Responses to Reviews
Thank you to Rodvek97, Variable Zero, dinocam3, suppes1, HunterHQ, Nirvash Neo, Cyber Warrior, FaerunZ, LazinessRules, RoyalTwinFangs, PatrickStarSpongy, doa570047. SakushiRyu, MoonLake13, ZarcEternal, D3lph0xL0v3r, rgriffin8999, wolf354, pokemonking0924, Dimension Se7en, jdkeller2000, Cherry-blossom, Noobmaster, Imperial drone, Ethan Kironus, Anonymous, helios darkus, NewComer1, kurenai lui, Yugifan101, and FlameFireZero X for reviewing Chapter 31 of Fifth Circuit.
Rodvek97: Decryption Paladin's removal effect only works for Spell or Trap Cards, not both. Also, it is dependent on being Link Summoned, specifically requiring a Pendulum Monster to be used for its effect to activate. While that condition isn't hard for Yuya to achieve, it is a reference to how Viral Dawn needs a Link-3 monster to activate its effect and how Enlightenment Paladin needs a "Magician" monster to retrieve a Spell Card (real world requires a Magician Pendulum Monster, while the anime just says Magician).
FaerunZ: For the other Lancers, they have Reiji Akaba and the resources of the Leo Corporation.
PatrickStarSpongy: On making Decryption Paladin a Warrior instead of a Spellcaster… Honestly, I forget that Enlightenment Paladin was a Spellcaster instead of a Warrior and I just went with the Type that resonated with "Paladin." I'm not going to change it though; I feel like it adds some variety to Yuya's Deck of Dragons and Spellcasters. Plus all the previous main characters made frequent use of Warriors, so I don't think Yuya having one more is a big deal.
helios darkus: I have debated doing a flashback chapter for Security Team 13 and decided against it. I have a good plan for the flow of the story right now, and I feel that a flashback chapter would derail that flow. I do have plans for flashbacks thought; but instead of a single chapter, I plan on doing small flashbacks in several chapters, kind of like Chapter 31 with Go's past.
Thank you again for your feedback on Chapter 31. As always, constructive criticism and ways you think the story can be improved are welcome; just don't expect them to come true. I'm not a genie whose bottle you can rub to get your wish.
That aside, I've finished up with this chapter but am having problems with the Hidden Memories chapter, so I decided to release this one early instead of both at the same time. And as a reminder, Chapter 35 will be the last chapter of the Synchro Arc. I hope you enjoy the beginning of the end!
Chapter 32: With the Wind
"Is it really alright for the winner to leave?" Melissa wondered aloud into her microphone. "Well, whatever. We still need to keep the show going, don't we? And that means the third match of the quarter-finals starts now! The next two duelists who will face off are… Crow Hogan! And! Yuji Kogami!"
Crow's eyes narrowed. "So I'm facing off against Yuji next, huh? He beat Kiryu, so this definitely won't be an easy match."
"So Crow's my opponent," Yuji muttered. "That means the next match will be Yugo and Serena." He frowned. "I suppose that means it's time to see Reiji's request through."
"Reiji wants me to lose?"
"Not yet," Tsukikage said. "Your skills are among the best in the Lancers; doing well in this tournament will go a long way to showing to this dimension how strong we are and show the Administrative Council how beneficial it would be to ally with us. But at the same time, your other skills would be a great benefit if they were unimpeded. Therefore, Reiji asks that you pass the first two rounds and lose in the third. Put on a strong enough performance for the first two, and they will forgive the loss."
Yuji nodded in agreement. They were here to gather allies and showing their own strength would go a long way but being confined like this meant their responses to any unforeseen circumstances would be limited.
"Of course there is another concern." Yuji raised an eyebrow. "I was watching when you were all arrested outside the Facility, and I saw how Roger attempted to isolate Serena. I told Reiji, and he thinks Roger has an interest in Serena. Roger may attempt to capture her again should she lose. With you on the outside, you can help protect her too."
"…Alright, I'll do it. But we'll have to hope Serena doesn't lose till then."
I don't care about the results of this tournament, Yuji thought as he was led to the stadium. And I have already proven my strength and the strength of the Lancers through my last two duels. There should be no problem with me throwing this duel. And yet… His eyes narrowed. Why do I feel reluctant about this?
"H-Hold on!" Yuzu protested as Amanda pulled her hand. "Where are we going?"
To say Yuzu was confused was an understatement. Her memory wasn't very clear, but she remembered losing against Sergey, only to wake up alone in an abandoned building with no memory of what happened in-between. She had left the building over the protest of her sore muscles and ran into three children who evidently knew Yuya and the others. And now, said children were taking her somewhere.
"Crow's duel is about to start!" Frank explained. "He's going up against Yuji, and that's a duel we can't afford to miss!"
"Yuji…" Yuzu remembered the boy who looked like Yuya and possessed the strange summoning method called Link Summoning. She saw that he was really strong and adaptable, and yet… some part of her couldn't help but feel sad whenever she saw him.
"We can't go to the Duel Palace since we tried to sneak in before, and Security will have their eye out for us," Frank continued.
"But we have a special seat to watch the duel in the City!" Tanner said excitedly.
"A seat that Security can't find," Amanda added. "Yuji and Crow fought Security together, so we know this duel will be awesome!"
"Eh? Fought Security together?"
The kids didn't answer, and while Yuzu had reservations about watching the duel, she decided against voicing them. They were so excited for the duel she couldn't find it in herself to protest. And… seeing these three kids reminded her of Tatsuya, Futoshi, and Ayu. She never could say no when those three teamed up.
Yuji drove into the Duel Palace and stopped at the starting line, Crow right behind him. Crow smirked at his opponent. "Got to be honest; a part of me wanted this, after seeing you face off against Kiryu." Yuji raised an eyebrow. "Don't take it personally, but I need to win Yuji. I like you a lot, but I'm fighting for more than myself right now. So I won't hold back just because I call you a friend!"
"…I would be insulted if you did," Yuji responded.
"Time to get things started here!" Melissa announced. "Action Field, on! Field Spell Card: Crossover Acceleration!"
"Duel mode, on. Auto-pilot, standby."
The countdown appeared and started. "Turbo Duel! Acceleration!" The timer hit 0 and the two Duel Runners shot off.
"Duel!"
Crow Hogan: 4000 LP
Yuji Kogami: 4000 LP
The two duelists turned the corner and shot for the exit. "Yuji and Crow are neck-and-neck! Who will leave the Duel Palace first and take the first turn?" The two entered the gate and then shot out. "The first out of the gate is Crow Hogan! He takes the first turn!"
Crow smirked. "Commons! Just as we are stronger when working together, when the bonds between us are the strongest, my Blackwings will show their teamwork is superior! My turn! I summon Blackwing – Calima the Haze!" A magenta ghost in the shape of a bird appeared.
Blackwing – Calima the Haze ATK 600 DEF 1800 LVL: 4
"Since I control a 'Blackwing' monster, I can Special Summon Blackwing – Oroshi the Squall!" A squat black bird with a red bill appeared in Attack Position.
Blackwing – Oroshi the Squall ATK 400 DEF 600 LVL: 1
"I tune Level 1 Oroshi the Squall to Level 4 Calima the Haze! Dragon-slaying blade, be wielded by the heroic raptor! Synchro Summon! Appear, Level 5! Blackwing – Gram the Shining Star!" The light faded and revealed an armored humanoid bird with blue wings and a curved longsword in its right hand at the right Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position.
Blackwing – Gram the Shining Star ATK 2200 DEF 1500 LVL: 5
"Crow opens with a Synchro Summon!"
"Gram's effect activates! When it is Synchro Summoned, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower 'Blackwing' monster from my hand with its effects negated so long as it isn't a Tuner monster. I summon Blackwing – Shura the Blue Flame!" A thin humanoid bird with black wings and a blue head appeared in Attack Position.
Blackwing – Shura the Blue Flame ATK 1800 DEF 1200 LVL: 4
"I Set one card. I end my turn."
"Crow sets up an offensive field! The ball is in Yuji's court!"
Said teenager frowned. I can't just hand Crow's victory to him; that would be too obvious and make Roger suspicious. I have to make this look good; fight hard enough to make it seem like I'm trying to win, while hold back enough that Crow's victory is likely. This is going to be hard.
"My turn! Draw! I summon Flame Bufferlo!" A black metal bison with horns and a tail made of blue fire appeared.
Flame Bufferlo ATK 1400 DEF 200 LVL: 3
"Since a Cyberse monster was Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon this monster. Come, Boot Staggered!" A humanoid machine with white armor and a body covered in blue dots appeared in Attack Position.
Boot Staggered ATK 2300 DEF 500 LVL: 5
"By reducing Flame Bufferlo's Level by two, I can Special Summon Catche Eve L2!" A woman wit cat paws, ears, and a tail appeared, wearing a blue poncho and white skirt.
Flame Bufferlo LVL: 3→1
Catche Eve L2 ATK 800 DEF 600 LVL: 2
"Appear, the circuit that leads to the future!" The summoning condition is one Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster. I set Catche Eve L2 in the Link Marker!" The monster entered the bottom arrow. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Link Disciple!" A red, black, and white machine in a humanoid shape emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone.
Link Disciple ATK 500 LINK-1 ↓
"I activate the effect of Backup Operator in my hand! I target a monster my Link Monster points to, Special Summon Backup Operator, and return that monster to the owner's hand. I target Flame Bufferlo and Special Summon Backup Operator!" A pink-haired woman in white armor over a black jumpsuit appeared, sitting on a mobile chair in Attack Position.
Backup Operator ATK 1200 DEF 800 LVL: 3
"Flame Bufferlo then returns to my hand." The black bison disappeared. "And since Flame Bufferlo left the field, I can discard a Cyberse monster to draw two cards. I'll discard Flame Bufferlo itself and draw!" Yuji glanced at his new cards and added them to his hand. "Appear again, the circuit that leads to the future! The summoning conditions are two Level 3 or higher Cyberse monsters. I set Backup Operator and Boot Staggered in the Link Markers!" Yuji's monsters entered the top and right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Elphase!" A man in a blue tunic with blonde hair tied in a ponytail emerged from the portal at Link Disciple's Link Marker.
Elphase ATK 2000 LINK-2 ↑→
"Since Backup Operator was Special Summoned by its own effect, it is banished since it left the field. And while Elphase is on the field, it gains 300 attack points for each monster it points to."
Elphase ATK 2000→2300
"For a third time, the circuit that leads to the future!"
"Three times?!" Crow said in shock.
"The summoning conditions are two or more Effect Monsters. I set Link Disciple and Elphase in the Link Markers!" The monsters entered the top, bottom, and right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Transcode Talker!" A humanoid in orange armor emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone.
Transcode Talker ATK 2300 LINK-3 ↑↓→
"It's here! One of Yuji's signature Code Talkers!"
"Since the Link Summoned Elphase left the field, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster from my Graveyard. Resurrect, Flame Bufferlo!" The black bison with horns and a tail of blue fire appeared in Attack Position.
Flame Bufferlo ATK 1400 DEF 200 LVL: 3
"Transcode Talker's effect activates! Once per turn, I can Special Summon a Link-3 or lower Cyberse Link Monster from my Graveyard to its Link Marker. Return, Elphase!" The blonde warrior reappeared at Transcode Talker's bottom Link Marker.
Elphase ATK 2000 LINK-2 ↑→
"Elphase gains 300 attack points for each monster it points to. And while Transcode Talker is co-linked, itself and monsters co-linked with it gain 500 attack points and cannot be targeted by your card effects."
Elphase ATK 2000→2300→2800
Transcode Talker ATK 2300→2800
"For a fourth time! The circuit that leads to the future! The summoning conditions are two or more Cyberse monsters. I set Flame Bufferlo and Link-2 Elphase in the Link Markers!" The monsters entered the top, bottom, and left arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Shootingcode Talker!" A warrior in blue armor with wings emerged from the portal at Transcode Talker's bottom Link Marker.
Shootingcode Talker ATK 2300→2800 LINK-3 ←↑↓
"Amazing! With four Link Summons, Yuji has brought out two Code Talkers with 2800 attack points!" Crow grit his teeth.
"Battle! At this point, Shootingcode Talker's effect activates! During this Battle Phase, Shootingcode Talker gains additional attacks against your monsters for each monster it points to!"
"What?" Crow gasped.
"Shootingcode Talker is linked to Transcode Talker, so it can attack your monsters twice!" The bars on Shootingcode Talker's left arm extended, creating a golden bow. "Shootingcode Talker attacks Gram the Shining Star!" Shootingcode Talker pulled the bow's string back and formed an arrow of blue energy. It released the string and sent the bolt straight towards Crow's field.
Crow smirked. "Continuous Trap activate! Blade Shade! I target a monster I control and activate one of two effects. I target Gram and activate its first effect to negate your attack!" A spiraling shield on red and yellow with blades on the ends appeared in front of Gram and spun, knocking the arrow off course. "And then, since Blade Shade's effect was activated this turn, you take 500 points of damage!" The shield shot out a blast of wind at Yuji, making him wince.
Yuji Kogami: 4000→3500 LP
"Crow draws first blood with the effect of a Trap Card!"
Yuji grimaced. "Your Blade Shade can only block one attack per turn!" he reminded Crow. "And Shootingcode Talker can attack twice! Shootingcode Talker attacks Gram the Shining Star! Shooting Complete!" The Link Monster pulled its bow back and formed a new arrow before releasing the string. The bolt shot out and impaled Gram's head, making it explode and causing Crow to wince.
Crow Hogan: 4000→3400 LP
"Since the monster targeted by Blade Shade left the field, Blade Shade is destroyed."
"Transcode Talker attacks Shura the Blue Flame! Trans Fault!" Transcode Talker's shoulder popped open, revealing a rifle that it took in its hands. The rifle fired a beam of orange light that struck Shura and destroyed it. Crow grunted from the shockwave of the attack.
Crow Hogan: 3400→2400 LP
"At the end of the Battle Phase, Shootingcode Talker's effect lets me draw cards equal to the number of monsters it destroyed this turn. It destroyed one, so I draw one card."
Crow grit his teeth. "That card gets multiple attacks and lets you draw? Just how broken is your Deck?!"
"I Set two cards. I end my turn."
"Yuji tore through Crow's defenses! Will the Commons' shooting star be able to rally?"
A lopsided grin crossed Crow's face. "Do you even have to ask? It doesn't matter what we face or how many times we stumble; so long as we Commons stand together, we can get back up and keep fighting! My turn! Draw! I activate the Spell Card: Allure of Darkness! This lets me draw two cards, but then I must banish a Dark monster or send my entire hand to the Graveyard." Crow drew. His eyes widened on seeing his cards but then he smirked. "Perfect! I banish Blackwing – Gladius the Midnight Sun. Then, I summon Blackwing – Auster the South Wind!" A small orange bird with red, white, and black wings appeared.
Blackwing – Auster the South Wind ATK 1300 DEF 0 LVL: 4
"Auster the South Wind's effect activates! When it is Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon a banished Level 4 or lower 'Blackwing' monster in Defense Position. I Special Summon the banished Gladius the Midnight Sun!" A black humanoid bird in silver armor appeared and swung two short swords.
Blackwing – Gladius the Midnight Sun ATK 800 DEF 1500 LVL: 3
Yuji blinked before a small smile crossed his face. "Clever. He used a card to banish his monster and then got it back."
"I tune Level 4 Auster the South Wind to Level 3 Gladius the Midnight Sun! Darkened gales, become the wings which will soar to the heavens! Synchro Summon! Come, Level 7! Blackwing Armor Master!" A humanoid monster emerged from the light at the Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position. It was covered head-to-toe in black armor with orange lines, and wings sprouted from its back. A single red eye rested in its head, encased by a silver beak.
Blackwing Armor Master ATK 2500 DEF 150 LVL: 7
"Crow performs yet another Synchro Summon!"
Yuji frowned. "A new 'Blackwing' Synchro Monster…"
"I activate the effect of Auster the South Wind in my Graveyard! By banishing it, I can place a Wedge Counter on each face-up monster you control!" A transparent Auster reappeared and flapped its wings, launching two shards of rock that struck Shootingcode Talker's and Transcode Talker's chests and dug their way in.
Shootingcode Talker 0 WC→1 WC
Transcode Talker 0 WC→1 WC
Yuji blinked. "Wedge Counters?"
Crow smirked. "Armor Master's effect activates! By removing all Wedge Counters on your monsters, those monsters' attack and defense points become 0 until the end of the turn!" Yuji gasped as the rock fragments shattered and spread cracks over his Link Monsters' bodies.
Shootingcode Talker ATK 2800→500
Transcode Talker ATK 2800→500
"With a single effect, Crow weakens Yuji's monsters to 500!" Yuji grit his teeth. If not for Transcode Talker's boost, their attack points would be 0.
"If I destroy Shootingcode Talker, you'll just bring it back with Transcode Talker's effect," Crow reasoned. "So I'll take out the latter! Battle! Armor Master attacks Transcode Talker! Black Hurricane!" Armor Master charged and punched Transcode Talker in the chest. A whirlwind formed around its fist and blasted outwards, tearing through Transcode Talker and making it explode. Yuji grunted as the shockwave hit him and made his Duel Runner swerve.
Yuji Kogami: 3500→1500 LP
Yuji got his Duel Runner under control and frowned. "Since Transcode Talker left the field, Shootingcode Talker loses 500 attack points."
Shootingcode Talker ATK 500→0
"I Set one card. I end my turn. During the End Phase, Armor Master's effect ends, and Shootingcode Talker's attack points return to normal."
Shootingcode Talker ATK 0→2300
"In a display of power, Crow wipes out more than half of Yuji's Life Points!"
Yuji frowned as he checked the display. Armor Master has an effect that prevents it from being destroyed by battle and keeps Crow from taking battle damage when it battles. And if it attacks, it places a Wedge Counter on a monster. His frown deepened. I've underestimated Crow; I'll have to kick things up a notch if I want to make this look convincing.
"My turn! Draw!" Yuji looked at his card and his eyes fractionally widened. That'll work. "I summon Clock Wyvern!" A blue and pink metal dragon appeared and roared.
Clock Wyvern ATK 1800 DEF 1000 LVL: 4
"Clock Wyvern's effect activates! When it is Normal or Special Summoned, I can halve its attack points to Special Summon a Clock Token!" A mas of violet crystals appeared in Defense Position.
Clock Wyvern ATK 1800→900
Clock Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1
Yuya, who stood in Roger's office, widened his eyes. He recognized this strategy. But more than that, he saw something that Roger hadn't.
Yuzu! And she's with Frank, Amanda, and Tanner…! Yuzu and the three children were watching from a walkway over the Duel Lanes. If Yuya had to guess, he assumed the children had taken her there to cheer for Crow. While Yuya was glad Yuzu was alright, now wasn't the time to say anything. Not when Roger was watching so closely.
"Appear, the circuit that leads to the future! The summoning conditions are two Cyberse monsters. I set Clock Token and Clock Wyvern in the Link Markers!" The monsters entered the bottom and bottom-right Link Markers. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Clock Spartoi!" A humanoid warrior in silver and gold armor emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone, wielding a small spear.
Clock Spartoi ATK 800 LINK-2 ↓↘
Serena's eyes widened. "That monster is-!"
"Clock Spartoi's effect activates! When it is Link Summoned, I can add Cynet Fusion from my Deck to my hand!"
"What?!" Crow gasped.
"Cynet Fusion!" Melissa shouted. "A Fusion Summon is coming!"
"Trap activate! Recoded Alive! By banishing a Link-3 Cyberse Link Monster from my field or Graveyard, I can Special Summon a 'Code Talker' monster from my Extra Deck. I banish Transcode Talker to Special Summon Powercode Talker!" A large warrior in red armor appeared at Clock Spartoi's bottom-right Link Marker.
Powercode Talker ATK 2300 LINK-3 ←↙→
"Clock Spartoi's effect activates! When a monster is Special Summoned to its Link Marker, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster from my Graveyard with its effects negated. Come, Clock Wyvern!" The dragon reappeared and roared in Attack Position.
Clock Wyvern ATK 1800 DEF 1000 LVL: 4
"Powercode Talker's effect activates! Once per turn, I can negate the effects of one face-up monster on the field until the end of the turn! I negate Armor Master's effects! Wire Restruction!" An energy claw formed on Powercode Talker's right wrist. It shot the claw out on a string and grabbed Armor Master, making it groan in protest. Crow grit his teeth.
"I activate the Spell Card: Cynet Fusion! With this, I fuse monsters in my hand or on my field to Fusion Summon a Cyberse Fusion Monster. I fuse Clock Wyvern, Clock Spartoi, and Shootingcode Talker!" The three monsters turned into red, blue, and green particles that swirled into a vortex before shooting upwards as tornados. The three tornados merged to form a single violet twister.
"The strong ones gather before its grand winds! Become a new legend! Fusion Summon! Come out! Level 7! Cyberse Clock Dragon!" The tornado parted to reveal a purple dragon with black armor and golden wings that stood at the Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position.
Cyberse Clock Dragon ATK 2500 DEF 2000 LVL: 7
"It's here!" Melissa cheered. "The Fusion Monster that defeated Divine! Yuji's ultimate ace monster! Cyberse Clock Dragon!"
Crow grit his teeth. "This is going to hurt."
I could have used Powercode Talker as well, but I don't need Clock Dragon to gain that many attack points, Yuji thought. He was certain Crow had a way to survive the turn against Clock Dragon, so this would be enough to push him. And that aside, so long as Yuji controlled Clock Dragon and a Link Monster, Crow could only target Clock Dragon for attacks or effects.
Out loud, Yuji said, "Clock Dragon's effect activates! When it is Fusion Summoned, I send cards from the top of my Deck to the Graveyard equal to the combined Link Ratings of its Fusion Materials. Then, for each card sent, Clock Dragon gains 1000 attack points!"
"Clock Spartoi is Link-2, and Shootingcode Talker is Link-3, so I send five cards to the Graveyard and Clock Dragon gains 5000 attack points!"
"Cyberse Clockup!"
Cyberse Clock Dragon ATK 2500→7500
"Clock Dragon's attack points have risen to 7500! With Armor Master's effects negated, a single attack will end the duel!"
"Battle! Cyberse Clock Dragon attacks Armor Master! Pulse Pressure!" Pink lightning crawled across Clock Dragon's skin before gathering in its maw. The dragon reared its head back and then forward, releasing a beam of energy.
Crow grit his teeth. "That dragon is probably the most dangerous monster in your Deck. But I'm prepared for it! Trap activate! Blackwing – Inversion!" The card showed two Raikiri the Rain Showers, their blades drawn and swept downward and mirroring each other. "When my 'Blackwing' monster is attacked, the battle damage is reduced to 0!" The beam struck Armor Master and disintegrated it, but when it tried to reach Crow, a barrier of black feathers formed around him and blocked the attack. "And then, since the damage I would have taken was 2000 or more, I can draw two cards and gain Life Points equal to my destroyed monster's Level times 100!"
Crow Hogan: 2400→3100 LP
"Crow not only survived Clock Dragon's attack, but he also drew cards and gained Life Points!"
As expected, Yuji thought. Still, 7500 attack points is a large mountain to surmount. He'll have his work cut out for him.
"The turn Clock Dragon is Fusion Summoned, my other monsters cannot attack. I Set one card. I end my turn."
The two drove into the stadium, having finished the track. Crow glanced up at the crowd. "I know what all of you are thinking. How can I possibly overcome such a monster? A monster with over 7000 attack points? But that doesn't matter! We Commons are used to facing overwhelming odds! And we do it through the bonds we share! So long as the Commons stand united, even an unreachable foe is beatable! And I'll prove that right now by defeating this Cyberse Clock Dragon!"
The audience gasped at Crow's claim, but the sound was lost as Yuji and Crow exited the stadium.
"My turn! Draw! I activate the Spell Card: Against the Wind! I add a 'Blackwing' monster from my Graveyard to my hand by taking damage equal to its attack points. I add Oroshi the Squall to my hand and take 400 points of damage!" Crow grit his teeth as a red aura appeared around him.
Crow Hogan: 3100→2700 LP
"I summon Blackwing – Jetstream the Blue Sky!" A blue bird with a red head appeared.
Blackwing – Jetstream the Blue Sky ATK 100 DEF 800 LVL: 1
"Since I control a 'Blackwing' monster, I can Special Summon Blackwing – Oroshi the Squall!" The black bird with a red bill reappeared in Attack Position.
Blackwing – Oroshi the Squall ATK 400 DEF 600 LVL: 1
Yuji narrowed his eyes. He remembered Oroshi the Squall's effect from Crow's duel with Lua; it allowed to change a monster's battle position. And while Clock Dragon had 7500 attack points, it only had 2000 defense points. Fortunately, Yuji had prepared for such a possibility.
"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Forbidden Dress!" Yuji declared. "Until the end of the turn, one monster on the field loses 600 attack points, but it cannot be targeted or destroyed by other card effects. I target Clock Dragon!"
Cyberse Clock Dragon ATK 7500→6900
Crow smirked. "So you prepared for Oroshi's effect?"
"You're not defeating Clock Dragon that easily. And in case you're thinking of attacking Powercode Talker, you should know that Clock Dragon prevents you from attacking or targeting my other monsters for effects so long as I control a Link Monster."
"You don't need to worry about that; in fact…" Crow's smirk widened. "You just made Clock Dragon's defeat a certainty!" Yuji blinked at that claim. "I tune the Level 1 Oroshi the Squall to Level 1 Jetstream the Blue Sky! Spread your jet-black wings and slice through the gale with your concealed blade! Synchro Summon! Plunge, Level 2! Assault Blackwing – Sayo the Rain Hider!" A humanoid bird in armor holding a dagger in a reverse hold appeared at the Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position.
Assault Blackwing – Sayo the Rain Hider ATK 800 DEF 100 LVL: 2
"I activate the effect of Blackwing – Inversion in my Graveyard! By banishing it, I can send a 'Blackwing' Synchro Monster from my Extra Deck to the Graveyard and add a 'Blackwing' monster from my Graveyard to my hand. I'll send Sohaya the Rain Storm to the Graveyard and add Gladius the Midnight Sun to my hand. And since I control only one 'Blackwing' monster, I can Special Summon Gladius the Midnight Sun!" The humanoid avian in silver armor reappeared in Attack Position.
Assault Blackwing – Gladius the Midnight Sun ATK 800 DEF 1500 LVL: 3
"Since I used a 'Blackwing' monster to Synchro Summon Sayo the Rain Hider, it is treated as a Tuner monster! I tune Level 2 Sayo the Rain Hider to Level 3 Gladius the Midnight Sun! Jet-black raging gale, become the tailwind that ties our bonds! Synchro Summon! Take off, Level 5! Assault Blackwing – Sohaya the Rain Storm!" A humanoid avian in blue armor appeared at the Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position and swung a sword before sheathing it.
Assault Blackwing – Sohaya the Rain Storm ATK 1500 DEF 2000 LVL: 5
"Sohaya's effect activates! When it is Synchro Summoned, I can Special Summon an 'Assault Blackwing' monster from my Graveyard! Resurrect, Sayo the Rain Hider!" The armored avian with a bandana reappeared in Attack Position.
Assault Blackwing – Sayo the Rain Hider ATK 800 DEF 100 LVL: 2
Yuji narrowed his eyes. "I remember this strategy from your duel with Aki Izayoi; Since Sohaya the Rain Storm was Synchro Summoned using 'Blackwing' monsters, it's treated as a Tuner monster."
"That's right," Crow confirmed. "I tune Level 5 Sohaya the Rain Storm to Level 2 Sayo the Rain Hider! Spread your jet-black wings, and storm forth in tandem with the roaring thunder! A slash of lightning! Synchro Summon! Cascade, Level 7! Assault Blackwing – Raikiri the Rain Shower!" Another humanoid bird, this one in purple armor, emerged from the light at the Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position and swung his katana.
Assault Blackwing – Raikiri the Rain Shower ATK 2600 DEF 2000 LVL: 7
"Crow performs the same tactic he used against Aki! Three rapid-fire Synchro Summons culminating in his ace monster!"
"Even if you summoned Raikiri, it cannot destroy Clock Dragon with its effect," Yuji reminded Crow.
"Stop being such a downer," Crow teased. "Since Sohaya the Rain Storm was sent to the Graveyard, I can banish the other Sohaya the Rain Storm in my Graveyard to Special Summon it!" The humanoid avian in blue armor reappeared in Attack Position.
Assault Blackwing – Sohaya the Rain Storm ATK 1500 DEF 2000 LVL: 5
"So that's why you sent a second copy to the Graveyard," Yuji reasoned. "But why would…" His eyes widened. "You can't be-!"
"It seems you caught me," Crow said with a smirk. "But before I get to that, I'll activate Raikiri the Rain Shower's effect! Once per turn, I can destroy cards you control up to the number of 'Blackwing' monsters I control."
"Clock Dragon cannot be targeted by your card effects. And so long as I control a Link Monster, it prevents you from targeting my other monsters for attacks or effects."
"Then I'll destroy your face-down card!" Raikiri swung his sword and sent a bolt of lightning, shattering Yuji's Set card. Crow looked at the card and blinked. "Doppler Phase Coating, huh? That would have prevented a Cyberse monster's destruction by battle once per turn. You could have protected Clock Dragon. Too bad Raikiri got rid of it."
"Crow clears Yuji's field of Spell and Trap Cards! But Raikiri isn't strong enough to take out Clock Dragon!"
"Indeed, Raikiri cannot defeat Clock Dragon. But now I can bring out a monster that can! Since Raikiri was Synchro Summoned using 'Blackwing' monsters, I can treat it as a Tuner monster!"
"Eh? Raikiri as a Tuner? And the Level 5 Sohaya… It can't be!"
"It is! I tune Level 7 Raikiri the Rain Shower to Level 5 Sohaya the Rain Storm! Pitch-black wings, wield the power of thunder, and resonate through the skies! Synchro Summon! Slash, Level 12! Assault Blackwing – Onimaru the Divine Thunder!" Another humanoid avian emerged from the light. This one wore black armor with orange and yellow markings in the shape of lightning bolts. Its left wing was orange and black and mechanical, while its right wing was brown and organic. The Synchro Monster swung a sword shaped like a lightning bolt as it was summoned to the Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position.
Assault Blackwing – Onimaru the Divine Thunder ATK 3000 DEF 2000 LVL: 12
"What!?" Melissa screamed, the audience mirroring her reaction. "Crow not only pulls off a fourth Synchro Summon in one turn, but summons a Level 12 monster?! And one with the same attack points as Kusanagi the Gathering Storm!"
Yuji grimaced. "From Level 2 to Level 12, through four Synchro Summons… I believe I said it before, but your Deck wouldn't change too much if you fought with Link Summoning instead of Synchro Summoning."
"I remember you saying that, but I rather like Synchro Monsters. My monsters this turn started out weak, but by working together, they ascended to Level 12! The Commons are the same! When we fight alone, we can't achieve anything! But when we are connected, when we fight together, there is nothing we cannot accomplish!"
The Commons cheered at Crow's words. Watching with Roger, Yuya was stunned speechless. Roger however, was smirking.
He talks a big game, but the truth is that the Commons are cowards, Roger thought dismissively. They'll get angry and shout, but they won't actually do anything. Any "revolution" he tries to bring about will be crushed completely and utterly.
"I activate the Equip Spell Card: Sky Excalibur and equip it to Onimaru!" Onimaru's sword changed to a golden and blue longsword that split down the middle and glowed with lightning. "So long as Sky Excalibur is equipped to Onimaru, it gains 400 attack points and is unaffected by your card effects."
Assault Blackwing – Onimaru the Divine Thunder ATK 3000→3400
"Battle! Onimaru the Divine Thunder attacks Clock Dragon!" The humanoid bird spread his wings and leapt upwards, high into the air.
"Eh?" Melissa gasped. "Crow's Synchro Monster may be Level 12, but its attack points are only 3400! Clock Dragon's are 6900! What is he thinking?!"
"Onimaru the Divine Thunder's effect activates! When it attacks, it gains 1000 attack points for each time I Synchro Summoned this turn!"
"What?" Yuji gasped.
"I Synchro Summoned four times! So Onimaru the Divine Thunder gains 4000 attack points!"
Assault Blackwing – Onimaru the Divine Thunder ATK 3400→7400
Onimary the Divine Thunder hung in the air before he glowed golden and changed shape into a raptor. The raptor dove downwards at an angle, stopping before turning again.
"This is it! Take the power of the Commons' bonds! Thunder Bolt Clap!" Onimaru dove through Clock Dragon, its blade cutting the larger monster in half and making it explode. Yuji grunted from the force of the backlash.
Yuji Kogami: 1500→1000 LP
Assault Blackwing – Onimaru the Divine Thunder ATK 7400→3400
"H-He did it!" Melissa screamed. "Crow defeated Clock Dragon!"
Yuji drove the smoke cloud and caught up to Crow. "I have to admit, that was pretty good," he said. "But if I hadn't weakened Clock Dragon with Forbidden Dress, you wouldn't have been able to do that."
"Probably not," Crow admitted. "Nor would I have been able to if you used Powercode Talker to summon Clock Dragon." His eyes narrowed. "Yuji; you wouldn't happen to be holding back, would you?"
"…"
"I think I've got a good enough handle on your personality to know you're not trying to insult me," Crow said. "Nor am I going to ask why you are. I'm just going to ask this: Is this how you want your part in this tournament to end?"
Yuji's eyes widened in shock. "I end my turn. So come at me, Yuji!" Crow increased his speed and the distance between them.
"…Is this how I want this duel to end?" Yuji whispered. If he had been asked that question a few days ago, he would have said yes; what mattered above all else was the mission and winning this duel would not advance the mission. More likely, it would hinder it. He had been taught that, believed in that, since the day Security Team 13 was founded. Pride and honor had no place in strategy. The important things were that the mission succeeded and that the team came back safe.
And yet… Yuji couldn't forget his duel with Kiryu, how thrilling it had been to just forget the mission for a moment, to just take pleasure in the duel itself. To forget about winning or losing, and only worry about his own satisfaction. It was a horribly selfish thought process: to put his own feelings before the necessity of the mission. But it had been so nice to just cut loose and duel just for his own sake.
Yuji closed his eyes and smiled sadly. It's seems I'm a failure as a team leader; I'm supposed to keep to the mission, and yet… I find that I don't want to anymore. He opened his eyes and set his lips in a determined frown. "Alright, Crow. You want me to fight seriously? Then I'll show you what that looks like! My turn! Draw!"
Yuji glanced at his card before gesturing to his field. "I activate the effect of Recoded Alive in my Graveyard! Since I have no monsters in the Extra Monster Zone, I can banish it to Special Summon a banished 'Code Talker' monster. Come, Transcode Talker!" The orange armored warrior reappeared at Yuji's center Main Monster Zone.
Transcode Talker ATK 2300 LINK-3 ↑↓→
"Despite losing his most powerful monster, Yuji isn't giving up!"
Yuji checked the display on Onimaru the Divine Thunder and frowned. Even if it wasn't equipped with Sky Excalibur, Onimaru can't be destroyed by card effects. I'll have to either overpower it… or take a different approach.
"Transcode Talker's effect activates! Once per turn, I Special Summon a Link-3 or lower Cyberse Link Monster from my Graveyard to its Link Marker. Resurrect, Elphase!" The blonde man in a blue jumpsuit reappeared at Transcode Talker's right Link Marker.
Elphase ATK 2000 LINK-2 ↑→
"Elphase gains 300 attack points for each monster it points."
Elphase ATK 2000→2300
"I Special Summon Grid Sweeper!" A gray triangle with green edges and yellow lights at its corners appeared in Attack Position.
Grid Sweeper ATK 100 DEF 2000 LVL: 4
"Grid Sweeper can be Special Summoned when there is a Field Spell in the Field Zone."
Crow grit his teeth. "And the Action Field is treated as being in the Field Zone…"
"Appear, the circuit that leads to the future! The summoning conditions are two or more non-Token monsters. I set Grid Sweeper and Link-2 Elphase in the Link Markers!" The monsters entered the left, top, and right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Tri-Gate Wizard!" A man wearing a dark blue and gray jumpsuit with drills for feet leapt out of the portal at Transcode Talker's right Link Marker and Powercode Talker's left Link Marker, spinning a staff topped by a triangle and a crescent.
Tri-Gate Wizard ATK 2200 LINK-3 ←↑→
"Oh! Yuji summons a new Link-3!"
Yuya frowned. That's not new; he used that monster against Dennis. So focused was he on the duel that he didn't notice that Roger had finally caught sight of Yuzu and the children.
"Since Transcode Talker is co-linked, itself and monsters co-linked with it cannot be targeted by your card effects and gain 500 attack points."
Transcode Talker ATK 2300→2800
Tri-Gate Wizard ATK 2200→2700
"I summon Bitron!" A small white monster with blue eyes appeared.
Bitron ATK 200 DEF 2000 LVL: 2
"Appear again, the circuit that leads to the future! The summoning condition is one Normal Monster. I set Bitron in the Link Marker!" Bitron entered the bottom arrow. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Link Spider!" A mechanical dark blue spider with lighter blue lines running up its body emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone.
Link Spider ATK 1000 LINK-1 ↓
"I activate the effect of Grid Sweeper in my Graveyard! By banishing it and a Link Monster from my field, I can destroy a card on your field!" Crow's eyes widened. "I banish Grid Sweeper and Link Spider to destroy Sky Excalibur!" The sword in Onimaru's hands and Link Spider shattered, only for the former to be replaced by a sword that resembled a lightning bolt.
Crow grimaced. "Since Sky Excalibur left the field, Onimaru's attack points return to normal."
Assault Blackwing – Onimaru the Divine Thunder ATK 3400→3000
Then he smirked. "But when Sky Excalibur is sent to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon a Winged Beast Tuner monster from my Graveyard! Resurrect, Oroshi the Squall!" The black bird with blue eyebrows reappeared in Defense Position.
Blackwing – Oroshi the Squall ATK 400 DEF 600 LVL: 1
Yuji frowned but didn't let the monster's presence deter him. "Tri-Gate Wizard's effect activates! Once per turn, if it is co-linked with two monsters, I can banish a card on the field!" Crow's eyes widened again. "I banish Onimaru the Divine Thunder!" Tri-Gate Wizard spun his staff and sent a bolt of blue lightning at the Synchro Monster. Onimaru cried out as it disintegrated.
"Eh?! In a single move, Yuji eliminates the Level 12 Onimaru the Divine Thunder! Crow controls only a Level 1 Tuner monster while Yuji controls three powerful Link Monsters! This may be the end for Crow, folks!"
"Battle! Transcode Talker attacks Oroshi the Squall! Trans Fault!" Transcode Talker popped out its rifle and fired a beam at the Tuner monster, destroying it.
"Crow lost his only defense!"
"Powercode Talker attacks you directly!" Powercode Talker leapt into the air.
Crow grit his teeth but gestured to his field. "I activate the effect of Calima the Haze in my Graveyard! Since I control no monsters, I can banish it to Special Summon a Synchro Monster from my Graveyard! I Special Summon Blackwing Armor Master!" The black-armored monster with a single eye reappeared in Defense Position.
Blackwing Armor Master ATK 2500 DEF 1500 LVL: 7
Yuji frowned. "Oh! Crow brings back Armor Master to block Yuji's attack!"
Crow smirked. "Armor Master can't be destroyed in battle, and even if he was changed to Attack Position, I take no damage from attacks involving Armor Master. Even if Calima the Haze's effect banishes it at the end of the Battle Phase, you can't hurt me this turn."
"You're wrong," Yuji denied. "I still have one card left to play."
"Say what?"
"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Cynet Crosswipe! By Tributing Powercode Talker, I can target and destroy a card on the field. I destroy Armor Master!" The red Link Monster and the black Synchro Monster shattered at his words and left a gasping Crow defenseless.
"Crow is defenseless once more! His Life Points are 2700, the same as the attack points of Tri-Gate Wizard!"
"Tri-Gate Wizard attacks you directly!" Yuji declared. "This is the end!" The mage spun his staff and formed a blue magic circle. Crow grit his teeth and revved his engine, increasing the Blackbird's speed. The two duelists turned a corner and caught sight of it: An Action Card.
Yuji narrowed his eyes as Crow increased the distance between them. A gamble, huh? Would it pay off though? Tri-Gate Wizard swung his staff, making the circle shoot several bolts of blue energy at Crow. The Turbo Duelist reached out and grabbed the Action Card, just in time for the beams to hit and create an explosion of smoke.
"Crow!" Frank, Tanner, and Amanda cried out.
"Is this the end?" Melissa wondered. Everyone watched the cloud with baited breath… only to gasp as Crow shot out of the cloud. "Crow survived!"
"I activated the Action Spell Card: Sacred Gem!" Crow revealed. "It increased my Life Points by 600!"
Crow Hogan: 2700→3300→600 LP
Yuji frowned. If he had Tributed Transcode Talker instead of Powercode Talker, he could attack directly with Powercode Talker and win, but he had decided to be cautious and Tribute the monster that didn't increase his monsters' attack points or keep them from being targeted by card effects. Annoying, but not insurmountable. "I end my turn."
"Crow is down to 600 Life Points with no cards on his field or in his hand! Yuji has 1000 Life Points and two Link Monsters with 2700 and 2800 attack points each! This next draw will decide the duel!"
"My turn! Draw!" Crow looked at his card and smiled. "It's here!" Yuji's eyes narrowed. "I summon Blackwing – Blizzard the Far North!" A white bird with black fringes on its brow and wings appeared.
Blackwing – Blizzard the Far North ATK 1300 DEF 0 LVL: 2
"Blizzard the Far North's effect activates! When it is Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower 'Blackwing' monster from my Graveyard in Defense Position. Come, Gladius the Midnight Sun!" The humanoid avian in silver armor reappeared.
Blackwing – Gladius the Midnight Sun ATK 800 DEF 1500 LVL: 3
"I tune Level 2 Blizzard the Far North to Level 3 Gladius the Midnight Sun! Pitch-black gale, become the tailwind that binds us together! Synchro Summon! Fly high, Level 5! Assault Blackwing – Sohaya the Rain Storm!" A third humanoid avian in blue armor emerged from the light at the right Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position.
Assault Blackwing – Sohaya the Rain Storm ATK 1500 DEF 2000 LVL: 5
Yuji's eyes narrowed. "So you had one more of that monster. I remember its effects, but even if you bring back Raikiri, Transcode Talker prevents you from targeting my monsters with your card effects."
"I know that," Crow said. "Which is why I won't be doing that! Sohaya the Rain Storm's effect activates! When it is Synchro Summoned, I can Special Summon an 'Assault Blackwing' monster from my Graveyard. Come, Sayo the Rain Hider!" The armored bird with a dagger reappeared in Attack Position.
Assault Blackwing – Sayo the Rain Hider ATK 800 DEF 100 LVL: 2
"Since Sohaya was Synchro Summoned using 'Blackwing' monsters as material, it is treated as a Tuner monster. I tune Level 5 Sohaya the Rain Storm to Level 2 Sayo the Rain Hider! Wet those pitch-black wings. Resonate with the drizzling rain, single strike of lightning! Synchro Summon! Pierce through, Level 7! Assault Blackwing – Chidori the Rain Sprinkling!" A new humanoid with feathered wings emerged from the light at the right Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position. This one wore green armor and had black wings, along with a blue skirt trailing it and a katana in its left hand.
Assault Blackwing – Chidori the Rain Sprinkling ATK 2600 DEF 2000 LVL: 7
"Crow Synchro Summons a new Level 7 Synchro Monster! But its attack points are 2600, less than that of Transcode Talker and Tri-Gate Wizard!"
Crow smirked. "Chidori the Rain Sprinkling's effect! It gains 300 attack points for each 'Blackwing' monster in my Graveyard! Right now… there are eleven 'Blackwing' monsters!" Yuji's eyes widened as spectral images of said eleven Blackwing monsters appeared before a bolt of lightning struck Chidori. "So it gains 3300 attack points!"
Assault Blackwing – Chidori the Rain Sprinkling ATK 2600→5900
"Battle! Chidori the Rain Sprinkling attacks Transcode Talker! One Strike of Lightning – Lightning Slash!" Lightning sparked over Chidori's sword as it charged. Transcode Talker raised its rifle and fired, but Chidori split the beam with its sword. The Synchro Monster roared as it brought the sword down and cleaved Transcode Talker in two, making it explode. A storm of lightning continued on towards Yuji, who could only close his eyes.
A pity. But… it was fun in the end, wasn't it?
The lightning struck, making Yuji's Duel Runner released steam and come to a stop.
Yuji Kogami: 1000→0 LP
"Crow is the winner!" Melissa announced.
Serena frowned. "So Yuji lost… but it felt like he was holding back for the first few turns." Her eyes narrowed. "Is he up to something?"
Yugo sighed. "Damn… I wanted a crack at that Kingmaker dude. Ah well, at least Crow looks like he'd be a good match."
"It's the triumphant return of the winner, Crow Hogan!" Melissa announced as Crow returned to the stadium. "Everyone, your applause please!"
"All right!" Crow cheered as confetti fell around him. The Commons cheered loudly for him while the Tops clapped politely.
Crow came to a stop at the pits, followed shortly after by Yuji. The younger boy sighed as he took his helmet off.
"Well, if I had to lose to anyone, I'm glad it was you," Yuji said.
Crow frowned. "I got the feeling you were holding back though…" He sighed himself. "I'm not going to ask why, but… be careful, Yuji. Whatever trouble you're going to get into… just make sure it's trouble you can handle."
Yuji stared at Crow before a light smirk crossed his face. Like he thought, Crow was smart enough to realize Yuji had something else planned. But even so…
"I did get serious at the end there," Yuji said. "You defeated me fair and square, Crow."
Crow chuckled. "Yeah well, I hope we see each other again, Yuji. You're a good kid, and if you ever need another warehouse broken into, be sure to give me a call!"
Yuji's smirk widened as he held up a hand. Crow smirked and held up his own hand, connecting them in a fist bump.
"Crow," Yuya muttered. "Yuji." He watched as Yuji was led away from Crow. His eyes narrowed. Yuya had his answer for Roger. "I won't-."
"Yuzu Hiragi is on the course. Apprehend her immediately," Roger ordered, interrupting Yuya.
"Stop it!" Yuya shouted. He ran forward and grabbed Roger's arm. "I won't let you!"
Roger struggled against Yuya as two officers came in and pulled the boy away. "I won't let you have Yuzu! And Sora won't give Yuzu to Academia! Sora, Yuzu, and I are friends! I believe in my friends!" The door closed, leaving Roger alone in his office.
Roger smiled. "So are you saying you don't believe in me, then? That is a shame." He turned back to the screen and smirked. "Still, with Yuji Kogami's defeat, the only Lancers left in the tournament are Yuya and Serena. And with him going underground, I won't have to worry about Kogami anymore."
Yuji walked towards the elevator, flanked by two large men in green tracksuits. They had let him change into his regular clothes and keep his Deck, but he still didn't have his Duel Disk.
"A pity you lost," one of the guys said. "After that show you and Kyosuke Kiryu did, I thought for sure you'd be the one to fight Jack Atlas."
"Well, don't let your loss get you down," the other said. "People can come up from the underground if they're strong enough, and you're definitely strong."
They stopped at the elevator as it opened, and Yuji closed his eyes. "Sorry… but I don't plan to go underground."
THWACK THWACK
Yuji opened his eyes as the two men fell to the ground, unconscious. He turned around and smirked. "About time you showed up, Tsukikage."
"Sorry, Yuji Kogami," the ninja replied. "I needed to wait for the right moment." He held out a backpack. "I found Crow's place; fortunately, your gear was left untouched."
Yuji took the backpack and looked through it. Spare Duel Disk, laptop, tablet, cords… Yes, looked like everything was here.
"Serena will be up against Yugo next," he said. "She's good, but Yugo is better; the odds of her losing are higher than her winning."
"In that case, we should move," Tsukikage said. "Roger likely has plans for her, but we won't know what those plans are until the duel begins."
Yuji nodded and followed Tsukikage towards a side door. As the two walked further away however, the teen couldn't help but frown. "Can I ask you something, Tsukikage?"
"What is it?"
"…Have you ever put your personal feelings before the mission?"
"…"
The two continued walking in silence for a minute before Tsukikage answered. "I assume you are referring to your actions after Crow Hogan destroyed Cyberse Clock Dragon."
"…Yes," Yuji admitted. He wasn't surprised Tsukikage had noticed. "I initially planned to hold back enough to make my loss convincing, but after that… I decided to put my own pride ahead of my goal."
"…That's fine."
Yuji blinked. "It is?"
Tsukikage stopped and turned to look Yuji in the eye. "Despite how you may act sometimes, you are no machine, Yuji Kogami. You are as human as myself or any of the others. You have feelings, emotions, desires, same as us. Pride in your dueling and your skills is no different." The ninja's eyes narrowed. "If this had been a serious matter, if it had been a choice that would inflict doom on numerous people, then I would disapprove of you putting your feelings before the mission. But this was only one duel, a choice you could have made. I don't hold your choosing your pride over Reiji's request against you."
"…I suppose it helps that it didn't matter in the end."
"Perhaps," Tsukikage allowed. "But you are far more content with this than you would have been had you still held back, no?"
"…" Yuji nodded in silence. Yes, he was a little upset that despite his decision to fight seriously, he had still lost. But the uncomfortable feeling that he had been doing the wrong thing was gone. In the end… he was okay with this outcome, because he had given his best.
Was this what Go called "being a graceful loser"? Yuji had never held any use for grace. But it seemed he had one now.
"You ask if I have ever put my personal feelings before the mission?" Tsukikage continued. "…Yes. I did when Shinji Weber insulted my clan's honor. Despite Reiji's orders to lose and investigate the underground facility, I wanted nothing more than to defeat him for the insult he paid me, my brother, and my family."
"That's different," Yuji countered. "You made that choice because you were provoked; I made mine because I disliked my orders."
"And if I disliked my orders, I would disobey them too," Tsukikage said. "I will not hesitate to sacrifice myself for the mission, but I will not accept a mission that goes against my own principles. Nor will I judge you for putting your own principles and feelings before our mission."
"…Thank you, Tsukikage." Yuji shook his head, the guilt over his choices clearing up. He accepted what he did, acknowledged how it made him feel, and now he could deal with other things. "So what are we doing first?"
"First, we are going to find Yuzu Hiragi," Tsukikage said. He turned back around and continued walking, but at a faster pace. "She was with Crow Hogan's children during your duel, but Security will undoubtedly be searching for her. We'll need to protect her." The ninja's eyes narrowed. "After that, Serena and Yugo will have their duel. If Serena wins, then we keep watching. But if Yugo wins, then Roger will likely move to capture Serena; we'll protect her against them."
Yuji nodded in agreement. Keeping assets out of the enemy's hands was a key strategy in war; Roger and Academia wanted Yuzu Hiragi and Serena, so Yuji would make sure they wouldn't have them.
…That they resembled Hanako was merely another reason to protect them.
Yuji Kogami vs. Crow Hogan
This Duel is conducted as a Master Duel. At the start of the Duel, the Field Spell Card Crossover Acceleration is activated, as per the rules of an Action Duel and a Turbo Duel. It will allow the players to use Action Cards, but they may only have on in their hand at a time.
Turn 1: Crow Hogan
Crow Normal Summons Blackwing – Calima the Haze (600/1800/4). As he controls a "Blackwing" monster, Crow Special Summons Blackwing – Oroshi the Squall (400/600/1) in Attack Position. Crow tunes Level 1 Oroshi the Squall to Level 4 Calima the Haze to Synchro Summon Blackwing – Gram the Shining Star (2200/1500/5) to the right Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position. As Gram the Shining Star was Synchro Summoned, Crow can Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower non-Tuner "Blackwing" monster from his hand with its effects negated. He Special Summons Blackwing – Shura the Blue Flame (1800/1200/4) in Attack Position. Crow Sets 1 card. He ends his turn.
Turn 2: Yuji Kogami
Yuji draws. He Normal Summons Flame Bufferlo (1400/200/3). As a Cyberse monster was Normal Summoned, Yuji Special Summons Boot Staggered (2300/500/5) in Attack Position. Yuji activates the effect of Catche Eve L2 in his hand, targeting Flame Bufferlo. Flame Bufferlo's Level is reduced by 2 (Flame Bufferlo: 3→1) and Catche Eve L2 is Special Summoned (800/600/2) in Attack Position. Yuji uses Catche Eve L2 to Link Summon Link Disciple (500/1/↓) to the Extra Monster Zone. Yuji activates the effect of Backup Operator in his hand, targeting the Flame Bufferlo linked to Link Disciple. Flame Bufferlo is returned to Yuji's hand, and Backup Operator is Special Summoned (1200/800/3) in Attack Position. As Flame Bufferlo left the field, Yuji can discard 1 Cyberse monster to draw 2 cards. He discards Flame Bufferlo and draws. Yuji uses Backup Operator and Boot Staggered to Link Summon Elphase (2000/2/↑→) to Link Disciple's Link Marker. As the Special Summoned Backup Operator left the field, it is banished. Elphase gains 300 ATK for each monster it points to (Elphase: 2000→2300). Yuji uses Link Disciple and Link-2 Elphase to Link Summon Transcode Talker (2300/3/↑↓→) to the Extra Monster Zone. As the Link Summoned Elphase left the field, Yuji can Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster from his GY. He Special Summons Flame Bufferlo (1400/200/3) in Defense Position. Yuji activates Transcode Talker's effect to Special Summon 1 Link-3 or lower Cyberse Link Monster to its Link Marker. He Special Summons Elphase (2000/2/↑→) to Transcode Talker's bottom Link Marker. While Transcode Talker is co-linked, itself and monsters co-linked with it gain 500 ATK and cannot be targeted by Crow's card effects (Elphase: 2000→2500) (Transcode Talker: 2300→2800). Elphase gains 300 ATK for each monster linked to it (Elphase: 2500→2800). Yuji uses Flame Bufferlo and Link-2 Elphase to Link Summon Shootingcode Talker (2300→2800/3/←↑↓) to Transcode Talker's bottom Link Marker.
Yuji activates Shootingcode Talker's effect to let it make a number of attacks against Crow's monsters up to the number of monsters linked to it plus 1. Shootgincode Talker is linked to Transcode Talker, so it can make 2 attacks on Crow's monsters. Shootingcode Talker attacks Gram the Shining Star. Crow activates his Set Continuous Trap Card Blade Shade, which lets him target 1 monster he controls and then activate 1 of 2 effects. He targets Gram the Shining Star and activates the 1st effect to negate Shootingcode Talker's attack. As Blade Shade's effect was activated, Yuji takes 500 damage (Yuji: 4000→3500 LP). Shootingcode Talker attacks and destroys Gram (Crow: 4000→3400 LP). As the monster targeted by Blade Shade left the field, Blade Shade is destroyed. Transcode Talker attacks and destroys Shura the Blue Flame (Crow Hogan: 3400→2400 LP). At the end of the Battle Phase, Shootingcode Talker's effect lets Yuji draw cards equal to the number of monsters it destroyed by battle this turn. Yuji draws 1 card. Yuji Sets 2 cards. He ends his turn.
Turn 3: Crow Hogan
Crow draws. He activates the Spell Card Allure of Darkness, which lets him draw 2 cards, then banish 1 Dark monster from his hand. If he does not, he must send his entire hand to the GY. He draws, then banishes Blackwing – Gladius the Midnight Sun. Crow Normal Summons Blackwing – Auster the South Wind (1300/0/4). As Auster the South Wind was Normal Summoned, Crow can Special Summon 1 of his banished Level 4 or lower "Blackwing" monsters. He Special Summons Blackwing – Gladius the Midnight Sun (800/1500/3) in Attack Position. Crow tunes Level 4 Auster the South Wind to Level 3 Gladius the Midnight Sun to Synchro Summon Blackwing Armor Master (2500/1500/7) to the Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position. Crow activates the effect of Auster the South Wind, banishing it from his GY to activate its 2nd effect and place 1 Wedge Counter on each face-up monster Yuji controls that does not have one (Shootingcode Talker: 0 WC→1 WC) (Transcode Talker: 0 WC→1 WC). Crow activates Armor Master's effect to remove all Wedge Counters from Yuji's monsters and make the ATK/DEF of those monsters 0 until the end of the turn (Shootingcode Talker: 1 WC→0 WC/2800→500) (Transcode Talker: 1 WC→0 WC/2800→500).
Armor Master attacks and destroys Transcode Talker (Yuji: 3500→1500 LP) (Shootingcode Talker: 500→0). Crow Sets 1 card. He ends his turn, and Armor Master's effect ends (Shootingcode Talker: 0→2300).
Turn 4: Yuji Kogami
Yuji draws. He Normal Summons Clock Wyvern (1800/1000/4). As Clock Wyvern was Normal Summoned, Yuji can halve its ATK (Clock Wyvern: 1800→900) to Special Summon 1 Clock Token (0/0/1) in Defense Position. Yuji uses Clock Token and Clock Wyvern to Link Summon Clock Spartoi (800/2/↓↘) to the Extra Monster Zone. As Clock Spartoi was Link Summoned, Yuji adds Cynet Fusion from his Deck to his hand. Yuji activates his Set Trap Card Recoded Alive, which lets him banish 1 Link-3 Cyberse Link Monster that he controls or is in his GY to Special Summon 1 "Code Talker" monster from his Extra Deck. He banishes Transcode Talker from his GY to Special Summon Powercode Talker (2300/3/←↙→) to Clock Spartoi's bottom-right Link Marker. As a monster was Special Summoned to Clock Spartoi's Link Marker, Yuji can Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster from his GY with its effects negated. He Special Summons Clock Wyvern (1800/1000/4) in Attack Position. Yuji activates Powercode Talker's effect, targeting Armor Master and negating its effects until the end of the turn. Yuji activates the Spell Card Cynet Fusion, fusing Clock Wyvern, Clock Spartoi, and Shootingcode Talker to Fusion Summon Cyberse Clock Dragon (2500/2000/7) to the Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position. As Clock Dragon was Fusion Summoned, Yuji can send cards from the top of his Deck to the GY, equal to the combined Link Ratings of its Fusion Materials, and for each card sent, Clock Dragon gains 1000 ATK, also his other monsters cannot attack. Yuji sends 5 cards to the GY (Clock Dragon: 2500→7500).
Clock Dragon attacks Armor Master. As his "Blackwing" monster was attacked, Crow activates his Set Trap Card Blackwing – Inversion, which reduces the battle damage to 0. Armor Master is destroyed. As the damage would have been 2000 or more, Blackwing – Inversion then lets Crow draw 2 cards and gain LP equal to his "Blackwing" monster's Level x 100 (Crow Hogan: 2400→3100 LP). Yuji Sets 1 card. He ends his turn.
Turn 5: Crow Hogan
Crow draws. He activates the Spell Card Against the Wind, which lets him add 1 "Blackwing" monster from his GY to his hand, but then he must take damage equal to that monster's ATK. He adds Oroshi the Squall to his hand (Crow: 3100→2700 LP). Crow Normal Summons Blackwing – Jetstream the Blue Sky (100/800/1). As Crow controls a "Blackwing" monster, he Special Summons Oroshi the Squall (400/600/1) in Attack Position. Yuji activates his Set Quick-Play Spell Card Forbidden Dress, targeting Clock Dragon. Clock Dragon loses 600 ATK and cannot be targeted or destroyed by other card effects for the rest of the turn (Clock Dragon: 7500→6900). Crow tunes Level 1 Oroshi the Squall to Level 1 Jetstream the Blue Sky to Synchro Summon Assault Blackwing – Sayo the Rain Hider (800/100/2) to the Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position. Crow activates the effect of Blackwing – Inversion in his GY, banishing it to send 1 "Blackwing" Synchro Monster from his Extra Deck to the GY, then add 1 "Blackwing" monster from his GY to his hand. He sends Assault Blackwing – Sohaya the Rain Storm to the GY and adds Gladius the Midnight Sun to his hand. As Crow controls only 1 "Blackwing" monster, he Special Summons Blackwing – Gladius the Midnight Sun (800/1500/3) in Attack Position. As it was Synchro Summoned using a "Blackwing" monster as material, Sayo the Rain Hider is treated as a Tuner monster. Crow tunes Level 2 Sayo the Rain Hider to Level 3 Gladius the Midnight Sun to Synchro Summon Assault Blackwing – Sohaya the Rain Storm (1500/2000/5) to the Extra Monster Zone. As Sohaya the Rain Storm was Synchro Summoned, Crow can Special Summon 1 "Assault Blackwing" monster from his GY. He Special Summons Sayo the Rain Hider (800/100/2) in Attack Position. As Sohaya the Rain Storm was Synchro Summoned using a "Blackwing" monster as material, it is treated as a Tuner monster. Crow tunes Level 5 Sohaya the Rain Storm to Level 2 Sayo the Rain Hider to Synchro Summon Assault Blackwing – Raikiri the Rain Shower (2600/2000/7) to the Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position. As Sohaya the Rain Storm was sent to the GY, Crow can banish his 2nd Sohaya the Rain Storm to Special Summon it (1500/2000/5) in Attack Position. Crow activates Raikiri the Rain Shower's effect to target and destroy cards Yuji controls up to the number of "Blackwing" monsters Crow controls. He targets and destroys Yuji's Set Doppler Phase Coating. As Raikiri the Rain Shower was Synchro Summoned using a "Blackwing" monster as material, it is treated as a Tuner monster. Crow tunes Level 7 Raikiri the Rain Shower to Level 5 Sohaya the Rain Storm to Synchro Summon Assault Blackwing – Onimaru the Divine Thunder (3000/2000/12) to the Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position. Crow activates the Equip Spell Card Sky Excalibur, equipping it to Onimaru the Divine Thunder. Onimaru the Divine Thunder gains 400 ATK and is unaffected by Yuji's card effects (Onimaru the Divine Thunder: 3000→3400).
Onimaru the Divine Thunder attacks Clock Dragon. As Onimaru the Divine Thunder declared an attack, it gains ATK equal to the number of times Crow Synchro Summoned this turn x 1000 (Onimaru the Divine Thunder: 3400→7400). Clock Dragon is destroyed (Yuji: 1500→1000 LP) (Onimaru the Divine Thunder: 7400→3400). Crow ends his turn.
Turn 6: Yuji Kogami
Yuji draws. As he controls no monsters in the Extra Monster Zone, he activates the effect of Recoded Alive in his GY, banishing it to Special Summon 1 of his banished "Code Talker" monsters. He Special Summons Transcode Talker (2300/3/↑↓→). Yuji activates Transcode Talker's effect to Special Summon Elphase (2000/3/↑→) to Transcode Talker's right Link Marker. Elphase gains 300 ATK for each monster it points to (Elphase: 2000→2300). As there is a face-up Field Spell Card in the Field Zone, Yuji Special Summons Grid Sweeper (100/2000/4) in Attack Position. Yuji uses Grid Sweeper and Link-2 Elphase to Link Summon Tri-Gate Wizard (2200/3/←↑→) to Transcode Talker's right Link Marker and Powercode Talker's left Link Marker. While Transcode Talker is co-linked, itself and monsters co-linked with it gain 500 ATK and cannot be targeted by Crow's card effects (Transcode Talker: 2300→2800) (Tri-Gate Wizard: 2200→2700). Yuji Normal Summons Bitron (200/2000/2). Yuji uses Bitron to Link Summon Link Spider (1000/1/↓) to Powercode Talker's right Link Marker. Yuji activates the effect of Grid Sweeper in his GY, banishing it and Link Spider to destroy 1 card Crow controls. He destroys Sky Excalibur (Onimaru the Divine Thunder: 3400→3000). As Sky Excalibur was sent to the GY, Crow can Special Summon 1 Winged Beast Tuner monster from his GY. He Special Summons Oroshi the Squall (400/600/1) in Defense Position. As Tri-Gate Wizard is co-linked with 2 monsters, Yuji activates its effect to target and banish 1 card on the field. He banishes Onimaru the Divine Thunder.
Transcode Talker attacks and destroys Oroshi the Squall. Powercode Talker attacks Crow directly. As Crow controls no monsters during Yuji's Battle Phase, he activates the effect of Calima the Haze in his GY, banishing it to Special Summon 1 Synchro Monster from his GY, but that monster will be banished at the end of the Battle Phase. He Special Summons Armor Master (2500/1500/7) in Defense Position. Yuji activates the Quick-Play Spell Card Cynet Crosswipe, which lets him Tribute 1 Cyberse monster to destroy 1 card on the field. He Tributes Powercode Talker to destroy Armor Master. Tri-Gate Wizard attacks Crow directly. Crow finds and activates the Action Spell Sacred Gem, increasing his LP by 600 (Crow: 2700→3300 LP). The attack continues (Crow: 3300→600 LP). Yuji ends his turn.
Turn 7: Crow Hogan
Crow draws. He Normal Summons Blackwing – Blizzard the Far North (1300/0/2). As Blizzard the Far North was Normal Summoned, he can Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower "Blackwing" monster from his GY in Defense Position. He Special Summons Gladius the Midnight Sun (800/1500/3). Crow tunes Level 2 Blizzard the Far North to Level 3 Gladius the Midnight Sun to Synchro Summon a 3rd Assault Blackwing – Sohaya the Rain Storm (1500/2000/5) to the right Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position. As Sohaya the Rain Storm was Synchro Summoned, Crow can Special Summon 1 "Assault Blackwing" monster from his GY. He Special Summons Assault Blackwing – Sayo the Rain Hider (800/100/2) in Attack Position. Crow tunes Level 5 Sohaya the Rain Storm to Level 2 Sayo the Rain Hider to Synchro Summon Assault Blackwing – Chidori the Rain Sprinkling (2600/2000/7) to the right Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position. Chidori the Rain Sprinkling gains 300 ATK for each "Blackwing" monster in Crow's GY (Chidori the Rain Sprinkling: 2600→5900).
Chidori the Rain Sprinkling attacks and destroys Transcode Talker (Yuji: 1000→0 LP). Crow wins.
Crow Hogan:
Blackwing – Inversion Normal Trap Card
When your "Blackwing" monster is attacked: Reduce the battle damage to 0, then if you would have taken 2000 or more damage from that battle, draw 2 cards and gain LP equal to your monster's Level x 100. You can banish this card from your GY and target 1 "Blackwing" monster in your GY; send 1 "Blackwing" Synchro Monster from your Extra Deck to the GY and add the targeted monster to your hand. You can only use 1 effect of "Blackwing – Inversion" per turn, and only once per turn.
Chapter Preview
Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! ARC-V: The Fifth Circuit. Chapter 33 – Rescue!
Question of the Chapter
Should Fifth Circuit have an opening and/or ending? Hidden Memories has an opening, but I'm not sure if Fifth Circuit would be better served with one or not.
Author's Notes
Thank you to Haoh Ryu Z-ARC for proofreading the duel and the OC cards. And on Onimaru the Divine Thunder, I want to say that we never saw the anime card, so I gave it its real-world effects, aside from the effect shown in the anime that increased its ATK.
And so ends Yuji's participation in the Friendship Cup. I imagine some people are disappointed it ends like this, and I'll admit I have my own doubts about how well the chapter turned out, but I had my reasons for ending it here. The first is meta: I have few issues with the Synchro arc of ARC-V. Do I think it was too long? Yes, but I have no issues with the plot or happenings of the Synchro arc; the duels and character moments were all decent, and they helped build up tension for the later arcs. Thus, the basic plot of Fifth Circuit, at least where the Synchro arc is concerned, won't be any different from canon, because I see no need to change it. Of course that doesn't mean everything has to stay the same; the overarching plot is the same, but the individual moments and interactions are different. Go vs. Kurosaki and Crow vs. Yuji are good examples. As for why Yuji lost here, it is because I felt he had nothing more to contribute to the tournament itself; he already got his big character moment and Synchro Summoned; I don't need him for what comes next in the tournament.
The second reason I ended Yuji's participation here is because of his character: unlike Yuya, who has a habit of getting distracted, mostly by Yuzu, Yuji sees the big picture more often. He knows this tournament isn't the most important thing and that he can apply his skills more effectively outside of it. And Reiji and Tsukikage know that too, which is why they asked Yuji to lose in this round so that he can get out of Roger's oversight and aid them in the shadows.
This of course leads into Yuji's character moment in this chapter: He doesn't want to lose on purpose. If he had this duel before Kiryu, or hadn't dueled Kiryu before, he wouldn't have any problem with losing on purpose. But Kiryu helped Yuji realize that he could enjoy dueling, and that he wanted a duel that would satisfy him. And how could a duel where you are trying to lose on purpose possibly satisfy you?
Of course, my favorite part of the chapter was Crow's turn against Cyberse Clock Dragon, a monster able to reach absurd levels of attack points to the point that Bohman and Ai had to use their ultimate boss monsters to defeat it. And I know Reiji defeated Clock Dragon before, but he did that the turn it was summoned and by manipulating its own attack. Crow survived a turn against Clock Dragon and overcame it through sheer power, built up through four consecutive Synchro Summons into the Level 12 Onimaru the Divine Thunder; that moment was something I was proud of.
Thank you for reading Chapter 32 of Hidden Memories. Now I know people think the name of the next chapter means Ryoken will be rescuing Hanako, but I'm nipping that in the bud now to keep people from complaining about being misled; the title has NOTHING to do with Hanako. Hopefully you'll understand the title when the next chapter comes out. That being said, Chapter 33 will be... an interlude of sorts, a transitioning of the tension for the next chapters. But Chapters 34 and 35... Hehehe. I can't wait to show you all what I have planned.