Chapter 51: Sakuya Strikes Back


The next day...

"Welcome back to our exciting coverage with the Gaen Cup! The third and deciding match that will name our opening round winner is about to be started!" Paruko announced.


At the waiting room...

"Alright. Remember what we talked about.' Gao reminded Drum.

"How could I forget? You only told me like 10 times." Drum said as Tetsuya and Asmodai came in and they noticed.

"What's wrong, Tetsuya? You don't look so good, man." Gao was concerned.

"If it's something I said about your dancing, I'm sorry." Drum assumed as Zanya woken from his unconsciousness.

"Hmph. What could possibility be wrong? At least he won his fight." Zanya said.

"Cheer up, Z!" Akatsuki said as Tsukikage said in his scroll, 'Recovered.'

"Actually, if you wanna know-" Asmodai was about to explain, however...

"Zip it, A-dog! It's personal, you dig?" Tetsuya said as he sat down and it surprised others.

"Tets puts it all on there during his fights. So his vibe hits the mat after the big match." He explained, "I think we should give the little homie some space to wind down and chill." He advised.

"Yeah, come on, guys! Drum and I need to go and get ready for our match, anyway!" Gao said.

"About that..." Baku said.

"Who are we fighting?" Kuguru asked.

"Is it another girl?" Haruka asked.

"Well, it's obvious for Team Goddess, but we don't know who are they throwing out next." Akatsuki said.

"If you ask me, they really have a big advantage. We don't know of their fighter but they know all about Gao. Doesn't that make you guys nervous?" Zanya asked.

"I don't think we need to worry about that." Kuguru said.

"Yeah, bro. We built Gao's deck so he can fight the way he wants. No matter who's opponent is." Baku said.

"Yeah, we believe Gao can do it no matter what!" Haruka said.

"Except worrying just isn't his style." Baku said.

"Like my father used to always tell me? You gotta fight like nobody's watching!" He quoted.

"Okay. I guess you could be right." He admitted.

"So, ready to win this?" Gao asked for everyone's approval as everyone cheered, "Yeah!" Asmodai walks to Tetsuya who was sitting down.

"I know it's hard, Tets. But you gotta forget about her." Tetsuya doesn't seem to agree with that, "Come on, let's see that smile." Tetsuya then looked at this buddy, "Your team needs you now. We should try to be there and support them." He gave a wink.

"That's why you're my A-dog." It gave Tetsuya his smile back.


"Good luck out there!" Akatsuki said as Gao and Drum heads off to the stage.

"Thanks!" Both thanked.

"We should get ourselves to the Buddy Pit." Kuguru recommended.

"Yeah! I can't wait!" He said.

"Yeah! Me too!" Haruka said. Baku turned and noticed someone, it was Gremlin, who is watching him from afar as he pull out his card and it begins to flash, it surprised Baku.

"Are you okay?" Kuguru asked as she sees Baku in a dazed state as they turned and noticed nothing's there, "Did you see something?"

"Was it someone you know, Baku?" Haruka asked.

"Tell us!" It snapped Baku out of it.

"I'll be right back!" Baku ran to find Gremlin.

"Hey, wait!" Kuguru yelled, "What about the tournament?"

"Come back, Baku!" Haruka yelled.


At the Fighting Stage...

"It's a battle for survival! The team that wins this next game will move on to the second round of the Gaen Cup!" Paruko announced.

"You can do it! Show what they call you the Mighty Sun Fighter!" Hanako cheered.

"You're confident." Takashi said, "I'm still wondering who he'll be fighting against."

"Balle Du Soleil's fighter, Gao Mikado is ready and waiting for action! But his opponent from Team Goddess's nowhere to be seen. According to tournament rules, if they don't show soon, Gao will win by default. This isn't the way anyone dreams of getting the victory." Paruko announced.

"I don't know about that. A win is a win, I also say." Jin quoted.

"No. He would never thin like that." Noboru denied that.

"Yeah, well. He's different."


Drum is getting impatient, "Hargh! How much longer are we gonna have to wait for these guys?!"

"I was gonna build this suspense a little longer but she's going to be arriving any minute now!" Paruko announced as it confused Gao and Drum.

"What are you talking about?" Gao asked, "Where is she?" The music began to tune as everyone begins to listen to it.

"Huh? Where's that music coming from?" Drum asked.

"That tune..." Daisuke recognized it before as the platform ascended, revealing the opponent. The opponent revealed herself to be the instructor from Sengoku.


At that the Buddy Pit...

"Hey, look at that!" Akatsuki noticed.

"Isn't that...?" Kuguru asked.

"Could she be?" Haruka asked.


"Um. Who are you?" Gao asked as he didn't recognized her and the team including the opponent drop to the ground.

"How could you not know who she is?!" Drum asked.

"Huh? Do I know her before?" He asked as the screen showed in front of him.

"Gao, we saw her in the clip, that's the instructor from Sengoku." Akatsuki said.

"What? There's no way, the instructor we saw was a guy."

"Actually, he's actually a girl, she changed her appearance just so she would show herself to Daisuke, she's Sakuya Hinata." Kuguru explained.

"Sakuya." Gao said as he looked at her, playing her lute, "Oh yeah! You fought against our teacher, huh?!" He said, excitedly.

"Indeed, I am." Sakuya say as she tipped her head, "I am Sakuya Hinata. I'm the member of Team Goddess."

"So it is, Sakuya Hinata." Daisuke figured.

"An acquaintance of yours, Daisuke?" Kyoya asked.

"Maybe." He replied.

"But how come you're the member of Team Goddess?" Gao asked.

"Let me explained." She said as she recalled the time she came back from her adventure.


Back at the Sengoku, Sakuya came back and she noticed Raremaro, Kanahebi, and Shosetsu discussing about the invite they received.

"Hey, guys." Sakuya greeted.

"Oh, Sakuya. How wonderful it is to see you again." Raremaro said.

"What were you guys talking about?"

"We received an invitation to the Gaen Cup. It's taking place at the Aibo Academy Fighting Stage." Shosetsu explained.

"The Fighting Stage at Aibo?" She asked, "Sounds like fun! What should we do?" Three of them looked at each other, looking a bit nervous as Raremaro walked to her.

"Listen, Sakuya. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the limit to the team members is three, I'm afraid you can't join us."

"Wait, you mean I can't participate?"

"It's not that we don't want you. But it's the rules. I'm afraid you need to find another team to join. Unless you can find one." Shosetsu recommended as Sakuya thinks.

"Then it looks like I'm going on a journey for that!" She activated her Buddy Skill as she left to find a team.


At the sky, while she was traveling in her Buddy Skill. Sakuya was searching for a team to join.

"Hm. I wonder where I could find one." While she was looking, she didn't noticed the Sky Home as she was bumped into it.

"Who damaged my Sky Home?" Suzuha asked as she came to look at the source, as she was looking, she noticed a girl, lying flat onto the Sky Home, "Hm? Who is that girl? Sebastian." She asked her butler.

"As you wish." He bowed as he flies down with his jet pack and pulls Sakuya out from the hole, "Are you alright, miss?"

"Oh, am I see double?" She asked while being dizzy.

"We better bring her in." Suzuha said as Sebastian took Sakuya instead.


Sakuya was on the bed, until she woke up, "Huh? What just happened?" She lloked at herself as her robe was taken off, including her equipment, "Where's my stuff?"

"So you're awake?" Suzuha asked as she came to her.

"Who are you?" Sakuya asked.

"I am Suzuha Amanosuzu. The daughter of the Amanosuzu Group. Do you remember know you are?" She asked.

"That's stupid. My name is Sakuya Hinata. I used to be an instructor to Sengoku Academy."

"Used to? Did you mean to say that you retired to Sengoku?"

"Of course, I only worked there because I was waiting for someone."

"Oh? Is it your boyfriend?" Suzuha smirked as Sakuya blushed.

"W-w-what?! What are you talking about?!" She tried to denied.

"I knew it! I'll help you with your love!" She grabbed her hands together with hers, "Tell me, and I'll do anything to help you!"

"Anything?"

"Anything!"

"Then can you help me join your team for the time being?" She requested.

"Huh?" Suzuha was shocked as Sakuya smiled for her chance.


"As you can see, since Suzuha invited me to the team, I got my chance to compete in the Gaen Cup! So what do you think?" She asked as Gao and Drum show no reaction as they think it's dumb. Daisuke put his hand on his face for disappointment.

"Well, well. Looks like she only can to see the one she cared the most. Do you know who it is, Daisuke?" Kyoya asked.

"I don't want to talk about it." He turned his head away from this.

"Well then, Ladies and Gentleman, the opponent for this round is none other than the fighter from Sengoku Academy, Sakuya Hinata! Now, we can get this knockout game started!" Paruko announced.

"So she's our opponent? Did we even know how she fights?" Gao asked.

"We seen her match but not fully, I guess she has shown her match for one time." Drum said.


At the Buddy Pit...

"I never seen her play for real before. But I heard she's a stronger fighter when she was an instructor for awhile." Kuguru said.

"Well, from what we learn, she must have wanted to go against someone else other than Gao." Akatsuki believed.

"Yeah." Kuguru nodded.

"But who is she talking about?" Haruka asked as she was curious.

"Oh, you don't want to know." She replied as she turn and became worried about Baku, "I wonder where Baku is."


Outside of the Fighting Stage, Baku ran outside and saw Gremlin down the stairs.

"Retsu, wait up!" Baku yelled as he comes down stairs, trying to go after his cousin.


Back inside...

"The Gods and Goddesses are known to be together. They create miraculous dreams! Lumenize, Eternal Heaven and Earth!"

"The most powerful deck ever, blazing a path towards the future! Lumenize, Explosive Dragon Fang!"

"Say it like you mean it, people! Buddyfight!"

"Time to Raise the Flag!"

"I fight for Dragon World!"

"I fight for Legend World!"


(G: 10/ Item: None/ G: 2: None/None/None)

(S: 10/ Item: None/ G: 2: None/None/None)


"FYI, Sakuya has Gods and Goddesses in her deck, which should give her the advantage she needs if she can defeat Gao. But Gao will have the first turn."

"Don't let her get you, kid! She's a feisty one." Drum advised.

"Oh I won't! Charge and Draw! I call Systemic Dagger Dragon to the center! Now, attack Sakuya!" Systemic Dagger attacks as he inflicted 2 damage to her.

"Gao has dealt 2 damage at her, he doesn't seem to hesitated after sending his punishable attack!" Paruko announced.

End of Move


(G: 10/ Item: None/ G: 3: None/Systemic/None)

(S: 8/ Item: None/ G: 2: None/None/None)


"Now, Sakuya will make her next turn of this tournament." Paruko announced.

"Draw! Charge and Draw! I call to the center, the Goddess of Creation, Izanami!" She called her out, "And I call the God of Light, Izanagi to the right!" She called him out.

"She has called out a God and Goddess on the field. What would she do next?"

"I'll have Izanami to attack Systemic Dagger! With her skill, I pay one gauge for her to nullify attacks until the end of your turn!"

"What?!" Gao asked as Izanami jumps up as she blew a mist around Systemic Dagger and while Systemic tries to find Izanami used her knife as she cut through Systemic Dagger as it was destroyed and the barrier was placed around her.

"Izanagi, attack the fighter!" Izanagi used his katana as he slashed Gao, inflicting him 2 damage, "Double Attack!" he slashed again and inflicted 2 damage.

End of Move


(G: 6/ Item: None/ G: 3: None/None/None)

(S: 8/ Item: None/ G: 2: None/Izanami/Izanagi)


"I gotta admit, you're actually pretty good! No wonder you fought against Daisuke!" Gao said.

"Gao has 6 life and Sakuya has 8 life left. And Gao's preparing for his second turn!"


At the park, in a playground, Baku came to find Retsu.

"Hey, isn't this?" He then remembered as he see himself in the past image.

"Hey, Coach!" Young Baku said as he ran into young Retsu, "Look at the new deck I built!" He showed the new deck to him.

"I've been waiting, Baku."

"Well? Aren't you even gotta look at it?"

"Sure!" Retsu was about to take a look at the deck as the image ended.

Retsu as Gremlin was there under the platform of the slide, "I've been waiting, Baku."

"Oh, hey, Retsu! I didn't recognize you for a second." Baku said.

"I don't go by that name anymore." It shocked Baku for hearing that, "I'm a member of Disaster! And my name is Gremlin."


Back at the battle...

It was Gao's turn, "Draw. Charge and Draw! Get ready, Sakuya! I call Thousand Rapier to the left! And Buddycall Drum to the right!" He called out as Drum pinned the flag to the ground, "Welcome to the party!" He regained one life, "I equip Dragonblade, Drum Sword!" He paid one life and equipped the sword.

"Look, he's setting up the Gao Formation! But unfortunately, due to Izanami's skill, he won't be able to attack through her. Will he be able to predict his downfall?" Paruko announced.

"I cast Dragonic Barrage!" Gao cast.

"With that spell card, it can destroy all size 1 or smaller monsters on the opponent's size on the field!" The barrage set down as it destroyed Izanami and Izanagi!

"No! Izanami! Izanagi!"

"Thousand Rapier! Attack the fighter!" Gao commanded as Rapier swiftly attacked Sakuya, inflicting her 2 damage, "You're up, Drum! Go attack Sakuya!"

"With pleasure! Thought you never ask!" He flies up and attacks, "CRASH! DRILL RAM BUNKER!"

"Cast! Illusion Reflection!" She cast as the mirror appeared in front of her as it revealed Gao and Drum's attack attacked him.

"What?!" Drum said.

"No way!" Gao said as he was dealt with 3 damage.

"With the Illusion Reflection, the damage has been to the fighter that has their monster attacked!" Paruko explained.

"She can do that?!" Drum asked as Gao growled as he runs and jumps to attack.

"Drum Sword!" He slashed at Sakuya as he inflicted 2 damage.

End of Move


(G: 3/ Item: Drum Sword/ G: 2: Rapier/None/Drum)

(S: 4/ Item: None/ G: 3: None/None/None)


Sakuya stood up, "Quite impressive. Quite impressive indeed."

"Looks like Sakuya's getting herself in a tight position. But it looks like she's okay because the real fight is just beginning for her!" Paruko announced.

"Draw! Charge and Draw! I cast Divine Miracle! I draw 2 new cards! And now, I'll put out my surprises, I Buddycall, Divine Goddess, Amaterasu to the left area!" She paid 3 gauge as she called out her Buddy to the left. She regained one life.

"Look at that, people! That is Divine Goddess, Amaterasu! She has an amazing ability, when she's called, she can called one monster from the Drop Zone to the field!" She explained.

"I revived back Izanami to the center!" Amaterasu used her sun as it shines and Izanami was back from the light.

"Oh come on, does she really have to bring back that lady?" Drum complained.

"If Drum's finished making comments. Sakuya is paying one gauge to equip herself with the Fan of Suzaku!" She equipped her weapon.

"But what's the point of equipping if she can't attack from the center?" Gao asked.

"I cast, Seal Binder! I returned one card to my hand, returning Izanami!" Izanami was sealed as she turned into a card and returned to her hand.

"You returned your monster to your hand?" Drum asked as he laughed, "That's stupid!"

"With the Fan of Suzaku, I can call one size 1 monster from my hand to the field! I call to the right, the Immortal Phoenix, Suzaku!" She called Suzaku out, "It gets better, Amaterasu can destroy one card from your hand if a card returns or leaves the field!"

"Say what?!" Gao asked.

"And I choose the card in the middle!" Sakuya picked as the card revealed itself to be Green Dragon Shield, "Amaterasu, burn it away!" Amaterasu used the sun as it absorbed the card and it disappeared.

"No way! I can't believe she took away that spell that it helped Gao's life, yo!" Tetsuya said as he was surprised of seeing it.

"Don't get it twisted. She has experience edge over the years. She fought against Daisuke many times before." Asmodai said.

"Baku's not alone then, there's someone else who knows about Gao's fighting style. Hate to say I do you so." Zanya admitted.

"Amatersau attacks Gao!" Amaterasu was about to attack.

"I cast, Green Dragon Shield!" Gao cast as he regained one life, 'I managed to survive that attack. I hope she wasn't going to plan anything else.'

"He's lucky that attack didn't get through him." Takashi said.

"But she'll have the chance to attack again!" Hanako siad.

"I'll attack you with my Fan of Suzaku!" She sends her fiery winds as the blazing wind dealt Gao, 1 damage.


At the Buddy Pit..

"We're getting out butts kicked!" Akatsuki said.

"Gao is losing! He won't able to beat her!" Haruka said.

"Sakuya's strategy is unpredictable!" Kuguru said.


Above the Fighting Stage, the Sky Home is approaching. Suzuha was watching from her monitor.

"It's disappointing that I couldn't be the one to defeat darling Gao myself." She said while having tea, "But it's all turning out as expected."

Mary Sue chuckled.

"I have a feeling the new addition would be proved to be our team secret weapon. She is the instructor from Sengoku Academy." Suzuha figured.


Back at the playground...

"So. Why don't you become one of us?" Gremlin gave Baku an offer.

"What?" Baku asked.

"Darkness Dragon World has some really incredible cards to choose from. There were so many things that I can teach you to become a great Deck Builder. Why not become my apprentice again?" He offered as Baku was thinking about it and remembered what Retsu said to him.


"The deck that I want to put together. Why that's easy, Baks. It's called Darkness Dragon World." Retsu recommended.

"But, why do you like that one?" Young Baku asked.

"Because it's a deck that no one's ever built before."


Baku clenched his fist, "I... I...!" He remembered the time that Retsu.


"Wait! Come back! Why aren't we allowed to hang out anymore? I don't understand!" Young Baku said as he tried to go after him, "Don't go! Please!"


Baku became frustrated as something flashes on him. He looked as he saw that Gremlin is gone right before his eyes.


Back at the battle...

"I call to the center, Boomerang Dragon!" He called him out, "Go attack the fighter, Drum!"

"I cast Miasma!" She cast as the dark mist engulfs on Drum as he disappeared instantly.

"That's a spell that can be used as a counterspell, it can destroy one monster and gains one life and gauge for that!" Paruko announced as Drum came back due to Soulguard.

"Forgot about my Soulguard!"

"Thousand, why don't you attack her instead?" Gao recommended.

"I move Suzaku to the center!" Suzaku moved as Thousand Rapier strikes Suzaku as it was destroyed, "With his ability, I can bring him back by paying one gauge and discarding a card! Resurrection Ashes!" She paid as Suzaku came back from the flames.

"Let fly, Boomerang Dragon!" Boomerang Dragon became a boomerang as Gao grabs it and toss to Suzaku as it was destroyed.

"Resurrect Ashes!" She paid as Suzaku came by again.

"Time to unleash Gao Formation Rebuild!" Gao said as he was going to attack with his Drum sword.

"Let's see if you counter this one!" Drum said.

"Resurrection Ashes!" Gao slashed Suzaku but he engulfed himself into flames as he came back.

End of Move


(G: 3/ Item: Drum Sword/ G: 3: Drum/None/Rapier)

(S: 5/ Item: Fan/ G: 1: Amaterasu/Suzaku/None)


"Gao's getting it his best shot out there, but he seems ill-prepared for Suzaku's Resurrection Ashes, many times!" Paruko announced.

"We'll just see about that!" Gao smiled.


Back at the playground, Baku stared at the spot when Gremlin disappeared. He felt down but then realized something.

"I forgot about the match!" He said.


Back again...

"Sakuya moves Suzaku to the right position again! Unfortunately, somebody's perfect formation has a crucial flaw! It's easy for his opponents to give them the advantage they need to finish him off. And do you know what's even more predictable than the outfit he's wearing? Boomerang Dragon just returned to his hand." Paruko announced.

"She already realized that!" Gao said.

"Suzaku, performed a Link Attack with me and attack the fighter!" Sakuya ordered as she jumped on Suzaku as he flew with her together and they engulfed in a fiery aura as they struck Gao as he was burning up, inflicting 2 damage at him, "And now, Amaterasu, attack the fighter!"

"I cast my famous Green Dragon Shield!" He cast as he regained one life.

"And with that, he used his last Dragon Shield card remaining in his hand!" Paruko announced.

"I won't let you off easy! I cast Eternal Reincarnation! I discard God or Goddess card from my hand to the Drop Zone so I can my monster attack again!"

"Say what?!" Gao yelled.

"Amaterasu, attack Gao!"

"I cast Dragonic Formation!" He cast as he jumped back, "And I used Drum's Move ability!" He paid his gauge as he moved Drum to the center.

"He doesn't need more Shield cards, cause he's got a shield in me!" Drum said as Amaterasu used her attack on Drum as he was absorbed into Sun and was destroyed, "The rest is up to you, kid!" He said his last words.

"No problem!" Gao swore.

"Don't think this is over yet!" Sakuya said.

"What's that?!" Gao asked as Sakuya plays her lute.

"With the effect of Eternal Reincarnation that if my monster destroys a monster, it can allow Amaterasu to attack again but for the price, it's critical will be dropped down to 1!" She said.

"Thanks to that effect, she's got one chance to finish off Gao Mikado but with Amaterasu's critical of 1. We're not sure if she can win." Amaterasu sends her fiery attack as she pulls out the stream of fire and burns off Gao, inflicting him one damage, "And he's down to just one life point! Meaning her victory will be ensure as my hair is pink!" Paruko announced.


At the Waiting Room...

"I never thought that day would come." Jin said.

"What do you mean, Jin?" Kenji asked.

"He might actually be out of the run after the first round." He said as Noboru growled.

"This is bad! I didn't travel all this way for nothing."


At the Buddy Pit. The door was opened as Baku came in. Everyone saw him.

"You're back!" Kuguru said.

"You made it, Baku!" Haruka said.

"Yeah! How's Gao doing in the fight?" Baku asked.


Back at the fight...

"Even though victory is ensured, our starlet is hesitating. Knowing his lot, Gao might still draw out his Roaring Slash! Gargantua Punisher card! That could change things!" Paruko announced.

"Oh, I don't think that will work. As long as Suzaku is on the field, I will survive no matter what!" Sakuya said.

"Hang on a sec!" Gao said it caught their attention, "I won't let you defeat me just because the matter of luck. Explosive Dragon Fang is a special deck that was made just for me! By probably the greatest Deck Builder ever! That's why the card I need shows up in my hand, just what I needed the most!" Gao explained as Baku watched it from the monitor as he smiled.

"Cool, thanks, bro." Baku thanked.

Gao smiled as Paruko thinks, 'Knowing his track record, he's probably gonna draw it.' She remembered the time when Gao used it to defeat Davide.


"That's quite an amazing Impact card! I really can't find the words to describe what just happen." Paruko was surprised after seeing Impact card in action.


At the Sky Home...

"It wasn't really professional. But that's all I can think to say when I saw Roaring Slash! Gargantua Punisher." Paruko gave her report to Suzuha when Sakuya was here listening to it.

"Understandable, but you shouldn't let it get you down. You're not alone." Suzuha said.

"She has point, we're known to help each other out even if it's less." Sakuya said.

"Sakuya."

"Even so, everyone was astonished by them, I'm sure. You just happen to have the microphone."

"Milady is right, to me, it speaks the testament here to your dedication and as a Buddy Announcer, Miss Nanana." Sebastian said.

"As you know, I was fortunate enough to be on the receiving in Gao's previous Impact card." Suzuha recalled when Gao used his Gargantua Punisher to finish her off.


"GARGANTUA PUNISHERRRR!"


"It was completely unlike anything I've ever witnessed in my life. I felt scared the same time I feeling the real sense of joy. Even though I lost the fight, I'm very glad that I was able to personally experience such an incredible move. I will never forget it." She said as she was blushed for the memory she cherished.

"That's my dear Lady Suzuha." Sebastian said, "She's the pentacle of elegance, even when defeated."

"Well, I've done commentary on the Gargantua Punisher, I'm sure I can handle it in the match." Paruko recommended.

"I suppose, but remember Sakuya joined the team so she will be the one to do it, you can help her with the information. But also remember there's a difference between watching from the sidelines and experience it for yourself or to her." Suzuha advised.

"Huh?" Paruko and Sakuya were confused.

"Take it from me. Experiences is a true treasure greater than any other." She explained.


'Experience is the treasure, greater than any other.' Paruko thinks as she looked at microphone and then to Sakuya, 'So is she going to win this tie-breaking game as the final fight of the Team Goddess? I guess it comes down to Gao's next draw. And Charge and Draw. And seeing if my future in your hands, Mr. Mikado.' She believed.

Gao then pulled the switch as the core gadget turned sideways, "Draw! Charge and Draw!" It surprised Baku and Paruko.

"Okay." Paruko said as Sakuya get in her stance.

"I'm ready." She looked at Suzaku and noticed something, 'It won't be right to keep this up. Gao has the chance to go against Daisuke soon. So I'll let him take it. It won't be fair but I'm doing this to help.'

"Time for Final Phase! I cast!"

"Impossible to neutralize! Useless to defend against the incredible Impact card that delivers 5 damage points as it was about to be unleashed!" Paruko announced as the Gargantua Punisher has been commenced, "One dramatic move acts as the beginning for one and the end for the other, in the blazing heat, this has finally reveals it's true form!"

"Impact!" Gao raised it up.

"This attack threatens to change the world as you know it! It's both shocking and beautiful! Don't blink or you might miss it!"

"Roaring Slash! Gargantua Punisher!" The Punisher is coming towards Sakuya.

"Take care of Daisuke, Gao. He'll need it." She said as she was dealt with 5 damage and ended the game.


(G: 1/ Item: Drum Sword/ G: 0: None/None/None)

(S: 0/ Item: Fan/ G: 1: Amaterasu/None/Suzaku)


Game Over. Winner: Gao Mikado

"Alright! It's all in the deck, people!" Gao said.

"Yes!" Tetsuya and Asmodai gave themselves a high five.

"We're in the groove, A-dog!" Tetsuya said.

"Now, we're heading to the semi-finals!" Asmodai said. Zanya smiled.

"You did it again. Thanks, Gao." Zanya thanked.

Sakuya fell on the floor, doesn't feel disappointed, "Well, at least, I get to experience the power of the Roaring Slash! Gargantua Punisher.

"You okay?" Paruko came to her.

"That was rather disappointing." Suzuha said as she came to them.

"We're sorry! She almost had him. She tried!" Paruko tried to help Sakuya.

"Paruko, it's okay."

"But..."

"I'm not referring to her fight, but to your commentary!" Suzuha referred, "Sebastian here could've done better." Paruko realized that, "I know you, you should be able to express Gao's Impact using much more lively accurate description. I can only hope that in the future, you use the things you've learned today." Suzuha recommended, "And then you'll get Roaring Slash! Gargantua Punisher the full air-time it deserves."

"She's right." Sakuya said as she stands up, "You do what you do best and you'll get what you want the most."

"Huh? Right! I'll do my best!" Paruko said, happily.


After the match is over, Sakuya leaves as she saw Daisuke, leaning on the wall.

"Daisuke..."

"It's been a while, Sakuya. I'm surprised you came back." Daisuke said.

"Hmph. What can I say? I do like to make an entrance." She said as she changed her emotion, "I heard you joined Team Disaster. I don't understand you wanna go that far."

"I didn't joined Team Disaster just because I wanted to. I'm doing for my own purpose. Kyoya has the connection to the Buddy Police, if somehow that problem is resolved, I will be set free. Then I'll quit the team." Daisuke explained as Sakuya smiled and hugged him, "Sakuya?"

"I'm just glad to see you again and you're not a bad person. You're too kind within your heart."

"Yeah." He hugged her back, "Just let go before I get caught."

"Oh! Sorry!" She let go as she blushed. She then turned, "It looks like I'll be leaving again."

"Gonna come back again?"

"Oh we'll see someday." She takes his hand, "Goodbye, Daisuke."

"Goodbye, Sakuya." He takes her hand as Sakuya leaves. Then he felt the presence behind him as he turned, "Someone is there. Could be Sofia. But I'll make sure to deal with her later."


"Now it's time for the next two teams of the first round of the Gaen Cup to step forward! But at the request of both teams, there's been a special exception made. All players will now be named before their games begin. First up, is Team Three Brothers Kanme!" Paruko announced as she presented the team.

"I'm Akaoni!"

"And I'm Aooni!"

"And this is my match, I'm Kuroni!"

"And we, Three Brothers, are gonna take this tournament by storm!" Three brothers declared as it shocked the crowd as they were wondering what's going on.

"It's not surprising that the crowd's unsettled. I mean everyone knows that two of the brothers are criminal fighters that one was defeated by Daisuke aka Masked Dragon and the other was arrested by the Buddy Police.

"Akaoni and Aooni have been trying to change the way, so we gave them special permission to participate. Also we gave those two back their buddies that were taken by Daisuke. We've always made an effort to give them a second chance when they're doom." Sueroku explained.

"Competing in this tournament will help them, complete the transformation of their characters. It's in a very spirit of Buddyfighting. There's no other game quite like this. So please, join me now. And welcome these fighters today!" Kyoya announced.

"And their fierce opponent are Darkness Mastermind!" Paruko announced as the spotlight on the other side of the stage revealed, "Featuring the Aibo's Student Council President, Magoroku Shido, well known cheat, Davide Yamazaki, and the former teacher of Aibo Academy, Daisuke Masamune. Is it just me or is it weird that they know each other?" Paruko was confused for Shido and Daisuke to know Davide, "And wait, is Daisuke really the third member?"

"He's just a temporary replacement for our real third member. Our real member is how we say we're keeping him on ice." Davide said.

"We plan on sweeping the first two games so he's not needed yet and not even need Daisuke as well." Shido said.

"What you just say?!" Akaoni complained.

"You think you're ending match for us?!" Aooni asked.

"Come over here and say that!" Kuroni recommended.

"Quiet, bastards." Daisuke said as he glared at them as they became afraid of them.

"I can see that your pride's been hurt by him. But we're superior in every way." Davide said.

"Believe what he said for the world we fight for!" Shido said as they call out their buddies, "Is none other than the Darkness Dragon World!"


At the waiting room, Baku saw Shido and Davide and Daisuke's Buddies as he herd what they said.

"What's wrong, Baku?" Gao asked as Baku ran to check on something.

'It's no doubt about it. Team Darkness Mastermind's third fighters gotta be him!' Baku thinks as the light flashes behind him as he turned and saw Gremlin, "You know I'll never join you." Gremlin was upset after hearing that, "Give it up, Coach! Cut your ties with Disaster!" Both stared at each other believing what they're thinking.

"The decks you built are too supportive of their fighters." Gremlin complained as it surprised Baku, "You're confused. People should not use decks. Decks should use people." He preferred the other way around.

"Decks? Should use people?" Baku asked as he think about it and clenched his fist, "No way! I won't agree to that." He refused to accept it as it surprised Gremlin as he growled and then left. Baku clenched his fist, thinking what Gremlin said, "I guess the next time we meet, we'll be enemies." He assumed.


Spotlight shown as Daisuke came around, "Hey, that's the end of this chapter, the next one will be about Shido and Davide goes against the criminal fighters, I'm regretting of returning them but I have orders. Til then, goodbye for now!" He waved goodbye as the screen faded black.