The next time Jounouchi challenges Kaiba to duel, he doesn't expect it to be in front of such a crowd.
Because as expected, he doesn't win. But he'd given Kaiba more of a run for his money than he'd ever expected possible. And that's what matters to Jounouchi.
What Jounouchi can't believe are the circumstances that led to them dueling a third time in the first place. He thinks Kaiba agrees out of sheer familiarity and a desire to trounce him.
The same old jokes fall from Kaiba's lips, mediocre, third rate. But none of them bite as much as they used to, rather performative.
Because it's not news that Jounouchi's the weaker duelist and Kaiba's "still haven't learned," comments are indicative. But he can't seem to begrudge Jounouchi the duel.
Almost as if he'd anticipated it. As if he enjoys spending some time telling Jounouchi off. The cocky smile Kaiba delivers him when they began their duel is telling enough.
And the fact that Jounouchi's willingness to come back isn't disputed as much by Kaiba is starting to look something like acceptance of his perseverance. A perseverance Kaiba is familiar with, as he's seen it in himself, when standing up to Gozaburo again and again. Except, he couldn't afford to lose.
And that's what Kaiba couldn't seem to shake the second time they'd dueled, that Jounouchi actually had some fun. It's only a start, but Jounouchi's glad to see Kaiba out and dueling for no other reason than to do just that and deliver some grueling banter.
And Jounouchi will keep to his promise to continue to work to be stronger, to duel Kaiba until he can beat him one day, because that's Jounouchi's path as a true duelist. And if Kaiba learns to smile a little more along the way, then so be it. Jounouchi is happier for it.
Even if Jounouchi never beats Kaiba, it will be well worth it, for Jounouchi will be stronger and have gotten Kaiba, an admirable opponent, to perhaps consider befriending the idea of fun.