Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS: Obscured Truth

by DivadX

Yuhiro Furutani, one of 8 children kidnapped 10 years ago by an unknown group, now works as Raguel, an agent in LINK VRAINS' Black Market. One day, he fights the Knights of Hanoi and encounters Playmaker, who becomes his newest assignment. Follow Yuhiro as he now must decide who he wants to become: as both a duelist and as an individual.

56. Chapter 56: Call of the Wind

Response to Reviews

Thank you to HunterHQ, Kingdom Hearts Guy, ZarcEternal, Zeromk7, donkeyboy1000, E.T. 2000, Noobmaster, Guest, Anonymous, Ambiguous, Anonymous, Unnamed, and Unknown for reviewing Chapter 55 of Obscured Truth.

Hi, everyone! Judging from your reviews, I'm seeing positive feedback for the duel between Go Onizuka and Stregone. I'm glad you all liked this duel. I also hope you enjoy Arashi's backstory in this chapter as well.

Anyhow, let's get to answering reviews:

HunterHQ: No, the very special monster that Arashi will have later on isn't an OC monster believe it or not. It's a monster that already exists. Yup. Go Onizuka in Season 2 is practically a selfish man who ends up going down a dark path that nearly leads to his demise. Had Kenmochi and Yoroizaka succeeded in convincing Go to not take the chip, I believe it would have helped him see the error of his ways. Of course Quintet Magician represents uniting the Fusion Materials together, as using them with different names unleashes his true power. Great comparisons between the 'Gouki' deck and the 'Dinowrestler' deck. Regarding how Azrael will pay more attention to Go after he defeats Earth, that will not end well. It's a shame that both the dub and sub for Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS is finished, but hey. That's what Fanfiction is for. To expand the story and give the readers (and viewers) the story they need. Regarding Takeru's situation on Blood Shepherd, he'll inform the others about it this chapter.

Kingdom Hearts Guy: Of course Go will return to using the 'Gouki' deck. That's what he did in the anime. However, the 'Dinowrestler' deck will return as well, only it won't be used by Go.

ZarcEternal: I like the 'Dinowrestler' deck as well, as it combines two of my favorite things: Martial Arts and Dinosaurs. As much as I want to do a Stregone vs Go rematch, I'm afraid that sadly won't happen for the rest of Season 2. But Go will still lose with his A.I. chip to someone. Who, I can't say.

Zeromk7: Glad you like the chapter. My thoughts on the Suship archetype? All I'll say is this: It's an interesting archetype, as I never imagined a food archetype that combines with ships. I love the P.U.N.K archetype because it's based around music and rock and roll. Lastly, Revolver will use Borreload Riot Dragon at some point in the story.

donkeyboy1000: Glad you like the chapter. Keep up the awesome reviews!

E.T. 2000: Unfortunately, Go won't give up his obsession with defeating Playmaker, even though Stregone tried to convince him to move past it. That doesn't mean Go's affected by what Stregone said, for he succeeded in planting a seed of doubt in him. Yeah, karma is really going to bite Queen in the butt for what she did in Season 2, and it will not end well for her in both this Season and Season 3. Glad you liked the first appearance of Go's 'Dinowrestler' Ritual monster Dinowrestler Rising Taeklodocus. Don't worry. When Go uses his 'Gouki' deck, he'll include other summoning methods in the deck.

Noobmaster: The Knights of Hanoi are aware that Azrael stole their information, which set them back in breaking Baira out of prison. They're also aware of him freeing Ace and Athaliah, and vowed to end them. It's likely Azrael wanted to be seen so as to get the Hanoi's attention. That doesn't mean they know that he and Lightning are working together. No, they didn't see Wraith fire the 'Another' Virus into Ace and Athaliah. Athaliah was the one who was fascinated with the Cyberse, although at the time, she was obviously lying. While Yuhiro knows that Ace and Athaliah are working with Azrael, he doesn't know that they're working with Lightning. Lastly, Dr. Kogami did intend on finding the Root of All Knowledge.

Guest: The bounty hunters had to rest after once again losing against Playmaker and his allies. Meanwhile, Go Onizuka got his butt kicked by Stregone. It's likely that they'll appear during the Turf War arc.

Anonymous: You'll just have to read and find out how Arashi survived Windy's attack. If you want to know who won the handshaking contest, well...

Ambiguous: Azrael didn't infect Monty because he believed he would complete his mission. Unfortunately, Monty failed and died for his failure. At the moment, Speckles is the head of the Alpha Branch so that it's loyal to Ace only.

Anonymous: No, I'm not aware of that game. Although I could do a Karaoke scene if you like.

Unnamed: If a memory scanner existed, more criminals would go to jail, that's for sure. Like I said before, unless Yu-Gi-Oh Sevens does something that catches my attention, I won't watch it. And rest assured: If there are any cards from Sevens that catches my attention, I'll use them not just in this story, but in my Arc-V story as well. As your other theory regarding Revolver, well, let's just say it'll be his greatest challenge yet.

Unknown: If it benefits him, then Blood Shepherd likely expose someone's identity. However, he'll only do so if all precautions are taken care of, as exposing someone's identity without planning would not help him out in the long-term. Yup, Blood Shepherd is someone with no honor whatsoever. It's likely that the heroes can instigate a Mexican standoff as well.

All reviews are now done, which means it's time for a backstory. Enjoy!

Chapter 56: Call of the Wind

The sky appears, full of clouds. Playmaker races through the clouds on his duel board, followed by Raguel, Soulburner, and Slipstream. Two swords then slice the clouds completely to reveal NEW LINK VRAINS. One of the swords, a katana with symbols inscribed on the blade, crosses downwards to the left. Crossing downwards to the right was a typical western sword, with a golden rain-guard and a blue grip. The sword also had symbols inscribed on the blade as well. The two swords made a shining X, causing the Yu-Gi-Oh VRAINS! logo to appear, and underneath it, the words "OBSCURED TRUTH" ominously appear.

Yuhiro and Yusaku are walking down the street to school. Naoki runs past them, a large smile on his face. Aoi walks past them on the other side, smiling lightly and blushing at Yusaku. Then Takeru walks up behind them and wraps one arm around Yusaku. He then wraps the other arm around Yuhiro, surprising him for a few moments before being pulled to the side by Rachel, who's clearly happy to see him. Yuhiro smiles back at her.

Tsubaki and Hideki are shown boarding an airplane as they head to their destination. After sitting down next to each other in their respective seats, Tsubaki looks out in the window, which shows a reflection of Rosetta, while Hideki picks up the airplane guide and reads it. In the sky above them is Ace, a malicious sneer on his face.

Go Onizuka is shown wearing a hoodie as he leaves the waterfront for the last time. Outside of his home, he encounters Kenmochi and Yoroizaka, who are waiting for him. Smirking, the three of them raise their left arms into the air and enter NEW LINK VRAINS, with Go in his new avatar riding beside his new allies. Stregone crosses his arms as he looks down at them, a look of shock and disappointment on his face.

Kusanagi is then shown with Roxy at a nearby picnic table, both enjoying food and laughter while talking about technology. Flame and Ai are shown arguing in Café Nagi, while Herald ends up getting annoyed with their bickering. As a result, he snaps his fingers, causing Progleo to jump onto the desk and startle Ai and Flame.

At SOL Technologies, Akira Zaizen and Hayami are shown in Queen's office, with Queen handing them a signed order regarding Playmaker and Raguel. A look of hesitation appears on Akira's face, but he hides it just in time.

Azrael and Wraith are then shown with Ace and Athaliah standing behind them, shrouded in shadow along with their ace monsters Zerrziel, Ruler of the Evil Eyed and El Shaddoll Construct. Standing behind Azrael and Wraith though, is a black, bipedal dragon with red sclera, white irises, and black pupils obscured in shadow. The dragon roars before disappearing with Zerrziel and El Shaddoll Construct. Jumping above Azrael and Wraith is Malf, sporting a demonic expression on his face. He then extends his right arm forward towards the screen, darkening it completely.

When the screen becomes clear, Playmaker and Raguel are shown riding their duel boards next to each other, with Cyberse Witch and Cyberse Magician in front of Playmaker, and Cyreath Hercules and Cyreath Medusa in front of Raguel. The two are chased by Blood Shepherd, who directs two copies of Battledrone Sergeant to fire at them. Although the two of them are hit by the explosions the missiles caused, they escape unharmed. Suddenly, Drachen orders Red-Eyes Black Dragon to fire at them. In response, Playmaker and Raguel are shown swerving left and right to avoid the consecutive fire blasts. Joining the young man in the hunt is Electrolyzer, who orders PSY-Framelord Omega to attack Playmaker, but Raguel turns his duel board around and activates a card, causing Hercules to glow a bright light before transforming into Cyreath Hercules/Alpha Mode. His eyes glowing red, Hercules/Alpha Mode charged forward with his axe sword and clashed with PSY-Framelord Omega.

The screen then shifts to Slipstream watching the duel between Playmaker and an obscured Bohman, while Raguel duels Electrolyzer. Noticing Haru, who's also watching the duel between Playmaker and an obscured Bohman, Slipstream takes a card and summons Clear Wing Synchro Dragon, who roars at the boy. Haru, in response, takes a card and summons Hydradrive Nagini, who hissed at Clear Wing in the process.

Blue Girl and Rosetta are shown in NEW LINK VRAINS at a picnic table, laughing and enjoying each other's company. The two of them then turn their heads towards the duels going on in the sky, a look of concern on each of their faces.

Watchman's group is then shown, with Percival standing slightly apart from them as he makes a fist with his left hand. Simorgh, Bird of Sovereignty and Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon appear before a massive, red-skinned demonic looking monster with golden elements, several eyeballs embedded on its body and four tentacles with bladed claws rises from behind them.

The Knights of Hanoi are shown summoning their monsters. Motor Worm Spread Queen, Helixx Necro Darwin, and Dark Mummy Surgical Forceps first appear before fading into the background. Next is Dark Magician, Berserker of the Tenyi, and Lucifer, Condemner of the Burning Abyss, with Sunavalon Dryanome behind them. Borreload Savage Dragon then rises from behind the four monsters and roars loudly.

Akira is shown at Green Park with Emma, Gekiryushi, and Aoi, giving them details on finding the Ignis. Emma proceeds to make a flirtatious gesture at Akira, making Gekiryushi facepalm and comment on how flirting can be useful at a time like this. The two women then begin to argue, with Akira and Aoi trying to break up the argument.

Yuhiro and Progleo are shown with Miyu at the Den City Hospital, trying to help her walk. Miyu, who's using the parallel bars, ends up slipping, only for Yuhiro to immediately catch her from behind and help her stand up. Roxy then runs out of nowhere and starts pummeling Yuhiro, causing Miyu to almost fall backwards again to their shock. Catching her this time though is Medusa, who appears behind her and smiles, much to everyone's relief. Miyu smiles back, grateful for Medusa's help. The screen then flips around before showing Yuhiro on his knees, clasping an unconscious Miyu's hand in sadness and rage.

Cyreaths Hercules/Alpha Mode, Medusa, Hades, Poseidon and Zeus are then shown in the air, with Turboblaze Dragon racing past them. The five of them prepare to attack alongside Turboblaze Dragon, who unleashes his Desolation Flare attack as well.

Raguel and Herald are then shown on top of a tower, facing off against Azrael and Wraith in a duel. Behind Raguel and Herald is Turboblaze Dragon, while behind Azrael and Wraith is the black, bipedal dragon from earlier in the opening. Both dragons roar at each other. Raguel reeves up his sword, while Azrael unsheathes his katana before the two of them and their dragons charge at each other.

Yuhiro, Roxy, Miyu, Kusanagi, Takeru, and Yusaku are all shown sitting outdoors at a picnic table near the Den City Hospital, all of them eating hot dogs, and Takeru, Kusanagi, and Roxy are laughing. Three duel disks are shown on the table, with Flame lecturing Ai while Herald plays a game on Yuhiro's tablet.

Yuhiro, Roxy, and Miyu are sitting down on a bench outside the Den City Hospital, with Medusa standing nearby them and Progleo on Roxy's lap. Miyu proceeds to rest her head on Yuhiro's shoulder, causing him to blush as she smiles. Yuhiro smiles back at her, while Roxy and Medusa both smile at them, happy they're able to find happiness with each other. The scene then switches to NEW LINK VRAINS, with Raguel, Playmaker, and Soulburner standing on a building and looking out into the radiant sky.

At SOL Technologies, in Akira's office...

Akira was busy typing on his laptop, wiping the sweat off his forehead using his right forearm. He was stressed, mostly due to everything that recently happened. Ever since SOL Technologies put bounties on Playmaker, Raguel, and Soulburner to capture their Ignis's, Akira had been conflicted. He didn't want to fight against Playmaker and Raguel, for the both of them saved him and Aoi twice. Nor did Akira want to fight against Soulburner, another victim of the Lost Incident who showed up after Playmaker returned. The three of them are good people, and so are their Ignis's, he thought. That belief was why he sent Aoi and Emma to the gate to see if the Ignis really were a threat to humanity. Because if they weren't, he wanted to protect the Ignis from those who wanted to eradicate them. Akira also believed that there was a chance the Ignis and humanity could live together in perfect harmony. If it were true that the Ignis meant well, he'd take the first chance available to ensure coexistence would happen.

Then there was the matter regarding the bounty hunter task force Akira was assigned to take charge of. Since it was formed, not one Ignis was captured, as Playmaker, Raguel, Soulburner, and their new ally Slipstream were able to defeat them. Given what happened over the past few days, it was likely that Queen and Pawn would call him in for a report regarding the hunt for the Ignis. Akira knew that they won't like the bad news he'll have to deliver, that's for sure.

Ultimately, he didn't know what to do, as it was a lose-lose no matter who he helped. But if Akira knew one thing, it was this: He still had a say within SOL Technologies, and if he can convince his bosses of the truth by utilizing his perspective, it can lead to changes within the company.

"Mr. Zaizen." Hayami said, opening the door and entering Akira's office with a smile on her face. "Good news. Any remaining traces of Blood Shepherd's trap have been eliminated."

"That's good to hear, Hayami." Akira replied, glad that one matter was taken care of. Blood Shepherd went behind his back and attempted to capture Playmaker with a fake gate, only for Soulburner to save him at the last second before getting sucked into the trap instead. Although the gate was fake, Akira still had to send in the remaining bounty hunters at that location, with Playmaker and the others defeating them once again to his relief.

"ZAIZEN!" Blood Shepherd furiously shouted, opening the door with such force that it hit the wall with a loud slam, causing Hayami to scream loudly and Akira to narrow his eyes. Speak of the devil, there he was in the flesh. "I need to have a word with you now!"

"Hey, you can't just bust in here like that." Hayami protested, going over to Blood Shepherd. "You need to make an appointment and-."

"Do I look like I give a damn?!" Blood Shepherd snarled, in a tone that made her gulp. "Leave, or I'll direct my wrath on you as well." Hayami then started to shake in terror, now very afraid of him.

"Go, Hayami." Akira told her calmly. "I'll take care of this." Hayami then ran out of Akira's office, leaving him to deal with Blood Shepherd alone. "So, Blood Shepherd. What brings you here?"

"You owe me an explanation, Zaizen." Blood Shepherd seethed, going over to Akira's desk. "On why you sent your little posse to find the Ignis and protect them if they bore no ill will. How do I know this, you may ask? Let's just say Emma isn't the best secret keeper she claims to be."

"That I'm already aware of..." Akira muttered before looking at Blood Shepherd. "I'll have you know Blood Shepherd that no human is perfect in this world. Believe it or not, I anticipated Emma to slip up at some point, though I didn't expect her to do it at this specific time."

"While that may be the case, it doesn't explain why you sent your posse behind my back, Zaizen." Blood Shepherd then slammed his fists on Akira's desk. "So you better give me a reason on why I shouldn't go out there and eliminate Emma, Gekiryushi, and your precious sister Aoi Zaizen."

Akira's eyes widened for a moment before he narrowed them, angry that Blood Shepherd would threaten Aoi and the others as revenge. "You dare threaten my sister?!"

"Oh, I dare Zaizen." Blood Shepherd glared at Akira, which showed he meant business. "And on top of that, you better give me a reason on why I shouldn't report your traitorous actions to SOL Technologies' higher ups." A moment of silence passed before Blood Shepherd continued. "No answer? Let silence be your epitaph." He walked to the door of Akira's office, and was about to reach it when several screens suddenly popped up in front of him, which showed an image of a person Blood Shepherd recognized. "What is this?!"

"Why, it's your mother at the Den City Hospital." Akira answered, getting up from his chair. In his left hand was a remote, with his left index finger on the red button. "Ever since our previous encounter, I knew I needed to find a way to rein you in should something like this happen. So I personally convinced SOL Technologies to help you pay for your mother's hospital care. What's more, I have the authority to revoke it as well."

"You dare use my mother against me?!" Blood Shepherd seethed, turning his head to look at Akira.

"Yes I would." Akira asserted. "If SOL Technologies were to pull its funding, who knows how long you can pay for your mother's hospital care? I know you can do it on your own, but be honest with yourself. You'll eventually run out of money, and without it, the chances of your mother recovering will go down." He narrowed his eyes. "So if you want me to play by your rules, I'll be more than happy to, Kengo Dojun."

Kengo's eyes widened in surprise upon realizing that Akira knew his real-life identity. For a full minute, neither man spoke, each one processing the entire conversation that occurred between them. It was broken, however, when Kengo started laughing.

"I never expected you to play dirty like that, Zaizen." Kengo admitted. "You're just like me after all." He turned to Akira. "All right. I'll back off for now. But if your posse gets in my way again, I'll eliminate all of them, including your beloved sister." The screens disappeared as Kengo exited Akira's office, his discussion with him over.

Akira started breathing hard, actually surprised that he stopped Kengo from carrying out his threats. He then went over to his chair and sat down on it, steadying his breathing in the process. Once that was done, Akira opened up two videos on his laptop. One video showed Playmaker defeating Blood Shepherd, while another showed Raguel forcing a tie against Blood Shepherd in their duel.

Blood Shepherd may have backed off for now, but he's someone who'll eliminate anyone who gets in his way, Akira thought, looking at the videos. That being said, I have faith that Aoi and the others will be able to handle themselves should they encounter him. And I know good people who can help them as well in the event things go south.

Elsewhere, at Den Academy...

Yusaku, Yuhiro, and Arashi walked down Den Academy's main venue, the school day over at last.

"Guys, wait up!" Takeru called out to the trio, running up to them. "You're all headed to Café Nagi, right?"

"Of course we are." Yuhiro answered. "Do you have plans or something?"

"No, no. Just wanted to confirm." Takeru sheepishly scratched the back of his head. "Actually, Yuhiro. There's a favor I wanted to-."

"Fujiki! Fujiki! Fujiki!"

The quartet turned to see Naoki walk out from behind a tree. "I know you've been keeping secrets from me," he said with a smug grin. "Big ones to be exact. You and me need to have a little chat. Privately, of course."

Takeru looked worried, while Yuhiro raised an eyebrow. He one hundred percent knew that Naoki did not know Yusaku was Playmaker. Besides, he got his butt kicked by Emma for claiming to be his sidekick.

As for Arashi, he couldn't help but chuckle.

"Yeah. I doubt you know anything about Yusaku, Shina." Arashi told him, angering Naoki.

"For the last time, it's Shima! Naoki Shima! Why doesn't anyone get my name right?" Naoki complained.

Yusaku remained as stoic as ever, obviously not interested in talking with Naoki. "Sorry, but I'm kind of in the middle of something, Shima."

Naoki regained his composure upon hearing someone call him by his name correctly for once. "Huh? That's too bad. Because I think you want to have to say. After all, I'm not playing around, and you shouldn't make me annoyed."

"Hey man. It's cool." Takeru told Yusaku, who glanced back at him. "We can catch up later." Takeru, Yuhiro, and Arashi then walked ahead, leaving Yusaku with Naoki.

"Chances of Shina knowing Yusaku is Playmaker? Zero." Arashi quietly said, amused with the recent conversation.

"That's obviously true. Because the neanderthal is an idiot." Yuhiro agreed, smiling as well. He then turned to Takeru. "Say, Takeru. What was the favor you wanted to ask me?"

"Oh, that. I wanted to get Kusanagi a thank-you meal from Café Matsuo for his help in saving me from Blood Shepherd's trap." Takeru answered. As if on cue, Balelynx jumped out of his duel disk and walked beside him. "And it appears someone's hungry as well."

"Balelynx!" Progleo cried with joy, jumping out of Yuhiro's duel disk and walking alongside his companion. "I missed you so much!"

"Meow. Meow. Meow." Balelynx replied back.

"Balelynx says it's good to see you too." Flame translated for Balelynx, emerging out of Takeru's duel disk in the process.

"Hang on a minute. Your pets can talk?!" Arashi exclaimed, surprised at what he was saying. "That is freakin awesome! Wait a minute." He turned to Takeru. "Why's your cat saying 'meow'?"

"I got the idea from Ai, Arashi." Flame answered. "Since Ai understands what Linkuriboh's saying, I figured I should be Balelynx's translator before teaching Takeru how to do the same. This way, no one else but Takeru and I can understand what she's saying."

"After Flame and I got acquainted, he taught me how to translate what Balelynx is saying." Takeru continued for Flame. "It's actually pretty cool if you ask me."

"That might be the case. But in my opinion, it's better if a pet were to actually speak than go through the hassle of translating for them." Herald commented, emerging out of Yuhiro's duel disk in the process.

"We're all entitled to our own opinions, Herald." Yuhiro told him before turning to Takeru. "Anyhow, I'm sure Roxy would be more than happy to whip up a burger really quick for you and Balelynx."

"That would be perfect. Thanks, Yuhiro." Takeru replied. The three of them then walked in silence for the next few minutes. Eventually, the trio reached Café Matsuo, where they saw Roxy serving customers.

"Here you go!" Roxy said, smiling as she handed two meals to a couple before heading to one of the empty tables. She then noticed Yuhiro, Takeru, and Arashi approach the counter. "Hey guys! Great to see you! Where's Yusaku?"

"The neanderthal wanted to speak to Fujiki." Yuhiro explained, causing Roxy to laugh out loud.

"Now that's something I didn't expect." Roxy admitted. "Anyhow. What can I get you guys?"

"I was hoping for your personal recommendation." Takeru said. "I'm planning on getting Kusanagi something for his assistance in freeing me from Blood Shepherd's trap. That, and Balelynx is hungry too."

"Your cat's here?!" Roxy ran out the door and kneeled down to Balelynx before petting her. "Oh my gosh! You're such a cute cat, yes you are! Yes you are!"

"Hey! What about me?" Progleo asked with jealousy.

"Manners, Progleo." Yuhiro stated, kneeling down and petting the cub.

"Uh, about that burger recommendation, Roxy?" Takeru reminded her.

"Oh, right!" Roxy went back inside of Café Matsuo before going to the counter. "The common meal most people purchases these days is the Roundhouse burger. Contains all the fillings, along with two pieces of cheese. I'm thrilled to do this, you know. Gives me the opportunity to not only get feedback, but come up with fresh new ideas as well."

"Then I'll have two of those." Takeru decided, pulling out his wallet and paying for them.

"None for me, Roxy." Yuhiro said to her. "I'm saving room for dinner."

"So am I." Arashi added as well.

"Alright. Orders taken in. Payment obtained." Roxy listed. "Just wait at the table, and I'll get two take-out orders ready." After Roxy went to the back of the restaurant, Yuhiro, Arashi, and Takeru, along with Progleo and Balelynx, walked over to one of the empty tables and sat down on the chairs. Five minutes passed before she walked out and gave Takeru the meals.

"One for you, Takeru. And one for Balelynx." Roxy opened up one of the bags for Balelynx, who proceeded to literally devour the food inside. "Don't worry, Progleo. I'll prepare something special tonight. So wait until then."

"Alright." Progleo complied, knowing there was no point in complaining. The next thing everyone knew, Balelynx finished the meal, ready to go.

"Uh, I don't think cats are supposed to eat that fast." Arashi commented.

"When you're a Fire attribute monster, you tend to consume things rather quickly." Flame mentioned. "Anyhow, let's pay Kusanagi a visit, shall we?" The four of them, along with Progleo and Balelynx, left Café Matsuo after Roxy left the steward bot in charge of the place.

"If I'm being honest, I'm glad we can have a normal day like this." Yuhiro said, breathing in fresh air. "A break is just what we needed."

"Indeed." Herald agreed. "I can use this time to not only catch up on God of War: Ascension, but also kick Arashi's butt in video games!"

"You're never going to let go of the fact that I beat you in Broken Bonez, aren't you?" Arashi sheepishly chuckled, remembering how he beat Herald's high score.

"I worked a long time to reach that score." Herald reminded him. "And I will surpass your score one day. Just watch me!"

"Do you guys hear something?" Yuhiro interrupted, getting everyone's attention.

"Huh?" Takeru blinked before frowning too. "Now that you-."

POW!

Yuhiro and Arashi blinked in surprise, while Roxy gasped, still trying to comprehend what had just happened. A duel disk had fallen out of the sky and hit Takeru in the head, causing him to fall back on his rear end.

"Since when did duel disks fall out of the sky?" Takeru moaned, rubbing his head. He looked to the side and noticed the duel disk which seemed to resemble Yusaku's. "Uh, guys. Is it just me, or does it look like Ai right there?"

"It's most definitely him." Flame confirmed. "I recognize that lazy pose anywhere."

"I wasn't lazy! I fell, alright!" Ai exclaimed at Flame.

"Yes. By a flagpole you ran into." Flame pointed out, causing everyone to laugh at Ai, much to his dismay. "But wait! That means you can fly now?"

"Flame, you shouldn't have said that." Herald facepalmed, knowing what Ai was going to say next.

Ai laughed and spread out his arms. "That's right! Ai can fly!" he boasted. "Get it?"

"Nice one." Takeru said, amazed with Ai's newest accomplishment.

"Ai already did that before." Roxy told Takeru. "It lead to him and Herald arguing so much that I had to practically shut them both up."

"It was not good, that's for sure." Herald added, recalling that experience.

"Takeru." Flame said, getting his attention. "This gives me an idea. Perhaps it would be helpful if I had a motor transportation as well. Not as silly as a flying drone, but a twelve cylinder Flame-Mobile! Think on how much bus fare you'll save to school!"

"Flame. I would rather walk to school." Takeru facepalmed, knowing that idea was ridiculous.

"I can make that dream a reality if you like, Flame." Arashi offered, much to Flame's joy. In his mind, this was a great idea. If he could make Flame's vehicle, who knows how it would help mankind? The idea of an Ignis powering up vehicles was something he had to explore!

"NOOOOO!" Yuhiro, Roxy, and Herald shouted at the same time, snapping Arashi out of his daydream.

"Aw, come on! It's a revolutionary idea!" Arashi complained.

"The only mode of transportation I need is this drone." Ai told Arashi. "I am not someone's battery!"

"Hey, guys. What brings you down here?"

Everyone looked over at Kusanagi, who was wearing an apron.

"Kusanagi. Just the person I wanted to see." Takeru said, standing up on his feet. "I know it's a bit late, but I never got to properly thank you for your role in saving me from Blood Shepherd's trap. This isn't much, but I brought you a snack."

Kusanagi chuckled and scratched the back of his head. "Oh yeah? You didn't had to go through all that trouble on my account."

Ai floated up to Kusanagi's level. "That's a hamburger!" he noticed. "You shouldn't bring that to a hotdog stand."

"Be nice!" Kusanagi flicked Ai in the face. "It's important to taste test your rivals. Thank you. I'll take it." Thanks to his friendly rivalry with Roxy, he thought up new ways of advertising his business, such as Ai carrying the banner just now and with new food items. Kusanagi then took the bag from Takeru, accepting it.

"That's something I can agree with you on." Roxy said, going over and giving Kusanagi a fist bump. "Anyhow, would you mind cooking up some fresh hot dogs for us? I'm starving, even after my lunch break earlier today."

"Sure thing." Kusanagi replied. "I'll make some coffee as well." The quartet, along with Progleo and Balelynx, followed him to Café Nagi.

"Where's Yusaku?" Ai asked, floating up to Takeru's level. "Is his GPS on the fritz?"

"Actually, he's still at school." Flame answered.

"OOOOO, did he get detention?"

"No, he's meeting with the neanderthal known as Shika."

"Shika? Isn't that-?"

"It's a running gag for the longest time." Herald explained. "Except for Yusaku, everyone's changed Shima's last name with incorrect answers."

"It's amusing, that's for sure." Yuhiro admitted. "If you think that's funny, Ai, we also call him a neanderthal as well."

Ai laughed at that joke. "Man. He's definitely a punching bag for everyone, isn't he?"

"Yup," everyone agreed at the same time. Once everyone made it to Café Nagi, Kusanagi immediately got started on making hot dogs along with coffee. While it took a while, he was able to take in everyone's orders and get them all done within ten minutes tops.

"Thanks for the meal, Kusanagi." Takeru said, looking over at the monitors. "I don't know what's more amazing. Your awesome hot dogs or all this hacking hardware that you fit into your van."

"You know, come to think about it, it's far better than our setup at Café Matsuo." Roxy stated. "While our setup is in a backroom, your setup allows you to complete the job anywhere anytime. Great innovation, if you ask me."

"Happy for the compliment, Roxy." Kusanagi responded. "And I'm also glad none of you called hot dogs 'Hot Dog Sandwiches'."

"We could call them that if you like." Arashi offered, irritating Kusanagi in the process. In response, he let out a happy chuckle.

"Anyhow, as for the hardware, they're just tools used to get the job done." Kusanagi explained to the group. He then tapped his forehead with his right hand. "The real hacking's done up here."

"I can totally see why you and Yusaku make up the perfect team." Takeru said. "Kusanagi, you're the brains while Yusaku's the brawn."

"As if!" Ai interrupted. "Brawn? With his spaghetti arms? Those two were scrambling like eggs to get anything done until I showed up."

"Yes. With your spaghetti arms." Flame pointed out to Ai. That comment made Herald laugh.

"And that folks is Flame's first roast of the day!" Herald declared, causing Ai to glare at him. "Until you roast someone, I'm not gonna announce it."

"Be nice." Yuhiro told Herald.

"You know, I'm curious, Kusanagi." Flame continued. "What led you to collaborate with Yusaku?"

Kusanagi smiled. "Well, it's a long story. But since you're all here, I don't mind telling it again."

"Those are the best stories!" Ai said, paying attention to Kusanagi. "Come on. Story time. Tell us all the details, and leave nothing out! Except for the boring parts. Skip them."

"I'm curious as well." Arashi added, intrigued on how Kusanagi and Playmaker met.

"Alright." Kusanagi finally conceded. "I'll tell you how Yusaku and I started working together. But I have to warn you." He narrowed his eyes. "If you're looking for a happy tale, this isn't one of them. The story begins when Jin went missing. I didn't know it at the time, but my little brother got caught up in the Lost Incident, just like you Takeru, Yusaku, and Yuhiro." Kusanagi then talked about how he got into hacking and how he investigated the Hanoi, which lead to him being rescued by Yusaku, who went by Unknown at the time. He then told them about their hunt for the Cyberse deck to use against the Hanoi and the dungeon they found it in. Yuhiro couldn't help but be impressed of whoever made that dungeon into a map of Den City's pier.

Unbeknownst to everyone, Ai was smirking as he paid attention. He had used various machines to print out said cards in the real world and used an old robot to deliver it to the trunk in the Den City's pier before it powered down.

"Wow," Takeru said. "I wasn't expecting a story like that. So…" He turned to Yuhiro. "What about you? How did Raguel came into existence?"

Yuhiro was nervous before turning to Roxy, who nodded in assurance. "Five years ago, when I was living in the Den City Shelter, Roxy adopted me and took me home to live at Café Matsuo. One day, she took me to the Den City Hospital to visit Miyu, who was in a coma at the time. She did this to show that I wasn't the only one there during the Lost Incident. I became a Black Market agent for three years to help Roxy pay for Miyu's hospital care. Thanks to a mobile game called Fate/Grand Order, I was able to obtain the 'Cyreath' deck by defeating Hercules in his Berserker form in a duel. And eventually, Miyu woke up for three months."

"Yuhiro and Roxy definitely enjoyed spending time with Miyu, but of the two, I can say he enjoyed it more." Herald added, much to Yuhiro's chagrin as everyone laughed at him.

"Ha Ha. Very funny." Yuhiro sarcastically seethed at Herald. "And I wasn't the only one who enjoyed Miyu's company, remember?" He picked up Progleo, who was near him. "Progleo also loved spending time with her as well."

"It's true!" Progleo interjected. "I loved it when Miyu ruffled my fur!"

"You know I ruffle your fur just as well as Yuhiro and Miyu." Herald told the cub, who snickered at him.

"Just before recent events, Miyu was discharged from the hospital." Roxy continued for Yuhiro, everyone paying attention to her now. "I took Miyu out to the Den City Shopping District for school supplies and to make sure her dress fit her properly. When we went to get lunch..." She started crying. "The azure-overcoated man attacked us, and even with Medusa's assistance, he knocked her unconscious. I had to drive Miyu to the hospital once again as a result." Yuhiro put his hand on her shoulder, trying to console her.

"Guys, I'm so sorry about Miyu." Takeru said compassionately.

"We'll get her back." Yuhiro assured them. "Along with Jin. That I promise you." The others nodded, grimly recalling what happened over the past few days. Miyu sent to the hospital, Jin's consciousness data being taken by Bohman, the azure-overcoated man and his A.I. Malf... was a lot to take in, that's for sure.

"Thank you, everyone." Roxy said, regaining her composure. "I'm so glad to have friends like you guys."

"No prob." Arashi spoke up. "I did promise to help, after all. So you can count on me in this fight."

With the story over, Yuhiro turned to look at Takeru. "What about you? What gave rise to Soulburner?"

Takeru blinked and chuckled. "It's embarrassing when you phrase it like that. But basically…" Takeru frowned. "After we were freed from the Lost Incident, I found out that my parents had died in a car accident while searching for me. I moved in with my grandparents, but… I wasn't motivated. Every day seemed to blend together. I was just filled with anger and hopelessness. I kept missing school; I didn't have friends except a girl named Kiku. It just felt like my time had stopped moving."

His frown turned into a sad smile. "But then I heard about the Tower of Hanoi and the heroes who defeated the Knights of Hanoi. Shortly after, Flame found me and told me that Playmaker and Den City were the keys to overcoming my past."

"It was an interesting first meeting," Flame remembered. "He originally thought I was a ghost possessing a duel disk and tried to crush me with a suitcase."

Yuhiro blinked. "You're afraid of ghosts?"

Takeru frowned and fidgeted in his seat. "I'd… rather not talk about that. The Lost Incident… left other scars on me. But Flame helped me overcome them. Then we decided to come here, to Den City."

Kusanagi smiled. "You're fighting to move forward. That's what all of us are doing." Everyone else nodded, along with the three Ignis's.

"So let me get this straight." Arashi said. "One: You're afraid of ghosts. Not judging you there, as everyone has a phobia in life. Two: You used to be a bully and beat up people who annoyed you. I'll admit the phrase 'More than Meets the Eye' definitely applies in your backstory and how you came to Den City. Three: You're close friends with Kiku. You know what that means, right?"

"Don't go there..." Takeru begged, knowing what Arashi was likely going to say next.

"It means you have a crush on her, dude!" Arashi proudly announced, causing everyone to laugh, much to Takeru's dismay.

"Come on. Is that really necessary?" Takeru groaned, facepalming himself out of embarrassment.

"Of course it is!" Ai answered. "Earlier, we made fun of Yuhiro regarding Miyu, so now it's your turn. Takeru and Kiku, sitting in a tree. K-I-S-S-." Unfortunately, Flame punched Ai in the shoulder, shutting him up.

"-I-N-G." Flame finished. "Ai, it's my job to make fun of Takeru, not yours." He put a hand on his chin and pondered before turning to Takeru. "Come to think about it, Arashi's statement makes sense. Before you met Yusaku and the others, aside from your grandparents and myself, the only person you interacted with was Kiku. When she was held hostage by gangsters, you bravely went headfirst into danger to rescue her. Not to eliminate a lose end, but to rescue someone who was precious to you. What's more, you confronted your fears and became a better person as a result. Besides, didn't she have a cute nickname for you and you alone?"

Takeru sighed in defeat. "She calls me Teddy, Flame. You already know that."

"Well? You starting to realize it now?" Flame grinned before getting serious. "While I don't know what it's like to confess to a girl, know that I and everyone else has your back. So once this is over, you must go to Kiku and admit your true feelings towards her. And who knows? It may be easier than you think."

"Thanks for the comforting words, Flame." Takeru said. "Definitely gives me some confidence, that's for sure."

"Meow. Meow. Meow." Balelynx added, jumping onto Takeru's lap and giving him some comfort.

"What did Balelynx say?" Roxy asked, wanting to hear the details.

"She says she with me until the very end." Takeru answered. "Goes to show how loyal pets are, that's for sure." Yuhiro nodded in agreement with Takeru's answer, knowing how Progleo was loyal not just to him, but to the people he cared about as well.

"I'm curious, Flame. What was Kiku's reaction when she met you?" Herald inquired.

Flame thought it over before answering. "Well, instead of being spooked, Kiku interacted with me like a regular person. She liked how I was loyal and encouraging to Takeru, as well as my straightforward thinking on various topics. Overall, she's a lovely person. No wonder Kiku gets along with Takeru so easily."

"So with Takeru out of the way, I think we should continue making fun of Yuhiro and Miyu being a potential couple in the future." Ai immediately stated, only for Herald to punch him in the shoulder, much to Yuhiro's relief.

"No, that job's already taken by Roxy and I!" Herald told Ai.

"Alright, fine." Ai conceded. "I know. Maybe we should make fun of Yusaku and Aoi being a couple again."

"Oh, yeah. I remember." Kusanagi recalled. "The day when I made Yusaku join the duel club, I ended up shipping him and Aoi as a potential couple."

Roxy's eyes widened upon realizing something. "It makes sense! Both are strong duelists in LINK VRAINS, are socially awkward at times, and each of them went through a harrowing experience. The only difference was that Yusaku experienced the Lost Incident, while Aoi didn't. I can't wait to tease Aoi about her crush on Yusaku."

"Please don't do it..." Yuhiro begged to Roxy. "If you do, Aoi's gonna kill me."

"Fine, fine. I'll tease Aoi once Yusaku tells her that he's Playmaker." Roxy grinned in delight, looking forward to the day where she can tease Aoi about her feelings towards Yusaku.

"Well, it seems there's one more person that has to tell his backstory." Kusanagi said, as everyone turned to Arashi.

"Are you sure you guys want to hear it?" Arashi asked, slightly nervous. "I mean, it's kind of a long story."

"Hey, no one's going to judge you." Yuhiro assured him. "Besides, you'll have to do it at some point, so you might as well get it off your chest now."

Arashi took a deep breath and smiled. "Okay. I'll tell all of you the story on how I arrived at Den City."

Flashback: One month and a half earlier, at the Gamma Branch...

"Just like you guys, I was forced to partake in the Lost Incident at a young age, and man did it suck. I thought it would never end, but one day, I was rescued along with you guys. At first, it was tricky for me to recover, but my family helped me every step of the way. You could say that life eventually resumed for me by the time my therapy ended."

"What helped me recover was two things. One: My family's practices in both engineering and programming. I was fascinated at how things came together, as well as how I can manipulate code in my favor. The fact that I was able to regain a sense of control was something that aided my recovery. Two: My love for Duel Monsters. One day, a deck contest came up online, and whoever won would have their entire deck printed out and shipped to them. So I created the Speedroid deck, which focused on fast Synchro Summons and lockdown strategies. And eventually, I won. As for Clear Wing, I got her from my grandfather."

"But even though I was able to resume everyday life, I had some pent up anger for being locked up like a lab rat, forced to do someone else's experiment every day. So whenever I had the chance, I logged into LINK VRAINS and challenged duelist after duelist to master the Speedroid deck. One day, I heard of something called Gammadome Rumble, and realized I can test myself against really strong duelists. Because let's be honest here. The duelists I fought before were noobs since they weren't prepared to fight against old summoning methods. So I signed up and logged into the Gamma Branch, where I expected to duel against someone who was strong. Unfortunately, like the others, he was a noob."

A guard guided Slipstream into a small arena, which was nothing compared to the big arena next door. Looking around, he understood why Gamma Branch was dangerous compared to the other branches. Not only was the leader there merciless, but the missions assigned were very difficult to complete, to the point where vast rewards were offered to those that completed them. Lastly, everyone at the Gamma Branch shared a single belief: Survival of the Fittest. That is why they hosted Gammadome Rumble whenever they could. To attract strong duelists, and ensure that the weak were forbidden from ever approaching their territory again. And if that wasn't enough evidence, battle marks from past duels all around the buildings. Heck, there were even skeletons dangling on some of the buildings, as if to warn the people of what they become should their usefulness run out. For some reason, that gave Slipstream chills.

"Here you go, kid," the guard said, motioning for Slipstream to enter the door. "You'll need it against him." Slipstream silently entered the arena through the door, where he found a large crowd gathered around a duel stadium.

KABOOM!

A duelist was sent flying back as he hit the wall, knocking him out as the crowd cheered. Two guards then carried the loser out of the dome, much to the crowd's delight.

"The winner, by total annihilation, is El Rocco!" a female announcer who carried a mic shouted to the crowd. Slipstream then poked his head upwards to see his upcoming opponent. El Rocco wore a large blue hoodie with yellow lines at the shoulders, along with black shoes. He also had a mullet, with a short ponytail tied to the back of his head.

"Who has the guts to step into the ring against the great El Rocco?" El Rocco shouted, having reveled in his recent victory.

"Can I try?" Slipstream asked, causing everyone to turn to him. "I heard this place has strong duelists, and was hoping to duel someone who would give me a challenge." The crowd opened a path for Slipstream, enabling him to walk into the ring where El Rocco was.

"What's your name, little boy?" El Rocco inquired.

"Slipstream."

"Well, Slipstream. Prepare for battle." Both duelists went over to a side on the duel field before readying their duel disks. After the female announcer entered the ring, she closed the door behind her before going over to the center of the duel field.

"Two duelists enter. One duelist leaves," the female announcer said to the crowd. "Duelists ready?" Both Slipstream and El Rocco nodded. "Then let the games begin." She then left the duel field afterwards.

"Duel!" Slipstream and El Rocco said in unison.

El Rocco: 4000 LP

Slipstream: 4000 LP

"I'm going first." Slipstream told . "My turn! I activate the Spell card, Speedroid Scratch. By sending one 'Speedroid' monster from my hand to my Graveyard, I can add one 'Speedroid' monster from my deck to my hand." After Slipstream sent a card from his hand to his Graveyard, a card popped out of his deck, which he added to his hand. "Since I control no monsters, I can Special Summon Speedroid Terrortop from my hand." A chain of red tops with blades attached to them appeared on Slipstream's field.

Speedroid Terrortop ATK: 1200 DEF: 600 LV: 3

"Next, I Special Summon Speedroid CarTurbo from my hand." A red and white card with a small engine with a blue battery on top appeared on Slipstream's field. Underneath the card were small engine parts, as well as a thin, blue box.

Speedroid CarTurbo ATK: 800 DEF: 1200 LV: 3

"I can Special Summon this card when I control a Wind monster." Slipstream explained. "It's time to rev it up! I tune the Level 3 Speedroid CarTurbo with the Level 3 Speedroid Terrortop!" A bolt of green lightning struck Slipstream as the world greyed out and his two monsters disappeared into particles. Two rings, one red and one white appeared before turning blue and merging. Six blue rings stacked in a tower appeared, a screen displaying "3 + 3" in front of them. The screen changed to "6" as light surged through the rings.

"Magical sword with the form of a cross! Use your power to rend all enemies!" Slipstream chanted. "Synchro Summon! Appear, Level 6! Hi-Speedroid Kendama!" A dark blue machine resembling a cross with a large sword attached to its center appeared on Slipstream's field in the right Extra Monster Zone.

Hi-Speedroid Kendama ATK: 2200 DEF: 1600 LV: 6

"A Synchro Summon on your first turn?" El Rocco said in surprise. Usually, he expected his opponents to Link Summon, but this time around, it was a different summoning method.

"That kid Synchro Summoned just now," one member of the crowd said.

"I thought old summoning methods were obsolete," another member of the crowd added.

"That's right, ladies and gentlemen! I just Synchro Summoned!" Slipstream confirmed. "And I can also do this! Kendama's effect! Once per turn, I can banish a 'Speedroid' monster from my Graveyard to inflict 500 points of damage to you! I banish Terrortop!" Kendama blasted El Rocco with a bolt of energy, making him take a step back as the crowd gasped in surprise.

El Rocco: 4000 – 500 = 3500 LP

"I activate the Continuous-Spell card, Dangerous Machine Type-6. During each of my Standby Phases, I can roll a six-sided dice and activate one of six effects depending on the result I get. As for what effects Dangerous Machine Type-6 has, you'll find out next turn." Slipstream took the remaining card in his hand and said, "I Set one card face-down and end my turn."

"My turn! I draw!" El Rocco said, drawing the top card of his deck. "You may have dealt a small amount of damage, but that'll be your only victory in this duel. I activate the Continuous-Spell card, Second Coin Toss. Once per turn, when a Coin Toss is performed, I can choose to redo that toss. If the toss involves multiple flips, then I have to redo all of them." Slipstream grinned after hearing El Rocco's explanation. A duel that incorporated chance made it exciting, that's for sure.

"I summon Twin-Barrel Dragon from my hand!" A blue robotic dragon with no wings and claws appeared on El Rocco's field. Its mouth and head had a gun attached to each one.

Twin-Barrel Dragon ATK: 1700 DEF: 200 LV: 4

"When Twin-Barrel Dragon is summoned, I can toss a coin twice. If I get two heads, I can target a card on your field and destroy it." A coin appeared at the center of the field before launching itself into the air. Once it reached the ground, it landed on heads. "One heads down, one to go. I flip the second coin!" A second coin appeared at the center of the field before launching itself into the air. Once it reached the ground, it landed on tails. "I activate Second Coin Toss's effect to redo Twin-Barrel Dragon's effect!" A third coin appeared at the center of the field before launching itself into the air. Once it reached the ground, it landed on heads. "One heads down, one to go. I flip the second coin." A second coin appeared at the center of the field before launching itself into the air. Once it reached the ground, it landed on heads. "YES! Since I got two heads, I can target a card on your field and destroy it. I target Kendama!" Twin-Barrel Dragon fired a burst of gunfire at Kendama, destroying it completely as the crowd cheered.

"Way to go, El Rocco!" one of the members in the crowd shouted.

"Tear this duelist apart, just like the others!" another member of the crowd said, hungry for more.

"I activate the Spell card, Polymerization." El Rocco continued. "This card lets me Fusion Summon one Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck by using monsters from my hand or field as Fusion Materials. From my hand, I use Blowback Dragon and Barrel Dragon to Fusion Summon!" A dragon with blue and red chromed armor, as well as no wings and claws, first appeared on El Rocco's field. Its head consisted of a plasma gun. Next, a black dragon with no wings and claws appeared on El Rocco's field. Attached to its head and sides were three proton cannons. Both monsters then dissipated into red and blue particles respectively before swirling into a vortex. Two tornadoes of energy shot upwards and merged to form a white and yellow whirlwind.

"Dragon of mechanical power! Gun down my enemies with merciless ferocity! Fusion Summon! Roar, Level 8! Gatling Dragon!" A long, three-headed dragon on spiked wheels appeared on El Rocco's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. Each of its heads consisted of a machine gun, as well as two metal plates on its sides.

Gatling Dragon ATK: 2600 DEF: 1700 LV: 8

"There it is, folks!" the female announcer shouted to the audience. "El Rocco's ace monster has arrived on the scene."

"Gun him down! Gun him down!" the crowd chanted, knowing what was about to happen next.

"It's time to battle!" El Rocco declared. "Gatling Dragon attacks you directly!" The machine guns on each of Gatling Dragon's heads began to rotate, firing a swarm of bullets at Slipstream, causing him to take several steps back.

Slipstream: 4000 – 2600 = 1400 LP

"This duel is over! Twin-Barrel Dragon attacks you directly!" The guns on Twin-Barrel Dragon's head charged up before firing at Slipstream.

"You seriously think this duel's over? That's lame if you ask me." Slipstream interrupted with a smirk. "Trap card, activate! Reject Reborn! When your monster declares a direct attack, not only can I negate the attack, I can also end the Battle Phase as well. In addition, I can Special Summon one Synchro monster and one tuner monster from my Graveyard."

"What did you say?!" El Rocco exclaimed, shocked as a shield surrounded Slipstream, protecting him from Twin-Barrel Dragon's attack. He grit his teeth, angry that he was played for a fool.

"From my Graveyard, I Special Summon Kendama and Red-Eyed Dice." Two monsters then appeared on Slipstream's field.

The first monster was Kendama, who appeared in one of the Main Monster Zones.

The second monster was a yellow dice with a single red eye and six red electrodes orbiting around it.

Hi-Speedroid Kendama ATK: 2200 DEF: 1600 LV: 6

Speedroid Red-Eyed Dice ATK: 100 DEF: 100 LV: 1

"That kid survived against El Rocco's attacks?!" a member of the crowd said, unable to process what just happened.

"It must be a fluke. It has to be a fluke!" another member of the crowd commented. There were many murmurs who agreed with what they said.

"I end my turn." El Rocco concluded, still upset by what Slipstream did. "Make your move, boy."

"My turn! I draw!" Slipstream eagerly said, drawing the top card of his deck. "Dangerous Machine Type-6's effect! As it's my Standby Phase, I can roll a dice and activate one of six effects based on the number the dice lands on." A dice then appeared at the center of the field. "Go, Dice Roll!" The dice flung itself into the air and landed on the field. When it finished rolling, the dice landed on a five. "The dice lands on a five, which means I can destroy one monster you control. I destroy Gatling Dragon!" A blast of electricity erupted out of Dangerous Machine Type-6, which hit Gatling Dragon and turned it into particles.

"Not smart!" El Rocco said. "I activate the effect of Desperado Barrel Dragon from my hand! As a face-up Dark Machine monster was destroyed by battle or card effect, I can Special Summon this card from my hand!" A metal dragon with a red underbelly appeared on El Rocco's field. Plasma cannons were on its head and arms. Rigged metal spikes were on its back as well.

Desperado Barrel Dragon ATK: 2800 DEF: 2200 LV: 8

"And El Rocco recovers from his loss!" the female announcer said to the audience as they cheered for their leader.

"You got this, El Rocco!" a member of the crowd shouted.

"Blow that little duelist up for us, El Rocco!" another member of the crowd said.

"Yeah, I don't think that'll impede my progress." Slipstream told El Rocco. "It's time to rev it up! I tune the Level 1 Speedroid Red-Eyed Dice with the Level 6 Hi-Speedroid Kendama!" A bolt of green lightning struck Slipstream as the world greyed out and his two monsters disappeared into particles. Two rings, one blue and one yellow, appeared before turning blue and merging. Seven blue rings stacked in a tower appeared, a screen displaying "6 + 1" in front of them. The screen changed to "7" as light surged through the rings.

"Spread those wondrous wings, and strike down your enemies at the speed of light!" Slipstream chanted. "Synchro Summon! Appear, Level 7! Clear Wing Synchro Dragon!" A white and black dragon covered in white, blue, and black armor appeared on Slipstream's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. She had neon green crystals attached to her body, which acted like wings that shone with bright light.

Clear Wing Synchro Dragon ATK: 2500 DEF: 2000 LV: 7

"Another Synchro Summon?" El Rocco stated in surprise before grinning. "Even if you attack, I'll still survive this turn and wipe you out like the other weaklings."

"Let's just see what happens." Slipstream calmly replied. "I activate the Spell card, Speed Recovery from my hand. This card lets me Special Summon one 'Speedroid' monster in my Graveyard, in exchange for not Normal Summoning or Setting any other monsters for the rest of this turn. Return, for a second time Kendama!" For a second time, Kendama reappeared on Slipstream's field in the Main Monster Zone.

Hi-Speedroid Kendama ATK: 2200 DEF: 1600 LV: 6

"From there, I activate the effect of CarTurbo in my Graveyard! By banishing this card and one 'Speedroid' monster in my Graveyard, all Wind monsters I control gain 800 attack points until the end of the turn. I banish CarTurbo and Red-Eyed Dice!" Soon, Kendama and Clear Wing were each surrounded in a red aura, thus indicating that their strength increased.

Hi-Speedroid Kendama ATK: 2200 + 800 = 3000

Clear Wing Synchro Dragon ATK: 2500 + 800 = 3300

"Battle!" Slipstream declared. "Hi-Speedroid Kendama attacks Twin-Barrel Dragon!" Kendama charged at Twin-Barrel Dragon, intent on destroying it.

"Like I'll let that happen!" El Rocco interjected. "I activate Desperado Barrel Dragon's effect! Once per turn, during the Battle Phase, I can-."

"Denied!" Slipstream interrupted. "I activate Clear Wing's effect. If a Level 5 or higher monster activates its effect on the field, or a monster effect is activated that targets a Level 5 or higher monster on the field, I can target that monster and negate its effects, as well as destroy it. By doing so, Clear Wing gains its attack points until the End Phase. I target Desperado Barrel Dragon. Dichroic Mirror!" The neon green crystals attached to Clear Wing shined as she blasted the glow at Desperado Barrel Dragon, destroying it and gaining its strength.

Clear Wing Synchro Dragon ATK: 3300 + 2800 = 6100

Kendama then generated energy before piercing Twin-Barrel Dragon, destroying it and forcing El Rocco to shield his eyes from the explosion.

El Rocco: 3500 – 1300 = 2200 LP

"Time for the finale! Clear Wing Synchro Dragon attacks you directly!" Clear Wing rose high into the sky before roaring and diving downwards, green winds whipping around her in the process.

"Oh no..." was all that El Rocco said, as he realized one thing.

He lost.

"Spinstorm Sky Strike!" Slipstream shouted, as Clear Wing divebombed El Rocco with enough force that he was sent flying all the way back to the electrical generator, severely damaging it in the process.

El Rocco: 2200 – 6100 = 0

The next thing everyone knew, the power went up.

"The winner... is... Slipstream..." the female announcer said, unable to process what happened.

"Whoops..." was all Slipstream stated upon looking around the area. "Didn't mean to make the power go out like that. But hey. No more El Rocco."

"Find that kid!" El Rocco shouted in the darkness. "Bring him to me!" As if on cue, a group of men found Slipstream before beginning to chase him.

Immediately, Slipstream made a mad dash for the door before getting out of the small arena. While the men chased him, he was able to stay one step of them for a single reason. He was young, and they were old. The chase continued on through the streets until Slipstream saw some men ahead of him, which forced him to turn right. He managed to turn left and continued outmaneuvering the group of men pursuing him. Unfortunately, the chase ended when Slipstream found himself in an alleyway, not by his choice anyway. The group of men were able to corner him there, preventing any means of escape.

"Guys, guys." Slipstream said to the group of men. "Lets talk about this. I mean, if you ambush me, it proves you don't have any balls whatsoever." Unfortunately, the comment only infuriated the leader of the group.

The next thing Slipstream knew, electricity was fired at the group of men, causing them to convulse to the ground and fall unconscious.

"Oh, sorry about that. My arm slipped." Raguel commented, checking to make sure the men were unconscious. He then turned to Slipstream. "You alright, kid?"

Slipstream couldn't believe his eyes. In front of him was the infamous Raguel. One of the duelists who helped shut down the Tower of Hanoi. "Holy shit... You're Raguel. What you did was totally crash, man!"

"Crash?" Herald repeated, an eyebrow raised. "Is that a new phrase that humans say nowadays?" His appearance, however, freaked Slipstream out.

"Pardon my friend here." Raguel told him, pressing some buttons on his duel disk. Soon, a program popped out, which he gave to Slipstream. "It's likely those guys will have you tracked. That's why I'm giving you this program to use in the real world. If they show up, use it, but it only works once."

Slipstream nodded eagerly after using the program. "Of course. Thank you Mr. Raguel. I mean, Raguel." He then logged out afterwards.

In Tokyo, at the Hada Residence...

Arashi got up from the beanbag, a huge smile on his face.

"Alright! I kicked ass in the Gammadome Rumble and escaped unharmed!" Arashi proudly cheered. His stomach then growled. "Looks like the excitement made me hungry. I better go make myself some sandwiches." He then rushed out of his room and went downstairs towards the kitchen.

Only to find his family in the living room, waiting for him.

"Uh, what's going on?" Arashi raised an eyebrow. This never happened before, so the fact they were all here, some sitting on the couch and some standing up was just... new.

"Sit down Arashi," a man said, gesturing Arashi to sit down at the main couch chair in the room. He had dark-green hair, with some of it being light-green on the sides. The man wore a hoodie, along with grey pants.

Arashi sat down at the main couch chair, knowing that his father meant business. He looked around the room, and saw three other people in the living room.

The first person was a lady wearing a dark-blue shirt, along with jeans. She had short, brunette hair, and wore earrings on her ears.

The second person was a young adult male. He wore a dark-green hoodie over his white shirt, which had two rockets swirling around each other. He also wore a black hat with a Japanese symbol on it over his dark-green hair. Lastly, he wore dark pants.

The third person in his room was an elderly man, who wore a black shirt and dark pants. The grey hair on the back of his head was tied in a ponytail, and he also had grey hair on his sides, which resembled a small beard. Lastly, he had a goatee.

"Arashi, you know we care about you," Arashi's mother, Cassidy, began.

"And it's because we care about you that we've decided we need to talk to you," Arashi's cousin, Takeda, said. Arashi looked around the room a bit uncomfortably, noticing that his grandfather, Martin, nod at him.

"You're hurting the people around you, sweetie." Cassidy continued.

"What you're doing, it has to stop." Takeda told Arashi.

"So we decided that starting tomorrow, your access to LINK VRAINS is revoked," Arashi's father, Timothy said, as he went to sit down on the other couch chair nearby the couch chair Arashi was sitting on.

"My access to LINK VRAINS is being revoked?" Arashi repeated, shocked at what was happening. This wasn't a good sign at all. "But that's where I spend my free time."

"Arashi, you need to get out in the real world a bit more." Martin stated.

"It'll be good for your health, trust us." Takeda said, who was concerned for his younger cousin.

"We also decided that starting tomorrow, you'll be going with Takeda to the Tokyo Horizon Institute." Cassidy added, a firm look on her face. Before Arashi can retort that decision, Timothy spoke up.

"This decision is final, Arashi." Timothy told him, leaving Arashi dumbfounded as he, Cassidy, and Martin left the living room. Furious with what just happened, Arashi stormed upstairs to his room, Takeda following him in the process.

"You better make this up to mom, dad, and grandpa soon." Takeda warned Arashi, who sat down at his computer chair.

"Sure, sure..." Arashi replied, not paying attention to Takeda.

"And I hope you learned your lesson."

"Absolutely." Arashi turned his chair to face Takeda, who didn't buy it.

"You're going back into LINK VRAINS, aren't you?" Takeda deduced, going over to Arashi and taking his duel disk from him. He checked the history logs, shocked at what he saw. "You went to the Gammadome Rumble?"

"Well, yeah." Arashi answered. "I need a challenge." Arashi turned his chair away from Takeda, only for him to yank it away from the computer.

"When are you gonna start doing something with that brain of yours?" Takeda asked Arashi, poking him on his forehead. "You managed to learn engineering and programming just like the rest of us. If you went to the Tokyo Horizon Institute-."

"Like you?" Arashi interrupted, poking Takeda in the chest. "So people can tell me stuff that I already know?"

Takeda's jaw slightly dropped, shocked at the comment Arashi made. "Unbelievable. Mom, dad, and grandpa would not be happy with your comment."

"You know of what happened to me all those years ago..." Arashi pointed out, getting up from his chair and walking away from Takeda before stopping. "I'm grateful for everything you guys did for me to recover. Unfortunately, I still have resentment towards the people who locked me up in that place and made me do their experiments like a lab rat. The only way I can release that resentment from time to time is to log into LINK VRAINS and duel against other duelists. It helps me get duel experience." Arashi would have left his room had Takeda not stopped him.

"That's the problem." Takeda stated, grabbing Arashi by the shoulders and turning him around. "You claim to have moved on, but what you just said renders it moot." He sighed. "Look. I'll make you a deal. Come with me for one day to the Tokyo Horizon Institute. If it doesn't impress you, I'll ensure you can log back into LINK VRAINS again."

"You would do that?" Arashi's eyes widened in surprise. Why would his older cousin offer him this deal?

"Yes I would." Takeda confirmed. "My hope, though, is that you'll find a greater passion that surpasses your current one." Arashi frowned at him. "I'm not saying that logging into LINK VRAINS is bad. All I'm saying is this: Finding something new will give you a better outlook on life in general." Takeda then walked downstairs and left Arashi's room.

"A better outlook on life..." Arashi muttered, walking over to his bed and laying down on it. "What do you mean by that, Takeda?"

The next morning, at the Tokyo Horizon Institute...

"And here we are!" Takeda announced, as he parked his car in the Tokyo Horizon Institute's parking lot. He and Arashi then walked over to the elevators, where the duo rode the elevator to the fourth floor.

"Can't we just go through the front entrance?" Arashi asked Takeda.

"The elevator's a faster method to go inside." Takeda explained. "Besides, I want to give my little cousin the VIP tour." The doors opened, allowing them to enter the main building. When Arashi looked around, he was impressed by what he saw. In various rooms were people testing out different experiments, ranging from chemical to engineering to computer programming and even more. Arashi also noticed some walls turning solid, as if to give someone a private space to do their work.

"Okay, this isn't bad." Arashi admitted. "I didn't know that people tested their experiments here."

"It's a part of the program here." Takeda stated. "Whatever subject of study you choose to major in always has a hands-on portion. This way, people can learn how things work in the real world. It's nice, as it gives them new ideas regarding innovation. Oh, here we are." Takeda then opened a door to his right, motioning for Arashi to enter inside. Once he did, Takeda then followed him.

"Watch out!" a voice cried out, a motorized bicycle nearly hitting Arashi. The rider, who wore a slick black jacket along with track pants, hung it up before taking a slim wheel off of it and walking over to the nearby table for inspection. Arashi then walked over to where the motorcycle was, inspecting it thoroughly.

"Uh, who are you?" the rider asked Arashi, forcing him to take a step or two back.

"Rylee, this is my younger cousin Arashi." Takeda said, introducing Arashi to her. Rylee then took off her helmet, revealing her black hair that had a purple stripe on it. She also wore highlighter over her magenta-colored eyes.

"Welcome to the nerd lab." Rylee told Arashi, walking away from him and Takeda.

"I never seen electromagnetic suspension on a bicycle before." Arashi said, trying to converse with Rylee.

"Aero resistance equals faster motorcycle." Rylee replied. "But as of this moment, it's not fast enough." She threw the slim wheel in her hand to the nearby recycle bin, hitting it with accuracy. "Yet." Rylee then walked away from the duo.

His curiosity piqued once again, Arashi walked to another section of the room, with Takeda following after him.

"All right!" a male voice said, looking at a football helmet before putting it on. The man had dark skin, along with an afro. He had brown eyes, and over his head was a football helmet. He also wore a light-blue sweater over a green shirt, as well as dark-blue pants. "Oh, hey kid. I didn't see you there."

"Hey, Hank. This is my younger cousin Arashi." Takeda said, going over and placing a hand on Arashi's shoulder, who nervously smiled at Hank.

"Hello, Arashi. Nice to meet you." Hank smiled at Arashi, putting him at ease. "Prepare to be amazed." He pressed a button on his desk, causing a wall to be moved down to his lab. He took a step or two back before charging at the wall headfirst, which hit the football helmet. "Okay. This is good so far!"

"You're improving the durability of a football helmet with microlattice pads?" Arashi asked. "And you also applied Dascium metal to it?" He turned to Takeda. "Isn't the Dascium metal rare to get?"

"The Tokyo Horizon Institute got it as a gift from one of our sponsors a long time ago." Hank clarified. "I think it was from Uchida Industries, right Takeda?"

"Yup." Takeda confirmed.

"My aim is to one day prevent sports injuries on the football field." Hank told Arashi, walking over to his desk. "That's why I constantly improve on the football equipment that's already out there. From the football helmet over there to pads all over one's body, I work everyday so that no one suffers a concussion or injury again."

Arashi looked at the desk. "Didn't know you had a system of tools there."

"Keeps things organized, little buddy." Hank patted Arashi on the head, only for the moment to be interrupted seconds later by Rylee grabbing one of Hank's tools. "Rylee, you can't do that! This is anarchy! Society has rules!" He then chased after Rylee, irritated by what she did.

"Excuse me! Coming through!" a female voice cried out, forcing Arashi and Takeda to make room for a woman that had honey-like brunette hair and wore glasses. She also wore glasses along with a lab coat. The woman rolled a ball past the duo and headed to her lab, where Arashi and Takeda walked to moments later. "Takeda! Oh my gosh, you must be Arashi! I heard so much about you!" She then kissed Arashi on each side of the cheek, making him blink at what just happened.

"Arashi, this is Kaitlyn. Kaitlyn, this is Arashi." Takeda said sheepishly, who scratched the back of his head.

"Glad the both of you came! Look at this, look at this!" Kaitlyn then pressed a button on her desk, elevating the ball upwards.

"I can see you used a lot of rubber and polymer." Arashi figured out, looking at the ball.

"One hundred pounds of it! You haven't seen the best part!" Kaitlyn then dragged Arashi over to another table, which showed a variety of beakers of different sizes. Some of them were connected with small tubes, with each one filled with a chemical. "A dash of pleomorphic acid, a smidge of cobalt, a tinge of hydrogen peroxide, and superheated to five hundred degrees. What do you get, you may ask?" She then walked over to the ball and sprayed it all over the giant ball. The next thing the trio knew, the giant ball changed color before splitting into several smaller balls. "Ta dah! Pretty great, huh?"

"So... You split the giant ball into smaller balls?" Arashi asked, picking them up.

"You might think it's lame, but there's one more thing you missed." Kaitlyn responded, pressing a button on a remote and causing the little balls to morph back into a giant one, surprising Arashi.

"Woah."

"I know, right." Kaitlyn enthusiastically smiled. "With this invention, I intend to improve the world of play for children."

"Not bad, Kaitlyn." Takeda praised her.

"YOOOOOO!" a voice shouted, scaring Arashi and making him step back. The voices owner wore a green monkey costume. "Don't be alarmed. It's just a monkey costume." The wearer of the costume then unzipped it, revealing a teenage male wearing a fluffy hat with a monkey symbol on it. "The name's Marco. Nice to meet you." Marco then shook Arashi's hand, who accepted the handshake.

"So what's your major?" Arashi asked.

"Follow me and you'll find out." Marco then led Arashi, Takeda, and Kaitlyn over to his lab, where on the table was a monkey. "Oh, this is Chester the monkey. Don't worry. He won't bite."

"Now that's a cute monkey." Arashi commented, going over to Chester. Unfortunately, Chester slapped him once with each hand, surprising Arashi. "Really? I thought monkeys were nice."

"I'm trying to teach Chester how to understand human language." Marco explained, going over to Chester and petting him. "He doesn't do well to new people. But over time, he gets used to you." At that moment, Chester slapped Marco once with each hand. "Oi! What did I say about slapping people?"

"Chester is kind of a pain in the butt sometimes." Kaitlyn added, crossing her arms. "It still baffles me why Marco would try to brainwash Chester."

"For the last time, it's not brainwashing!" Marco pointed out, going over to Kaitlyn. "If I succeed in this, we'll be able to determine the right way in training animals. The research can likely be ground-breaking for mankind." Kaitlyn and Marco began arguing, forcing Takeda to guide Arashi away from the arguing pair.

"There's one last stop on the tour." Takeda told Arashi, entering a room. "Behold. My lab." Arashi looked around the place. It was a big room, with tools and blueprints on the table nearby. Also on the table was a tablet, along with other appliances.

"So where's your invention?" Arashi asked Takeda, the duo walking towards the desk.

"Right here." Takeda answered, picking up his tablet and pressing a few buttons on it. Soon, a small artificial intelligence popped out of the tablet. His body was white, with the upper portion being colored black. He also had two arms, with each of the hands being colored black. The face consisted of a black screen, which showed blue eyes. On top of his head was two small ear-like circles with small green circles on the inside. Lastly, instead of legs, his bottom half had a tail-like curve at the bottom.

"Hello. I am Omni, your personal A.I. companion." Omni said, waving its hand. "At your service."

"An A.I.?" Arashi repeated. "I'm surprised you made one, even though there's so many out there."

"That may be the case, but Omni's different. Watch this." Takeda replied, pressing a few buttons on his tablet. "Omni, go into the microwave." Omni went into the tablet and then integrated himself into the microwave within seconds, his body now composed of the microwave.

"Okay, that's cool." Arashi admitted. "Although I need to test this myself."

"Go ahead." Takeda then gestured Arashi to step forward to Omni, who was still integrated into the microwave.

"Okay, Omni." Arashi went over and grabbed some frozen food from the nearby fridge. "Heat these pizza pockets to Level 3 for twenty seconds."

"You got it!" Omni enthusiastically complied, the microwave settings turning itself on. Twenty seconds later, it stopped, revealing freshly heated pizza pockets. "Here you go!"

"Wow, this is awesome!" Arashi exclaimed, eating one of the pizza pockets along with Takeda, who grabbed one as well. "You've done some serious coding on this A.I., huh?"

"I programmed Omni with over ten thousand procedures, enabling him to fulfil various tasks." Takeda explained, tapping a button on the tablet, causing Omni to return there. After he did, Takeda gave it a high five. "With this little guy, I'll be able to help mankind perform even the most difficult of tasks. Oh, and if you're worried that Omni will be used for military purposes, don't be. I set parameters on him so he doesn't turn on the human race."

Arashi laughed. "Like Skynet from Terminator? Now that's funny." He then took a closer look at Omni. "Hyper spectral cameras?"

"Yup." Takeda confirmed. "Ensures he can access the main functions of each appliance he goes into, as well as technological systems."

"Burning the midnight oil, Mr. Hada?" a middle-aged man asked, entering Takeda's lab. He had grey hair, and wore a green vest over a blue, buttoned up shirt. The middle-aged man also wore black pants.

"Hey, Professor Murchison." Takeda said. "I was just finishing up."

"You must be Arashi." Professor Murchison stated, going over to shake Arashi's hand. "A pleasure to meet you."

"Nice to meet you as well." Arashi responded. "I heard great things about you."

"Really?" Professor Murchison smiled in surprise, wanting Arashi to continue.

"I heard you created several laws of robotics." Arashi began. "That was ground breaking research you did. Thanks to you, technology was able to take another step forward. For that, I'm grateful."

"I did it for the betterment of mankind, Arashi." Professor Murchison replied, the trio exiting Takeda's lab. "Ever think about applying here? Your age wouldn't be an issue. After all, I heard great things from your family, and how you learned both engineering and programming at a faster rate than the average human. Give some thought about it, and the next time we meet, you can give me your answer." He then headed for the elevator, waving to Arashi and Takeda before the doors closed. The two of them then went the other way, eventually reaching the elevator that took them to the parking lot.

"I have to go here!" Arashi realized, as he and Takeda got into the latter's car. "If I don't go to this school, I'm gonna lose my mind." He turned to Takeda, who began to drive out of the parking lot. "How do I get in?" Takeda proudly smiled at Arashi, intent on helping him get into the Tokyo Horizon Institute. Once the duo got home, they headed to Arashi's room.

"Every year, the school has a student showcase." Takeda explained, turning to Arashi, who was sitting in his chair. "You come up with something that blows Professor Murchison away, and you're in. But to enter, you need to submit a thesis on your idea."

"A thesis?" Arashi repeated before groaning. "Why does everything that's exciting have a boring part?"

"Don't worry about it." Takeda assured Arashi, putting a hand on his shoulder. "You have four family members willing to help you out. Now come on. Let's go grab some food." He then walked downstairs, Arashi following after him.

One month later...

For an entire month, Arashi worked on his idea for the showcase. Several times, he had to access his family's workshop, which Timothy was more than willing to help him out after hearing the good news. Takeda looked over Arashi's invention several times to find kinks that the latter can improve on. At the same time, Arashi worked on his thesis before giving it to Cassidy and Martin for a read over. While the two of them found mistakes in it, the feedback only fired Arashi up to work on it even harder. After several revisions and feedback from his family, his thesis was ready to go.

This enabled him to focus all his time inside the workshop, spending every day building his invention. At one point, Arashi held up the invention in his hand. It was a little metallic shard with round points at the end so he wouldn't accidentally prick itself. "What should I name you, little guy?" Arashi asked. Beside him were several recycle bins, which he walked over to. Opening one of them up, there were a ton more metallic shards in them.

"How about nanobots?" Takeda suggested, who held a tablet as he entered the workshop. "If you like, I can have Omni do a scan for you."

"Sure thing." Takeda pressed a button on his tablet, causing Omni to appear. Soon, Omni then went into the recycle bin, scanning several of the little metallic shards at once before returning to the tablet.

"All shards at 100%." Omni confirmed.

"Sweet." Arashi grinned, looking forward to the showcase. "You know what, I like the name nanobot. It fits in a way." He turned to Takeda. "I'm curious. What other names did you have in mind?"

"Well..." Takeda showed off his bicep before speaking in a deep, adult voice. 'Nanomachines, son. They harden in response to physical trauma." He and Arashi then laughed.

"That's definitely Armstrong's quote from Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance." Arashi commented, the two of them still laughing.

"It was either that or nanobots." Takeda replied, getting it together. "If I'm being honest, nanobots is a far better name than nanomachines, don't you agree?"

"Yes I do." Arashi answered, giving Takeda a fist bump.

A few days later, at the Tokyo Horizon Institute...

The night of the showcase was here. As Arashi, Takeda, and his friends (who were wheeling in the recycle bins) walked into the building, Arashi looked around and saw various inventions. From underwater exercising to a new upgrade of VR googles and even a solar powered engine, it showed that there were a ton of innovators, that's for sure.

"Wow, a lot of sweet tech here today." Takeda commented before turning to Arashi. "How are you feeling?"

"You're talking to a duelist. Takes a lot more than this to rattle me." Arashi replied.

"Yup. He's nervous." Rylee stated behind Arashi and Takeda.

"Oh, you have nothing to fear, little fellow." Marco assured Arashi.

"He's so tense." Kaitlyn sweetly commented.

"No I'm not!" Arashi protested.

"Relax, Arashi." Kaitlyn turned to Rylee. "Tell him, Rylee."

"Stop whining. Man up," was the only advice Rylee told Arashi.

"I'm fine!" Arashi said for the final time.

"What do you need, little man? Deodorant? Breath mint? Fresh pair of underpants?" Hank asked Arashi.

"Underpants? You need serious help." Rylee pointed out to Hank.

"Hey. I come prepared." Hank responded.

"I haven't done laundry in six months." Marco bragged. "One pair lasts me four days. I go front, I go back, I go inside out. Then I go front and back." That last part made Rylee, Kaitlyn, and Hank gag.

"Wow. That's both disgusting and awesome." Takeda told Marco, having finished setting up the recycle bins near the stage with Arashi before joining the others.

"Don't encourage him." Rylee explicitly said to Takeda.

"It's called recycling." Marco replied.

"Next presenter, Arashi Hada," a female voice announced.

"Oh yeah, this is it." Marco walked over and joined the others.

"I'm guess I'm up." Arashi said nervously.

"Okay, photo, photo!" Kaitlyn grabbed the others and put her phone out for a selfie. "Say, Arashi!" The picture was taken seconds later.

"Good luck!"

"Don't mess it up!" Rylee said.

"Break a leg, little man." Hank added.

"Science, yeah!" Marco exclaimed.

"Alright, bro. This is it." Takeda stated to Arashi, preparing for a fist bump. "Come on, don't leave me hanging." He then noticed that something was amiss. "What's going on?"

"I really want to go here." Arashi began, only for Takeda to put a hand on his shoulder.

"Hey. You got this." The reassuring comment from Takeda encouraged Arashi to step up onto the stage before facing the large crowd looking at him.

Before he spoke, Arashi cleared his throat. "Uh... hi. My name is Arashi Hada, and I've been working on something that I think is pretty cool. I hope you like it." He pulled out a neural transmitter and put it on his head before activating it. Next, Arashi took out a nanobot from his pocket. "This is a nanobot. It may not look like much, but when it links up with its buddies..." Soon, the recycle bins started to shake before releasing an army's worth of nanobots, swarming through the audience and forcing them to make a path. The nanobots then arrived on the stage beside Arashi.

"Whoa!" one audience member said.

"Okay, now I'm paying attention," another audience member added.

"Here, things get a little more interesting..." Arashi told the crowd, releasing the nanobot in his hand and allowing it to join up with the others, making the crowd gasp. "The nanobots are controlled with this neural transmitter, so when I take it off..." The nanobots fell to the ground, earning another positive crowd reaction. "...the nanobots fall to the ground. But if I put it on again..." Arashi put on the neural transmitter, turning on the nanobots once again before turning into a structure, earning the audience's attention for a third time. "...they turn back on. I think what I want them to do, and they do it." The nanobots turned into a hand before waving, much to the crowd's excitement. "The applications for this tech are limitless. Allow me to show you right now." Arashi walked right into the nanobots, which lifted him up to the top. He then took a step off the tower, the nanobots catching him.

"Nanobots can move anything anywhere with ease." Arashi continued, walking high above the crowd using the nanobots. He then walked upside down with their assistance, impressing the crowd as Arashi made it back to the stage, getting high fives from his family and friends in the process. "If you think it, the nanobots can do it. The only limit is your imagination. As such, I present to you, the nanobots!" The crowd cheered, and Arashi looked over to Professor Murchison, an impressed look on his face. Arashi and the nanobots bowed together, thus concluding the presentation.

"That's my son!" Cassidy called out to the crowd. Takeda then ran over to the stage, where he found Arashi getting off of it.

"You nailed it, man!" Takeda exclaimed with joy, giving his younger cousin several fist bumps.

"You did it!" Kaitlyn said.

"Not bad." Rylee added.

"You just blew my mind!" Marco stated.

"Awesome job, kid." Hank finished, the four of them going over to where Arashi and Takeda were.

"Well done, Arashi." Professor Murchison said, going over to where the others were. "I must admit. I'm impressed with your invention."

"In all honesty, I was nervous professor." Arashi admitted, scratching the back of his head. Professor Murchison then pulled out a slip of paper and gave it to Arashi.

"The judges and I spoke to each other, and guess who won?" Professor Murchison smiled as Arashi realized who won. "Congratulations, Arashi. Welcome to the Tokyo Horizon Institute. I look forward to seeing you in class." He then walked away, giving him a thumbs up as he did so.

A few minutes later...

Everyone cheered for Arashi as they exited the Tokyo Horizon Institute.

"I'm so proud of you, Arashi!" Cassidy said, giving him a hug.

"You definitely impressed us, son." Timothy added, patting Arashi on the head.

"I don't think all of us will fit in your car, mom." Arashi sheepishly pointed out.

"We'll walk home, mom." Takeda suggested. "Let grandpa know we're coming home."

"Will do." Cassidy and Timothy then headed for the car while Arashi, Takeda, and their friends headed over for the sidewalk.

"I know what you're going to say." Arashi began before imitating Takeda. "I'm proud of you for finally doing something with that gift of yours." Everyone laughed.

"Okay, he got you there, Takeda." Hank told him.

"Nah, I don't think so." Takeda replied. "All I was going to say to Arashi was that his fly was down for the whole show." Everyone laughed, much to Arashi's dismay.

"Ha-Ha. Hilarious." Arashi commented.

"So how does it feel being the youngest to ever get admittance to the Tokyo Horizon Institute?" Marco asked Arashi.

"Uh, pretty nerve-racking." Arashi answered hesitantly.

"You should be excited!" Kaitlyn stated, giving Arashi a hug behind him. "We'll be seeing each other a lot more now!"

"If he's on the same floor as us." Rylee reminded Kaitlyn, much to her dismay. Rylee smiled shiftily, glad to put in a roast on Kaitlyn.

"I'll make sure it happens for the first bit." Takeda assured Kaitlyn, much to her joy before turning to Arashi. "Welcome to nerd school, nerd."

Arashi smiled back at him. "Hey. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you. So thanks. For not giving up on me."

"No prob, kid." Takeda patted Arashi on the head afterwards. "Hey, we reached an intersection, and it's clear. Good timing."

"Come on, guys! My parents are cooking the best dinner ever!" Arashi said, motioning for them to follow after him. He then began to cross the intersection...

...Until an out of control car appeared out of nowhere and headed straight for Arashi!

"What the-?!" Arashi's eyes widened before beginning to run away from the car. But at that moment...

"Get down!" Takeda exclaimed, pushing Arashi out of the way and taking the hit for him, his body being flung to one side of the road before the car swerved to the right and crashed.

"Takeda!" Arashi shouted, going over to him, with his friends following after him. "Do either of you know CPR?" Rylee nodded in confirmation, along with Kaitlyn. "Okay. Rylee and Kaitlyn, try to resuscitate Takeda. Marco, call an ambulance fast. Hank, we have to get that driver out of the car."

"Right!" Marco proceeded to get out his phone, while Rylee and Kaitlyn began CPR on Takeda. Hank and Arashi then headed over to the destroyed car, pulling the right door out to see if anyone was in the car.

"Anyone in there?" Hank asked, Arashi poking his head as well. When the two of them took a closer look, they saw that something was amiss. "No one was driving this car, except..."

"An AI." Arashi finished. He took out his phone and scanned the screen, only for an explosion to envelop the car, sending Arashi and Hank flying off the ground and landing on their backs.

"Ambulance is on its way." Marco informed Arashi, as he and Hank got back on their feet. "This is not how I envisioned the night to finish."

Arashi shook his head before pulling out his phone, preparing to call his parents about the bad news.

A few hours later, at the Tokyo State Hospital...

Arashi, his family, and his friends watched as the doctors finished operating on Takeda, managing to stabilize him in the process. One of the doctors left Takeda's hospital room and approached the group.

"We did everything we could," the doctor told them. "For now, he's stable. However, we're not sure if he'll wake up or not. All we can do for now is wait."

Cassidy gasped before beginning to cry, with Timothy giving her comfort in response.

"Aw man." Hank commented. "I can't believe something like this would happen to Takeda."

"He's in that position because he saved me..." Arashi realized.

"There was nothing you could do." Kaitlyn tried to assure him, placing a hand on his shoulder, but Arashi shrugged it off.

"Arashi..." Rylee began, only for Arashi to walk away from them, a look of pure grief and anger on his face. Whoever did this, I'll find you, Arashi thought, making a plan in his mind. For my family and friend's sakes, as well as Takeda's, I'll bring you in and make you regret messing with my family. He eventually left the hospital, intent on carrying out that promise.

One week later, at the Hada residence...

The whole family was asleep. No one but Arashi was awake as he packed up his stuff. His plan was simple. Go to Den City, and find Raguel. With his help, he can find the one who put Takeda in the hospital and bring them to justice. Arashi was about to leave when Omni emerged out of the tablet.

"Where are you going, Arashi?" Omni asked, only for Arashi to shush him.

"Shhh..." Arashi replied, getting Omni to lower his voice. "I'll be going away for a while, and I don't know when I'll return."

"Then let me come with you..." Omni offered quietly. "With my help, you can-." Before Omni could finish, Arashi put a finger on Omni's mouth, silencing him.

"As much as I want your help, I can't accept your offer." Arashi responded quietly, declining Omni's request. "Takeda would kill me if I took you with me. Besides, I have a request for you."

"What is it?"

"Please keep an eye on my friends and family." Arashi told him. "Help them out however way you can. It's going to be rough for them, so any assistance you can provide will go a long way."

Omni sighed in sadness. "Okay. Please stay safe. For Takeda's sake."

"I promise." Omni then returned into the tablet. Arashi took a piece of paper and began writing a good-bye note on it, not wanting to disrupt his family in the night. Once that was done, he quietly walked downstairs and exited the house.

Only for Martin to be at the front porch, waiting for him.

"Please move aside, Grandpa," Arashi requested. "I have to do this."

"I'm not stopping you." Martin replied, surprising Arashi. "If you want to know why, then you'll walk with me for a bit." Arashi shrugged his shoulders. What could he lose right now? He then walked with Martin for a bit on the nearby sidewalk.

"So about that question..."

"I know that look in your eyes." Martin began. "You want to find the one who hurt Takeda. When I was younger, my friend got hurt by someone. So I spent the next few days trying to track that person down, intent on getting even. But as he was at my mercy, I realized something. I was starting to become just like him. A person who couldn't control himself. A person who was consumed with rage and pain." He turned to Arashi. "At that moment, I stopped and let him go. I chose to forgive him for hurting my friend, and by doing so, I was able to move on from that experience."

"And you're worried that'll happen to me..." Arashi replied.

"That's what I'm afraid of." Martin confirmed, having stopped walking before he turned to Arashi. He then pulled out a card and gave it to Arashi. "This card will help you in your darkest hour. If you intend on getting justice for Takeda, I won't stop you. My only request is this: Do not get consumed by this path you're taking, Arashi. Otherwise, you'll end up no better than the one who wronged you in hurting Takeda."

"I'll do my best." Arashi promised.

"And remember: With great power comes great responsibility." Arashi nodded in understanding, running past Martin and heading for the train station. Be careful, Arashi, Martin thought, walking back home. For whoever you end up facing will be your most difficult challenge yet.

Flashback End: Present Day...

"And that's it." Arashi finished, taking a breath of relief. "Now you know why I came here. It's to bring the one who injured Takeda to justice."

"That's a lot of heavy stuff, dude." Kusanagi commented.

"We appreciate you telling us." Flame added. "Although I do wonder why someone would attack you."

"That's what I want to know." Arashi replied, crossing his arms. "Honestly, it sucks not knowing who tried to end your life."

"We'll find them." Yuhiro assured him. "Add that to the list of things we need to figure out."

"You're not alone here." Roxy reminded him. "We're trying to figure out why Bohman and Haru kidnapped Jin's consciousness data, who would attack Miyu, and who destroyed the Cyberse World."

"It's a long list if you ask me." Ai pointed out.

"It may be long, but it's still something to get done." Herald told Ai. "Eventually, all mysteries get solved. It's something that always happens in a story."

"Thanks for telling us your story, Arashi." Takeru said. "It's good to know someone else who went through the Lost Incident like Yuhiro, Yusaku, and myself." He turned to Kusanagi. "I think Arashi's passed his final test, don't you think Kusanagi?"

"Yup." Kusanagi confirmed. "Congratulations, Arashi. Welcome to the team."

"Hang on a minute." Arashi stated. "My final test was to tell my origin story? Why didn't anyone tell me sooner?"

"If we did, you'd be more hesitant." Yuhiro answered.

"No I wouldn't. Okay, maybe a bit more." Arashi admitted. "Say, Takeru. I forgot to ask. Before we freed you from Blood Shepherd's trap, how did you fare in your duel against him?"

"If I'm being honest..." Takeru's eyes suddenly widened. "Shoot! I think Blood Shepherd knows my real-life identity!"

"WHAT?!" everyone exclaimed, except for Arashi, who was calm and had a smirk on his face.

"Why are you smirking like that?!" Roxy demanded, turning to Arashi. "This is a big deal!"

"Because Blood Shepherd no longer knows your real-life identity, Takeru." Arashi answered, surprising Takeru. "When my Pac-man's freed you, it gobbled up any data Blood Shepherd had on you, as well as the entire trap. So in other words, you're secret's still safe."

Takeru sighed in relief. "Thank goodness. I thought I was screwed there for a moment." At that moment, Arashi's phone buzzed before he pulled it out and looked at it.

"Oh, it's the result from that contest." He read it over thoroughly. "And the winner is... Miyu Sugisaki!"

"That's awesome!" Roxy cried with joy, going over and squeezing Arashi with a hug. "Thank you so much! Miyu's so going to look forward to this!"

"Uh, Roxy? You might want to release Arashi, or else he'll run out of air." Yuhiro sheepishly suggested, making Roxy realize what she was doing. She released Arashi from the hug, letting him gasp before taking a breath. A few moments after that, Yusaku entered inside of Café Nagi, getting everyone's attention.

"Hey. How did your meeting with Shina go?" Ai asked out of curiosity.

"A complete waste of time." Yusaku answered, going over to sit in the spot beside Takeru. "Arashi told his story, right?"

"He did." Yuhiro confirmed. "He's just like us. A victim of the Lost Incident."

"I see." Yusaku turned to Arashi. "It was my idea to keep you in the dark for your final test. Sorry about that."

"Well, at least it's for a good cause." Arashi smiled. "What I am happy about is that I'm an official member of the team! Woo Hoo!"

"Settle down, Arashi. Otherwise, people will notice the commotion and get suspicious." Herald told him.

"I just have one question. Since you guys have Ignis's, what's mine like? Is he a prankster like me?"

"Yes," everyone answered, much to Arashi's delight and everyone else's dismay.

"Something tells me that life at Café Matsuo is gonna get livelier if Arashi and Windy become friends…." Yuhiro whispered to Roxy.

"Yup. Those two teaming up to pull pranks will not end well for us." Roxy whispered back.

"If there's one thing we all have in common, it's this. We're all moving towards the future." Flame said. Everyone nodded, along with the other Ignis's.

"I hope we'll be sharing that future." Ai commented. "Otherwise, it'll feel lonely without you guys. Because in a way, we're like a family."

"Indeed we are, Ai. Indeed we are." Herald agreed.

A light shines and the letters spelling out VRAINS light up the screen before a network is formed and several cards are drawn in towards a pillar of light. Playmaker, Raguel, and Soulburner are shown with their respective Ignis and stats, along with real-life forms that across the backgrounds that match their Ignis' colors. The screen then shows each of them being shocked while wearing VR sets as kids, along with Arashi.

The screen gets swallowed with darkness at it reveals a young Yukage huddled up and crying, his shadow shrinking behind him before taking the form of Wraith and comforting him. Yukage looks up with a menacing and soul piercing glare before the darkness consumes him and he's replaced with an older version of himself. Azrael and Wraith are then shown in NEW LINK VRAINS, as they look out into the digital sky. The scene then shifts to Bohman standing tall above NEW LINK VRAINS and holding the earth in his hands with Haru by his side. Malf grins in the shadows behind them, his red eyes shining bright in the process.

A drop of light falls down, and as it explodes, it reveals Playmaker, Raguel, and Soulburner, standing on buildings watching over the network, along with Slipstream as well. Blood Shepherd is shown commanding a trio of Battledrone Sergeants before the screen shifts to Drachen, who is shown commanding Red-Eyes Black Dragon. The screen then shifts a third time to Electrolyzer, where above him was PSY-Frame Driver, with PSY-Framegears Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon, and Zeta. The screen then shows Go Onizuka, Kenmochi, and Yoroizaka with Dinowrestler King T Wrextle, Gouki the Blade Ogre, and Gouki the Solid Ogre behind them ready for battle.

Blue Girl, Ghost Girl, Numera and SengokuQueen are then featured together riding their duel boards across the night sky with shooting stars flying across them. Trickstar Holly Angel was with Blue Girl, while Numera was with Geomathmech Final Sigma. Ghost Girl was with Altergeist Dragvirion, while SengokuQueen was with a male shinobi wearing grey robes and armor pads with neon-yellow lines running over them. The man had a red scarf around his neck, along with a face-mask and face visor on his head. He also had spiked-brown hair and a ponytail as well. In his right hand, he carried a Sai, while the brass knuckle on his left hand emitted four translucent blades.

The screen then changes to Raguel, Playmaker, and Soulburner riding on their duel boards with Cyreath Medusa and Cyreath Hercules/Alpha Mode, Cyberse Magician, Cyberse Witch, and Salamangreat Heatleo behind them. Following the trio is Slipstream and Clear Wing Synchro Dragon. The four of them join together with a fist bump and smile in the real world as the wind blows, with Kusanagi, Roxy, and Greg watching them from Kusanagi's truck. Rachel then runs toward the quartet, and more specifically, Yuhiro, a look of joy clearly on her face. Unbeknownst to everyone, they're watched from the shadows by a cloaked person who glares at them, biding his time.

Card Gallery

No new cards in this chapter.

QOTC

What are your thoughts on Arashi's backstory? How do you think it would change if Arashi had:

One: A Dragunity Deck.

Two: A Battlewasp deck.

Three: A F.A. deck.

Chapter Preview

Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS: Obscured Truth. Chapter 57. Seeing Scarlet. Rosetta leads Blue Girl, Ghost Girl, and SengokuQueen into the Beta Branch's main headquarters, intent on freeing the other enslaved girls there. As they go deeper inside, they end up being separated by the headquarters' ever-changing structure, making their mission much harder. Wanting to make sure no one else chooses the path she did, Rosetta duels against the Beta Branch's boss Clarice, while Blue Girl battles against Clarice's right-hand woman Sandalphon...

Author's Notes

Thanks everyone for waiting. I wanted to make this chapter special for you, as the second anniversary's coming up for this story, and I can't wait to write a special chapter for you guys to celebrate it. Anyhow, lets recap the chapter:

So for those of you who were looking forward to the showdown between Akira and Blood Shepherd, well, let's just say it was a Mexican standoff. Blood Shepherd threatened to hurt Aoi and the others, and Akira in response threatened to cut SOL Technologies' funding for Blood Shepherd's mother's hospital care. To rub in the wound, Akira even reveals that he knows Blood Shepherd's real-life identity as Kengo Dojun. That's right. He knows the truth. So for anyone thinking that Akira's soft, well, I proved you wrong. While Akira doesn't want to play dirty and hurt others, he will play dirty for the safety of those he cares about. Believe it or not, that impresses Blood Shepherd, who agrees to back off for now.

Then there's the anime scenes, and following that is Arashi's backstory. The reason why it took so long was because I wanted to provide a description on how Arashi became the person he was today. That being said, Arashi headed to Den City to get Yuhiro and everyone else's help was because his cousin Takeda got injured saving him from the runaway car. This motivates Arashi to get justice for Takeda, hoping to bring in the one responsible for hurting him. Since you've all seen the Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS anime, well, you'll probably know what's coming next, so I won't remind you about it. The reason why Yusaku and the others didn't tell Arashi that his backstory was the last test was because Arashi would have been a bit more hesitant had he learned this beforehand. Other than that, I hope you enjoyed Arashi's backstory, and what made him the person we know him today.

So without further ado, I want to thank you all for reading Chapter 56 of Obscured Truth. As always, please let me know your thoughts about the chapters below in your reviews. Also, constructive criticism is appreciated, as your tips and advice helps make the story better. In addition, don't forget to favorite and follow the story. That way, you will get a notification once the next chapter is released.

What did you enjoy the most about this chapter? The confrontation between Akira and Blood Shepherd? Takeru and Yuhiro being teased about the girls in their lives? Arashi's backstory? Or was it something else?

That's all for now, folks. See you next time, as for the second anniversary chapter, it'll focus on the girl squad battling the Beta Branch. I hope you all enjoy it!