Chapter 3: The Future Mayor's Son, Sawatari Shingo

Recap: During Yuya-san's match against the Pro Duelist Strong Ishijima. He was overwhelmed because of how overwhelming Ishijima's skills were, but suddenly he created a new summon named Pendulum Summon. Not only did he win the duel, but because of his courage, I was finally able to talk after seven years. It finally seems like everything is looking bright for us.

Later in the Afternoon_You Show Duel School_

After the spectacular event at LDS Stadium, every duelist around the junior youth ages and younger wanted to attend You Show Duel School. Ever since, they witnessed the summon Yuya Sakaki used and won against the Pro Duelist, Strong Ishijima.

They all wanted to see Pendulum Summon for themselves and even learn the summon. While the current students and Teachers of You Show Duel School had to prepare for the event. Chou had to make sure the new Solid Vision System was hooked and worked properly with Ayu, and Futoshi helped her set up the system.

Shuzo had to recite his speech and memorize exciting facts about their duel school. Yuzu had to control the enormous crowd, pass out the sign-up sheets, and make sure they didn't spiral out of control. Gongenzaka was there to help Yuzu with the long line and even take over so the girl could prepare for her duel against Yuya. She is grateful for his help and accepts his offer.

Naomi was in the back of You Show Duel School, drinking water and speaking exercises to get the dryness out of her throat. She volunteers to be the Hostess in the duel's event because she wants to get used to speaking after not doing so for several years. Naomi felt this was her chance to redeem herself. To become a different person than she was before.

By witnessing the miracle in front of her own eyes, she can try again.

One more time.

Maybe this time, instead of an Idol Duelist, Naomi can be an Idol-Entertainment Duelist.

Yet, Naomi is constantly reminded of her insecurities about her past failure. Wondering will she be able to succeed this time. Can she even meet the expectations the audience will give her?

Naomi ran her hand through her hair, feeling frustrated with herself.

As Naomi thought, she would still need some time to get over her doubts before she could actually take a step and move forward.

Naomi finished her exercises and prepared herself to go into the Duel School until she noticed a figure sitting on one of the benches near the Duel School's back entrance. When Naomi moved to look at the person, the figure was revealed to be Yuya, who had an uncharacteristic serious look. The boy did not have his goggles covering his face.

So being the curious person she is. Naomi sat down next to Yuya and started to poke his cheek.

"Yuya-san~."

"Hello. Hello."

"Is anybody in there, Yuya-san~."

Naomi saw Yuya's shoulders shaking because he was trying not to break out in a smile and laugh at her.

She grinned and continued her assault. "Moshi Moshi~ Are you purposely ignoring me, Yuya-san? If you are, then I will continue to poke you," Naomi was relentless in her assault.

She changed her target to his sides and started to poke him. She kept repeating her words and even tickled him every now and then. Finally, Yuya couldn't take it anymore and started to laugh hysterically.

"Pfft! What's up with you, Naomi?" Yuya asked, wiping a tear from his eye. She never failed to make him laugh at the strangest time.

Naomi pouted and tilted her head, "I just finished my oral practice. I just saw you looking so serious, which is fine, but why on a day like this."

At first, Naomi wondered why Yuya looked so serious when he'd just done what he promised three years ago. She concludes that something definitely must be wrong with him, or otherwise, he wouldn't have made a face like the one he just had.

Yuya looked down and sighed softly. He stared at Naomi straight in her eyes, the action embarrassed her, but she kept a firm stare. Yuya placed a hand on her shoulders and looked down.

"... nervous...," Yuya mumbled. Naomi motioned Yuya to speak up louder. Although it sounded to Naomi that Yuya was nervous. True to her assumption Yuya spoke up even louder.

"I'm actually nervous about today's duel!" Yuya confessed to Naomi, startling her by how loud his voice was but kept her composure.

"I'm worried if I messed up, then You Show Duel will pay the price for it. Not just that, I might get bullied even worse than before, and you guys might get punished for me messing up...I don't want that to happen to any of you guys...specifically you, Naomi. I don't want you to go through the same pain again," Yuya added. He sincerely means what he says. He doesn't want to cause the people who have always supported him to suffer for his actions.

Most importantly, he doesn't want Naomi to suffer and go through that horrible experience she went through seven years ago.

Seven Years Ago_Maiami City_

After many attempts to cheer a depressed Naomi up during her stay at the hospital, Yuya and Yuzu convinced Naomi to come to school after being absent for three weeks. The girl finally agreed and went to school, unaware of the troubles awaiting her.

During her first day back at school, she found many black writings on her desk with the words;

"No-Good," "Autotune Singer," and "Fake Idol."

It didn't help Naomi's mood when she heard the kids calling the same name behind her back and to her face. Yuzu and Yuya, along with Gongenzaka, protect and defend Naomi whenever she meets with her bullies. They would be on a buddy system to make sure Naomi had to hear those words ever again.

One month later, Yuzu got into a fight with another girl because she kept teasing Naomi cruelly during music class. Commenting that Naomi shouldn't be in the class since she couldn't even speak, let alone sing. The mean girl even added it was a blessing not to hear her voice anyways, and Yuzu had enough of the girl's cruel taunts.

She lunged at the girl, throwing punches. Naomi and the teacher had to separate them from each other, with Yuzu having minor scratches while the girl had a bruised lip and a black eye. After the event, the girl was suspended for one week for her comment that started the fight. Yuzu was suspended for fighting.

Though it was supposed to make Naomi feel better, it didn't make her feel worse than before that her friends were suffering from her mistake.

One week later, one day after school, they couldn't find Naomi anywhere.

They searched the entire area around Maiami Elementary School and the park near the school. Yet, they couldn't find a single trace of her.

Yuya remembered a place Naomi liked to go to whenever she needed inspiration. Whenever she needed some fresh air after a stressful yet enjoyable day, after all, it was the place where they first met each other.

Yuya ran back to the park and towards the hill, finding Naomi sitting on the tree.

She had her head on her pulled-up knees. Yuya took a step closer and noticed the girl was shaking and heard small whimpers.

"Naomi..." Yuya trailed off his words when he was about to ask Naomi if she was okay but obviously knew that she wasn't. He had no words to help her since he couldn't understand what she was going through.

Regardless he wasn't going to turn a blind eye to her suffering. Even if he doesn't know what to say to Naomi. Yuya is still going to try to convey his words the way he knows how to.

Despite not saying anything to the depressed girl, he hugged her in his arms. "Naomi, I know you will regain your voice back one day. Until that day comes, I will always be by your side," Yuya promised. He started to stroke her hair and even tighten the hug. "I promise you that I will protect you...I will never let you go through the same pain again."

Yuya reaffirms his promise at the end. He will never let Naomi go through the same pain ever again. He will make sure she doesn't cry.

Yuya will always remind Naomi that everyone, including him, loves her.

With those small words, Naomi feels more tears down her cheeks because of how sincere those words were. She knows Yuya has no clue what she is going through, but he doesn't tell her some halfhearted words.

Like, "I understand what you're going through." "poor thing." "I went through the same thing."

Naomi knew the people who told her those phrases were trying to be genuine, but in reality, she knew they were just saying those meaningless words just to reassure her. So they just went through her. She almost heard her friends and mom say the same thing but stopped themselves when consoling her. She was grateful for them doing that because it hurt her even more if they told the pointless phrases she had heard before. She doesn't need to hear them from the people she cares about.

All Naomi ever wanted was to hear her loved ones, their way of comforting her. She honestly just wants to hear their true words from the bottom of their heart.

And now she did.

For the first time in the past two months, Naomi smiled. It was a small smile. But strange enough, that smile was enough for Yuya.

Flashback Ends_

Naomi's eyes softened when Yuya mentioned when she was being bullied several years ago and the promise he made to her that made her start smiling. Eventually, her forced smiles became genuine again before her incident happened.

Naomi felt touched by Yuya's reason for being nervous because he was worried about everyone and how his performance would affect them. He was more concerned about them instead of himself.

Without a single thought, Naomi pushed the corners of Yuya's mouth upwards. Surprising Yuya with her actions.

"Yuya-san, just make sure you give the crowd your actual smiles this time." Before the duel with Strong Ishijima, she noticed he was smiling however, it was one of the dull smiles he makes for the crowd and even his friends and family. She didn't point it out beforehand, and it wasn't because of her previous situation, but it was because she believed that Yuya would smile from the bottom of his heart again.

Like he did three years ago before Yusho disappeared.

Yuya assured the green-haired girl he will that it won't be like the previous times. This time he will show the world what he's capable of.

Naomi gave a small smile. She wanted to tell him about her having the same cards he does. But she couldn't find it in her heart because this was his moment. His time to shine.

Maybe she will later on as the day goes by, but she tells him these words right now.

"Go excite the crowd like you've always done. I'm sure you can make people smile with your Entertainment Dueling. Now go out there and give them a show that will shake the world."

The moment those words left Naomi's mouth. She thought she had just seen a unrecognizable gleam gaze over Yuya's eyes as they were yellow before reverting to his tender red eyes. However, unlike before, she didn't sense any malice from those yellow eyes. In fact, they held some fondness in those yellow orbs. Strange enough, just seeing those warm yellow eyes made Naomi feel... safe. She couldn't put her finger on it, but those eyes felt nostalgic that she nearly cried after seeing them. She didn't know why, but she somehow knew that this feeling was tugging at her heart.

Naomi released her fingers from Yuya's cheeks and placed then back on her lap. She witnessed Yuya's retreating figure preparing himself for the duel, leaving Naomi alone. She kept thinking about what she felt earlier and why her heart reacted to seeing those eyes.

"What was that?... I felt my heart cry out when I saw those eyes. It's not like before at the Stadium...this feeling hurts, but at the same time, it makes me want to cry."

Naomi didn't understand the emotions coursing through her chest. She doesn't want to spend any time figuring them out. So, she brushed the feelings aside and blinked her tears, preventing them from coming out.

Naomi had to prepare herself mentally and physically for what was about to come. With her small resolve in mind, she headed to the duel room.

During the duel, both Yuzu and Yuya gave a spectacular performance. Naomi gave excellent commentary, even adding some parts here and there.

Yet when it came to how the duel was finished...it ended horribly since Yuya couldn't figure out how he Pendulum Summon during his match against Strong Ishijima. His action caused him the duel resulting in his loss. Confusing nearly everyone except Naomi, who wanted to know the reason why.

Later on, it was revealed to the crowd that to Pendulum Summon, you need Pendulum Cards. The news didn't sit so well with the crowd.

"That's right. You must have messed with Ishijima's system. Otherwise, there's no way you could have summoned all those monsters at once."

"He would go that far just to win against a Pro."

"He really is the son of the coward."

Naomi could not take all the words being hurled at Yuya as the kids continued to accuse him of being a cheater. Not when he won the duel fair and square.

"Yuya-san didn't cheat against the Strong Ishijima!" Naomi protested, "he won against Strong Ishijima with all his might! Don't call him a cheater or a coward ever again!"

Naomi's outburst made the crowd stop as a boy with the blue headband looked at her and scoffed.

"Of course, the No-Sound Idol would stand up for the son of a coward," the boy said as Naomi's eyes widened at that name. The memories, as well as the pain, came back to her. She heard more comments from the crowd.

"Maybe she was in on it the whole entire time."

"The Cheater and the No-Sound Idol, a great pair."

The crowd left the Duel School running over Shuzo, who desperately tried to stop them, but his efforts were in vain. While on the other hand, Chou was ecstatic that the crowd left evening throwing salt behind them.

"Goodbye! Good riddance! Never come back, evil spirits! Begone!"

Chou huffed, wiping her hands. She didn't want those students who weren't paying attention to You Show Duel School's history and how they got where they are today. And those kids have the nerve to speak to her daughter that way.

It still irritates her to hear that name to this very day. Chou doesn't need a reminder of when her daughter was bullied and suffered from depression.

"Stupid brats," Chou uttered. She turned her attention towards Yuya and sighed. She walked up to the sadden duelist and smacked Yuya's head, earning different reactions.

However, Chou didn't care about that. She pulled Yuya's goggles from his face.

"Yuya-kun, no matter how many people judge you or what people say about you. You still have your fans who support you," Chou said. She told Naomi these same words whenever her daughter faced harsh backlash when she first started being an Idol Duelist. Chou would always remind Naomi that it doesn't matter if people tell you harsh words about your art. There will always be people who will support you.

Right now, Yuya needs to hear those words. Chou pointed to a small, young boy with blue hair with purplish-gray eyes. He wore a white short-sleeved shirt, brown vest, a watch, short khaki pants, and blue shoes.

"That's Yamashiro Tatsuya, who wanted to enroll here earlier, Yuya-san," Naomi mentioned. She felt better than she did before. It seems Chou's words motivated Yuya, but they managed to cheer Naomi up.

"That right. I thought you were amazing how you moved that many people with your dueling! I want to have a duel like that! A duel exactly like yours, Yuya-nii-chan!" Tatsuya exclaimed, his eyes literally sparkling.

Yuya started to remember the duel he had a few moments ago.

The same adrenaline ran through his chest.

The incredible feeling as the crowd cheered when he was dueling in front of an enormous crowd.

"I want to duel like that exactly like that again. Yuya confessed. The group smiled at his answer. "I want to move the crowd with my dueling just like my father. I want to make people smile with my dueling."

"You already created a new you in that duel. You stopped running away and became a true man," Gongenzaka stated, placing his hand on Yuya's shoulder.

"Yuya. You already had fans from the beginning, right everyone" Yuzu gestured towards the group.

"We won't be going anywhere. Just like back then, we will be here for you whenever you need our help. So believe in us, Yuya-san," Naomi added this time. Everyone else agreed with her words lifting Yuya's spirit even more.

Even if today ended horribly just like he feared, weirdly enough, it would be alright because none of the people he's been with will leave him. That they will be by his side, giving him the strength he needs to take a step forward.

Soon enough, it was revealed that Tatsuya would be attending You Show, much to Shuzo's joy as he got off the floor and ran to his office to get the paperwork.

Yuya, Yuzu, Naomi, and Gongenzaka all ran to the duel room, wanting to help the former master Pendulum Summon so he won't make another mistake just like he did today.

Moments later, Yuya and Gongenzaka were on their 20th attempt as Naomi watched them. A little while ago, she was discouraged and ashamed of herself for letting the boy's words affect her so much that she couldn't protest against the crowd's words. Even if she did show her Pendulum Cards, it would only make the situation worse than before.

It will only encourage the crowd that she was in on as they quote Yuya's 'cheating' against the Strong Ishijima.

So, Naomi figured that she would tell Yuya the truth when the time was right, but now all she could do was give him advice.

Naomi gave a heavy sigh. She hoped that nothing bad will make her force the truth out.

Tomorrow she will tell Yuzu first before she tells Yuya. She figures her friend can advise on how gently she can tell Yuya about her predicament.

All Naomi could do was watch from the sidelines and give her input here and there until it was her turn. Because truthfully, she didn't want to be here all night.

Fortunately, with her help, the group only stayed at You Show until 11:00 pm, nearly hitting midnight because Yuya finally attempted Pendulum Summon on his 101st try.

Finally, things were somewhat looking up for the group.

Next Day_Maiami Second Middle School_During Lunchtime

Naomi dragged Yuzu to the roof before the girls could meet at their usual spot for lunch. Yuzu was about to protest against Naomi's actions, but her words died down until she caught a glimpse of her friend's serious expression.

Finally, they reached the rooftop, and Naomi made sure there wasn't anyone else in the area so she could get the words off her chest.

She turned around and took out the cards in her deck. She showed them to Yuzu.

Yuzu took the cards. When a specific design very similar to the cards Yuya used in their match and training yesterday, Yuzu's eyes nearly expanded to the size of dinner plates.

"EH?!"

"Naomi-chan, these cards?"

When those words left Yuzu's mouth, Naomi was bombarded by questions.

"Why do you have these cards?! Why didn't you say anything when Yuya was called a coward?!"

Naomi flinched when Yuzu asked that specific question. She knew Yuzu would ask the same question she wondered herself during their training.

Naomi hung her head. "I don't know how to I got these Pendulum Cards, but I got them yesterday during Yuya-san's match against Strong Ishijima. And I knew that I should have spoken up for Yuya-san after they said I was in it all along. I should have shut them down but couldn't when they said that name again. It just reminded me of back then."

Naomi knew she was making excuses for her cowardly actions. It didn't make her feel better that Yuzu probably thought she was being selfish or didn't trust Yuzu enough to tell her.

"I'm sorry for my actions Yuzu-chan" Naomi bowed her head, not wanting to look Yuzu in the eye.

There was silence in the air until Naomi felt pain across her head. The pain made her shoot up as she glanced at the object she never wanted to be smacked with, and that object was Yuzu's fan.

She whined in pain, holding her head.

"Naomi-chan...I'm sorry for yelling at you, and I understand why you didn't don't want to tell Yuya because of those circumstances. However, I still think you should still tell him before he finds out the hard way," Yuzu advised, hugging Naomi in her arms. "I just wished you told me, so I am a little hurt you didn't. So next time, tell me if there's something wrong with you or if you are in trouble. I will always have your back, and that will never change, Naomi-chan."

"Not now, not ever."

Naomi nearly felt tears swell up, but she held them in. God, this was the second time she felt touched by her friend's sincerity towards her. She really was grateful for them and their presence.

"Thank you very much, Yuzu-chan," Naomi thought. Even though she didn't say those words aloud, Yuzu understood her and tightened the hug even more.

The two girls composed themselves a little while and returned to the spot Yuya was waiting for them. The rest of the school day went smoothly except for Yuya sleeping in math class and Yuzu having to hit him to avoid detention.

Now the school was over, and Naomi changed into the uniform her mother gave her every time she was headed to You Show Duel School.

The outfit consists of a black dress shirt, red necktie, orange-yellow jacket with gold buttons at the end, a short black skirt, and black stockings. Naomi wore regular school shoes.

She conversed with Yuya and Yuzu until she spotted the trio of kids she was familiar with.

The kids ran to where the older trio was as they mentioned they wanted to see Yuya Pendulum Summon again. When they did, Naomi looked down, recalling Yuzu's words. She will tell Yuya today after class at You Show Duel School. She doesn't know how Yuya will react to her news, but regardless, she has to tell him.

"Yuya-san, can I talk to you after you show your Pendulum Summon display?" Naomi asked.

"Yeah, of course, Naomi," Yuya agreed as the green-haired girl gave a small smile.

The group was about to head towards You Show until three darts were heading towards Yuya as they struck him in the face. Naomi had a chill down her spine as she recognized those darts from anywhere as they belonged to one person playing darts.

Her face changed from her regular expression to one of absolute disgust. "I can't believe I ran into him of all people," Naomi muttered, clicking her tongue.

"Triple Bullseye! That's 150 points!" a voice stated, with short brown hair and a blond hairstyle in layers.

"Shingo Sawatari-san," Naomi whispered, revealing the boy's name when she saw him, stepping four feet back from the group.

"You are Yuya Sakaki, right," Shingo grabbed Yuya's hand as he introduced himself as a student of the same school, except he was in Class 2-1.

Shingo introduced, taking the darts from Yuya's face. Naomi's eyes twitched in irritation as Shingo ranted compliments to Yuya, causing the boy to get flustered.

"Yuya, didn't you promise to show Tatsuya-kun and the others Pendulum Summon and the thing Naomi-chan wants to talk to you about," Yuzu reminded as Yuya snapped out of his daze.

"Oh yeah, that right," Yuya recalled.

"Then how about we do it on the LDS Court? I can talk to someone and have it reserved just for us," Shingo suggested causing gasps among the group except for Naomi and Yuzu, for two reasons.

Naomi started to walk the other way as she heard Yuya calling for her, "Naomi, where are you going?" Yuya asked.

"I'm sorry, Yuya-san, but I can't come with you guys today. I have things to do," Naomi lied. She glanced at Shingo as she gritted her teeth in anger. She couldn't stand being around Shingo after what he did to her. He had the audacity to act like what he did back then was nothing.

He had the nerve to point that smug grin at her.

"Now, Naomi-san. I'm sure you don't have anything else to do, so why not come to LDS Court with your friends," Shingo suggested. Naomi clicked her teeth when she heard her name come out of Shingo's mouth because it sounded like he was being a smartass to her.

"I'm sure we can do Pendulum Summon at You Show like we usually do, so why should we do it at LDS?" Naomi offered as Yuzu hooked hands with the girl.

"That's right, let's do it at You Show, where we usually teach Pendulum Summon!" Yuzu said, stressing her voice.

The kids were trying to convince Yuzu that this would be their only chance to do it at an elite place like LDS. Soon enough, Yuzu relented, much to Naomi's displeasure.

"What about you, Naomi-nee-chan?" Futoshi asked. Naomi thought about it some more she realized that she could use this as a chance to keep an eye on Shingo just in case he tried anything funny.

"Fine, I'll go as well," Naomi agreed as everyone cheered louder this time. They all ran to LDS, and Naomi heard the words.

"It's going just as planned."

It made her wonder what was Shingo planning this time. But whatever it is, Naomi will prevent whatever plan Shingo was talking about.

At LDS_In the Afternoon_

Naomi and the others were having a tour inside LDS. She kept trying to keep herself from choking Shingo every time he made an indirect comment at her. But she held the urge in greatly. It wasn't easy for the girl not to slam her bag in his face or even step on his shoes. But she had to keep her cool because they would have to go to You Show Duel School to Pendulum Summon if she didn't. She doesn't want that to happen. So she will endure it for their sake. She will try to endure it like before.

But if Shingo makes another comment, she will sock him in the face for being a jerk.

Amidst her rant, at that same time, a boy with sky blue hair was walking past her. Their eyes connected for a brief moment until a sound from Clear Kuriboh made her break eye contact. "Kuri Kuri" Clear Kuriboh rubbed his cheek against Naomi's.

"I'm sorry, Clear Kuriboh. I just feel that I saw someone who looked somewhat familiar," Naomi explained, keeping up toward the group as she gave Clear Kuriboh a small peck on its head. She smiled when she heard he was glad for her display of affection.

Meanwhile_Somewhere in LDS_

The sky-blue hair boy's eyes widened as he saw Naomi's face as. He immediately saw someone else.

"A, what's she doing here?" the boy asked. He pondered about the strange encounter he had just gone through. He decided to follow the group without being noticed by them.

At LDS Court_

The group arrived at the LDS Center Court as they couldn't help but wonder in amazement except for Yuzu, who grumbled. Naomi saw three other boys walking toward them. She had a strange feeling in her chest as if something bad was about to go down. "These boys are fans of yours," Shingo said, smiling. "So Yuya, can you show us your Pendulum Cards."

"Huh," Yuya gasped in surprise as he felt troubled about handing his cards over to some stranger.

"Come on, Yuya," Shingo cooed, persistent as Yuya shakily handed out his Pendulum Cards. Shingo swiped it from his hands and showed it to the others. Naomi glared at him as the feeling in her chest became worse.

True to her words, it did. It was revealed that Shingo wanted Yuya's Pendulum Cards for himself. Since he deemed that Rare Cards are meant for people like him.

Naomi glared at Shingo. "I see you never changed Sawatari-san," Naomi said.

"Oh, I didn't notice the Silent Mouse was here," Shingo said.

"Stop calling me Silent Mouse, Sawatari-san," Naomi growled, annoyed by that nickname Shingo had given her ever since that incident seven years ago. Before the event, he would call her that nickname whenever her mother was still working for his father, Furio Sawatari. Before the man became the city's mayor and was still a Council Member, Chou was Shingo's nanny around the time. Naomi would come with her mother to be Shingo's playdate so the latter wouldn't be lonely, and Chou could do the other chores around the big house Shingo lives in.

The two of them would play together, with Shingo calling her Silent Mouse because of how the girl was quiet, and she resembled a mouse when they first met. So, hearing that name brought on the good and the bad memories of when they were close but not as close as Naomi was with Yuya, Yuzu, and Gongenzaka. But still, consider each other as friends. However, when that event happened and what Shingo did to her is something she can never forget.

So hearing that nickname again made Naomi want to hit Shingo, but she held it in to shield the kids from the group.

"Okay, with that being said," Shingo said as he snapped his fingers at his goons. But just as they were about to grab Naomi and Yuzu.

The minions were met with a fan and a foot colliding against their face and stomach. It was revealed Yuzu took out her fan to protect herself, and Naomi learned how to defend herself when she was younger from Gongenzaka just in case something like this ever happened.

"If you land a hand on me, Yuzu-chan, Ayu-chan, Tatsuya-kun, and Futoshi-kun. I will send you and your minions flying Shingo Sawatari," Naomi warned. She kicked Ootomo hard before tossing him with the rest of his friends. She inched closer to Shingo, wanting to teach him a lesson.

It wouldn't hurt Naomi to hurt Shingo just a little bit.

It will be just a little bit.

Just a punch here and a kick there.

To release all of the pent-up anger she felt from before when Shingo kept throwing jabs at her.

She can hit him, RIGHT?!

"W-What?" Shingo was taken back but still regained his composure.

"Regardless, I still have your friend's card. It wouldn't be wise for you to hit me like that," Shingo said. Naomi still took a step closer as she considered his words. She doesn't want him to use Yuya's cards as a bargaining chip. She considered different possibilities that Shingo could hurt the cards in his possession.

As much as she wants to smack him. She chose not to because of the cards in his hands. Yet, it wasn't enough to stop her wrath.

She got out her duel disk and put it on.

"Duel me! If I win, you will give back Yuya-san's Pendulum Cards and apologize for what you did seven years ago!" Naomi shouted, standing away from Shingo. She wanted him to pay for what he did to her and prove to herself that she had what it took, just as she did back then.

Shingo smirked and activated his duel disk in retaliation. "Fine. You will be my maid for two months if I win."

Those words Yuzu irritate as she raises her fan. "Naomi! Cobbler that moron into next week!" Yuzu encouraged her childhood friend to go all out and not show any mercy to the latter for suggesting something so perverted. Yuzu turned to Yuya, hoping he chimed in, but she saw a blush to her dismay.

"What are you thinking about at a time like this, Yuya?" Yuzu asked, her voice dropping dangerously low, and she clenched the fist that didn't have her fan. A vein nearly popped, and the sound broke Yuya out of his trance. He cheered nervously for Naomi and was glad he nearly evaded Yuzu's wrath.

The kids cheered from the sidelines.

Before the duel could start, Shingo threw a deck on the ground calling it trash. Naomi winced from the screams filled with rage.

"They're in pain, the duel monster spirits are in pain, and they're upset because of his words," Naomi thought as their screams became louder. She leaned down, picked up the deck, and reassured the monsters inside it that they were not trash cards. Only the duelist they had was trash.

Naomi looked through the deck and saw a card that would be useful to her. She added the card to her deck as her duel disk shuffled it and locked it in place.

The trio from before, Ootomo, Kakimoto, and Yamabe, recovered from being slapped, kicked, and thrown.

They each gave their cheers towards Shingo, furthering the boy's ego. The two groups sat on either side of the stands, not wanting to be near each other after what just happened between them. And it was also because Yuzu still had her fan just in case the boys tried anything funny.

They wanted to steer clear of her.

"I activate the Action Field Spell: Prison Tower of Darkville!" Shingo shouted. The whole area changed from a scene of an abandoned part of a city as it became nighttime.

Ootomo: Duelists locked in battle!

Yuya: Kicking against the earth and dancing in the air alongside their monsters!

Ayu and Futoshi: They Storm through this field!

Kakimoto and Yamabe: Behold! This is the newest and greatest evolution of dueling!

Everyone: Action-

Naomi and Shingo: DUEL!"

Naomi Kobiyashi vs Shingo Sawatari; 4000 LP Each, H:5 Each

Author's Note: The duel will take place in the next chapter. Naomi and Yuzu actually do something in this redux instead of being damsels in distress. Because I always wonder in canon, why didn't Yuzu use her fan? We saw in episode 1 she could have just knocked the boys out. So here she actually does that.