grit his teeth, "Tch! I actually believed you'd understand our pain, guess I was wrong then." he scoffed in disappointment, "In that case, if you're not part of the solution then you're part of the problem!" he yelled as he readied his duel disk, "Prepare to duel! Maybe you'll give me more of a challenge than those jokes of duelists I crushed earlier!"

"You're the one who'll get crushed Daisuke! You've gone too far and I'm stopping this madness right now!" Kaito yelled as he activated his own duel disk.

DUEL!

Kaito: 4000

Daisuke: 4000

"I will go first!" declared Kaito picking a card from his hand, "From my hand, I summon cipher twin raptor!" a purplish mechanical dinosaur took to the field with a snarl, "Then I activate the spell Level doubler! By sending a card to the graveyard from my hand I can double the level of a level 4 or lower monster I control! Meaning Twin raptor's level now becomes 8!" Kaito discarded Neutrino dowsing from his hand as the raptor's level doubled. "When Cipher twin raptor is used for an xyz summon it counts as 2 monsters! Now I overlay my 2 level 8 Cipher Twin Raptors!" The raptor split itself into 2 before they both dived into the xyz portal. "Galaxy shining in the darkness, dwell in the demonic god of revenge and become my very servant! Xyz Summon! Descend, Rank 8! Galaxy-Eyes Cipher Dragon!" Kaito's signature monster rose out of the portal and flared out its multicoloured wings with a powerful roar!

Daisuke looked up at the colossal dragon unimpressed, "So you brought out your ace already?" he scoffed, "You're getting way too predictable Kaito."

"Maybe, but it's a strategy that works." Kaito replied undeterred, "Then how about this? Using Galaxy eyes cipher dragon itself, I xyz summon a new monster! With this 1 monster I rebuild the overlay network!" He announced as cipher dragon changed into yellow energy as it dived into the xyz portal again! "Galaxy shining in the darkness, bend to my will and unleash vengeance upon my enemies! I xyz summon! Rise! Rank 9! Galaxy eyes cipher blade dragon!" Rising form the portal was a larger evolved dragon which had a pair of vicious blades at the end of its arms.

"That's a new one…." Daisuke whistled rather surprised.

"During the war I've picked up a couple of tricks myself in order to survive on my own, and I'm not about to let you start it up again because of your selfish grudge!" Kaito retorted to his opponent's irritation.

"Grrr…." Daisuke growled with bitterness as he shook his fist with uncontrollable anger at the horrible memories he experienced, in fact it could be seen all over his face as he grit his teeth like a caged beast ready to be unleashed, "We suffered so much in the war excuse of Academia, you should have known that better than anyone else…..I actually thought you'd understand how I felt, but I guess I was just kidding myself." he breathed remembering how when he was at the Duel lodge he among several others were completely helpless despite being among the best in their time, even witnessing several of his fans who were non-duelists get carded before his eyes had scarred him on the inside. "Guess I'll have to do this job myself then! I'll destroy any duelist who gets in my way of avenging xyz dimension, starting with you!" He yelled furiously at the top of his lungs while pointing out at his opponent. He now had a chance to drop his smiling facade which he forced on for so many long months, in order to keep others from not losing any hope, and get payback on all those who wronged him, his fellow xyz and his own dimension.

"You're welcome to try and fail Daisuke." Kaito scoffed holding a stoic expression, "Especially since I'll also be equipping Galaxy eyes with the spell Galaxy Barrier!" A shining forcefield covered over cipher blade dragon. "With this my dragon can't be destroyed by battle and any damage I take involving it is halved!" He announced feeling confident with the setup of his field. "Now I end my turn."

Daisuke then narrowed his eyes, "Tch! Trying to buy yourself time? You've really grown soft. But I'll be sure to smash down your puny defence in the blink of an eye!" he growled aggressively, "I draw!" After he drew he picked another card from his hand, "And to start I play card of adversity! Since you have a special summoned monster and I have no monsters I can draw 2 cards!" He then drew, "Then I activate the training grounds field spell!" As he played the spell, the field around transformed into an ancient dojo field, "With this, by sending 2 monsters from my hand to the graveyard I am allowed to normal summon a level 7 or higher monster without tributing!" he announced taking a pair of cards from his hand, "I send Coach Soldier Wolfbark and Ghost knight of Jackal to the graveyard in order to summon Coach Captain Bearman!" A large bear wearing sports attire took to the field with a big growl "With bearman on the field I can activate the spell Bear's boot camp!" He declared playing the spell, "Now my Bearman can call in a level 4 beast warrior training partner to help me whip you into shape Kaito! So come on out Coach Soldier Wolfbark!" The bear did a series of warmup movements before a portal generated before it, leaping out of it was a silver wold in a full on gym suit and sunglasses. "Next I activate my wolf bark's special ability! Once per turn, he can summon another Wolfbark from my graveyard! So come on in and join the pack!" The wolfbark on the field howled summoning another from a graveyard portal. "Now that the pack is complete I can give you a free class on how to get schooled in a duel! By using Bearman's ability, the levels of all level 4 or lower beast warrior monsters are now doubled!" Daisuke called out as Bearman did a series of warmups which were mirrored by both Wolfbarks, and soon their levels were the same as its' own!

Kaito narrowed his eyes, "That combination gave you 3 level 8 monsters…." he muttered already expecting what was to come next.

Daisuke grinned, "How observant, and since we've duelled many times before in the pro tournaments you should know what comes next! I overlay my 3 level 8 coach monsters!" The 3 beast like monsters changed into red energy orbs as they dove into the xyz portal generated! "Class is now in session! I xyz summon! Rank 8! Coach King Giantrainer!" Rising out of the xyz portal was a large warrior monster in an armoured sports-like getup and had a wide array of exercise tools and weaponry on its back, while wielding a large baseball bat in its arm!

Kaito narrowed his eyes recognising it in an instant, "It's been a while since I saw your ace monster Daisuke…." he said before gritting his teeth, "Tch! And it's obvious what you're aiming for…..and you have no idea know irritating I find that ability of his….."

"Which is exactly the reason why I'll be using it right now!" Daisuke laughed sharing feelings opposite to his opponent's, "By using one overlay unit, our decks are shuffled and then we draw a card and compare them!" The coach king absorbed an overlay unit into its baseball bat as it then slammed it into the ground with a mighty thud on the ground, shaking the area around them violently!

"And if we both drew monsters, the player who drew the one with the lower level takes 800 damage….." Kaito finished begrudgingly, having recalled this combo the last time he and Katagiri duelled in the pro circuit, and he did not like it one bit.

Daisuke then grinned maliciously knowing just what to expect, "So glad you remembered Kaito, after that we send those cards to the graveyard, so you better not get too attached to them." he chuckled, "I'm going to enjoy this very much hehehe….."

Kaito then grit his teeth and hissed under his breath, "Tch! My deck is mostly filled with low level monsters….so this wouldn't go well for me…."

"But it will for me! Now we draw!" His opponent declared as they both drew their card! Flipping it over, Daisuke gained a confident grin, "Heh, I drew level 8 Beastking Barbaros!" He declare flashing the card.

Kaito on the other hand scowled and flipped over his card, "I drew level 4 clone dragon…." he said flashing the dragon.

"Ha! I knew it! Because of that you take 800 points of damage!" Giantrainer fired an energy beam from its back which hit its mark at Kaito!

"Urgh…." he grunted shielding his face with his right arm.

Kaito: 4000-3200

"I've suffered way worse than this…." he grunted.

"Perhaps, but that was then and this is now." Daisuke added, "As powerful as your xyz monsters are, your main deck's made up of so many low levelled monsters I can't even count, meaning you'll be taking 800 points of direct damage easily without me having to lift a finger!" he boasted pointing out at Kaito who hardened his gaze and tightened his hand into a fist.

"Tch!" he grit his teeth in frustration.

"Your lesson isn't over yet, I activate Giantrainer's effect again! Now we reshuffle our decks and draw a second card!" Both duelists' decks shuffled once again as Giantrainer absorbed another unit and slammed its baseball bat into the ground.

"I'm not afraid of you, let's do this!" Tenjo replied ready to take his challenge.

Daisuke smirked at Kaito's strong confidence, "Very well then! Let's go!"

"DRAW!"

As they both drew, Daisuke's smirk grew ever more wide and disgusting, "Well well, I drew mosaic manticore! Another level 8 monster!" he snickered flipping over his card.

Kaito scoffed once more in disappointment as he revealed his top card, "Hmph, you win, I drew level 6 Cipher Biplane…." he said.

"You know what that means, you take damage again!" Giant trainer fired an energy beam once again which exploded in Kaito's face and the same process occurred again to his annoyance!

"ARGH!" he growled having felt the impact this time.

Kaito: 3200-2400

"I really hate this lesson…." Kaito growled as his face became a little scarred from the explosions and he started to fall to his knees a little.

"That's too bad, because I still have one more unit left and I'll use it here and now!" Daisuke announced relentlessly pouring on his barrage of attacks! As his monster used its overlay unit and slammed its bat into the ground both duelists drew, looking at his card, Daisuke grinned disgustingly, "Heh, I drew level 6 manticore of darkness. But, I don't even need to look because yours is obvious lower than mine." he snickered arrogantly but instead was met with surprised as he saw Kaito smirking this time.

"Hehe….So sorry to let you down," he said as he flipped over his card, "But the monster I just drew was this. My level 8 Cipher Serpent!" He revealed an electric blue snake like monster covered in purplish armor at the top and enshrouded in a multicolour aura like that of other cipher monsters, it also had a pair of shining blue eyes and had an open jaw filled with reptilian fangs and an electrical tongue.

Cipher Serpent ATK: 0 DEF: 0 Level 8 LIGHT Reptile

Daisuke took a step back in shock, "What!? Level 8!? No way! You've never had that before!" he gasped widening his eyes.

"Let's just say I've been picking up a few new moves here and there lately," Kaito replied smugly, "And now due to your own monster's effect you now get slammed with 800 points of damage!" Giantrainer turned around and fired the beam from its bat back at its own master, catching Daisuke by surprise and sending him flying back!

"ARGH!" he growled as he landed with a huge thud on the ground!

Daisuke: 4000-3200

"Heh, you'd make a lousy teacher at Heartland Duel School if you conduct your lessons like that Daisuke." Kaito chuckled finding ti rather amusing despite the duel's stakes.

"Tch! I can't believe you actually got that lucky…." his opponent growled as he slammed his fist into the ground and forced himself back up.

"Now that your giantrainer is all out of overlay units, I assume you're finished?" Kaito asked, "I mean, it's obvious your monster is no match for mine so there's nothing more you can do this turn, so you might as well end it right now."

To his surprise, Daisuke instead began chuckling under his breath maniacally, "Heheheh….you assume wrong…."

"Hmm?" Kaito raised an eyebrow suspiciously.

Turning around, Daisuke's expression turned far more psychotic as he burst into uncontrollable laughter, "Hahahaha! Very good! You actually managed to pass my first class Kaito!" he laughed clapping his hands together, "Maybe now you're ready for my advance lesson, and there's way you'll pass the final!" As he said that Kaito widened his eyes seeing a pinkish aura flare around him and his eyes turned red! "It's time I taught you the most important lesson of all! Nothing can stop the power of chaos!" He said picking a card from his hand that was enshrouded in a dark aura, "I activate rank up magic Barian's force!"

"What!?" Kaito gasped in alarm as Daisuke activated said rank up spell, "I've never seen that rank up card before…." he said gritting his teeth unsure of what to expect now.

"After today you'll never forget it! With this spell I rank up my xyz monster into a Chaos xyz monster! So I rebuilt the overlay unit with Coach King Giantrainer!" Giantrainer transformed into a stream of pink energy before diving into a dark xyz portal and it exploded into streams of dark energy! "With the power of chaos flowing through his veins my king of trainers will now be reborn anew! Rank up! Chaos xyz evolution! Appear! Cxyz Coach Lord Ultimatrainer!" Appearing from the green sphere of power was a large silver warrior monster with streams of pink over it and massive 4 arms, as it landed on the field it let out a huge battle cry! It's red overlay unit transformed into a diamond shape.

Kaito then grit his teeth in frustration feeling the monster's aura, "Tch! This monster reeks of putrid energy…." Even cipher blade dragon was getting agitated like its master was..

Daisuke grinned seeing it was coming to his favourite part, "Barian force's second effect now activates! Chaos drain!" Coach lord ultimatrainer suddenly fired out streams of pink negative energy from its arms as it snatched both of Cipher blade dragon's overlay units away!

Kaito took a step back in shock, "Wh…what's happening!?" he gasped in alarm.

"My monster now has the ability to steal the units of an opponent's xyz monster and make them its own chaos overlay units! After that your monster loses 300 attack points for each unit it lost! Since Cipher Blade Dragon lost 2, it loses 600 points!" Cipher blade dragon's units then transformed into diamond like chaos units, and after that it then fell to the ground drained of some of its power!

3200-2600

"That means my dragon is now vulnerable to attack!" Kaito widened his eyes.

"Precisely! You get an A! Too bad an A in this case means a massive beatdown!" Katagiri boasted confident his next move won't fail, "Go Ultimattrainer and school this fool! Take out Galaxy eyes cipher blade dragon with flurry of blows!" The warrior let out a battle cry as it charged forward and began unleashing a barrage of fist blows to Kaito's barrier!

"Did you forget?! With Galaxy barrier's effect my dragon is-"

"That's where you fail!" Daisuke interrupted, "With Barian force's final effect my chaos xyz monster can negate any effect that would negate destruction by battle!"

Kaito gasped and widened his eyes in horror, "What!?" He watched as the barrier began to crack under pressure from all the incoming blows. He then grit his teeth and shouted another statement of defiance, "Even so, with its second effect the battle damage I would take is cut in half!" As the shield shattered and Coach lord unleashed its fury upon Galaxy eyes, who roared in pain before exploding under the immense barrage of attacks, Kaito then braced himself as the incoming blast shook him heavily! "Urgh…." He grunted barely able to stand, he had faced all kinds of xyz challenges before, but this new chaos power was something he never once experienced.

Kaito: 2400-1800

"I'll give you an A for effort at least, but too bad that was pointless!" Daisuke called out, "When my monster destroys a monster in battle I can activate its special ability! Go! Ultimate trial!" Coach lord then let out another battle shout, "By using all of its chaos overlay units you must shuffle your deck and then draw a card for each one, if you pick up any level 4 or lower monsters you'll take damage equal to its attack points!" he called out as his monsters absorbed all its 3 units, "The best part of this, is that you'll be destroying yourself and its thanks to the monsters in your own deck!" he laughed pointing out at Kaito who was basically right where he wanted him.

"Tch! There is no way I'd ever hire you as my teacher…." Kaito grunted in annoyance at the fact many of his monsters happened to be level 4 so he knew this was going to hurt quite a lot. He then opened his eyes firmly, ready to brave the trials ahead of him, "Regardless, as a student of Heartland duel school I would never skip out on any class, so I'll go along with your little lesson and get it over with." he said firmly.

Daisuke then grinned maliciously at his words, "Someone seems rather confident, maybe you'll change your tune when you draw!"

"Hmph, we'll see!" Kaito retorted as he drew his card. He then narrowed his eyes and grit his teeth in frustration as he flashed his card, "Tch! I drew level 4 Cipher wing…" The mechanical wing monster revealed itself from his hand.

"Level 4? That's too bad because now you take 1400 points of damage!" Daisuke laughed as the monster exploded in Kaito's face and pushing him back several feet!

"ARGH!" he growled as the impacts rattled him and he fell down to his knees clutching his side!

Kaito: 1800-400

"Urgh…." he panted as he forced himself back onto his feet and had clutched his side painfully.

"Hahaha! One more draw and it's game over for you!" Katagiri laughed pointing out at him and his agony!

"Grrgh! The duel isn't over yet!" Tenjo growled unwilling to yield.

"Maybe but you still have 2 more draws to go, now get to it! Draw already!" his opponent then demanded impatiently.

"If you insist…" Kaito then grunted as he drew. Seeing it he then smirked lightly, "Too bad…for you. I drew the trap Cipher shield!" he said before discarding it.

"Tch! How unfortunate," Daisuke hissed in disappointment before grinning once again, "But I'm not too worried, you still have one more draw left and class isn't dismissed yet, so the moment you pick up a monster it's bye bye to the rest of your life points!" he laughed feeling confident that his victory was secure.

To his surprise though, Kaito showed no signs of despair or giving up just yet, "I'm not too worried," he said reaching for his deck, "Because this next card will be just what I need to win this duel and put an end to your lousy lesson Daisuke." he declared.

"Oh please! Get real Tenjo! You're finished and you know it!" his opponent called out finding his statement to be absurd.

Kaito then closed his eyes and calmly explained, "Under normal circumstances perhaps….even I felt finished many times during the war for Heartland, even like giving up no matter how many soldiers I defeated several more took their place." he said recalling his days in solitude as he patrolled the streets hunting for anyone who so much wore an Academia uniform or wore a fusion duel disk, or for anyone who had the guts to come after him. Yet no matter how many he defeated it seemed like there were several more replacing them, further angering him and filling him with despair. "But that was when I met Sensei Sakaki and his son Yuya." his thoughts calmed down as the silhouettes of the 2 great entertainment duelists manifested within his mind and they began to fill his duels and even his own life with meaning again during the dark days of Heartland. "They both taught me to never give up on hope until the very end, and right now I see a hope and a way to win!" He then declared as he reached for the top of his deck, "Behold my resolve! HA!" He drew the card with all his might and as he flipped it over he then revealed it, "I drew a level 1 monster! Cipher Specter!" The monster that he revealed next was a faceless ghost enshrouded in a ragged cloak which had all the rainbow colours of the other cipher monsters, as well as surrounded by flames in rainbow light.

Cipher Specter ATK: 0 DEF: 0 Level 1 LIGHT Zombie

"Level 1? Ha! That means it's over and you lose!" Daisuke laughed triumphantly.

"Heh, you're only half right Daisuke." Kaito chuckled to his surprise, "While my monster is less than level 4 I won't take damage excuse it has 0 attack points!" he declared.

His opponent widened his eyes in surprise, "0…0 attack points!? No way!"

"Guess that means I'm still in this duel doesn't it?" he replied calmly.

"Tch! I set a card facedown and end my turn." Daisuke muttered in frustration as he set a card being call of the haunted. If anything happened he'd be able to get a monster on the field to protect his life points.

"There's one more thing you ought to know." said Kaito after that.

"Oh yeah? What's that?" Daisuke raised an eyebrow and asked.

"When both cipher serpent and specter are sent to the graveyard their special abilities automatically get triggered!" Both monster cards rose out of a graveyard portal and glowed, "I can now add 2 cipher cards from my deck to my hand! And I know just the cards to put you in your place once and for all!" He confidently declared as a pair of cards ejected from his deck, "The cards I chose were rank up magic cipher pursuit and cipher diffusion!"

The sight of the 2 cards made Daisuke skip a beat, as well as throwing a wrench into his plans, "N…NO!" he cried.

"Looks like it's my turn then, and I draw!" Kaito declared as he drew, ready to end it this very moment, "It's time to finish this Daisuke." he then said seriously, "Maybe it's time I taught you a lesson of my own, never get cocky even when it seems you have your opponent on the ropes. Too bad some just have to learn that the hard way…." he then opened his eyes and glared daggers at his opponent, "Not only are you defiling our peaceful city after we worked so hard to achieve it, the very monster tarnishes the purity of what we hold most precious! Therefore it is my duty to not only protect Heartland but to also wipe this stain clean from xyz dimension!" He then played the spell he acquired, "I activate the spell monster reborn! With it I revive Galaxy eyes cipher dragon!" His signature ace monster appeared from the graveyard with a loud roar, "I activate cipher spectre's effect from my graveyard! By targeting a cipher xyz monster on my field it attaches itself as an overlay unit!" The light ghost rose from the graveyard like a spirit before changing into a yellow unit orbiting the dragon, "Now I activate galaxy eyes' special effect! By using an overlay unit I take control of your monster, turning it into a galaxy eyes cipher dragon! Cipher Projection!" Swallowing its unit, galaxy eyes shone radiant light over Coach lord.

Daisuke grit his teeth viciously and in frustration, "Tch! I'm not going down that easily! I activate Ultimatrainer's final ability! Once per turn it can't be affected by monster effects!" The chaos xyz monster bellowed a loud battle cry as it began punching away at the light until it dissipated.

"If there's one thing I've learnt during my time in the war, it's that to always have a second blade should the first ever fail." Kaito replied unfazed, "I activate rank up magic cipher pursuit! Since the difference between our life points is 2000, I can rank up Galaxy eyes into a cipher xyz monster 1 rank higher! Now I'll show you the power of a true xyz evolution!" Galaxy eyes then glowed bright yellow before diving into the xyz portal, "Galaxy shining in the darkness. Release the forever unchanging light and become the beacon that illuminates the future! Rank-Up Xyz Evolution! Descend, Rank 9! Neo Galaxy-Eyes Cipher Dragon!" Rising from the xyz portal was the evolved form of cipher dragon and Kaito's most powerful monster of all! As it took to the field it flared its mighty wings which glowed in a spectrum of bright colours and it roared powerfully shaking the area around them!

"Tch!" Daisuke then grunted as he could barely hold himself in place with the power of the dragon's roar!

"Looks like it's your turn to get schooled Daisuke!" Kaito declared ready to begin the endgame, "Due to cipher pursuit's other effect I can activate Neo Galaxy eyes' effect! Cipher Super Projection!" Neo galaxy eyes devoured all of its units as it shone immense light from its wings and bathed its enemy in it, "Now your Ultimate trainer becomes a neo galaxy eyes cipher dragon on my field!" The cursed xyz monster soon transformed into a second neo galaxy eyes after it disappeared from Daisuke's field.

3800-4500

"Tch! You may have taken my monster, but I won't go down so easily! I activate the trap Call of the haunted!" Katagiri shouted defiantly, "Thanks to this I can revive a monster from my graveyard, and I choose my Coach King Giantrainer!" His original xyz monster appeared on the field but Kaito reminded unfettered.

"How futile, because I activate cipher diffusion!" he declared playing the last card in his hand, "Now by reducing the attack of my copy Neo Galaxy eyes to 0, my original dragon can now attack you 3 times this turn!" The clone dragon's attack points dropped down while the spell powered up the original with immense power, causing it to roar ferociously as it began charging bright energy spheres in its 3 jaws!

4500-0

"Grrr! This can't be….I was so close! How could I lose!?" Daisuke cursed himself on the inside as negative energy continued to run wild inside of him in frustration of his loss.

"Are you ready to repent?" Kaito asked menacingly his signature statement before raising out his arm and declaring his attack! "Go! Ultimate Cipher Stream of Destruction!" His xyz dragon's 3 heads roared greatly as it fired a powerful spectrum blast from its' 3 jaws which completely enveloped Daisuke in its radiance before ending in a mighty explosion!

BOOM!

"AAAAAARRRGGGHHH!" The blond haired man wailed as he was blown into the air and crashed down several feet away with his entire deck scattering across the pavement. He then collapsed on the ground falling unconscious as a crater was left in the ground where he once stood.

Daisuke: 3200-0

Kaito: WIN!

As the monsters vanished Kaito's legs began to give way as he fell forward on his knees, "Huff…..that was actually more difficult than I expected…..glad it's over with now….." he panted as the toil he experienced in the duel began to catch up to him. Turning around he found the boy he saved earlier tending to his 2 friends' and their injuries as well as helping them up, at least to their knees. Smiling to see the genuine good between them, it helped lessen the former animosity he held against them before and headed towards them after forcing himself back onto his feet. As he got close the 3 students looked up at him with anxiety, recognising him as the heartless hunter of fusion during the war in Heartland. Expecting the worse, the 2 who were beaten closed their eyes and shivered hoping their ordeal would end soon.

"Relax guys, he's on our side." their pal then said suddenly which made them open up their eyes in surprise.

"H…he is?"

"Say what?" they gasped blinking their eyes a couple of times in disbelief at the words their friend just uttered.

Their friend nodded, "I'm the one who called him here to help you out. He's a good guy, really."

As they looked uneasily towards Kaito, "Are you alright?" he then asked as they all looked up towards him, seeing his eyes filled with concern and compassion, something they ever thought they'd ever see from him considering they were from fusion dimension, which proved how he truly had let go and moved on from his past before.

"Y…yeah….thanks for the save….."

"I don't know what would have happened if you didn't come to our aid in time." they each said both grateful and unsure, "Never thought I'd actually be thanking the hunter of Academia for saving our skins."

Their friend then bowed himself and began grovelling at Tenjo's feet in gratitude, "Thank you….really….thank you…." he said while shedding a few tears from his eyes.

Kaito then smiled warmly, seeing that Academia weren't all heartless after all, "No thanks are necessary, I simply did what was right. It's what anyone should've done." he replied to their surprise and relief.

"But…why would you risk your neck out for us? After what we did to you and the xyz dimension in the past?" one of them asked.

Kaito closed his eyes in thought and his smile vanished, "It's true, even now I still may harbour some scarring memories and bitter feelings towards Academia had done…." he said as the boys became rather regretful and nervous as to what he may do to them. He then continued, "Even if we did have some old history between us, attacking you like that and oppressing you as such….wouldn't make it right, I know that now….." he said remembering what Yuya taught him and also when Jin had to smack some sense into him too.

As he said that, the other 2 Academia students then bowed before him apologetically, "We're really sorry for everything that happened…." they said, "But know this, we'll do everything we can to make things right. It may take lots of time and we probably may never be welcomed here completely, considering what we were put through just a moment ago….but we know we must at least try. In fact, we promise we'll do whatever it takes." they vowed.

Kaito then smiled back in response, any lingering distrust and hatred he harboured towards fusion had completely vanished after feeling their genuine desire to make things right in their words, "Thank you, I never thought I'd say this to a member of Academia but, I hope we may be able to strengthen our ties for the future."

"Same here for us." Student 3 said as his friends nodded in response, feeling they could trust xyz themselves now.

Their moment was cut short as they heard a low groan behind them, "Urgh….."

Turning around they all saw Daisuke was coming to, "Gah!" the 3 students gasped in horror.

Stepping out in front of them, "Go you guys, now. Leave this to me." he said affirmatively.

"Y…yes sir!" Student 3 said without hesitation before turning to his friends, "Come on guys let's get out of here!"

"No need to tell me twice!" they all then quickly ran away while Kaito walked up towards Daisuke who has just managed to reign himself up to his knees.

"You….." Kaito breathed barely able to restrain the pent up anger that had built up in him since the start of the entire fiasco. He had just finished popping his knuckles and was about to completely let loose on Daisuke, for his outrageous actions by endangering innocent students, when his former comrade looked up at him, rather weakly.

As his vision came to, he got a good look at Kaito who strangely to him was glaring daggers at him, "Urgh…ugh….huh?" he cringed painfully having received a full force attack earlier, so his entire body was battered and bruised though he himself was still alright, "K…Kaito? There you are." he said before smiling like usual, "Hehe, a little late for the exhibition duel I see, no need to worry, I filled in for you just like you asked." he chuckled whites scratching the back of his head.

Upon hearing his words Kaito stopped and blinked in surprise, "Wh….what?" it was most bizarre, just a minute ago he was duelling psychotically and out of character, now it seemed he was back to normal again.

"Yeah, that's right." Daisuke continued, completely oblivious to what had happened earlier, "Let me tell you though, they all loved it, ha, they couldn't get enough of me! It was the most fun I had in like forever! You should've seen the smiles on their faces, shame you missed it all." he laughed despite being covered in injuries himself.

"D…Daisuke….You….don't remember the duel we had just now?" Kaito asked uneasily.

His friend then blinked his eyes in surprise, "Huh? We duelled each other? What are you talking about?" he then asked before a sudden rush of pain swept through him, "Urgh! Come to think of it….what am I doing out here? On top of that, why do I feel like I just got run over by a truck?" he groaned as he clutched his head with his hand. He cringed painfully and soon took notice of his entire deck scattered on the floor in front of him. Eventually a certain pair of cards had caught his eyes, "Huh? Say….." he picked them up, Rank up magic barian's force and Cxyz Coach lord ultimatrainer. "I don't remember having these cards in my deck, let alone seen them before…." he muttered.

"You…..honestly don't recall a thing that happened just now?" Kaito asked once more, any hatred and anger he was holding was slowly dissipating away, despite what he did he couldn't hold it fully against Daisuke if he couldn't remember anything that happened, he could also tell Daisuke was being truthful in his words and wouldn't hide anything from him.

"Yeah, I mean seriously, if I used a monster or rank up spell like this I'd definitely remember." Daisuke replied. "Still, the fact I'm on the ground and my cards are scattered all about means I did have a duel….and no doubt I lost….but why can't I remember anything?"

At that point Kaito realised his friend was simply being used like a pawn, eventually deciding that this may have been for the best, "If he knew the truth, no doubt about it he'd never forgive himself," Kaito thought, "Maybe it's better this way that he doesn't know…..now if only I can explain it to those kids…..but for now….." He then walked up to Katagiri who was struggling to pick up his cards before they blew away in the wind. "Daisuke." He said catching his attention.

"Yeah Kaito?" he asked looking up.

Kaito then picked up both brain's force and Coach lord, "Would you mind if I were to borrow these cards from you for a bit?" he asked, "You may not remember, but I believe it had something to do with them, that's why I'd like to take them back to my lab for study purposes." he said.

Daisuke smiled warmly, "Heh, if those cards were to blame for what happened to me you can keep them." he said without hesitation.

"Thank you." Kaito replied as he kept them away.

"No problem old friend." his friend replied back to his old self, "But if you wouldn't mind, I could use some help in putting my deck back together."

"Heh, of course not." Kaito smiled as he helped pick up some of the other cards that were on the other end of the field.

"Hehe, thanks."

Midway through their scavenge for cards, Daisuke felt a certain memory return to him, one which he felt he should share with Kaito, "You know Kaito, now that I think of it. Last I remember I was having a few concerns regarding Academia and fusion a moment ago, about whether they would actually attack us after what happened the other night….." he said as Kaito listened carefully, "I was about to deny the thought in them retaliating when some guy in a hood came up to me and threw some cursed card at me….after that it's all a blank….."

"Is that so?" Kaito then asked rather seriously.

"Yeah," Daisuke nodded, "Tell you what, I'll tell you the whole story later? After we're done cleaning up of course."

"You'd better tell me everything you know, for our sakes….." Kaito replied as he drifted into thoughts of his own, "Something's definitely wrong here…..whatever it is, I'm going to get to the bottom of it." he thought realising Daisuke was an unwilling pawn to the real culprits responsible for the previous night's attack. He narrowed his eyes picturing the possible war that may break out because of a few lingering grudges that everyone worked hard to end or put behind, and he vowed himself that he would get to the bottom of this, "No doubt the lancers would want to know about this too, better give them the heads up once I'm done here."

Hi there, hope you enjoyed this chapter, the duel may have been a little simple but I didn't know how else to make it happen. I also made Arc V's Heartland change to reflect more on the Neo Heartland action field as well as Zexal's too, which I may dive into a little more in future chapters.

Cipher Serpent

When a "Cipher" monster you control is destroyed by battle and sentto your Graveyard: You can discard this card; send 1 card from your hand or field to the Graveyard, and if you do, Special Summon that destroyed monster. During the End Phase, if this card is in the Graveyard because it was sent there this turn: You can add 1 "Cipher" card from your Deck to your hand. You can only use this effect of "Cipher Serpent" once per turn.

Cipher Specter

If this card is in your hand or Graveyard: You can target 1 "Cipher" Xyz Monster you control; attach this card to it as an Xyz Material. If this card is sent to the Graveyard: You can add 1 "Cipher" Spell/Trap Cardfrom your Deck to your hand. You can only use 1 "Cipher Specter" effect per turn, and only once that turn.