Hogan Residence: Lance's Room, Early Morning…

Lance was resting peacefully in bed until he was suddenly shaken. Lance groaned as he attempted to ignore it, but the shaking persisted. He opened his eyes and saw the blurry outline of a figure. The brushy, spiky hair was unmistakable.

Lance rubbed his eyes and yawned. "Dad?"

Crow smiled. "Sorry for waking you buddy. I thought you'd want to hear that Yuma's doing well."

Lance nodded. "Yep."

"His master wanted your mother to come administer his final test, but I volunteered to do it." Crow explained.

Lance laid back down. "That's good."

He fell asleep once more, but a smile graced his face.

Crow smiled and rubbed his head. "I suppose I could have left a note, but that smile is worth it."

Crow walked out of the room.

Morning…

Lance yawned and looked out the window while blinking a few times. Then his father's words came to him.

"Wait a minute." Lance stated. "Yuma's still training!"

He'd wondered where Yuma was, but Zack had answered that question when asked. Apparently, Yuma was up at some place called the Duel Sanctuary, with Caswell and Shane, honing his skills with someone named Roku.

Lance just hadn't thought he'd still be gone once school started up again. "If all goes well, he should be back today or tomorrow." He rotated his right arm. "Looks like I'll just have to deal with any Numbers if they crop up."

He set about getting ready for school.

Heartland Academy, Before Class…

Nelson had been waiting at the gate for a certain student to arrive, and when he saw her, he walked over. "Hey Tori!"

Tori looked at him. "Oh, hey Nelson. What's up?"

The two began to walk the grounds together.

"I wanted to talk to you about Numbers. I dueled someone with a Number yesterday, and I thought to ask Lance about it since he showed up. He said he'd talk about it after discussing things with Yuma, but I've been doing research into them myself." Nelson asked.

Tori asked, "Did you find anything?"

"So, even someone as close to them as you doesn't know much about Numbers." Nelson commented.

Tori shook her head. "We've never really discussed them. Now that you've mentioned it, I'm curious to. What did you find?" Nelson showed off a tablet and let Tori look through it which only worried the girl. "Yuma's somewhere, so he may not be here today."

"Then our only option will be to talk with Lance." Nelson stated.

Lance had walked up behind them pushing his bike. "Talk with me about what?"

Tori and Nelson jumped before turning to him.

"Lance, don't sneak up on people!" Tori shouted.

Nelson took a deep breath. "Think before you go doing that!"

"Sorry guys." Lance chuckled. "Anyways, what's the deal? Why did you guys just mention talking to me?"

"We have something to show and discuss." Tori stated.

Nelson passed him the tablet. "Look through these for us."

"White haired people…" Lance stated recognizing the lifeless looks and white hair."

"Lance, all these people only have two things in common. They were duelist and had Numbers in their possessions." Nelson explained.

Tori looked at him worriedly. "Both you and Yuma possess Number cards which means the two of you are in danger."

Lance rubbed the back of his head. "I need to discuss things with Yuma. For now, I want the two of you to keep these next words in mind. Number Investigation Club."

"Number Investigation Club?" Tori and Nelson asked.

Lance nodded. "Just keep those three words in mind for now. I promise, I'll talk to Yuma as soon as I'm able. Once we've discussed things, I'm sure we can provide more answer. For now, know that I'm ready for anything."

"I guess." Nelson stated.

Tori nodded. "We'll trust you."

Lance smiled. "Thanks guys." He then caught sight of Shark who ducked behind a nearby building. "Huh, looks like Shark has started coming to school more." He nodded to his friends. "I'm going to go see why he looks so panicked. You two are welcome to join."

The Heroic user walked off and Nelson and Tori decided to follow. Shark looked around frantically before giving a relieved sigh and starting to walk off only for Lance to put a hand on his shoulder. Shark turned around looking rather panicked once more.

Lane chuckled. "Wow, two in a row. People are jumpy today."

Shark sighed relieved. "It's only you."

"Yeah, it's only me." Lance stated. "What's up Shark?"

"Not so loud." Shark loudly whispered before frantically looking around.

"You're acting kind of weird, and we don't even know you that well." Tori stated.

"Are you in trouble?" Nelson asked.

Just then, the students around them began to talk and look off towards the gate.

"Who is she?"

"She's pretty."

Shark, Lance, Nelson, and Tori joined them as Rio stood not too far away from them wearing a second year's uniform. "Sheesh Reginald. I thought we were walking to school together. Why did you leave me behind?"

Nelson looked at Shark. "Reginald?"

Shark glared at him. "It's Shark."

Nelson nervously chuckled. "Of course, it is. Sorry."

Rio stepped forward. "Reginald, you need to be nice."

Lance smiled. "Great to see you up and about Rio."

Tori looked at him. "Rio?"

"She is Shark's little sister." Lance explained.

Tori nodded and smiled at her. "Hello. I'm Tori and it's nice to meet you."

Nelson nodded. "I'm Nelson."

When you spent your days at school running from fan girls, you quickly overcame your fear of them.

Rio smiled. "It's nice to meet some friendly faces. What a great start to my first day of class." She bowed. "Hopefully, we can all end up being friends."

Lance walked forward. "As far as I'm concerned, the two of us already are friends." He smiled. "I know you likely came here before, so welcome back to Heartland Academy."

Rio smiled. "Thanks."

Duel Sanctuary

Yuma, Shane, and Caswell each sat on the ground before a table with cards laid out before them as well as a mat with information as follows.

Monster: Normal, Tuner, Effect, and Ritual

Spells: Field, Quick-Play, Equip, Ritual, Continuous, and Normal

Traps: Continuous, Counter, and Normal

Extra Deck: Fusion, Synchro, and Xyz

This was their final test as each boy was given an exact number of cards to fill in the blanks. At this moment they had finished with Roku coming to examine each of their mats to see if they got it down.

Eventually, he stood before the three of them with a smile. "You three each got a perfect score. Good job boys."

"Wow, Yuma actually got an A on a test." Caswell chuckled. "The world must be ending."

"Mr. Francis, Yuma worked hard to memorize all the cards." Shane stated in his defense.

Yuma stood up. "Plus, I could get A's if I wanted."

Caswell stood up. "You just don't want to?"

"Yes." Yuma quickly shook his head. "I mean no."

The boys smiled and shared a laugh.

Roku nodded. "You three have come far, and there is not much I can teach you at this time. Caswell and Shane, you are free to return; however, there is one more test for Yuma."

Yuma looked at him. "What do you mean?"

Roku produced another deck. "Take these cards and restructure your recently obtained deck to your liking. I have procured an opponent that will both challenge and test you on Synchro monsters."

Yuma took the deck and nodded. "Right."

Roku smiled. "Keep in mind that this should in no way be like Kaze. If you understand and can use Synchro monsters, I'll consider it a pass."

Yuma ran off and Roku turned to the remaining boys. "You two have decks that function as they are while Yuma's is more open to creativity; however, if you would like…"

Caswell nodded. "Our decks are fine Master Roku, and we'd like to remain to observe Yuma's duel."

Shane nodded. "Since we do not know when his opponent will arrive, we'd be willing to do anything you may need in the meantime."

Roku nodded. "Then your final task will be to put everything in this room away and clean it."

The boys nodded.

Outside

Roku stood near the stairs as Crow walked up wearing blue jeans, a yellow T-shirt, and a sleeveless, brown cargo vest.

Roku nodded. "Thank you, Mr. Hogan for answering my call."

Crow smiled. "No problem. I have the day off and have been meaning to get back into dueling." He chuckled and rubbed his head. "I know you were likely expecting my wife, so I hope I'm not disappointing."

Roku smiled. "Not at all. You are likely a more proper challenge for Yuma than your wife. Especially since his deck has gone through many changes in such a short time." He removed a full deck. "Now, I'm told you used Black Wings, correct."

Crow nodded. "That's right."

Roku passed him a deck. "Then this is yours. Keep it with my best regards."

Crow looked through the deck and recognized it as a near mirror image of his previous deck; however, there was a certain monster in the main deck and the Synchro monsters were different.

The chief of police smiled. "Looks good." He slipped a couple more Synchro monsters, ones he hadn't parted with, into the deck. "You can put together a deck sir."

Yuma walked out, smiled upon seeing Crow, and ran over. "Mr. Hogan what are you doing here?"

Crow showed his deck. "Isn't it obvious? I'm your opponent for the final test."

"You're my opponent?" Yuma was shocked. "I didn't know you dueled."

Crow sweat dropped. "It's been a while, but dueling is like riding a bike. You never forget."

Astral appeared next to Yuma. "Does this mean he's a good or bad duelist?"

"I don't know." Yuma turned to Crow. "Alright, I'm feeling the flow, so let's roll."

Crow chuckled. "Don't expect me to go easy."

"Wouldn't have it any other way." Yuma stated.

Yuma and Crow faced off as Shane and Caswell joined Roku off to the side.

"So, that's Master Hogan's father." Shane commented.

Caswell crossed his arms. "Captain of Heartland Police Department, Crow Hogan. With Lance revealed to be the Sentai Ranger, both Hogan men have brought in several criminals and kept the streets safe. I will admit, I'm interest to see how he duels."

Shane nodded in agreement.

D-pad go

Duel Gazer on

Augmented vision link established

(Yuma 4000/Crow 4000)

"I'll take the first turn." Crow declared. "I summon Blackwing-Shura the Blue Flame(LV 4/1800/1200)." A lanky Blackwing with large black featured wings and blue feathers around the head appeared. "I'll finish with one set card."

"Alright, my turn." Yuma drew and looked at Astral. "What do you think? Synchro or Xyz?"

Astral looked at the hand. "Go neither. With one monster on his field, and that trap, I have a feeling we'll need numbers."

Yuma smiled. "Since you control a monster, and I do not, I can special summon Dododo Buster(LV 4/1900/800)." A bulky warrior in yellow armor and wielding a mace appeared. "When he's special summoned, his level goes from 6 to 4. Now I normal summon Dododo Driver(LV 4/1800/200)." A warrior in green and brown armor appeared. "Buster attack Shura."

"I activate Blade Shade. Once per turn, I can target a monster I control and activate one of two effects. The one to use now is the ability to negate this attack." Crow declared. "On top of that, every time this card activates, you take 500 damage (Yuma 3500/Crow 4000)."

"You may have stopped Buster but Driver can still attack destroying himself and your monster." Yuma declared.

Crow drew. "Since you control a monster, and I do not, I can normal summon Blackwing-Sirocco the Dawn(LV 5/2000/900)." A bird man with blue feathers on his head and black feathers everywhere appeared.

"Now that I control a Blackwing, I can special summon Blackwing-Bora the Spear(LV 4/1700/800)." A yellow, purple, and red feathered, humanoid bird appeared wielding a drill spear. "The same effect applies to Blackwing-Gale the Whirlwind(LV 3/1300/400)."

A small Blackwing with dark black feathers on the body and green feathers around the head appeared.

"Stay on guard Yuma." Astral declared. "He has more than enough monsters for a Synchro summon."

Yuma nodded.

"I'll use Whirlwind to tune Bora for 7." Crow declared. "Synchro Summon Assault Blackwing - Raikiri the Rain Shower(LV 7/2600/2000)." A purple feathered humanoid bird appeared. "Raikiri can destroy monsters on your field equal to the number of Blackwings I control. That means you lose Dododo Buster leaving you open for a direct attack from Raikiri (Yuma 900/Crow 4000). Bora will attack you directly ending this duel."

"Not so fast." Yuma interjected. "I activate Swordsman of Revealing Light(LV 8/0/2400) from my hand. When you issue a direct attack, I can special summon him." A blue armored man holding one of the swords from Swords of Revealing Light appeared. "Additionally, if my monster has a higher defense than the ATK of the attacking monster, that monster is destroyed."

Crow smiled. "I end my turn."

"Alright, I am feeling the flow." Yuma drew. "I summon Nitro Synchron(LV 2/300/100)." A pink and white cylinder gauge with a face appeared. "I'll use him to tune my Level 8 Swordsman and Synchro for 10. Synchro summon Stardust Warrior(LV 10/3000/2500)."

A warrior decked out in white, gold, and blue appeared. "When Nitro Synchron is used for a Synchro summon, I can draw a card. I'll then equip Stardust Warrior(LV 10/5500/2500 effect) with Magnum Shield giving him ATK equal to his original DEF. He will attack Raikiri."

"I activate Blade Shade negating that attack and dealing 500 damage (Yuma 400/Crow 4000)." Crow countered.

Yuma smiled. "I activate Double or Nothing. When my monster's attack is negated, he can attack once more with double the attack."

Stardust Warrior(LV 10/11000/2500 effect)

Caswell was shocked. "11,000 ATK!"

Shane marveled at the powerful combo. "You go Mr. Tsukumo!"

"Take him down Stardust Warrior." Yuma declared. "Attack Raikiri (Yuma 400/Crow 0)."

Crow chuckled. "That was quite the combo Yuma."

Roku walked over to him. "Indeed. You are ready to return."

Yuma nodded. "Thank you, Master Roku."

Heartland Academy, Lunch…

Lance, Rio, Tori, and Nelson were eating lunch together on the roof while Shark sat at a higher elevation nearby.

"Oh, so you were in the hospital?" Tori smiled. "I'm glad you're better now. Frankly, our group has needed more girls. It can get so exhausting hanging around these guys."

Rio laughed. "I'm glad I got better to. Especially because Reginald needs me. He'd lose his head if it weren't attached to his neck. Just this morning he overslept, and if I hadn't stopped him, he'd have run out of the house in his pajamas."

"What do his pajama's look like?" Nelson asked.

"They have sharks on them, but that's not even the worst part…" Rio began.

Shark spoke up. "Rio watch what you say. Remember, I've read your diary, so be quiet or else."

Rio smirked. "Oh yeah, is anything embarrassing in there Mr. Nightlight?"

Shark grunted and looked away. "Never mind."

Rio chuckled before looking at Lance. "I really have to thank you for being my brother's best friend Lance."

Shark angrily shouted. "He's not my best friend!"

Rio yelled back. "That's not what you told me when you came to visit in the hospital!" She then turned back to Lance. "For a while, Reginald's been so angry whenever he'd come visit me. He tried to hide it, but I could tell." She smiled. "So, thank you. You've given me back my brother."

Lance smiled. "It's no problem. Honestly, Shark is a great guy. He may not consider me a friend…" He looked at Shark with an amused expression "… but I certainly see him as one."

Someone cleared their throat, and everyone turned to see a whole group of team captains from the various clubs and teams of Heartland Academy. Mainly third years with a few second years.

A third year with light red hair stepped forward. "At last, we meet Rio Kastle."

Rio got up and walked over. "Hi there. May I help you?"

The third year smiled. "Yes, you can. I am the captain of the soccer team. We need you. Join us and manage the team. Are you in?"

The other captains got involved shouting out their various activities.

"It's nice to be wanted." Rio smiled. "After school, I'll visit each of your teams and select the best fit for me."

That seemed agreeable to the various boys, but they would quickly learn how wrong they were.

Gym, After School…

Rio creamed every single team and club she tried, so she joined none of them. Basketball had been the last attempt, but they failed as well. Lance, Tori, and Nelson had been there to see it all go down.

"Wow, that was amazing." Lance praised genuinely impressed.

"Thank you, Lance." Rio stated.

The various captains and members weren't as impressed.

"She won't make any friends."

"She's so full of herself."

"Like brother, Like sister."

Tori glared at them. "Those guys are so rude."

Lance shouted after them. "You're a bunch of sore losers because a girl is better than you? Man, that is petty."

Rio put a hand on his back. "It's okay. Some people just resent it when a girl turns out to be more than a pretty face."

Lance smiled. "I certainly don't. Especially when it comes to dueling. Between you and Tori, I'll need to work hard to master my new deck."

"Oh, you have another deck?" Rio asked interested.

"Yeah, I got two decks." Lance stated. "Always have since the past year; however, the second deck has changed to another."

Rio smiled. "Well, considering our last duel was slightly tainted…" She cleared her throat and stood before Lance. "Lance Hogan, I challenge you to a duel."

Lance smiled. "You're on."

"This should be interesting." Nelson stated.

Tori nodded. "Yeah, I've only ever seen Lance this excited to duel Shark."

Outside

Nelson and Tori stood off to the side as Lance faces off with Rio.

"Get ready Lance because I don't intend to lose this time." Rio stated determined.

Lance was equally determined. "I don't intend to lose either, so I guess we're at an impasse since someone needs to lose."

"Guess we are." Rio stated with a smile. "Let's break that impasse shall we."

Lance chuckled. "Let's."

D-pad go

Duel Gazer on

Augmented vision link established

(Lance 4000/Rio 4000)

"I'll go first." Lance declared. "I summon Predaplant Ophrys Scorpio(LV 3/1200/800)." A brown menacing plant scorpion appeared. "When this monster is summoned, I can discard one card to special summon a Predaplant from my deck.

I choose Predaplant Darlingtonia Cobra(LV 3/1000/1500)." A dark green cobra plant appeared. "When he's special summoned by the effect of a Predaplant monster, I can add a Fusion spell from my deck to my hand. I'll then set a card."

Rio looked at him. "I already know you're a capable duelist; however, you didn't Xyz or Fusion summon. What are you planning? Is that face down a part of it or a red herring?" She drew. "I summon Dragunity Militum(LV 4/1700/1200)."

A winged beast in white robes appeared "Since I control a Dragunity monster, I can special summon Dragunity Legatus(LV 4/1800/1200)." A winged beast in gold armor appeared. "I construct the overlay network with my level four monsters.

Xyz summon Ice Beast Zerofyne(R 4/O 2/2000/2200)." A humanoid ice bird with massive blue wings appeared. "I now activate her effect. By detaching one overlay unit, I can negate the effects of all face monsters you control and my monster gains 300 ATK for each one.

This will last until my next stand-by phase. I'll then equip Ice Beast Zerofyne(R 4/O 2/3000/2200 effect) with Sky Excalibur granting her 400 more ATK and making her immune to card effects. She will attack Darlingtonia Cobra (Lance 2000/Rio 4000). I'll then set one card."

"That was pretty good Rio but this next turn is going to be big." Lance drew. "I summon The Phantom Knights of Ancient Cloak(LV 3/800/100)." A purple robe with blue energy within appeared. "I then activate Polymerization.

With it, I can fuse Predaplant Ophrys Scorpio and The Phantom Knights of Ancient Cloak. Fusion summon Starving Venom Fusion Dragon(LV 8/2800/2000)." The poisonous purple dragon rose up on Lance's field.

"When Starving Venom Fusion Dragon(LV 8/4800/2000effect) is summoned through monsters on the field, he gains ATK equal to my opponent's special summoned monsters. In addition, I can activate the ability of Ancient Cloak.

I then activate Summons of the Phantom Knights. By banishing a Phantom Knights monster from my grave, I can special summon two dark monsters from my grave and make their levels anything from 2 to 4.

I banish The Phantom Knights of Ragged Gloves(LV 3/1000/500). Now, I will special summon Predaplant Ophrys Scorpio(LV 3/1200/800) and Predaplant Darlingtonia Cobra(LV 3/1000/1500) from my grave. I will declare their levels as three.

Now, I construct the overlay network with my two level 3 monsters. Xyz summon The Phantom Knights of Break Sword(R 3/O 2/2000/1000 effect). Thanks to Silent Boots. Now Venom Dragon will attack Zerofyne."

"I saw this deck in action yesterday, but it's still amazing." Nelson asked.

Tori nodded. "Lance has really stepped up his game with this one."

"You will destroy my monster Lance, but I'm not taking any damage." Rio declared. "I activate my Dragunity Shield. This makes all damage from this battle becomes zero, and I can special summon a Dragunity Synchro monster."

She smiled. "Equal to the damage I'd have taken. The monster I choose is Dragunity Knight - Gae Dearg(LV 6/2400/800)." A bulky, red dragon appeared roaring. "Now, my life points are safe."

"That's what you think." Lance smirked. "First, I attack your Gae with Break Sword destroying." Break Sword attacked and exploded (Lance 1600/Rio 4000). "Next, I activate Rank-Up-Magic Kamikaze Force. This rank up magic allows me to target am Xyz monster in my grave.

Then, I can special summon him to my field, and rank him up into a monster 1 rank higher. I will return Break Sword before ranking him up into Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon(R 4/O 2/2500/2000). He'll destroy your Gae (Lance 1600/Rio 3900)."

"Not bad, my life points are still higher than yours." Rio stated.

"Not for long." Lance smirked. "Kamikaze Force has another effect in that if the monster used in the rank up destroyed itself through its own attack, then the monster summoned through this effect can attack again. Go Dark Rebellion (Lance 1600/Rio 1400)."

Starving Venom Fusion Dragon(LV 8/2800/2000)

"I'm ending this duel." Rio drew. "I activate Rank-Up-Magic Phoenix Force. This card allows me to target a Winged Beast Xyz monster in my grave, special summon it, and rank it up into a monster one rank higher.

I target Zerofyne and rank her up into Ice Princess Zereort(R 5/O 2/2500/2100)." A female in dark and light blue armor appeared. "By detaching one overlay unit, I can target one monster you control and make its ATK zero. I choose Rebellion Dragon. She will attack that monster."

"I still have my face down Rio." Lance declared. "I activate The Phantom Knights of Wrong Magnetring. When you declare an attack, I can negate it. Then this trap gets summoned as a monster to my side of the field."

The Phantom Knights of Wrong Magnetring(LV 2/0/0) a red ring with a blue glow appeared.

Rio grunted. "I end my turn meaning your monster's ATK returns to normal."

"It's time to end this." Lance drew. "Starving Venom will destroy Zereort (Lance 1600/Rio 1100). That leaves you open for a direct attack from my Dark Rebellion (Lance 1600/Rio 0)."

Tori and Nelson ran over.

"That was amazing you two." Nelson declared having enjoyed the duel.

"You did really well Rio." Tori smiled. "There aren't many who can take on Lance like that."

"Thanks Tori." Rio walked up to Lance. "Looks like you've achieved what none of the others could."

Lance looked at her confused. "What?"

"You beat me, so now I'll join your club." Rio declared.

"I do have an idea for a club, but it's not exactly a school club." Lance stated. "I still have to talk with someone about it."

Rio nodded. "When you start your club, I'll be the first member."

Shark walked over with his hands in his pockets. "Hey Rio, I caught the match. You did okay… I guess."

"Like you could do any better." Rio argued back.

Shark smirked. "I've tied with Lance."

Lance looked at him. "You were watching the whole time?"

"Yep." Shark looked at Rio. "Sad I didn't give you any pointers?"

Rio crossed her arms and turned her head. "I don't need your help."

Shark walked away. "That's not what the results of the duel say."

"Reginald." Rio sternly stated.

Streets of Heartland

Shark, Lance, Rio, Tori, and Nelson all decided to walk home together. Lance walked with Shark, Rio with Tori, and Nelson behind them.

Lance looked over at Shark. "Man Shark, Rio can really duel. She's tough."

Shark closed his eyes and smiled. "Nah, deep down she goes to pieces real quick."

Rio suddenly froze as a cat walked up to her and meowed.

She then ran and hid behind Shark frantically pointing at it. "Cat! Cat! Cat!"

Nelson and Tori had gone up to the little guy and were petting him.

"Rio are you scared of this sweet, little girl?" Tori asked.

Rio said, "I know it's weird, but they just scare me."

Nelson was petting the cat making it purr. "She's just a cute kitten looking for affection."

Rio looked at Shark. "Reginald! I need you to get rid of it now!"

Shark looked back at her. "I thought you said you don't need my help?"

"Come on…." Rio complained.

Lance sighed. "I got it."

He gently picked the cat up and walked it far over to the grass before putting him down. The cat meowed at Lance before running off in the opposite direction.

The multi-deck user walked back to the group only for Rio to grab his arm sincerely relieved. "Thank you, Lance. My brother could learn a lot about how to treat a girl's fears from you."

Lance shrugged. "I just don't like to see any of my friends upset. Even if it's from something as simple as a cat."

Rio walked over to Shark. "Why can't you have that mind set Reginald?"

Shark replied. "I've told you already that I don't have friends."

Rio said, "You can say that as many times as you want, but I know for a fact that you declared Lance your best friend a few times before I got better."

Shark walked on. "You were dreaming or hearing things."

Rio followed him. "No, I wasn't."

"Yes, you were." Shark replied.

Lance, Nelson, and Tori chuckled before following the siblings.

Tsukumo Residence, Evening…

Yuma had finally returned home from his training only to find his sister sitting on the couch.

When Kari saw him, she stood up and crossed her arms. "I know where you were Yuma."

Yuma nervously gulped and chuckled. "You do?"

Kari walked over to him. "You were at the Duel Sanctuary. I'm going to guess you've been dueling behind my back for a while now." Yuma shied away from her sisterly anger only for Kari to smile. "I'm only kidding you little dweeb. You can duel whenever you want to."

Yuma smiled hopefully. "Really!?"

Kari nodded. "Really."

Yuma jumped for joy. "Alright!"

Haru smiled from within the kitchen as she went about preparing dinner.

1: Don't expect to much Reiji until the WDC is up. Even then not to much until the Barian's begin making real moves. I will say that his Lancers will be making moves and involved in the WDC. Mainly some back seat adjustments like a chess game except Reiji is setting things up so he's moves a head by the time the true games begin. Also expect the Lances to act as a third party in this.