California: Hotel, Night…
Seto was sat at the couch within the living room of the hotel room he'd gotten his family. Naturally, he didn't settle for your average hotel room, though Yugi had been fine with that for his family when Seto went to pay for whatever they wanted.
Regardless, a room like this had its advantages as it meant he wouldn't wake his wife or daughter should last minute work come up. While not tied to Kaiba Corp., he'd received four reports throughout the day. Three came from the students he entrusted while the last was from Mokuba.
They painted a clear picture of what transpired in mere days on the island as well as the aftermath. While he would accept the outcome his brother agreed to, he resolved to be on Duel Academy Island relatively soon to see those matches.
He also wanted to have his own words with Crowler. No matter if it was or wasn't already in his head, that man needed to know this was his absolute last chance. The next time he screwed up, Seto would personally fly to that island and terminate his employment on the spot.
"Seto…" Kisara's tired voice rang out as nothing more than a whisper.
"Over here." Seto whispered back.
"What are you doing?" Kisara yawned as she took a seat next to him. "In just five hours, we're supposed to be at the orphanage."
"A little less sleep won't hinder me." Seto answered. "As for what I'm doing, something happened on…"
He stopped as he felt Kisara fall onto his side, asleep. She enjoyed her rest and only loved it more with Seto by her side. Rather than waste time trying to talk him back to bed, she knew coming out her and falling asleep on him was the fastest way to get what she wanted.
After all, in the yearly years Seto had often talked his way out of coming back to bed with her. This little tactic of hers never failed and tonight would be no different. Seto powered down his laptop before standing and picking his wife up bridal style.
As he did, Kisara maneuvered herself subconsciously to bury herself in Seto. He let her do that as he walked back to the room. After maneuvering her back into bed, he laid down beside her and eventually drifted off to sleep.
Limo: Next Day…
Seto and Kisara sat on once side of the limo with their daughter Naomi, who was reading a book any normal child would find difficult. She had her mother's white hair and blue eyes; however, she had Seto's facial structure, preferred her hair short, and wore clothes like he had as a child.
Yugi and Tea sat in the seats across from them with their son Atem presently on Tea's lap. Atem looked a lot like his father with the same tri-colored hair, though anyone looking close enough could see some of the softer features Tea had.
He was on his mother's lap looking out the window with a smile at all the new things they passed. Both children were a good seven years old with interests already placed within duel monsters like their respective fathers.
"…When we arrive at the orphanage, we'll be busy doing all the usual things at events like this." As they rode along in the limo, Seto had been filling in everyone on how they'd go about today. "Afterwards, we'll stick around for a bit."
This was a more generalized statement to conclude the explanation. While naturally events like this were in no way uncommon for either family to attend, they had their side objective of keeping an eye out for Yuri and Celina.
Of course, Seto didn't expect anyone to immediately take the kids, nor did he want them to if they couldn't match up on a personal level. That said, the desired result was that they'd be leaving with the pair if things worked out.
Orphanage
The orphanage Yuri and Celina resided in was a single-story complex with a general cafeteria, rooms, a playground, and on-sight classrooms. It was within one of these classrooms where the pair currently resided, sitting across from each other as they dueled analog.
(Yuri 2700/Celina 800)
Yuri's Field
1 card in hand
Predaplant Cephalotusnail(LV 4/1300/1200)
Celina's Field
2 cards in hand
Lunalight Cat Dancer(LV 7/2400/2000)
"That Cephalotusnail is always such an annoying monster Yuri." Celina complained, as she'd just managed to damage her longtime friend in this duel. "I end my turn."
Yuri gave her a small smile. "You just need to get some cards to shut down its effect or destroy it without battle." He drew. "Attacking every time, without those kinds of cards, ends all the same. Of course, there's always the option of simply damaging your opponent to 0 as well.
Such as this. I summon Predaplant Stapeliaworm(LV 4/100/2000)." He put the card down. "Now, I activate Polymerization to fuse my monsters." He pulled his favorite monster from the extra deck. "Fusion summon Starving Venom Fusion Dragon(LV 8/2800/2000).
As I've brought him out using monsters on the field, he gains ATK equal to all special summoned monsters you control until the end of the turn." Starving Venom Fusion Dragon(LV 8/5200/2000 effect). "He'll attack your Cat Dancer and end this duel."
(Yuri 2700/Celina 0)
They've had similar discussions to this many times before, and it wasn't that Celina hadn't learned a thing, it was more the pair had grown accustomed to this back and forth. In truth, Celina was a great duelist.
Despite Yuri taking the bulk of duels to keep them together in the way they wanted, Celina hasn't been a mere cheerleader. She stepped up when she needed to and was a great opponent who kept Yuri sharper than anyone else at the orphanage could.
"Gah, you just keep pulling ahead as a duelist." Celina shook her head as they collected their decks. "I couldn't even get your life points below 2000 this time."
"With the cards at your disposal, you could actually beat me if you put your full concentration into the duel." Yuri retorted as they went about collecting their decks.
"…We appreciate your families having decided to visit our orphanage."
The pair heard the caretaker, and Yuri could tell he was accompanied by multiple sets of feet. They got up as shadows passed by the door and moved to see who it was.
"Most of our children should be this way, and I just know they'll be thrilled to see a couple of dueling legends like yourselves."
Yuri and Celina stepped out as the Kaiba and Muto families passed by.
"We'll give them a good time." Seto voiced.
"Oh wow, it's the King of Games, and his wife is with him." Celina marveled, being both a fan of Yugi's and Tea's respective careers as a duelist and dancer, respectively. "We should go talk to them."
"Forget that." Yuri voiced. "The man with them is Seto Kaiba. He's got the money and connections to get us adoptions on our terms."
"Yuri, you're one of the best at the game I know; however, that man's number 2 to the King of Games himself." Celina voiced.
"It doesn't matter." Yuri retorted firmly. "This is the golden opportunity to get everything we wanted, meaning I won't lose."
Celina knew Yuri well enough to the point he wouldn't be deterred, and she had to admit he was right. Someone like Seto Kaiba could get them into homes close enough to the point they could continue as they were well enough.
"Alright, Yuri." Celina smiled. "Just as I always have, my faith is in you."
"You go make sure they stick around while I ensure my deck is ready." Yuri declared.
Celina nodded. "Got it."
They parted ways. For the most part, what Yuri said was his intention; however, he wouldn't deny he wanted Celina to have this chance to meet the King of Games and his wife, like she always wanted. As for Celina, she headed to where all the other children would be.
Courtyard
Celina arrived at the courtyard to see the Kaiba and Muto families were already interacting with everyone. Yugi and Seto were surrounded by kids with duel monster cards, weather they wanted them signed or for the two pros to look them over.
Kisara and Tea were heading out gifts to the children while Atem was playing with those who didn't have duel monster cards themselves. Naomi was helping her father and uncle by taking aside some of the younger kids with cards.
All Yuri wanted her to do was ensure Seto didn't leave before he could return, so that meant, as
Celina saw it, there was a great deal of free time. As such, she decided to spend that time going up to Yugi. Given her status as a duelist, those around the man did step aside.
"Oh, hello there." Yugi smiled at her.
"Hello sir, my name is Celina, and I've been a fan of yours ever since seeing Battle City." Celina nodded respectfully as she pulled out her Lunalight deck. "I'm hoping you'd use your experienced eye to take a look at my deck since I feel I've hit a bit of a hurdle with it."
Yugi hadn't expected to see one of the two children Seto made him aware of this soon.
Regardless, he smiled as he took the deck. "Sure, I'd be happy to take a look." He began skimming through it. "Hm, a mostly dark beat-warrior deck with effects geared towards fusion. Seems to be archetypal."
Not that more sporadically built decks were an issue. After all, Yugi himself utilized so many different archetypes within one deck. It was more notable for the fact she held the first deck with an archetype he's seen here so far.
Seto also hadn't thought it important to mention what decks they ran, perhaps a sly exclusion on his part to let Yugi bond with Celina. For as long as he's known his rival, the king of games wouldn't put such a tactic past him.
Then, Yugi reached some interesting cards at the end. "Oh, some dance traps and monsters that are also archetypal." He turned to his wife. "Hey Tea, I think this deck might interest you."
"Really?" Tea came over before looking Celina's way. "Would you be alright with me looking over your deck?"
"Yeah, I have no problem with that." Celina stated.
Tea took the deck from her husband and began flicking through it. "Beast-warriors, huh? Yugi's used a few of these, though Joey's always seemed to have a greater appreciation for them. Can't imagine these monsters being up his alley though." She then saw the dance cards. "Oh, cards with a little dance to them." She looked at Celina with a smile. "Do you like dance?"
"I've watched a lot of it and done it sometimes at this dance studio not far from here." Celina replied. "Though, I know I shouldn't go off on my own, so I tend to talk Yuri into taking me."
Tea remembered how her love of dance got her into trouble as she handed the deck back to its owner. "That's a smart girl."
Celina smiled at the compliment before turning to Yugi as she decided to take her shot at fulfilling one of her dreams. "Sir, would you duel me?"
"I was planning on taking on anyone who wants to duel me anyways." Yugi smiled. "I've also overheard you're one of the strongest here, not to mention dueling with me may help you with your perceived hurdle. Sure, we'll duel."
Celina lit up as she immediately headed over to a box and took out one of the Orphanage's used duel disks. She then moved quickly to take up a position across from the king of games while inserting her deck. Yugi took up his position across from her as they activated their duel disks.
"Let's Duel!"
(Celina 4000/Yugi 4000)
When you duel, it could speak volumes on the type of person you were, so this would be another opportunity to see what Celina was like.
As the duel started, Atem smiled. "Dad's going to duel!"
He rushed over to join his mom while the other orphans gathered around, and the Kaiba family turned their attention towards this as well.
"Since you were brave enough to challenge me, I'll let you decide who's first." Yugi declared.
"Right." Celina declared.
She took a moment to think about it. Yugi wasn't untouchable. There were pro duelist who could give him a run for his money beyond people like Seto Kaiba or Joey Wheeler. Celina was smart enough to know as good as she was, she wasn't anywhere near pro duelist level.
From what matches she's observed of those, they were generally able to last longer if the king of games went second. As Celina wanted this to go on as long as possible, it became rather obvious which stance she had to take.
"You can have the first move." Celina stated.
"Alright." Yugi drew. "I'll start with Graceful Charity to draw three cards before then discarding two. Now I summon my Magician's Robe(LV 2/700/2000)." The robe of the Dark Magician appeared. "I'll set this one card and call my turn good there."
Despite seeing plenty of Yugi's matches, Celina hasn't seen them all. That meant this monster was either one he'd used in matches she hadn't caught, or it was some new monster he threw in his deck. Regardless, she had to be weary.
"My draw." Celina drew.
"Now, I'll utilize the effect of my robe." Yugi declared, sending Magician Navigation to the grave. "By discarding any one spell/trap card from my hand on your turn, he special summons Dark Magician(LV 7/2500/2100) from my deck." The purple robbed spellcaster appeared.
The children all applauded and cheered as Yugi Muto's ace monster took to the field.
Even Celina was amazed; however, she was quick to proceed. "Alright, first I'll discard Lunalight Black Sheep from my hand. Ordinarily, I'd have two choices now, but my grave isn't set up. Though that's fine, I'd want to add Polymerization from my deck now regardless.
Next, I'll summon Lunalight White Rabbit(LV 2/800/800)." A bipedal white rabbit appeared. "Whenever she's normal summoned, I can target any other Lunalight in my grave and special summon them in defense mode. I only have Lunalight Black Sheep(LV 2/100/600)."
"Ah, she's essentially gotten everything needed to fuse." Yugi noted. "If she ends up deciding to do it now, she'll still have a hand of at most four cards."
A bipedal black sheep appeared kneeling before Celina. "White Rabbit also has the ability where I can target spell/trap cards you control, up to the number of Lunalights I control, and return them to the hand."
"Rather than doing that, I'll activating it." Yugi declared. "It's my Prologue of the Destruction Sword."
Now, this was a card Celina knew. "That's not good."
"I can send any 1 Destruction Sword card and Buster Blader monster from my deck to the graveyard." He naturally choose Buster Blader and Destruction Sword Memories. "Now, I can special summon Buster Dragon(LV 8/1200/2800) from my extra deck."
A large, purple and feathery dragon appeared before casting out a purple aura over the field that faded soon after. As it faded, Celina's two monsters took on dragon-like appearances.
"I did as such in defense mode." Yugi continued. "Now, the trap will see him destroyed at the End Phase of the next turn, but as he is on the field now, his own effect makes all monsters you control dragon-type."
"Fortunately, I don't play too many cards that rely on my monsters being their prior type." Celina returned. "I'll now activate Polymerization to combine Lunalight Black Sheep on the field with Lunalight Purple Butterfly from my hand.
Beautiful beast that dances in the moonlight, come to me. Fusion summon Lunalight Cat Dancer(LV 7/2400/2000)." A purple, bipedal can it dancing attire appeared before changing to take on a more dragon-like appearance.
"Whoa, she got out her fusion on the same turn dad got out one of his Synchro monsters." Atem grinned. "She's pretty good."
"She's not half bad." Tea agreed.
"Since Black Sheep was sent to the grave as Fusion material, I can return any other Lunalight monster from my grave to my hand." Celina declared. "I'll return Purple Butterfly before immediately discarding her to grant my Dancer 1000 more ATK."
Lunalight Cat Dancer(LV 7/3400/2000 effect)
"Her cards really combo well together, and she knows how to utilize them to their fullest." Yugi thought, impressed.
"Now, I utilize Cat Dancer." Celina continued. "By tributing a Lunalight I control, like White Rabbit, the first time any monster you control would be destroyed by battle, it isn't. Additionally, she can make up to two attacks on every monster you control."
That worried all the children of the orphanage since just attacking Yugi's currently ATK position Magician's robe twice would be enough to end this duel
"That's quite the combo; however, I'll have to disrupt it." Yugi declared. "I activate the graveyard effect of Destruction Sword Flash. By banishing this trap, I can fusion summon Buster Blader, the Dragon Destroyer Swordsman(LV 8/2800/2500).
I'll banish the Buster Blader sent by Prologue and Curse of Dragon, the Cursed Dragon sent via Graceful Chairty." A white and blue armored warrior with a massive sword took the field. "Firstly, he gains 1000ATK for every dragon-type monster on your field or in your grave."
Buster Blader, the Dragon Destroyer Swordsman(LV 8/3800/2500 effect)
"That doesn't seem so bad since you have nothing to turn the monsters in my grave into dragon-types." Celina stated.
"While true on that front. Destroyer Swordsman is overwhelming for any dragon-type monster to the point he forces all of them you control into defense mode." Yugi explained.
Celina was stunned as her fusion was forced to kneel. "I end my turn."
Lunalight Cat Dancer(LV 7/2400/2000)
"They just exchanged effects." Atem marveled. "In the end, dad weathered everything she tried."
Tea put a hand on her son's shoulder as she crouched by his side. "What do you think of Celina in relation to what we talked about?"
"I don't have any complaints about her so far." Atem responded.
"Alright, my turn." Yugi drew. "First, I'll utilize a card from my own grave. By banishing Magician Navigation, I can negate the effects of one face up card on your field until the end of the turn, and you only have Cat Dancer."
Even if he hadn't gotten a look at that fusion, when he looked over her deck, Yugi still would have utilized this effect.
"Well, he's got more than enough on the field to wipe me out while I got nothing more to defend me." Celina reasoned. "Still, I got to trade effects with the best." She smiled. "Alright, bring this home Yugi!"
Yugi nodded, taking this as a sign he had everything needed on the field. "Destroyer Swordsman will destroy Cat Dancer, and when he attacks a monster in defense position, you take piercing damage."
Destroyer Swordsman cut clean through Cat Dancer (Yugi 4000/Celina 2200).
"Now, Dark Magician will finish this with Dark Magic Attack." Yugi finished.
Dark Magician formed a sphere of dark magic and lobbed it at the lunalight user, depleting the remainder of her life points (Yugi 4000/Celina 0). As Yugi's monsters faded, the children cheered while Seto merely nodded approvingly.
The King of Games then approached Celina and held out a hand. "You have great control over your cards and stand to be a real pro someday."
Celina smiled at the compliment as she shook the offered hand. "Thanks, I'll keep working on it."
"That was a cool duel." Atem walked over before looking at Celina. "Your cards were amazing with how they synergized."
"Oh, thanks." Celina nodded. "What deck do you play?"
"Right now, I'm utilizing a full Gaia/Black Luster deck because I think my dad's warrior cards are cool, and I want to take them to their full potential." Atem seemed to get an idea. "Oh, would you mind looking and seeing how well my cards synergize?"
No one at the orphanage ever really asked her or Yuri to look at their decks like that. Celina looked at Yugi and Tea, with both nodding that it was fine by them.
Celina smiled. "Alright, let's see what you're working with."
Atem smiled in return. "Awesome!"
Later…
After Celina's duel with him, anyone hesitant to take their shot at Yugi decided to take their chance. Just like the lunalight user, none of them could take a life point off him. Still, Yugi was able to make each duel fun as he busted out practically every card he was using these days.
Seto was less inclined to duel, those he did give duels were at least a few of the more promising duelists. Those he didn't duel, Naomi challenged to garner experience. Kisara and Tea played with those less invested in dueling. All the while, Celina spent time with Atem.
He was a cool little kid who obviously had a wealth of knowledge about duel monsters. While she helped him rearrange his deck with some of the extra cards he had on hand, he informed her of some cards that might do well for her deck.
It was at this point Yuri arrived, ready to take his shot. "Seto Kaiba!"
Said Blue-Eyes user looked his way. "What do you want?"
"I have a challenge for you." Yuri held up his duel disk. "One duel. If I win, you use your contacts and money, whatever you must, to see Celina and I adopted into families close enough that we won't be separated, no questions asked."
The other children were more stunned by who Yuri was challenging rather than the stakes he put on this duel. After all, it was not uncommon, in the slightest, for the predaplant user to duel for things concerning himself and Celina.
Seto strolled closer to him. "What makes you think you can match up to the second best in the world?"
"Because unlike you, I've gone undefeated in my dueling career." Yuri retorted.
Kisara and Naomi found themselves smiling because now they could most certainly see Seto in this kid. Yugi even went as far to see this as two Kaiba's talking to one another.
"The difference between you and I, I've competed in the big leagues." Seto retorted. "That said, you got a great deal of confidence. Now, allow me to be the one who tempers the ego which has developed because of it. You got your duel."
"Good." Yuri stated.
They faced off as everyone gathered to watch.
"Let's duel!"
(Yuri 4000/Seto 4000)
"Since you challenged me, I'll go first." Seto drew. "I'll start with Dragon Shrine. Now, I send any dragon-type monster from my deck to the grave, and if I send a normal dragon-type monster, I can send any other dragon-type monster I wish as well.
I'm sending Blue-Eyes White Dragon along with The White Stone of Ancients. Now, I activate Silver's Cry to special summon any 1 normal dragon-type in my grave. I call Blue-Eyes White Dragon(LV 8/3000/2500)." As the white dragon with blue eyes appeared, the children cheered.
"Now, I'll set one card and end my turn which activates the effect of my White Stone of Ancients from the grave allowing me to special summon a second Blue-Eyes White Dragon(LV 8/3000/2500) from my deck. Your move."
"Whoa, he's not holding back." Celina commented.
"Father rarely if ever holds back in a duel." Noami answered.
"My move!" Yuri drew. "I summon Predaplant Ophrys Scorpio(LV 3/1200/800)." A scorpion plant appeared. "When he's summoned, I can send any Predaplant from my hand to the grave to them special summon any other Predaplant from my deck."
He discard Stapeliaworm. "I special summon Predaplant Darlingtonia Cobra(LV 3/1000/1500)." A plant cobra appeared. "When he's special summoned by a Predaplant, I can add a Polymerization or fusion spell card from my deck to the hand.
I'll add Polymerization and activate it immediately to fuse my two monsters on the field. Appear, poisonous dragon with hungering fangs. I Fusion summon Starving Venom Fusion Dragon(LV 8/2800/2000)." A venomous purple and green dragon appeared.
As I've brought him out using monsters on the field, he gains ATK equal to all special summoned monsters you control until the end of the turn." Starving Venom Fusion Dragon(LV 8/8800/2000 effect).
"Whoa, people rarely ever try to beat Uncle Kaiba with larger numbers like that." Atem noted.
"That is certainly one powerful dragon." Yugi noted. "Celina and Yuri's decks are both fusions based with cards meant to make that easier than I've seen some pros do it. Could that be something about this whole mess Seto brought to my attention?"
"With this dragon, I'll strike down one of your Blue-Eyes to end this duel." Yuri declared.
"Hm, it'll take more than that to end this duel." Seto revealed his face down. "I activate Negate Attack which halts your monster's attack and ends the Battle Phase."
"Er, I set one card to end my turn." Yuri declared.
Starving Venom Fusion Dragon(LV 8/2800/2000 effect)
"I draw!" Seto drew and smirked. "Let me show you how to really end a duel. I activate Greater Polymerization which requires I use at minimum 3 monsters. I'll use my two Blue-Eyes on the field along with Blue-Eyes Alternative White Dragon from my hand.
In the ever-shifting tides of this game, you get with the times or are left behind. My ultimate dragon followed the path of the former. Fusion summon Blue-Eyes Alternative Ultimate Dragon(LV 12/4500/3800)."A three-headed, sleek white dragon with blue eyes appeared.
"A powerful dragon to be sure, but not enough to finish my life points in one go." Yuri thought. "Looks like I don't need my face down Shadow Spell after all."
"Now, for this dragon's effect." Seto declared. "Due to one of the materials used for this having the name Blue-Eyes Alternative White Dragon, I'm allowed to destroy up to any 3 cards on your field per my turn."
"It can do what!?" Yuri exclaimed.
"Judging by his reaction, I'd say this is already over." Noami stated.
"Yuri's fusion still has one last trick." Celina thought.
"I'll have my dragon destroy that set card and your monster." Seto declared.
"When Starving Venom Fusion Dragon is destroyed, I can destroy all special summoned monsters you control." While Alternative Ultimate Dragon's effect had been shocking, this was Yuri's final gambit to close the duel. "Then, you take damage equal to their combined ATK."
A worm hole opened on Yuri's side of the field as multiple vines shot out and restricted Alternative Ultimate Dragon.
Rather than be stunned, Seto merely smirked and crossed his arms. "Greater Polymerization grant any monster created through it two effects. Piercing battle damage and protection from card destruction effects."
Alternative Ultimate Dragon glowed brilliantly to the point it burned away the vines. Yuri was stunned since he's never been counter so efficiently. Never been this out classed.
"Blue-Eyes Alternative Ultimate Dragon, end this duel with Alternative Ultimate Burst!" Seto declared.
All three dragon heads fired as one, bathing the predaplant user with their white light as his life points were depleted (Yuri 0/Seto 4000). Yuri collapse to his knees as he's never been the one to lose to another's flawless victory.
"Yuri!" Celina rushed to his side to help him. "Don't be hard on yourself because I think you still dueled great."
All Yuri could do was hang his head. "The golden opportunity, yet I didn't even come close."
As the monsters vanished, Seto approached Yugi. "Have you three decided?"
Yugi looked at Tea and Atem who nodded with smiles, prompting him to turn to his rival. "She's a good a kid who'll fit in. Considering how you are with Naomi, I'm certain Joey, Mai, Tristan, and Serenity would enjoy having a niece they can spend more time with.
Seto then looked to his wife and daughter, who nodded in turn to him, so he approached the caretaker before leaning in to whisper. The man was surprised but quickly nodded as the two should find it agreeable. After all, they didn't care where they went if they were still close.
Seto then approached Yuri and stood before him with his arms crossed. "While it's preferable to win, one should not disgrace themselves by reacting like this to a loss." He turned his back on him. "Stand up and take Celina with you as your caretaker wishes to speak with you in private."
Yuri and Celina looked at one another.
Private Room
"…We're able to be adopted by them!" Celina exclaimed, in shock.
Yuri was too stunned to speak. The caretaker had informed the pair Yugi and Tea wanted to adopt Celina while Seto and Kisara wanted to adopt Yuri. He was sure to preface this by informing them the two families were relatively close, physically and metaphorically.
"It was quite a shock to me; however, I believe this is the opportunity you two have been waiting for. Per prior deals with you two, all I need is your acceptance, and I'll head out to inform the families. Then, it's just a matter of paperwork over a few days before you can go."
To be adopted by families with names like theirs was just a bonus to the fact the two families were a distance apart the two could live with. It's what they've both wanted for years now. They just didn't know what they'd done to get the attention of people like them.
Ultimately, the pair did not care as they nodded. "We accept."
The caretaker breathed a sigh of relief as he was overjoyed. "I will go tell them the good news."
Please do keep in mind that Leo Akaba has no had anything to do with how Celina and Yuri have been raised, meaning they can't be the same as their canon counterparts. At this point, as I've brought him up, you should already know the man is in one of the other dimensions doing similar things to one of the other counterpart pairs. Why this has happened will be revealed eventually.
Vital Info: Moving on from the Crowler stuff...in reference to the card Concentrating Current, it's pretty much a quick-play variation of Magnum Shield that works for all types of monsters. As Kai has demonstrated through having Forbidden Chalice and Breakthrough Skill in his deck, he's not opposed to acquiring cards that do similiar things. Especially since he can just slot one or the other in his side deck.
A side deck, as we've discussed, are all sorts of extra cards. If you make you feel any better, he doesn't really even need Concentrating Current, yet. He'll probably still get one in the further though. As for your talks on the stipulations, in as far as your review mentions them, you raise some good points as well as points I've thought of.
Treebranch: Thank you.
Duelist of Dawn: I think you might want to reread that section on Mokuba talking to Crowler, that said the possibility of Mokuba being his opponent isn't off the table, now that you've brought it up. Yeah, I get it with the cowboy. When it comes to Zane, I think the thing I take issue with is that between the events of that flashback and present day, it doesn't seem like they ever really talked about it again. Maybe a conversation between the two wouldn't have solved things, but maybe it would have.