D-WHEEL WORKSHOP – THE BROTHERHOOD HQ – CAPITAL – CANTIDEL EMPIRE – ARC-V
"You want to get stronger?" Sherry repeated her student's words while polishing her D-Wheel, surprised at the sudden intrusion by her student. Lilac, who was also in the garage, was equally surprised while she was cleaning other D-Wheels.
"You're saying that to me?" Sherry asked again.
"Who else I am talking to? You're my mentor." Yugo replied. For once, he didn't shout like he usually did.
Sherry could feel there's something different with Yugo and his request this time. She understood. He just lost his close friend. It was rare for her not seeing Yugo with Yuya and his look-alikes back when they were still in their training days, and from the way he behaved when he was around them, it was clear Yugo cares a great deal of every one of his look-alikes. For losing one of them, it must be hard. The feeling of losing someone important, she could understand that perfectly.
When seeing Yugo the way he was now, Lilac felt like she was seeing Yuno. They were truly related by blood. Yugo was still struggling with the loss of his loved one, but he put aside his grief as to continue fighting for the sake of the peace Yuya fought for. And more than anything, he doesn't want to lose the people he cherished who are still there with him. For that reason, he wants to become stronger.
"To tell you the truth, Yugo, I'm not sure what else to teach you, because I think you're already pretty much stronger than me." Sherry started to say, stopping what she was doing to approach her student.
"I have one idea, but I don't know if this will work out." Sherry admitted. It was pointless to sugarcoat, and it wasn't something that Yugo needs at this situation.
"As long as the chance is not zero, I'll take it." Yugo answered resolutely. He has no intention of backing down.
"Alright. Follow me." Sherry instructed.
LOBBY – THE BROTHERHOOD HQ – CAPITAL – CANTIDEL EMPIRE – ARC-V
Once they were done with their business at Maiami City, Sara, Yukiya, and Reiji immediately returned to Cantidel. However, once the car reached the lobby, only Sara and Reiji got off from the car while Yukiya stayed, asking the driver to take him to somewhere else. Neither Sara nor Reiji asked where he was going. Only by looking at his face, they knew that wherever Yukiya was going, it'll help him to go through with their next battle.
"Once again, thank you for taking us to Maiami City, Reiji-san." Sara bowed gratefully to the Leo Corporation Chairman.
"It's the least I can do to help. I'm glad he's getting better now." Reiji replied.
"By the way, I've been wondering, what is that you're holding?" Sara asked while pointing at the envelope that Reiji was holding. Before they went to the memorial, they briefly stopped by at Leo Corporation. His subordinate with glasses, Nakajima, if Sara remembered it right, gave Reiji the envelope.
"It's something left behind by my father to me before he died. I had Nakajima to complete and printed it out." Reiji answered, opening the envelope and brought out a piece of paper. Before Sara could ask what it was, Reiji told her.
"In the envelopes there were a few cards developed by my father. And this paper is an adoption paper for Yuri." Reiji revealed while reading the paper with Yuri's photo.
"Adoption paper?" Sara repeated in question.
"Father asked me to take care of Yuri for him. This is what he meant. He wanted to make amends with Yuri through this adoption. He thought giving him a family would be a good first step." Reiji explained. While he was determined to fulfil his father's last wish, Reiji actually wasn't sure with how Yuri would react to this. He never had a chance to speak with Yuri after his father died, so he didn't know how Yuri now feels for his father.
"Yuri-kun would appreciate it." Sara said, as if reading Reiji's mind. She smiled at him. "I've spoken with him about your father after he died. Even if he didn't show it so clearly, he is saddened by Leo-san's death. Ever after everything Leo-san had done, Yuri still care for him."
Reiji's gaze hardened at the girl who was the reincarnation of his sister. For a second, he thought he was speaking to Ray directly, but quickly dismissed the thought. She might be Ray's reincarnation, but she's not his deceased older sister. Still, it's evident that Sara was no doubt, Ray's reincarnation. They were alike. Able to see through his stoic façade and say things that can make him feel better. Even if she's communicating with Ray's soul, Reiji has this strong feeling that this was not because of Ray's influence or anything, this was Sara's own will.
"I'll have to wait until Yuri return. How long do you think it'll take until he is finished with the business in the Duel Monster Realm?" Reiji asked, putting the paper back inside the envelope.
"Maybe not until several hours."
Reiji and Sara turned to meet Yuhei approaching them.
"We just received an SOS from Sora. There's complication on the other side." Yuhei informed Sara and Reiji.
"What kind of complication?" Sara asked worriedly.
"We don't know. Looks like Sora didn't get to include the detail because of a time constraint just to send a message. He only said that they need a back-up. But the problem is, we can't send any back-up because the Rift was closed. We can't enter into the Duel Monster Realm." Yuhei revealed.
"It was sealed?! How?!" Sara questioned, her worries intensified.
"We don't know! Most likely it was sealed from the other side! Right now, I'm going to enter the realm from another entrance that I know!" Yuhei replied, his tone clearly saying he was in a hurry.
"Wait, there's another entrance to the other realm?" Reiji asked.
"Yeah. It's an entrance that can only be entered by Duel Monsters like myself, so I'm the only one who can go."
"Have you told Yugo-kun about this?" Sara asked, not seeing the owner of Clear Wing Synchro Dragon nearby. She expected for the Riding Duelist to follow his ace monster even if he can't enter the realm.
"He's preoccupied with his training with Lilac-san. I'm going without telling him." Yuhei answered. He obviously didn't want to put his master into danger. With the way his master's mental condition now, he'll most likely do something even more reckless than usual.
"Where is this other entrance?" Sara asked again, deciding not to argue with Yuhei about not telling Yugo where he was going.
"At the Cave of Desire in the mountain near Millia Town." Yuhei revealed.
"You mean the rumored cave where people who goes inside will get anything they want and never come out?" Sara repeated. She had heard the rumor about the cave, but she thought it was just that, a mere rumor. But if the cave does exist, and it was the entrance to the Duel Monster realm, then that means the people who went inside never returned because they were trapped and died in the Duel Monster realm.
"I'm going with you in Yugo-kun's place then. I'll wait outside the cave at least." Sara volunteered, no, she was demanding to come with Yuhei whether he like it or not.
"I'll ask for a helicopter to get us there." Reiji said, holding out his Duel Disk to make the call. The faster they got there, the better.
Yuhei didn't even have the room to argue. Not like he'll object. He knew that Sara and Reiji would keep their word and stay out of the cave. They already lost Yuya and Odd-Eyes, so they won't do something so reckless like going inside the cave with him with the risk of death.
They won't do that, right?
A FEW HOURS AGO – MEADOW – DUEL MONSTER REALM
When they came out from the portal, Ifrit and the others arrived at a vast plain meadow with four pathways according to the four winds. At first, it was like a usual ordinary meadow, but the atmosphere, the air, everything felt different. They couldn't describe it into words, but there was no doubt that they were no longer in the human realm. There was just this feeling that was different than when they were in the human realm. Something that told them that whatever they're sensing right now could only exist in the realm of Duel Monsters.
"It's been a while since I came here." Starve Venom commented, enjoying the fresh air of her realm.
"Starve Venom! You're back in your dragon form!" Artemis exclaimed in shock as she saw Starve Venom no longer in her humanoid form. The others were equally shocked upon realizing Starve Venom has reverted to her original form.
"Must be because I'm in the spirit realm, so my soul reverted to my true form. I have to say that this is convenient and I missed being in this form." Starve Venom said. After being in human form for a long time, it felt liberating to be in her dragon form again. Her days as humans was already over 1,500 years ago, her current human form in the human realm was only temporary, so this was her true form and she preferred to be this way.
"I have to agree." Venom said, patting Starve Venom who leaned her head for her master to touch.
"I'll carry you." Venom said, bringing her master to the top of her.
"Thanks for willing to carry us." Ifrit said as he was about to ride on the Fusion dragon, only to be thrown away back by the said dragon's tail.
"Only my Master can ride me. You walk on your own." Starve Venom hissed, which was equal to a person sticking their tongue out.
"Meanie! Don't be so stingy!" Ifrit protested, earning another hit from Starve Venom's tail.
"Enough. Where's our destination next?" Artemis asked, looking at the four pathways.
"The secret to the Last Supreme King Dragon is to the east." Ifrit pointed at the pathway directing to the east.
"I have to go somewhere else. I need to recruit a certain Duel Monster to strengthen my Deck." Benmaru said, pointing at the direction of the south pathway.
"We're in a hurry. We must reach the place and find the secret of the Last Supreme King Dragon now." Ifrit argued, disapproved of Benmaru's request.
"Then let's split up. I'll go with Benmaru. You guys can go to the east." Ginger suggested, volunteering to accompany Gongenzaka so he at least won't be alone.
"That'll work. Let's meet up again here." Artemis agreed.
"Remember to be back here. The Gatekeeper is sealing off the entrance and exit until we finish our business and would only open it again from this portal. So, no matter what, we'll have to regroup here. Understand?" Ifrit reminded them, emphasizing that they must gather together again at the meadow.
No one raised an objection.
Having made up their mind, they split up and went separate ways.
BRIDGE – SOUTH – DUEL MONSTER REALM
Benmaru and Ginger arrived in front of a traditional Japanese style wooden bridge. Benmaru stopped before they cross, making Ginger stopped as well. Benmaru checked his Duel Disk, opening a file given by Lechter before they departed that showed a map and an image of a crossing swords symbol with a silhouette of cherry blossom as background. He recalled what Lechter told him before he departed.
"Gongenzaka-kun, this is a perfect chance for you to find the Duel Monster that you need."
"Recruiting a Duel Monster directly is better than trying to create a brand-new card, especially if this monster is from the spirit realm."
"I thought it's impossible because we thought humans could never step foot in that realm alive, but now that route is possible, you can try to find and recruit this Duel Monster."
"According to the archive, this Duel Monster is one of the rarest and oldest Superheavy Samurai monsters that ever lived. Many thought his existence is only a myth, but that's simply because that monster won't come out into the human realm."
"If you can convince this Duel Monster to help, he'll be a powerful ally that can overcome the limitation of your Deck in Tag Duel."
"Is that the file of the Duel Monster that you mentioned? Any picture?" Ginger asked, peaking at the file Benmaru was reading.
"Yeah. It was said that it lived somewhere in the village across this bridge." Benmaru replied, pointing at the other side of the bridge.
"It is as you said, Benmaru-dono. The samurai you're looking for is here."
Benmaru and Ginger was startled when Superheavy Samurai Big Benkei appeared behind them like he was there since the very beginning.
"B-Big Benkei?! Why are you here?!" Benmaru asked one of his monsters who somehow materialized himself.
"This is the realm of Duel Monster. I am free to be here whenever I want to, Benmaru-dono. Just like how Starve Venom reverted to her true form once entering this world." Big Benkei answered, not minding Benmaru and Ginger's surprise.
"I shall escort you to the village. Everyone is waiting for you." Big Benkei gestured to the bridge.
"Everyone?" Benmaru and Ginger repeated in question, but Big Benkei didn't answer and simply crossed the bridge, leading the two Duelists to follow in tow.
SAMURAI VILLAGE – SOUTH – DUEL MONSTER REALM
"WELCOME, BENMARU-DONO!"
Benmaru and Ginger were shocked beyond words upon arriving at the village. The village was immensely rich in nature with grand flourishing forests where lush vegetation thrives due to clean rivers and seas, brimming with various exotic fauna such as deers and boars. The houses are made from bamboo fibers and are shaped like Kabuto helmets with a chonmage on top. It was truly a Japanese style village back during the old era.
But what shocked Benmaru and Ginger were the fact that the Superheavy Samurai monsters who lived there were all bowing and greeting them (mainly Benmaru) politely, like they have been expecting them to come.
"I have told everyone beforehand that you'll come here. As the Duelist who bravely fought alongside us and defeated countless enemies, you are our pride and joy, Benmaru-dono." Big Benkei explained while escorting them.
Benmaru at first was confused as to how to react to these Superheavy Samurai monsters who either greeted him, bowed at him, or even kneeled in respect of his presence. They were cheering for his arrival like citizens welcoming their beloved rulers. Ginger was quick to recover though. He was quick to get used to it. For one thing, these Superheavy Samurai monsters reminded him of Benmaru in many ways. The way they spoke, the way they behaved, it was almost like they two cuts from the same cloth. And ironically, the only one who didn't notice this was Benmaru himself. It was amusing.
"Isn't this good, Benmaru? You should be happy that your monsters look up to you." Ginger said teasingly at the said Duelist.
"Right. All the more reason that I can't let them down!" Benmaru answered seriously.
This was the first time he could speak with his Duel Monsters. He didn't have the same ability as Yuya and his counterparts, so this was quite a surprise. Of course, he was also happy that now he was able to speak directly with his monsters. He always wondered how it was like. He was curious how his monsters feel. Now that he knew how they thought of him, Benmaru thought himself a fool for ever thought of using Trap or Magic that would go against the way of the Superheavy Samurai.
"I'll never betray them. I'll follow the same path as them to the end!" Benmaru resolved. For that reason, he needs this Duel Monster.
"So, where is this Duel Monster?" Benmaru asked Big Benkei.
"Before we go there, I must warn you something, Benmaru-dono." Big Benkei stopped, turning to his master. "Other than you, there's someone else seeking the same power."
"Who is it?" Benmaru asked.
"He is also a Superheavy Samurai from this village, but he is an outcast. His pride causes him to refuse to fight alongside humans. You are bound to meet and fight him at the temple for that power." Big Benkei explained.
"Then, all you need to do is beat him and take that Duel Monster." Ginger said so casually, certain that Benmaru will win in the end.
"He is strong in Duel like you do, Benmaru-dono. Do not underestimate him." Big Benkei warned.
"I will. Thank you, Big Benkei." Benmaru thanked his monster.
GRAND SHRINE – SOUTH – DUEL MONSTER REALM
Benmaru, Ginger, and Big Benkei arrived at the Grand Shrine of the Superheavy Samurai monsters.
It is a shrine complex composed of many Shinto-style shrines centered on two main shrines. The shrine buildings are made of solid cypress wood and use no nails but instead joined wood. Purportedly the home of the sacred swords, the shrine is one of Superheavy Samurai's holiest and most important sites. Access to both sites is strictly limited, with the common public not allowed beyond sight of the thatched roofs of the central structures, hidden behind four tall wooden fences. However, visitors are free to roam the forest, including its ornamental walkways. Because the shrine is considered sanctuary, no security checkpoints were conducted, as it was considered sacrilege by the faithful.
"That's one big shrine." Ginger commented, mesmerized by the massive beauty of the shrine.
"I said that other than you, there are others who wishes to gain the power of the sacred one. However, it's not simple. One must prove himself worthy, and only then you'll receive his help. It is not something that can be taken by force." Big Benkei explained, walking into the shrine.
"What do I need to do to prove my worth?" Benmaru inquired while looking around the red torii gate surrounding them throughout the passage way.
"No one knows. Many have tried various ways to prove their worth, and a plenty few who succeeded were not allowed to speak of it in exchange of attaining that power. However, the latest one who attained his help performed a Duel with someone else before gaining it." Big Benkei revealed. It was a rare occurrence for the event to happen, and he was a lucky one to get this information.
"So, it's possible that the way to prove our worth is by winning a Duel?" Benmaru asked again. He asked that, but he wasn't sure that was enough to prove their worth. He sensed there's something else needed to prove one's worth to this sacred Duel Monster.
"The only way to know is through Duel!"
Benmaru and the others stopped once they reached the innermost shrine where the Duel Monster resides. Before them, there was already somebody else standing in front of the shrine waiting for them. It was a tall purple-colored mechanical droid in samurai armor wielding black-colored scabbard on its back. It wore a mask that resembles Japanese demon with a scar.
"What took you so long? I've been waiting for you!" He said, pointing at Benmaru.
"Let me guess, this is the guy you mentioned?" Ginger deduced, which Big Benkei confirmed with a nod.
"What do we have, here. To think mere human dare to step foot into this sacred ground. It is beyond my imagination how far humans' ignorance could go. Or perhaps, it was a foolishness?" The Superheavy Samurai said with hostility, glaring at Benmaru and Ginger.
"That's one energetic samurai there." Ginger commented, seeing bits of Superheavy Samurai traits in him.
"Watch your tongue, idiot! Benmaru-dono here is an honorable Duelist who always fights carrying the pride of our kind on the line! You, who never even take a glance at a human has no right to insult him!" Big Benkei defended his master, seemingly ready to take out his weapon.
"So what? We can do just fine even without those humans. We don't need them." The Superheavy Samurai retorted dismissively, not regretting even the tiniest bit of what he said.
"You sure talk big when all you did was picking pointless fights together with those samurais, do you know how much trouble you have caused?!" Big Benkei argued.
"Pointless? I'm just testing how you're faring as a samurai. And I was disappointed that you're weak. Must be because of all those times you fought alongside humans." He retorted back.
"Besides, 'those samurais' you're referring to, are our comrades. But just because decided to try something new, you all deemed them like they are heretics. It's very stupid of you if you ask me." He added with a bitter hateful tone.
Before Big Benkei could say anything more, Benmaru raised a hand, motioning Big Benkei to say no more. Benmaru stepped forward, facing the Superheavy Samurai standing in front of him without a single sign of fear, glaring back to show his resolve that he won't return until his business is finished.
"I don't know what happened between you two, but that is not why we are here. In this form, my name is Benmaru. My real name is Noboru Gongenzaka. What is your name?" Benmaru asked. It was a common courtesy to introduce one's self first before asking for the other, especially before a Duel.
"Heh, at least you know an attitude. I am Honmaru. I've heard that you'll come here, so I've been waiting for you." Honmaru pointed challengingly at Benmaru. He was already starting to become impatient. "We both want the same thing, so let's just get this over with! No more words are necessary!"
"I'll do this alone. Don't interfere." Benmaru told Ginger.
"I know. Just make this quick." Ginger said, patting Benmaru's back as a gesture of his encouragement.
Big Benkei returned to Benmaru's Deck as Benmaru prepared his Duel Disk. His opponent also materialized a Duel Disk in his arm. The instant Benmaru and Honmaru stood face-to-face at the center of the Field, flames lit up from the lanterns surrounding them.
[[MASTER DUEL!]]
"I'm taking the first Turn! I activate Continuous Magic: Gate of the Brave Six! Each time a Six Warmen Monster is Normal or Special Summoned, I can add 2 Bushido Counters on this card." Honmaru summoned a gate with a round Six Warmen insignia at the center of the gate, glowing a dim green light.
"A Spell Card?! But you're a Superheavy Samurai Monster!" Benmaru pointed out. The creed of the Superheavy Samurai is they will never use Magic or Trap, all of their Deck consisted solely of Monster cards.
"They are comrades who are willing to sacrifice their own lives for others' sake. I don't see a reason to refuse their help." Honmaru replied before continuing his Turn.
"I summon Shadow Six Warmen – Hatsume (ATK: 1600 / DEF: 1800 / LV: 3)!" Honmaru summoned a female humanoid monster wearing short purplish sleeveless yukata with hair tied in pigtails in Attack Position in the Main Zone. This added 2 Bushido Counters to Gate of Brave Six.
"On top of using Magic and Trap, you're not using Superheavy Samurai Deck?" Benmaru wondered in surprised.
"We may be of different clan, but we are still fellow samurais. Again, I don't see why we shouldn't refuse their help when they willingly give it to us." Honmaru replied.
"If I control Mizuho, I can Special Summon True Six Warmen – Shinai (ATK: 1500 / DEF: 1500 / LV: 3) from my hand!" Honmaru summoned a male humanoid blue armored samurai monster in Attack Position next to Hatsume, increasing the Bushido Counters to 4.
"If I control Shinai, I can Special Summon True Six Warmen – Mizuho from my hand!" Honmaru summoned True Six Warmen – Mizuho (ATK: 1600 / DEF: 1000 / LV: 3) in Attack Position in the Main Zone, increasing the Bushido Counters to 6.
"Appear! The circuit of the swords!" Honmaru summoned the Link Summoning circuit, placing Hatsume in Bottom-Left arrow and Mizuho in the Right-Left arrow, combining the circuit.
"Link Summon! Appear! Link 2! Great General of Six Warmen (ATK: 1000 / LNK: 2 / LM: Bottom-Right, Bottom-Left)!" Honmaru summoned his Link Monster in Attack Position in the Link Monster Zone, increasing the Bushido Counters on Gate of Brave Six to 8 counters.
"When this card is Link Summoned, I can discard one card and then add one card from my Deck to my hand that has an effect that places a Bushido Counter on this card." Honmaru added a Spell card to his hand and then activated it.
"I set a card and end my Turn." Honmaru concluded.
"My Turn! With Scale 8 Superheavy General San-B and Scale 1 Superheavy General Haku-A, I set the Pendulum Scale! With this I can simultaneously summon Level 2 to 7 monsters! Pendulum Summon! Come forth, my monsters!" Benmaru Pendulum Summoned Superheavy Samurai Hisu-E, Superheavy Samurai Jisha-Qs, Superheavy Samurai Horagai (ATK: 300 / DEF: 600 / LV: 3) and Superheavy Samurai Kageboshi (ATK: 500 / DEF: 1000 / LV: 3) from his hand, both in Attack Position in the Main Zone.
"Appear! My circuit!" Benmaru opened the Link Summoning Circuit, setting Hisu-E on the Top Arrow, Horagai on the Left Arrow, and the Jisha-Qs on the Bottom and Right Arrow of the Link Markers.
"Link Summon! Appear! Link 4! Superheavy Samurai Tsunayo-C (ATK: 2300 / LINK: 4 / LM: Top, Left, Bottom, Right)!" Benmaru summoned his Link Monster in Attack Position in the Link Monster Zone.
"I activate Tsunayo-C's effect! Once per Turn, this card gains 400 ATK for each Superheavy Samurai Monsters in the Graveyard!" As there were 4 Superheavy Samurai monsters in the Graveyard, Benmaru increased Tsunayo-C's ATK by 1600, making its current ATK 3900.
"Battle! I attack Great General of the Six Warmen with Tsunayo-C!" Benmaru declared Battle Phase. Tsunayo-C ready to thrust its naginata at the opposing Link Monster.
"Trap Card: Six Warmen Unannounced Visit! I can Special Summon a Six Warmen Monster from my Graveyard, but it'll be destroyed at the end of this Turn!" Honmaru revived Mizuho in Attack Position. As a Six Samurai Monster was summoned, the Bushido Counters increased to 10 counters.
"I activate Mizuho's effect! I can tribute a Six Warmen Monster on my Field and then destroy a card on the Field!" Honmaru released Shinai, pointing at the attacking Tsunayo-C. The spirit of Shinai emerged, locking Tsunayo-C's naginata before swinging down its own weapon to crush the Link Monster.
"I activate San-B's Pendulum Effect! Once per Turn, when a Superheavy Samurai Monster I control is about to be destroyed by an Effect, I can negate its destruction but that monster's ATK is halved until the end of this Turn!" Benmaru halved Tsunayo-C's ATK to 1950. While weakened, Tsunayo-C was able to deflect Shinai's spirit's attack and proceeded with its attack towards Six Warmen Link Monster.
"I activate Great General of the Six Warmen's third effect! This card gains 100 ATK for each Bushido Counters on the Field." There were a total of 10 counters on Gate of the Brave Six and 2 counters on Great General itself since Mizuho was summoned on the zone pointed by Great General's Bottom-Right arrow, so it makes 12 counters in total, increasing Great General's ATK to 2200.
"What?!" Benmaru exclaimed in shock. He couldn't stop Tsunayo-C's attack. Tsunayo-C thrust its naginata at Great General of the Six Warmen, who blocked it with its own sword. The two Link Monsters pushed each other's blades. However, Tsunayo-C's naginata began to crack from the powerful pressure of the Great General's sword and it pushed him back.
"I activate Haku-A's Pendulum Effect! Once per Turn, I can negate the destruction of a Superheavy Samurai Monster I control during Battle Phase!" Benmaru declared. The Great General slashed Tsunayo-C's body, leaving a scar, but not deep, and Tsunayo-C retreated back to its master's side.
BENMARU LP: 4000 = 3750
"I end my Turn." Benmaru concluded. Following the effect, Honmaru's Mizuho was destroyed at the end Phase and Tsunayo-C's ATK reverted to normal as well.
"That guy is not bad. Benmaru may be in trouble in the next Turn." Ginger commented while licking a lollipop.
"My Turn! I activate Magic Card: Black Arte of the Six Warmen! I can draw three cards for each Six Warmen Monster I control!" Honmaru controlled Great General, so he drew 2 cards from his Deck.
"I summon True Six Warmen – Enishi (ATK: 1700 / DEF: 700 / LV: 4)!" Honmaru summoned a green-armored samurai in Attack Position in the zone pointed by Great General's bottom-left arrow. Due to Great Genera's effect, it gains 2 Bushido Counters for each time a monster is summoned on the zone pointed by its Link Marker. And in addition to the Gate of Brave Six's effect, it gained another 2 counters, increasing the Bushido Counters on the field to 16 in total, thus, increasing the Great General's ATK to 2600.
"When I Normal or Special Summoned a Six Warmen monster, I can Special Summon True Shadow of the Six Warmen (ATK: 500 / DEF: 2000 / LV: 4) from my hand!" Honmaru summoned a purplish spirit cladded in red-colored samurai armor in Attack Position, increasing the Bushido Counters to 18 in total.
"I overlay Enishi and True Shadow!" Honmaru opened the Overlay Network.
"Xyz Summon! Appear! Rank 4! Shadow of the Six Warmen – Shien (ATK: 2500 / DEF: 400 / RNK: 4 / ORU: 2)!" Honmaru summoned a red-haired male samurai monster with pale skin in Attack Position in the Main Zone, increasing the Bushido Counters to 20 in total.
"I activate Shien's effect! By detaching an Overlay Unit, I can target a Six Warmen Monster whose original ATK is below 2000. That monster's original ATK becomes 2000 until the end of this Turn!" Honmaru chose Great General. Its original ATK was 1000, and then it changed to 2000. Adding 20 Bushido Counters on the Field that equals to 2000 ATK, its ATK became 4000 in total.
"I knew it. This is not going well for Benmaru." Ginger stated with a strained smile. At least Tsunayo-C couldn't be destroyed due to Haku-A's Pendulum Effect...or so he thought.
"I activate Magic Card: Cyclone! I can destroy a Trap or Magic my opponent controls! Since Pendulum Monster is treated as a Spell Card when it's in Pendulum Zone, I can destroy your Haku-A!" Honmaru pointed at Haku-A as he activated his Magic Card, destroying Benmaru's defense.
"I thought too soon." Ginger stated.
"Battle! I attack Superheavy Samurai Tsunayo-C with the Great General of Six Warmen!" Honmaru declared Battle Phase. Benmaru activated Tsunayo-C's effect to increase its ATK again to 3900. While it was still weaker than the Great General, at least the damage would be reduced to minimum. Great General sliced Tsunayo-C into three pieces before it then exploded, pushing Benmaru back from the impact.
BENMARU LP: 3750 = 3650
However, Benmaru couldn't let his guard down yet because Honmaru still has his Xyz Monster. And he was right, Honmaru declared his second attack using his Xyz Monster. Shien slashed its sword at Benmaru who barely dodged the blade. Benmaru winced as the blade sliced his chest. Fortunately, it wasn't a deep cut.
BENMARU LP: 3650 = 1150
"I end my Turn." Honmaru concluded. "See? You're no match against me!"
"As long as I still have LP, the Duel is not over yet!" Benmaru stated firmly despite his disadvantage.
"At least you have some spirit, for a human." Honmaru praised, though still sneering at the Superheavy Samurai user.
"Why do you despise humans and the Superheavy Samurai so much?" Benmaru questioned. He became an outcast to his own clan and even constantly picked a fight with them, there has to be a reason for this.
"Because they're able to accept humans but yet unable to accept the Six Warmen, their own fellow samurais." Honmaru answered.
"What do you mean?" Benmaru inquired more.
"The creed of the Superheavy Samurai clan is to fight solely using their own strength without relying the use of Magic or Trap like you already knew. Originally, the Six Warmen were the same. They were Duel Monsters who has the same fighting style as my clan." Honmaru recalled the old times when they were still living in harmony, when they fought side by side as brothers-in-arms. It was a wonderful time. The best time he had ever experienced in his life. Until that day...
"One day, several samurais from the Superheavy Samurai clan were held hostage by a rivaling Duel Monster clan who was at war with them. They were a formidable opponent, able to disrupt our strength and took advantage of it. To save them, the Six Warmen clan discovered and developed the arte of Magic and Trap and used them to save the Superheavy Samurai clan. But instead of being grateful, my foolish clan felt insulted by the Six Warmen for breaking their creed, and they cut any ties with them. As a member of Superheavy Samurai clan, I was disgusted by what my own clan had done." Honmaru clenched his fists in fury, recalling the day when his Six Warmen friends were banished from the village. He couldn't understand what's the problem, and in fact he didn't care. His clan were saved by them, so how come that instead of being grateful, they were admonishing them? What an ungrateful bunch.
"Isn't it funny? They're able to accept humans so easily despite their differences, but yet they still continue to scron the Six Warmen even though we are Duel Monsters and fellow samurais. They are hypocrites. So stupid. They're always desperate to reject anything that they can't understand." Honmaru let out a humorless chuckle as his anger began to rise.
"If everyone just goes along with the flow, then they can't come face to face with their true feelings. Not only that, they might even stop thinking for themselves, and that'll be a problem. Before they knew it, they'll start to get controlled by the heat of times and start a fight that make them lose important friends. I won't become like them. I will get that power and prove my friends' worth that those ungrateful members of my clan cannot deny them." Honmaru stated determinedly. He didn't care how many years it would takes; he'll help his Six Warmen friends to rise up again and gain the recognition that they deserve.
"So...for the sake of your friends, you're fighting so hard..." Benmaru could understand that feeling very well. He was weak against this. To Ginger and Honmaru's astonishment, Benmaru started to tear up.
"I'm completely touched! You're truly the man! Alright! I'll let you have the power!" Benmaru wailed loudly, sounding incredibly moved.
"What the hell?!" Ginger and Honmaru exclaimed in shock together, losing their footing.
"Time out! Time out! Wait just a sec there, Big Guy! Do you even know what you're saying, Ben-chan!" Ginger interrupted, not believing that this happened now of all times. He knew that despite his appearance, Benmaru was a rather sensitive person, especially when it comes to pure friendship and the sort, but this was just plain stupid.
"You bastard! Are you misjudging me?! You almost give me a heart attack from the shock! Don't make fun of me!" Honmaru equally protested by the sudden burst of emotion displayed by his opponent. Completely not expecting such a reaction.
"He is truly an admirable samurai of the century!" Benmaru continued, still crying from the story.
"Get a grip, idiot!" Ginger gave the big guy his strongest kick on the face, enough to make Benmaru to fall to the ground.
"Did you forget why we came all the way here?! We have too many important things that we don't want to lose! We have our own friends waiting for us!" Ginger reminded the Superheavy Samurai user. As he hoped, that snapped Benmaru from his emotional condition.
"You're right! I was too entranced by his story and determination that I lost myself for a moment there!" Benmaru wiped the remains of his tears. He was so stupid for letting his sentimentality to take over him for a moment. He mustn't forget that he was also fighting for the sake of his friends.
"Are humans all like this?" Honmaru asked Ginger, sweat dropping.
"No, it's just him. He is very easy to be so emotional." Ginger answered, sweat dropping as well.
"I have to agree with you about that. I can understand if they want to fight following the creed they're so proud of, but that doesn't give them the right to treat you and your friends like that when you saved their lives. There's no meaning in having creed or pride, if they come at the cost of our friends..." Benmaru has decided to continue fighting using the Superheavy Samurai Deck that he and his family were so proud of. However, he's willing to go against the teaching if it means saving his family and friends. Pride, creed, that's something that can always be recovered. A life, however, was something that can never be replaced nor recovered.
"But what you're doing is not right. The way you despise humans is not different from the way the Superheavy Samurai despise you and your friends. Instead of using force, there's a better way to reach an understanding. If you think just a little, even people living happily together even though they're poor could stop hating people they don't even know." Benmaru could sense the frustration in Honmaru's heart. He and his friends weren't even given a chance to explain themselves, so they had no choice but to use brute force to show their powers, that their powers could benefit both sides. It wasn't like they were trying to force the Superheavy Samurai clan to use the same method as them, they simply want acceptance.
Still...
"I understand your suffering, but I won't lose this Duel. Because just like you, I'm also fighting for the sake of my precious friends." Benmaru raised his Duel Disk, ready to begin his Turn again.
A loud thunderous lightning stopped Benmaru from beginning his Draw Phase. The three Duelists looked up to see the sky darkened. From the clouds, a lightning bolt down, shaking the earth. Benmaru and the others shielded their eyes from the blinding light.
From the smoke, they saw a silhouette of a person along with an announcement from their Duel Disks.
[DUEL INTRUSION: BATTLE ROYAL MODE]
CAVE OF DESIRE – MOUNTAIN – MILLIA TOWN – CANTIDEL EMPIRE – ARC-V
When Yuzu entered the cave, at first, it was all pitch black, she couldn't see anything. But then, the deeper she walked, it started to get brighter and brighter until she was standing at infinitely vast sky. It was so beautiful. It was so warm. The atmosphere was serene. It felt good.
"Yuzu!"
Yuzu gasped when she heard the voice calling her name. The voice she has been longing to hear. The voice she thought she could never hear ever again. Countless bubbles then appeared. Each of the bubbles showed reflections of her memories with Yuya. She even could hear his voice from them. She watched them one by one. She touched them, and it was like she was reliving those moments all over again, facing Yuya like he was still alive.
"Yeah, I may behave differently with you in front of other guys aside from Gongenzaka, but you're still my best childhood friend."
This one was when they were children. Yuya refused her valentine chocolate because he didn't want to be made fun of by other boys, but then he quickly apologized and ate all of it in gratitude.
"Yuzu…! I'm glad. We finally met. We're finally… Yuzu…!"
This one was when they were reunited after being separated in Synchro Dimension. Before she could even feel relieved, he rushed and hugged her tightly. It took a few seconds for her to snap out from her stupor before returning his hug and accepted his warmth.
"It's time to fulfill that promise."
This one was when she and Yuya faced each other at the final of the Maiami Championship last year. Both of them determined to fulfil Zarc and Ray's last wish and duke it all out. Despite her best efforts, she was still lost against him. But the Duel was fun, so she didn't mind. She was very happy for him, and promised that she'll catch up to him soon.
"I've just realized this after our Duel in Maiami Championship a year ago… We were so close since we were young…that I took it for granted and was late to realize it…"
his one was when he first tried to confess to her properly after infiltrating the underground prison. She was so nervous hearing what he was trying to say to her. Her heart beating faster and faster, only for Yukiya to interrupt right at the most important moment.
"Do you…want to go out…somewhere with…just the…the two…of us…?"
This one was when the he finally confessed his feeling to her. All her nervousness that she has before disappeared in a blink of an eye, and all she felt at that moment was immense happiness. She almost thought it was merely a dream. It was one of the best days of her life.
Yuzu fell on her knees, hugging herself while tears falling uncontrollably from her eyes. She sobbed as she saw more of her memories with her most precious person. Each and every one of them were so precious to her. She could relive this moment over and over again.
If it means she could hear his voice again. If it means she could see his smile again...
"I want to stay here forever..." Yuzu thought while watching more of her memories. She didn't want to leave. She wanted to be with Yuya. This place gave that chance to her.
"Now, that's a very sad soul you have. How disappointing."
Yuzu gasped when a loud voice echoed throughout the place. She almost fell from the shock.
There was a presence behind her.
Turning around, Yuzu saw the person she didn't expect to see.
"You're..."
FOREST – EAST – DUEL MONSTER REALM
Venom and the others have been walking for an hour now, but they're still stuck at the forest, it's start to become tiring for them to walk...maybe except for Venom who was still carried by Starve Venom, looking completely fine. They frequently asked Ifrit if they were really going the right way, and the Crimson Duelists' answer was always the same: Yes, they are, just follow him. And that brought another question for them. How did he know where to go in the first place?
"Alright, stop." Ifrit said, stopping them from their tracks. The path was split again into two paths. And between those two paths stood a Holy Elf, smiling gently at them.
"Welcome, travelers. I have been expecting you." The Holy Elf said, greeting them.
"Wait, you know why we're here?" Artemis asked, feeling suspicious. Even though they're the same Holy Elf as Haruna, she's still unsure. After all, even if they're the same archetype, each Duel Monsters could still be different from one another, like humans are.
"We don't know exactly why you came here. However, we have received a dream that five souls who seeks to save the world will come. We, Holy Elves, always wishes for the safety of the world, be it the spirit realm or the human realm. Therefore, if there's anything that we, the Holy Elves, can be assistance of, we will gladly give you our help." The Holy Elf explained, joining her hands together in prayer.
"Then, can you please guide us to where we can find the secret of the Last Supreme King Dragon?" Ifrit inquired, to which she replied with a nod.
"Please, follow me–" Holy Elf stopped upon seeing Venom. She stared at him while slowly walking closer until she gently held both sides of his face, confusing Venom and the others.
"W-what are you doing?" Artemis asked, somehow not liking Holy Elf holding her friend like that.
"My apologies. I didn't mean to be rude." The Holy Elf quickly let go of Venom who just stared at the Duel Monster in bewilderment. Her next words, however, got him off from his dragon's hand and back to his feet. "Last night, there's this dragon passing by while carrying a human boy who has similar soul as you who is in the state of neither alive nor dead."
Artemis and the others looked at each other, particularly Artemis and Venom. They stood closer to the Holy Elf, demanding more information.
"This dragon...what does it look like?" Venom asked, feeling a bit nervous inside.
"Its body is red, it has a big blue jewel in its stomach, and two different colored eyes." The Holy Elf answered, blinking at the change of attitude of her two visitors.
Venom and Artemis felt their bodies tensed from various emotions. They stared at each other, both wearing the same expression along with one feeling emerging in their chest that they thought had disappeared since that night. Hope. The two of them were loss at words and struggle to get them out. Finally, Venom was the first to regain his voice and get the words out of his mouth.
"Yuya and Odd-Eyes...are here...?"
NEXT CHAPTER PREVIEW:
Resolve to Let Go – Yuri and Starve Venom decides to follow the trail where Yuya and Odd-Eyes are said to have been seen while Serena, Kino and Ifrit goes to the village of Holy Elves. At the human realm, sensing the danger occurring in the Duel Monster realm, Sara follows Yuzu into the Cave of Desire with Ray's guidance to help her.
Next, things will start getting intense again, but less depressing. And then there's a matter of Yuya and Odd-Eyes... You'll know soon enough what happened to them! And for the Duel, I think there are effects that I changed from TCG/OCG, I kinda forgot. Sorry for any mistake in this chapter. If there's someone willing to check my grammar and Duel before the chapter is updated, I'm open to it.
Please don't forget to review this chapter!
