[Part 1]

One month passed during the Sakura Crisis event, news spread after that day. The reputation of Seijuro Academy had parents ejected from there to protect them any further dangers that may come in the future. Families come by the school once in a while to pray for their lost children, since a tomb stone was placed in front of the academy. It was now a depressing sight, more than 75% already left Seijuro. Summer was finally nearing, just another month away until everyone enjoys their vacation away.

Akashita Academy - Cafeteria

Everyone was taking their time eating their lunch, it was quiet. No gossip left anyone's mouth. It was peaceful, everyone wearing the same color of their uniforms. Similar to Seijuro, but different colors. Crimson red shirts and jackets. Black ties, pants, skirts, and shoes. Order was intact, suddenly the cafeteria door opened slowly which broke the silence. Incomes a male student, he had light blue eyes, short brown spiky hair, and was one 5'11. Tallest in the cafeteria, taking a look around while all eyes were set on him. Since he is standing out as usual, until someone took his interest, and headed towards their direction. Stopping in front a female student who was enjoying their lunch, until he stopped by, trying her best to ignore him, and continues eating.

"Hey! You know what time is it, right?" He said, raising his voice more than usual, "This has been 5th time already, when are you going to participate in our practices, Setsuna!?"

Hearing her name coming out of his mouth, it left a sour taste in her food. Placing the fork down and slowly got up, glaring at him with her violet eyes. The girl now known as Setsuna, age sixteen, long blonde hair, violet eyes, peach colored skin, and was wearing the same uniform. But with some accessories like a black choker around her neck and a set of earring that are the letter 's.' Annoyed by the male's request, grabbing her tray, and headed towards the garbage can to empty her tray. Of course, he followed her.

"I am serious about this!" He said, trying his best to convince, "You know the tournament coming soon! We need our best duelist to at least show a little effort!"

Didn't take long for the two to leave the cafeteria, away from the crowd. Setsuna finally turned to the male, annoyed by his bickering.

"Gurē, you are really starting to annoy me with this whole 'practice makes perfect' concept of yours." Setsuna stated, finally speaking her mind out but in a aggressive tone. "You should know how I work by now, I prefer working alone."

"Look Setsuna, this isn't about working alone or trying to be the best, it is about teamwork!" Gurē clarified, just trying his best to get through Setsuna. "I know it is a new environment! But Valter said we should at least try if we want to succeed damnit!"

Having a disgusted look on her face, she decided to turn his back at him.

"You really believe we should trust what the snake has to say?" Setsuna asked.

"Look! He is our leader for this event, I am just saying... just put up with him, until this whole thing is over. Please?" Gurē begged.

A huge sigh came out of Setsuna's mouth, shaking her head side by side. Annoyed with the concept of working together with Valter. In a few seconds, decided to muster up and swallow her stubbornness to give it a shot. Turning around, looking at Gurē, trying her best to ease up on him.

"Fine, but if he pushes it. I am going to break him stupid face." Setsuna stated.

"Great! Let's get going!" Gurē said happily.

With that mindset, Gurē took lead while Setsuna followed. Hoping her decision wasn't a bad one.

Akashita Academy - Duel Arena - 2nd Floor

It didn't take the two long to patch things up and walk from the cafeteria to the duel arena. Having another half hour left of free time, Setsuna looked around. Watching the student battle each other from above, slightly laughing at them for minor mistakes being made.

"What's so funny?" Gurē asked, in a polite manner.

"Those idiots don't know how lucky they have it." Setsuna stated.

"Really? Why is that?" Gurē questioned.

"They can have fun. While the game bores me to death, I can easily see flaws." Setsuna explained, as her expression turn from fun to dull. "Because of that... makes me a little jealous of them."

Gurē never knew that Setsuna felt that way in her time here in Akashita Academy. Taking a deep breath, not saying a word until they reached their designated arena.

Akashita Academy - Duel Arena - 3rd Floor: Private Quarters

The two finally entered their team's room, bigger than the past two dueling arenas. Filled with tables, refrigerator, a hockey table, and it's own Solid Vision System [SVS.] On the couch, awaited their leader, Valter, his smile definitely creeped out Setsuna. As the two stood in front of him, making him get up the couch, and stared at Setsuna, ignoring Gurē's presence.

"Ahhhh, Setsuna. I am glad you finally were able to join us." Valter said, pleased with the result. "Now then... shall we begin the session?"

Taking a step back from him, Setsuna was officially creeped out by him.

"Fine, but I rather duel someone other than you." Setsuna demanded.

"That is fine. Silias!" Valter called out.

Silias, an odd student. Usually sitting a table daydreaming while shuffling his deck. Relaxing in the moment until he heard Valter's voice. Getting up and walking towards the trio.

"Yo! What's up?" Silias greeted.

The male had brown hair of average length sticking out in downwards pointing spikes all around his head. Except one short sticking upwards, but he didn't let it bother him. Blue colored eyes, and peach colored skin. He seems like a happy/quirky person in Setsuna's eyes.

"You will team up with Setsuna here for today." Valter clarified with him.

"I guess that is fi-!" Silias said.

"Hold on." Setsuna interrupting Silias, "I said I would come out, not participate in today's practice."

"Well... we are short-handed right no-" Valter explained.

"Still, Silias won't be enough for me. How about you make Gurē and Silias battle against me? That should be enough to put a fighting chance." Setsuna suggested, as the two were shocked and also insulted by the suggestion. "What? I might as well develop in the environment. It is Battle Royal after all..."

With those choice of words, Setsuna couldn't help but let out a smile, it seemed cold for some reason. Valter smirked at the idea of testing the Battle Royal format.

"Very well, that can work for now. You two show her what you guys got." Valter said, walking away from them. "I will activate the field for you guys, just try to keep it clean."

The two males glared at Setsuna for her suggestion, making it sound like they weren't a threat. Not taking kindly of it, instantly preparing their duel-disk as she prepares her's. Not backing down from a challenge, and then the containment field finished setting itself up.

"You honestly believe you can take us on?" Silias said, disgusted by Setsuna now as his face went from happy to disappointment. "People like you... need to be disciplined."

' STAGE 2 - FOREST '

' DAMAGE LEVEL - C '

With the options being operated by Valter at a heightened distance, looking down at the three. Smiling happily with the results, hoping to enjoy the match between his teammates against the lonesome Setsuna.

"I know my limits." Setsuna said, activating her duel-disk. Being confident in her own skill level against the duo. "And trust me, you guys are nowhere near it."

The containment field started generating the forest field. Countless amount of trees appeared around the trio, only giving out one roadway. Not much options in hiding and running, within moment their voices synchronized together.

"DUEL!"

10 minutes later...

The duel finally ended with Setsuna as the victor, while the other two were collapsed on the floor. Shamed in defeat, she slowly walking away from the sight that truly disgusted her. They weren't strong enough to satisfy her need for a challenge.

"Word of advice." Setsuna said, looking over at Silias, "There is a difference between big talk and skill levels. With that, you will NEVER reach me."

The field disintegrated into light particles, as the two finally got up. Standing on two, deciding to take seat on the couch. While Valter comes down clapping his hands in delight.

"Excellent! You are truly a hunter, Setsuna." Valter complimented.

"Well... it did kill my boredom for a bit." Sestuna said, looking at the clock, "I am going to take a quick shower, I see you guys another time."

Without giving them a chance to say a proper farewell, Setsuna dashed out of the room and the building all together. Causing Valter to laugh by her action, which was a rare occasion in Silias' eyes. Now... he found it kind of creep, for once he thought that.

Akashita Academy - Girl's Shower Room

It didn't take long for Setsuna to rush over to the showers, excited to have a good cleaning. Slowly getting undressed from her uniform that usually makes her uncomfortable, along with her bra and underwear. Placing them in a near fashion, sliding them into her locker. Having a towel wrapped around her chest, giggling from the sight. Setsuna was pretty happy with her body, it may not beat her sister's breast size, but b-size was more than enough for her to stay sad about. Taking a step into the showers, grabbing a bar of soap, slowly rubbing it around her body. Taking her time with it, relaxing her in every way, keeping both eyes closed at all times. Beginning to rinse off her body with warm water from the sprinkler attached to the wall, after a few minutes in... heaven. What she normally calls it, Setsuna finally walked out of the showers and towards her locker. Drying up with an extra towel, first her hair and then her skin. She slides into her underwear first, before adding the rest of her uniform. Half way through dress up, another girl was next to her doing the same thing, until she decided to do small talk with Setsuna.

"Hey Set, you going to visit her today?" She asked, smiling at her trying to give a small push of confidence, "Since it has been a month after all since the incident..."

"No one asked you, Elizabeth." Setsuna said, fixing her hair next before putting on the bow at the backside, creating a ponytail. "Besides... I highly doubt she would want to see me in my current state."

Elizabeth Blanche, a foreign exchange student, not much information about her. All they know she easily adapted into the Akashita's environment. Learning their language on the flight here, some say she was transferred from France, no one knows if those were just rumors. Elizabeth looked perfect towards the entire student body, long silver hair, clear cream-peach skin, golden amber eyes, and a mole on her right cheek.

"She's your sister, I am sure she would love to see you at least once in a while. It has been a few months before you guys parted ways." Elizabeth explained, trying to reason with Setsuna. "I know that the incident is scaring you, not wanting to visit is pretty stupid of you."

"You don't even know me, so don't make any accusations..." Setsuna said, making the final touches for herself. "She wanted to live a normal life. But instead, got sucked into that academy. Which is pretty pathetic."

"Set. She is your only sister, at least reach out to her once." Elizabeth clarified, finally finished dressing up into her school uniform. "Family is hard to come by after all."

"Sigh... I guess you are right, I might as well check up on that timid fool." Setsuna said, slowly walking out of the room, "I will see you around, Elizabeth."

Setsuna waved goodbye at her and took off heading towards her next class. The day went by fast, all that Setsuna thought was her conversation with Elizabeth. After leaving the academy grounds, she slowly took her time walking home. Halfway through, Setsuna looked at the time, it was 2:55PM.

'Well... I do have enough time for a visit.' Setsuna thought, sighing softly.

With that thought, she finally decided to take a train that would take her through Shinjuku to visit her sister. Barely catching the train in time before it went off, breathing heavily due to all the running. Taking a moment to catch her breath before sitting down, noticing how peaceful the city looks. Giving her a smile.

'It does look lovely...' Setsuna thought, feeling slightly excited. 'She better be okay.'

It took an hour for her to reach the neighborhood. Taking a look around, seeing students with the same uniform as her, but in different colors. They were white and blue, seemed to lively for her taste. Walking by noticing eyes were watching her, hearing gossip.

"I thought she was..."

"Impossible, could of sworn she was..."

"Maybe she got out early..."

The gossips finally got to her, turning around, revealing her expression. Anger. Instantly they kept the mouths shut and spoke no more around her. A few minutes in and Setsuna is already annoyed by the people here. It didn't take long for her to reach one of the hospitals that she was told her sister was assigned too. It seem like yesterday when she received the news about Seijuro Academy from her, feeling a slight of happiness. For the fact Setsuna's sister will become a duelist, despite her lack of skill towards the game. Looking back, she felt guilty for not talking her out of it, and now she is located here. Unable to step foot at the hospital doors, she tried pacing herself until a unfamiliar voice was heard. Turning her attention at a female stranger.

"S-Shi-Chi...?" She asked, slowly walking towards Setsuna slightly tearing up, "Shi-Chi! Is it really you?!"

"No wait... you got the wro-!" Before Setsuna could explain herself, the female quickly hugged her. Tightly in that matter, trying her best to not let go of Setsuna, "H-Hey!"

"Shizuka!?" Another voice was heard, it was a male. A stranger in Setsuna's eyes. "How could this be?"

Soon, the gentleman along with his friend walked up to the two. Setsuna taken by surprise with the sudden greeting, which made her feel uncomfortable. Finally free from random female's grasp, keeping her distance, having an annoyed expression. Which confused the group for a moment, until the female took the first step forward, pointing at herself before she spoken.

"Shi-Chi... it's me, Yurika, don't you remember?" Yurika asked, concern with the current situation. "You haven't forgotten us... have you?"

By the looks of it, Setsuna remembers what the male said, "Shizuka." She closed her eyes for a moment, slowly taking a deep breath to ease up from the sudden tension that happens from unwanted and awkward encounters. Opening her eye lids, revealing her purple hues at the trio, smiling gently at them.

"You guys are Shizuka's friends, correct?" Setsuna asked politely, pointing at herself, "My name is... Setsuna Saijo, Shizuka's twin sister."

A moment of silence between them, only the sound of wind brew through. A leaf gliding within the air stream until it landed on the sidewalk, between them. Breaking the silence with a simple saying from the trio.

"EHHHHHH!?"

It didn't take long for the group to settle in and familiarize themselves with Setsuna. Acting like they known each other for a good while, still surprised from the sudden visit. They walked through the lobby, talking along the way. Asking personal to odd questions until they finally reached the door that leads to Shizuka's room. Silence returned, looks of shame, despair, and anger rose up on each of their faces. Setsuna understood their pain, but she tried her best to keep them bottled up. She prefers not showing any sign of weakness. The door slowly creeks open as the groups walks in, trying to it quiet. The four were now looking over at Shizuka, not knowing what to say to her. Yurika seemed uncomfortable, Takashi looking to the side, and Johan tried his best to stay calm.

Setsuna slowly placed her hand onto Shizuka's hand, it's been so long since they touched. It felt cold, something Setsuna isn't too fond of. Her expression went blank, just staring at her, until she finally decided to speak.

"Yurika, was it?" Setsuna asked.

"Y-Yes, what is it?" Yurika replied.

"Who did this to her? Can you at least give me a name?" Setsuna asked once more, gripping hard onto her sister's hand. "I need to know, since she is my sister."

A sigh came out of her, before she spoken, Takashi took it upon himself to answer Setsuna's question.

"She goes by the name... Natsumi." Takashi clarified, biting his lip after saying the name. "She is the one that caused this much damage towards your sister. Not as an attempt, it's more like... an obsession..."

"Obsession..." Setsuna said, trailing off with that word. Easing up on Shizuka's hand and released it. "Thank you, Takashi."

She turned her back at the group and Shizuka, slowly walking away from them. Until Yurika mustered up the courage to speak up.

"You shouldn't be reckless! Natsumi nearly killed the entire Guardians, along with stole cards!" Yurika yelled out, her voice echoing throughout the room. Which halted Setsuna's movement, looking over at Yurika with a shocked expression. "That's right... I may not know much of the details but... they were..."

"Hey Yurika!" Takashi said, trying his best to keep her from spilling anymore information.

"I see..." Setsuna said, facing the door once more, stopping in front of it. Quickly turning around and pointed at Takashi. "You..."

Takashi looked over at both Johan and Yurika, confused for a moment until he pointed at himself. Setsuna nodded, showing a smile that slowly creeped it's way up.

"Duel me." Setsuna said.