The next day, most of the groups were browsing the festival scene.

"Wow...things are getting so lively here." Aelita said.

"Seems every day the tournament goes on, more and more people seem to show up." Dan said.

"It's pretty amazing if you ask me." Roy said.

"Well...long time no see!" A voice said as they saw a familiar figure with another approaching.

"Wigglytuff! Chatot!" Luffy said.

"The guildmaster himself came." Ichigo said.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet the first companions of my friends in person." Hope said. "My name's Hope the Victor."

"Hold it! You four have better not have forgotten the motto! One!" Chatot said.

"Don't shirk work!" The four said.

"Two!" Chatot said.

"Run away and pay!" The four said.

"Three?" Chatot said.

"Smiles go for miles!" They said.

"Excellent. You remember the morning motto to a T." Chatot said.

"That's quite the motto." Ace said.

"It's a well known motto for any member of our Guild, we have the apprentices recite it every morning." Chatot said. "Right master? Master? Ah...must be in deep thought." He said unaware the master had his eyes opened but was fast asleep.

"Wigglytuff's asleep again…." Chopper said.

"Is he always like that?" Akane asked.

"Trust us...he may be goofy but he is pretty powerful." Shun said.

"Seeing Chatot and Wigglytuff again takes me back to when we met Riolu and Pikachu at that beach." Aelita said. "Which reminds me, how are they doing these days?"

"Same as normal...pulling off hard jobs and exploring fantastic places." Chatot said.

"It seems like forever since we were partners as Team Sky." Dan said.

"Yeah...the five of us were inseparable. Me, Aelita, Luffy, Dan...and Davis." Ichigo said.

"Davis?" Al asked.

"He was the fifth person that was with us back then. After that...we never really saw him again when we returned home." Aelita said.

"I'm sorry to hear that. Maybe something came up back in his world and he had to attend to it." Ace said.

"Whatever it was, it's not like us to keep Davis away from his life. He has his own life, we should respect it." Hope said.

"Indeed." Chatot said. "By the way… is that corpse like body walking around some kind of attraction?"

"Huh? Corpse body?" Hope said.

"My head! Has anyone seen my head?" A familiar voice said as a zombie body walked around.

"You mean this?" Kagura asked holding up a large cylindrical head. "Here."

"Wait this looks...Oh no." Hope said as the body took the head.

"I've been sleeping under Aibo Academy for many many years. But now I have risen to the sound of buddyfighting! Ozon B...has arrived, B!" he said.

"What the hell?" Saki asked.

"Sigh… everyone, this is Ozon B. He's a dungeon world monster, and quite the buddyfight know it all." Hope said.

"No wonder he's so old." Kagura said.

"You mind telling us what you're doing here, Ozon B?" Sunset said.

"Why else? To be an announcer here at the GGG Cup." Ozon B said.

"Per usual. But I think you're outta luck there pal, Parukos already on commentary." Hope said.

"Actually now that I think about it, I don't recall one match Paruko's never shown up for." Toma said.

"I thought I could sub for her...be a guest commentator. I even brought a peace offering." Ozon B said opening his head and pulling out a box.

"What's that?" Chatot asked.

"Zombie Zan-A Cookies! My family's made them for quite some time, they're a hit where I'm from." Ozon B said.

"I don't think you should give these to Paruko… the last time someone ate non earth food, it didn't look pretty." Hope said.

"Come on. These cookies are harmless...except for the one surprise cookie." Ozon B said.

"Hey there everyone! How's it… gaaaah…" Paruko said approaching but froze upon seeing Ozon B.

"Hi there, been sometime, B." Ozon B said.

"You look a little pale there Paruko. Why not have a cookie? Elaine, give her something to drink too." Hope said.

"I thought you said we shouldn't give those to Paruko!" Ace said as he comically shook Hope back and forth.

"Well as long as she doesn't eat the surprise one. Now which one was it?" Hope asked.

"Top left one." Ozon B said before it was seen gone with Paruko having eaten it.

"She ate it!" Erica said.

"Aaaahh! Somebody do something!" Mari screamed before Stoj knocked her out.

"Whoa...what's happening?!" Paruko said glowing before a flash went off. And lying in Paruko's place was a small baby.

"Uh oh…" Ace said.

In the waiting room…

"Nice going, Ozon B. Your cookies just turned Paruko into an infant!" Nami said smacking Ozon B upside the head.

"Ow! I'm sorry, B! I guess the batch I brought as a gift for Paruko had the rejuvenating herb from Dungeon World, B." Ozon B said.

"And didn't you think not to put that cookie in this batch?" Mari asked as she smacked him upside the head as well.

"Well if I knew what the cookie did, then it wouldn't be a surprise, B." Ozon B said.

"Now what the heck are we supposed to do? Tasuku and David's match is in 15 minutes, and Paruko was really looking forward to calling it." Hope said.

"Don't worry...I messed up...so I guess I'll have to be the announcer for this match." Ozon B said.

"Well, that's what you came for. But, you gotta have a co-announcer. Gao, the GGG cup is in your honor, so you should commentate." Hope said.

"I was just gonna suggest that. You guys do all you can to get Paruko up and at em. I'll do my best until then." Gao said.

"Alright. Litty, you're in charge of changing Paruko back." Hope said.

"But I'm not a time researcher, I'm a psychic one. If only Urken was here." Litty said.

"Don't you worry there, Missy. I can cook up a potion to get Paruko back on track in no time." Guru said.

"Are you sure?" Litty asked.

"As sure as sugar!" Guru said.

"In the meantime...I'll have to help Gao commentate." Ozon B said wearing Paruko clothing. "Ozon Bebeko will help." he said winking as an eye flew out at Mari making her scream as he grabbed it.

"Gaaaahh!" Mari screamed before fainting.

"I'm gonna pretend I didn't see that." Ace said.

"Quit being gross!" Denki said shocking him.

"Ahhh." Ozon B said as his cat popped out with a sign that said "Roger that."

"No time to rehearse, let's get out there!" Flamberge said. "David, you ready?"

"Ready as I'll ever be." David said walking to them, showing he's wearing his tennis gear with a blue short-sleeved shirt, white shorts, sneakers and a blue visor. His Deck Core is now a tennis racket.

"Then let's head out there." Riku said as the two marched out.

At the fighting stage…

"Uh...hello and welcome to the...uh...last fight of the first round. And our fighters are….the teams of Riku and Gaito Kurouzu vs Tasuku Ryuenji and David Ishihara!" Gao said.

"I guess he's a little nervous about all this…" Hope said.

"Don't worry there, I'm here to help, B!" Ozon B said.

"You're the one who caused this mess!" Mari said smacking him.

"Criticize anything about Gao's commentary, and that smack from mari is gonna be the least of your worries." Hope said. "You don't wanna see how Saki hits somebody."

Saki cracked her knuckles to emphasize Hope's point.

"I… I get the message." Ozon B siad.

"Fighters, lumenize your decks!" Gao said.

"Shine forth! Starry dragons rising to the heavens! Luminize, Shining Dragoner!" Tasuku said.

"I will decide your destiny! Luminize! Decimating Black Dragon!" Gaito said.

"Dragons cursed to the pits of hell! Rise up and show all your true power! Luminize! Purgatory Redeemed!" Riku said.

"In lands barren and devoid of life, a shining beacon rises to being new resolve! Lumenize, Magic's Answer!" David said.

"Raise the Flag!" All four said.

"Star Dragon World!" Tasuku said.

"Magic World!" David said.

"Darkness Dragon World!" Gaito and Riku said.

"Uh...now who gets the first move?" Gao said groaning.

"Tasuku and David have first move, B!" Ozon B said.

"Here goes! Charge and Draw! I buddycall to the right...Shining Dragoner Jackknife!" Tasuku said. "And with J Arms Arsenal...I crossnize!" Tasuku said as the dragonarms combined with Jack. "Now...attack the fighter."

"Take this!" Jack said firing at Gaito.

10-8

"That marks the end of my turn. It's now your move, David." Tasuku said.

"Got it. Charge and Draw!" David said. "Ah, Magic's Answer… It's been a while since I used this deck. Guess I may as well make some return appearances! I call to the center, Fallen Angel, Paimon! Then to the sides, I'll call Warrior, Halphas and Gentleman, Malphas!"

"David is pulling out all the stops, calling three monsters at a time!" Gao said.

"You better believe it! Paimon, attack the fighter!" David said.

10-8

"Oh man! 2 life each, I wish I was fighting today!" Gao said.

"You mustn't show favoritism or focus on other things. Luckily I happen to have well practiced in this craft, B." Ozon B said.

"Uh huh...Saki, smack him." Jexi said.

"Right." She said punching Ozon B upside the head making it spin. "That's strike one."

"Okay, now it's Gaito and Riku's turn!" Gao said.

"Draw! Charge and Draw!" Riku shouted. "I start by calling Purgatory Knights, Pendulum Dragon to the right. Then I'll pay one gauge and equip Sword of Purgatory Knights Leader, Demios Sword! Finally I pay another gauge and place the Purgatory Knight I sent to the drop zone into this monsters soul and buddycall to the left...The Foundation of Purgatory Knights, Lord Demios!" Riku said as Demios emerged with a demonic look and covered in blue flames.

8-9

"Now...it's time. Demios...attack Halphas!" Riku said.

"You shall burn in the flames!" Demios said igniting Halphas in fire.

"Next, I have Pendulum Dragon attack Paimon!" Riku said as Pendulum Dragon did so.

"Now it's my chance. You're mine, Malphas!" Riku said slashing through. "But my turn isn't over yet." Riku said.

"I shall give myself up for my lord." Pendulum Dragon said before vanishing.

"With Demios's ability, by destroying a monster with Purgatory Knights in their name, I can make Lord Demios stand once again. And with my item, I draw a card since Pendulum Dragon was destroyed." Riku said. "Now...Lord Demios...attack the fighter!"

"I was hoping you'd do that." David said smirking. "I cast Quick Summon! This allows me to summon a monster on my field and you'll be forced to attack it instead! And the monster I pick, is Witch of Destruction, Hearty the Devastator!"

"Well...here's a bit of a shocker. When I destroyed Pendulum Dragon...its effect kicked in. I've given Demios the power of Penetrate!" Riku said.

"It won't matter, because when 1 monster is called by Quick Summon, that monster gets Counterattack." David said.

"It does what?!" Riku asked. "Is what I would say. My Demios Sword has another ability actually. When I destroyed Pendulum Dragon, not only did I draw a card...but Demios gains an extra 3000 power."

"Welp. So much for that move." David said.

"You shall feel my flames!" Demios said striking.

10-8

"I end my move. Gaito's turn." Riku said.

"Right. Draw. Charge and Draw! I start by buddycalling to the center...Overturn Black Death Dragon, Abygale!" Gaito said. "I cast Soul Steal and increase my gauge by two. Now Abygale attacks Tasuku!"

11-8

"Final Phase! I cast…" Gaito said.

9-6

"Death Count Requiem!" Gaito said.

"There it is! Gaito's game ending impact, the all powerful Discount Requiem!" Gao said.

Suddenly, Ozon B blew his whistle. "Check your facts! Its Death Count Requiem not Discount. I mean, even the three year old zombies can read the card names!"

"Saki, punch him." Hope sighed.

"Strike two." Saki said as she uppercutted him this time.

"What happens when it's three strikes and you're out?" Gao asked nervously.

"You don't wanna know." Saki said.

"Shining Dragoner….Jackknife….OVERTURN! I now nullify...Death Count Requiem!" Tasuku said as the chandeliers vanished.

"I can still win this. I predicted this move. So...I prepared this. Final Phase...IMPACT CALL!" Gaito said.

"Gaito's got an impact monster!" Gao said.

Abygale slowly emerged in a more fierce form.

"Abygale is now a Size 3 monster with 10000 power and a critical of 3. I use its ability. By sending my impact to the bottom of my deck, I destroy nine of my opponents deck cards and 3 gauge. You will take 3 damage and I gain 3 life points!" Gaito said.

"Armed Howl...Bringer!" Abygale said firing right at Tasuku.

8-5

6-9

"Abygale, go and attack the fighter!" Gaito said.

5-2

"Tasuku, no!" Gao said.

"There he goes again, focusing on the fight instead of doing his job. Good thing I'm here!" Ozon said. "With that assault during Final Phase, Tasuku is now down to two life points! It looks as if this match is all but won for… Gai..to…" Ozon B said as he felt a menacing presence behind him. "No no, wait! I didn't do anything wrong this time, B!"

"That's strike three!" Saki said as she grabbed him and dragged him outside.

"Been nice knowing you." David said as he sweatdropped.

Saki dragged him outside before she began to rapidly spin him around. "Chaaaaa! And you're….outta here!" She said tossing him high into the sky as a star twinkled.

"Jeez…" Toma said as the others were watching. "Glad you're on our side."

"Let's get back to the match." Saki said.

"Uh...she's right. Turn now goes back to David and Tasuku." Nami said.

"(Okay, calm down David. You've got no gauge, your field is completely empty, and you have two cards left in your hand. But with the right draw, you can turn this around.)" David thought. "My move! Draw! Charge and...draw!" David said. "Perfect… First, I'll cast Key of Solomon, First Volume! This lets me add two cards from my deck to my gauge. Then I'll cast Key of Solomon, Second Volume. This grants me one life, and if the First Volume is in my drop zone, I get to draw a card."

8-9

"Now, I'll pay three gauge to call to the right my old trump card, Rebel, Belial!" David said.

"It's been awhile, man. I'm glad I get to be back in action!" Belial said. "Now that I'm here, you can put three cards into your drop zone. If one of em happens to be a 72 Pillars monster, I can get rid of that Demios Dragon for ya."

Demios soon vanished before returning.

"Demios has soulguard. And I move him to my center!" Riku said.

"It won't matter for long. I equip, my trusty Gunrod, Hammerschmidt Type-CLA." David said.

9-8

"Now, Belial! Finish the job and strike down Demios!" David said.

"Take this!" Belial said striking down Demios.

"Damn it." Riku said.

"What's more, Belial has Double Attack so he can attack again!" David said.

9-7

"Now for me!" David said as he fired.

7-6

"When I rest my Gunrod, I can deal you one damage and send two cards to my drop zone and if one of them is a monster, I can add a card to my gauge." David said.

6-5

"David punishes Riku with a barrage of attacks! However, he's used up all his attacks and the cards in his hand!" Gao said.

"Oh yeah...I forgot about that weakpoint." David said.

"Don't worry...I can win this for both of us." Tasuku said. "Can you trust me, David?"

"Go for it." David said.

"Then this is the turn I finish things! Draw! Charge and Draw! I equip...Twin Star, Jack and Fang! And I call Rainbow Vision, Shadowscare to the left!" Tasuku said.

"Argh, Tasuku is going so fast, I can't keep up!" Gao said.

"Then let a real pro handle things!" A familiar voice said as appearing above the crowd was a fully restored Paruko. "Paruko Nanana here with all the deets on everything Buddyfight!"

"Alright! Paruko's back!" Hope said.

"Looks like Guru Grandpa did it." Simon said.

"Your timing couldn't be better Paruko, I was really messing up here." Gao said. "You make it look so easy, though. How do you do it?"

"Easy...you just gotta lose yourself in the action!" Paruko said.

"Now...it's time! Let's link attack, Jack!" Tasuku said as they destroyed Abygale with Jack dealing penetrate damage and Tasuku attacking twice.

9-5

"Shadowscare attacks!" Tasuku said.

"Cast! Midnight Shadow!" Gaito said.

"Tasuku's out of attacks...we might be able to…" Riku said.

"Final Phase! IMPACT CALL!" Tasuku said.

"Spoke too soon…" Riku said.

"If I used Overturn, I can use this card to transform Jack into...an impact monster!" Tasuku said. "Jack is now a size 2 monster with 11000 power and a critical of three. But with the dragonarms he crossnizes with in the dropzone...his critical is now 5 and his attack cannot be nullified!" Tasuku said.

"Genesic...Batterizer!" Jack said landing the final blow.

5-0

Game over! Winners: Tasuku Ryuenji and David Ishihara!

"The rule of these matches...is the main fighter loses...the partner loses with them." David said.

"Yeah. Forgot how much that rule stinks." Riku said.

"You're not the only one. Main reason why I feel bitter about matches left unfinished." David said. "Still, that was a good match all the same. You kept me on my feet the whole time."

"Thanks. I hope you win this whole thing." Riku said.

"That depends on who among Hope, Jexi and I meet in the finals." David said.

"Say Gao, that wasn't a bad commentary for your first time." Hope said.

"Thanks…. But I dont think im gonna live the Discount Requiem thing down…" Gao said.

"I'll say, that was hilarious! I think I almost silently laughed my butt off!" Luna said.

"I just loved the part where Saki tossed Ozon B into Orbit. I dunno how strong she is, but I'm glad I don't have to be sent to the moon." Hope said.

"That's a good question. How strong ARE you, Saki?" Gemini said.

"Yeah, we've seen you smash holes in walls and lift things twice your size. Are you sure you're not secretly superhuman?" Indigo asked.

"I'm human, I just have Baneful and Vampiric blood in me." Saki said.

"And that makes you strong, how?" Erica asked.

"It's hard to explain, trust me." Saki said.

"Still...seeing that match certainly was exciting." Chatot said. "Well done to both of you."

"Thanks. Though, I'm kinda bitter about it because my Impact-less decks never lets me finish in two turns." David said.

"I can tell from his other matches. He always seems to work better when his opponents have field presence." Yoko said.

"Still...now that the first round is over...we have the semifinals to look forward to." Jexi said. "And Hope...you realize that if you want a chance to face David...you have to get through me."

"I've always wanted to face you in a buddyfight. Now I get the chance to do so. Hope you're ready." Hope said.

"I am...and I will come out on top." Jexi said.

"By the way has anyone seen Ace?" Al asked.

"Not since the events with Ozon B and Paruko." Natsu said.

"Should we go look for him?" Azura asked.

"Nah, this is Ace we're talking about. I'm sure he's fine." Jesse said.

"I'm sure he is. Let's just head back to the ship." Hope said.

At the Galaxy King…

"Whoa! I found him guys!" Indigo said. "He's fast asleep on his butt in the simulator!"

"He's in there again? I thought you told him to give it a rest, Hope." Jexi said.

"Guess he must've tried for one more opponent and suddenly collapsed like a sack of potatoes." Hope chuckled. "We might as well wake him up, he's been asleep all day."

"Don't worry dudes, I got this." Luna said as she brought out an Air horn and pressed it.

"GAAAAAAGH!" Ace screamed as he jumped onto the ceiling and looked down with chattering teeth.

"Bahahahahahahah! Oh, did you see the way he jumped on the ceiling?!" Rainbow said laughing.

"Hahaha, very funny." Ace said before he looked around. "How'd I get in here?"

"Weren't you training again?" Hope asked.

"No...I was out for a walk in the forest and I saw this strange mirror and...I'll tell you what happened at dinner." Ace said.

"That Mirror… David, do you think it was…?" Hope asked.

"Maybe, I don't know. But that would mean that they are here too." David said.

"I'm sure it's a problem for another day. Let's eat. Cause the Semifinals are gonna be amazing!" Natsu said.