Author's Note: Before reading, I want to inform and clear it up for all of you that the Cards Jaden plays are actually my own. Being a co-op story, I use the English printed Cards available to make Jaden's Deck, while my co-writer, LiquidPhazon, uses the Decks off the series and video games. These Duels are played from off each other's moves, so I have a limited control to the Cards played or the outcome.

With Jaden and Syrus' Duel over, the two returning to the preparation room in high spirits, both found Alexis and the others showed their continued support.

Hassleberry: That was some top of the range Dueling. Way to throw down, Sarge. You too, Private Truesdale.

Jesse: No arguments from me. By the way, Jaden, where did you get those two new HERO Cards?

Jaden smiled at the question as he looked at his Deck with clear pride.

Jaden: It was a gift from Chumley. Sometime after graduation, I went to visit him at Industrial Illusions. As for the rest of my Deck, I've made a modification or two in order to keep up my edge.

Nodding to Jaden's reply, knowing they too had made altercations to their Decks, Jaden and the others found Roland returning to the room, demanding the attention of the Duelists.

Roland: The next match will be Zane Truesdale, who will be up against Espa Roba. This will determine the first Duelist who will take part in the quarter finals, so Please prepare your selves and make your way to the arena.

With the next names called and selected, Jaden looked upon Zane with a smile.

Jaden: Good luck, Zane.

Zane: A true Duelist doesn't rely on just luck for their victories, but thank you.

Calmly walking off and to the entrance of the arena, from the monitor, Jaden and the others saw Zane ready his Duel Disc, seeing that adjacent from Zane's perception was his opponent, who gave a confident smile as he too activated his Duel Disc.

Zane/Espa: Let's Duel!

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.

.

Though it had been a tough match, with Zane and Espa giving it everything they had, Espa tried his best, showing the improvements of his Dueling skills and his Deck, managing to call upon he new monster Jinzo - Lord, but even with the Anti-Trap Machine Monster, he was no match against Zane's power, with Zane calling forth Cyberdark Dragon and using its power of assimilation to add the very essence of Infernal Dragon's Attack power to its own, overpowering both Jinzo - Lord and Espa Roba.

However, while Zane seemed alright, Jaden was shocked upon seeing Zane using the Cyber Dark Cards again, concerning the HERO Duelist a little as he then looked upon Syrus.

Jaden: Syurs, how come Zane's using the Cyber Dark Cards again? I thought their power was too much for him to handle back at Duel Academy.

From the concern Jaden expressed, Syrus gave an assuring smile, before he gave a confident reply.

Syrus: They were, but Zane's gotten a whole lot stronger, mastering his power over them without placing himself or his opponent in any harm.

Jaden: Seems we all have grown since Duel Academy.

With Zane's Duel over and the first to advance to the quarter finals, the tournament continued, with Jaden finding many of his friends showing their skills and advancing, with Alexis, Chazz, Jesse and Hassleberry taking down their given opponents, putting on a show and letting Jaden know they too would be tough competition.

But with the victories, there were also losses for the group, one of which was Jasmine as she went up against Joey Wheeler.

Despite having managed to get a few good moves in, even setting up her defences with Gora Turtle, a Monster rendering all others with an Attack of 1900 or more unable to fight, alongside Summoning the Monster: Tribe Infecting Virus, wiping out Joey's Monsters, Joey showed why he was ranked as one of the five best Duelists in Pegasus' eye.

With his hand restocked by his Trap: Gamble, Joey drew a seventh Card and made his move.

Joey: Alright, since you have Gora Turtle and Tribe Infecting Virus out, I can summon The Fiend Megacyber. (ATK: 2200) Normally, this big guy would require a sacrifice to summon, but thanks to his ability, we can look past that.

Next, I activate the Question Spell Card. Now you have to guess the name of the very first Monster sent ot my Graveyard, and if that answer doesn't match, then I get to bring that Monster back.

With this set upon her, Jasmine was unsure of how to answer, having played quite a handful of Cards throughout their Duel, leaving her uncertain to the exact Monster that lay at the depths of Joey's Card Graveyard.

But taking a chance, Jasmine gave an answer.

Jasmine: Is it Battle Warrior?

Recalling that in their first few moves, Joey had Summoned the low Level Monster, which she took down with her Oyster Meister, but found Joey shake his head.

Joey: A good guess, but afraid not.

Reacting to the call, a Card slid from Joey's Duel Disc Graveyard, which he then turned to show Jasmine, revealing it to be Flame Swordsman, surprising Jasmine as she recalled how Joey had used the Dangerous Machine Type-6 Spell, forcing him to send a Card to the Graveyard, astonishing her that Joey had used such a move to his advantage.

Joey: And to keep the Monsters flowing, I play Monster Reborn to bring back Battle Warrior.

Seeing Joey had reinforced his side, Summoning three Monsters in just one move was impressive to Jasmine, but believing in the powers of her Gora Turtle and Tribe Infecting Virus, she was confident she could win, she just needed to last one more turn.

But from the expression on Joey's face, Jasmine knew something great was coming for her.

Joey: I sacrifice Flame Swordsman, Battle Warrior and Fiend Megacyber to call upon Gilford the Lightning!

Offering up his three Monsters, a great surge of thunder struck around Joey as Gilford appeared before him, the presence of such a mighty looking Monster left Jasmine in awe.

Joey: And if you think his entrance was shocking, just check out his ability. When Gilford comes to the Field, all your Monsters are Destroyed.

Jasmine found herself unable to speak and could only watch as Gilford rose his blade, causing streams of thunder to circulate around the weapon, before striking off and consuming her Monsters, overwhelming them with the great power and leaving her open to one final strike.

Joey: Lightning Sword Attack!

No longer hindered by Gora Turtle's abilities, Gilford swung his blade, sending a final stream of thunder at Jasmine, causing her to cry out from the shock and from her defeat as her Life Points dropped to 0, ending the Duel.

Roland: And we have our winner. Joey Wheeler will be advancing to the quarter finals.

While Joey showed his kindness, escorting Jasmine back to the preparation room, expressing her skills as a strategic Duelist, the years hadn't changed Kaiba's view on the blond.

Mokuba: Seems Joey's gotten even better.

Kaiba: Wheeler's nothing but a fourth rate Duelist, at best. If he winds up facing me, I'm going to redo this whole tournament. I won't humiliate myself by facing a loser like him.

-With Jasmine-

Returning to the preparation room, Alexis and Mindy approached Jasmine, feeling a little down for their friend, knowing she had been working hard for the tournament.

Mindy: Jasmine, we know you did your best in the Duel, but are you okay?

Seeing Joey supporting her, being a good winner, the girls could see Jasmine was already feeling a little better.

Joey: Your friend is a pretty good Duelist. It was great taking her on.

With Joey showing hs support, Jaden decided to join in, approaching the girls to give his own talk.

Jaden: Joey's right, Jasmine. Your Dueling skills have gotten even sweeter since Duel Academy, and I bet...

Before Jaden could finish with his encouraging words he was interrupted by laughter.

Turning, Jaden, Joey and the girls looked to see Bandit Keith, seeing him leaning against the wall with an amused smile.

Bandit Keith: Don't make me laugh. That Duel was nothing but a joke. I don't know what's more pathetic, that you lost or that you lost to a chump like Joey.

From Keith's cruel words, Joey glared at the Machine Duelist.

Joey: Who are calling a chump? Remember, I kicked your butt back at Duelist Kingdom.

Bandit Keith: Why you... (Activates Duel Disc) If you want a rematch, my Machines are more than ready to rev up and take you down!

Though Joey felt his competitive side getting the better of him, wanting to defend Jasmine and her dignity, before activating his own Duel Disc, Jaden stepped between the duo.

Jaden: Ok, time for you to both chill for a second.

Yugi: He's right, Joey. Just try and calm down. Don't let Keith get to you, that's exactly what he wants.

Mai: Also, as per the tournament rules, any Duelists who engage outside the arena will be immediately disqualified. And knowing the history you have between Kaiba, he wouldn't hesitate to kick you out.

From the interference, Bandit Keith deactivated his Duel Disc, laughing as he started to walk away.

But he then stopped and look at them over he shoulder.

Bandit Keith: I can not wait to get my revenge on you, Wheeler. And if any of you brats getin my way, I'll just crush you as well.

Seeing Bandit Keith leaving, Yugi gave a small sigh.

Yugi: I apologize for that. Keith's had it out for Joey ever since he was defeated on Pegasus' island.

Jaden: No problem, bro. I've had my hand of enemies so I know what to expect.

While Jaden continued to talk, Alexis, Jasmine and Mindy were left silent, amazed to find Jaden conversing with the retired King of Games.

Alexis: Hold up. Jaden, you know Yugi Muto?

Jaden: Sure. We've even Dueled before.

Finding Jaden's reply continuing to amaze and bring further questions, not only to Alexis, Jasmine and Mindy, but to the majority of Jaden's friends, there was another cut in as Roland made his return.

Roland: For the next match, the Duelists who will be competing are as followed.

Roland then directed his arm over, pointing at the monitor, which displayed the images of Jaden Alexis, Chazz, Jesse, Hassleberry, Mai as well Bandit Keith, Weevil, Mako and Zane, earning respective smiles and other reactions from the remaining ten Duelists.

Bandit Keith: Looks like the loser club managed to make it to the quarter finals. Good luck against us real Duelists.

Watching Bandit Keith with a continued glare, Jaden remained in a less tempered mood from Keith continuing to talk him and his friends down.

But looking back upon the monitors, Jaden saw his image and Bandit Keith's fill the screen.

Bandit Keith: Well look at that. Seems you'll be the first dweeb I defeat in the Quarts finals.

Jaden: We'll see about that. I'm going beat you for calling my friends losers.

Bandit Keith: Bring it on, chump. I'll see you on the arena.

Watching Bandit Keith take his leave, making his way to the bathroom, Joey set a hand on Jaden's shoulder.

Joey: Be careful with Bandit Keith. He might be a slimeball, but his Deck are as rough as his personality.

Jaden: Thanks for the heads up, Joey.

Knowing he had the support of his friends, as well as Joey's friends also on his side, Jaden started to head out to the dueling arena, where he took a firm stand, waiting as Bandit Keith then made his way out, his arrogant smirk never leaving his face as he approached Jaden.

Roland: Gentleman, are you both ready?

Bandit Keith: If you mean ready to win, you don't need to ask. (Activates Duel Disc)

Jaden: Ready! So better get your game on! (Activates Duel Disc)

Jaden/Bandit Keith: Let's Duel!

Bandit Keith: I think I'll make the first move. (Draws) And I'll start off by playing the Pillager Spell Card. With the Pillager, I get to have a look at the Cards in your hand and take one for myself, so let's see what you're hiding.

Forced to reveal his hand, Jaden turns his Cards outward, where, thanks to Kaiba Corp's virtual tech, Bandit Keith, the audience and Jaden's friends watching see Jaden was holding Elemental HERO Bubbleman, HERO Barrier, Necro Gardna, Jar of Greed and Bubble Blaster.

Approaching Jaden, Bandit Keith gave an arrogant smirk as he looked closer at Jaden's Cards.

Bandit Keith: You call this a hand? But... if I'm stuck with selecting any of these wimpy Cards, I'll take this one.

Drawing Bubbleman from Jaden's hand, Bandit Keith returned to his side of the Field with a growing smirk.

Bandit Keith: I Summon Elemental HERO Bubbleman. (ATK: 800) And since I have no other Cards on the Field, I get to add two more Cards to my hand. (Draws 2)

Bandit Keith: I end my turn with two face-downs and the Card Trader Spell. As for what this Spell does, you'll just have to find out.

Groaning a little at Bandit Keith's continued downtalk and seeing his Cards used against him, Jaden concentrated as he made his move.

Jaden: (Draws) I Summon Elemental HERO Wildheart in Attack Mode. (ATK: 1500) Sorry to do this to you Bubbleman, but I'll make it up to you by beating Bandit Keith's butt. Wild Slash!

Drawing his blade, Wildheart shot at Bubbleman, slicing through the weaker HERO, causing Bubbleman to shatter apart as he was Destroyed, costing Bandit Keith 700 Life Points.

Jaden: I'll set two Cards face-down call it a turn.

Bandit Keith: Time to show you how a real champion gets things done. (Draws) You know, I'm not too pleased with the Card I drew, so I think I'll draw again.

Jaden: Draw again? You can't do that.

Bandit Keith: Think again. With Card Trader, I can send any Card from my hand back to the Deck and draw a new Card.

Returning one of the Cards in his hand and back to his Deck, which then shuffled, Bandit Keith grinned as he drew.

Bandit Keith: Now that's more like it. I activate the Field Spell: Mausoleum of the Emperor.

Placing the Spell in his Field Zone, the ground all around Jaden and Bandit Keith shook, before stone walls rose around the duo, while what looked to be a sacrificial alter rose behind Bandit Keith.

Bandit Keith: With Mausoleum of the Emperor, I can pay 1000 Life Points to Summon any Monsters that would normally require a sacrifice, or I can pay 2000 to bring out any Monster above Level 7. Actually, I don't have to pay anything, not since I have this.

Turning a Card in his hand over, Bandit Keith reveals a Spell Card to Jaden.

Bandit Keith: With Spell Economics in play, I no longer have to pay a single Life Point, so I can Summon my more powerful Machines with nothing to worry about. Of course, Mausoleum of the Emperor is also available to you, but don't think it will be as generous in accepting payments.

Jaden: I activate my face down: Jar of Greed. This lets me draw another Card. (Draws)

Bandit Keith: Draw as many times as you like, nothing you have can save you from my Barrel Dragon. (ATK: 2600)

Bandit Keith: And as powerful as it is, its ability is just as deadly. Thanks to its triple attack laser discharge system, it has three Attacks, not just one. Fire away and Destroy Wild Heart with your Proton Blast!

Charing up the energy core within the cannon upon its head, Barrel Dragon then shot out a blast of orange energy at Wildheart.

Jaden: I activate my face-down: HERO Barrier, and with Wildheart on the Field, I can put an end to your Attack!

Protecting Wildheart from Barrel Dragon's blast, a great barrier of wind circulated before the HERO, repelling the Attack.

Bandit Keith: So you stopped Barrel Dragon's Attack, lucky for me, he has two more shots packed and ready.

Pointing to Wildheart and Jaden, Bandit Keith gave a growing smirk as he gave his command.

Bandit Keith: There's your targets, Barrel Dragon. Seek and Destroy!

Charging the energies in both arm cannons, Barrel Dragon then released a pair of energy blasts, the first striking down and Destroying Wildheart, costing Jaden 1100 Life Points, the second striking around Jaden's Field, consuming the HERO Duelist in a great blast and dealing him a 2600 Life Point loss.

Current Scores:

Bandit Keith: 7300

Jaden: 4300

Bandit Keith laughed at seeing the smoke from Barrel Dragon's Attack clear, seeing the damage he had afflicted to Jaden.

Bandit Keith: You should have a look at your loser face, punk. If you were smart, you'd beg me to forfeit the match.

Jaden: I've faced Duelists better than you, so you better believe I won't call it quits.

Bandit Keith: Have it your way, dweeb. I'll play a face-down and follow with the Spell: Card of Demise. Now I get to draw five new Cards, but in five turns, I must discard my hand. (Draws 5) Not that you'll be around that long. I'll end with a pair of face-downs, so let's see what a loser like you can really do.

Jaden: Be careful what you ask for, you might just get it. (Draws) I activate Neos Fusion. With Neos Fusion, I can fuse two Monsters, so long as one of them happens to be Elemental HERO Neos.

Drawing and Displaying Elemental HERO Neos from out his Deck, Jaden gives a confident grin.

Jaden: I now fuse Neos and Rainbow Dragon from my deck to Summon Elemental HERO Rainbow Neos! (ATK: 4500)

Bandit Keith: Now that Monster has some flare to it. Too bad its about to go up in flames. I play my Trap: Ring of Destruction!

Revealing his third Trap, the explosive ring sets itself around Neos' neck, where it was about to explode and wipe out the last of Jaden's Life Points.

Jaden: I activate my Spell: De-Fusion! Rainbow Neos, it's time to split.

Breaking from their combined form and rendering the Ring of Destruction useless, Bandit Keith found himself up against Elemental HERO Neos and Rainbow Dragon.

Jaden: Rainbow Dragon Attack his Barrel Dragon! Rainbow Refraction!

Hearing Jaden's command, Rainbow Dragon gave a mighty roar as it obeyed, releasing a mighty stream of multi-coloured energy at Bandit Keith's Monster.

However, Bandit Keith smirked.

Bandit Keith: I knew a chump like you could never best me. I activate my face-down: Limiter Removal. Not only does this double the Attack of my Barrel Dragon, but it puts my Machine's strength over your Dragon's.

(Barrel Dragon's ATK: 2600 → 5300)

With its power doubled, Barrel Dragon not only withstood the power Rainbow Dragon released upon it, but retaliated, firing off three blasts from its cannons, each bombarding Jaden's Monster and Destroying it, dealing a 1300 Damage penalty.

Current Life Points:

Bandit Keith: 7300

Jaden: 2000

Jaden: I Summon Necro Gardna in defense mode (DEF: 1300) and end my turn. But now that my turn is over, that means Barrel Dragon has to say its goodbyes.

Ending his turn, the secondary effects of Limiter Removal kick in, overloading Barrel Dragon and causing the Machine Monster to blow itself up.

But keeping the arrogant grin, Bandit Keith didn't seem to care in the slightest.

Bandit Keith: You'll find a polished Machine like Barrel Dragon will never ware out its usefulness, especially when I play my Trap Card.

Rising before Bandit Keith, a giant chamber appeared, the door giving a hissing as it opened up, where Barrel Dragon stepped out, astonishing Jaden.

But what the brunette found even more shocking was Barrel Dragon's Attack, seeing it still set on 5300 Points.

Bandit Keith: With the power of my Time Machine Trap, it brought my Dragon back to how it was one turn ago, so it looks like it gets to keep the Limiter Removal bonus, but without the self destruction part.

Bandit Keith: Now then, onto my move (Draws) I use Card Trader's power to toss this useless Card and try my hand at a better draw.

Placing the Card he had drawn back in his Deck, which then shuffled, Bandit Keith re-drew, grinning to what he now held.

Bandit Keith: Much better. I Summon Machine King. (ATK: 2200) And thanks to his power, my King gains an extra 100 Points for every Machine Monster on the Field. (ATK: 2200 → 2400)

Bandit Keith: Machine King, take down Necro Gardna. Jet Punch!

Its visor lighting up, Machine King reacted, raising its right fist and firing it clean off, punching through Necro Gardna before returning and reaching to Machine King's arm.

Bandit Keith: Now to end this, Barrel Dragon take down Elemental HERO Neos and the rest of his Life Points!

Obeying the order, the three containers begin to charge with energy, before three intense shots were then fired.

And while many, including Bandit Keith, believed the Duel to be over, Jaden gave a sudden and confident smile.

Jaden: Thanks for sending Necro Gardna to the Graveyard, because I can now activate his super power. Now by banishing him, Necro Gardna can put an end to your Barrel Dragon's Attack.

Taking Necro Garna's Card from out of his Duel Disc, the spirit of Necro Gardna appeared on the Field and before Neos, taking on the onslaught of Barrel Dragon's Attack, amazing the crowd to see Jaden's counter, while annoying Bandit Keith.

Bandit Keith: Why you... You'll pay for making me look like a fool. I'll end with a face-down. Now make your move.

Jaden: You don't need me to to help you with that, you look pretty foolish already. (Draws) I activate Card of Sanctity. Now we both draw until we have six Cards in our hands.

Renewing his hand, Jaden drew six.

And playing along with Jaden's Spell, Bandit Keith drew four more Cards.

Bandit Keith: Don't you know by now that no matter what you draw, you can't win?

Jaden: You'll be changing your tune when I activate my Spell: Heavy Storm.

His Spell taking effect, a great gust circled around Bandit Keith and his Cards, ready to Destroy his Spell and Trap Cards.

Bandit Keith: I don't think so, I play my counter Trap: Solemn Judgement. Good thing I have so many Life Points, because by giving up half of them, I can downgrade these winds to a blight gust of air.

Dropping his Life Points to 3650, the winds from Jaden's Spell fades as Heavy Storm shatters appart.

Jaden: Thanks for doing that, because you just set me up to win this match.

Bandit Keith: What are blabbing about?

Jaden: You see I wasn't too sure what your face-down was, but now that you wasted it on my first Spell, I can now play my other Cards without worry, and I'll start with this: Monster Reborn, which I'll use it to bring back Wildheart.

Jaden: Next up, I'll take advantage of your Mausoleum of the Emperor Field Spell, so now I sacrifice Wildheart and 1000 Life Points to Summon my good friend Yubel. (ATK: 0)

Bandit Keith: Is this some sort of joke? That freak has no Attack or Defence Points.

Jaden: Yubel has a lot more strength than you think, but don't take my word for it. I tribute Neos and Yubel to summon Neos Wiseman!

From Jaden's call, Neos and Yubel both nodded, respecting the words Summoner and their friend, with Neos engulfing himself in a powerful blue light, Yubel a mighty red aura, which then shot into the other and combined, turning the two Monsters into one.

And though Jaden had Summoned Neos Wiseman before, upon seeing the Monster for the first time, Jaden's friends were surprised at the appearance and power Neos Wiseman held.

Syrus: Wow. This is the third new Monster Jaden has managed to pull out.

Alexis: He just never stops surprising me... I mean us...

While Jasmine and Mindy took more of a notice to Alexis, seeing her continuing to blush at her stammer, the others remained focused on Jaden's Duel.

Bandit Keith: That Monster is good, but with only 3000 Attack Points, my Barrel Dragon will blast it to oblivion!

Jaden: I'm not too sure about that, but don't take my word. Go, Wiseman and slay Bandit Keith's Barrel Dragon.

With the command given, Neos Wiseman took flight above Barrel Dragon, causing the revved up Machine to draw its head and arm cannons up, awaiting the Attack.

Jaden: I activate Nose Wiseman's seriously superpower. When he Battles a Monster, not only does he stay around, but you take Damage equal to the Attack Points of Neos Wiseman's target.

Bandit Keith: What!?

Jaden: Ultimate Nova!

Shining with a growing intense blue light, Neos Wiseman released the gathering energies coursing through his body, raining down, not only tearing through Barrel Dragon, but causing a chain reaction, causing both of Bandit Keith's Monsters to erupt, throwing Bandit Keith back as his Life Points dropped to 0.

Bandit Keith: Impossible... How could I get beaten...

Though glad he had bested Bandit Keith, looking at the fallen form of the Machine Duelist, Jaden took note of Bandit Keith's Duel Disc, seeing it giving off a few sparks, while the Deck continued to shuffle, spilling out various Cards in the process.

Jaden: What's going on?

Yubel: It seems Joey and his friends were right about Keith. He rigged his Duel Disc in order to give him the Cards he wanted.

With Yubel's words, Jaden glared towards Bandit Keith, now knowing Bandit Keith had used the time in the bathroom to fix his Duel Disc as to give him the best Cards to counter Jaden's moves.

Jaden: You tried to win by cheating? That's low, bro.

Turning to Roland, Jaden was about to ask what was to be of Bandit Keith, but found his question answered.

Mokuba: Then by the rules of the Kaiba Corp Duel Monsters World Championship, Bandit Keith, you are hereby kicked from the competition.

Kaiba: Hold on. This isn't the first act of cheating registered in Keith's Duel records. Bandit Keith, not only are you banned from the World Championship, but you are forbidden to Duel or even attend any and all Kaiba Corp tournaments held in the future. Now get out of my sight.

Feeling his rage get to him, Bandit Keith charged towards Jaden, no longer caring about anything but to see Jaden go down, one way or another.

Bandit Keith: Take this, you little rat!

Throwing a punch at Jaden, planning to knock Jaden to the floor and smash his Duel Disc to bits, Bandit Keith found his chance of vengeance never occurred, for Jaden managed to block Bandit Keith's fist with his right hand, freaking Bandit Keith out a little at the display of strength Jaden seemed to hold.

And after repelling Bandit Keith, throwing him to the ground, the Kaiba Corp security team gathered around, grabbing and restraining him as they forcefully dragged the shameful Duelist out of the stadium.

Bandit Keith: I'll get you, Jaden! I swear I'll make you pay!

After Bandit Keith's yells and threats died down, Roland cleared his throat a little, as to centre the attention upon himself.

Roland: It would seem though default and skill that Jaden Yuki is our winner, and will be the third Duleist to advance to the quarter finals. From all of us at Kaiba Corp, we wish you the best of luck.

With his spot cemented into the quarter finals, Jaden headed to the preparation room, finding the crowd continuing to cheer him on, gaining many fans from the skills of his Duels.

But before returning to his friends, Jaden heard someone calling to him.

Grabbing his attention, Jaden turned around to see both Mokuba and Seto Kaiba, seeing the younger of the Kaiba brothers running toward him, while Seto had a more calm and collectiveness toward himself.

Mokuba: Mr. Yuki, we personally wanted to thank you for defeating Bandit Keith and for revealing that he was cheating throughout his Duel.

Kaiba: It would seem I need to update the security systems on my Duel Discs to prevent others from disgracing the Kaiba Corp name.

Mokuba: That's my brother's way of saying thank you.

From the support given to him, Jaden gave a smile.

Jaden: No problem. I just hate Duelists who don't Duel fair and square. And you should say thanks to Joey and his friends. They told Keith tried similar tricks back Duelist Kingdom.

Kaiba: Wheeler's lucky to be in my tournament, don't push your luck by mentioning that Dueling monkey's name.

Finished with what he had to say, Kaiba turned away, leaving Mokuba with Jaden.

Mokuba: Anyway, it was nice meeting you, Jaden. Good luck!

Jaden: Same here, Mokuba.

Glad to have spoken to the heads of Kaiba Corp, Jaden then headed back to the preparation room, finding Yugi and the others all proud and supportive of the HERO Duelist.

Hassleberry: That was an amazing Duel, Sarge. I had no idea Neos and Yubel could work so well together in combat.

Jaden: Yubel can surprise you. She makes for a great Monster and an even greater friend.

Turning his head to the left, Jaden gave a small smile at the Duel Monster Spirit of Yubel, who smiled back, always glad to assist Jaden and be by his side.

And though the majority of the others couldn't see her, Jaden's friends knew Yubel was looking out for Jaden, while Yugi could see her, seeing the trust she held for Jaden.

Téa: And good job putting Bandit Keith in his place.

Mai: With Bandit Keith kicked from the tournament, us real Duelists are a step closer to facing Kaiba.

Syrus: Speaking of... they've just announced the next match up.

From Syrus' call, Jaden and the others looked upon the monitor, finding that as a cross ran through the image of Bandit Keith, displaying Jaden as the victor, it then changed, displaying the images of Hassleberry and Jim, the sight causing the duo to look at the other and smile.

Jim: Looks like we're up.

Hassleberry: Copy that.

Both activating their Duel Discs, Jim and Hassleberry headed out to the arena, both fired up and ready to Duel.

Watching, Jaden knew that with this match, it would decide the fourth Duelist for the quarter finals, bringing the HERO Duelist and the other competitors one step closer to Seto Kaiba and to the shot of the King of Games title.