A little over a while before the shop preliminaries began, everyone was getting thier decks ready for the Ace Buddyfighter playoffs, be it for Singles or Team Competition. And while this was going on, Yuga had an interest in a new world that not a lot of the heroes fought for.
"Whew! It took a bit, but I finally finished my deck in time for the shop Prelims." Peni sighed in relief as Yuga was looking at some of the copies of the cards she put in. "Like what you see, Yuga?"
"Deity Dragon Blade, Garkunai. So awesome. Huh, what were you saying?" Yuga said.
"He wasn't even listening." Peni said.
"I didn't even realize the Deity Dragon Tribe even extended into Katana World. That's incredible." Miles said.
"Yeah...I sorta wanna see Yuga try them out." Lacy said.
"He can't. As you all already know, Yuga fights under the Dragon World flag. To use these cards, he needs to use the Katana World flag." Garga said.
"And as far as I can tell, Yuga doesn't really have one." Alice said.
"And as much as I would like to get him one, I'm afraid with the playoffs going on, a lot of flag cards have been sold out, including Katana World." Akira said.
"What? That sucks." Yuga groaned.
"It seems a little unusual that every Katana World flag card has been bought." Sunset said.
"You guys really are pros at stating the obvious." a voice said.
"I know who that is…" Hope said looking to see Jack. "Hey there, Brother."
"Yeah, hey. So nice to see you too, loser older brother." Jack smirked.
"You're no worse off than me. We all saw the newspaper that confirmed you escaping with 15 of the kids from that place." Hope said.
"Newspaper?" Jack asked before a copy of the paper was handed to him. "Huh? Didn't think anyone saw that. Course I wasn't gonna get away clean. I did leave my calling card behind." he said.
"Although, you did still make a mark down there." Omnimon said. "You managed to bump David off on the watchlist. At least in Beelzebub's domain."
"Yeah dude, Beelzebub's so pissed at you, you're at the top of his hit list now. I think some of those kids you escaped with were going to him as part of the whole deal in play." Ryuji said.
"Nice job, Jack!" Eddy cheered.
"Heh. What did any of you expect? I'm a thief. I steal." Jack said. "Which reminds me, Oracle. I have the kids waiting outside. There's transmitters located in the ears of thirteen of them. I need you to disable and remove them."
"Of course." Oracle said.
"Wait, does that mean Beelzebub knows that the kids are here?" Mark asked worried.
"Relax. They only work within a limited range of the responding radar. I'm just not taking any chances." Jack said.
"Wait, you said 13. What about the other two?" Jexi asked.
"Oh...right. Well...we...had to get creative on that end." Jack said looking at his knife.
"Oh my goodness, you mean you…" Double D said, starting to get green.
"Yep. He went Vincent van Gogh on those two." David said.
"Dang it. I should have thought of that one." Jack said.
"Hey, don't go too hard on him." a voice said as a young girl with orange hair holding her head said. "It was my idea, not his."
"And you are?" Ichiro asked.
"This is Emma. Believe it or not, she came up with the whole escape." Jack said.
"I just wanted to make sure we got out." Emma said.
"In that case, mission accomplished." Scarlet said. "You certainly have courage to sacrifice your ear like that."
"Uh...thanks." she said cautiously.
"Forgive her and the other kids. They're still getting used to the outside world." Jack said.
"Well, I think I know a way we can help them with that. There's a big tournament coming up, and a lot of us are entering." David said.
"Yeah, that might be something. Watching a few matches...that's a perfect way." Jack said.
"And the Castle shop prelims are soon, so we don't have long to wait." Hope said.
"Speaking of which, have we decided who's going to each prelim?" Mark asked. "Come to think of it, how many Buddyfight shops are there in Cho-Tokyo?"
"The card shop prelims aren't for this area, it's all of Japan. And that number is in the thousands." Akira said.
"This was discussed before, Mark. That's why my group is planning to scatter around so that we'd each have a chance." David said.
"Right, right." Mark said. "But who's in groups and who's going solo? I'd like to be able to keep track, just in case."
"I think that should be left up to the fighters themselves and not by us." Jexi said.
"Agreed." Hope agreed.
"Franny, Berge, and myself will be a group." Zan said. "We will be with Yuga, Masato and Subaru respectively."
"I shall go with Elize." Shanoa said.
"Noir and I are both going solo at Castle, but we'll be working together if it comes to it." Peni said.
"She's got a good point. In case of a tag battle, two solo battlers may have to team up." David said.
"Yes. Especially if one of us ends up facing each other." Tetsu said.
"Meanwhile, we should keep an eye out for our "dastardly duo". Emo said. "Something that chatty Mime said after the fight is still bothering me, something about "taking me as a prize".
"Good point. He may try to sway some of the hopeful competitors to his and Ranma's side." Mark said.
"Doesn't matter. We dealt with him before. We'll just take them down like all the others." Kokoro said.
"Yeah, we got this." ZS said. "After all, we've got the advantage in the best area: the power of bonds. Am I right?"
"You're darn right we do." Hope said looking to Ace. "Ace, if it doesn't fall to you to finish Mime, are you okay with any of us doing the job?"
"Fall on him? What are you guys even talking about?" Jack asked.
"Mime, Harlequin's creation." Hope said.
"Ugh. I always hated that freakjob." Jack said. "Okay, I'm in."
"Then let's get to work. You ready, Ace?" Hope asked.
"Y-Yes!" Ace said.
"Okay. Then, in sport team fashion...BREAK!" Eddy said.
"Wow...these guys really know how to be sappy with the whole teamwork thing." a new voice said as they saw a young boy with black hair.
"Ray, there you are. Where were ya?" Jack asked.
"I didn't wanna wait around for some doctor so I went exploring. All it got me was this stupid thing." Ray said holding a Katana World flag card.
"A Buddyfight World Flag." Mari said.
"What? Ray, where did you get this?" Jack asked.
"This weirdo dressed like a samurai by the riverbank. He's just handing them out." Ray said.
"Oh...that kid. I know him." Akira said. "His name's Kanesada Kaji. He uses the Bladedancer attribute, which are like samurai."
"Did he say why he was handing them out?" Scarlet asked Ray.
"Like you would wanna know. I'm not supposed to talk with someone so shady." Ray said.
"S-Shady?!" Scarlet said in shock before he lost his balance and fell. "Ow."
"Heh. Nice. You broke him." Jack laughed.
"Anyway, I don't even want this." he said tossing it to Yuga. "Here. You can have it."
"Wow. Thanks." Yuga said.
"Actually, maybe he's the reason all the Katana World cards are sold out." Shirou said. "But why buy them all only to give them out for free later?"
"Dude's a huge nutcase for the world. He buys the cards, autographs them and then hands them out to kids to try and get them into that world." Ryuji said.
"I've seen sports celebrities do that kind of thing from time to time." David said.
"Yeah, he even tries to give out posters of himself...but no one goes for that." Ann said.
"That's...that ain't normal." Eddy said.
"And just looking into the tournament schedule for Castle...wow...he's fighting tomorrow...with Yuga." Tails said.
"Well, isn't that a coincidence?" Francisca asked.
"I wish that I could fight this guy using all these Katana world cards." Yuga said.
"Um, hello? Garga's a Dragon World monster. He can't fight for Katana World." Rainbow said.
"That is not entirely true." Garga piped in.
"Hm? What do you mean Garga?" Sci-Twi asked
"Garga isn't specifically a Dragon World monster. As a Dragod, he's not allied with any specific world. So, he can be played in any world." Tails said.
"Whoa… so he can be used with all flags, like an Omni Lord!" Sora said.
"Totally Aces!" Yuga said.
"(Did he just make that catchphrase up?)" ZS asked.
"Now that's what I call a wild card." Ace said.
"Truly amazing. You've got a good Buddy to work with, Yuga." David said.
"Yep! Now all you have to do is learn the strategies of Katana World...in one day." Moltar said.
"Please. If anything there's only one attribute he should use. The coolest things in the entire world...ninja." Usopp said.
"I should know. I'm using them too." Peni said.
"Truer words have never been spoken." Phantom said before vanishing into smoke and reappearing.
"Wait, you're using Katana World, Peni? That's a surprise." David said.
"Well, I am Japanese. And a lot of the ninjas look like they came from the future same as me. So it was a great fit." Peni said. "I can't wait to compete tomorrow."
"NInja… yeah, that's perfect." Yuga smiled.
The next day at Castle….
(Cue- Marina Stadium- Mario Tennis Aces)
"The first stage of the Ace Buddyfighter Playoffs is ready to begin!" Ion called. "Here's how the Shop Preliminaries will work! Fighters will compete in either Singles or Doubles matches in a round robin style tournament. And we have a wonderful match today between Yuga Mikado and Francisca vs Kanesada Kaji and Peni Parker." Ion said.
"I can't believe in my first match I'm fighting you, Fransicsa. Gotta admit, I'm a little nervous taking you on." Peni said as Sp/dr nodded in agreement.
"I know. What were the odds of that happening?" Francisca asked.
"Well the castle staff saw right away I was Japanese, so they teamed me up with Kanesada." Peni said.
"That's a lie!" Ryuji shouted.
"Look, I don't care about the circumstances. All I know is...you are someone I have to beat." Francisca said.
"Well, I'm not about to go down easy. Ikuze, Fransisca!" Peni said as Sp/dr did the "bring it" gesture.
"Can we just get to luminizing your decks?" Ion asked.
"Okay. A Deity's Ninja Dragon Troopers at your beck and call! Luminize! Draninja!" Yuga said.
"Even the coldest blanket of snow...cannot smother the growth of a flower! A flower of serenity, a flower of peace! Lumenize, Cold Dungeon!" Francisca said.
"Infusing my soul into every strike! The iron blade glitters when it is drawn! Luminize! Steel Bladedancer!" Kanesada said.
"When ancient ninja arts and cutting edge technology collide, the next generation of shinobi comes alive! Lumenize! Nextgen Ninja!" Peni said.
"And….Buddyfight!" Ion said.
"Raise the flag!" they said.
"Katana World!" Kanesada and Peni said.
"Katana World!" Yuga said.
"Dungeon World!" Francisca said.
"Wow. This is a first! Yuga is playing with a Katana World deck! But...what's with those awful scribbles?" Ion said.
"Those aren't scribbles! It's my autograph." Kanesada said. "I am so pleased, that he truly knows the value of Katana World and the soul and spirit of a samurai. I think I'm gonna cry!"
"(This guy is nuts.)" Most of the heroes in the audience thought as they sweatdropped.
"Um… can we get to the match?" Peni asked.
"Right! Steelframe Swordsman, KUROGANE!" Kanesada said.
"Tsukikage, Kuroyasha Mode!" Peni said.
"Gargantua Dragon!" Yuga said.
"Rebellion Knight, Rebellious!" Francisca said.
"Okay! Yuga and Franny have first move!" Ion said.
"Okay! Draw! Charge and draw! I start by calling Nindog to the center!" Yuga said calling Gardog who had gone over a full ninja makeover.
"Huh? A ninja?" Kanesada said.
"And I call Nincat to the left." Yuga said as Garcat appeared with a ninja makeover as well.
"Check it, I got ninja stuff!" Nincat said brandishing his kunai.
"Another ninja?!" Kansesada asked.
"So awesome! With Nincat's effect, I can discard a hand card, put the top card of my deck into the gauge and draw a new card and gain a life." Yuga said. "And with the card I discarded, Sweeping Whirlwind, I draw another card."
10-11
"Now, Nincat attack!" Yuga said.
10-8
"And that's all for me. Franny, you're up!" Yuga said.
"Gotcha. It's my turn! I draw!" Francisca said. "I call to the center, Silver Warrior, Quenzwei! Now, attack!"
10-7
"I end my turn." Francisca said.
"Now it is our turn!" Kanesada said. "Draw! Charge and Draw! I call Magnetic Swordsman, NEO to the left and then buddycall Steelframe Swordsman, KUROGANE to the right! Then, I pay one life and equip Excelblade, Godslash Kanesada! Behold its beauty and excellence. Truly Excelblade, Kanesada is my masterpiece! Nothing before in our history has there been a work of art such as this! And in all of Katana World, only one can…"
"Hello, Kanesada!" Ion said.
"We're in the middle of a Buddyfight, my lord." Kurogane said.
"Oh, right. Now then, with Kurogane's effect, Nindog is destroyed and the fighter takes 2 damage." Kanesada said.
11-9
8-10
"Now, Neo, attack the fighter!" Kanesada said. "Don't forget double attack!"
9-7
"Now Kurogane, you attack!" Kanesada said.
"I attack in the name of my lord!" Kurogane said.
"I cast! Art of Shadow Stitching!" Yuga said. "The attack is nullified!"
"Fine. Then my turn is over." Kanesada said.
"Which means it's my turn. Here goes!" Peni said. "I call Electron Ninja, Shiden to the left!"
"Even my partner uses ninja?!" Kanesada asked.
"(He's a little too obsessed with Samurai….)" Peni thought while sweating. "I activate Shiden's ability, Cyber Analyze! By paying 1 gauge and discarding a Ninja Arts spell card to the dropzone, i can draw two cards! Next I Buddycall Tsukikage, Kuroyasha Mode to the center!"
Tsukikage appeared in the center in his newest form.
"Nin!" he announced.
7-8
"Shiden, go attack Quenzwei!" Peni said as he swiftly did so. "Now it's your turn, Tsukikage! Attack Fransisca Directly!"
10-8
"That'll do it for me." Peni said.
"For someone who marvels at the handiwork he made, Kanesada didn't really use that sword of his for an attack at all." Kazuichi said.
"It is unusual he didn't attack with his item. He could be planning something." Ichiro said.
"I draw! Charge and draw! And I Buddycall Gargantua Dragon to the right!" Yuga said.
7-8
"Kurogane's effect! Nincat is destroyed and Yuga takes two damage." Kanesada said.
8-6
"And I equip! Deity Dragon Blade, Garkunai!" Yuga said. "Okay, Garga! Let's link attack!"
"They fell for it. Now you will lose! I cast! Pinnacle of Iai, Godspeed!" Kanesada said slashing at them and destroying Garga.
6-3
10-9
"What the heck?" Ryuji said.
"That card. It's an impact that can only be used on the opponent's turn. But you have to have an Excelblade item in the stand position to use it." Akira said.
"So that's why Kanesada didn't attack." Hope said.
"He was planning a counter with that card." David said.
"Guess that's the end of my turn. Franny, you're up." Yuga said.
"You've got it. I draw! Charge and draw!" Francisca said. "I equip Flash Lance, Blitz Tiger! And if I have that equipped, then I get to equip Savage Lance, Eisen Tiger! Next I'll Buddycall Revolution Knight, Rebellious."
8-9
"Rebellious' ability activates. If he's called when I have two items equipped, I can destroy a size 2 or less monster on the field." Francisca said.
"Oh boy." Peni said. "It's either Tsukikage or Shiden."
"I think I'll go for Shiden." Francisca said as Shiden is destroyed. "Now, I call Magical Beast Tamer, Kazane."
"Whoa, look at that formation. She could end this right there." David said.
"First, I'll make the first strike with Blitz Tiger!" Francisca said.
"I'll use Tsukikage's ability! By paying one gauge, he can't be destroyed on this attack!" Peni said as Tsukikage revived.
"Very impressive, but I still have other attacks. For example, Kazane! Attack!" Francisca said as Kazane destroyed Tsukikage. "Rebellious, with me!"
"Not so fast! I cast Art of Body Replacement!" Peni said.
"She just wasted it. That card she's using can't nullify link attacks." David said.
8-3
"I end my turn." Francisca said.
"Guess I messed up on that one." Peni said. "Still, you're really good Franny."
"But in the end, it is the Katana World who will come out on top in both fights!" Kanesada said. "Draw! Charge and draw! I discard Neo in order to call Silver Orchid Swordsman, SUZU! With her ability, I can put an Excelblade card into my hand from my deck. And I choose Pinnacle of Iai, Godspeed! Now, Suzu, attack!"
"I cast! Art of Shadow Stitching!" Yuga said.
"Kurogane, go!" Kanesada said.
"I cast! Demon Way, Akeshigure!" Yuga said.
"I have double attack!" Kurogane said striking the second time.
3-1
"Looks like Yuga's on the edge." Moltar said.
"All Kanesada needs to do is use his sword and he wins." Ray said. "Though, he's probably thinking about all the possibilities, like Yuga having a defense spell. If he does, Kanesada goes into rest and he can't use Pinnacle of Iai. What's he gonna do?"
"I...I will put faith in my impact. I end my move." Kanesada said. "Peni, go."
"Alright." Peni said. "Knowing you Franny, you won't go down easy. But… that doesnt mean I can at least give you a challenge before I go down. You ready?"
"Of course. Come at me!" Francisca said.
"Then here I go! Draw! Charge and Draw! Let's mix this up a little! I call Thunder Sky Ninja, Byakuya to the left! And to the right, I call Japanese Blade Ninja, Hachimonji!" Peni said. "I also equip Water Calling Sword, Suiryu! With its effect, I can add one ninja from the drop zone back to my hand, and I choose Tsukikage, Kuroyasha Mode. I call him back to the center!"
"Nin." Tsukikage said.
"Hope you're ready, Franny!" Peni said. "First Tsukikage attacks!"
8-6
"Byakuya will attack next!" Peni said as Byakuya did so.
6-5
"When any version of tsukikage is out on the field after Byakuya attacks, he's allowed to do a double attack!" Peni said.
5-4
"Last up is Hachimonji!" Peni called.
4-2
"Whoa, look at that. She took all of those attacks like it was nothing!" David said.
"I end my turn!" Peni said.
"Come on Franny...you can finish this." Yuga said.
"Right. That was quite the show of force you've made. Let's see if I can match it. I draw!" Francisca said. "First Rebellious and Kazane will perform a link attack on Tsukikage!"
"Don't forget about Tsukikage's ability! I pay one gauge, and he will be able to survive!" Peni said.
"That's what I was hoping for. Now it's my turn to strike!" Francisca said striking Tsukikage with Blitz Tiger.
3-2
"I've got no way out of this one… nice work, Franny." Peni said.
"Now… The final blow!" Francisca said striking with Eisen Tiger.
2-0
Game Over, Peni! Winner: Francisca!
"Great job! Now it's time to wrap this up!" Yuga said. "I'll start off by casting Art of Getting Fish! This lets me return Gargantua Dragon and Garkunai from the dropzone to my hand! I call Garga to the left and Nincat to the right. Then equip Garkunai and cast! Hades Flame Style: Art of Fire Manipulation to block Kurogane's ability! Now Garga, attack Kurogane!" Yuga said as Garga did so and striking. "Double attack!"
"Master! I failed!" Kurogane said being destroyed.
"Now...G-EVO activate! Gargantua Wind Demon Dragon!" Yuga said as Garga appeared in a kabuki style appearance. "Check it, its Garga as a Deity of Ninja!"
"Whoa! Gargas got a Katana World Form!" Usopp said.
"Now, link attack with Nincat against Kanesada!" Yuga said.
"Right!" Garga said.
"Hah! I cast! Pinnacle of Iai, Godspee!" Kanesada said.
"Not falling for that again! Check out Gargantua Wind Demon Dragons ability!" Yuga said.
"Behold my Ninja powers!" Garga said vanishing before the attack hit as Garga soon began disappearing and reappearing all around the field.
"Awesome! Shadow Clone jutsu!" Luffy said.
"Something like that." David said.
"Hah! Your Pinnacle of Iai has been defeated!" Garga said.
"Now I link attack with Garga!" Yuga said as they attacked Kanesada.
10-5
"Now...it's time for Final Phase!" Yuga said.
"What? No...it...it can't be!" Kanesada said.
"Oh yeah! Here it comes! Deity Gargantua Punisher! Katana World version!" Yuga said. "Haaa!"
5-0
Game over, Kanesada! Winner: Yuga Mikado!
"And that's how we roll! Right, Franny?" Yuga asked.
"That's right! That's how we get things done!" Francisca said.
"What a battle." Hope said.
"You said it. I was on my feet the whole time." David said.
"Speaking of which, I don't see the Royal Knights here. Where are they?" Kaede asked.
"Leopardmon and Jesmon wanted a crack at this too. So they all went to Cho-Osaka. But...why would they settle for all the way there?" David asked.
"I don't know, nostalgia maybe?" ZS suggested.
"It does kinda remind them of home. Especially with Osaka Castle there." Peni said.
"And as historical as it is, I can't say I really blame them." David said.
"I guess they want to feel as close to home as possible." Ace said.
"Especially with how recently they were revived and the circumstances of their return." David said.
"Don't worry too much about it, Master. They'll be fine." Francisca said. "And if both sides are lucky, we may even see them qualify for the next stage too."
"That could be something. So let's all do our best in the shop prelims." Hope said.
"Duh! I'm such a dolt!" Rainbow said.
"Rainbow?" Sunset asked.
"Sunset, don't you know what we gotta ask Jack about? The scroll that relates to the Youseiken, he has it!" Rainbow said.
"Let's look for him!" Al said.
"I'm right here." Jack said standing next to Al.
"Aah!" Al said reflexively slapping him. "Oops, sorry."
"Damn. I've been here since the start. Geez." Jack said.
"Sorry but…" Hope began.
"Save it. I know what you wanna ask about." Jack said lifting his shirt to show the scroll pressed up against his body as he took it out.
"Hmm. Yep, these are Enma's markings. Definitely the real thing." Sunset said.
"And the ward casted on this is incredibly powerful." Tamamo said. "Not even my talismans or spells could break the seal."
"Yeah. Some guy tried to break it himself but got shocked in return. Things likely sealed to inflict an attack on anyone trying to force it off." Jack said.
"So how do we get the seal off? Only Enma knows his way around a seal like this, but we have no way of summoning him anymore." Hope said. "Wait a second… maybe the Yo-Kai watches will react to it." Hope said. "I'll just get mine close and….ah!" he said getting shocked.
"Okay, that's not gonna work." Sunset said.
"Well, hopefully we'll figure something out. With the prelims being a round-robin, we're gonna be here for a while." David said.
"He's right. I'm sure we'll figure something out in the meantime." Francisca said.
"I'll take it to the study and see if there's any method to remove it. It might be awhile though." Elementa said.
"Thanks, Elementa." Sunset said.
"Hmm. Okay. I've decided." Jack said. "Phantom Thieves, we're joining them."
"We are?" Morgana asked
"On a condition. If any treasure is discovered along the way, we get half of it." Jack said.
"It's always gotta be deals with you, huh bro?" Hope asked.
"I'm a thief. If I just join you for free without getting anything, it wouldn't reflect well on me." Jack said.
"Alright then. We accept your terms." David said.
"And Al, try not to complain about this. My brother has a way of getting what he wants." Hope said.K
Al puffed up her cheeks before blowing a rasberry. "Maybe later I should ask Mari to invent something so I could go on a solo journey of my own." she muttered.
"Why do that Al? We need you here. Besides, we're gonna need all the help we can get to find the Youseiken. And who's better at finding treasure like that than a Treasure Fighter?" Hope said.
"Alright, but when we're done, I'm going on a journey of my own." Al said. "And don't even say a damn word, goth boy."
"...How about four?" Emo said. "Don't die out there."
"That's a shock, is Emo being caring now?" Al teased.
"What can I say, you guys are growing on me." Emo responded.
"Guess even a guy like Emo can be a loyal friend." Hope said.