Arc 2: Before the storm

Chapter 1: The Rabbit Hole

Reiji's Point of View

Fortunately, we arrived back at LDS without any further delays. After the aces were dismissed, we immediately move to the headquarters by taking big and quick steps.

After passing through countless respectful bows and greetings, we stood at the platform that elevates my position in the room for a clearer view.

"Welcome back, president." The chief, whose an elderly man greeted me and soon enough, everyone paused their work and bowed to me before resuming their duties.

I acknowledged with a simple hum and approached my usual seat. "Give me the details on the attack on Marco." Earlier today, I was given more briefing by Nakajima as we ride towards Leo Corporation. The aces were transported in a separate vehicle so there were no issues about the information going out. I was told about how one of our employees, specifically, one of the teachers were attacked.

Kishiga Marco, a fusion lecturer and the best Fusion teacher we had. While I do not know much about him on a personal level, I do know one thing. Him, along with a few of our best teachers were once colleagues and taught by Kyou Yuuki. It would seem as if the world is almost revolving around that person.

"It occurred in Maiami City's NLD-038 District." The screen zooms in a particular area on the map. The area is not far from LDS. It is a business district with some smaller businesses that co-partner with us. On top of that, there is a construction site at the area. I believe that the duel must have taken place in the site. "It occurred at 5:54 pm." Which was during my duel with Kyou Yuuki. "We detected a powerful summon."

A powerful summon…

"What was the summoning method?" My mother asked.

"Xyz"

At this point, I am no longer surprised. He did mention that I am supposed to be looking for an Xyz user. If I am right, the aforementioned Xyz user must be from that dimension.

"We were with Sakaki Yuuya at that time." My mother added and I confirmed.

"And he doesn't have the knowledge or power to use Xyz. Based on the subtle hints in You Show's conversation, they don't seem to know much about Xyz Summon either, only the basics. That means Kyou Yuuki have not taught them how to Xyz summon yet. It's clear that Sakaki Yuuya isn't the culprit." However, with all of that said and done… Where is the man in question? "Nakajima, where is Marco?"

"Yes, we haven't established that yet. However…" he tapped onto the console before turning to a uniformed official who approached at the same time. "Chief, bring the item."

A bag was brought forward and I could see a maroon-coloured duel disk along with some cards. The cards were nothing special as I've seen them several times. However, the object of interest happens to be the duel disk that have a crack on it.

"It was at the scene. The first team who arrived found it."

"It's badly damaged, but it definitely belongs to Marco."

There was no need for them to lie about that. Every duelist have their own colour and preference. Even if the duel disk would change hands, the duel disk was designed so that officials like us can track down the list of people who have had used them. For example, if Marco had swapped out a different duel disk and smashed his old one, our systems would still be able to track him down on his new duel disk. Any changes in ownership can still be traced. What further cements the fact that the duel disk belongs to him were his cards. Any respectable duelists, namely one from LDS, would value their cards as if they were gold.

I contemplate on the next course of action while considering his advice and warning. Kyou Yuuki gave me a piece of valuable information which significantly narrows down the true culprit. However, his warning puts me off. On one hand, I am concerned about this dimension and what might happen to it. I have little time now, especially when a spy had already infiltrated this dimension. Then, he told me to do nothing and leave it to him.

Was there a reason behind this? Other than him being a potential spy, I couldn't figure him out.

"Keep using all of LDS's capabilities to find Marco. Also, try to have surveillance on Kyou Yuuki at all times." Was all I conveyed. While I am breaching into other people's privacy, he has caused enough to garner this much. His actions will be constantly monitored and even if he goes into places without surveillance, the Fuuma ninja I have contracted will cover those.

"President, we have movement from Kyou Yuuki." I heard one of the operators announced, "Coming on screen now."

A separate screen zooms in to show the person in question walking towards a park. He seemed to have made a call to someone. I asked for his call logs and it shows Kishiga Ai. Kishiga Ai is… Kishiga Marco's sister.

"Put it on speaker." Without a word, we could now tune into the conversation.

Yuuki's Point of View

Earlier today, once Reiji left, Yuuya have a slump from learning how someone else was using Pendulum monsters. It takes a duel to snap him out of his slump. I decided not to intervene in this one, rather Shuzou will do it instead. He did his usual thing with his anime only cards. Although, I did give him an Xyz monster that fits him well. Coach King Giantrainer. It fits his deck to a T. Essentially allowing him to draw and burn his opponents up to three times, bringing them down to less than half their LP.

Funnily enough, Yuuya won the duel thanks to again, Action Magic and Pendulum Summoning. I really hope he try something new soon. Once everything is done and over, I decided to head out… to a park.

I called Kishiga Ai to know if she is free now.

There was a bit of a wait time before it was picked up. The sound of my former colleague echoed through the disk.

"Kyou-san?" she said, "This is rare. What's wrong?"

"Ai… we need to talk. This is about your brother." I said without beating around the bush. "Meet me at the park… that park where I told you about him, years ago."

There was a moment of silence before she hung up. I don't blame her. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if she came in late… or out of breath. Soon enough, a mop of brown hair came into view. Said person was panting heavily. Not only that, her hair was a bit unruly and she is wearing some sandals. Proving that she must have left the house in a rush.

Kishiga Ai… one of my colleagues whom I worked with when I was in LDS. She is the teacher of the Synchro course as well as Marco's younger sister. While she does not exist in the anime, nor the manga, she does exist in this reality of mine.

"Take it easy girl," I stood up from the bench and approached her.

"Yuuki," Yes, we're on somewhat first name term, but we're strictly friends. "Please tell me nothing has happened to him." Her tone was a combination of desperation and hopefulness. This is further emphasized by him gripping my jacket's collar. Her feeble attempts of shaking the truth… or lie from me. As much as I wanted to deny her, despite her insistent repetition, I must however deliver the bad news.

"I'm afraid to say that your brother has been temporarily turned into a card." I said as straightforward as I can. "Your brother was done in by a certain foreigner."

"So… it's finally here…" she said dejectedly and before she could fall to her knees, I immediately stopped her and support her to the bench next to me.

Silence…

For the entire hour, there was only silence between us. That and her clinging to me without moving. I simply stood there and did nothing but reminiscent the old time I had with them. The times they come to me for help, learning their new decks, how they even invited me to their home, have fun in general. Once or twice Marco and I went to a certain place to have fun, unwind even. I go there often for personal reasons. Marco, and some other teachers, only joined me either out of curiousity or my influence.

Yes, I am a bad influence to the people around me. But in my defence, only focusing on work can make me bored. Extremely bored. So, in order to circumvent that, I tried other activities. Games is a definitive out since I do not want to have too much commitments, unlike my previous life. Travelling… I would do that eventually since I have saved my money for an early retirement. Mingling with my colleagues and friends is my only outlet at the time so…

In any case, when Ai moved, I decided to do so as well.

Readjusting ourselves, Ai then realized our position and let go.

Reiji's Point of View

We were able to hear everything.

Kyou Yuuki approaches one of our teachers, Kishiga Ai, who is also Kishiga Marco's younger sister.

"I'm afraid to say that your brother has been temporarily turned into a card." He said as if he is making a casual announcement. "Your brother was done in by a certain foreigner."

"So… it's finally here…"

That was… not a response I expect to hear. Normally, when confronted with such a claim, people would often brush it off, saying that it must be some kind of cruel joke. However, instead of that, Kishiga Ai seems to have accepted that answer without questions.

I then watch her weeping in his embrace. This went on for a while until they parted.

"I'm sorry, Yuuki." Kishiga Ai began.

"Don't be, Ai." Yuuki responded, "You can have all the time you want to mourn for your brother."

"Was it… painful?" she whispered and our cameras and tech were able to catch her voice.

"Well from what I know and understanding, no." he answered… almost as if he knows the process.

"But he's not… truly gone now, is he?" she said, this time seemingly more hopeful.

The answer was also as surprising.

"Indeed, you have nothing to worry about that. Marco is only temporarily gone."

That was… actually great news.

"I will take your word on that…"

"Come on now Ai, who do you think I am?"

"The Machine Emperor… that shameless guy who dragged my brother to a cabaret club…"

What?

"And that guy who have a fan club even now."

"Hang on, repeat that last, what fan club?"

"Mnp!" This time, I heard my mother's gasp. The gasp was soft, fast and sudden, therefore only the people around her could hear her. And I did not bother batting an eye. Only hoping that no one heard that.

We then watch the two playfully run back to the apartment. They had a playful chase through the path, which ended just as fast as it came. Once Kishiga Ai was at her doorstep, they exchanged one final pleasantry.

"It's going to be a bit quiet here for a while." She said.

"Well, just try to distract yourself with the Maiami Championship for now."

At the mentioned of the championship, a few ideas came to mind.

"I know Kyou-sensei."

"Oh, and before I go, that parchment I wrote years ago. Do you still have it?"

Parchment?

"Of course. We almost dump it away when you left. But when we saw their names in our class…"

"Do you believe me now? Everything I've said."

So, it seems like Kishiga Ai and Kishiga Marco both knew about who he is.

For a moment, nothing was exchanged between the two. We then watched Ai closed the door prompting the conversation to a close. Kyou Yuuki took that as his cue and walked away but as he did, our surveillance cameras were about to pick up his subtle threat.

"Your vengeance has caused harm to my friend. Not only that, you've also negatively affected the lives of those around him. Mark my words Kurosaki Shun, I will show you how revenge is really done."

We now have a name… Kurosaki Shun, the supposed perpetrator who attacked Marco and according to Kyou Yuuki, turned him into a card. And based on what we've heard and what he has told me, I now have a clear understanding of this person.

I looked at the monitor once more… recalling our duel.

At final turn… I was able to get the upper hand and clear his board. However, I was sure that he can simply rebuild his board again. His deck seems to have centered around his Graveyard… no. I recalled that one last card he drew and showed me. The picture of the card was only a golden ball. It was nothing special… yet there was no data on the card. The worst part is that my instinct is constantly warning me about my inevitable defeat.

My dueling instincts are always right…

That and he started off with only 1 card.

For now, we will continue observing how everything plays out. If anything, I would rather have Kyou Yuuki as an ally… and stay out of his way.

Masumi's Point of View

The next day came by quickly. And once more, like yesterday, I approached the front desk in hopes of knowing about Marco-sensei's whereabouts and the response was relieving and frustrating at the same time.

Marco-sensei was fine and is currently resting, however according to them, he is not interested in any visitors now.

Yesterday, they told me that he was admitted to a hospital and should not be disturbed. I accepted that response without question since a patient needed rest and he was only admitted in recently. However, when I asked for which hospital he was admitted into, they did not answer me. Only telling me that he is not willing to see anyone right now.

While that statement can be applied to anyone else, namely a showy loudmouth, Marco-sensei is not like that. There were times in the past when he was having a slight fever and still conducted the class, even if he is weak. Marco-sensei was very passionate with his class and students.

When I was told of this, I could only be shocked at the type of response I would get.

"I don't understand. If he's fine, why won't they let me see him?" I may have repeated the question a few times.

My fellow aces, Yaiba, Hokuto, and Nekoro were with me. While Yaiba and Hokuto are doing their best to calm me down, Nekoro is… doing her own thing. As in lying down on the couch and have a nap.

"Maybe he doesn't want to meet anyone because he's wrapped up in bandages like Sawatari." Hokuto suggested. Normally he'd be right, if it were someone like him then they would not want to meet others. However, this is Marco-sensei we're talking about.

"Don't compare him to that loser!" I snapped at him. He doesn't know Marco-sensei like I do!

"Still, how could he be hurt in a duel when it wasn't on an Action Duel Field?" Yaiba asked.

He was right though. If we would duel anywhere that doesn't have an Action Duel Field, the Duel Monsters would be in Solid Vision. In other words, they would simply phase through us like holographic projections. Action Duel Field gives the monsters a solid form so that we may interact with them physically.

They are hiding something… and I need to find out about it.

"Ah? Nice guy?" We heard Nekoro yelped. In fact, we are familiar with the term even though we've only heard it yesterday. Nekoro straightened up and in a daze, move into the bosoms of a woman. "Nice guy…" she said before falling into a blissful nap again.

We then recognize the person she had rested on.

"Ai-sensei?" Not surprisingly, Yaiba was the person who called out. I also recognized her as the teacher of the Synchro Course. Reason being, she was Marco-sensei's younger sister.

"Well, this is cute. I kind of needed that." Ai-sensei said. She is as kind as I remember her to be.

"Nice guy…" Nekoro parroted away.

"Nice guy?"

"That's what she called a person from another school." I answered. "He complimented her and she's all… well." She became what she is now. The number of times she repeated 'nice guy' yesterday is starting to get on my nerves.

"Was it Kyou-sensei? Kyou Yuuki." She deduced.

Now that I know who he is… and how he dueled Akaba Reiji… we can all agree that he lost in the end since he had no cards on his field…

But even so, to think he can bring out such a strong monster. I can see and understand why he has been undefeated. Well, it ended there if the duel had continued.

"In any case," My attention turned back to Yaiba's sensei. "I can understand why she's all clingy to me now. I met him yesterday." She said and I noticed how her face had a tint of red.

"Geh, what is he? A playboy?" I heard Hokuto commented in a hushed tone.

"I know right?"

"Anyway, can I see Marco-sensei?" getting back to the main topic at hand with Ai-sensei being here at the right time, I did the obvious. I am sure that she's willing to bring me to visit Marco-sensei.

It was as if a switch has been flicked. When I mentioned about Marco-sensei, her eyes became… dull, distant and… sad? What's going on?

"I…" She started quietly. Then she looked at me. She then turned to the rest of us. Even Nekoro stopped her nuzzling nap and raised her face to observe her. Once more, she examined us and then sighed. "I don't know how he does it. It's almost as if he knows this will happen." She mumbled to herself.

"What do you mean?" I asked and was then interrupted by another sensei.

"It means that Kyou Yuuki had predicted that something like this might happen." I was confused with that statement. Before I could speak again, I was promptly stopped when she raised her hand. "I understand your confusion. But rather than saying anything else, it's much better if I show you instead." She pulled out a piece of parchment and handed it to me. As I took it, she added, "This is only for Masumi to read. Not for you two." I heard Ai-sensei spoke. As she did, Yaiba and Hokuto backed away subconsciously. I opened it to read the letter.

Dear Koutsu Masumi,

If you are reading this now, you must want to meet Marco-sensei, DESPITE his 'injuries'. Don't bother. Marco will be unavailable for an unspecified amount of time. HOWEVER, I know the culprit.

Come to me, alone, and I will teach you how deep this rabbit hole goes.

Kyou Yuuki

"I received that around 5 years ago." Said Marco's sister. "When we received it, we thought it was some kind of prank from him… but when Marco saw your name in his class, we knew immediately what we had to do."

I… what can I say? Kyou Yuuki wrote this letter 5 years ago and he predicted all of this! This is just… my head hurts.

"He's giving you an option, think about it." Ai-sensei spoke once more. I looked into her eyes again and could see that she wasn't lying. Her eyes were the same as always. Sad, acceptance… but with a bit hopefulness. "Now, my job is done. Ebi-sensei, about the backstage- Wait! Tanaka-sensei, slow down, that thing's heavy!" and they are off.

When she is gone, I just look at the parchment again.

"Masumi, what was all that about?" I heard Hokuto's concerned voice.

"Yeah man, what was in there?" Yaiba followed up.

This makes me wonder if I should tell them. On one hand, even if we are in difference courses, they are still my fellow aces. However, the letter was only addressed to me… so I cannot really tell them.

I pocketed the parchment and turned away. "Let's try to find out the truth first."

After all, there are still so much I don't know. I cannot even tell what is right and what is wrong. But what I do know and remember from what Marco-sensei taught me was that I should see things with my own eyes first before making a decision.

Sora's Point of View

I stood before the LDS building. This is the second time I've been here. Previously, I've infiltrated the place to learn a few things about the world. It was disappointing to learn that their fusion summoning was vastly inferior to ours. Then again, what do you expect from a dimension that is called Standard Dimension.

Not only that, while the building hasn't changed much, the security is now on full alert. There were several guards posted in front of the building entrance. Previously, anyone could enter and loiter around the atrium. Now however, no visitors are allowed to enter. I asked.

On a side note, I did saw some familiar faces coming out of the building but I couldn't be bothered with that. There is a very good reason why I came here. But still, I didn't expect him to be Leo Corporation's president. If he is, then wouldn't that make him the chairman's son?

I then looked at the security once more.

The security is very tight.

I watched how they are doing biometric scans on anyone coming and going to the building. This actually made things harder for me. If I ask to see the President, I don't think they will let me.

"Aww, I wanted to duel him!" I sighed aloud. I really don't want to get on Kyou Yuuki's bad side now, but if I had no choice, I might consider dueling him instead. I doubt I would win. At least, now that I've seen what he's capable of.

My musing was interrupted when I heard a familiar voice. I turned and it was Yuzu-nee.

"I knew I would find you here!" she said, "Where have you been? You haven't showed up to sensei's class today!"

Ugh, don't get in my way Yuzu… How do I get out of this situation?

"No, uh. I gave my excuse for being absent today!" I was telling the truth. I've submitted my letter of absence to him earlier today.

"You can't fool him with that kind of letter Sora. He saw through you. He even told me to come to LDS to get you after class." She said.

Seriously? That guy even knew where I am. I never wrote the reason why I am absent, nor do I write anything about where I would be. Yet he was able to pinpoint where I am.

"Are you going after Akaba Reiji now?"

I need a distraction.

"No, uhh… 'going after him' isn't the right word…" I managed out a stutter in order to throw her off.

"It's the same when you went after Yuuya. When someone catches your eye, you stick to him immediately!"

Faking a laugh, I responded with the usual, "Because he seems fun! He uses Fusion, Synchro and Xyz, and now uses Pendulum!"

"Even so, you can't get near him easily." She said and I agree. He is after all the president of Leo Corporation. "Besides, if you want someone to duel with, you can always duel with Kyou-sensei. He welcomes any challenges." I do plan on dueling him someday, but if I do that I will need to go all out. That would also mean that I might break my cover. "Anyway, come with me!" Before I can say anything, Yuzu grabbed my hand and start dragging me away.

Masumi's Point of View

Thanks to Nekoro's help, we were about to pinpoint a place. It was a construction site. We stood before the entrance, opposite of the site with a keep out tape blocking us.

Nekoro may be a weird girl, but it was also thanks to her weirdness, we were able to make a lot of progress. That and we were also able to catch one or two uniformed officials loitering around the area. They don't normally do that unless there is something very important happening in the area.

This won't do. I need know what had happened to sensei. I simply slip under the tape.

"Hey, Masumi…"

I do not care. But as soon as the door slides open, I was met with one of the uniformed officials.

"Oi! What are you doing here? This is a restricted area!" the blue uniformed man spoke sternly.

"Wait! I'm Koutsu Masumi, from Marco-sensei's Fusion Course!" I stated.

"You?"

"I'm Yaiba Toudou, from the Synchro Course."

"Shijima Hokuto, Xyz Course."

"… Aoi Nekoro… Ritual Course."

"Neko-chan?" we then heard a familiar female voice. And upon hearing the voice, Nekoro suddenly straightened up. There is only one person who could do that to Nekoro…

A person came out from behind the uniformed official. He was gently pushed aside and two people came out. The first was another uniformed official whom we did not recognize but the second one is someone we could recognize. After all, it was Nekoro's teacher.

"Ebi-sensei?" Nekoro gasped.

True to her words, a shoulder length dark haired woman in light purple highlights came out. The one defining difference she has right now is none other than the uniform she is currently wearing. She even had a tie on.

"Ara, what are you four doing out here?" She asked as she approached us.

"Well, we heard that someone attacked Marco-sensei." I began, "the LDS head office said that we couldn't see him yet. We… I want to know what happened!"

"Did someone attacked him in a duel?"

"We heard he was attacked by an Xyz user. As a fellow Xyz user, when I hear that someone is using it for evil-"

"Sorry, but we can't disclose anything yet because we're still investigating." The other official spoke.

"Then…" I paused as I remembered the parchment I received from Marco-sensei's sister. Even though I have already known the answers, I cannot help but asked again, "Is Marco-sensei okay?"

"I can't answer that either. Sorry."

That was the last straw.

"But, don't worry. The LDS higher ups will uncover the truth. You all should work on polishing your dueling skills like usual. I'm sure that would make Marco-sensei happy. Alright? Leave this place to us and go back to school."

I heard my colleagues answered with an okay. I followed up with my own soon after. When the other uniformed official entered, I saw Ebi-sensei followed after… but before she could, I need to ask her something.

"Um, Ebi-sensei!" I called out.

"Yes, what is it?"

I contemplate on the next words I want to ask her, say to her. I feel like this could be the most important change yet.

"I want to know something first… Kyou Yuuki… you were under his tutelage, were you?"

"It's not a secret that I was once under his tutelage. It was also thanks to him, I am who I am today." She responded. Her eyes were brimming with nostalgia. "So, what's this about him? I don't believe someone like you would be interested in anyone else other than Marco-sensei."

"Yeah, she's totally into Marco-sensei." I heard my Yaiba's offhand commentary.

"She's kinda crazy for him." I'll get you for this Hokuto!

"Like a fan girl." Not you too Nekoro.

"And don't even think about joining his fan club! Its invitations only." She added.

Seriously, I get the feeling that this guy is going to be trouble. If not from him, its going to be the people around him. Like that culprit who attacked Sawatari for example. And that… that Yuzu!

Still… he is my only lead. I pulled out the parchment I received from Marco-sensei's sister and present it to her. The moment she read the content, she just went with a simple

"Oh." She returned the parchment to me and then turned to the rest of my colleagues, "The rest of you, leave us. NOW." She spoke sternly and needless to say, while the boy were reluctant, Nekoro simply obeyed. She even dragged the two by the collar behind her as she walked away with them in tow, much to their chagrin and dismay. Which leaves us with me and Ebi-sensei alone. "Koutsu Masumi." She called.

"Yes!"

"If he has invited you to learn from him, I would suggest you to go to him. No. I highly recommend you to learn from him. There are so much you can learn from him."

Ebi-sensei's eyes were filled surety and determination. One that spoke volumes on how true her words are.

"If you are still unsure on what to do, then let me tell you one interesting thing. All the cards that LDS used were his creations." She said and this time, I couldn't believe my ears. I've even checked her eyes. They don't belong to someone whose lying.

I was told that he built our decks! By him! But… HE created our cards!

"Well, you wouldn't know about this since you've just joined almost a year ago. But the senior teachers as well as some of the senior students knows about this. It's only a matter of time before it becomes hearsay.

Now that you know about this, you best go to him. You won't regret it." When she said that, I can hear the door screeched. Effectively ending the conversation.

Kyou Yuuki… creator of our cards… and our senseis' sensei…

Yuuki's Point of View

The day ended with the students leaving the school. The difference today was that Sora was absent. He gave a shoddy paper telling me that he will be absent. I shove it into the bin and sent Yuzu his way. Besides, I am following the plot. And the plot demands Yuzu to learn about Fusion Summoning, FROM HIM.

While it is true that Yuzu can learn about it from me.

I, however, have another plan in mind. My hands will be tied for the entire week and as such, I will not be helping Yuzu. Rather, Sora will be doing it. Something something, change the heart of the traitor. That and I want to maintain some semblance of the canon, even if my existence here can cause a butterfly effect. I sat on the couch and finished marking the students' papers. The children did well, especially Tatsuya who got all perfect in his tests. The seniors, Yuzu and Yuya were very good and mid respectively. Not surprising, especially when one of them happens to be illiterate.

I mean, what do you expect from someone who DOESN'T READ. That's why his duel ratios are exactly like his test results, mid. Then again, we are also talking about a guy who runs around, making a fool of himself and gambles his victory away with random cards he finds…

I don't hate that really. It's just… there's a time and place for each one. And exams are not the place to do it.

With the last papers marked, I stood up, stretched and prepared to leave. The school will be closed for an entire week. The reason being it's the school holiday. Normally, duel schools like us would still be in business. However, this time it is different. The reason being, Yuuya will need to have six consecutive wins in official Duels.

Firstly, in order to qualify for the Maiami Championship, the entry needs to fulfill one of two criteria. The first is to have at least 60% win rate. The second criteria is to have 6 consecutive wins in any official duels. These criteria are applied to all the divisions, Youth, Junior Youth, Senior and Special Division. The difference between the former 3 divisions are only separated by age.

Ayumi, Futoshi and Tatsuya are kids, therefore they join the Youth Division.

Yuuya and Yuzu belongs in the Junior Youth Division.

Anyone older than 17 belongs in the Senior Division.

Special Division, like its name, is special. This one is strictly reserved for people who has met a number of criteria and checkmarks. Age is not a factor here as anyone, regardless of nationality, age or gender is allowed to join this division. I would fit in this Division had I decided to apply for the tourney. In short, this division is strictly for the best of the best. I was assigned as one of the judges there but that's a story for another time.

In the canon, Yuuya had a win rate between 56% to 57%. However, with my intervention, his win rate had significantly dropped, since he has been losing a lot to me. Therefore, we had to meet the second criteria which involves him winning 6 consecutive official matches.

I don't really need to say this as I am sure Yuuya should be able to win it all. Afterall, he's the main character and main characters have plot armor. However, since I am his teacher, I will still say this regardless.

Good luck, Yuuya.

Stepping out of the building, I begin my course back home. However, before I could take a step, a familiar voice called out to me.

"Wait!" followed by a sequence of panting.

I turned and was greeted by a familiar face. In fact, she was here yesterday. I guess the whole timing thing is all screwed up now. Bah, my existence is basically the biggest screw up in this world anyway. Looking back at the panting girl, I can already tell what she is here for. I even went to the Kishiga family to remind them about my… 'prophecy'.

"I've been expecting you… Koutsu Masumi."

End Chapter 1


Apologies for my lateness.

Reason: This chapter has underwent a big rewrite but overall, the plot and decisions stays the same. Next chapter may need around 3 weeks. Hopefully less.

Thank you for your patience and support.