As the Duels progressed, with the more familiar Duelists of Domino City obtaining victory, Jaden found that the skills of his friends had improved as they faced off against their opponents.

Currently, Mindy was in the stadium and up against Mai Valentine, finding that despite Mai's army of Harpies up against her, the auburn haired girl managed to gain the upperhand, having a pair of Catnipped Kitties on her side, alongside the Gravity Bind Trap, rendering Mai's Monsters powerless.

Mindy: I now Summon Creepy Coney. (ATK: 1000) And being a Level three Monster, gravity Bind won't be stopping this bunny.

Despite Mindy's Monster being able to Attack, against Cyber Harpie and Harpie Lady Sisters, it seemed Creepy Coney would be taken down.

Mindy: I now reveal my face-down: Secret Pass to the Treasures. When I have a Monster with less than 1000 Attack Points, this Spell lets my little rabbit nibble at your Life Points. Attack!

Reacting to Mindy's voice, Creepy Coney leapt high above the Harpie Monsters and at Mai, ready to slam its tiny frame into the blonde.

Mai: I play my Trap: Mirror Wall!

Revealing a face-down of her own, Mindy looked in awe as a crystal-like wall formed before Mai, which Creepy Coney bumped into.

Mai: With my Trap, any Monsters who dare Attack me or my Harpies will have to first go through my Mirror Wall.

Lacking the strength to penetrate such a powerful Trap, Creepy Coney found itself smacking against its reflection and losing half of its Attack power as it plopped down.

But even with the decrease, being a Direct Attack still cost Mai 500 Life Points, leaving the Harpie Duelist hanging on with a mere 500 Life Points.

Mindy: Your Mirror Wall won't protect you forever. And you better believe Creepy Coney will finish you off. I activate Spell Reproduction. After I discard two Spell Cards from my hand, I can get back any Spell in my Graveyard.

After sending the final two Cards in her hand to the Graveyard and withdrawing Secret Pass to the Treasures, Mindy ended her turn, leaving Mai with one shot to turn things around.

And after drawing her Card, Mai smiled.

Mai: You have put up a pretty good fight, but now I'm going to end it. I activate the Field Spell: Harpies' Hunting Ground.

Placing the Field Spell in her Duel Disc, the area around Mai and Mindy changed, becoming a vast wilderness, which seemed to set Mai's Harpie Monsters into a frenzy.

Mai: With my Hunting Ground in effect, my Harpies' talons have gotten a whole lot sharper. Not only does this Field Spell raise their Attack by 200, but whenever I call out a new Harpie, she can hunt down and Destroy any Card on your Field.

As shocked as Mindy was to hear this, she found there was nothing she could do as Mai took a Card from her hand and continued her counterattack.

Mai: I now Summon Harpie Harpist. (ATK: 1700) And this Harpie brings a terrible song when its Summoned, allowing me to Destroy any Monster you control.

Running her clawed fingers along the strings of her harp, Harpie Harpist caused Mindy's first Catnipped Kitty to shield its ears, trying to defend against the screeching music, only to fall against its power and shatter apart.

Mai: Looks like your Catnipped Kitty just lost all nine lives. And since Harpie Harpist was called, Harpie's Hunting Ground lets me take down your Trap.

Following in the destruction, Gravity Bind shattered apart, not only allowing Mai's Harpie Monsters to regain their movements and free from the constrictive effects of Mindy's Trap Card, this allowed Mai's Monsters to Attack again.

Mai: Alright, my Harpis, finish off Mindy's Monsters and her Life Points!

Wasting no time as the Harpies obeyed Mai's call, the trio shot at Mindy, their claws slashing through the remainder of Mindy's Monsters and her Life Points, ending the Duel.

Roland: And we have our next winner. Please give your applause to Mai Valentine!

Reacting to Roland's call, the audience gave their cheers, to both Mai and to Mindy, all commending both Duelists for the fantastic match they had given.

Even from Kaiba's position, there was applause, though it was from the younger of the Kaiba siblings, Mokuba Kaiba.

Mokuba: That was another close match, right Seto? It looks as though you'll have some tough competition when the tournament comes to a close.

Kaiba: It doesn't matter who advances and challenges me because in the end, I will crush them and prove without a doubt that I am the greatest Duelist.

-Back within preparation room-

Alexis and Jasmine were waiting for Mindy to return, wanting to be there for their friend after her defeat.

But seeing Mindy finally return, Alexis and Jasmine noticed Mindy didn't seem too distraught from her loss, and was actually conversing with Mai.

Mai: You and your friends are pretty good Duelists, but I think amongst them, it'll be that Jaden kid or your friend, Alexis who will win. They have what it takes to face Kaiba.

Mindy: They're both great Duelists. And it'll be great to see either of them facing off against Seto Kaiba.

After finishing their conversation, while Mindy returned to the others, Mai headed over to Joey and his friends, getting a similar praise as to when Jaden and Alexis won their Duels.

Joey: Way to go, Mai. You looked amazing out there.

Mai: Thanks, but don't think flattery will make me go any easier on you, hon.

Joey: I wouldn't have it any other way.

Through the competitive talk the pair expressed, from Jaden perception, they could see Joey and Mai cared for one another, beyond a mere friendship, which was then confirmed as Joey set his arms around Mai and kissed her, an action Mai eagerly returned, not caring in the slightest that others were looking upon them.

However, breaking from the kiss, Joey, Mai and the other Duelists turned as Roland entered the room, ready to address the next match.

After hours had passed, with many Duelists taken out and the quarter final ending, Roland appear upon the screen to announce the next match up.

Roland: As per the arrangements of Mister Kaiba, Here are the first match Jaden Yuki, you will be facing Syrus Truesdale next round.

From hearing their names called, Jaden and Syrus were astonished at hearing they would be Dueling against one another, the thought of facing Jaden left Syrus a little conflicted and unsure of himself.

But being Jaden, the HERO Duelist couldn't hide his smile or excitement as he looked at Syrus

Jaden: Wow I never thought we were going to throw down in the tournament, or at least so soon.

While Jaden remained enthusiastic, Syrus remained silent, unsure he could even make a dent in Jaden's Life Points, especially after seeing him take down Rex Raptor.

And seeing the worried look on Syrus' face, Jaden approached his friend, setting a comforting hand on Syrus' shoulder.

Jaden: Sy, don't be nervous. I can see you've got stronger over the years since Duel Academy. You've fought strong Duelist like the Paradox Brothers, Missy, Makoto, Hassleberry, you even took Zane on and gave him a run for his Cards, so don't be afraid, just have fun and remember to give it your best.

From Jaden's pep talk, remembering how encouraging Jaden had always been, Syrus' expression died down from the nervousness he held and expressed a matching confidence to Jaden's.

Syrus: Alright, Jaden, it's time to Duel.

At seeing Syrus now ready to Duel, Jaden smiled, before the duo started to head out, their friends wishing them luck as they watched Jaden and Syrus venture back to the Duel Arena, where the crowd's applause grew.

Jaden: let's give them a good show don't hold back sy(Activates Duel Disc)

Syurus: You've got it, Jaden. (Activates Duel Disc)

Jaden/Syrus: Let's Duel!

Their Decks shuffled and their Life Points set at 8000 each, Jaden and Syrus drew their five Cards.

Syrus: Get ready for a match you'll never forget, Jaden. (Draws) I Summon Gyroid! (DEF: 1000) And to end my turn, I play three face-downs.

Jaden: (Draws) I Summon Elemental HERO Wildheart. (ATK: 1500) And to give him more of an edge, I equip him Lucky Iron Axe. (ATK: 1500 → 2000)

Jaden: Wildheart, attack Gyroid with Wild Slash!

Leaping ahead with the axe, Wildheart slammed the weapon upon Gyroid, only for the Machine Monster to hold its own and repel the Attack.

Jaden: What's going on? I don't see any Spells or Traps out, so how did you stop my Attack.

Syrus: It has been a while, so you forgot about Gyroid's ability. Once a turn, he can't be Destroyed in Battle.

With Gyroid pushing Wildheart back to Jaden's side, Jaden gave a small smile.

Jaden: Good move, Sy. I play one Card face-down and end my turn.

Syrus: Back to me. (Draws) First off, I play Pot of Greed, allowing me to draw twice. (Draws 2) I Summon Steamroid. (ATK: 1800) And thanks to its ability, it gains 500 extra Attack when engaging in Battle. (ATK: 1800 → 2200)

Syrus: But before I let my locomotive off the tracks, I play my face-down: Mystical Space Typhoon in order to Destroy your face-down.

Revealing his first face-down, a great gust surges from the Spell, forcing up Jaden's face-down, revealing it to be HERO Barrier, before shattering apart.

Syrus: Steamroid, take down Wildheart!

Reacting to the command, Steamroid charged fast, ramming itself into Wildheart, throwing back and Destroying the HERO, while dealing 200 Points of Damage to Jaden.

Jaden: You might've taken down Wildheart, but since he was set with Lucky Axe, I get to draw a new Card. (Draws)

Syrus: Your draw won't stop my next Attack. Gyroid, Attack Jaden Directly!

Taking flight, Gyroid's propellor spun at full speed, creating a powerful vortex, which shot around Jaden, lowering his Life Points by 1000 and leaving him with 6800.

Jaden: That was amazing, Sy.

While appreciate of Jaden's praise, Syrus remained focused as he concluded his move.

Syrus: I'll play two more Cards face-down and end my turn.

Jaden: (Draws)

Syrus: Before you do anything, I play my Trap: Cyber Repairer. In exchange for letting you draw one Card, for this round my Machines cannot be Destroyed in Battle.

Seeing the respect Syrus continues to hold for his Monsters, Jaden nods and smiles, drawing the top Card from his Deck and prepares his move.

Jaden: It's time for you to meet a new HERO. I use Polymerization to fuse Sparkman with Clayman and Summon Elemental Hero Grandmerge! (ATK 0)

Combining the two HERO Monsters into one, Syrus found that taking a stance before Jaden was indeed a new HERO Monster, a being clad in red, gold and purple armour, sporting a set of feathered wings.

Syrus: That Monster looks pretty tough, but I think they forgot to add his Attack Points.

From Syrus' obvious confusion, Jaden smiled i reply, before filling his friend in.

Jaden: Grandmerge might seem weak, but his ability will change that. You see, he gains Attack and equal to combined Levels of the Monsters I used to bring him out times 300 Points.

Looking upon Jaden's Monster, Syrus sees the spirit forms of Sparkman and Clayman by Grandmerge's side, before seeing his Attack power increase. (0 → 2400)

Jaden: I now active my Spell: Heavy Storm, which Destroys all Spell and Traps on the Field.

Similar to Syrus' Spell, a great wind surged from the Heavy Storm Spell, only its power tore between both Duelists, flipping up three of Syrus' face-downs, Trap Hole, Wonder Garage and Mirror Damage.

However, Syrus, enduring the winds of Heavy Storm, then sets off his final face-down.

Syrus: I activate Ring of Life. This Trap lets me Destroy Grandmerge, then we both gain Life Points equal to his Defence Points.

His Trap taking effect, Grandmerge shatters apart and is sent to the Graveyard, while Syrus and Jaden gain from the benefits of Syrus' trap, with Syrus encased in a light blue aura, his Life Points rising to 10400, while Jaden was circled in a red aura, his Life Points going above 8000 and to 9200.

Jaden: Sweet move, Sy. Guess this Duel will (last longer than expected/really get us heated up). I throw two face-downs and end my turn.

Syrus: (Draws) Steamroid, Gyroid, Attack Jaden Directly!

With both Roid Monsters sharing the same enthusiasm as their Summoner, Steamroid and Gyroid both slam their large frames into Jaden, sending him backwards and dealing a total of 2800 Points of Damage.

Jaden's Life Points: 6400

However, despite it still being a Duel, more concerned for his friend, Syrus reacted.

Syrus: Jaden, are you ok? I'm sorry if I got too rough.

But getting to his feet, Jaden started laughing

Jaden: I'm good, Sy. This Duel is getting good.

Smiling at Jaden's attitude to the Duel, Syrus continued to make his move and to give it his all.

Syrus: Then check this out. I play Remove Bomb. With this Spell, I draw the next five Cards from my Deck, but I must banish them from the match. However, for each Monster I draw, you take 300 Points of Damage.

Drawing the top five Cards from his Deck, Syrus then turned them over as to allow Jaden to see what he had drawn, displaying a Spell: Fusion Sage, a Trap: Rebirth Judgement and three Monster Cards: Infernal Dragon (ATK: 2000) Cyber Phoenix (ATK: 1200) and UFOroid (ATK: 1200)

And after removing the Cards, setting them in his jacket, three small bombs threw themselves from out of Syrus' Spell, blasting around Jaden and dealing 900 Points of Damage.

(LP: 6400 → 5500)

I end with a face-down. Now let's see what you can do, pal.

Upon hearing and seeing Syrus enjoying the Duel, expressing more confidence with each move, Jaden smiled and decided not to disappoint.

Jaden: I will be more than happy to show you. (Draws) First up, I activate Card of Sanctity. Now we get to draw until we each have six Cards in our hands.

Reacting to Jaden's Spell, Syrus drew a whole new hand, six Cards, an action Jaden copied as he too replenished his hand with six new Cards, both pleased to what they now held.

But from his view, Jaden had drawn what he needed to make a comeback.

Jaden: It's time to show you a blast from the past. I play Miracle Contact. Now I can fuse Elemental HERO Neos with any Neo Spacians in my hand, so I fuse Neos with Aqua Dolphin, Grand Mole and Dark Panther.

With his Spell taking effect, from his Cards, the forms of Neos, Aqua Dolphin, Grand Mole and Dark Panther all emerge, before leaping high above both Duelists as they combined their beings and power into one.

Jaden: I want you to meet another new Monster to the HERO team. Give a warm welcome to Elemental HERO cosmo Neos! (ATK: 3500)

Watching as the energies combining Jaden's Fusion Monster increased in light, Syrus, the crowd and those watching from the preparation room were amazed as Jaden's Monster revealed itself, looking to hold the original body of Neos, but upon his form were aspects of both the Neo Spacians and the alternate forms Neos could become, leaving him standing as a mighty warrior before Jaden.

Jesse: Look at that another HERO. I tell you guys, Jaden never stops surprising me with his new tricks.

Alexis: I know what you mean.

Thinking to herself, Alexis found a faint blush appear upon her face.

Alexis: Jaden... you just keep amazing me.

With Cosmo Neos now on the Field, Jaden broke Syrus from his awe.

Jaden: Check out his superpower. When he's Summoned, he can Negate all your Monster, Spell and Trap effects. And that includes your face-down Cards.

Raising his left arm, revealing it to have taken on the qualities of Magma Neos, a powerful light encircled the arm, before the power Neos had gathered was released, with sparks of light raining down on Syrus and his side of the Field, taking away the abilities of Steamroid and Gyroid, while Syrus' face-down was locked into place.

Jaden: Go, Cosmo Neos Attack Steamroid! Cosmic Storm Strike!

Reacting to Jaden's call, Cosmo Noes' body shone with a familiar green light, the light of Glow Neos, before he spread out his wings and combined the energies of Glow neos with his own, releasing the energy as a green stream filled with starlight, continuing to leave all watching in awe as the light enveloped Steamroid, sending the locomotive Monster to the Graveyard and dealing 1700 points of Damage to Syrus.

And despite having Gyroid to protect him, alongside the remaining 8700 Life Points, the smile Jaden gave told Syrus that this was the finale.

Jaden: Sorry to do this to you, Sy, but I'm not finished. I now activate Contact Out. This Spell returns Cosmo Neos back to my Extra Deck, but then it brings back the Monsters I used to Summon him to begin with.

Returning the Cosmo Neos Card off of his Duel Disc, Jaden's Duel Disc then shuffled itself, arranging the Monsters used to Fusion Summon back at the top of Jaden's Deck, which he drew and set on his Duel Disc.

Jaden: So come back Elemental HERO Neos! (ATK: 2500) Aqua Dolphin! (ATK: 600) Grand Mole! (ATK: 900) and Dark Panther! (ATK: 1000)

Jaden: Neos, attack Gyroid with Cosmic Crush!

Nodding to the command, Neos leapt at Gyroid, bringing his arm down and through Syrus' Monster, Destroying it and dealing 1500 Points of Damage to his Life Points, lowering his Life Points to 7200.

Jaden: go Aqua Dolphin! Grand Mole! and Dark Panther, attack Syrus' Life Points!

All compliant with Jaden's call, the trio set their sights of Syrus and struck as one, dealing a total of 2500 Damage to Syrus' Life Points, dropping them further, almost halving them to a total of 4700.

Jaden: My Attacks might be over, but check this out. I activate my Trap Card: Jar of Avarice. This lets me choose any five Cards from my Graveyard and return them to my Deck.

Sliding from his Duel Disc Graveyard, Jaden withdrew Contact out, Miracle Contact, Card of Sanctity, HERO Barrier and Polymerization, before placing the five Cards back in his Deck, which was then shuffled.

Jaden: And as a bonus, I get to draw a new Card. (Draws) I set one Card face-down and end my turn.

Syrus: That was pretty amazing, Jaden. You keep Dueling just as I remember. But this time, I'm going to win. (Draws) I activate Power Bond. And with this, I can fuse the set of Cycroids in my hand to bring out Pair Cycroid! (ATK: 1600)

Appearing before Syrus, the duo of bicycle Monsters appeared, combining into one and forming a two seat bicycle.

And though it had a more comical appearance, knowing that like its Duelist, Pair Cycroid had more to it.

Syrus: I know Pair Cycroid mightn't look tough right now, but since I used Power Bond, his Attack doubles this round. (ATK: 1600 → 3200)

Syrus: And you better believe this bike is going all out. Pair Cycroid, use your special ability and Attack Jaden directly!

Ringing its bell, responding to Syrus' call, Pair Cycroid rushed past Neos and the line of Neo Spacians.

Syrus: Time to take off the training wheels. I play Limiter Removal, which doubles the Attack of Pair Cycroid again!

Receiving the bonus from Syrus' second Spell, many watching believed the Duel to be over, seeing the 6400 Attack powered Machine charging at Jaden.

Jaden: I activate my face-down: Draining Shield!

Revealing his Trap Card, a dome/barrier of green energy formed around Jaden.

Jaden: Not only does this stop your Attack, but my Life Points increase by Pair Cycroid's Attack Points.

Syrus: True, but that's only if Pair Cycroid is on the Field.

Confused a little by Syrus' words, it becomes clear to Jaden as Syrus displays another Quick-Play Spell Card: De-Fusion.

Syrus: With De-Fusion, this breaks my Pair Cycroid and returns it to the two Cycroids I fused to begin with. (Cycroid: ATK: 800)

Aster: Smart move. Since Pair Cycroid is no longer on the Field, Draining Shield's restorative effects are cancelled out.

Zane: Furthermore, Power Bond would have dealt Syrus Pair Cycroid's Attack at the end of his turn.

While their friends were impressed at the continued skills Jaden and Syrus displayed, Jaden gave an encouraging smile himself as he looked upon Syrus, no longer seeing any lacking confidence within the boy

Jaden: Smart move, Sy. You see? You have gotten stronger.

Syrus: You too, Jaden. However, my move isn't over. (Pointing to the Cycroid on his left, then to Aqua Dolphin, Syrus showed his retaliation) Cycroid number one, Attack!

Though lacking the power of its Fusion counterpart, Cycroid charged ahead, ramming itself into Aqua Dolphin and dealing 200 Points of Damage to Jaden.

Syrus: I'll place two Cards face-down, then I'll play Future Fusion. By sending Patroid, Drillroid, Submarineroid, Decroid, Expressroid and Cyber Dragon to my Graveyard, I can Summon Chimeratech Overdragon on next turn.

Ending his turn, Syrus withdrew the mentioned Monsters from his Deck and placed them in the Duel Disc Graveyard, with Jaden knowing that should Chimeratech Overdragon be called, he would be in trouble.

But having faith in his Cards, Jaden set his hand on his Deck and made his move.

Current Scores:

Syrus: 4700

Jaden: 5500

Jaden: My move. (Draws) And I'll start by activating my Spell: Pot of Greed. (Draws 2) I Summon Neo Spacian Air Hummingbird (ATK: 800) And to add to the Neo Spacians, I activate Monster Reborn to bring back Aqua Dolphin.

Jaden: And now that I have Aqua Dolphin, Air Humming Bird and Neos, it's Contact Fusion time!

Combining the three Monsters into one, throughout the arena, a great wind picked up as the Fusion conducted, replacing Aqua Dolphin, Air Humming Bird and Neos with a powerful figure clad in steel blue armour.

Jaden: I summon Elemental HERO Storm Neos! (ATK: 3000)

His name called and introduced, Storm Neos spread out his wings, amazing the crowd at Jaden's latest Fusion.

Even Kaiba found this move surprising, puzzled as to how somebody could create such a Monster without a Fusion Card.

But focusing past the awe of the crowd Jaden continued his move.

Jaden: I activate Storm Neos' ability, which Destroys every Spells and Traps on the Field.

Releasing another powerful surge of wind from his wings, Syrus' face-downs are revealed, being Magic Cylinder and Life Force, which shatter apart, alongside Future Fusion, leaving the Cycroids and Syrus vulnerable to Attack.

Jaden: I activate my last card Raigeki, so say goodbye to your Cycroids because a storm is coming this way.

Activating his Spell, a blast of thunder shot down from above, wiping out Syrus' Monsters and his last line of Defence.

Jaden: Grand Mole, Dark Panther share your power with Storm Neos. Now Neos use that power and take he lif...

However, Jaden found he couldn't give the command to Attack, not wanting to hurt his friend, the very first he made back when they enrolled in Duel Academy together.

But seeing Jaden hesitant, Syrus spoke up.

Syrus: Go ahead, Jaden. We both knew one of us had to win.

Jaden smiled in reply, unable to hold back the tears in his eyes.

Jaden: Thank you for being my friend, Syrus. And thanks for always having my back. Storm Neos Attack his life points!

Leaping upward, Storm Neos spread, releasing a final wind, which cut around Syrus, wiping out the last of his Life Points alongside the help of the Neo Spacians.

Ending Scores:

Syrus: 0

Jaden: 5500

Jaden: That's Game.

Roland: And we have our winner. Please give your applause to Jaden Yuki, who will be advancing to the next round.

As the crowd cheered, enjoying the Duel, Syrus approached Jaden with a smile.

Syrus: It was great Dueling you again, Jaden.

Jaden: Same here. You've really got stronger and you almost got me there.

While Jaden and Syrus headed off, continuing to talk amongst one another, from his brother's side, Mokuba could tell something was bothering Kaiba.

Mokuba: Seto, what's wrong?

Kaiba: How did Jaden do it, how did he Summon Storm Neos through just sheer will? Something tells me there's more to this Duelist than the rest of the competition and I plan to find out what.