Responses to Reviews
Thank you to Rodvek97, star eyes pendulum dragon, RoyalTwinFangs, Clearwing Yuta, suppes1, D3lph0xL0v3r, FlameFireZero X, Dimension Se7en, savagemaster1999, makotoxvalerie, SakushiRyu, Ethan Kironus, doa570047, British jack, Lock Requiem, Kamen Rider W, and Guest for reviewing Chapter 32.
Rodvek97: I might as well nip this is in the bud: No, Yuji will, at no point in this story, gain any variation of Storm Access or Accesscode Talker. This is to further differentiate him from Yusaku and help him grow into his own character.
Okay, I've made a decision on Fifth Circuit have an OP and ED. It will have an OP, starting with 36, when the Xyz Arc starts. However, it will only show up for that chapter or when I make an update to it. Until it changes to a new one, probably for the Fusion and Link Arcs. That aside, I hope you like Chapter 33. It's not a long one and not as tense as the last few chapters, but after this, we'll have two chapters left in the Synchro Arc.
Chapter 33: Rescue!
"We'll need somewhere to lay low," Tsukikage said. "I've stayed mobile so far, but you'll need a place to set up until things start moving."
Yuji nodded in agreement. The two passed through an alley under the overpass. They had left the stadium and were now in the Commons. "But before that, we need to find Yuzu Hiragi, yes?"
"Yes. She and the children Crow was looking after were watching your duel from a walkway above the duel lanes. They shouldn't have gotten too far from there."
"Once we find her, do we take her with us?"
"I have an idea on that, but let us find her first."
Yuji nodded in understanding.
The hacker and the ninja continued through the streets, hiding behind corners when they saw Security's officers cross their paths.
"Are they searching for us?" Yuji wondered aloud as they evaded the third Security patrol. Had those men woken up and told Security what happened?
"No, this is too much for just us," Tsukikage said. "They must be looking for Yuzu Hiragi as well."
Yuji frowned. It made sense, and it fit with their theory; Roger was hoping to use Yuzu Hiragi as a hostage against Academia. It was the most logical answer for why there were so many officers around.
"Just another reason for us to be careful," Yuji said. Tsukikage nodded, but then he tensed. Yuji, noticing this, followed his gaze and strained his ears. And then he caught what Tsukikage heard.
"No matter what I think, I'm still from Academia! That won't change!"
Yuji narrowed his eyes. That sounded like a young boy. Tsukikage walked forward slowly towards the voice, Yuji right behind him. The two crept underneath an archway and looked around the corner.
Yuzu Hiragi was there, along with Crow's children. But they weren't alone; a young boy with light blue hair wearing a darker blue jacket was with them. Yuji's eyes narrowed. He recognized the boy from Reiji's briefing: Sora Shiunin, an Academia scout who befriended Yuya and Yuzu.
Sora must have been the one to rescue Dennis from Security, Yuji thought. But what is he doing with Yuzu Hiragi? Did he protect her from Security as well?
He watched as Sora and Yuzu argued, though Yuji wasn't focusing too much on them not to notice the increased tension in Tsukikage's posture. Is he worried about dealing with Sora? Yuji wondered. If the boy was from Academia and tried to capture Yuzu, Yuji would intervene to protect her. And yet Yuzu didn't seem afraid of Sora. Was it because of their past association, or was it something else?
His thoughts were halted when Sora spun around, holding his Duel Disk aloft. "Who's there?!" the boy demanded.
He sensed our presence, Yuji realized. Impressive, but not unexpected for a skilled soldier.
Whatever hesitation Yuji felt, his partner did not. The ninja walked out of the shadows and announced himself. "Tsukikage of Fuuma. In the middle of the Maiami Championship battle royal, my brother Hikage was turned into a card and met a regrettable end."
Sora gasped at Tsukikage's words. Yuji, seeing there was no need to hide anymore, followed Tsukikage out. Yuzu's and Sora's eyes widened on seeing him, but they kept their attention on Tsukikage. The children's eyes likewise widened, but they seemed to sense that whatever drama was happening meant they shouldn't speak up.
"My brother must have guided me to meet my enemy here," Tsukikage continued. He activated his Duel Disk. "Now, let's duel, one-on-one!" Yuji narrowed his eyes. He knew that Tsukikage's brother had been carded in the battle royal, but not who had done it. So it had been Sora?
Wait, Tsukikage!" Yuzu urged. Heedless of her pleas, Sora activated his own Duel Disk. "We're all on the same side; this is no time to be fighting!"
"What are you saying?" Tsukikage demanded. "He is from Academia! Is he not our enemy?!"
"Sora's different. Right, Sora? You're not Academia anymore."
"We heard your argument earlier," Yuji interrupted. "He still seems to consider himself part of Academia."
Yuji's words made Yuzu flinch but she kept on. "But if he stays at Academia, he'll just be the Professor's pawn! Sora, you don't have to keep making people suffer?"
"Making people suffer…?" Sora muttered, looking back at Yuzu. Whatever he was thinking, Yuji didn't know. But evidently, Yuzu's words were enough, because he deactivated his Duel Disk and turned back to Tsukikage.
"I apologize about your brother. I know apologizing won't solve anything. If you aren't satisfied, then do whatever you like to me. But I want you to wait until I fulfill my promise with Yuya."
"Promise?" Yuzu repeated. Yuji raised an eyebrow.
"Yuya is my friend," Sora said. "He said he'd believe me, and told me to protect Yuzu. So I've decided to protect Yuzu until the end." He glanced back at said girl. "You too, Yuzu. If you think of me as a friend, then I want you to believe me. I'll bring Yuya here."
…I see, Yuji thought. He is from Academia, but his friendship with Yuya and Yuzu was genuine. Right now, he is conflicted, trying to decide which deserves his loyalty more.
Sora turned back to Tsukikage. "Before that, will you hide Yuzu somewhere safe?" he asked. "I'll get Yuya out and head there. I'll come back. I won't run or hide."
Everyone waited for Tsukikage's response. For his part, Yuji wouldn't object if the ninja insisted on avenging his brother; after all, he had just placed his own feelings before the mission. He could not criticize Tsukikage if he made the same choice.
Tsukikage kept up his glare but then lowered his Duel Disk. "Very well. Yuji Kogami and I were asked to protect Yuzu Hiragi anyway. We'll shelter her and those children in the underground facility."
"We're in on this too?" Amanda exclaimed. "Why?!"
"The underground… where they force you to do labor?!" Frank asked.
"I don't want to go!" Tanner insisted.
Unlike the children, Yuji understood Tsukikage's plan. "Security is crawling all over the City; the underground facility will be the one place they least expect Yuzu Hiragi to be. That makes it the safest place in the City." His eyes narrowed. "And since Security's seen you children with her, that means they may be searching for you too to get to her."
"Why though?" Frank demanded. "Why is Security looking for Yuzu so much?!"
"Because Jean-Michel Roger is actually an agent from Academia," Yuji revealed.
Sora and Yuzu gasped. "What?" Yuzu said.
"The Security director?!" Sora said.
"It is only a theory, but it fits with the evidence we have," Tsukikage said. "But he is no longer aligned with Academia. He attempted to capture Dennis when he lost, and after that, had Security take over the Administrative Council building. That you did not know about him, Sora Shiunin, along with his previous actions, suggest he has gone rogue and intends to rule the Synchro Dimension as his own kingdom."
"The director is turning the City into his kingdom?" Amanda repeated.
"There's no way Crow and Shinji will let that happen!" Tanner declared.
"Crow and Shinji have little say in the matter," Yuji said. "But even if Roger has betrayed Academia, that doesn't mean they won't be coming. I assume you sent Dennis back?"
Sora frowned but nodded. "Then they will be here eventually. Until then, we need to keep Yuzu Hiragi safe. And with so many of the Lancers in the underground, it is the safest place."
Yuzu blinked. "That's right. Gongenzaka and Kurosaki are down there too." She blinked again. "Wait, I put this off because Tsukikage wanted to duel Sora, but who are you anyway?! And why do you look like Yuya?!"
Yuji sighed. "To the second question, I have no idea. As for the first, you heard my name at the Friendship Cup. It's Yuji Kogami."
"That's not what I meant!"
"You're from the Link Dimension, aren't you?" Sora interrupted. Yuzu's eyes widened as she turned to Sora.
"That's right," Yuji confirmed.
"Eh? The Link Dimension?"
Sora sighed. "Right, I didn't get the chance to tell you, and I guess the Lancers didn't either. Not long after the battle royal, the Professor made an announcement that they'd discovered a fifth dimension. One that used a summoning method we'd never seen before."
Yuji's eyes narrowed. "The Professor knows about the Link Dimension? Has he sent anyone there?" If Akira or his father got involved in this mess…
"I don't know; I haven't heard anything about plans involving the Link Dimension. But it wouldn't surprise me if the Professor sent a scout or two to investigate it." Yuji frowned at that. "But how did you get involved with the Lancers? I did hear that Joseph dueled someone with a weird summoning method; he was ranting about some bastard who owed him several thousand yen."
Owed him yen? Why… Oh right; Joseph was the duelist Yuji fought at the battle royal. The guy whose PSP had broken during their duel. He had gotten rather mad about that.
That aside, Yuji decided to answer the boy's question. "We were testing a dimensional teleporter back home when it went haywire. Myself and three others fell into it and ended up in different dimensions. I ended up in Standard and Go ended up here in Synchro. Where the other two are, I don't know." But I will find them. I will find Ryoken and protect Hanako.
"When I encountered Reiji Akaba, I decided to help him in exchange for his help finding my comrades. So until we are reunited, I'll be fighting against Academia." Yuji turned back to Yuzu. "But all that aside, the underground is the safest place for you. With Security all over the City, they won't expect you to go there. And when Academia arrives, they likely won't think to look there either."
Yuzu frowned. "You have a right to be worried," Tsukikage said. "But believe in us when we say it is the best option. I promise to take responsibility for everyone's safety."
"Believe me too," Sora said. "I'll definitely bring Yuya here. I'll make sure Yuzu and your comrades return home together."
Sora and Yuzu kept conversing while Tsukikage turned back to Yuji. "I'll lead Yuzu and the children to the underground," he said softly. "You should find a place to hide out until I return."
Yuji raised an eyebrow. "You don't want my help?"
"It is not that; rather, aren't there things you should get a head start on?"
Yuji blinked and then nodded. Yes, now that he had his equipment back, there were things he wanted to do. Yuji looked up and pointed to a nearby building underneath the Duel lanes. "I'll camp out on that building's roof. It's shadowed and high up enough that I should be safe from Security there."
Tsukikage nodded in understanding. Sora left soon after, heading towards the main Security building to find Yuya. Tsukikage in turn led Yuzu and the children away while Yuji climbed up to the roof of the building he'd specified and pulled out his laptop.
His first order of business would be to keep an eye on the next duel. Whether Serena or Yugo won would decide what their next step would be. To that end, Yuji opened his laptop and powered it up. He was pleased to see that it was at a full charge; Tsukikage must have charged it after he found it. A quick check on his tablet showed that it was similarly charged.
That aside, Yuji ran a search program that analyzed nearby signals before finding what he wanted. He'd noticed a camera in Melissa Claire's helicopter during his duels and assumed it was wireless. He was right, as said camera's signal showed up in the search. Unlike Security's network and cameras, he could hack into her camera without detection. A few more seconds and he had done just that. A new window on his laptop showed the view from the camera and…
Yuji blinked. Then blinked again. Yugo and Serena had arrived on the course and were at the starting line, but there appeared to be a delay in the duel. That delay being Yugo attempting to hug Serena. And Yuji said "attempting" because Serena's response to said hugs was to punch and kick him away from her, only for Yugo to get back up and try again. Only for him to get the same response. Again. And Again.
Is this a comedy routine? Yuji found himself wondering. Then again, he doubted it; Serena wasn't the type to do something like that. More likely, Yugo was just being his idiot self.
Apparently Melissa shared his annoyance, because she started the duel while Yugo's Duel Runner was tipped over. Thankfully Yugo got back on it quickly enough so that Serena's lead wasn't too big, and by the time the two had disappeared under the gate, Yugo had pulled ahead.
Yuji had to sigh though when Yugo's first move was to summon a single monster in Attack Position and do nothing else. It seemed the boy was distracted. Well no matter; he would either get over it or lose pathetically.
His connection to Melissa's camera came with sound, but Yuji muted it as he opened a new window. He kept the previous window up so he could keep an eye on the duel, but it wasn't his main priority at the moment. Right now, he needed to work on a new program for his Duel Disk. If this worked, then his and Tsukikage's operations from now on would be infinitely easier in the Synchro Dimension.
He did pause in his coding when he noticed something in the Duel. Namely, that when Yugo attacked Serena's Cat Dancer, the course suddenly changed. Yuji's eyes narrowed as he saw Serena grab an Action Card to evade Yugo's attack.
That wasn't an accident, Yuji thought. For the course to change at that moment, and for Serena to find an Action Card… Roger's rigging this duel in Serena's favor. He wants her to win for his plan.
His frown deepened. Yuji already knew that Roger likely had a plan for Serena, and this only confirmed it. Roger's changing of the course and Yugo's bad start gave the young man a significant disadvantage. Still, it wasn't impossible for Yugo to come back from this. More importantly, there wasn't anything Yuji could do about it. So he shifted his attention back to his program, only taking occasional glances at the duel.
So focused was he on his coding that he didn't even notice when his Deck started shining. And though he felt a certain tug on his mind, he ignored it and kept on typing.
Every now and then, Yuji would turn back to the duel. He watched as Serena pushed Yugo into a corner, only for him to counter with dice rolls. Then when the course changed again, Serena ignored the Action Card in front of her. And when Yuji finally finished his program, he watched as Yugo summoned Crystal Wing Synchro Dragon to defeat Serena. The teen couldn't help but smirk as he closed his laptop.
"It's time."
Yuji looked up at Tsukikage, who had appeared out of nowhere.
"Serena lost," Yuji said. "That means she'll be sent underground."
"But Roger will likely intercept her like I did for you," Tsukikage said. "We'll need to stop Security. Are your preparations complete?"
"It's ready." Yuji pushed himself up and stretched, loosening his body after spending an hour or so sitting on a rooftop. "Let's go."
The duo returned to the building Tsukikage had taken Yuji from. But when they found the entrance they planned on going through, they tensed. Three Security officers were waiting outside, all on alert.
"Is there another entrance?" Yuji whispered. He and Tsukikage stood around the corner from the officers.
"Yes," the ninja confirmed. "There are multiple. But they are all some distance away and none are as close as this one."
Yuji frowned. "Serena probably doesn't have that much time. It seems we don't have a choice."
"Yes. It seems so."
Yuji took a deep breath and then stepped out from behind the corner, Tsukikage at his side. The officers noticed them immediately.
"What?" the first officer gasped. "Yuji Kogami and Tsukikage?"
"They were supposed to be sent underground," the second officer said.
"It would seem they broke out," Officer #3 pointed out.
"We don't have time to deal with you," Yuji said. "So we'll be forcing our way through." He and Tsukikage activated their Duel Disks.
"You wish to duel Security?" Security #1 asked.
"In that case, the two of you are under arrest for unlawful escape and resisting Security," Security #3 said. The three officers raised their own Duel Disks.
"Duel!"
Yuji Kogami: 4000 LP
Tsukikage: 4000 LP
Security #1: 4000 LP
Security #2: 4000 LP
Security #3: 4000 LP
"Master Rule Override activated."
Good to know that still works, Yuji noted, also taking note of the Action Field platforms that appeared around them.
"The first turn is mine!" the first officer said. "I summon Jutte Lord!" A man in a blue robe and black armor appeared, his face covered by kabuki face paint.
Jutte Lord ATK 1600 DEF 1200 LVL: 4
"Jutte Lord's effect activates! When it is Normal or Special Summoned, I can Special Summon a 'Jutte' monster from my hand. Come, Jutte Fighter!" A small man in red and yellow appeared in Attack Position.
Jutte Fighter ATK 700 DEF 900 LVL: 2
"I tune Level 2 Jutte Fighter to Level 4 Jutte Lord! Shoot down evildoers with your crushing cannon! Synchro Summon! Behold! This is the power of the law! Come forth, Level 6! Goyo Catapult!" A humanoid machine in blue and green emerged from the light at the Extra Monster Zone in Defense Position. It held a jutte in its right hand and had a massive cannon on its back.
Goyo Catapult ATK 800 DEF 2800 LVL: 6
"2800 defense points right off the bat," Yuji muttered.
"It seems he is playing defensively," Tsukikage noted.
"I activate the Equip Spell Card: Goyo Arrow and equip it to Goyo Catapult!" A handheld blaster appeared in Goyo Catapult's left hand. "I activate Goyo Arrow's effect! Once per turn, I inflict damage to a player equal to the equipped monster's Level times 100! I inflict damage to the ninja!" The cannon fired and struck Tsukikage, making him flinch.
Tsukikage: 4000→3400 LP
"Goyo Catapult's effect activates! Once per turn, I can discard a Monster Card to inflict 600 points of damage!" The monster leaned forward and fired a yellow beam out of the cannon at Tsukikage, making him flinch again.
Tsukikage: 3400→2800 LP
"Are you alright?" Yuji asked.
"Yes, I am fine. The pain is nothing," Tsukikage assured him.
"I Set one card. I end my turn."
"Yuji Kogami, allow me to take this turn," Tsukikage said. "My dueling is unsuited for multiple opponents. Therefore, I will set the stage for you to defeat them."
Yuji narrowed his eyes but nodded. "Don't do anything that will make you lose. I'm alright with taking some damage if it means you'll stay in the game."
"Don't worry; I don't plan on doing anything excessive. My turn! Draw! I activate the Spell Card: Ninjitsu Art of Hazy Duplication! This lets me Special Summon a Level 4 or lower 'Ninja' monster from my hand. Come, Twilight Ninja Shingetsu!" A four-armed ninja wielding two swords and wearing a blue cloak appeared in Attack Position.
Twilight Ninja Shingetsu ATK 1500 DEF 100 LVL: 4
"I Tribute Shingetsu to Tribute Summon Twilight Ninja Nichirin, the Chunin!" The ninja disappeared and was replaced by a large muscular man wearing a red cloak.
Twilight Ninja Nichirin, the Chunin ATK 2300 DEF 1000 LVL: 6
"I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Illusion Ninjitsu Art of Rapid Fists!" The card showed Nichirin, the Chunin, only his arms were blurred, and multiple fists were around him. "Once per turn, I can send a card from my hand to the Graveyard to make a monster's attack and defense points 0 until the end of the turn. In addition, my 'Ninja' monsters can inflict piercing battle damage the turn this card is activated."
Security #1 grit his teeth. "A tricky card. But you will still lose a card for it."
"Wrong; I will not lose any cards."
Tsukikage disappeared in a flash and then reappeared on one of the floating platforms. "I discard the Action Spell Card: Evasion to activate Rapid Fists' effect and reduce Goyo Catapult's attack and defense points!" The machine grayed out at his words.
Goyo Catapult ATK 800→0 DEF 2800→0
"Tch. Damn you!"
Yuji's lip twitched. He remembered this from Tsukikage's duel with Shinji; his Deck's offense focused on sending Action Cards to the Graveyard for effects. Costly in a normal duel, but very effective in an Action Duel.
"Battle! Nichirin, the Chunin attacks Goyo Catapult!" The man pulled a knife from his belt and swung it three times, cutting the machine apart. The first officer grunted as he was hit with the shockwave.
Security #1: 4000→1700 LP
"But with your attack, the Battle Phase ends," Security #1 pointed out. "Trap activate! Goyo Corridor! All 'Goyo' monsters that were destroyed during the Battle Phase are Special Summoned in Defense Position. Return, Goyo Catapult!" The machine reappeared.
Goyo Catapult ATK 800 DEF 2800 LVL: 6
"Since Goyo Catapult was Special Summoned by Goyo Corridor's effect, it cannot change its battle position."
Tsukikage narrowed his eyes before disappearing and reappearing at Yuji's side. "Sorry, Yuji Kogami. I attempted to destroy his monster, but he brought it back."
"It's fine," Yuji assured him. "You still inflicted a good amount of damage." He glanced at his hand. And with these cards, him having that monster on the field will work to our advantage.
"I Set two cards. I end my turn."
"My turn!" Security #2 declared. "Draw! I summon Marauding Captain!" A blonde man in gray armor wielding two swords appeared.
Marauding Captain ATK 1200 DEF 400 LVL: 3
"Marauding Captain's effect activates! When it is Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower monster from my hand. Come, Quick-Span Knight!" A humanoid machine with numerous screws on its body and a wrench in its right hand appeared in Attack Position.
Quick-Span Knight ATK 1000 DEF 800 LVL: 3
Yuji's eyes narrowed. "Those monsters are different from before, but they are still a Tuner and non-Tuner whose Levels equal 6."
"Yes. That means…"
"I tune Level 3 Quick-Span Knight to Level 3 Marauding Captain! Shoot down evildoers with your crushing cannon! Synchro Summon! Behold! This is the power of the law! Come forth, Level 6! Goyo Catapult!" Another green humanoid machine with a blue cannon on its back emerged at the Extra Monster Zone in Defense Position.
Goyo Catapult ATK 800 DEF 2800 LVL: 6
"Goyo Catapult's effect activates! I send a Monster Card from my hand to the Graveyard to inflict 600 points of damage!" The officer sent a copy of Saumata Gardna to the Graveyard, allowing Goyo Catapult to lean forward and fire a blast at Tsukikage.
The ninja gestured to his field. "Continuous Trap activate! Barrier Ninjitsu Art of Extinguishment! While this card is on the field, any effect damage you would inflict that is 800 or less becomes 0!" A barrier of wind formed around Tsukikage, dispersing Goyo Catapult's shot.
"Tch," Security #2 grit his teeth. "In that case, I'll do this! I activate the Spell Card: Goyo Replacement!" The card showed a wounded and battered Goyo Guardian being dragged away by two Goyo Chasers. "I Tribute a 'Goyo' Synchro Monster to Special Summon another 'Goyo' Synchro Monster from my Extra Deck in Attack Position, so long as it has the same Level as the Tributed monster. I Tribute Goyo Catapult to Special Summon Goyo Predator!" The machine disintegrated, only for a humanoid monster in purple and green wearing a black and red mask to appear at the Extra Monster Zone, a jutte in its right hand.
Goyo Predator ATK 2400 DEF 1200 LVL: 6
Tsukikage narrowed his eyes. "The turn Goyo Replacement is activated, only the Special Summoned monster can declare an attack. Battle! Goyo Predator attacks Yuji Kogami directly!" The monster threw its jutte at Yuji, who grit his teeth.
"I won't let you!" Tsukikage declared. "Continuous Trap activate! Barrier Ninjitsu Art of Gathering Shadows! Once per turn, I can pay half my Life Points to end the Battle Phase!" A tornado appeared around Tsukikage. The ninja grunted in pain and stumbled, but the jutte was knocked off course.
Tsukikage: 2800→1400 LP
"Tsukikage!" Yuji said.
"Do not worry," Tsukikage assured him. "My role is to protect you so that you may defeat them. To achieve that, such pain is nothing." Yuji frowned at that assertion but didn't protest it.
"Tch." Security #2 grit his teeth. "Troublesome ninja. Let's see how you handle this. I Set one card. I end my turn."
The third officer stepped forward. "My turn! Draw!"
"Continuous Trap activate!" Security #2 declared. Enforced Penalty!" The card showed two Goyo Predators jabbing Junk Warrior with their juttes, with electricity sparking over Junk Warrior. "Once per turn, if a Synchro Monster inflicts effect damage, I can double that damage!" Tsukikage gasped at that.
Security #3 smirked. "Your Trap Card only reduces damage of 800 or less to 0. It does nothing for damage over that. I summon Jutte Lord!" A man in a blue robe and black armor appeared.
Jutte Lord ATK 1600 DEF 1200 LVL: 4
"Jutte Lord's effect activates! I Special Summon Jutte Fighter from my hand!" A short man in red and yellow armed with a jutte appeared in Attack Position.
Jutte Fighter ATK 700 DEF 900 LVL: 2
"I tune Level 2 Jutte Fighter to Level 4 Jutte Lord! Shoot down evildoers with your crushing cannon! Synchro Summon! Behold! This is the power of the law! Come forth, Level 6! Goyo Catapult!" A third humanoid machine with a cannon on its back emerged at the Extra Monster Zone in Defense Position.
Goyo Catapult ATK 800 DEF 2800 LVL: 6
"Goyo Catapult's effect activates! I discard Torapart to inflict 600 points of damage!"
"Enforced Penalty's effect activates! Since a Synchro Monster would inflict effect damage, that damage is doubled!"
"Take this! 1200 points of damage!" Goyo Catapult leaned over and fired a blast at Tsukikage. The ninja grunted in pain as he was forced back. When the blast subsided, he fell to one knee with a gasp.
Tsukikage: 1400→200 LP
"I Set one card. I end my turn."
"Are you alright?" Yuji asked.
"I am," Tsukikage insisted, despite his heavy breathing. "I have stalled them long enough. Now it is your turn."
Yuji narrowed his eyes. "Yes. It is. My turn! Draw! I set the Scale 3 Viral Drago and the Scale 9 Viral Hydra in the Pendulum Scales!" Two blue pillars appeared on his field. The one on his right held a light blue dragon with a red chest and dark blue wings and legs with no arms. The one on his left held a quadrupedal light blue dragon with four dark blue heads.
Viral Drago Scale 3
Viral Hydra Scale 9
"What?" Security #1 gasped.
"Pendulum?" Security #3 repeated.
"With the set Pendulum Scale, I can simultaneously summon monsters from Levels 4 to 8! Pendulum Summon! Come forth, my monsters!" A portal opened between the pillars and two lights shot out. "Appear! Balancer Lord! And Lady Debug!" A humanoid in white armor wielding a sword and shield appeared, along with a mechanical girl with ladybug features. Both monsters were summoned in Attack Position.
Balancer Lord ATK 1700 DEF 1000 LVL: 4
Lady Debug ATK 1700 DEF 1400 LVL: 4
"Lady Debug's effect activates! If it is Normal or Special Summoned, I can add a Level 3 or lower Cyberse monster from my Deck to my hand. I'll add Code Generator to my hand. Appear, the circuit that leads to the future! The summoning condition is one Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster. I set Balancer Lord in the Link Marker!" His monster entered the bottom arrow. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Link Disciple!" A red, white, and blue humanoid machine emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone.
Link Disciple ATK 500 LINK-1 ↓
"Appear again, the circuit that leads to the future! The summoning conditions are two Effect Monsters. I set Lady Debug and Link Disciple in the Link Markers!" His monsters entered the top and bottom arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Pentestag!" A black mechanical beetle with blue lines glowing on its body emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone.
Pentestag ATK 1600 LINK-2 ↑↓
"What?" Security #2 said.
"You could have just used Balancer Lord and Lady Debug to Link Summon Pentestag," Security #1 pointed out.
"What are you planning?" Security #3 asked.
Yuji ignored the question and held out a card. "If I would use a Cyberse monster to Link Summon a 'Code Talker' monster, I can use the Code Generator in my hand as Link Material. For a third time, the circuit that leads to the future! The summoning conditions are two or more Effect Monsters. I set Code Generator and Link-2 Pentestag in the Link Markers!" A small orange and white humanoid machine wielding two pistols briefly appeared, before it and Pentestag entered the top, bottom-left, and bottom-right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Decode Talker!" A warrior in dark blue armor emerged from the portal and swung a violet greatsword from the Extra Monster Zone.
Decode Talker ATK 2300 LINK-3 ↙↑↘
"He has reached Link-3 quickly," Tsukikage muttered.
"Since I used Code Generator to Link Summon a 'Code Talker' monster, I can send a Cyberse monster with 1200 or less attack points from my Deck to the Graveyard. I send Dotscaper to the Graveyard. And since Dotscaper was sent to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon it!" A green and white monster made of tiny bricks appeared in Defense Position.
Dotscaper ATK 0 DEF 2100 LVL: 1
"Appear, the circuit that leads to the future!"
"What?" "A fourth time?"
"The summoning conditions are two or more monsters. I set Dotscaper and Link-3 Decode Talker in the Link Markers!" Yuji's monsters entered the left, right, bottom-left, and bottom-right arrows. "The malicious dragon whose claws defend the world! Link Summon! Appear! Link-4! Viral Dawn Link Dragon!" A light blue armor covered in dark blue armor emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone and roared, spreading its wings.
Viral Dawn Link Dragon ATK 2500 LINK-4 ←↙↘→
The three officers grit their teeth. "Viral Dawn's effect activates! Since it was Link Summoned using the Link-3 Decode Talker, the effects of all Level 5 or higher monsters my opponents control are negated, and none of you can activate cards or effects in response to this effect. Infection Code!" Viral Dawn's red orbs released a pulse of light that swept over the Goyo Catapults, Goyo Predator, and Nichirin, the Chunin, making all of the monsters groan.
Yuji frowned at the last one. As he thought, the battle royal rules meant this was going to be tricky. But he trusted Tsukikage to have a way around this. "I summon Viral Ryu!" A dark blue serpent with light blue wings and a blue mane around its head appeared at Viral Dawn's bottom-left Link Marker.
Viral Ryu ATK 700 DEF 1300 LVL: 2 PS: 1
"Viral Dawn's effect activates! Once per turn, I Tribute a monster at its Link Marker to reduce a Level 5 or higher monster's attack points by the Tributed monster's attack points until the end of the turn. I Tribute Viral Ryu to reduce Goyo Predator's attack points! Corruption Drain!" Viral Ryu disintegrated and its particles entered the red orbs, which released tendrils of red energy that ensnared Goyo Predator.
Goyo Predator ATK 2400→1700
"The Tributed Viral Ryu's effect activates! When it is Tributed, I can target a Link Monster I control. I target Viral Dawn!" Yuji smirked. "Now, for the rest of the turn, if Viral Dawn destroys a monster by battle, that monster's controller takes damage equal to that monster's original attack or defense points, whichever is higher!"
"What?" the officers gasped.
Security #2 grit his teeth. "But both of our Goyo Catapults have more defense points than your monster's attack points! And if you attack and destroy Goyo Predator, I will still have Life Points left!"
"Are you sure about that?" Yuji asked. "I activate the Equip Spell Card: Link Armaments!" The card showed Borreload Dragon with silver armor covering its upper body. "I equip this to my Link Monster!" The dark blue armor on Viral Dawn's body turned silver and made it roar. "Now, Viral Dawn gains 500 attack points for each Link Monster in my Graveyard, and if it attacks your Defense Position monster, it inflicts piercing battle damage!"
"What?!"
"There are three Link Monsters in my Graveyard, so Viral Dawn gains 1500 attack points!"
Viral Dawn Link Dragon ATK 2500→4000
"Damn it!" Security #2 hissed.
"Calm down!" Security #1 assured him. "Even if he can defeat one of us, the other two will-."
"No you won't," Yuji interrupted. "Viral Dragon's Pendulum effect activates! Once per turn, I target a Dragon Link Monster I control. That monster must attack the monster on the field with the highest attack points. But in exchange, it can attack all monsters my opponents control once each!"
The officers gasped at that. But then Security #3 picked up on something. "Wait, if your card forces your dragon to attack the strongest monster, you'll have to attack your ally!"
"That's right!" Security #2 realized. "The battle royal rules treat him as your opponent as well, and his monster is the strongest on the field behind Viral Dawn. You'll have to defeat your own partner!"
"No, he won't," Tsukikage said. That assertion drew all eyes to him. "I have no cards in my hand or cards on the field to change this situation. But there is something I do have."
"What?"
"Action Cards!"
"But those cards benefit your monster, they don't weaken it!"
"That's not entirely true," Tsukikage said. "While the majority of Action Cards are Spell Cards, there are also Action Trap Cards that activate immediately when they are grabbed. And they hurt the player. Now normally, one would want to avoid these cards. And even if you wanted to find them, it would be a gamble. Unless… you already know where they are."
"What?"
Tsukikage disappeared again, only to reappear as he ran along the wall. He reached out and grabbed the nearby Action Card. "Action Trap Card! Zero Break!" The card showed a red "0" with a crack running through it. "One of my monsters has its attack points become 0!" A lightning bolt struck Nichirin, the Chunin, making it cry out in pain.
Twilight Ninja Nichirin, the Chunin ATK 1800→0
Yuji's eyes narrowed. "With Nichirin's attack points reduced to 0, it is now the weakest monster on the field. That means Viral Dawn doesn't have to attack it."
"Damn it!"
"How did you do that?" Security #2 demanded. "The odds of finding that exact Action Card, particularly an Action Trap Card, should have been infinitesimal!"
"Even if you memorized what Action Cards appeared on this field, they should have been scattered randomly!" Security #3 added. "The only way you could have known where it was is… it can't be!"
"It is," Tsukikage confirmed, dropping back down next to Yuji. "You are correct: whenever an Action Field is activated, the Action Cards are spread around randomly. The odds of you knowing which card you'll grab are thus as close to 0 as they can possibly be. Unless of course, you disable the randomizer." The officers gasped and Yuji raised an eyebrow. "By doing so, the locations of each Action Card won't change when you start a new duel. And if you've memorized which Action Cards the Action Field generates and where they'll be when the Action Field is activated, then you can find whichever Action Card you need whenever you need it."
"Damn you, ninja!"
"That's cheating!"
"Perhaps it is," Tsukikage allowed. "But if I can stack the odds in my allies' favor as much as possible, then I will do so." He glanced at his partner. "Yuji Kogami, finish this."
"…" In truth, Yuji was conflicted. What Tsukikage had done technically wasn't cheating as it was done before the duel and had no impact on his Deck or his opponents'. While it did give him an advantage, that advantage wasn't insurmountable. Go would undoubtedly disapprove and call it dishonorable. But in duels of this severity, against Academia and Security, honor mattered very little. In the end, Yuji only nodded and turned back to their opponents.
"Battle!" he declared. "Viral Dawn attacks Goyo Predator!" The dragon roared and started to gather red energy in its maw."
Security #3 grit his teeth and gestured to his field. "Trap activate! Sakuretsu Armor! When your monster attacks, that monster is destroyed!"
Viral Drago keeps the opponent from activating cards and effects during the Damage Step when the targeted monster attacks, Yuji thought. But it only does so when the opponent controls more monsters. Since this is battle royal format, he is treated as having only one monster, so Viral Drago's effect doesn't keep him activating that card.
But it didn't matter either way. "The monster equipped with Link Armaments cannot be destroyed by card effects!" Yuji revealed.
"What?" The Trap Card shattered at the officer's exclamation, its effect useless now.
"Go, Viral Dawn! Daybreak Tempest!" The dragon released a beam of red energy that tore through Goyo Predator and continued on to that monster's controller, making him grunt.
Security #2: 4000→1700 LP
"Viral Ryu's effect activates! Since the targeted Viral Dawn destroyed your monster, you take damage equal to Goyo Predator's original attack points!" A circle appeared around the officer. A pillar of red energy erupted from the circle, making the officer scream. When the light faded, the officer slid unconscious to the ground.
Security #2: 1700→0 LP
"The second attack! Viral Dawn attacks Goyo Catapult! Daybreak Tempest!" Another beam of red energy shot out and tore through Security #3's Synchro Monster. "Link Armaments' effect then inflicts piercing battle damage!" The beam continued on and forced the officer back.
Security #3: 4000→2800 LP
"Viral Ryu's effect activates! You take damage equal to Goyo Catapult's defense points!" Another pillar of red energy shot upwards, engulfing the officer. When it faded, he fell to the ground, similarly unconscious.
Security #3: 2800→0 LP
"The final attack! Viral Dawn attacks Goyo Catapult! Daybreak Tempest!" A third beam tore through the Synchro Monster and continued on to Security #1, who screamed as the energy struck him.
Security #1: 1700→500 LP
"Viral Ryu's effect activates!" The officer looked down as the circle formed, then screamed as he was engulfed in red energy. The energy faded and he joined his comrades in collapsed unconsciousness.
Security #1: 500→0 LP
The monsters faded, leaving Tsukikage and Yuji as the only ones still standing. "…Do you find my actions unsightly?" the ninja asked.
Yuji frowned. "I know the others likely would. But it is not outright cheating, even if it's a gray area. I won't dislike you for doing what you feel you must in order to win. I suspect even more unsightly acts will be needed to obtain victory."
"…You are probably right," Tsukikage agreed. "If that is the truth, then it is better that people like me perform such acts, rather than good souls like Yuya Sakaki."
"…People like you and I," Yuji corrected. Even if Kiryu had shown him that he could enjoy a duel, that didn't change his perspective of dueling: It was a tool to achieve his objective. He wouldn't do something he found distasteful to win, but anything except that was fair game.
"…Yes, I suppose so." Tsukikage turned back to the door. "We should hurry. We've been delayed long enough." Yuji nodded and followed the ninja back into the Duel Palace.
"So how did you disable the randomizer function?" Yuji asked. He'd never thought to do it, and he honestly didn't care to; he didn't use Action Cards enough for it to be a priority. But he was curious and if there was a chance…
Tsukikage lightly chuckled. "It was not easy; I am not versed in programming like you and Reiji are. But I was still able to disable it." His eyes narrowed. "However, the method I used was only temporary. If I want to set the Action Field like that again, I'll have to disable the randomizer again."
"I see." So his method was woefully inefficient. A pity.
The two made their way back towards the elevator were Tsukikage had rescued Yuji and were prepared for a fight. Only to be greeted by a surprising sight.
Serena was on the ground, next to three unconscious Security officers. And standing opposite them, her Duel Disk still active, was Reira Akaba.
Serena was staring at the officers. "Three enemies… With Fusion… Synchro… and Xyz!" Serena turned to look at Reira. "Reira always used to be so afraid…"
Tsukikage disappeared and then reappeared next to Serena. Yuji in turn walked out from around the corner. Serena's eyes widened on seeing them. "Tsukikage! And Yuji!"
"Reira has changed," Tsukikage said, looking the young girl over. Yuji was doing the same, an eyebrow raised. "She is no longer an existence that needs to just be protected."
"…It would seem so," Yuji agreed. Reira blinked and looked up at him. The two locked eyes, and Yuji saw it; her eyes were different than they were when he dueled Reiji. There was a light there now. He imagined his own eyes were similar.
"Did something happen!?" Tsukikage and Yuji turned at the sound of the voice. It was coming from the helmet that had fallen off one of the officer's heads. Tsukikage walked towards it but stopped when Yuji held his hand out. Yuji walked over to the helmet. "Hey! What happened to Serena?!"
Yuji picked up the helmet and angled it so that he could speak into the microphone. "I'm sorry, but Serena is under the protection of the Lancers."
"…What? Who is this?!"
"Yuji Kogami."
"Kogami!? You're supposed to be underground!"
"Not everything goes according to plan. Get used to it." Yuji glanced over at Serena and felt his lip twitch. He felt a sudden impulse, one he would blame on Go. "Hail to the King."
"What?!" Yuji pressed a button on the side, ending the call. He then turned fully to Serena and kneeled next to her.
"Are you alright, Serena?"
The girl was staring up at him. "…No, I'm not. They hit me with some kind of nerve gas."
Yuji narrowed his eyes and leaned in closer, Tsukikage and Reira on the other side. The teen took a closer look and noted how her pupils were dilated. How she was sweating profusely.
Yuji grimaced. "A paralyzing agent," he muttered. Such agents worked by disrupting the nervous system and made it difficult if not impossible to move. "That could last from hours to days."
"…How?" Yuji raised an eyebrow at Serena's question. "How are you here? You were sent underground."
"Reiji requested Yuji lose his duel to get out from under Roger's oversight," Tsukikage answered.
"Then… you lost on purpose?"
"…At first, yes," Yuji admitted. "But in the end, I tried my hardest. Crow won fair and square."
"…I see."
Yuji stood up and tinkered with the helmet. Where… Ah! A panel came loose and Yuji pulled out a chip. He inserted the chip in his Duel Disk and ran his program. He smirked as voices came over his Duel Disk.
"Perfect," he muttered. He looked up at the others. "I've hacked into Security's communications. And thanks to my program, I now also know where all of Security's officers are located in the City." He held out his hand to Tsukikage, who handed him his own Duel Disk. Yuji connected the two Disks with a cord and uploaded his programs to Tsukikage's Duel Disk. "And now, so can you, Tsukikage."
"What's happening?" Serena asked. "Why are all of you here?"
"Good question." Yuji turned to Reira. "I know why Tsukikage and I are here, but what about you, Reira?"
The girl didn't flinch. "When Serena lost, big brother challenged the Security officers and asked me to save Serena. He figured you and Tsukikage would, but he wanted to be sure in case you were delayed."
"We were, so your actions are appreciated, Reira," Tsukikage assured her. The ninja turned to Serena. "I apologize for keeping you out of the loop, Serena, but after Dennis was revealed to be a spy, Security seized the Council building. Roger is an agent of Academia, but he has gone rogue to rule the Synchro Dimension as his own."
"We think he intends to hold you and Yuzu Hiragi hostages to keep Academia off his back," Yuji said.
"Yuzu… then she's been captured?"
"She's fine," Yuji answered. "Tsukikage and I found her, and he took her to the underground facility."
"The underground?"
"It is the last place Security will think to look for her," Tsukikage said. "That's where Yuji Kogami and I will take you as well, but we cannot take this elevator; it is too conspicuous."
"In other words, we need to get out of here," Yuji said. He turned to the ninja. "Tsukikage, you're faster than me. I'll carry Serena and you guide us. Reira, can you run on your own?" The girl nodded in affirmation. "Then let's move."
Tsukikage helped position Serena on Yuji's back. The teen noted that while Serena could move, said movements were limited and painful. Once she was properly secured on his back, he, Tsukikage, and Reira started running, heading for the exit.
Serena bounced on Yuji's back, but not hard enough for it to hurt. Her arms were wrapped around his neck and his arms were holding her legs, while her head was leaning on his left shoulder.
It's strange, she thought. I'm being hunted again, this time by hundreds instead of a dozen. I can barely move, much less duel. As I am now, I'm just a burden, unable to defend myself. So… why? She tightened her grip around Yuji's neck and moved her head closer to his neck. Why do I feel so safe?
Yuji Kogami & Tsukikage vs. Security Officers
This Duel is conducted as a Master Duel and Battle Royal, with each player having their own field. At the start of the Duel, the Field Spell Card Crossover is activated, as per the rules of an Action Duel. It will allow the players to use Action Cards, but they may only have one in their hand at a time.
Turn 1: Security #1
Security #2 Normal Summons Jutte Lord (1600/1200/4). As Jutte Lord was Normal or Special Summoned, Security #1 can Special Summon 1 "Jutte" monster" from his hand. He Special Summons Jutte Fighter (700/900/2) in Attack Position. Security #1 tunes Level 2 Jutte Fighter to Level 4 Jutte Lord to Synchro Summon Goyo Catapult (800/2800/6) to the Extra Monster Zone in Defense Position. Security #1 activates the Equip Spell Card Goyo Arrow, equipping it to Goyo Catapult. He activates Goyo Arrow's effect to inflict damage equal to the equipped Goyo Catapult's Level x 100 to Tsukikage (Tsukikage: 4000→3400 LP). Security #1 activates Goyo Catapult's effect, discarding Sasumata Gardna to inflict 600 damage to Tsukikage (Tsukikage: 3400→2800 LP). Security #1 Sets 1 card. He ends his turn.
Turn 2: Tsukikage
Tsukikage draws. He activates the Spell Card Ninjitsu Art of Hazy Duplication, which lets him Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower "Ninja" monster from his hand. He Special Summons Twilight Ninja Shingetsu (1500/100/4) in Attack Position. Tsukikage Tributes Shingetsu to Tribute Summon Twilight Ninja Nichirin, the Chunin (2300/1000/6). Tsukikage activates the Continuous Spell Card Illusion Ninjitsu Art of Rapid Fists. Once per turn, by sending 1 card from his hand to the GY and targeting a monster, that monster's ATK/DEF becomes 0 until the end of the turn, and Tsukikage's "Ninja" monsters can inflict piercing battle damage. He finds an Action Card. Tsukikage activates Illusion Ninjitsu Art of Rapid Fists' effect to send Evasion to the GY and targets Goyo Catapult (Goyo Catapult: 800→0/2800→0).
Nichirin, the Chunin attacks and destroys Goyo Catapult (Security #1: 4000→1700 LP). At the end of the Battle Phase, Security #1 activates his Set Trap Card Goyo Corridor, which lets him Special Summon all "Goyo" monsters that were destroyed by battle this turn in Defense Position, but those monsters cannot change their battle positions. He Special Summons Goyo Catapult (800/2800/6). Tsukikage Sets 2 cards. Tsukikage ends his turn.
Turn 3: Security #2
Security #2 draws. He Normal Summons Marauding Captain (1200/400/3). As Marauding Captain was Normal Summoned, Security #2 can Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower monster from his hand. He Special Summons Quick-Span Knight (1000/800/3) in Attack Position. Security #2 tunes Level 3 Quick-Span Knight to Level 3 Marauding Captain to Synchro Summon Goyo Catapult (800/2800/6) to the Extra Monster Zone in Defense Position. As Quick-Span Knight was sent to the GY for a Synchro Summon, Security #2 can target 1 face-up monster his opponent controls and reduce its ATK by 500. He targets Nichirin, the Chunin (Nichirin, the Chunin: 2300→1800). Security #2 activates Goyo Catapult's effect, discarding Sasumata Gardna to inflict 600 damage to Tsukikage, but Tsukikage activates his Set Continuous Trap Card Barrier Ninjitsu Art of Extinguishment. So long as he controls a "Ninja" monster, any effect damage Tsukikage's opponents would inflict that is 800 or lower becomes 0. Security #2 activates the Spell Card Goyo Replacement, which lets him Tribute 1 "Goyo" Synchro Monster he controls to Special Summon 1 "Goyo" Synchro Monster with the same Level from his Extra Deck in Attack Position. He Tributes Goyo Catapult to Special Summon Goyo Predator (2400/1200/6) to the Extra Monster Zone. The turn Goyo Replacement is activated, only the Special Summoned monster can attack.
Goyo Predator attacks Yuji directly. As he controls a "Ninja" monster, Tsukikage activates his Set Continuous Trap Card Barrier Ninjitsu Art of Gathering Shadows. Once per turn, during his opponent's turn, Tsukikage can pay half his LP to end the Battle Phase (Tsukikage: 2800→1400 LP). Security #2 Sets 1 card. He ends his turn.
Turn 4: Security #3
Security #3 draws. Security #2 activates his Set Continuous Trap Card Enforced Penalty. If a Synchro monster would inflict effect damage, Security #2 can double that damage. Security #3 Normal Summons Jutte Lord (1600/1200/4). As Jutte Lord was Normal or Special Summoned, Security #3 can Special Summon 1 "Jutte" monster from his hand. He Special Summons Jutte Fighter (700/900/2) in Attack Position. Security #3 tunes Level 2 Jutte Fighter to Level 4 Jutte Lord to Synchro Summon Goyo Catapult (800/2800/6) to the Extra Monster Zone in Defense Position. Security #3 activates Goyo Catapult's effect, discarding Torapart to inflict 600 damage to Tsukikage. As a Synchro Monster would inflict effect damage, Security #2 activates Enforced Penalty's effect, doubling that damage (Tsukikage: 1400→200 LP). Security #3 Sets 1 card. He ends his turn.
Turn 5: Yuji Kogami
Yuji draws. He activates Viral Drago (PS: 3) and Viral Hydra (PS: 9) in his Pendulum Zones. Yuji Pendulum Summons Balancer Lord (1700/1000/4) and Lady Debug (1700/1400/4) from his hand in Attack Position. As Lady Debug was Special Summoned, Yuji can add 1 Level 3 or lower Cyberse monster from his Deck to his hand. He adds Code Generator from his Deck to his hand. Yuji uses Balancer Lord to Link Summon Link Disciple (500/1/↓) to the Extra Monster Zone. He uses Lady Debug and Link Disciple to Link Summon Pentestag (1600/2/↑↓) to the Extra Monster Zone. If Yuji would use a Cyberse monster to Link Summon a "Code Talker" monster, he can use Code Generator in his hand as Link Material. Yuji uses Code Generator in his hand and Link-2 Pentestag to Link Summon Decode Talker (2300/3/↙↑↘) to the Extra Monster Zone. As Code Generator was sent to the GY as material for the Link Summon of a "Code Talker" monster, Yuji can send 1 Cyberse monster with 1200 ATK or less from his Deck to the GY. He sends Dotscaper to the GY. As Dotscaper was sent to the GY, its effect activates, Special Summoning itself (0/2100/1) in Defense Position. Yuji uses Dotscaper and Link-3 Decode Talker to Link Summon Viral Dawn Link Dragon (2500/4/←↙↘→) to the Extra Monster Zone. As Viral Dawn was Link Summoned using a Link-3 monster, the effects of Yuji's opponents' Level 5 or higher monsters are negated, and they cannot activate cards or effects in response to this effect. Yuji Normal Summons Viral Ryu (700/1300/2/1) to Viral Dawn's bottom-left Link Marker. Yuji activates Viral Dawn's effect to Tribute 1 monster it points to and reduce 1 Level 5 or higher monster's ATK by the Tributed monster's ATK until the end of the turn. Yuji Tributes Viral Ryu and targets Goyo Predator (Goyo Predator: 2400→1700). As Viral Ryu was Tributed, its effect activates, letting Yuji target 1 Link Monster he controls. For the rest of the turn, if that monster destroys a monster by battle, Yuji can inflict damage to that monster's controller equal to the destroyed monster's original ATK/DEF, whichever is higher. He targets Viral Dawn. Yuji activates the Equip Spell Card Link Armaments and equips it to Viral Dawn. Viral Dawn cannot be destroyed by Yuji's opponents' card effects, gains 500 ATK for each Link Monster in his GY, and if it attacks a Defense Position monster, it inflicts piercing battle damage (Viral Dawn: 2500→4000). Yuji activates the Pendulum effect of Viral Drago, targeting Viral Dawn. During each Battle Phase this turn, Viral Dawn can attack all monsters Yuji's opponents control once each, but it must attack the monster with the highest ATK first. Tsukikage finds and activates the Action Trap Card Zero Break, which targets a monster he controls and makes its ATK 0 until the end of the next turn. He targets Nichirin, the Chunin (1800→0).
Viral Dawn attacks Goyo Predator. As Yuji's monster declared an attack, Security #3 activates his Set Trap Card Sakuretsu Armor to destroy that monster, but the monster equipped with Link Armaments cannot be destroyed by card effects. The attack continues and Goyo Predator is destroyed (Security #2: 4000→1700 LP). As the monster targeted for Viral Ryu's effect destroyed a monster by battle, that monster's controller takes damage equal to that monster's original ATK/DEF, whichever is higher (Security #2: 1700→0 LP). Viral Dawn attacks and destroys Goyo Catapult, with Link Armaments' effect inflicting piercing battle damage (Security #3: 4000→2800 LP). Viral Ryu's effect activates (Security #3: 2800→0 LP). Viral Dawn attacks and destroys Goyo Catapult (Security #1: 1700→500 LP). Viral Ryu's effect activates (Security #1: 500→0 LP). Tsukikage and Yuji win.
Tsukikage:
Illusion Ninjitsu Art of Rapid Fists Continuous Spell Card
Once per turn: You can target 1 monster on the field and send 1 card from your hand to the GY; until the end of the turn, that monster's ATK/DEF becomes 0, and if your "Ninja" monster attacks a Defense Position monster, it inflicts piercing battle damage. If a "Ninja" monster you control leaves the field, destroy this card.
Security Officers:
Goyo Replacement Normal Spell Card
Tribute 1 "Goyo" Synchro Monster you control; Special Summon 1 "Goyo" Synchro Monster from your Extra Deck with the same Level in Attack Position. The turn you activate this card, only the Special Summoned monster can declare an attack.
Enforced Penalty Continuous Trap Card
Destroy this card during your 2nd Standby Phase after activation. If a Synchro Monster would inflict effect damage: You can activate this effect; double that damage. You can only activate this effect of "Enforced Penalty" once per turn.
Yuji Kogami:
Link Armaments Equip Spell Card
Equip only to a Link Monster. The equipped monster cannot be destroyed by your opponent's card effects and gains 500 ATK for each Link Monster in your GY. If the equipped monster attacks your opponent's Defense Position monster, it inflicts piercing battle damage.
Action Cards:
Zero Break Action Trap Card
Target 1 face-up monster you control; that monster's ATK becomes 0 until the end of the next turn.
Chapter Preview
Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! ARC-V: The Fifth Circuit. Chapter 34 – Primal Darkness
Question of the Chapter
What is your opinion of Tsukikage fixing the randomizer on the Action Field?
Author's Notes
Thank you to Haoh Ryu Z-ARC for helping with the OC cards.
So this was Chapter 33. A step down in tension compared to the previous chapters, though this one ironically covered more episodes than them. This one covered Episodes 83 through 86, beginning with Sora and Yuzu and ending with Yuji and Tsukikage taking Serena away. Not too much to say about all of this, so I'll just cover two points.
The first is Yuji's contribution. He took a chip from an officer's helmet and has now hacked into Security's communications, and by combining that chip with a recently written program, he and Tsukikage can now track all of Security's officers across the City. A little hard to believe, I know; this idea was based off of Batman: Arkham City were Batman stole a chip from a guard's radio so could listen in on their radio, so I'm hoping it is at least partially believable.
The other part is Tsukikage's actions in the duel, more specifically him fixing the Action Field so that he knows where all of the Action Cards are. Let me just say that a duelist knowing where the Action Cards are isn't new: Hokuto Shijima knew where all the Action Cards were in his duel with Yuya. What makes Tsukikage different is that he deliberately fixed his Duel Disk so that he would know which Action Cards would appear and where they would appear. Is this cheating? Possibly, but it isn't meant to be. For me, it's partly to justify how he could find the exact Action Card he needs, specifically an Action Trap Card that are much rarer than Action Spell Cards, as well as to highlight that as a ninja, Tsukikage would be willing to fight pragmatically and stack the odds in his favor. It's maybe playing dirty, but I feel it adds another layer to Tsukikage's character. And he is limited in that he can only fix the randomizer every so often before he has to do it again.
Thank you for reading Chapter 33. Like I said before, this one was sort of an interlude chapter, with Yuji meeting Yuzu and Sora for the first time before rescuing Serena. The next two chapters though…