This has already become the largest chapter I have ever written in history. In response to Namikaze Yo's review:

"So Homura... in the previous duel he felt kind of weird because Yumi literally got the only number that could beat Shiki but meh, it was entertaining
What matters to me now is knowing what Homura's Deck will be, only his deck because his number I'm 12% sure which one he's going to get (wink, wink) what excites me is that the next chapter (I hope so)
It's time for the Duel"

First of all, Homura is a girl, not a guy. The male is Akiru. Please remember that in the future. Next, the reason I had Yumi be the one to defeat Shiki and not Akiru was to show which Number Yumi had, which goes along with her theme of justice. As for Homura's deck, that will be revealed in the future. I'm very curious as to which Number you think Homura is going to have. Because what I have in mind may surprise you.

Chapter Five

Mechanical Mayhem

(Asakusa, Akiru's hideout)

Akiru looked at his Deck, his mind replaying his conversation with Homura from the night before. 'I didn't sense a Number, so I see no reason to disturb her. She's suffered enough.' One of the Galaxy-Eyes spoke up. "Perhaps, but you must avoid complacency. She is still a wild card of sorts." Akiru rolled his eyes. "Are you saying that because she's a renegade Shinobi?" The Galaxy-Eyes replied, "No. There is a strange aura about her."

Choosing not to dwell on that comment, Akiru made a decision, and called his contact in the Shinobi. The man answered immediately. "Number Hunter. Have you determined the effects a Number can have on a Shinobi?" Akiru replied, "I have. It looks like your Council was right to be afraid of them. As opposed to merely influencing most humans, Numbers take complete control of Shinobi, though usually only during a Duel. The Shinobi I discovered with a Number was one of the Gessen Elites."

The man replied, "This makes your mission to get the Numbers out of their hands even more important." The Hunter replied, "There's something else, Oda. It looks like a select few are able to use Numbers without succumbing to them. The example I have is the granddaughter of Kurokage." The man now identified as Oda was quiet for a moment, then asked, "Are you sure?" Akiru replied, "I watched her defeat Shiki with it. There were no signs of the Number controlling her."

Oda replied, "That's interesting. Did you take Yumi's Number as well?" The Hunter replied, "No. It's not controlling her, so as far as I'm concerned, it's a low priority. I'll save it for when I have the others." Oda was quiet on the other line for a moment, before asking, "Are you sure it won't take hold of her in the future?" Akiru replied, "No, which is why I'm going to keep an eye on her as often as I can." The Shinobi representative replied, "Very well, then. Is there anything else?"

The Hunter replied, "Actually, yes. You had stated that Homura's Crimson Squad were possibilities of being Number Holders. I actually had a chance to talk with Homura last night." Oda's tone was of surprise. "And she didn't attack you?" Akiru replied, "No. She was suspicious of me, but we only talked." Sighing, the Hunter continued, "I'll be honest, I think she deserves a second chance, Oda. From her aura, I think she had an abusive childhood, which led to an unjust dishonoring."

The Shinobi representative replied, "Personally, I agree with you, but the Council believes her to be a liability." The Hunter's tone turned annoyed. "Then let her prove herself!" Immediately, he stopped himself, then said, "Within her heart, I sense a great potential for good. But it has to be nourished. Which means someone has to teach her how to nourish it, and that is something I cannot help the Shinobi Council with."

The representative sighed on his end. "Your words do make sense, Hirasu-kun, but it will take more than just your word to convince them." Akiru replied, "Then ask them what will. Otherwise, they're making a terrible mistake cutting her off." The representative was quiet for a moment, before saying, "I'll discuss it with them, but I don't know if they'll agree. You're not a Shinobi, so they may ask you to mind your own business." The Hunter shot back, "I know damn well I'm not a Shinobi. That's beside the point. The point is, the more they push her away, the greater the odds of them losing access to the most powerful Shinobi blade ever forged."

The representative sighed on his end. "Your point is well taken, Number Hunter." He ended the call, and Akiru looked out the window, sighing to himself. "I think it's time I paid the Hanzo Elite a visit. I'm sure the Gessen Elite have told them about me." One of the Galaxy-Eyes spoke up in his mind. "That may not be wise. They could easily strike you down if they so chose, so I do not agree with that decision." Akiru answered, "So do I, but we may no longer have a choice. If the Numbers continue to grow in power as they are now, I need to be ready for when they strike."

(Hanzo Academy, the next day)

Asuka was deep in thought, remembering her conversation with Yumi the other day about the Number Hunter. She was curious about him, wondering why he was hunting the Numbers, and wondered if he would be willing to talk about it. Kiriya had noticed the thoughtful expression on her face, but chose not to speak to her about it, believing that whatever she was thinking about would resolve itself in time. Yagyu and Hibari were in their dorm rooms, and Ikaruga was cleaning Hein, with Katsuragi sitting on the floor, her eyes lost in thought as well.

Asuka stood up all of a sudden, getting Kiriya's attention. "Is something wrong, Asuka?" Facing him, the team leader replied, "I don't know. I just have a funny feeling." With that, she left the dorms, a very confused Kiriya watching her leave. Katsuragi stood up as well, and followed Asuka, which got Ikaruga's attention. Facing Kiriya, she asked, "Should I follow, just in case?" Kiriya thought it over, and said, "That may be wise. However, do not act with good reason. See how it plays out first." Ikaruga bowed, and left to follow the other two, with Yagyu and Hibari having peeked out, wondering what was going on.

(Outdoor cafe, Asakusa)

Akiru sipped his drink while reading an article on his phone, regarding the Prime Minister's announcement of a new Dueling League to be held in a month. The Hunter rolled his eyes as he put his phone away, having no intention of entering. He had more important things to worry about. As he finished his drink, someone sat down next to him, and he glanced to see the brunette that had been with Yumi when he'd first seen them. Raising an eyebrow, he asked, "Can I help you?" Asuka didn't beat around the bush. "Why do you hunt Numbers?" Though slightly suspicious, he set his cup down and answered, "To keep them from corrupting humans."

The brunette looked lost in thought for a moment, then asked, "And what if a person has a Number, but doesn't seem bad?" Akiru cocked his head, and answered, "If you're referring to the granddaughter of Kurokage, I'm saving her Number for last because she isn't influenced by it." The brunette sighed. "Do you really have to get every single one, though?" The Hunter replied, "Only way to be sure." Putting a tip on the table, he asked, "You're friends with Homura, correct?" Asuka immediately panicked. "She has a Number?!" He shook his head. "No, I didn't sense one. The Council thought maybe, but I had the chance to talk to her recently. I can understand why she doesn't trust people."

The brunette was about to reply, when Katsuragi called out, "Hey, Hunter!" Facing her with a tired expression, he said, "Didn't your parents ever teach you not to interrupt?" She growled an inhuman growl, and a powerful aura came off of her body, getting the Hunter's attention instantly. 'Damn, this one feels powerful. I might need to use you, Tachyon.' A simple deep growl was his only reply, but he knew fully well what it meant. Asuka stood up, and said, "Kat, knock it off! We were just talking." The blond replied, "I don't care about your conversation, Asuka. I just want his Numbers!" Akiru's eyes widened in surprise. 'Great, it's one of these Numbers.'

The brunette sighed, then produced her Duel Disk. "Then I'm gonna have to Duel you, Katsuragi." The Hunter replied, "No, it's not your fight." Facing the blond, he said, "I can handle an overconfident Number any day." Katsuragi grinned a maniacal grin, replying, "I'll take you both on, then!" Akiru's simple reply was, "What the hell...? There's no way you're prepared to face two people at the same time by yourself." The blond replied, "Maybe I am, dumbass!" Narrowing his eyes, he replied, "You just made a big mistake, Number." Activating his Duel Disk, he continued, "I'll enjoy making you eat those words." Asuka activated her own Duel Disk in response.

(Katsuragi: 8000)

(Akiru: 4000)

(Asuka: 4000)

Katsuragi gripped her top card, and called out, "I Draw!" Grinning at her card, she said, "I activate the Field Spell Rising Air Current! With it active, all WIND monsters gain 500 Attack Points, but lose 400 Defense Points!" As she paid the card down, a breeze began to blow through the area, making Asuka yelp and use her free arm to hold down her skirt, which Akiru noticed. 'Did she use that just to look up the other one's skirt?' Katsuragi continued. "I now Summon Mecha Phantom Beast Sabre Hawk!"

(Mecha Phantom Beast Sabre Hawk appeared: a level WIND 4 monster with 2100 ATK)

(Sabre Hawk's ATK: 2600)

Akiru simply raised an eyebrow, while Asuka cocked her head in confusion. "Huh?" The blond continued her turn. "I'll now activate the Spell Card Confiscation!" Akiru grimaced. "Damn it. Of all the cards to play..." Katsuragi grinned. "All I have to do is pay 1000 Life Points, then I get to look at one of your hands, then discard a card from it forcefully." Smirking, she said, "I'll go with Asuka's hand."

(Katsuragi: 7000)

Though thankful she hadn't chosen his hand, Akiru kept his gaze open. The brunette gulped as she revealed her cards. When Akiru saw one of them, his eyes widened. 'She's going to choose that one...'

As he successfully predicted, Katsuragi declared, "I'll send your Monster Reborn to the Graveyard!" Asuka grimaced, thinking to herself, 'If she had chosen any other card, I would have been fine.' The blond then said, "I'll go ahead and activate the Spell card Dark Designator." The Hunter stared in shock. "Where the hell did you get that card? It's very rare." The blond replied, "Don't worry about that. Here's how it works for those of you who haven't heard of it. I declare one monster name. If either of you has it in your Decks, you add a copy of it to your hand. The card I declare is Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon!"

Asuka cocked her head in confusion. "I don't have that card, and you know it." Akiru stared at the blond in confusion as well. "Why would you let me get one of my strongest monsters?" He added the card to his hand, then faced the blond again. Katsuragi continued. "I'll go ahead and put this card Face-Down for later. Go ahead with your turns." Asuka drew her card, then looked over her options. "I'll Summon Upstart Golden Ninja to the field!"

(Upstart Golden Ninja appeared: a level 4 LIGHT monster with 500 ATK)

"And I'll use his ability right now! By discarding a Trap Card, I can Summon another Ninja monster from my Deck to the field in Defense Mode! I'll go for Ninja Grandmaster Sasuke!"

(Ninja Grandmaster Sasuke appeared: a level 4 LIGHT monster with 1000 DEF)

Akiru watched with interest. The brunette continued. "I Overlay Ninja Grandmaster Sasuke and Upstart Golden Ninja! With these two monsters, I build the Overlay Network and Xyz Summon Blade Armor Ninja!"

(Blade Armor Ninja appeared: a Rank 4 WIND Xyz monster with 2200 ATK and 2 Overlay Units)

(Blade Armor Ninja's ATK: 2700)

Asuka grinned as she began to call out, "I acti-." Akiru quickly interrupted. "I'm sorry to disappoint, but no one can attack on the first turn in this kind of Duel." The brunette sighed, but said, "I'll set two Face-Downs and end my turn." Akiru gripped his card and drew. 'Not my finest starting hand, but I can make do.' "I Summon Trident Warrior!"

(Trident Warrior appeared: a level 4 LIGHT monster with 1800 ATK)

Asuka stared at it, remembering it well. The Hunter continued his turn. "I now use his ability, to bring out my Shine Knight in Defense Mode!"

(Shine Knight appeared: a level 3 LIGHT monster with 1900 DEF)

(Shine Knight's level: 4)

The blond stared in shock. "How did its level go up?!" Asuka explained quickly, remembering the monster from before. "When it's in Defense Mode, it becomes level 4." Akiru looked at her with a smirk. "You remember it from watching it in action before. Very good." Facing Katsuragi again, he continued. "I Overlay level 4 Trident Warrior and Shine Knight! With these two monsters, I build the Overlay Network!" As the two monsters rose into the sky, a familiar galaxy portal appeared, getting the attention of all present. Asuka looked in amazement. "You're Summoning a Number?" Akiru grinned. "One of my most trusted."

Facing the blond again, he chanted out, "Carry hope on white wings! Come forth, Messenger of Light! Number 39: Utopia!" As he chanted, the Number's sealed form rose, formed of metallic angel wings wrapped around a sky blue core, which then transformed into a warrior in gold and white armor, the Number 39 flashing on his left shoulder, red lenses over his eyes with a faceplate, crossing his arms over his chest before swinging them out with a yell.

(Number 39: Utopia appeared: a Rank 4 Xyz monster with 2500 ATK and 2 Overlay Units)

All of the onlookers gasped in amazement, as Akiru continued. "I'll end my turn with one card Face-Down." With a satisfied smirk, he said, "Let's see what you've got, blondie." The blond growled in response as she drew her card. "I Summon Mecha Phantom Beast Raiten!"

(Mecha Phantom Beast Raiten appeared: a level 4 WIND monster with 1500 ATK)

(Raiten's ATK: 2000)

Akiru kept his gaze on it. 'Two level 4 monsters...' Katsuragi then grinned. "I activate Raiten's ability! By discarding a card from my hand, I can Summon a Mecha Phantom Beast Token to the field!"

(Mecha Phantom Beast Token appeared: a level 3 WIND Token with 0 DEF)

Akiru then realized what she was doing. "Great..." "While I have Tokens in play, my other Mecha Phantom Beast monsters gain levels equal to the combined levels of all my Phantom Beast Tokens! I only have one, making both of them Level 7, but it's all I need, really."

(Sabre Hawk's level: 7)

(Raiten's level: 7)

As Asuka stared in shock, Katsuragi continued. "I Overlay level 7 Mecha Phantom Beast Sabre Hawk and Raiten! With these two monsters, I build the Overlay Network!" As they vanished in streams of green, a galaxy portal opened in front of Katsuragi, instantly making Akiru say, "Here it comes. Be ready." "Take to the skies, Number 42: Galaxy Tomahawk!" A pyramid-shaped sealed form arose, before trasnforming into an arrowhead-shaped starship, the Number 42 blazing on its lower hull.

(Number 42: Galaxy Tomahawk appeared: a Rank 7 WIND Xyz monster with 3000 DEF and 2 Overlay Units)

(Galaxy Tomahawk's DEF: 2600)

As the Number appeared, Akiru's eyebrow twitched in confusion. 'What the...? That's not the aura I sensed!' Asuka paled upon seeing the monstrosity before her. "3000 Defense Points?!" Akiru spoke up. "It wouldn't be the first monster to have that high of a defense, and I doubt it'll be the last." Asuka faced him and asked, "What was the first?" His deadpan expression was all she needed to know. "Wait, no, you're right, now is not the time." The Hunter replied, "Nope. When we're dealing with a Number, now is definitely not the time. Ask me later." The blonde yelled out, "Enough! I'd like to continue my turn if you don't mind!"

The Hunter faced her with a bored expression. "Yeah, yeah, go ahead." Katsuragi grinned, then paled when she saw Blade Armor Ninja's Attack Points. "It's a WIND monster?!" Akiru cocked his head. "Did that really just now register in your mind?" The blonde ignored the question, and said, "Guess I'll just settle for the other one, then. I activate Galaxy Tomahawk's ability! By using up both Overlay Units, I can Summon as many Battle Eagle Tokens as possible to my side of the field!"

(Three Battle Eagle Tokens appear: level 6 WIND Tokens with 2000 ATK)

(Battle Eagle Tokens' ATK: 2500)

The Hunter stared at her with a deadpan expression. "How exactly is that supposed to intimidate me?" The blonde replied, "Simple. They can destroy Utopia now!" The Hunter had to resist the urge to facepalm. "Now, Battle Eagle Token number 1, destroy Utopia with a suicide run!" The Hunter stood unfazed as the Battle Eagle collided with Utopia at high speed, smoke covering his side of the field. When it cleared, Utopia stood perfectly undamaged. Katsuragi's eyes widened in shock. "What the hell?! How did that thing survive?!"

Akiru finally explained. "Though I had another way to stop the attack entirely, all Number Cards share a very common ability: They cannot be destroyed in battle except by another Number. Since you have Galaxy Tomahawk in Defense Mode, I'm assuming it has a very low Attack strength, otherwise you would have attacked with it instead." Asuka smiled in joy. "All right!" Katsuragi's eye twitched, a tic mark appearing on her head. "You're really pissing me off, you know that?!" The Hunter replied without missing a beat, "Part of my personality, kid." Growling, the blonde replied, "During my End Phase, the Battle Eagle Tokens that are left self destruct. I end my turn!"

Asuka drew her card with a grin. 'Sweet! Now I just need to get that Number in Attack Mode! I can't destroy it myself, but I can chip away at Katsuragi's Life Points!' "I activate the Quick-play Spell Card Enemy Controller! This will put Galaxy Tomahawk in Attack Mode!" The blonde paled in fear as her monster was switched to its new position.

(Galaxy Tomahawk's original ATK: 0)

(Galaxy Tomahawk's current ATK: 500)

Akiru grinned. "I was right. Good move, Asuka." The brunette then made her next move. "I activate Blade Armor Ninja's Special Ability! By using one Overlay Unit, he can attack two times this turn!"

(Blade Armor Ninja: 1 Overlay Unit)

Katsuragi paled. "Two attacks?!" Asuka continued. "Now, Blade Armor Ninja, chip away at her Life Points!" The Ninja's blades struck at the starship, as the Number crest glowed brighter, preventing damage to the hull.

(Katsuragi: 4800)

Asuka grinned in victory. "Blade Armor Ninja, make your second attack!" The Number's crest glowed again, preventing any damage to its hull.

(Katsuragi: 2600)

The Hunter nodded in approval. "You saw the loophole in the Number Effect. Though it does prevent the Numbers from being destroyed in battle, except by each other, it doesn't protect the owner from damage. You have a lot of potential." Putting a foot forward, he continued. "But let me show you how it's really done. My turn!" Drawing his card, he struck immediately. "Utopia, destroy that starship! Rising Sun Slash!" Upon those words leaving his mouth, Utopia drew a sword, leapt high into the air, and slashed downward as his sword was coated in light, cleaving straight through the starship's hull, slicing it in half before it exploded, with Katsuragi flying.

(Katsuragi: 600)

The Hunter smirked in victory. "You made a mistake challenging me with that Number." Katsuragi started to laugh maniacally, a dark aura enveloping her, getting both of their attentions. Asuka faced him. "What's happening?!" The Hunter's eyes flashed red and blue, revealing to him the truth. "I see... That wasn't the Number I sensed." The blonde grinned as she stood up, her body enveloped in the energy. "Nice try, Hunter, but I'm not down yet!" Akiru softly grimaced. "Damn it. She has a second Number." Asuka glanced at him in shock. "How?!" He replied, "I don't know, but I can't free her of the Number until after she Summons it."

The blonde was grinning from her side of the field. The Hunter made a decision. "I'll end my turn." The blonde drew her card, then said, "I activate Pot of Greed, to draw two new cards!" After drawing them, she declared, "I Set a monster Face-Down! Then I'll set another Card Face-Down! That's all for this turn!" Asuka drew her card, and remembered the Hunter's words: "I can't free her of the Number until after she Summons it." With that knowledge, she made a decision. "I'll pass this turn." Akiru drew his card, then said, "I'll expose your Face-Down. Utopia, attack it! Rising Sun Slash!" As the Number lunged, Katsuragi revealed her little trap.

"I activate Mirror Force!" Hearing that, Akiru grimaced. "Damn it!" Asuka's eyes widened. "No! Blade Armor Ninja!" Katsuragi grinned in victory. "This destroys all of your monsters in Attack Mode upon your attack! Say goodnight, Utopia!" As both of their monsters shattered, Akiru realized his error. "I walked straight into that one. Still, it's one less surprise she can use." The blonde had a mad smile on her face. The Hunter grimaced as he looked over his options. "There's nothing else I can do besides this. I'll activate the Spell Card Photon Sanctuary! This will Summon two Photon Tokens to the field!"

(Two Photon Tokens appear: level 4 LIGHT Tokens with 0 DEF)

He then continued. "I now sacrifice both Tokens, to Special Summon from my hand the card you gave me, kid. Avatar of light, come forth! Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon!" As he tossed up the object that appeared, it was bathed in light before transforming into a dragon formed of light and energy, letting out a mighty roar.

(Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon appeared: a level 8 LIGHT monster with 3000 ATK)

The blonde grinned. "It finally comes!" The brunette girl stared at her friend in fear. "Kat..." Akiru replied, "The dragon that eternally hunts the Numbers now stands before you. I suggest you Summon your Number now. I end my turn." The blonde grinned as she drew her card. "Patience, Number Hunter. It simply requires a bit of setup." Looking at her card, she called out, "I Summon Mecha Phantom Beast Aerosguin!"

(Mecha Phantom Beast Aerosguin appeared: a level 3 WIND monster with 1600 ATK)

(Aerosguin's ATK: 2100)

She then called out, "I now Flip Summon Mecha Phantom Beast Hamstrat!"

(Mecha Phantom Beast Hamstrat appeared: a level 3 WIND monster with 1100 ATK)

(Hamstrat's ATK: 1600)

"Once it's Flipped Face Up, I can Summon two more Mecha Phantom Beast Tokens, thus increasing my monsters levels for each Token!"

(Same as before)

(Aeroguin's level: 9)

(Hamstrat's level: 9)

Akiru's eyes widened. "It's a Rank 9?" Asuka faced him. "You mean there are no Rank 9 Xyz monsters?" He answered, "No, there are, but they're really rare." The blonde continued. "Your fate is sealed! I Overlay Hamstrat and Aerosguin! With these two monsters, I build the Overlay Network, and Xyz Summon the true ruler of the cosmos, the entity larger than the sun itself!" As she spoke, the two monsters vanished into a galaxy portal, which then exploded, revealing nothing, instantly making the Hunter suspicious. "Nothing happened..." Facing the blonde, he called out, "You have nothing to show for your grandeur."

The blonde laughed evilly. "I wouldn't be so sure. Look up." As he did, he took note of what appeared to be a massive satellite above them, the number 9 emblazoned on its hull, a massive maw-like cannon pointed at them. The Hunter's eyes widened. "What the hell?!" Katsuragi continued. "Feast your eyes on Number 9: Dyson Sphere!"

(Number 9: Dyson Sphere appeared: a Rank 9 LIGHT Xyz monster with 2800 ATK and 2 Overlay Units)

As the Number floated overhead, Asuka's expression became panicked while the Hunter sighed in understanding. "This is the Number I sensed. The other one was only a decoy." Katsuragi spoke up. "I had hoped to avoid revealing myself to you, but you forced my hand, Number Hunter. I will utilize my power now. Since you have a monster with more Attack Points than Dyson Sphere, by using one Overlay Unit, it can attack you directly this turn!"

(Dyson Sphere: 1 Overlay Unit)

Akiru growled in frustration. "Damn it! That kind of effect is dangerous!" Katsuragi laughed, then declared, "Dyson Sphere, attack this fool directly! Celestial Cannon!" Akiru grimaced as the attack was launched, then stopped by a metallic scarecrow, surprising both himself and Katsuragi. "What?" Both looked at Asuka, who had a grin on her face and an active Trap Card. "The Trap Card Scrap-Iron Scarecrow negates the attack, then resets itself after each activation! The sad thing is, I can only use it once per turn." As the scarecrow vanished and the card reset, Akiru looked at Asuka with a surprised expression. "You helped me?" Asuka explained, "I always help, no matter what!"

As she spoke, a voice entered her mind. "An honorable trait. Now, let us awaken your true power!" The Hunter's eyes widened as he saw a familiar aura surrounding her. "This one as well?" Asuka made up her mind. "Anything else, Kat? Or are you ready to lose?" Sensing her resolve, Akiru thought to himself, 'Another Number, but no corruption in her heart, just like Yumi...' The voice of one of the Galaxy-Eyes spoke in his mind. "The power of this new Number will not be enough. You will need my power to finish this." Akiru sighed to himself. 'There really is no other way?'

Katsuragi glared at Asuka. "My turn is finished. Draw your last pathetic card!" Asuka answered, "My deck has no pathetic cards." Drawing her new card, she added, "But it does have a card that might surprise you. First, I Summon Fire Armor Ninja!"

(Fire Armor Ninja appeared: a level 4 FIRE monster with 1700 ATK)

The brunette continued. "When he's Summoned, he can have a Ninja monster gain a level, so he becomes level 5!"

(Fire Armor Ninja's level: 5)

The Hunter cocked his head, curious. Asuka continued. "I'll now activate the Spell Card Double Summon, letting me Normal Summon again!" The blond's eyes widened. Akiru simply smirked. "Not bad." The brunette called out, "I'll Summon a second Fire Armor Ninja!"

(Same as before)

Without missing a beat, she continued, "Like before, he'll become level 5, too!"

(Fire Armor Ninja #2's level: 5)

The Hunter watched. 'Here it comes.' The brunette yelled out, "I Overlay two level 5 Fire Armor Ninjas! With these two monsters, I build the Overlay Network!" As she spoke, the two ninjas vanished into a galaxy portal, which then exploded. She chanted out, "I will show you a master cloaked in shadow, with an unbreakable will! Come on out, Number 12: Crimson Shadow Armor Ninja!" As she spoke, a deep shadow filled the area, before revealing a new ninja garbed in red, the Number 12 emblazoned on his chest. He silently drew his katana, focused ahead.

(Number 12: Crimson Shadow Armor Ninja appeared: a Rank 5 EARTH Xyz monster with 2400 ATK and 2 Overlay Units)

Katsuragi stared silently for a moment, then started laughing. "Was that supposed to scare me?" The Hunter spoke up. "Nope. She's just getting your hopes up, so that my ultimate monster can crush them!" Asuka grinned, and said, "I end my turn!" Akiru drew his card, already knowing what he needed to do. "I was hoping to avoid using what I'm about to Summon, but my hand has been forced. First, I Summon Heliosphere Dragon!"

(Heliosphere Dragon appeared: a level 4 LIGHT monster with 0 ATK)

The Hunter continued. "I'll use his effect right now. While I've got a level 8 Dragon-type monster in play, Heliosphere Dragon becomes level 8!"

(Heliosphere Dragon's level: 8)

Katsuragi flinched in surprise. "Two level 8 monsters..." Akiru called out, "I Overlay level 8 Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon and Heliosphere Dragon! With these two monsters, I build the Overlay Network!" As the two monsters vanished, a larger galaxy portal appeared, surprising everyone else present. As he began his chant, the red hue in his left eye began to glow brighter than before. "Spirit that manipulates the flow of time, veil yourself in flesh and descend upon us! Come, my strongest ally! Number 107: Galaxy-Eyes Tachyon Dragon!" Asuka spoke up in shock. "A second Galaxy-Eyes?"

A purplish-blackish upside down pyramid with red and blue crystals appeared as the Number's sealed form rose, before transforming before their eyes into a giant mechanical dragon, its yellow eyes focused on its enemy as it let out a blood curling roar, the Number 107 glistening on its right horn.

(Number 107: Galaxy-Eyes Tachyon Dragon appeared: a Rank 8 LIGHT Xyz monster with 3000 ATK and 2 Overlay Units)

Katsuragi stared in fear at the new Number. "No. Not that Number Card!" The Hunter spoke up. "Yes. That Number Card. The most powerful Number in all of existence. And I am his chosen partner." The brunette stared at the dragon from the side as she trembled slightly. "What did you just Summon?!" He spoke up. "The one card that can defeat that Number right now. I enter my Battle Phase, and as I do, Tachyon's effect can now be utilized! By using one Overlay Unit, all other Face-Up monsters have their effects negated, and all Attack and Defense Points are restored to normal! Tachyon Transmigration!"

(Galaxy-Eyes Tachyon Dragon: 1 Overlay Unit)

As he spoke, the mechanical dragon transformed back into its sealed form, before unleashing a torrent of energy that completely stopped both of the other Numbers in their tracks, before transforming into its true form again, roaring in defiance. As the blonde began to sweat, Akiru spoke up again. "Your Number's fate is sealed. Tachyon is the apex predator of the Numbers. Now, Galaxy-Eyes Tachyon Dragon, destroy Dyson Sphere! Tachyon Spi-!" The blonde called out, "I activate my Trap, Aerial Recharge! This will Summon another Mecha Phantom Beast Token to the field!"

(Same as before)

The Hunter stared at her with a blunt expression. "Are you insane? That does nothing for you. In fact, it only helps me end this quicker." Both girls looked at him, curious as to what he meant, while Tachyon growled, before glowing slightly.

(Galaxy-Eyes Tachyon Dragon's ATK: 4000)

Asuka called out, "How did Tachyon gain Attack Points?!" Akiru replied, "His other effect. Whenever I've already used the main effect, and my opponent uses a card effect of their own, Tachyon gains 1000 Attack Points, and an additional attack. And unlike the main effect, it doesn't utilize Overlay Units, and can be triggered more than once." The blonde gasped in shock. "No!" Akiru called out, "Galaxy-Eyes Tachyon Dragon, finish this! Tachyon Spiral of Destruction!" The mechanical dragon rose up, breathing in energy, before unleashing a spiraling beam of radiation at Dyson Sphere, which could do nothing to stop it, being completely destroyed, with Katsuragi flying back screaming.

(Katsuragi: 0)

(Asuka: WIN)

(Akiru: WIN)

As all of the remaining cards vanished with the hologram system, Akiru shared a look with Tachyon, then stretched his hand out, claiming both of Katsuragi's Numbers, looking them over before pocketing them. Asuka approached him from the side. "Akiru?" He faced her. "Yes?" She asked, "Are you going to try to take my Number, too?" The Hunter answered, "One day, I will, but it can wait for later. It isn't possessing you, so it's not a high priority. Either way, you put up a good fight today. When you need me again, and you will, call me." With that, he gave her a piece of paper, and left, with Asuka helping up Katsuragi and bringing her home.

A/N

Namikaze Yo had enough time to point something out in a review that I noticed today. It's a day after the first anniversary of this story. I apologize for the VERY slow update on this one. Having a job and running a YouTube channel tends to eat up a lot of my time, plus I've been playing Persona 5 Royal on my Switch recently. I'm tempted to make a story for it, but I don't know if I will.