Those Who Endure

Chapter 10: Tamamo the Kyuubi no Kitsune

"This… this just can't be."

"Hohoho~, I'm glad I came here after all."

"Hmm…"

Standing in one of the VIP rooms like other guests of honor were three men who had just arrived in time to see both the summonings of the legendary Dark Magician and Blue Eyes White Dragon. At first their minds immediately went to the thought of Yugi Muto and Seto Kaiba, but they remembered of the two being deceased.

The first man was tall with light gray hair that was in a female groove hairstyle, light blue eyes and wore a chef's white uniform that had 'Totsuki Resort' embroidered in golden-yellow. Standing next to him was an older gentleman with swept back blonde, hair, pronounced cheekbones and a stern expression as he too wore a chef's uniform along with a red neckerchief around his neck.

"Gin, what are your thoughts about this?"

Gin was a tall man with short brown hair and eyebrows that resembled sideways 'V's. He was wearing a brown suit with a white long-sleeved shirt and biege tie. He was standing before his two colleagues and graduates as the one called Naruto ended his turn with one face-down.

As expected from his colleagues, Gin chuckled at the prospect of the duel and the meaning behind it set by Senzaemon.

"If I know any better, they should be here, watching this as we speak."

"Huh?"

"They?"

Gin didn't answer as his eyes were still directed on the smirking blonde on the stage. The same stage where his two friends and himself had fought against each other plenty of times.

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"My turn! I draw!" Sasuke looked at his hand before declaring the next Phase. "Battle! Blue Eyes, destroy his Mystical Elf with White Lightning!"

The powerful dragon shrieked before it obeyed his orders, opening its jaws as a powerful whitish-blue energy ray materialized from within. Meanwhile Dark Magician tensed up as it looked at Mystical Elf who was scared and nervous at the same time of being destroyed.

However, their master wasn't going to let any of them be destroyed that easily.

"Not so fast! I activate this! Go!" Naruto declared as his facedown cards revealed itself to be another one of his favorites.

Sasuke's eyes widen since he too recognized it. "Not that Trap!" He shouted as an intricate, yellow seal with four orbs in its design dashed towards Blue Eyes White Dragon and trapped it within itself.

"My Spellbinding Circle Trap Card puts an end to your dragon's attack and lowers its strength by 700 ATK!" Naruto stated, much to his own relief along with his two monsters.

Blue Eyes White Dragon (ATK-2300)

"Plus your dragon cannot switch its current position as long as my Continuous Trap Card is in play."

"Then I'll fix that with this! I summon Lord of Dragons (3/ATK-1200/DEF-900) in DEF mode." Sasuke declared as a tanned man in a black armor with dragon-like claws as shoulder pads, a dull gray cape and a dragon-like scale helmet appeared next to Maiden with Eyes of Blue with her arms crossed in front of him.

"Lord of Dragons?" Naruto repeated before realization kicked in. "No…"

"So you know what's going to happen next then… Good! I play the Spell Card The Flute of Summoning Dragon and now—"

"That won't happen on my watch! Go, Lightforce Sword!" Naruto's final facedown revealed itself just before a sword launched itself towards Sasuke's Spell Card and pinned the suddenly-enlarged card behind him. "Now that Spell Card of yours is useless to you for three turns."

"Tch! I end my turn here with a facedown."

"My turn then. Draw!" Naruto looked at the card and played it. "I play the Card of Sanctity Spell Card. Now we can draw six cards from our decks." He briefly stared at his deck at his deck before drawing his six cards while Sasuke did the same. "Now Dark Magician, attack his Blue Eyes White Dragon with Dark Magic Attack!"

Sasuke chuckled at his opponent's straightforward assault. "I can play the game too with this!"

"A Trap?" Naruto asked in surprise.

Sasuke nodded as he explained the effects. "My Continuous Totem Pole Trap Card negates an attack from my opponent's monster." He 'hmphed' when his trap card projected the said name's totem pole before its three faces' eyes glowed red just as Dark Magician was about to attack, pushing him back away from the dragon.

"Darn it. I really wanted to beat that dragon." Naruto's eyes slightly narrowed as he stared at the pain-struck Blue Eyes White Dragon and Sasuke. "If Sasuke here really does have Seto Kaiba's deck, I have a tough Duel here. Not to mention for the past decades, new cards including Synchro Monsters have appeared. Who's to say if Sasuke's family didn't upgrade the deck with today's cards?"

Sasuke watched when Naruto placed his Mystical Elf back into DEF mode before he set three cards facedown and ended his turn.

"Draw!" The Uchiha looked at his hand before making his move. "I activate The White Dragon Ritual Spell Card." Naruto tensed up when he recognized it as a Ritual Spell Card. "I send the monsters in my hand whose Levels total up to four." The light within the stadium gradually grew brighter as a sign of the upcoming monster. "I Ritual Summon Paladin of White Dragon (4/ATK-1900/DEF-1200) to the field in ATK mode!"

Naruto watched as the Ritual Monster descended slowly from the light above before it floated next to the Blue Eyes. He noticed that the small dragon strikingly resembles the larger dragon, perhaps its infant stage except it had small forearms and yellow eyes. As for its rider, he was tanned with white armor that had golden accents around the edges along with a white cape and a matching helmet.

"I have a bad feeling about this." Naruto quoted the often catchphrase in terms of worrying situations.

"You should. Next I'll sacrifice my Paladin in order to summon another monster." Sasuke picked the specific card that was to be summoned from his deck. "Come forth, Blue Eyes White Dragon (8/ATK-3000/DEF-2500)!"

Naruto gasped when the Ritual Monster was gone in a pillar of light before a second Blue Eyes—unrestrained—emerged from it and roared a challenge to those who dare to stand in its way. It looked at its left and saw its brethren writhing in pain by the Spellbinding Circle before directing its eyes at Naruto specifically.

Meanwhile the entire audience screamed in awe and cheered for more battles between the Duelists and their legendary monsters.

"It's mad at me?" Naruto asked when the second dragon roared angrily at him. He sighed in response. "I don't blame it though."

"Blue Eyes, destroy his Mystical Elf with White Lightning!" Sasuke commanded with vigor as his second Blue Eyes opened its maw moments before its signature attack burst forward and enveloped the defensive monster, much to the chagrin of Naruto and Dark Magician. "I end my turn with a facedown."

The blonde breathed a little uneasy. After all he's now facing not one but two Blue Eyes White Dragons on the field.

"No!" Naruto shook his head before drawing his next card. "I activate The Bond between Teacher and Student! Since I have Dark Magician on my field, I can Special Summon a student of his from my deck. One who grows in battle and through studies."

Sasuke's eyes widen while the audience watched as Naruto commenced the chant.

"Apprentice of the master of magic; whose innocence brings warmth to those around her. With hope of her master's succession, her power grows indefinite! Arise! Dark Magician Girl (6/ATK-2000/DEF-1700)!"

Naruto smiled as the female Spellcaster did a little pose for the crowd who went nuts before she was scolded by her master before they stared down at the two Blue Eyes. "All right then. This is where the Duel really begins!"

"Bring it." Sasuke replied with a matching smirk.

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"This is nuts!"

"I can't believe my eyes. Despite they are right there in front of us, I still can't believe it."

"Totsuki Academy is so cool!"

"Duel Monsters are the ripe nowadays!"

Soma and Megumi looked around to see all the Totsuki generations from the middle and high school divisions brimmed with excitement and candor. Any previous signs of anxiety the participants of the Autumn Elections Tournament were instantly eradicated since the Duel began, especially with the emergence of the two legendary monsters.

"And I'm childhood friends with one of them." Soma said all cheery with a smug look as his arms were behind his head.

Megumi looked at her fellow Polar Star resident with a curious look. "You really didn't know Naruto had those cards in his deck?"

"No." Soma answered genuinely. "I mean his deck was mostly Spellcasters the last time I saw him Duel, but that was a long time ago." He thought back a few minutes ago about the Silent Swordsman his friend had summoned in the Duel. "But I guess he modified his deck to house Warriors since then."

"He's amazing. He's playing evenly with a prodigy." Megumi nodded as she stared at Naruto with his two famous Spellcasters who was currently facing Sasuke and his two Blue Eyes White Dragon.

Soma grinned at his friend's claim. "Naruto always have fun Dueling whether it is against his dad or someone else."

"Like you and cooking." Megumi pointed out. Soma chuckled at the comparison despite the different passions.

Soma looked at Naruto. "He's gotten a lot better though." He then shifted his gaze at Sasuke who looked calm despite the smirk on his face… Way too calm in fact. "This is going to get rough from here on."

"Huh?" Megumi asked as her confused gaze looked at Soma for answers. He instead pointed at the Duel as if her answer is right there.

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"Since Dark Magician Girl has been successfully summoned, her ATK increases by 700." Naruto mentioned, surprising Sasuke of the unknown effect. "Plus Dark Magician is also on the field, so she gains an additional 200 ATK. That makes her ATK to 2900!"

Naruto paused for dramatic effect, much to Soma's chagrin inside the audience.

"But here's more!" Naruto inserted a card in the Spell/Trap Card. "I activate the Equip Spell Card Book of Secret Arts! This increases a Spellcaster's ATK and DEF by 300 and I equip it to my Dark Magician Girl."

Dark Magician Girl (ATK-3200/DEF-2000)

"Dark Magician Girl, attack his Blue Eyes White Dragon with Dark Burning Attack!"

Sasuke chuckled lowly with a smirk. "Have you forgotten about my Continuous Trap Card? I'll negate your attack and end your Battle Phase!" Naruto cursed when his monster's attack was reflected away from the dragon and to the crowd who flinched despite it being a hologram. "Is that all?"

"Dark Magician attacks the Lord of Dragons with Dark Magic Attack!" Naruto declared his command as his Magician fired the signature attack at the opposing Spellcaster. "With this, I'll counter his Trap Card with one of my own and—"

He was taken aback when Sasuke didn't activate his Trap Card's effect as his monster was destroyed by Dark Magic Attack.

"Why didn't he use his Trap Card against Dark Magician? He said it was Continuous, so why didn't it activate? Since his Lord of Dragons is no longer on the field, then the Flute of Summoning Dragons card is useless to him!"

"Hello? Do you end your turn or not?"

Naruto pondered about this but decided to worry about it later. "Next I summon Mythical Beast Cerberus (4/ATK-1400/DEF-1400) in DEF mode as well."

As its name implied, a Cerberus appeared on Naruto's field although it was really different from the ones in the books. It had two forearms and two hind legs as light and dark blue fur covered them. Dark navy blue armor protected its powerful-looking chest as the fur-covered tail swung side to side while the two heads—one that of a fox and the other being a fierce lion with blue mane around it—roared at the opposing dragons and maiden despite of their power.

"That ends my turn here." Naruto said. "Right now, Dark Magician Girl is my strongest monster on the field but Defense also plays a part in Duel Monsters."

"My turn. I draw!" Sasuke drew his new card as the Lightforce Sword disappeared and allowed him to regain his Spell Card. "Sometime later…" He whispered before making his move, "I summon The White Stone of Ancients (1/ATK-600/DEF-500) in DEF mode."

Instantly, Naruto put his right arm above his head to protect his eyes from the blinding light that came after Sasuke's new monster appeared on the field. It was a beautiful crystal-like egg with its light pulsing every few seconds. He noticed the second Blue Eyes White Dragon nuzzled its head against the egg like a mother would for its child.

"That's odd unless…" Naruto's eyes widen before he reacted instantly. "I activate the Horn of Heaven Counter Trap Card. With a tribute of one monster, I can negate its summon and send it to the Graveyard." He and his Mythical Beast Cerberus shared a look before the latter nodded its head and Naruto returned one. "And I choose to Tribute my Mythical Beast Cerberus."

Sasuke stayed quiet when the Horn of Heaven blared its song and a second later, his latest summoned monster was shattered into little gems and sent to the Graveyard. Much to Naruto's surprise, Sasuke only chuckled at the new development.

"Thank you, I can finally summon the third and final friend."

"Final friend?" Naruto repeated curiously.

"Whenever my White Stone of Legends is sent to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon one monster directly from my deck to the field." Sasuke smirked at his opponent's curious face. "A Blue Eyes monster to be exact." He said after summoning the third and final White Dragon on his field.

The entire Shokugeki Arena sat in their seats in awe and shock as the third dragon made its appearance alongside its brethren and roared along with them. Their combined cries actually shook the area with a shockwave and scared the audience and guests of honor.

His eyes widening, Naruto stood there in shock along with his two Magicians as they're now facing three Blue Eyes White Dragons on the field. "What have I done?"

"But there's more from here…" Sasuke looked at the card in his hand before he played it into the Disk's slot.

When the card revealed itself, Naruto's eyes widen in shock as he recognized it. After all, it was the one card all Duelists used in order to Fusion Summon before other cards appeared later in life to have the similar effect.

"Polymerization…" Naruto whispered in shock.

"That's right! Now I fuse my three dragons!"

Sasuke raised his right hand as his three dragons including the one who was trapped but broke free flew high to the stadium's ceiling before a bright light engulfed them, covering them from the sight of everyone sans himself.

"Ultimate power incarnate, descend upon those who dare to harm your family. Your rage and power are present among your descendants but terrifying to your enemies!" Sasuke chanted as the light gradually dimmed to reveal his new Fusion Monster. "Crush them all! Neo Blue Eyes Ultimate Dragon (12/ATK-4500/DEF-3800)!"

"Neo Blue Eyes Ultimate Dragon?!" Naruto thought as his eyes stared at the new and powerful Fusion Monster.

It had very shining and white scales with its large wings completed flared out. Its feet resembled that of shields instead of claws as its three, separate heads screeched and roared at being summoned. Their necks shined a bright white color like neon.

"Now attack his Dark Magician with Neo Neutron Blast!"

Naruto and his monsters tensed up when the three-headed Fusion Monsters opened their maws as powerful lightning-charged energy pooled within before they were unleashed upon them. The three attacks then merged together as one powerful beam just before it was about to make contact with Dark Magician.

The entire Shokugeki Arena shook by the destructive power of the Fusion Monster and everyone screamed in awe and fear because of the holograms with the large black smoke cloud that shielded the two Duelists and their monsters.

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"That's it."

"He's done."

"There's no way he'd dodge that."

"Naruto…" Megumi said with concern as the smoke cloud began to clear little by little.

Soma inhaled sharply at the impact of the attack. "Ooohh~ That did not look good at all." He said casually, surprising Megumi of his laid-back attitude.

"Aren't you worried at all?"

"Nope." Soma noticed Megumi's comedic distressed expression and he elaborated his reasoning, "Naruto will win this duel. I gamble my failed dishes."

"I really wouldn't~"

"Aw, don't be like that. You love my recipes~" Soma cheered at his friend/guinea pig before he was suddenly bombarded by the death glare from Naruto on the stage. "D-did he hear me?" He was shocked when Naruto nodded at him. "Oh man. I'm in trouble here."

Megumi nodded. "Yes, you are."

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"Impressive for young Sasuke."

Erina nodded with her grandfather's statement. "It's to be expected of one from a prestigious family." She scoffed a little at the blonde opponent whose attitude reminded her of a certain chef. "There's no way someone like Naruto Ea could really stand against nobility even if he has Dark Magician and Dark Magician Girl in his deck."

"As I recalled, during your childhood, you always wanted the Dark Magician Girl card." The Nakiri elder mentioned, getting an embarrassed look from Erina. "But since we couldn't find the card, you wanted Dark Magician Girl blankets and—"

"Grandfather please!" Erina pleaded with a small blush adorning her cheeks.

"*Chuckle* I jest, but…you have much to learn, Erina." Senzaemon glanced at his curious granddaughter. "Backgrounds should not be the only thing to identify someone's skills or hard work." He fully looked at Erina. "That habit of yours will only serve to be your downfall."

"Grandfather?"

Senzaemon looked back at the stage where a glint within the dissipating cloud caught his eye and he smirked. "Take a closer look, Erina. The comeback is about to arrive."

"Eh?"

The Nakiri beauty looked down at the stage where suddenly purple chains shot out from remnants of the clouds, completely evaporating it with the intense speed as the chains vigorously wrapped around the Neo Blue Eyes's body including the wings.

"What?" Erina muttered lowly at the smirking blonde who looked to be having fun.

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"What did you do?" Sasuke demanded while staring at his restrained Fusion Monster. He looked back at Naruto and saw Dark Magician still on Naruto's side. However, it too was chained like his three-headed dragon. "That's impossible! Your Dark Magician should've been destroyed by my Ultimate Dragon."

Naruto smiled at his opponent. "He would've been if I hadn't activated this." He pointed at his revealed facedown. "My Time Chain Trap Card activates when one of my monsters is targeted for attack. So by this, my Dark Magician is saved from destruction. However, since Dark Magician and Neo Blue Eyes Ultimate Dragon were the battling monsters, they are treated as if they're not on the field until the user's second Standby Phase from here."

Naruto: 1300 LP

Sasuke: 1500 LP

"But your LP! It should be 300, not 1300!" Sasuke pointed out before his eyes were directed to another revealed Trap Card next to Time Chain. It had Apple Magician Girl and Dark Magician Girl near each other as the former's hands were connected to the latter's wands while forming a bright shield around it.

"I see you noticed my other card." Naruto pointed out. "My Magicians' Defense Continuous Trap Card only activates when I have a Spellcaster on my field and reduces all damage by halve. So instead of 2000 damage, I received only 1000 from the battle."

"…Not bad."

Naruto chuckled as he scratched his nose. "Thanks for the comment. My move!" He looked at his hand before summoning a new monster. "I call Magical Something (4/ATK-1800/DEF-1300) to the field in DEF mode."

A pale-skinned and red-haired woman dressed in an intricate yet beautiful black robe with high collars around the neck and a black scythe emerged from the summoning circle next to Dark Magician Girl. A thin crown of sorts was worn around her head as her red eyes glared at Sasuke's only monster on the field.

That monster being the frightened Maiden with Eyes of Blue.

"Dark Magician Girl attacks Maiden with Eyes of Blue with Dark Burning Attack!" Naruto commanded as his Magician Girl fired a pink electric afflicted-sphere of power from her wand to the significantly weaker Spellcaster. "Say goodbye!"

"I guess you forgot about her special ability."

"Her special ability?" Naruto repeated before realization hit him in a comedic way. "Oh crap, I forgot!" He put his hands on his head, much to his own chagrin.

"Idiot you are! My Maiden's effect kicks in once more and your attack is negated." Sasuke said as the dark magic sphere dissipated before it reached his Maiden. "Naruto… you know what happens next."

"…Yeah." Naruto said reluctantly.

"I can Special Summon our old friend." Sasuke smirked as a bright light burst next to the Maiden before the legendary dragon retook to the field once more. "Welcome back, Blue Eyes." He glanced at the white dragon who also shared a look with a content growl.

The Uchiha then looked back at Naruto who looked a little apprehensive at the dragon but he still had that smirk.

"I place one card facedown and end my turn."

"I draw!" Sasuke glanced at his Blue Eyes and Maiden before they nodded at him, nodding back as well. "Next I tune my Level 8 Blue Eyes White Dragon to my Level 1 Maiden with Eyes of Blue."

"She's a Tuner Monster?!" Naruto thought in shock as the female Spellcaster turned into a lone ring that surrounded the Blue Eyes which then morphed into eight white stars while Sasuke spoke the summon chant.

"Dragon of great destruction, evolve to new heights. Your power now grows to infinite with wing beats of despair driven into your enemies. Now crush those who deem themselves greater than yourself! Synchro Summon! Soar, Blue Eyes Spirit Dragon (9/ATK-2500/DEF-3000)!"

Naruto and his monsters including the chained Dark Magician stared in shock as the Synchro Monster emerged from the blinding light with its large light blue wings flapped in the air. It looked like an older Blue Eyes White Dragon but with shinier white scales throughout the body as the horns and prominent protruding skeleton-like upper-body shined silver while its rugged and sharp golden-furred tail whipped in the air.

*Roar*

The entire audience and Naruto covered their ears in response of the Synchro Monster's display of power.

Sasuke smirked at his opponent's expression before commencing his Battle Phase. "I set one card facedown… Now Blue Eyes Spirit Dragon attacks Dark Magician Girl."

"Why would he attack Dark Magician Girl? She's stronger than that dragon unless…"

Naruto's suspicions were confirmed when his opponent activated the facedown card he had just set before battling.

"I play the Ghost of a Grudge Trap Card! If you have eight or more cards in their Graveyard, all of your monsters' ATK are reduced to 0 during this turn."

"What?"

Dark Magician Girl (ATK-0)

The new dragon opened its maw as a ball of electric blue sparked within before it was fired in a powerful but larger ray similar to the White Lightning attack at the scared female Spellcaster who held her wand in front of her.

"I activate Dark Magician Girl's special ability. If she's targeted for battle, I can negate her destruction during this turn by sacrificing a Level 6 or lower either on the field or my hand." Naruto looked at Magical Something who nodded in approval. "And I choose my Magical Something as the Tribute!"

Unlike before, a fiery shield with flames brimming the edges materialized in front of Dark Magician Girl after Magical Something's tribute just before the beam smashed against it. The clash between attack and defense was nerve-wrecking for the audience as Naruto also declared another part of his move.

"And since Dark Magician Girl is still on the field, my Magicians' Defense Trap Card reduces the damage by half!" Naruto shouted as he struggled to brace against the impact with his feet skidded a little.

Sasuke gritted his teeth a little as he calculated the damage to be reduced to 1250 instead of the original 2500.

Naruto: 50 LP

"I end my turn."

Naruto panted heavily after the impact took a lot out of him. After all, this is the Blue Eyes family and the most powerful dragons in the entire world of the LIGHT attribute.

"Hehehe… I'm in trouble here, that I am." Naruto coughed to clear his throat as he looked at his remaining LP. "Yep, I'm in big trouble."

Unknown to him and his opponent, the image of a shadowed figure briefly appeared behind him before it quickly disappeared.

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"Oh~" Megumi was visibly shaking after seeing her new friend taking the brunt of that last attack. "I really hope Naruto's okay."

"He'll pull through." Soma said casually, still convinced that his childhood friend can make a comeback.

However, the bead of sweat on his right temple said otherwise.

"Yukihira!"

The two Polar Star residents looked to their right where two teenage boys in their age group approached them. The first boy had short, blonde hair, blue eyes and wore the Totsuki uniform sans the navy jacket since it was still summer. The other behind him had wavy black hair and shared the same blue eyes as he too wore the complete uniform unlike the first boy.

"Oh~ Takumi, how are you doing?" Soma greeted jovial at his proclaimed archrival, surprising the latter.

"W-Wha—Never mind that." Takumi informed before he spoke again, "That kid you were… the one who's Dueling Uchiha…"

Soma blinked at Takumi. "Naruto? What about him?"

"He's similar to you, you know that?"

"Eh?"

Takumi was confused by the horrified reaction he got out of Soma, but he liked it.

"Despite of the obstacles and the odds, he continues to smile and have fun." Takumi clarified with a smirk, getting a nod from the grinning Soma.

"Oh you mean that. Yeah, he and I are similar in those terms. Our passions may be in different fields, but they're the same." Soma's grin grew a little, getting the attention of everyone. "If I really know Naruto that I think I do, he's bound to make a comeback here."

Megumi timidly raised a hand. "B-But you said that last time." She, Takumi and the other boy known as Asami cringed when a sudden depressed Soma slumped in his seat. "S-Soma!"

"Yukihira!"

"This is a first seeing Yukihira like this."

Takumi watched Megumi trying to shake Soma out of his uncharacteristic depression before he looked at the smirking Naruto. "Something is coming."

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"I feel something familiar." Naruto looked at the top card of his deck. "Could it be? The card that could help me out?"

Sasuke watched interestingly at Naruto who closed his eyes and took a deep breath before he drew his new card from the deck. An uneasy feeling arose within him when he saw Naruto smile at the card and knew from that moment something big is on the way.

"Since this is my second Standby Phase, Time Chain has worn off and my Dark Magician…" The said Spellcaster tensed before stretching out his arms with force and broke the chains off of his person. "is now back on the field."

"Still, your two Magicians can't hope to match the power of my Neo Blue Eyes." Sasuke confidently said before his Fusion Monster roared in agreement with the chains still restraining its movements although the dimming lights signified its limit. "And once you end your, my dragon will finish off your monsters and LP."

Naruto chuckled in response, confusing Sasuke who raised a brow. "Like my dad and I always say, 'The Duel isn't over until the last LP is gone'. If I even have one LP, I'll still keep Dueling because there is no greater joy than following your passion!"

The Totsuki audience murmured to each other in agreement as well as the guests of honor. They were so into the duel that they didn't notice the clouds that were currently passing over the open ceiling, providing shade towards everyone from the sun's rays.

"And I support my statement by playing this!" Naruto revealed the card to be the close-up of a teal dragon's face with a scar on its right eye. "The Eye of Timaeus!"

"What?!"

"And now Timaeus, arise!" Naruto shouted as Dark Magician raised his staff which was brimming with energy at its tip before it shot towards the clouds. The light then burst with a shockwave that blew away the clouds and in its place was a large teal dragon that slowly descended towards Naruto. "And now I merge my dragon with Dark Magician Girl!"

"A Fusion Summon?" Sasuke cried out in shock.

Dark Magician Girl jumped high into the air towards Timaeus where they were engulfed into a bright sphere that signified a Fusion Summon while Sasuke and everyone watched Naruto as he began the summon chant.

"The apprentice shall take her power to new heights with the help of another! An unknown power waiting to be unleashed with the union of these two! Fusion Summon! Descend!" Naruto cried out with passion as the light sphere descended in front of him. "Dark Magician Girl the Dragon Knight (6/ATK-2600/DEF-1900)!"

The audience and Sasuke stared at the new Fusion Monster that had taken to the field on behalf of Naruto as Dark Magician Girl, in her knight armor, pointed her blade at Neo Blue Eyes Ultimate Dragon while Timaeus roared with vigor. Meanwhile, Dark Magician looked at his apprentice and nodded at her increased power and confidence.

Blue Eyes Sprite Dragon responded with a roar of its own while Sasuke looked a little worried.

"Dark Magician Girl the Dragon Knight attacks Blue Eyes Sprite Dragon with Dark Energy Burst!" Naruto commanded with a pointed finger at the opposing Synchro Monster as Timaeus and Dark Magician Girl fired their dual-combined power wave at Blue Eyes Sprite Dragon.

Sasuke braced himself after his dragon was destroyed by the opposing Fusion Monster his opponent commands. Despite this, he was having fun… fun after a long time.

Sasuke: 1400 LP

"Now you're wide open! Dark Magician, attack his LP directly! Dark Magic Attack!"

The legendary Spellcaster jumped in the air and pointed his staff's tip at Sasuke before firing the familiar light green energy beam. Despite his Fusion Monster still on the field, Sasuke knew due to Naruto's Time Chain, his Neo Blue Eyes Ultimate Dragon was technically no longer on his side.

However, Sasuke was still in this Duel and with back-up plans.

"You activate my Trap Card! Go Totem Pole!" Sasuke said with a smirk.

Naruto clicked his tongue after the Trap Card blocked his Magician's attack, but he was surprised when it destroyed itself afterwards. "So it had a limit? No wonder Sasuke didn't use it that time when Dark Magician destroyed his Lord of Dragons! He was saving the final use for this moment."

"My turn. I draw!" Sasuke looked at his hand before playing a card. "I activate Nightmare's Chains!" He said before his dragon suddenly broke the chains, surprising Naruto and his monsters of the action. "Thanks to this card, all your Trap Cards are nullified…"

Naruto was taken aback as his Magicians Defense card had turned dull, indicating their powers sealed while Time Chain was destroyed due to having reached its limit.

"And one more thing…"

Eyes widening, Naruto stared in shock and worry as a large gray diamond-shaped plate appeared on his field while chains shot out and wrapped around Dark Magician's arms and upper body before he was harshly bound against the plate.

"Dark Magician!" Naruto cried as Dark Magician Girl and Timaeus looked at the bound and glaring Spellcaster.

"Your Dark Magician is no longer on the field. He can't attack me, my LP and monsters and most of all… he can't defend your LP."

"Oh crap." Naruto let out a shuddering breath.

"Battle! Neo Blue Eyes Ultimate Dragon attacks Dark Magician Girl the Dragon Knight!"

The Totsuki audience couldn't hold their excitement as they feel the end of the Duel was about to arrive any moment. As for Soma and Megumi, they were filled with dread and worry for their friend.

Naruto and the bound Dark Magician watched the Neo Blue Eyes's heads charged its powerful attack in their maws before it was launched at Dark Magician Girl and Timaeus. The duo's eyes widen when the female Spellcaster sent them a sad smile before she and Timaeus were sent to the Graveyard.

Another shockwave shook the stage with another large smoke cloud covering the stage as the audience were unable to see the Duelists. However most of them had the same mindset.

Sasuke Uchiha is the winner.

"Man, that was intense."

"That Naruto guy gave a good fight, but there was no way he'd beat an Uchiha."

"You got that right."

The Uchiha ignored the chattering as the cloud cleared on his end but his eyes were different. They were still on edge. Aware. The gnawing instincts were telling him that it was not over yet.

"Good to see you're still hanging there…" Sasuke spoke as the cloud finally cleared the other side and revealed a still standing and determind Naruto with his 50 LP still intact. "But how did you managed to escape my last attack?"

Naruto chuckled with a small smirk before a card was ejected from the Graveyard and he picked it up. "That's because of him." He flipped it over to Sasuke who gritted his teeth in response.

"Kuriboh." The Uchiha said frustrated. "That little furball."

"Yep! Thanks to the little guy, all damage done to me becomes zero during this turn just by discarding him from my hand." Naruto looked at the card fondly. "Thanks buddy. I'd have lost the Duel if it wasn't you. I'll make sure to get those sweet candy on the way back home."

The furry Kuriboh purred in response with eye smiles at his friend before Naruto put the card back in the Graveyard.

"I end my turn."

"Good." Naruto looked at the top card of his deck once more before putting his fingers on it. "Please…help me. Just for one more chance." His eyes were closed, so Naruto didn't see the card briefly glowed before he drew it and looked at it. His eyes widened in surprise and shock as he stared it. "What…what is this?"

TWExTWExTWE

(Meanwhile)

Fountain Plaza, Neo Domino City

"Does everyone have everything ready?" Yusei asked his friends.

He could see that they were excited to visit Tokyo despite the six-hour trip. There's not a lot of opportunities to relax and enjoy the homeland and her cities. Especially if one's a Signer and servant to the Crimson Dragon, then you have little to no chance of relax.

Thankfully there wasn't anything to derail their plans.

"Yep!" Everyone chorused as they went outside the garage with their Duel Runners while Bruno rented a car for Leo, Luna and himself. They turned on their engines when Yusei noticed a familiar car driving up to them. It was Naruto's dad's Impala.

Out came the blonde's parents who had just come back after an exhausting party at the university.

"Oh~ I see you kids are about to head to Tokyo?" Misaki asked with a knowing tone.

"Yep!" Leo and Luna answered in unison.

Joshua nodded with a happy smile, "That's good. You kids should enjoy your youth while you're still young." He sent a jovial smirk specifically at Yusei and Akiza. "Especially since there's love in the air."

"Really~?" Everyone including Bruno looked at the blushing Yusei and Akiza with grins that reached their ears.

"G-Guys?"

"Please stop." Akiza pleaded with a sweat-drop.

"I wish you all a safe journey." Misaki said at the children as they left the plaza. She then entered the house with her husband and sat on the couch to relax her swollen feet. Joshua soon came back and sat with her while having a bowl of ice cream for the two of them. "I love you so much."

"Me too." Joshua responded fondly before giving his wife a peck on the lips. He then looked at his wife's belly. "What do you think of her name?"

"Hmm~"

"I like Robin."

"No… Nami."

"Uh-uh… Eleanor?"

Misaki shook her head. "Reminds of this girl I met in college. She and I were at each other's throats for first place. How about Jamie?"

"Nope. Ex-girlfriend who cheated on me with my best friend."

"Right."

The two expecting parents threw around a bunch of names until they came up with one they both liked.

"Carly!" Misaki and Joshua looked at each other fondly. "Then Carly it is." Joshua said as his wife leaned against him, her head on his shoulder. "I wonder Naruto is having fun back in Tokyo."

"Knowing him and Soma, they're bound to get into something out of their league." Misaki pointed out with a chuckle.

They have no idea how right they were about one of them.

TWExTWExTWE

Shokugeki Arena, Totsuki Academy, Tokyo, Japan

"H-how? When?"

There were many questions running through Naruto's head as he continued to stare at the card. He was sure to account of all cards within his deck and that were no more surprises after discovering the Dark Magician family and related cards during his Duel with Ghost.

So what the heck is this?

"Where did you come from?" Naruto inspected the card and noticed the figure's face looked familiar to him. "Have I seen you before?"

"Yes." He freaked internally to avoid making a fool of himself in front of the audience and composed himself. "We've met before and I want to help you."

"Who are you?"

"Why don't you take a closer look at my name?" The voice teased the blonde.

Naruto looked at the top of the card and his eyes widen greatly that Sasuke noticed it from the other side. "N-No way… Is this really…"

"Oi!" Naruto flinched before he looked at the annoyed Sasuke. "Are you going to make your move or what?" Sasuke asked, his patience running thin by the second.

"…" Naruto breathed in deeply before looking at the card once more. "Are you ready?"

"Oh~" The voice said in an astonished tone. "I thought for a second you wouldn't summon me and forfeit instead."

"I did think that. Plenty of times actually. But…" Naruto looked at Sasuke. "If I didn't go at him with everything I have including you, I would regret it." His eyes closed as he continued. "Plus…if you are really her, you must've heard me in your kitchen. My words."

"Yes…"

"We're going to have a talk after this."

"Of course!"

Sasuke narrowed his eyes after Naruto chuckled as he opened his eyes, full of greater determination than before.

"All right, here it goes!" Naruto said. "Get ready, Sasuke because I'm going against you with full force!"

Sasuke retorted back with an incredulous look. "And how will you do that? Your Dark Magician is bound. Your Trap Cards are useless. And you have no monsters on the field to protect you. Even if you were able to summon a monster, you'd just be stalling your loss."

"With this! If I have more than nine monsters in my Graveyard, I can Special Summon this monster from my hand by without a sacrifice!" Naruto lifted the card that shined as nine light spheres emerged from his Graveyard before they shot inside the card. "Being of great power, of fire, of wind. Your beauty has no equal as does your might! Let those who bring harm to those of your beloved scream in a hail of fire and wind!"

Naruto placed the card before he was engulfed within a bright light that resembled a lightning bolt, shocking everyone by the display. But none more so then Sasuke who heard the name of Naruto's new monster.

"Slash and blaze them all! Tamamo the Kyuubi no Kistune (9/ATK-2900/DEF-3200)!"

When the light finally subsided, Sasuke was expecting a giant nine-tailed fox standing behind his opponent with bare fangs and malicious aura, ready to pounce on him and his Ultimate Dragon. However, his expectations were let down as the monster revealed it—herself to him and everyone else.

Standing in front of Naruto and his LP was a woman who had golden eyes and long golden-blonde hair that was tied in an oriental bun as her long bangs framed her face while the fox ears twitched every few seconds. She was wearing an elegant purple kimono with floral designs all over and long sleeves that had white lining around the edge as a red sash was tied around her waist, but it didn't hide the nine golden-white tipped tails behind her nor her curvaceous figure.

"W-what?" Sasuke stuttered with a blush as he tried to stop the blood rush to his head.

Naruto chuckled nervously as he sheepishly rubbed his head before he commenced his move.

"Whenever Tamamo is successfully Special Summoned via either means, she can destroy all Spell and Trap Cards on the field." Naruto declared as Tamamo summoned a fireball that was the same size as her before she slammed it on the ground.

A huge fire wave expanded omnidirectional across the entire field, destroying both Naruto and Sasuke's facedown cards.

"With your Nightmare's Chain gone, its effect is no longer valid and Tamamo gains 200 ATK for each destroyed card total. There were five cards on the field."

Tamamo raised her hand and absorbed the suspended shards while her body glowed a bright gold aura as her ATK increased to 3900. Moments later, Dark Magician broke the chains as the plate disintegrated before he took his spot next to the Kitsune albeit reluctantly.

"Also, Tamamo's second ability activates at this moment! When I have her on the field, all Spellcasters gain 300 ATK and 300 DEF plus they can't be targeted by my opponent's card effects."

Dark Magician (ATK-2800/DEF-2400)

"So? Neither of your monsters are strong enough to beat my Neo Blue Eyes."

Naruto smirked before Sasuke's eyes widen slightly as the former continued his move.

"Tamamo has a third effect. For every Spellcasters, she gains an additional 400 ATK and DEF whether on the field or in my Graveyard." Naruto mentioned casually, surprising Sasuke of this development.

Slightly raising his Duel Disk, Naruto watched as a light shined from the Graveyard slot before images of his fallen Spellcaster monsters appeared behind him as Sasuke took a step backwards in shock while his opponent's newest monster's ATK changed.

Tamamo the Kyuubi no Kitsune (ATK-6900/DEF-6000)

"6900 ATK?!"

"All right, Tamamo. Attack his Neo Blue Eyes Ultimate Dragon!" Naruto cried with passion to his new monster.

Tamamo smirked as she lifted her hand in the air before the flickering flames slowly condensed in her palm and formed a basketball-sized fire sphere. Then Naruto and Sasuke were in for a surprise when the wind within the arena began to pick up as it was being drawn into the sphere. The wind turned into a condensed shape of four sharp points around the sphere in a rapid spinning motion.

All in all, it looked like the Fuma shuriken that ninjas of old used back in ancient times.

"Go! Flaming Rasenshuriken!"

With a yell, Tamamo threw the fire/wind attack at the three-headed Blue Eyes who fired back with its three-fueled Neutron Blast at the rapidly approaching shuriken, resulting in a brief clash. However, it wasn't long until Tamamo's attack sliced through the Neutron Blast like butter and cut off the three heads of the Fusion Monster.

Sasuke stood there in shock as his dragon was engulfed in a massive explosion before another large smoke cloud filled the entire arena. Despite that, he couldn't stop smiling.

Sasuke: 0 LP

After the cloud finally cleared, the entire audience was completely silent. The duel had ended, but not with the expected victor. Their shocked eyes were glued in on the two Duelists who were smiling at each other as they walked to each other and shook hands.

With that, they cheered loudly for gratitude and praise for a hell of start of the 43rd Autumn Elections Tournament.

TWExTWExTWE

(A Few Moments Earlier)

"Amazing. Amazing!" Megumi shouted with awe and praise.

The knowing Soma smiled at his friend's accomplishment, but there was so many questions in his head. Where did he acquire the Dark Magician and that Tamamo cards? He'd seen his deck before and none of those monsters nor support cards were in it.

Oh well. He'll ask him later.

"Soma!" The said teenager perked up when he heard his name called out. He then looked at Naruto who was waving him to come onto the stage "Come down here!"

"No!"

"Get down here!"

"…Fine." Soma said begrudgingly as he got up from his seat and went down to the stage, followed by Megumi, Takumi and his brother, Isami. "What's up?"

His question was answered when Naruto grabbed his shoulders rather tightly and looked at him with an look intense hunger.

"Help… me…" Naruto drawled out as he fell to his knees before Soma caught him.

"Ah! Is he okay?!" Megumi asked with great concern while Takumi and Isami watched worryingly like everyone else.

Soma looked at her and the Aldini brothers with a nonchalant look. "Oh he's just hungry." He looked back at his groaning friend. "Let me guess: you came straight here without eating anything."

"Yes."

"Want me to whip you a batch of ramen?"

"Yes!"

"How is someone like you beat me and yet keels over by hunger?" Sasuke lightly scolded with crossed arms.

The irritated Naruto was about to retort when a familiar and embarrassing sound growled from the Uchiha.

*GGGGGRRRRRLLLL*

"…"

"Hahaha~" A smug Naruto pointed a finger at the embarrassed Sasuke who turned his head away. "You're hungry too, so don't criticize other people!"

"I only criticize those who make fools or actual fools themselves…" Sasuke sent Naruto a pointed look. "Like you for example."

"Why you!"

"You wanna go?!"

"Yeah, let's go!"

The nearby Totsuki students chuckled at the amusement in front of them as Naruto and Sasuke hooked each other's mouths, pulling with great fervor.

"With this… the Duel concludes!" Senzaemon's firm voice boomed as if he talked through a microphone, ceasing the boys' little scuffle. "And the winner is Naruto Ea!"

Once more the entire audience cheered with clapping hands and standing ovation as Naruto let go of Sasuke before he grabbed his hand and raised it high as well, confusing the Uchiha.

"We're both winners." Naruto admitted after releasing the latter's hand. "Plus it is sportsman-like to praise both players no matter the winner or the loser." He gave a thumbs up at Sasuke who chuckled at the blonde's optimism.

"Uh, guys."

The Duelists looked at a laid-back Soma who waved them over so they complied as the spiky red-haired spoke.

"Do you guys want to eat now or wait until the preliminaries are over?" Soma asked before he was confronted with hunger glares from the duo.

"We don't want to wait for two hours!" Naruto cried out as Sasuke nodded rapidly.

Megumi reluctantly stepped forward with placating hands. "B-But the curry we're about to make will be worth it. Soma, Takumi, Isami and I and many others are participating in the preliminaries. We can make it for you two afterwards." She said, hoping for her new friend to stay and watch them.

"Hmph~…" Naruto looked at the pondering Sasuke. "What do you think?"

"Eh?!" Sasuke was taken aback by his questioning. "Why are you including me?!"

"'Cause we're buddies aren't we." Naruto stated with a straight face.

"Eh?! Who would want to be buddies with you?!"

His answer was Naruto blankly pulling Soma and Megumi next to him to prove his point.

"O-oh." Sasuke muttered lowly with a sweat-drop. He then sighed and relented, "F-Fine. I'll stay for the preliminaries."

"There you have it!" Naruto beamed at his chef friends. "He and I will watch the preliminaries and wait for your curry dishes!"

"Sweet!"

"T-thank you!" Megumi said with a smile.

"But I have one question." Naruto stated seriously, surprising everyone around him. As they leaned forward slightly, the blonde suddenly pointed at the two boys behind Soma and Megumi. "Who are they?"

Takumi took a dramatic step backwards, shocked by the blatant question while his brother laughed at him for his reaction with teary eyes.

"I am Takumi Aldini and this is my brother Isami!" The blonde chef shouted with vigor. "And I am the rival of Yukihira here."

Naruto blinked owlishly. "You are?" He asked with uncertainty.

"Yes I am!" Takumi screamed before turning to his laughing brother. "Stop laughing, Isami!"

The group laughed at the older Aldini's misfortune while atop the VIP room, the director of Totsuki Academy watched the scene fondly. The union and friendship of the two worlds was clearly being shown between Duelists and Chefs through their laughter and casual conversation.

With Naruto Ea at the forefront of the Duel Monster world and Soma Yukihira of the Culinary world, the severed bridge will be repaired slowly but surely.

END OF CHAPTER

Another chapter is finally done. I hope you all enjoyed the duel and the new chapter and my handling with the cards. As for Tamamo's card and effects, they were suggested by someone who was 'Guest' and I talked to Jebest4781 about them and they were approved. However, if you don't like them then perhaps we can tweak them a little or since she has nine-tails, then she can have nine effects. If anyone disagrees with that and think it might make her OP, then please tell me. There will be support cards for Tamamo and fox related cards in Naruto's deck.

Chapter 9 Q&A's:

Ivan0061509 (August 24): Thank you for reading and I am happy to know you enjoyed the previous chapter. How do you rate this chapter and its duel?

Veesmaster (August 24): Honestly, Shokugeki no Soma is one of my favorite manga/anime series ever. In the manga, the characters and emotions are more intense like Soma's Shokugeki against Subaru. That was an intense battle. As for Clannad, I'd only seen the series like two months ago, but it was really emotional especially since both Nagisa and Ushio died, but I was happy when Tomoya turned back time, held Nagisa again and to the time of Ushio's birth, they all live happily ever after. Naruto/Diana interactions will be coming I assure you. Did you enjoy this chapter?

Lightningblade49 (August 24): Yep he will while also maintaining a friendly rivalry with Naruto. Are you talking about the Grand Prix tournament? No, it's still going to be a three-man team but there are reserves/backups like Akiza stepped in for Crow after he broke his arm. Did you enjoy the new chapter?

Narutoxasuna25 (August 24): I'd been asked this question plenty of times, and my answer is that he will get a few dragons in his deck like Red Eyes Black Dragon, but there will be an adventure rather than just getting it in one chapter or an instant. There will come a time for them, but not yet indeed.

NinjaFang1331 (August 24): Thank you, thank you! I'm very pleased you enjoyed the story and with Shokugeki no Soma. It is so funny and very original with a fun cast of characters. Did you enjoy the new chapter and Tamamo's effects? Is there anything you wish to discuss about it?

Blackseal84 (August 24): I hope you enjoyed the duel between Dark Magician and Blue Eyes and their members. Neo Blue Eyes Ultimate Dragon and Blue Eyes Sprite Dragon had made their appearances. Sasuke will be around more afterwards so more Blue Eyes will appear later in the story. Did you enjoy the new chapter?

Jebest4781 (August 24): Yes, things will be crazy and insane from here.

Ito Uchiha (August 24): I apologize for the Red Eyes comment. I didn't mean to put it that way, but Red Eyes will play a major role in the story and beyond. Did you enjoy the duel in the new chapter?

AnonGod (August 24): No problem. I enjoy writing this story of this crossover genre because I've always wanted to write one, but I didn't know where to start. Perhaps I should add Arcanite Magician into the deck, but again that won't happen for a while now. As for Azure Eyes Silver Dragon, I substituted him for Blue Eyes Sprite Dragon instead. Obviously Silfer will make an appearance as will the other Divine Beasts. All in due time of course.

GodX (August 25): I caught you by surprise didn't I? The minor crossover with Shokugeki no Soma is good, but one other manga/anime series will make an appearance in the next chapter. Its characters were already introduced back in chapter one. Between these three, there will be more appearances. I do agree that Yugioh 5Ds was the shortest series compared to the original series, GX, and Zexal. Did you enjoy the new chapter and the duel as well as Tamamo's first Duel and her effects?

R-king 93 (August 25): I'm very happy to hear that. To be honest, I was feeling a little nervous regarding Sasuke and his dueling with Blue Eyes but I'm glad to hear otherwise. The rivalry between these two will only grow in the future just like Yugi/Kaiba and Yusei/Jack.

The Keeper of Worlds (August 25): That is great to hear you enjoyed the chapter. I do hope the intensity of the duel in this chapter pleased you and the handling of the characters.

Megakdre100 (August 25): No, not really. Don't worry, there'll be moments where she's herself in the upcoming chapters. Sasuke is a Turbo Duelist and he will show his skills later on in the story.

Guest (August 25): I love it as well and I thank Kanokon manga/anime for giving me her. As you probably read, your suggested effects have made their appearances in the Duel. I hope you enjoyed it like I did. The manga/anime are worth it. Of course he will help them out from the get-go, but there will be some obstacles that delays him from reaching them. Did you enjoy the chapter?