Those Who Endure

Chapter 13: The Past Comes to Haunt II

"This is really not good."

"Bolton has Crow on the ropes. His White Warriors are the antithesis to Crow's Blackwings." Yusei said after seeing the two archetypes clash various times, only for White Warrior to stay dominant throughout the Duel. Crow did throw some good punches, but Bolton had remained in control the entire time.

"But the biggest problem is that Synchro Monster Bolton summoned."

"Yeah, Crow looks freaked out when he saw it." Yusei said concerned after seeing the shocked expression on his friend's face via the monitor on the panoramic window. "Could it be…"

"You don't think that—"

"Most likely that Bolton was the one responsible for Pearson's death."

Jack's hand trembled with anger as his gritted teeth and narrowed eye were directed at the holographic screen that had zoomed in on Bolton's face. There's nothing worse than betraying those close to you and he should know. He did it to Yusei and their friends back in Satellite, but never would he intentionally cause someone's death.

"I really hope Crow beats the crap out of him." Jack finally said after moments of calming down.

"Me too."

Yusei turned around and a small frown made its way on his face, which caught Jack's attention. He too turned around to look for something… or someone.

"Naruto isn't here yet."

"Odd. I thought he'd be here by now."

"You don't think he would bail out?"

"No, this is Naruto we're talking about here. He knows better."

Jack sent him a deadpanned look at his friend. "We're talking about the guy who knocked and sent four brigades of Tokyo police officers because he was hyped up on one cup of coffee. Half of those officers had broken bones and severe concussion."

"… Yeah, you got a point there." Yusei reluctantly agreed.

"Do you think something's up with him?"

"If there is, I'm sure he'll handle it. Besides, if he's in trouble, our marks will let us know."

That brought out a topic Jack had forgotten to mention. It had been bothering him since Naruto and Akiza's Duel against the Yliaster kid. When their marks burned with Akiza's pain, which was normal for them since she was a Signer, but he also felt Naruto's suffering as well.

Could he be one of them? That was the question in his mind this whole time.

And he had yet to discuss this with any of his fellow Signers.

Until now.

"Hey Yusei." Jack called his friend after they turned their heads back to the screen and the Duel.

"What is it, Jack?"

"Where is Naruto?" Jack nudged at the spot where he had expected his fellow blonde to be.

Upon being pointed out for that, Yusei had to think the same thing. Their friend would never bail on any of them in their problems even if something personal and sacred to him such as the Dark Magician card was at stake.

"I… have no idea."

TWExTWExTWE

Fountain Plaza, Neo Domino City

"Achoo!" Naruto sniffed after wiping his nose. "Someone must be talking about me."

"Hopefully a girl."

"Shut up, dad."

"Naruto…"

"Yeah?"

"Were you always this good?"

"What do you mean by that?"

Naruto: 3500 LP

Joshua: 3500 LP

On the Ea men's side of the field, there was Naruto's Cybernetic Magician and Breaker the Magical Warrior while Joshua had Gaia the Fierce Knight and Buster Blader with two facedown cards in total count. Meanwhile their opponents had four monsters protecting their LP as well.

As for the figures, they each had monsters to defend themselves although they were weak compared to their opponents. For the first one on the far right had Celtic Guardian (4/ATK-1400/DEF-1200), an elf creature donning green chest-plate, gloves and boots and a navy blue cape attached its shoulders.

The second figure had two monsters that were identical to each other. They were Gazelle the King of Mythical Beasts (4/ATK-1500/DEF-1200) and had assumed the DEF position. They were the size of man and the quadrupedal creatures with brown fur as it had a large, shaggy black mane around its neck while their long tails swayed in unison.

The last of the trio had a creature that is stronger than the other three, but pales in comparison to Naruto's Cybernetic Magician and Joshua's Buster Blader.

And they sans the third Duelist are not faring so far given their bodies breathing heavily and their LP.

Mysterious Figure #1: 1500 LP

Mysterious Figure #2: 1200 LP

Mysterious Figure #3: 2000 LP

"Damn it! How is this possible?!"

"There are three of us and two of them. We should be dominating this Duel." The second cloaked figure said harshly in frustration. "These two are just nobodies!"

The Ea men reacted in mock hurt as they both put their hands on their foreheads, exaggerating much. "The pain! Oh, the pain!" Their opponents sweat-dropped at their reactions as their monsters shook their heads in annoyance. "What do you think should happen?"

"Perhaps they should learn how to work together instead of working separately." Naruto replied casually to his dad who nodded at his answer.

"Teamwork is everything, son."

"Of course."

"Oi!" Everyone turned to their heads at the voice belonging to Misaki who stood near the house's door. "How is this going to take? I need to know so I can cook dinner." Her boys glanced at each other before they raised five fingers. "Five minutes? Okay, I'll get the pot started." She turned around and went inside the house for the kitchen. "Perhaps I could make barbecue ribs and brisket today."

Cue the drool waterfalls from Naruto and Joshua who turned around to face their opponents with hungry expressions.

"Let's finish this, pops!"

"Hai!"

"Too bad for you since it's my turn." The third Duelist exclaimed in anger as he drew his card and kept him-self from grinning when it was one that could help them out, but there are conditions. "…I end my turn."

"Weird. I thought he had something to turn the tide."

"Good. Now it's my move." Joshua drew his card and smirked at it. "I summon Buster Whelp of the Destruction Swordsman (1/ATK-400/DEF-300) in DEF mode."

Naruto and the opposing Duelists watched as a small dragon appeared on the field next to Buster Blader. It had snow white fur covering its body with two arm-length wings while small tufts of light greenish-gold were around them, its tail, and four legs. Its hands scratched the two small horns were on its head while tribal-like markings adorned the cheeks, drawing attention to its very sapphire-colored eyes.

The blonde smiled when the Buster Whelp barked happily while it was petted by Buster Blader affectionately. According to his dad, both Buster Blader and Buster Whelp are companions throughout life despite of their affiliations: one being a dragon slayer and a dragon itself.

"Now I activate my Buster Whelp's special ability. When it is Normal Summoned to the field, I can add one Destruction Sword card to my hand from straight my deck." He picked out the chosen card just before his deck was shuffled as per the rule. "I end my turn with one face-down."

This made Naruto suddenly went slump in his place. "Huh?! I thought you were going to summon it, dad!"

"Now, now son. I taught you better than that." Joshua scolded his son teacher-like while assuming a pose that reflected that profession. "Besides don't you think it would be more fun if you and I have our favorite Extra Deck Monsters on our field at the same time."

"But you could've summoned it during your turn and then I would've summon right now." Naruto deadpanned, causing Joshua to gawk in surprise. He sighed at his father's personality. One half is the professor and the other is the buffoon. Sometimes they clash or take over momentarily. "Oh well. I guess I better make my move."

"Are they really taking us lightly?"

"It looks like it."

"Damn them."

"My turn then." Naruto drew his new card and smirked at it. "Dad, mind if I take your Buster Blader?"

"Go ahead son."

"First I Normal Summon Magician's Rod (1/ATK-200/DEF-100)." A monster version of Dark Magician's rod emerged onto his field. "Next I play the Spell Card Polymerization and I fuse my dad's Buster Blader…" Naruto declared as his new card shined before it revealed itself to be one of his favorite Spellcasters. "And Dark Magician from my hand for a Fusion Summon!"

"Fusion Summon/Dark Magician?!" The cloaked Duelists shouted in shock.

Everyone watched in shock while Joshua in awe as his Buster Blader and Naruto's Dark Magician morphed into light spheres before they ascended up the sky and merged together while his son spoke the summoning chant. "Master of magic and harmony…master of swordsmanship and honor… Alone you may fall but together, there is no end to your incomparable might! Fusion Summon! Plow through all enemies, The Ultimate Magical Swordsman, Dark Paladin (9/ATK-2900/DEF-2400)!"

"Dark Paladin?!"

The glowing white sphere dispelled and revealed the Fusion Monster allied with Naruto. The monster looked similar to Dark Magician except the color of the armor and robe was grayish-green with golden lining across various parts of the pads while the shoulder plates, hat and gauntlets had sharp edges. Instead of its Fusion Material, the color of its skin was also gray along with its long hair coming out of its hat along with the large, serrated sword.

"Now Dark Paladin, attack Gazelle the King of Mystical Beast!" Naruto ordered as his new Spellcaster monster dashed towards said monster and swung its sword diagonally while Gazelle pounced towards him in self-defense.

"You activated my Trap Card Mirror Force!" The second Duelist countered in glee, despite of the sweat on his temple. However, it fell when Joshua smirked back at him.

"I don't think so." Joshua swiftly pressed a button on his Disk, revealing one of his facedown cards. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Body of Shield. With this card, I can negate the activation of a Spell/Trap Card or monster effect that would destroy a monster…. However, I must pay 1500 LP for this card."

Joshua: 2000 LP

The third and first Duelists grimaced while their companion shirked as his Trap Card was destroyed by Joshua's card along with Gazelle being cleaved in half.

Mysterious Duelist #2: 0 LP

"No!" The third Duelist cried out as his fallen comrade was sent flying backwards and landed on his back. "You'll pay for that!"

"Just try it. Cybernetic Magician, attack his Celtic Guardian."

"Not so fast. I activate the Continuous Spell Card Swords of Concealing Light." Duelist #3 said. "Once this card resolves, all of your monsters are switched to face-down Defense Mode. Plus, your monsters cannot change their battle positions until my second Standby Phase."

"I don't think so. I activate my Dark Paladin's special effect!" Naruto decreed as his Fusion Monster began to glow with a gray aura. "By discarding one card, I can negate the activation of a Spell Card and destroy it." Dark Paladin pointed the tip of its large sword as a dark blue stream hit and destroyed the card.

"Damn it." The Duelist #3 grimaced as he was inflicted 1000 Damage, reducing his LP to be 500.

"Breaker the Magical Warrior, attack his LP directly!" Naruto commanded his orange/crimson Spellcaster as it dashed towards his opponent and slashed at him.

Mysterious Duelist #1: 0 LP

The first Duelist, like his companion, was thrown backwards from the force of the attack and laid on the ground.

"I end my turn with a face-down."

Unlike the other two, the last Duelist was quiet the entire Duel. No reaction of any kind. Not when his colleagues were wiped out of the Duel or their monsters being destroyed. Completely silent… and that's what has Ea men worried. It was like they were being stared as prey.

The third of the mysterious Duelist drew his card and finally spoke for the first time. "I activate the Call of the Yokai Haunting Spell Card."

"Did he just say—" Joshua said.

Naruto finished his father's sentence. "Yokai Haunting?"

The uneasy feeling the father/son team unknowingly had in their stomachs grew tenfold as the Spell Card glowed brightly to force them to cover their eyes.

TWExTWExTWE

Bolton's Experimental Track Field

"Why?!"

"…"

"Answer me, Bolton! Why did you do it?!"

"…"

"Why did you kill Pearson?!"

"…"

"BOLTON!"

"… I didn't mean to…"

"I'm going to make you pay!"

"Not here, not now." Bolton mumbled before speaking aloud, "I activate my monster's special effect. For each card you control, you take 300 Damage. Since you control two cards, that's 600 points total."

Hearing a loud 'pop', Crow looked up to see a red lightning bolt that followed the motion of Crimson Mefist's cane at him and grimaced at the pain after the bolt hit him straight on. Actual pain.

Crow: 1800 LP

SC:6

"That really smarts! Guess Trudge and Mina were right about that card inflicting real pain."

"I'm not done. Crimson Mefist, attack Blackwing Armed Wing!" Bolton commanded his smirking monster as it pointed its cane at the Blackwing monster and fired another red lightning bolt that pierced through its weapon and chest, destroying the monster.

Coughing underneath the smoke of his monster, Crow grimaced at the drop of LP once more as it was reduced to 1300 from the battle.

"I end my turn with that and you know what that means."

Crow gritted his teeth as he was again struck by the effect of Sacred Arrow, reducing his LP once again to 900 this time. "I have to do something!" He mumbled under breath. "My turn! I draw!" Crow declared loudly after drawing his new card as the SC increased to eight. "I activate Speed World II's special effect! By removing seven of my SC, I can draw one card from my deck." He drew his new card while his SC decreased to zero. "Blackwing – Jetstream the Blue Sky. This could help me later on."

"…Well?"

"I'm on it. I summon Blackwing – Kochi the Daybreak (4/ATK-700/DEF-1500) in DEF mode and set a card. That ends my turn." Crow declared after his monster was summoned. It was a rather small creature compared to his other monsters such as it actually looked more like a bird. It had a long dull green beak with several straight feathers that stood up like a crown and its vibrant multi-feathered tail fluttered with the wind.

"Unfortunately for you, Crimson Mefist's second effect just activated and you receive 300 Damage for each card you just set."

"What?" Crow managed to say before he was struck by another round of red lightning and his LP was once again reduced to 600 points. "Damn monster."

"My turn then. And now you take another 300 points of damage due to Crimson Mefist's effect." Bolton explained once more as Crow's LP took another hit from the pain-inducing effect.

Crow: 300 LP

SC:1

Bolton: 2400 LP

SC:8

"I summon White Warrior – Sleet the Morning Star (1/ATK-0/DEF-0) in ATK mode." Boltin said as his new monster appeared on the field alongside his Synchro Monster. It was a man like the previous White Warrior in Roman-like clothing except a long bronze wing-like and shoulder guard occupied his right should as he wielded a mace with chain connected to a spiky ball. "And now I shall sacrifice it!"

"Huh? Why?" Crow asked taken aback as Bolton's monster was sacrificed while Crimson Mefist glowed a darkly red aura slowly oozing out of its body.

"To grant my Synchro Monster a new effect." Bolton answered, surprising Crow of this as they turned a tight corner and several loops before passing through the starting line. "Due to this, if Crimson Mefist destroys a monster in battle, you will take damage half of my Synchro Monster's ATK. And with 300 LP left…" Crow gritted in realization as he commanded his monster to battle the Blackwing.

But Crow wasn't one to throw the towel. "I don't think so!" Crow shouted in defiance as he sent a card to the Graveyard. "I activate the effect of my Blackwing – Jetstream the Blue Sky that I just sent to the Graveyard. By doing so, my monster isn't destroyed and my LP are safe from all damage."

"Fine. I end my turn with a face-down."

Crow sighed in relief after barely escaping a narrow situation. However, he needs to come up with a victory plan in his turn or he will lose not only the Blackwing Dragon even though said card is not in his possession, but also Naruto's Dark Magician. He gritted his teeth at the thought of failing Naruto after the latter placed so much faith in him.

"Please… I need help here." Crow whispered to himself in a pleading tone. The top card of his deck glowed dimly while a part of his Black Bird hummed at the same time. "Not for me… for my friends… for Naruto… for Pearson!" He grabbed the card on his deck. "I draw!" Crow looked at it as the SC rose to nine and two respectively. He was stunned by the appearance since he had never seen or put it in his deck before. "What is this?"

"…"

"…"

"…"

"All right then. I summon the Yatagarasu the Red Crow (5/ATK-2200/DEF-1800) in ATK mode!"

Bolton had to look back once he heard the name. He'd never seen nor heard the card since his entire time knowing Pearson and Crow. Both Duelists watched as a fire pillar spouted out to the sky until it could reach no more and ceased, revealing a lone creature that was blocked within the sun. A loud yet beautiful screech came from above until it descended and revealed the creature.

It was a crimson-furred crow with long, sharp claws matching its sharp beak as its eyes blinked red and yellow. Its wings were long like the width of the track, but the one characteristic of the creature was the black, long three legs. The creature resembled the Three-Legged Crow.

That was in the mind of the Duelists, Jack and Yusei and Bolton's employees overseeing the Duel.

"At this time, Yatagarasu's special ability activates!" Crow shouted with vigor after snapping himself out of awe. "If I have more than five Winged-Beast monsters in my Graveyard and/or field, I gain 300 LP for each monsters." Yatagarasu glowed in a fiery crimson aura before it engulfed Crow, relieving him of the previous pain while also restoring his LP to 1800.

"Tsk!"

"Furthermore, the second effect now activates: I can lower one monster's level by one. I choose my Blackwing – Kochi the Daybreak to do so." Crow informed as his chosen monster's level was lowered to three. "Lastly, my Yatagarasu is treated as a Tuner Monster."

"What?!"

"I tune me now-Level 3 Blackwing – Kochi the Daybreak to my Level 5 Yatagarasu the Red Crow!" Crow shouted as his two monsters turned into three stars and five rings respectively while his Duel Runner beeped loud until the HUD screen revealed a card. Shock struck him but he commenced the chant for his new Synchro Monster. "Darkened gales, become the wings that soar from resolved hope!" The signature beam of bright light burst within the five rings. "Synchron Summon! Soar, Black-Winged Dragon (8/ATK-2800/DEF-1600)!"

Bolton looked back to see the dragon he wanted that had once belonged to Pearson. It was a large creature with two black wings that had sharp-looking feathers and an oddly yellow beak, dull yet serrated teeth occupied its teeth. It had twelve legs connected to a limb while four, rubber-like feathers emerged from the back and acted as tails of sorts.

"There it is. I knew you had it." Bolton smirked at his victory when it is his turn. "I shall thank you for both Blackwing Dragon and your friend's Dark Magician."

"No… you won't be taking any of our cards." Crow said otherwise while his Signer mark glowed with burning intensity, signifying that his dragon is a Signer Dragon like Stardust Dragon and Black Rose Dragon. "Black-Winged Dragon attacks—"

"Take this. I activate the Trap Card Synchro Rivalry! Now no monsters can be destroyed in battle during this turn."

"I activate the Speed Spell: Angel Baton and draw two cards." Crow looked at the new cards and sent one of them to the Graveyard. Crow smirked in response, much to Bolton's confusion and worry. "I activate the final effect of Yatagarasu that is in my Graveyard. For every card in Graveyard that I just sent to the Graveyard, the ATK of my Blackwing Dragon is increased by the number of cards sent by this effect times 1000."

Bolton cringed in horror as his Trap Card was sent back into his hand while Black-Winged Dragon glowed in a white aura, indicating its strength increase.

Black-Winged Dragon (ATK-3800)

"Furthermore, I set one card face-down." Crimson Mefist cackled as it fired another red bolt at Crow, but instead of it hitting him, his dragon took the attack as it groaned in pain. "Right now, my Black-Winged Dragon's effect had just activated and reduced all damage to zero while decreasing its own ATK by 300 points."

Black-Winged Dragon (ATK-3500)

"Furthermore, I activate the special ability of my Blackwing – Zephyros the Elite that is in my Graveyard. I take the card I just set on my field and Special Summon the monster in ATK mode." Crow informed after his new monster resurrected itself from the Graveyard. "However, I take 400 points of Damage."

"Then you would lose…unless…"

The red bolt of lightning struck not Crow, but his dragon once again. "Yes, my dragon's effect allows him to take the hit instead of me." Crow explained with vigor as his dragon's ATK was lowered by 300 once more. "I set a card face-down and now your monster's effect activates."

Black-Winged Dragon took another hit, a low snarl as a sign of its pain but valiant defiance.

"Doing so destroyed my Zephyros, but now my plan is complete."

Bolton sat there on his Duel Runner as Crow repeated the same actions over and over again with both the Black-Winged Dragon and Crimson Mefist's abilities working for the former Enforcer. The loop continued until the Signer Dragon's ATK had finally reached to zero.

"Now my dragon's second ability kicks in! When its ATK reaches zero by its first effect, my dragon regains the original ATK while your monster loses the exact amount at the same time!" Crow smirked victoriously when Bolton cringed on realization of his loss.

Black-Winged Dragon (ATK-3800)

Crimson Mefist (ATK-0)

"Black-Winged Dragon, attack his Crimson Mefist! Shadow Squall Blast!" Crow had commanded as his monster's maw opened while a black-infused red ball of power condensed within before it fired into a powerful beam that incinerated Bolton's Synchro Monster.

Bolton: 0 LP

Crow had stopped his Runner just as Bolton's shut down after the recorded loss. To their surprise, the Sector Security was already on scene and had taken Bolton straight out of the Dueling lane while Jack and Yusei ran to their friend who was clearly exhausted and hurting at the same time.

"…"

"Crow…" Jack paused since he didn't really know what to say to comfort his friend. He and Yusei had called Mira and Trudge about Bolton's confession during the Duel. "We—"

"D-Don't say anything." Crow said lowly. Yusei and Jack gave small nods to give their friend time to adjust to Bolton's confession. A few minutes of silence later, Crow looked around for their second blonde of the group, but couldn't find him. "Where's Naruto?"

"That's what we've been asking all day." Yusei answered honestly.

TWExTWExTWE

Fountain Plaza, Neo Domino City

"Oh…"

"Son, I think we're in trouble here."

"You think?"

Standing before Naruto and Joshua with their monsters was a cold woman in a white/light blue kimono with her hair in a bun as the air seemed colder than usual and the field was beginning to freeze underneath her feet. Her chilling dark blue eyes struck fear within the Ea duo as Naruto looked at the name among the small HUD in his Duel Disk.

Mizore the Great Yukionna (7/ATK-2400/DEF-2900)

"A Yokai?" Naruto whispered as Tamamo spoke in his mind.

"Yes. Remember I mentioned the people trying to take me the other night?" A small nod came from the blonde. "I also mentioned that they kidnap other Yokai to do their bidding. Despicable."

"Can we free her?"

"I don't know." Tamamo answered and Naruto simply shrugged.

"Guess we won't know until we do it, right?" Naruto asked, much to Tamamo's surprise and Diana's delight. He soon braced himself when his final opponent continued to make his move.

"My new monster has a special ability and I'll activate it after all." The Last Duelist said while his monster's dull eyes focused on Dark Paladin and Buster Whelp on Naruto and Joshua's fields, respectively. "If it was Special Summoned by a card effect, all of my opponents' monster's ATK are reduced to zero."

"Uh oh."

The Yukionna lifelessly raised her arms just as two streams of snow and ice burst from the inside of her sleeves. Buster Whelp, Joshua's monster, tried to withstand against the blizzard-like attack but found itself losing that battle as it was being pushed back.

Until Dark Paladin stepped in front of it to protect the small creature from the brunt of the effect as he held his weapon up as an act of defiance. His armor began to form small icicles due to the intense frozen atmosphere while a lone coat shone over the Buster Whelp's fur.

Dark Paladin (ATK-0)

Buster Whelp of the Destruction Swordsman (ATK-0)

Breaker the Magical Warrior (ATK-0)

Cybernetic Magician (ATK-0)

Meanwhile their owners shivered rather profusely as they gripped their arms to warm themselves.

"C-C-C-C-Coooollddd~" Naruto shivered with bucking knees.

"So cold."

"Attack the Dark Paladin, my servant! Ice Storm Blade!"

Naruto cringed and braced himself as the Yukionna formed a katana made of ice and clashed with Dark Paladin. The Yokai and the Spellcaster traded several blows with their blades although Dark Paladin was looking to be on the losing side as his sword began to chip apart.

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell De-Fusion! This separates my Fusion Monster back to the original monsters that were used to summon it." Naruto said as Dark Paladin separated into the two monsters to dodge a strike from the Yukionna that would've sent him to the Graveyard. "Safe for now."

"You would think that, of course." The Last Duelist smugly. "My monster can attack the number of times of monsters whose ATK was reduced to zero this turn."

"Oh—" Naruto spoke first in terrifying realization.

"—Crap." Joshua finished for his son.

"Now, my Yukionna, attack their monsters!"

Naruto and Joshua braced themselves as each of their monster sans Dark Magician and Buster Blader were about to be destroyed. However, the father wasn't one to go down easy. "Not so fast. I activate the Quick Play Spell Half Shut. This prevents my monster from being destroyed in destroyed in battle plus all battle damage is zero during this turn."

The trio watched as Buster Whelp was protected by an aura of white light that had broken the blade upon contact while Naruto made his play soon after his Breaker the Magical Warrior was destroyed.

"I send my Kuriboh to the Graveyard to prevent damage being inflicted to me during this turn!" Naruto commanded as his furry companion shielded him from the freezing shockwave from the destruction of his Cybernetic Magician.

Naruto: 1100 LP

Joshua: 2000 LP

Mysterious Duelist #3: 2000 LP

"No matter. I'll win and take your monsters as a gift."

"…Naruto?"

"Yeah, dad?" Naruto looked at his dad and the gleam in his eyes told the blonde the whole story. "Really? You're going to do it?!" He asked excitedly.

"Of course." Joshua smirked at their opponent before he looked at his Buster Whelp and Buster Blader. "But I will need both my monsters to do so."

"Go ahead."

"I draw!" Joshua drew his new card and smirked. "I now tune my Level 7 Buster Blade to my Level 1 Buster Whelp of the Destruction Swordsman!" The Last Duelist stared in shock as the two monsters transformed into the familiar stars and ring. "Dragon of innocence soon turned to one of might and indestructible power, unleash thy fury on my enemies! Synchro Summon! The Dragon Enemy of Blader, Buster Dragon (8/ATK-1200/DEF-2800)!"

The Synchro Monster emerged from the pillar of light, but it was one that took Naruto and their opponent off-guard. Instead of the white fur coat and happy aura the Buster Whelp exhibited, the adult version had black/purple scales with dull green feathers under the wings, the four limbs, the tail and the chest area. It screeched loudly as it prepared to face against the Yukionna.

"Now I activate my Buster Dragon's special ability." Joshua declared. "All of my opponent's monsters are now Dragon-Types as long as my dragon is on the field." He placed one card to activate it. "I activate my Monster Reborn card and I'll use to bring back my Buster Blader from the Graveyard."

"All right. Now Buster Blader gains 500 ATK for every Dragon on field!" Naruto enthusiastically stated as his father's signature monster glowed with green aura, an indication of his power rising.

Buster Blader (ATK-3600)

"Now my Blader, attack his Yukionna! Dragon Sword Slash!" Joshua commanded his monster as it dashed towards Yukionna who lifelessly lifted her arms to defend herself.

The hooded figure only chuckled in response, confusing the father and son duo.

"I activate my Yukionna's second ability! When she's attacked by a monster whose ATK is greater than her own by 1000, that is instead destroyed…" The Yukionna swiftly brought her forearms against each other as a wall of ice stood in the way of Buster Blader and collided against his blade.

Naruto and Joshua stood there in bewilderment as the latter's monster was destroyed instead of the intended target.

"…And that monster's owner receive damage equal to its ATK!"

"No!"

Joshua closed his eyes and accepted his fate before he felt his body being pushed back by the force.

Joshua: 0 LP

Naruto stared as his father's monsters disappeared after their master was defeated in the Duel, leaving only him with Dark Magician by his side. Both Duelist and Duel Monster locked eyes with their opponents who turn out to be more than what they appear to be.

"Okay then." Naruto said seriously while Dark Magician prepared himself for the upcoming battle. "This is going to take longer than I thought."

END OF CHAPTER

Good bye to 2016 and hello, 2017! Another year had passed yet again and here we are in a new year with our loved friends. I hope you all had a great New Year's eve and wish you the best in 2017. The new and first chapter of 2017 is now here and I do hope you enjoyed the new chapter.

Movie news of 2017: I am looking forward to Yu-Gi-Oh: The Dark Side of Dimensions this month. All original voice actors are confirmed to be in the film. The trailers are great and the animation is just amazing. I just hope that it lives up to the expectations. Kong: Skull Island will come out this March thereby setting the stage for the upcoming Godzilla vs. Kong in 2018, 2019 or 2020. Spider-Man: Homecoming is coming out on July 7, so I'm really looking forward to that film.

If there are any new films that is worth watching and I didn't mention it, please let me know.

As you all may know that I had completed 'The Traveler' and just published/updated the second part of it: 'Patronus Maximus'. This story takes place in the Marvel Universe, so please read it when you have a chance. Also if you read comics and have a story arc that you would like to see in the story, please PM me or leave it the review here or at Patronus Maximus's page.

One last thing: I had forgotten to add this story to the disclaimer at Patronus Maximus, so I will do it here. This includes all the previous and future chapters ahead. I do not own Naruto, any of the Yu-Gi-Oh series, Fuuka, Shokugeki no Soma and Kuroko no Baske. They all belong to their respective owners whom I admire and respect for creating these anime/manga series to bring joy in our lives.

Chapter 12 Q&A's:

Jebest4781 (Oct.26.2016): Thank you and your latest chapters were great, especially the part about Naruto talking with Bruce and Harvey about the mantle of Batman and the confrontation between Pam and her coworker. I sure hope she is alive and well. I want to know more, so please don't take too long.

Edrick Twilight Legend (Oct.26.2016): Yes, things were heating up in the chapter and the new chapter. I do hope you liked the new Yokai monster I've added to Crow's arsenal. There will be more about Ea family and the Uzumaki family in either the next chapter or two chapters later. Sorry to kill that theory, but neither Masaki or Joshua are Duel Monster spirits. However, there is something at play here with Naruto's past being connected to Kushina and Minato. I haven't even thought about the Light of Destruction until you mentioned it…brainstorm here.

NinjaFang1331 (Oct.26.2016): Thank you very much. I hope you and your family had a great New Year's eve.

Blackseal84 (Oct.26.2016): What did she expect after that conversation? Is that what you think? There is a lot more than meets the eye here and it connects their pasts.

AnonGod (Oct.26.2016): I haven't had the chance to read either of those stories you mentioned, but I will do so during my break. Is that so? I hope you liked the new chapter here and the monsters shown here.

GodX (Oct.26.2016): It is fun and I had already some of them like Kenchi618's Naruto/Pokemon crossover. Like always, his work is great and funny. The animation in Sun & Moon is decent but I liked it better as it was in the Kalos region. It would have made the action in Sun & Moon more fun and exciting. I hope you had a great New Years and enjoyed the new chapter.

Glavie165 (Oct.27.2016): Well, here it is. I hope you liked the new chapter.

Megakdre100 (Oct.27.2016): Thank you. Who knows? You will have to wait and see.

Ivan0061509 (Oct.27.2016): I always thought I undersold the emotional theme. Sorry, but you'll have to find out in the next chapter.

Drakon45 (Oct.27.2016): All I can say is that there is more here than meets the eye.

Ravage88atlas (Oct.27.2016): Yes, it was. Naruto's past is shrouded in mystery is all I can say and you will have to wait to see in the later chapters.

Ito Uchiha (Oct.27.2016): Somewhat actually. Of course, there will be moments like that in the story. If you noticed, more Yokai monsters are starting to appear. I know I said that I planned to get three chapters out for this story, but I think I could only get this one out in the break. Sorry about that, although I did reach my quota of three chapters during the break including this one. Again, I'm sorry and I hope you like the new chapter.

R-king 93 (Oct.27.2016): Yes, it would have an impact since it connects to everyone he knows especially his parents.

Yukicrewger2 (Oct.27.2016): Really? I had already planned for Amulet Dragon and Dark Paladin—like in the new chapter—to be in the story along with Palladium Oracle Mahad along with Sage's Stone and Dark Magic Expanded and all the Dark Magician support cards. As for the others I didn't recognized, I checked them out and they are cool after all. Thank you for your suggestions. I really appreciate it.

The Keeper of Worlds (Oct.30.2016): There will be more on that in the chapter. Both the Blackwing Dragon and the Three-Legged Crow in the duel… what did you think?

Navyson2001(Nov.11.2016): Well, here is the new chapter. I hope you like it and had a great New Year's eve with your loved ones.

BlackKing05(Jan 1): Demand and you shall receive, my reader.