(A/N: When was the last time we had a chapter that had no dueling in it? Honestly, I think that was chapter 38 when the virtual world arc began. Okay so no that long ago. Even so, get used to more of that in the future. Ending Battle City kind of feels like how things were post-Arrancar arc in Bleach, we've gotten so used to it that we feel like it's molding the rest of the story.
And it is my displeasure to inform you all that Battle City is to this story what volumes 1 and 2 were to RWBY. Thanks, Volume 3! [obvious sarcasm is obvious] But the point stands. This was hectic, yet cheerful and upbeat. Not so much so going forward. Expect more characterization and dramatic tension all culminating in a big ball of What The Fuckery. Why? Because Blonde Bitch McWhore Face, I mean Junko, is entering the picture and isn't leaving the picture any time soon. I'd say "try to ignore her", but even that's going to be difficult with how hands on she'll be with the plot once she makes her first appearance in the Orichalcos arc. I mean, we'll have levity from her every now and again—thank God—but once Junko has her hands on something, it is forever tainted.
Try to enjoy this story despite her, all right? I promise it'll all work out in the end! Now then, let's take a look and see some of the more…important resolutions to this arc. Fallout: Battle City begins!)
By the time the Kaiba Corp blimp finally settled down at Domino Pier, the sun was already setting. Chiaki, still exhausted, was being carried on Hajime's back. He had resolved to carry her all the way back to Hope's Peak. With his enhanced strength, she was lighter to him than a paperweight.
When the 2nd place finalist disembarked, he found he was one of the last few to do so. To that end, Marik was already standing there with Ishizu and Odion. "Marik…"
"Hajime," Marik said and bowed. "You have my heartfelt apologies for all the trouble I've caused. The spirit of the Millennium Rod was influencing me, even when he was not the one in control. As of this moment, I intend to disband the Rare Hunters and return all of the cards we have ever stole."
"That's going a bit far, don't you think?" Sonia asked. "What about the cards you earned in Battle City? Those technically were earned."
"Fell Dragon…no…Remorseful One," Gundham said to Marik, "Though you have foresworn your dark powers, I look forward to the day when our paths cross once again."
"Gundham, you have my utmost apologies as—"
"Spare me your empty words, Remorseful One," Gundham said, head turned away from Marik. "Twas the Fell Dragon I dueled and was defeated by, not you. You have nothing to atone for between us."
"I see," Marik said, a bit saddened, but understanding Gundham's point.
"Oh, that reminds me," Yugi said. "I need to be giving the Egyptian God Cards to Kaiba. He promised he'd lock them away forever."
"My Pharaoh, do you not wish to control the power of the gods yourself?" Ishizu asked Yugi.
Yugi shook his head. "No, the god cards are too dangerous, even for me and Yami. It's probably for the best that they're sealed away."
"If that's the case, should we not receive them?" Ishizu asked.
"If Kaiba were here, I bet he'd say something like "Judging by how all of this started, I don't think you can be trusted with them", or something like that," Makoto said.
"Hey, that wasn't a bad impression," Komaru said.
"His voice wasn't nearly deep enough," Celeste jabbed.
"Perhaps, but I agree with Makoto and his impression of Kaiba. These cards are too powerful and far too dangerous. It would be best if no one were to use them ever again," Byakuya stated. "And I can think of no place safer than behind whatever vault Kaiba plans to store them."
"Oh? Not going to bark that you have better security?" Celeste chuckled.
"It is not my right. Kaiba hosted this tournament and made it farther than I did. Those are facts. Even if my security is better, it is his right to see fit if Yugi plans to give the god cards to him. Of course, I wouldn't mind sealing them myself if the King of Games decides to bet on a different horse."
"I appreciate it, Byakuya, but I'm going to trust Kaiba. He seemed pretty adamant about locking them away," Yugi replied.
"Heh. And there you have it," Byakuya smirked.
"You don't sound too disappointed," Joey said.
"I have a lot to learn and master about this game. Until I can become a duelist even better than Seto Kaiba, the god cards should not be in my possession, sealed or not," Byakuya said. "That reminds me, we'll be in touch." Byakuya began to walk away. "If you'll excuse me."
Suddenly everyone heard a helicopter as it hovered over the middle of the pier and a stern faced man, with a white beard and combed back hair, carrying a dining tray with a teapot, cup and saucer stepped out. "Young Master Byakuya, I hope I am not too late."
"No, you're approximately right on time, Aloysius," Byakuya said. He walked towards the helicopter and turned back at the last second before getting in. "Joey. Mai. I'll be in touch."
Byakuya then entered the helicopter as his butler climbed in behind him and shut the door before the copter flew away and over the horizon.
"What did he mean by that?" Tristan asked.
"Let's just say this won't be my last tournament," Joey said.
"You're gonna be in another tournament big brother?" Serenity asked.
"Yeah, I'll tell you guys all about it over some pizza," Joey said.
"Pizza!" Ibuki cried. "Can I come? Can I? Can I? Can I?"
"Sure, Ibuki," Joey said. "Mai, how about you?"
"Joey, I'd love to, but I can't exactly leave my car parked on the pier without a permit. Here's hoping I don't already have a ticket," Mai said.
"Come on, Mai, just sit down and eat with us," Joey said to her. "You're our friend."
Mai twirled a lock of her hair. "Oh. All right," she said, hiding her blush. "I don't suppose why not."
"You can count me considerably out," Celeste said. "Grand Bois Chéri has probably been tearing up the furniture in my absence?"
"Who's that?" Komaru asked.
Celeste smiled. "He's my adorable little kitty cat. The most important creature to me in all the world."
Yugi smiled. "You should go home and feed your cat then, Celeste. I'm sure he's missed you."
"Oh he's probably been making grandma and grandpa's life a living hell in mommy's absence. Au revoir, to you all. If fate wills it, let us all meet again, regardless of the circumstances."
"I'll be looking forward to it," Yugi said.
Celeste then walked away.
"We should probably be getting home too, Komaru," Makoto said. "I don't even want to think about the extra homework I missed."
"You'll catch up," Komaru chuckled. "You're no dummy and neither am I."
"You take care of yourself," Yugi said. "Makoto. Komaru. I hope we meet again."
"Y-yeah," Makoto stuttered, heart throbbing. "S-so does that mean we're…"
"Yeah, friends," Yugi nodded.
Makoto smiled. "Then I'll definitely see you again, Yugi. Take care."
"Take care," Yugi said. Makoto and Komaru then wandered off.
"Gundham," Espa said walking up to him. "I shall take what you have taught me this tournament and use it to fuel my powers even further." He turned towards Hajime. "And Hajime, I see a bright future for you. It's one of hardship, but if you can overcome it, I know you will find lifelong happiness."
"Thanks, Espa," Hajime said. "See you around."
Espa then walked off with his little brothers, carrying his baby brother in his arms.
A boat suddenly pulled up to the pier. "Master Marik! Lady Ishtar! Sir Odion!" An Egyptian fellow in a foreign robe called out to them.
"That's our ride," Ishizu said.
"It will be nice to be a family again," Odion said with a smile.
Flash!
Odion, Marik and Ishizu suddenly saw spots.
Mahiru laughed. "Gotcha."
Ishizu smiled, "You have a wonderous give, Mahiru."
Mahiru just smiled.
"You three take care," Yugi said.
"We shall," Ishizu said as she, her brother and Odion all got into the boat to be headed off back to Egypt.
"So, you spoke a moment ago of pizza, Reckless One?" Gundham asked Joey.
"Huh? You talkin' to me. Why am I the Reckless One?"
Mai laughed. "It suits you."
"Hey!" Joey complained.
"I'd say pizza for dinner sounds wonderous," Sonia said. "Perhaps we could dine at one of those odd places that serves specialty pizza with fish and rice. And as princess of Novoselic, I shall fit the bill. It is rare to spend an opportunity like this with friends."
"I'd love to dine, but I should be getting Chiaki to Hope's Peak," Hajime said.
"Oh come on," Mahiru said. "Just wake her up."
As she approached, Hajime took a step back. "No. Really. She's exhausted. I'd like her to get some rest."
"Chiaki is really worn out," Mikan said. "It might be best for Hajime to bring her back."
Mahiru pulled out her phone. "All right. I'll let Miss Yukizome know you're bringing her back."
"Keh, such is the ways of the Reliable One," Gundham said, smiling.
"Thank you, Mahiru. Sorry, I really do want to eat with you guys, but…"
"We get it. Go get your girlfriend back to school," Joey said.
Hajime coughed, blushed and then turned his head to try and look over his shoulder. He did not even begin to deny Joey's words.
"So, I'll uh…see you guys around," Hajime said and walked off with Chiaki snoozing on his back.
"So, Joey, where is this pizza restaurant you had in mind?" Sonia asked.
Night had completely fallen by the time Yugi and the others sat down to have dinner. Four gigantic pizza pies were ordered, each a strange combination of various meats and other toppings.
"So, what's everyone's plans after this?" Mai asked, taking a bite of fried fish pizza.
"Well, school resumes for all of us, I assume," Yugi said. "As for me," he held up the Millennium Puzzle, "I'm going to track down the remaining Millennium Items and help the Pharaoh uncover his missing memories."
"Well if there's anything I can do to help, you just let me know, okay?"
"Ah! That's right! Hey! Hey! Mai!" Ibuki exclaimed tugging on her arm. "Are you going to be part of Ibuki's band, are you?"
Mai looked at Ibuki and then at the others at the table. "Sure, why not?"
"Yahooooo! That means Ibuki's band's got all the components!" Ibuki cheered. "Hear that Joey, we got our band together!" Ibuki hugged Joey tightly, prompting a completely missed dirty look from Mai.
"I get it! I get it! Get off me! People are staring!"
"Let's practice out of my garage then," Tristan said. "There's plenty of space when my folks aren't home. Both my mom and dad work late. We've got all afternoon and most of Saturday."
"A literal garage band," Duke laughed. "I look forward to the album."
"Hey, have you guys even decided on a band name yet?" Mahiru asked. "Isn't that the most important thing?"
"Oh, Ibuki thought of that 40 chapters ago. We're gonna be called, the Lords of the Duel!" Ibuki shouted.
"Forty…chapters?" Téa was confused.
"Lords of the Duel, I like it," Joey said.
"You're going to be part of a band. I'm so proud of you, big brother," Serenity said with a smile.
Joey smiled and rubbed the back of his head, laughing.
"Joey," Mahiru said.
"Hmm?" Joey looked at her.
Mahiru smiled. "You're a good big brother."
"Isn't he? I think Joey is just the best!" Serenity exclaimed.
"Three cheers for the Ultimate Underdog!" Ibuki exclaimed.
"Ultimate Underdog, now wait just a second!" Joey shouted.
"Hip! Hip!" Ibuki cooed.
"Hooray!" Even Yugi, Téa and Tristan were in on it.
Joey just sighed and let the remaining two cheers happen.
"Such a lively bunch they all are," Sonia smiled at Gundham.
"Keheheh, they certainly are stalwart soldiers against the ever-present threat of darkness. When this world as mine, I shall grant them all vast gifts of untold power and prestige," Gundham chuckled.
"Yes, pizza is the least I can do to thank them for being so kind to us," Sonia said.
Gundham pulled up his scarf to hide his blush. As always, Sonia saw right through his overlord persona.
The group continued to celebrate until close to midnight when the parlor finally was closing up shop.
"We should be heading back," Sonia said. "I hope we will all meet again in the future."
"Thank you for dinner, Sonia," Yugi said. "Really, you didn't have to pay for everyone."
"No, but I wanted to, as thanks," Sonia said, smiling. "Even if I do not wish to be treated like a princess during my stay in this country, I still wish to use my assets to help others in any way I can. After all, I still represent Novoselic."
"Well, if you're the representative of Novoselic," Téa said with a smile, "I'd be happy to visit any time."
Sonia smiled as she and Gundham walked off. "Mahiru, Ibuki, Mikan, Nagito are you not coming?"
"I'll catch up," Mahiru said. "I have something I need to do first."
"Mai needed my help with something. Ibuki will see you both later," Ibuki told the two.
"I-I'll be along shortly. I promise," Mikan said.
"I've got something I need to do myself," Nagito said with a distant smile. He walked off in a completely different direction of his own. In reality, he still felt beneath his classmates and didn't feel comfortable walking back with two of them back to the school.
Sonia and Gundham walked off, leaving the rest of the group to their own devices.
"I should be getting back to the hotel," Duke said. "I need to reschedule my flight back to the US. Perhaps you'd like to come along my dearest Mahiru."
"Not even if you had cancer, Duke," Mahiru said dryly.
"Ow. I've been shot down by women before and just…ow," Tristan said.
Duke smiled. "No. I understand. You couldn't possibly abandon your friends here in Japan. It was selfish of me to ask. But I shall remember you fondly, my dearest Mahiru."
"Please not too fondly, for both our sakes," Mahiru requested.
Duke just smiled and laughed and then walked off, biding the group goodbye.
Mikan and Mahiru then both turned towards Serenity. "You take care of yourself, okay?" Mahiru asked her.
"Yes, if there's any relapse from your surgery, please let me know," Mikan said. "I'll be sure to help as best as I can."
Serenity could not hold herself back and hugged both girls with an arm each. They each put an arm around her. "I'm so happy to have friends like the two of you," Serenity said.
"You need me for anything, just call," Mahiru said.
"Thanks again for looking after my sister for me, Mahiru," Joey said. "Really, I appreciate it."
"Any time, Joey. I'd be glad to help you or Serenity in any way I can," Mahiru smiled.
Mikan then approached Bakura. "You let me know if your health deteriorates too, okay?"
"Thank you, Mikan," Bakura replied. "But I think I'll be all right. You're an exceptional nurse. I know one day you'll be famous."
Mikan laughed and gave Bakura a bright smile.
"Mikan, I can't thank you enough for looking after Bakura," Yugi said.
"Yeah, for real," Téa said. "Really Mikan, thank you."
"W-well, if you're ever feeling sick, I'd be happy to take care of any of you," Mikan said. "It's my job."
"Well, you all take care then," Mahiru said. "Come on, Mikan, let's head back."
"Okay!" Mikan exclaimed and headed back to Hope's Peak with Mahiru. That just left Yugi and his friends standing around in a circle.
"So I guess that's it then," Yugi said. "Tomorrow we all go back to school."
"We've had quite the adventure," Bakura said. "Shame I missed most of it."
"You can be around for our next adventure, Bakura," Téa said. "I promise we won't forget you."
Bakura only laughed. He had a feeling that would not be the case.
Tristan sighed. "I hope Miho's okay."
"I'm sure she's fine. Chihiro promised, right?" Joey said.
"Yeah, I guess you're right," Tristan said.
"Then I guess it's time to head back," Yugi said. "See you all tomorrow."
"See you tomorrow," Joey said.
"See you," Tristan said.
"See you," Téa stated.
Téa, Tristan, Bakura, Yugi, and Joey and Serenity then all headed off in their different directions to their individual homes, though Joey dropped Serenity off at the train station first.
When Yugi finally got back to the game shop, he opened the door and declared, "Grandpa! I'm home!" And thus, Battle City was officially brought to a close.
Of course, just because the tournament had ended, didn't mean the residual effects from its impact were over, not by a longshot.
Halfway across town, long before Yugi got home, Hajime was escorting Chiaki to Hope's Peak Academy. As Mahiru had promised, Yukizome was waiting at the front entrance.
"Oh, I remember you," she smiled at Hajime. "You're that reserve course student I saw with Chiaki on my first day teaching here."
"Oh, yeah, I remember you too," Hajime said with a smile.
Yukizome opened her arms to graciously accept Chiaki from Hajime, cradling her as she received her the way a mother would a child. "Awwww, she's so worn out. I hope you went easy on her."
"Er, we uh, never dueled each other," Hajime chuckled.
Yukizome laughed. Good, her implications had gone right over his head. Smart boy. "Don't you worry about a thing either."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"Kaiba already called about the Kamukura Project. There's going to be some big changes in your life, Hajime. I think you're going to like them."
"Uh, okay," Hajime really wasn't sure what Yukizome meant by that.
"Just act like everything's normal for now," Yukizome said. "It's late so you should be getting home."
"Oh uh, yeah, thanks," Hajime said.
Chiaki tumbled in Yukizome's arms, her cheek colliding with Yukizome's chest. The soft sensation actually woke her up. "Huh? It's dark?"
Chiaki started to squirm enough that Yukizome decided she could stand up. Chiaki got on her feet and looked around. "Oh. Hope's Peak."
"Did you sleep well?" Hajime asked.
"Oh, yes, thank you. Sorry to trouble you so—"
"Don't even finish that sentence. It's the least I could do," Hajime said.
Chiaki smiled at him.
"Come on, Chiaki. I know you slept all day, but you should still head back to your room. It's after campus curfew."
"Ah. Right. Good point. Hajime, I'll see you around."
"See you around," Hajime said and the two parted ways. Tomorrow would be a new day. And, most importantly to Hajime, a new dawn.
Later that night, as Yugi's group was parting ways, Ibuki followed Mai over to her car. "What's up, Mai?" she asked.
Mai got into her convertible and slammed the driver's side door. "Ibuki, I'm going to make something perfectly clear." She grabbed Ibuki by her scarf and pulled Ibuki down forehead to forehead. "Listen here, you perpetual windmill of energy. Just because we're parting ways now and starting a band, doesn't mean I'm going to just let you snatch up Joey from me, got me? If I see you making more passes at him before I have my fair shot, there will be," Mai glared, "Consequences."
Rather than be frightened, Ibuki only sang in her own tune, "Mai likes Joey! Mai likes Joey! Mai likes Joey!"
Mai blushed hard. "S-so what? You gonna make fun of me for it?"
"Nope! Cause I like Joey too!" Ibuki exclaimed. "He's like the brother Ibuki never had!"
"…brother?" Mai was suddenly speechless.
"Oh don't get Ibuki wrong. She would love to take him into a quiet room and CENSORED his CENSORED. Maybe a little CENSORED while I CENSORED until we CENSORED and then we'll CENSORED CENSORED CENSORED." Ibuki looked at the blank eyed stare on Mai's face. "Buuuuuuuuuuut, if Mai wants to try her hand with Joey herself, Ibuki doesn't mind. I know! Maybe we could have a threesome! Ibuki thinks Mai's really pretty. It's one of the reasons Mai will make such a great singer for the band."
Mai just stared flatly at Ibuki. She felt she should've figured Ibuki was Bi, but she never figured…
"What?" Ibuki asked.
Mai shook her head. What am I thinking? Ibuki isn't the rival I need to worry about. "You take care of yourself Ibuki. And if you're looking for really good girl on girl action," Mai said as she started the car. "Call me." She then drove off, leaving Ibuki with a smile that she then licked.
The next day, as the end of homeroom bell rang for Domino High, Tristan threw his head back and sighed. "Man, I did not miss this."
"Oh quit complaining," Téa said. "We're still students. So we study and learn."
"Why can't we learn more about duel monsters?" Tristan asked. "Man, could you imagine that? An entire academy funded to teach people how to duel."
"That sounds like fun," Bakura said.
"Sounds like a waste of money," Téa stated. "And impractical."
"I think it would be an interesting idea. I wonder if Kaiba might fund something like that some day."
"Knowing rich boy, it's already on his to do list."
Suddenly the door to the classroom opened. "Ah, good morning. Sorry I'm late!"
To the shock of everyone in the classroom, standing in the doorway at barely over five feet tall with long, periwinkle hair, and a yellow hair ribbon, clad in Domino High's girl's uniform was one Miho Nosaka. "Miho is transferring in today and got caught up in the office. Miho hopes to get along with everyone."
"Miho?" Tristan gaped.
Miho merely smiled at Tristan and the rest of Yugi's friends brightly. "Hello!" Miho exclaimed with a smile. "It's good to see you again, Tristan. No need to worry. Miho is back!"
"But…how?" Yugi gaped. He bought that Miho was awake, but she had been in virtual reality for years. Shouldn't she be at the Middle School educational level?
"Miho's a bit behind, but she took an aptitude test to get into high school. It took some doing, but the Kaiba Corporation was more than willing to vouch for Miho."
"Glad to have you as part of the class," Téa said.
"Yeah, welcome to the Breakfast Club of Dueling," Joey said, mostly joking.
Miho laughed. "Miho looks forward to a happy school life with all of you."
"And we look forward to having you around too, Miho," Yugi said.
Miho only smiled.
While some things were joyous and mirthful as a result of the conclusion of Battle City, not everything was. Seto Kaiba now stood with a briefcase by his ankle, arms folded, tapping his free index finger, slowly losing his patience.
Fortunately, Kyosuke Munakata and Chisa Yukizome both appeared relatively soon. "Sorry to keep you waiting until the last minute," Yukizome said with a smile. "I had to pick up Kyosuke at the airport and we hit a bit of traffic."
"Your almost tardiness is fine as long as you're both ready. They aren't going to make this easy on us."
"Worry not," Munakata said, holding up a briefcase of his own. "I've already made my case."
"Then let's go. It wouldn't do to keep those old farts waiting."
With the two alumni on either side of him, Seto Kaiba pushed open the door and he, Yukizome and Munakata entered a room where they were surrounded on all sides by nine middle aged men and women in formal business suits.
"Ladies and Gentlemen," Kaiba said with a smug sneer, "Thank you for seeing the three of us on such short notice."
"Money talks," One of the women said, "You said this was something important, so talk. You waste valuable time just standing there."
"But of course. I would never want to disgrace such fine folk as yourself so much that you die of old age," Kaiba said.
"Watch your tone," one of the men said. "You're already on thin ice and you know it. You lose not once, but twice to Yugi Muto and you think they're won't be repercussions."
"Oh please, you can't kick me out and you know it," Kaiba said. "Because if you did, I could have this entire school shut down."
"Explain yourself," the head of the Steering Committee said.
Yukizome stepped up to the table in front of the Steering Committee. "I have here documented evidence that you were going to erase a student from existence in order to create what you call the Ultimate Hope. Not only is this procedure at odds with the law itself, but it's why you opened the Reserve Course in the first place. You used the funding to gather the resources necessary for this illegal Kamukura Project. Not to mention, in your letter to the party in question, Hajime Hinata," Yukizome said, slapping a stack of papers on the table, "You deliberately left out a few damning details of how the procedure worked."
"Lies and slander," a woman said. "You have no evidence to convict us. We merely wished to enhance a lucky student we felt would be the best test subject for an experiment."
"Oh is that how you feel?" Kaiba asked and opened up his briefcase. Inside was a portable video player. And on screen was Chiaki and Nagito's duel with Izuru. "Then what's this doing in the Kaiba Corp Database?"
"If it's in the Kaiba Corp Database then it's you making with the illegal experiments and slandering us to do it!" One of the men shouted.
"Sorry, but I'm afraid that argument won't work. You see, I was indisposed at the time this was taking place. I have a key witness, several actually who can vouch for my whereabouts. Additionally," Kaiba said snapping his fingers as Munakata presented more paperwork. "Before you go claiming that Izuru Kamukura and Hajime Hinata are not the same person, I have brain scans of both individuals during the time we spent in a virtual hellscape. He, I, and many others were trapped by Noah Kaiba, who I'm sure needs no introduction."
Not a single member of the Steering Committee said anything.
"Your silence speaks oh so many volumes," Kaiba said. "Next time you decide to work with someone, make sure it's not a snot nosed brat that can be bribed with virtual ice cream."
"You're…you're making that up, right?" Yukizome could barely believe that explanation.
"Heh," Kaiba merely grinned. Apparently, he wasn't.
Munakata spoke up next. "All of this evidence will go right to the state governments. I have backup documents on file and even evidence to show that a large part of our information came right from your computers."
More silence.
"What's the matter?" Kaiba chuckled. "Isn't this normally the part where you chase us out and tell us this is all a figment of our imagination? Or are you sitting there trying to come up with a myriad of excuses as to why we shouldn't sue all of you and take the school for ourselves?"
One of the female members was brave enough to speak up. "Those documents, that's the entire agreement?"
"Every last page," Yukizome said. "Double sided. Trust us. We've been working on this case since I was a freshman. If you want to keep your jobs, you'd better start talking."
"Oh? How merciful," Kaiba laughed. "I was thinking they should all quietly resign if they know what's good for them. We have them by their beards and chests, why not go for the throat while we have the opportunity."
"I agree with Kaiba," Munakata said. "If you don't want us to sue the school as a whole, you're all going to agree to our demands. If I need to twist anyone's arm, keep in mind we have yet to tell Headmaster Kirigiri or Former Chairman Tengan about any of this. Slip up, and I'll be sure to drag your reputations through the mud so thoroughly, you'll be blacklisted from even the skeeviest of pawn shops."
Every single member of the Steering Committee gulped. None of them wanted that.
The chairman cleared his throat and said, "What are your demands?"
"First, you'll draft up paperwork creating a new annual title," Kaiba said, "Just the same way that you have an Ultimate Lucky Student since Class 70, you'll be adding an Ultimate Duelist every year as well. And as the original Ultimate Duelist, I would be happy to scout that."
"Done," the chairman said.
"Excellent. Next, the Kamukura Project will be shut down indefinitely one hundred percent, no arguments. I am shocked and appalled that you were willing to use my dueling talent to make an unstoppable force of nature. Dueling is a skill that is earned through hard work, just as everything I've worked for over the last ten years is!" Kaiba shouted. "You have some nerve thinking you can create the ultimate human being as some kind of messiah!"
The chairman sighed. "Done."
"Good. Next, Kaiba Corp will gain total control of all hiring procedures for Hope's Peak Academy staff members, that includes your replacements."
"You can't do that! That's a conflict of interest!" The chairman exclaimed.
Kaiba pulled out his cellphone and held it by his ear. "Hello, Mr. Prime Minister. There's something you should know about Hope's Peak Academy."
"All right! All right! I get it! Done. Anything else?"
"Yes, once you've drafted the necessary paperwork for inserting an Ultimate Duelist into every graduating class, you'll be taking your former experiment, Hajime Hinata and transferring him to Class 77-B as the Ultimate Duelist."
"Absurd!" A steering committee member proclaimed. "He's a normal student."
Kaiba held up a remote and switched the video playing on his briefcase to show Hajime's duel with Marik.
"Yes, we've all seen the Battle City Finals. What is this supposed to prove?"
"What this is supposed to prove is that your little lab rat defeated one of the most powerful monsters in Duel Monsters with little more than his skill and determination. No average reserve course student could do that. He also then managed to use said god card during a duel with Yugi Mutoh, who I'm sure will be a wonderful addition to class 78 next year."
"That is evidence of nothing. He used the Five Headed Dragon, a card we gave him, to succeed, and his victory was only made possible by the residual effects lingering within him when he merged with Izuru Kamukur…" The chairman trailed off.
"Oh no. Explain my point for me. That makes my job so much easier. By the way, in case your wondering, in order to get into my tournament, Hinata took on my duel terminal at level 8 and scored pretty well, I might add."
"And what does that prove?" One of the board members asked Kaiba.
"There were participants in my tournament that took on levels 9 and even 10 and they never made it to the finals. Additionally, prime level duelists like "Bandit" Keith Howard, Weevil Underwood, and Rex Raptor were all knocked out of the tournament fairly early on. And Hajime Hinata defeated two prominent duelists I invited personally: Espa Roba and Bonz Marrow. Ultimate Gamer Chiaki Nanami also vouches for his skill."
"Face it," Munakata said. "You've lost. This will be less painful if you resign quietly and give in to our demands."
"You should all be ashamed of yourselves!" Yukizome exclaimed. "You're all older than fifty, which equals old enough to know better than to play with an innocent boy's hopes and dreams. I've met Hajime. He's a sweetheart! He even did the gentlemanly thing and brought Chiaki right back to school safe and sound!"
"Think of it this way," Munakata said. "A lot of students believe that it's possible to get into the main course through the reserve course by working hard. Allowing Hajime Hinata in maintains the illusion. He will be treated same as any other student. If he fails his practical, he'll be expelled. So if we're wrong about him, no harm no foul."
The chairman sighed, hanging his head in defeat.
"I'm giving you exactly 72 hours to make all of this happen."
"72 hours?! You're mad!" The chairman barked.
"Did I stutter?" Kaiba responded.
The chairman sighed and growled. "Fine. 72 hours."
"Sir, you don't honestly think—" the vice chairman started to say, but she was cut off.
"We should have known that this would come to haunt us one day," The chairman said. "Ever since I inherited the chairman's positions from former Chairman Tengan, I had a feeling that the Kamukura Project he refused to work with would eventually be found."
"Artificial hope isn't a hope at all," Yukizome said. "You might even call it a false god."
"Humanity gets by just fine on its own," Kaiba said. "After all, I'm around, aren't I?"
"Now is not the time to be inflating your ego, Seto Kaiba," Munakata warned him.
"We will see to your demands, Seto Kaiba," the chairman said.
"Good," Kaiba said. "Remember, 72 hours. Got it?"
"Yes. Now, if you have nothing further to add, leave us."
And just like that, Yukizome, Kaiba, and Munakata left the room. "Up high, Kyouske!" Yukizome exclaimed, slapping him five as the door was shut.
"The rest is in your hands now, Yukizome," Kaiba said to her. "If you'll excuse me, I have somewhere to be. Give my regards to Chiaki."
"Chiaki? Since when were you two on a first name basis?" Yukizome asked a briskly departing Kaiba.
He gave her no reply.
"I'll make the necessary preparations for the transfer," Munakata said. He then noticed Chisa sniffing. "What's wrong?"
"I'm just so happy. Three years of hard work," Yukizome sniffed, wiping a tear from her eye. "And it all paid off."
"No. It's not over yet," Munakata said. "We've exposed the dark underbelly of the school, but the battle is only half-finished. Now we need to finish the overseas branch of Hope's Peak Academy and then make a power play to take over the whole school in its entirety. Only then will the world truly be expected to come into prosperity."
"As expected of the former Ultimate Student Council President, always thinking ahead."
Munakata smirked, but it faded quickly. "Lunch?" he asked abruptly. "I'll pay."
"Really?" Yukizome asked, blinking.
Munakata nodded. "Absolutely. You see, I-" Munakata was interrupted by his phone suddenly going off. "Oh, sorry, I need to take this." He answered his phone as Yukizome stood up and spun around to face him. "This is Munakata. Uh huh. Yes. Yes I see. Good. Keep that on file. No. Sadly we won't be making any arrests today." A smile crossed Munakata's lips. "Yes. As you were Detective. Yes, we should get the whole group back together for a banquet one of these days. It's been ages since I've seen everyone. Mmmhmm. Mmmhmm. Yes, I'll tell her. Have a good day, Detective." Munakata then hung up. "You've been sent warm wishes from a deceptively attractive detective. So, where were we?"
"Lunch I believe," Yukizome said.
"Right. Let's go then. I've got the car parked out front."
Yukizome smiled. "I miss being around you, Kyosuke. You're such a gentleman."
Munakata pat Yukizome on the back. "Well then, shall we get going? It's been too long since I've had properly cooked fried shrimp and rice balls."
Yukizome rolled her eyes. "You've always had such a strange palette combination, but that's what I've always loved about…y…cooking for you!"
Munakata smiled. "Come on, car's out front. We can play catch up, the proper way."
"Say, Kyouske…"
"What is it?"
Yukizome wanted to reach out to Munakata, but her arm was like lead. Instead, she tucked her bangs behind her ear, blushed and said, "I'm glad to see you again."
"Me too, Chisa," he said with a smile. "Me too."
And with that, the two alumni headed for lunch.
Since returning from Battle City, Hajime's life had been pretty run of the mill. He'd initially come home to his poor mother passed out on the couch in her waitress uniform, having never made it up the stairs. School had been blatantly uninteresting, though at least he could stop wasting time flagrantly staring holes at the main course building and just focus on his studies.
He'd seen Mahiru at least when she came over to eat with Sato. She wished him well and even gave him a copy of the photo she took. Other than that, school was pretty normal. Despite clashing head on with Yugi and beating Marik, his classmate's reactions had been all abuzz the first day back, saying how jealous they were, but also figuring that it was pretty obvious Hajime was going to lose to the King of Games. Though some were rooting for him just so they could see one of their own beat an elite that even had Ultimate Duelist, Seto Kaiba, baffled.
That same night he'd had dinner with his parents, both congratulating him for his performance. His mom wept as she was prone to do in moments of extreme emotional excitement. When they asked about the Kamukura Project again, Hajime could only tell them the truth.
"Mom," he said. "You can shred those papers. I have a friend willing to pay the tuition and…I'm done trying to become a super, incredible person. I'd rather just be me. Isn't it like we always say anyway, a Hinata may not be good for much financially, but we're always reliable, right?"
"Well said, Hajime," his dad said.
His mom sniffed. "Naoki, our little boy is growing up so fast."
"Oh, there, there, Shiori," Mr. Hinata said, patting his wife on the shoulder.
Hajime could only smile weirdly. This was the family he cherished after all.
While the second day after the tournament was even more plain and boring than the first, his brief game playing with Chiaki notwithstanding, it was the third day that things got pretty strange. Upon arriving at class, his teacher was surprisingly early.
"Oh, Hajime," she said. "Did you not get the memo?"
"Memo?" Hajime asked.
His teacher marched right up to him and handed him a slip of paper. "Headmaster wants to see you, says it's important."
Hajime swallowed. Oh here it comes. I bet the Steering Committee is going to try and blackmail me into becoming their puppet. Well, I won't let them do what they want to me. I made up my mind!
"Oh, uh, thanks," Hajime said and quickly headed to the main course, flashing the permission slip to Sakakura at the gate so he could get into the main course building.
On his way to the fourth floor, a lot of whispers were sent Hajime's way since none of the main course students had any idea what the hell a normal, reserve course student was doing here. Eventually though, Hajime came to the Headmaster's Office and knocked.
"Come in."
Hajime gulped and opened the door. "You wanted to see me, sir?"
"Ah, Hinata-san, good timing. Have a seat." The Headmaster of Hope's Peak Academy, Jin Kirigiri, sounded amicable enough. But, then again, so was Nagito. Also smiles and 100% crazy.
Hajime took a seat and Jin spoke. "As you know, the Steering Committee gave you a rare and powerful duel monster card in order to compete in Battle City."
"Let me guess, they want it back," Hajime said.
"Huh? Hell no, quite the opposite actually." Jin said and pushed a folder forward on his desk. "In reality, we'd like to make a new offer to you. One from Mr. Kaiba himself."
"Huh? Kaiba?"
"Yes. I hear you two became acquainted during the tournament," Jin said and flipped open the folder. Inside was a student record of Hajime. However, at the top of the page it read: Class 77-B, Main Course, Ultimate Duelist.
"HUH?!" Hajime was shocked out of his mind. "Th-this must be some kind of mistake."
Jin chuckled. "Duel Monsters is a rather unique card game, or so says Seto Kaiba. He has asked that we start integrating more skilled duelists into our main course. He said, you were the best option of everyone in your grade level to invite. How about it?" Jin Kirigiri said, handing Hajime a fountain pen. "Sign on the dotted line and it's so long boring academics, hello fast lane to success. Of course, that's assuming you can pass all of your—"
Jin stopped talking when he realized Hajime was already signing his name on the paper nice and big.
"This isn't some kind of trick right?" Hajime asked, even though he'd already finished signing. "This is an honest offer?"
Jin smiled. "Hajime Hinata, welcome to Hope's Peak Academy's main course, our brand new Ultimate Duelist."
After leaving the headmaster's office, Hajime was given a brand new uniform, cementing his status in the main course. More whispers echoed through the hall, but Hajime hardly paid them concern. He was racing through the halls and out the front door, eager to find Chiaki. He had to tell her the good news.
"Chiaki!" Hajime called. He looked and looked for her, eventually finding her by the fountain, her usual spot.
"Hajime?" She was surprised to see him. "What are you doing here? Aren't classes in session?"
Hajime, out of breath from the excitement, stood up and showed off the new uniform. "Not for me they aren't."
"That's…that's the uniform for…" Chiaki started to tear up. Throwing her Game Girl aside, she leapt at him crying out, "Oh, Hajime!" She hugged him tightly, not caring who saw.
"I get you're excited Chiaki, but try to be wary of your PDA."
Chiaki immediately backed away from Hajime. "O-oh, M-Miss Yukizome," Chiaki said nervously. "Back from the airport already?" Even Yukizome's most precious student knew better than to make her mad.
"I got the news first thing this morning, Hajime. Congratulations. Now then, I'm sure you have tons of questions and I'm supposed to give you orientation and take you shopping."
"Orientation I get, but…shopping?"
"Yup. All main course students at Hope's Peak Academy get a 300,000 yen allowance pre-paid by the school for anything they need to further their talent. Also, we'll need to furbish your wardrobe, set up your dorm room. All that fun stuff," Yukizome said.
"Can Chiaki come along?" Hajime asked. "I feel like none of this would be possible if she hadn't had my back since the other day."
Chiaki smiled. "Hajime, I would love to, but this is your moment. I'll catch up with you later. I'm the Class Rep after all. I'll need to watch out for the others while Miss Yukizome is helping you settle in."
"Aww, I knew I could count on you, Chiaki," Yukizome said, rubbing the girl's head fervently. "You're so reliable."
"I'll see you both when you get back," Chiaki said with a smile.
Hajime grasped the special rules for the main course relatively quickly and he spent a good chunk of his allowance improving his deck. No, he wasn't removing his substitute fusions or doing anything dumb like that, but more adjusting his deck to have greater versatility in summoning more powerful fusions easier and also getting some damn good spell and trap cards that he could never afford before. Between that and furbishing his room, he'd blown through a third of his allowance in one day. Everything else was ported from home with Yukizome's help.
Night had fallen by the time Hajime was fully settled in and finished with all of his shopping.
"I'll expect you in class bright and early tomorrow," Yukizome told him. "Don't stay up too late or I'll have to drag you out of bed myself!"
"I believe it," Hajime sweated. He'd seen Yukizome intimidate multiple rip-off shopkeepers. He was starting to see the underlying scariness of the former Ultimate Housekeeper for himself.
"Have a good night," Yukizome said and walked away to the teacher's dorms.
Hajime looked around his dorm room. It was fully furbished with kitchenette, private washer and dryer, a bathroom, a full-sized bed, and a couch. The whole room was larger than Hajime's living room. He stood their pinching himself. None of this felt real. He was of course going to embrace this opportunity, he'd be an idiot not to, but…he was just a normal student…wasn't he?
"Settling in okay?"
Chiaki's voice broke him out of his trance. He'd forgotten to close his door behind him.
He whirled around. "Oh. Chiaki. I uh."
Ka-chunk.
Chiaki slowly shut the door to his room. She then smiled at him. "I see you like your room."
"Yeah, well...it's nice," Hajime said. "It really makes me feel like I'm not lost in your shadow anymore. I feel like we're…really on equal footing."
Chiaki smiled and giggled only to slap her cheeks and look serious. "Hajime…I…"
"What is it?"
Chiaki looked concerned. "Well…it's…been a few days and…we're alone in a private place. I thought we could…talk about…what happened the other day. You know…with Noah."
"I see." Hajime approached Chiaki and she approached him until the two were within half an arm's reach of each other. The was an awkward silence until Hajime finally said. "What you said as we were fading away…did you mean it?"
"Yes," Chiaki said.
"Well…I did too."
"So then..." Chiaki said, taking a step forward.
"So…then…" Hajime said as the moonlight struck through his window.
Hajime and Chiaki closed their eyes, the mood returning to that moment when the virtual world was crumbling around them, except this was reality. Hajime's head tilted down and Chiaki lifted hers up. Their arms encroached around the other's shoulders as Chiaki moved one hand behind Hajime's head. It didn't take long for her lips to find his and for his to find hers. Finally, after several days of waiting since their first attempt, their lips had met at last. It was a beautiful, powerful moment for Hajime. The hairs on the back of his neck bristled. This was his first ever kiss and the feeling was overpowering. For Chiaki, very little was different, except she felt a tingling sensation running down her spine and through her chest and practically throughout her body. And this was no mere brushing of their lips either. Their tongues licked at each other like two waves crashing into each other. Chiaki was so excited by the moment, she moaned throughout the entire event. Hajime, while not moaning, let out several breaths of contentment. It was truly a magical moment for both.
As Hajime started to pull away, he put his hand on the side of Chiaki's face and brushed her hair with his thumb. He then dropped his hand to her shoulder. The look on Chiaki's face was…peculiar to say the least. She was most certainly blushing, but the smile on her face wasn't her usual one. If anything, she seemed far...warmer and calm and less, excited or overjoyed. It was as though there was a hint of lust behind her smile.
"You kiss well," she said.
"You do too," he said.
From this, Chiaki stopped reaching up on her tip toes and embraced herself fully against Hajime's chest, nuzzling the side of her head a bit against it, holding her arms tightly around his back. "I love you, Hajime," she said.
Hajime pet the back of Chiaki's head and wrapped his other arm tightly around her. "I know you do," he told her. "And…" the words were stuck in Hajime's throat for a moment, but he was able to spit them out. "I love you too, Chiaki."
The young couple sat down on Hajime's new couch together, Chiaki nestling herself into her love's strong, warm embrace, head firm against his chest like it was a pillow. "Don't ever leave me again or do something stupid like the Kamukura Project, okay?" She cuddled Hajime a bit tighter. "I like you just the way you are."
"I know you do," Hajime said, stroking her body, "And I promise."
Chiaki shut her eyes and let herself be taken in by Hajime's embrace. She was starting to doze off. "Can I fall asleep on you?" she asked. "You're warm." She purred. "You're like a human blanket."
"Of course you can, Chiaki," Hajime told her.
"We're dating now, right? You're my boyfriend now, right?" Chiaki asked, a wide, content smile on her face.
"Yeah. As long as you're my girlfriend," Hajime replied.
Chiaki just smiled and hugged her Hajime even tighter. Yes, he was hers now. She licked her lips and squirmed about until she was comfortable and then she drifted off to sleep in his arms for the second time in her life.
Hajime embraced Chiaki just as tenderly. He was both her blanket and her pillow and that suited him just fine. He would always be there for Chiaki. Whenever she felt she had no one to rely on, when even her classmates felt too distant for the situation, Hajime knew he would always be there for her and he would never stop loving her. Though he was certain Chiaki was already asleep, he decided to speak his thoughts aloud anyway. "I love you, Chiaki. And I'm never going to let go of you or lose sight of what's important to me."
Not ever again.
(A/N: You know, I was going to add one more scene to set up the Battle for Red-Eyes, but I think this scene is just too cute to suddenly do mood whiplash to an action building scene. Next time on Dueling Trigger Finger: Yugi Vs Joey. Can Joey topple his own best friend to get his Red-Eyes back? And then after that…she returns. Strap in ladies and gents and enjoy this soft, tender moment while it lasts. You're going to need to return to it for therapeutic purposes with what's to come.
Anyway, that's all for now, if you have any questions pleas leave them in your review. And, as always, until next time, from all of me, to all of you, let your hearts stay human and your wrath draconic. Ja ne!)