Hi everyone Rosestar48 here! Today we'll learn what happens when you lose in the Friendship Cup.
The Light and Shadow of the City
"Crow and Gongenzaka set the stage for the Friendship Cup opening match. Worried for the children, Crow couldn't focus on duel. Gongenzaka grasped his feelings. They understood each other through their duel and captured the hearts of the audience, who had been riled up over Jack. They finished to resounding applause" Yuzu recalls the first Friendship Cup tie between Crow and Gongenzaka.
"Crow Hogan graces the opening match with his victory! He's sent off with raucous applause as he leaves the Duel Palace!" Melissa announces. Crow walks towards his team who are grinning at his victory "I was the edge of my seat at first, but that was a great win!" A commons man praise. "That was amazing!" A common woman cheers. "Keep it up, Crow!" Another common man roots for Crow. At a VIP room "That duelist Gongenzaka could duel so well even without using Spells or Traps" Garome, sitting with two others, comments his praise on Gongenzaka's strategy. "If he's a City-born duelist, I would gladly sponsor him" The man sat in the middle says. "It's a pity we can't see him anymore" The woman on the left feels shame.
"What a spectacular sight! This is what the Friendship Cups should be! Without a doubt, the City is one! We are all friends!" Melissa concludes the tie with a gleeful recitation of the slogan. However "Gongenzaka…" Yuzu watching in her room worried about him. Yuzu walks to the window "That means that Gongenzaka won't be staying here anymore…" She worries as she remembers what the Executive Council told her.
(Flashback)
"All 16 participants will live in this penthouse during the tournament" Gaul states. "But you may only stay as long you keep winning" Grey states. "If you lose, you must leave immediately" Azul states.
(Flashback ends)
"Now that Gongenzaka's been kicked out of these rooms, where is he headed…?" Yuzu wonders. "He's not going back to the detention facility, is he?!" She worries. "I was told that I'm still here since my loss to in the exhibition wasn't official…But since Gongenzaka lost in the tournament…." Yuzu lost in though. Then she hears the door unlocking "The door key…" Yuzu notices. "Don't tell me it's already my match next?!" She wonders. "I haven't found it yet…A way to get closer to Jack…And how to duel without self-satisfaction…I haven't found those answers…" Yuzu panics as someone enters. "Yo! How've you been, Yuzu?" Tokumastu greets Yuzu as he enters. "Tokumatsu?!" Yuzu responds to his greeting in shock. Tokumatsu then shushes Yuzu "You're too loud! Who knows what will happen of someone hears us" He tells her. "How did you get in here? We can't leave our rooms, right?" Yuzu asks. Tokumastu smirks "Well, there's that. The shrimp knows the path of the serpent" He recalls an old proverb. "The shrimp?" Yuzu confuses. "Hm? Am I wrong?" Tokumastu wonders. "Throw a shrimp to catch a sea bream? Three years on a shrimp will make the shrimp warm…No shrimp, no pardon" He tries to recall the proverb. Yuzu sweatdrops. "No…Enough with the proverbs…" Yuzu tells him. Just then "Please hurry. If we're found, they won't let me off the hook either…" A member of the hotel room service asks Tokumastu.
Yuzu notices that the hotel worker was holding a card "Did you use rare cards again?!" Yuzu shocked. "I said you're too loud!" Tokumatsu tells her. "But our rooms are monitored by the Executive Council right?" Yuzu wonders. Tokumatsu hears this "WHAT?!" He reacts with even greater shock. "W-Well, there's no helping it. We can't meet if I don't do this" Tokumatsu concludes. "This is bad!" The hotel worker alarmed after hearing this. "Let's go back at once! This is really bad!" He tries to usher Tokumatsu out. "Shut up! In for a penny, in for a pound! As the saying goes-in travelling, a companion. Right? Give it up!" Tokumatsu fights back with a few of his proverbs. "No way…" The hotel worker cries. "Why go through all this trouble?" Yuzu asks. "Actually, I caught wind of a rumour" Tokumatsu tells Yuzu. "A rumour?" Yuzu asks. "Yeah. Not from him, but from goons I heard chatting outside my room" Tokumatsu clarifies.
(Flashback)
"It's just for the tournament, but living in such luxurious apartments really elevates their status" One of the Common workers jealous. "Even though Crow, Shinji, and Tokumatsu are Commons like us. Just being in the Friendship Cup gets them Tops treatment" Another Commons worker jealous. "I don't like this. Those guys are better off losing" A third Commons worker said. "I was about to tell those little punks off, when…" Tokumatsu explains as he overheard that and was about to attempt to bust his door open. "Don't you guys know where the defeated duelists go?" A forth Commons worker comments. "Eh? Well, I heard they're kicked out of here…" The first Commons worker said. "They're not just kicked out. Rumour has it that they're sent to some place" The fourth Common workers said. "Like the detention facility?" The first Commons worker asks. "Even worse" The fourth Common worker states. "Worse?" The first Commons worker asks. "Where?!" The second Commons worker asks. The fourth Commons worker smiles "It's only a rumour, though…Deep in the City underground, there's a huge garbage disposal plant where people do forced labor" He explains.
(Flashback ends)
"Forced labor?! In the underground garbage disposal plant?!" Yuzu shocked. "Yeah, that's what he said. But he did say it was only a rumour" Tokumatsu claims. "Still, I'm certain I'm not mistaken. I heard similar rumours in the detention facility" He says. "Similar rumours?" Yuzu asks. "It's where escaped prisoners are sent" Tokumatsu said. Yuzu then recalls what Tokumatsu said while they were at the Facility.
(Flashback)
"When these things happen, those left behind are held liable and punished. They're hauled off somewhere. Not a single one has come back" Tokumatsu said.
(Flashback ends)
"Their punishment is forced labour in the garbage disposal plant?!" Yuzu asks. "Yeah. They're forced to work until they collapse, and just like that…That's why no one comes back" Tokumatsu believes. "When you think about it, it's obvious why something like that exists in the City underground" He said, walking towards the window. "It's because of this city" Toukmatsu states looking at the Duel Palace and highway system. "The City has always been huge, but it's only grown larger in the ten years I spent in the detention facility. A population of over ten million cluster and live in small area" He states. "The Commons, who make up 99% of that population, still live in poverty, just like in the past. The 100,000 Tops, who make up a mere 1% of the population…They live a life of luxury incomparable to that of the past (this is showed by a Tops throwing an apple away after a single bite). From that, they produce a large amount of garbage" Tokumatsu explains. "The City higher-ups build that facility deep underground to manage it. But those very people producing garbage in the Tops never get their hands dirty" He says. "Needless to say, they force the Commons to do all the work. Forced labour to atone for their crimes" Tokumastu states as he walks away from the window. "That's terrible" Yuzu said. Spreading his arms out "Accommodating us in such luxurious apartments, then sending us deep underground once we lose. Certainly a fall from heaven to hell" Tokumatsu says.
"Then…Gongenzaka's been sent to that forced labour facility too?!" Yuzu asks. "Afraid so" Tokumastu says. "This can't be…" Yuzu shocked. Just then "Now that we're all fired up, it's time for today's second match! Who are the duelists chosen for this round?! Shinji Weber! And our tournament's youngest participant…Reira Akaba!" Melissa announces. "Reira?!" Yuzu hears this with shock. Meanwhile, Reira hugs his bear in fear. Sam unlocks Reira's room "Reira, I'm here to guide you to the Duel Palace" Sam tells him. Reira stands still with a body language expressing his fears. "Reira?" Sam confuses. "Reira" Reiji calls out. "Brother!" Reira said as he sees Reiji with Tsukikage. "What are you doing?" Reiji asks. Reira looks at Reiji in fear. Reiji comes into the room "Now, hurry up, Reira" Reiji asks him, holding out his hand. "There's nothing to be afraid of" He tells Reira. Reira, feeling even more scared, shakes his head. Reiji became becomes impatient "What is it, Reira? Why are you disobeying me?" He asks. "I-I'm not-" Reira says. "The go. Go, and show the people of this dimension your strength" Reiji tells his younger sibling. Reira, breathing heavily at this point "N…No" He eventually has the courage to refuse. "No…I don't want to go!" Reira rushes out of his room, surprising Sam. "P-Please wait!" Sam tries to call out to Reira. Tsukikage was about to give chase "Wait, Tsukikage" Reiji stops him. "I'll go" He tells him. "Right" Tsukikage said.
Back at Yuzu's room "They're going to make Reira Riding Duel too?" Yuzu not pleased to hear. "You didn't know?" Tokumatsu asks. "Although I wonder if that's alright too" He also thinks. "Of course it's not alright!" Yuzu responds. "Reira's still in the Junior Class. He can't handle duels with Real Solid Vision yet…" She says. "I don't understand your jargon, but I'm also against dragging a child into this tournament" Tokumastu, aware of the terms, shares the same feelings. "That goes without saying. And if he loses, Reira will be forced into labouring too…" Yuzu worries. At this point "Um, are you done here? It's really gonna be bad for me…" The hotel worker impatiently asks, but is suddenly barged aside by Reira. "Reira!" exclaim as Reira hugs Yuzu, forcing her to sit on her bed. "Why are you here?" Yuzu asks. Reira was still clinging on to Yuzy like a child unable to let go of his parents. "Re…Reira, what on earth's the matter?" Yuzu wonders. Tokumatsu was puzzled at this development. Suddenly "Excuse me" A voice said. Yuzu and Tokumatsu turns to the voice "You're-!" Tokumatsu gasps as Reiji appears at the doorway of Yuzu's room, shocking the hotel worker with his presence. "Reiji Akaba…" Yuzu whispers.
As Reiji moves forward, Yuzu looks down at Reira and was about to put her hand on his head, but Reira filches in fear. Reira…" Yuzu whispers, and closed her eyes as she put her head down. Yuzu puts her hands on Reira's shoulders "What are you thinking? Why are you making Reira fight too?!" She asks Reiji. "Reira's still a child. Even in LDS, he's from the Junior Class" Yuzu reminds Reiji. "And yet…Why is he getting dragged into a tournament that even the Duel King Jack Atlas is part of?!" She fully aware of Reira's unwillingness to participate. "No, even before that…Why did you Reira in Lancers?!" Yuzu asks as she embraces Reira's head. "I crossed dimensions of my own will so I could save Yuya. Gongenzaka, and Kurosaki, and Yuri too, they all had their own reasons for joining the Lancers" Yuzu states. At that point, Sam and Tsukikage appear at the doorway to Yuzu's room. "I'm ready to face danger if we're to fight Academia. Everyone else must think the same too. But Reira!" Yuzu says. "Reira's so little, I can't believe he came her of his own free will. You brought him here. Isn't that right?" She states. "Why did you bring Reira…Why did you bring such a young child with you?! Answer me! Reiji Akaba!" Yuzu demonstrable anger at this point, demands.
"Yuzu…" Sam surprised by Yuzu's resolve. "Very well. I'll answer your questions" Reiji, after a brief moment of silence, decides to answer Yuzu. "First, why did I make Reira participate in the Friendship Cup? This is so that Reira can gain actual combat experience" He simply says. "Actual combat? You're kidding me! Reira's still a Junior-" Yuzu protests. "I understand Reira's true abilities. He is as strong as any of you" Reiji claims. "Even if he is that strong, Reira's still-" Yuzu complains. "Next, about why he was made a part of the Lancers. It's true that Reira did not join of his own accord. He followed my orders" Reiji brushes off Yuzu's complains, answers. Reira's eyes widen at the suggestion that he was forced to join. "So, why do I insist on Reira's participation? The reason for that…Reira is necessary existence in the fight against Academia" Reiji says. "Necessary? Reira's necessary in the fight against Academia?!" Yuzu shocked. Yuzu looks down on the frighten Reira. "What are you saying? As if a child is necessary in a battle!" Yuzu refuse to believe. "Whether you believe it or not…" Reiji said. "Shut up" Yuzu tells Reiji. "In time, the truth will…" Reiji continues. "I told you to shut up!" Yuzu yells.
"Hey, Yuzu…" Tokumatsu loss for words. "Yuzu…" Sam loss for words. But the other hotel worker bearing witness, plants the card he was bribed with, back on Tokumatsu "Um! We're really gonna get in trouble! If I'm caught breaking the rules and opening doors, I don't know what will happen to me when I'm fired. I'm returning this so this is none of my business!" The hotel worker desperately voices his own concerns and storms out out of the room. The card in question falls to the floor and is a Ghost Ogre & Snow Rabbit. "Reira's been afraid ever since we came to this city" Yuzu voices her empathy towards Reira.
(Flashback)
She recalls the time Security cornered them. "Where's…Brother?" Reira asks. "Even after Crow saved us, he always kept to himself, hugging his knees to his chest…As soon as he could, he said he'd go look for you…" Yuzu recalls when Crow gave them refuge. Reira gets up "Reira, what's the matter?" Yuzu asks. "I'm going to look for Brother—"Reira states and runs down the stairs. "You can't!" Yuzu tells him sharply. Reira stops short. "S-Sorry. I'm not mad" Yuzu apologizes. "Brother…" Reira whispers. "Walking around the City like this is bound to be dangerous. Crow said that, remember?" Yuzu reminds Reira. "Let's wait for now. Okay, Reira" She suggests.
(Flashback ends)
"Even though he wanted to see you and missed you so much…You brought him here because he's necessary for this fight?!" Yuzu says. "Don't mess around! I won't let Reira do something like that! I definitely won't let him fight! I won't let Reira participate in a battle where he might be sent to some forced labor facility to serve as an example!" She raised her voice. "If you won't protect him…I'll protect Reira!" Yuzu tells Reiji. Everyone watches in silent as Yuzu stare at Reiji.
At this point "Reira. Answer my question. What is your reason for refusing to participate?" Reiji asks Reira directly. "It's obviously because he's scared!" Yuzu claims. "I'm asking Reira. Answer me" Reiji ignores Yuzu's claim, and presses for a direct answer from Reira. "Don't force him" Yuzu tells Reiji. "Answer me, Reira" Reiji asks again. After a while "C…Crow's friend…" Reira speaks up. "Huh?" Yuzu confused. "He gave…me candy" Reira remembers. "Back then…" Yuzu remembers as well.
(Flashback)
"Hey, you too. There's plenty, so come on over!" Shinji tells Reira. "Take it as a housewarming gift from us Commons" He describing it as he holds up a doughnut with a smile. "Eat up slowly" Shinji tells Reira.
(Flashback ends)
"Reira remembers that…that's why…" Yuzu realizes. "I see. So he doesn't want to fight someone who had done him charity…" Reiji responds. "Tsukikage" He said. "Yes" Tsukikage responds. "Duel in Reira's place" Reiji tells Tsukikage. "Understood" Tsukikage complies, and vanishes. Reiji glares at Reira and leaves, as he was leaving Reira feels a weird sensation. He closes his eyes "Brother! Brother! Brother!" Reira calls after Reiji. "Reira!" Yuzu give chase as well. She see Reira tugging at Reiji's legs "Don't be angry, Brother! I'll do as Brother says! I'll always do as you say! I'll always do as you say…so!" Reira asking for forgiveness, promising. "I'm not angry. Actually, I'm pleased. Your sense of self has undoubtedly begun to bud within you" Reiji says and puts his hand on Reira's head. Sense of self?" Yuzu wonders what that means. "The development of one's sense of self contributes significantly to a duelist's growth. It is the foundation for think of your own strategies and utilizing tactics" Reiji says. Reira smiles at that statement, and holds hands with Reiji as they leave together.
"Wait! You're still going to make Reira fight in the future?!" Yuzu s not done with her questions yet. But they don't responds. "Wait! Hey, come back, Reira!" Yuzu tries to chase after them. "Leave it! You're the one who said not to force him, right?" Tokumatsu stops Yuzu, reminding her of her own words. "It might be tough for you, Yuzu, but that Reira kis probably likes that lad with the glasses more then he likes you. Forcing them apart would be crueler" Tokumatsu says. "Um, excuse me…Will you please return to your rooms?"Sam interrupted, asking both of them. Yuzu glumly returns to her room. Just as she recalls everything that had transpired earlier, the door shuts behind her "Reira.." Yuzu mutters. Meanwhile, Reiji was still leading Reira back somewhere "His budding sense of self…" Reiji thinks as
(Flashback)
He recalls the experiments he over saw on Reira, alongside mother Himika. "He has no sense of self?" Reijinse of self?" Reiji asks. "Yes. "Self" doesn't exist in that child. The desire to do or be what he wants does not exist in him. Our researchers speculate that it may be a self-preservation instinct developed to survived in harsh environments" Himika concluded. "Harsh environments…" Reiji mutters. "Where did you retrieve that child from?" He asks as a researcher removed a Brain Control card used to simulate the experiment. "A hotspot in a certain country. That country has been ravaged by war for decades. Back then, he had no kin and could not depend on anyone. Nevertheless, this child threw his sense of self away in order to survive. He gained the ability to become another person entirely" Himika said. "Become another person?" Reiji enquires. "He can become a wholly different person. Or follow someone else's orders perfectly. He lives as a vessel to carry out the will of others. You could certainly call him a puppet. That's why he can become our strength. That wouldn't be so unthinkable, right, Reiji?" Himika said.
(Flashback ends)
As Reiji continues to lead Reira away "If Mother knew, no doubt she would tut in disapproval" He wonders. Reira begins to smile at him again. "She would say that dolls can't have hearts…" Reiji thinks.
"Sorry for the long wait! Looks like there was some trouble, so our participates' entrance was delayed!" Melissa announces to the spectators, apologizing. "Let's reintroduce our participates! For today's second match…Shinji Weber vs. Reira Akaba!" She once again states , albeit with Tsukikage's hologram shown behind the words Reira Akaba. The producer behind Melissa appears to notice the change in participants that Melissa is still oblivious to. Only then does she notice the ninja-shaped hologram behind Reira's name. "Wait, a ninja? Reira's a ninja?! The youngest in our tournament is also a ninja?!" Melissa wonders. She looks at the producer behind her, who has scribbled a note to show Melissa and is shaking his head. "That's wrong? What's going on? What's with that ninja? I have no idea too!" Melissa interprets this and gets even more confused. As Yuzu watches Melissa continue to express her confusion, she sees that Tsukikage has taken Reira's place. "Tsukikage's taking Reira's place..." Yuzu said.