"We'll now start the Duel between Asahi Mutsuba and... Umm, Otes?"

"Indeed, announcer. Otes is my name."

"I, Asahi Mutsuba, will give it my all. No matter who I faces, including you."

"Marvellous." Otes accepts the handshake.

"I'm cheering for you, dad!" A young Asana is excited to see her father's Dueling.

"Show him our strength, dear." Izumi thought to herself.

GOHA DUEL - Asahi vs Otes

"I take the first turn." Otes looks at his 5-card hand meticulously. "Dragon's Absolute - Absolute Lord of D. Its effect lets me excavate the top 4 cards of my Deck and add Blue-Eyes Vision Dragon and The Ultimate Blue-Eyed Legend. I activate Vision with Eyes of Blue. By returning my monster to the hand, I Special Summon a monster that mentions Blue-Eyes White Dragon from my hand. Come forth, bright light!" Otes Special Summons Blue-Eyes Bright Dragon.

"A high-level monster requires Tributes. It's rare to see one early on in a Duel."

"Isn't it boring for a Tribute Summon to take so much time? Tch, tch. Today, I will show everyone how Dueling can go beyond your wildest imaginations. Materialize from white vision, Blue-Eyes." Otes Special Summons Blue-Eyes Vision Dragon.

"Two high-level monsters?!"

"Their effect activates. Heheheh..."

Everyone is both excited and fearful of whatever Otes has in store, particularly the boy with a pink hoodie.

"Bright Dragon and Vision Dragon become Blue-Eyes White Dragon, and the latter can be treated as 2 materials for the Fusion Summon of a specific monster."

"So the Spell you added earlier...!"

With a signature smirk on his face, Otes executes the advent of the ultimate blue-eyed legend. "Azure eyes that witness the destruction of the world. Evolve in the face of pain, becoming the true essence of power! Tough... Invincible... Unbeatable! Fusion Summon! Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon!"

"4500 ATK! How is dad going to win this Duel?"

"By never surrendering. That's the spirit of a Mutsuba."

"You really pull no punches."

"I would be disappointed if a Mutsuba holds back against someone." Hyozanryu is revived thanks to Silver's Cry.

"Had I ever held back, had my father and my grandfather held back... Nevermind."

"Society exists thanks to our collective contribution. True strength lies in one's ability to not be a bystander." Otes ends his turn with a face-down.

"I'm standing here not for myself. Nor for Heavy Cavalry Way, or else I would not participate in a tournament hosted by our nemesis." Asahi glances at his confused angel and his smiling maiden, "You and I are similar."

"Do you claim to know my feelings?"

"I strongly believe we are here for the same reason. Draw! Because only you have a monster on the field, I Special Summon Cyber Dragon from my hand!"

"It's rare for two adults to both satisfy me with their Dueling." A boy wearing a white T-shirt comments.

"I Normal Summon Cyber Serpent. I send the top 3 cards of my Deck to the GY. If 2 or more LIGHT Machine monsters were sent to the GY by this effect, I draw 1."

"Splendid. A strong monster, and a monster that generates card advantage. However, they aren't enough to defeat Ultimate. Now, your turn is over."

"Look carefully, Otes. From now on, I will show you my Dueling!"

"I know about Cyber End. But it won't be enough— No, this is!"

"Machine Menace's effect activates!" Asahi looks at his beloved queen. The husband and wife chant in unison. "Mighty android gifted with incredible scanning abilities - Jinzo!"

"Trap Search!" Shockwaves spread out via Jinzo and ripple, nullifying all Traps on the field.

"Treasure of Eyes of Blue!" Otes laments the loss of his Trap. But the most heinous thing is seeing that android of darkness in a Cyber Deck. What on Earth is this?

"It works as well as she expected. Polymerization! Come forth, Cyber End Dragon!"

"Here it is." Otes can't help himself but to smirk, to let out a smile of joy.

"Equip Spell: Accelerator. I amplify Jinzo." (Jinzo: 2400 → 2700 ATK)

"I still have a monster in Defense Position."

"Doesn't matter. Cyber End's attacks pierce. Eternal Evolution Burst!"

"Piercing on top of that?!"(Otes: 4000 → 2800 LP)

"Jinzo attacks. Cyber Energy Shock!" (Otes: 2800 → 100 LP)

"You aren't the type to fool around, are you?"

"Am I?" Otes draws for his turn. "I do whatever it takes for Dueling to be joyful. A Duel can only be joyful if everyone here smiles. It wouldn't hurt to have some fun."

"As I thought, we are similar. But not the same."

"Of course we aren't the same. You can't understand me. No one knows how I feel."

"No one? Including yourself?"

"Perhaps. To become who I am, I have sacrificed everything. Maybe my memories, too." Otes Normal Summons Absolute Lord of D. and activates its effect to add 2 cards.

"Blue-Eyes White Dragon. The legendary monster, at the perfect timing." Asahi comments.

"By revealing Blue-Eyes... An unseen sight, Blue-Eyes Alternative White Dragon!"

"That's the card he drew for the turn. He truly has the luck of a devil."

"Burn Stream of Destruction!" The dragon annihilates Jinzo with its effect.

"Such a monster!" Izumi is worried about Asahi's Cyber End, now that Otes can use it.

"The Ultimate Blue-Eyed Legend! Come to me, Blue-Eyes Blazing Bright Dragon! By sending the top card of my Deck to the GY, it gains 500 ATK. Then, if I have Engine of Destruction in my GY, your Cyber End is no more."

"But you haven't used it during this Duel. Unless, and you are actually serious on chances."

What do you think the chances I manage to get this far? Already low, right. So why do I have to be afraid? The higher the risk, the better the spectacle. And the more people smile!"

"It was a long time since I saw your Dueling. Mom, too."

"Asana?" Yuga gently touches her shoulder.

"Yu... Hmm?"

"In a bad mood, na?"

"Are you abducting Yuga?"

"Hey, hey, calm down. We're catching bugs, and you just happen to be here."

"Before you get the wrong idea, I'm sick, and I don't have energy to deal with Nanaho."

"Well, I'm glad it's not a high fever. Now that you're here, can you do me a favor?"

"Sure."

"Tell me why you claim to know Otes' feelings."

"Because I understand people through Rush Duel. Anyone."

"Nope. Too vague."

"It's the same way I understand you, Asana."

"Tch-tch. Can Asana understand Otes? No, so that's the fault in your logic, na."

"I think anyone can understand Otes. He loves Rush Duel. We all love Rush Duel."

"Welp, this is going nowhere, so let's do a Heavy Cavalry Duel. Are you willing to bet what drives you to sympathize with Otes' ideals?"

"Promise me you won't ask me anything like this ever again. For your sake, please."

"A-la-la~ Is this the Yuga I know? I will be your silent spectator, so have fun fighting, na."

RUSH DUEL - Yuga vs Asana

"Here I go! I Tribute Summon! Rumble, rumble, rumble! A stampede underfoot! More and more armor! All free of charge! Quake! Beast Drive Mega Elephant - assembly completed! Due to its effect, I send the top 3 cards of my Deck to the GY. I Set 2 cards. Turn ends."

"Interesting." Yuga is skeptical of Asana's opening move.

"What's wrong? Scared?"

"You should know how I feel, Asana." Yuga activates Graceful Charity.

"It would be nice to hear in what aspect do you understand Otes. I will win!"

"I fuse Straynge Cat Witch and Sevens Road Witch! As my feelings reach beyond the unseen reaches of time and space... Darkness shines brilliantly upon a beautiful, dark road. Sevens Road Charm Witch! I change Mega Elephant to Defense Position. This turn, Charm Witch cannot be destroyed by card effects, and its attack pierces."

"Unfortunate to learn that you must change a monster's battle position for its effect."

"I can't see what you look, but I may be able to guess what you think. You have a Trap that will destroy my attacking monsters, right? Something like Constructor Force."

"Cool. What are you going to do next?"

"Are you ready? Because..." Yuga activates Sevens Wonder Fusion.

"Do you think I was sad back then? Angry?"

"I don't know. But there's one thing I'm certain. You weren't smiling even when I had a shot at defeating Setsuko back then!" Yuga unleashes the dreaded skeletal monster of blue flame.

"Not planning to attack with Dark Sevens?"

"This may be the one Duel I want to last for a while." Yuga enters battle with 2 Set cards.

"You won't damage me that easily!" (Asana: 4000 → 3700 LP)

"Not activating any of your 2 Set cards?"

"Let's see if you dare to activate yours this turn." Asana sends Trailon to the GY.

"Those three cards?!"

"Awaken! Along with the souls of the Heavy Cavalry mounts! Cry! Resound! O dragon of black steel! Maximum Summon! Erase the mountains, gouge out the earth, and spread the Heavy Cavalry path over the whole world! Come forth! Wyrm Excavator the Heavy Cavalry Draco!"

"I know you will find a way to stabilize your own Maximum Monster. It's your pride."

"I activate the card Tarasque excavated earlier: Vegetation of Blisstopia. Non-EARTH monsters lose 300 ATK. Arcadia Quake! Dark Revelation's destruction, confirmed. I draw. I activate Primal Howling. Your other card is placed on the bottom of the Deck. I Set 2 cards. Infinite Grand Crush!"

"Dark Sevens!"

"Otes' strongest monster is quite cunning, just like him. But well, what will you do when Charm Witch cannot change a Maximum Monster's battle position."

"I will let my feelings reach beyond that unseen future. Glimmer, darkness! The road that continued on will be dyed pitch-black! Fusion Summon! Sevens Road Ultima Witch! I shuffle Primal Howling to the Deck and add back the Spell that I discarded by Amazing Dealer's effect earlier." (Yuga: 4000 → 3700 LP)

"Wonder Amulet!"

"Choosing Ultima Witch, I equip Wonder Amuet and activate High Magic - Double Acceleration. Ultima Witch cannot be destroyed by your attacks and effects, and it gains ATK equal to its original ATK until the end of this turn." (Ultima Witch: 3300 → 3000 → 6300 ATK)

"And a potential Trap to boot." Asana is mesmerized by Yuga's growth. He is certainly much, much stronger. "By sending Big Roller from my hand to the GY, Constructor Ambush reduces Ultima Witch's ATK by 1900 ATK!" (Ultima Witch: 6300 → 4400 ATK)

"But your Wyrm Excavator loses 300 ATK!" (Wyrm Excavator: 3800 → 3500 ATK)

"Thanks to my Trap, the damage I take is reduced." (Asana: 3700 → 2800 LP)

"Incredible. It's so hard to land a big hit on you."

"Darkness Approaches! I send 2 cards from my hand to the GY to change Ultima Witch to face-down Defense Position, then I Normal Summon Dragline. Effect activation, confirmed! No path lies before you. As you press on, a path is built behind you! Continue on into eternity, o infinite track! Constructor Wyrm Buildragon, engage! Infinity Reclamation! Tribute Summon! Its strength surpassing a shield machine, and its depth surpassing a boring machine. The sage of the forest, the ruler of the land. Howl, Shield Boring Kong! Destroy Ultima Witch, as commanded! Dauntless Disintegration Cannon!"

"Trap, activate! Curtain of Sparks. Your attacking monster loses 500 ATK." (Shield Boring Kong: 2300 → 3300 → 2800 ATK)

"Weak. Kong Mining Penetration!" (Yuga: 3700 → 900 LP)

The longer this Rush Duel goes, the happier Asana gets. Yuga is a cool boy. She likes him.

"I should have attacked with the Constructors instead. That's tricky."

"I see. I was expecting you to do that, actually."

"You could have Mirror Force face-down. I can't really tell based on your face."

"If I was you, I would choose to go full-force. Unlike you, I can't resist taking risks."

"The fact that you are here is nothing short of a miracle! How long can you be oblivious?"

"Asana...?"

"Whatever. Sorry."

"My turn, then. I send Spell Arsenal to the GY to draw Wonder Amulet and another card. Straynge Cat Witch revives Sevens Road Witch and adds back Fusion."

"Another Fusion Monster using Witch?"

"I'm going beyond that." Yuga gains 200 LP and adds back Curtain using Heart of Sparks(Yuga: 900 → 1100 LP)

"You always do."

"Magical Sevens Call! No matter if the past, future, or the present block my way! I shall carve a road through it all and press onward! Let's go! Sevens Fear Magician!"

Normally, Asana would awe in excitement over Yuga's new ace. She should be excited. They both should be excited, yet...

"Was I afraid of not being able to return home? Did my fear almost break me?"

"Yuga... It's okay. You have returned home." Asana bites her lips, unable to lìft Yuga up. Even she is afraid to express herself, so Yuga shouldn't feel awkward. She just can't say that.

"With your piercing fangs, claws, and insightful gaze! Bury the darkness! Tribute Summon! Magiarms Beast Gearpard! I activate Fear's effect. It becomes Sevens Road Magician, and your monster loses 300 ATK per different Attribute in my GY." (Shield Boring Kong: 2300 → 1100 ATK)

"Its name is Sevens Road... Fusion?!" Asana senses the call of heaven descending to the field.

"Gallop forth from the heavens! Sevens Chariot the Magical Knight! I Normal Summon Disciple to shuffle 4 Spellcasters from my GY into the Deck to make Sevens Chariot a Spellcaster, then I send Disciple to Set Dark Revelation from my GY. Equip Spell: Wonder Amulet! Magical Count Burning Scissors!"

"Buildragon!" Asana's pride is destroyed alongside Vegeation. "I am mitigating the damage! Three Cavalteers reduces the attacking monster's ATK by 1000!" (Sevens Chariot: 3000 → 2000 ATK) (Asana: 2800 → 1900 LP)

"Show me your best, because this ain't it."

"You know the consequences for making me fired up, right? There's an EARTH monster in my GY, so I activate the Field Spell: Falls of Blisstopia. Shovelon."

"Tribute Summon! Now, come forth. Countless wings that cover more wings! Each one a knights' weapon! Dance, wildlife of the miraculous skies! Night Vision the Phantom Pigeon! There's a Trap in my GY, so Night Vision can activate its effect. Trap Up!"

"I'm still standing!" (Yuga: 1100 → 100 LP)

"I send Night Vision to activate Confrere. Revive from the rubble, Buildragoon!"

"Buildragon... No, this is—!"

"The steel dragon of infinite construction dream! At this moment, Falls of Blisstopia's effect activates. We both gain LP equal to the Special Summoned's Level times 100." (Asana: 1900 → 2900 LP) (Yuga: 100 → 1100 LP)

"She is demolishing my progress at depleting her LP. But I still have Dark Revelation!"

"By placing my comrades' aces on the bottom of my Deck, Bizarmor reduces the ATK of Sevens Chariot by 1500 ATK. I also add back Shovelon, then I discard it to activate Forge. Sevens Chariot loses 1500 ATK, and if its ATK has been reduced to 0 as a result, I can either destroy it or flip it face-down." (Sevens Chariot: 3000 → 1500 → 0 ATK)

"Due to Wonder Amulet, Sevens Chariot cannot be destroyed by your effects."

"In that case, I flip Sevens Chariot face-down. Bond lets me draw 1. I send the bottom 3 cards of my Deck to activate Drove. Until the end of your next turn, cards in my Field Zone cannot be destroyed by effects. If I sent 2 or more Level 7 or higher monsters, I can also revive any of them. The first time those monsters would be destroyed each turn, it is not destroyed." R6 rumbles, confirming the revivals of Shield Boring Kong, Night Vision in Defense Position.

The humongous drill and thousand sharp feathers proceed to decimate Yuga and his monster.

"Heavy Pride Crush!" Asana shows no mercy, even if Yuga's LP is like a candle in the wind. (Yuga: 1100 → 100 LP)

"I activate Dark Revelation! By returning 4 Spellcasters back to my Deck, I can destroy all your monsters in Attack Position!"

"That is expected. I have no idea about your comeback, but I'm looking forward to it."

"Oh, I will definitely make a spectacular comeback. That's the point of Rush Duel!"

Asana senses two clashing souls emerging from the underground. Could it be?

"That monster that you're going to Fusion Summon with Sevens Wonder Fusion..."

"The road of Sevens that presses on to the future! The seven supernovas that shine in the galaxy above! Fusion Summon! Sevensgias the Magical Dragon Knight!"

"Here it is. Your, no, our strongest monster!"

"Asana. I did expect you to hate me for having possession on Otes' Dark Sevens. Actually, I might have been taking our friendship for granted, and this could be why I isolated myself from socializing with those in the past. I still value the bonds I've made along the road, but I shouldn't assume they will last forever."

"And you followed Otes' footsteps upon realizing that?"

"I made a promise with Otes!"

"I see. Heh, must be a fun time to have men talk while we were worrying about your safety."

"I shouldn't assume just because I am your friend that you will understand Otes as someone I can relate to."

"Is this how you want to move forward, then?" Asana points at Sevensgias.

"It's the least I can do to amend my mistakes. If we can no longer be friends from now on..."

"You're... Crying. I know, our memories won't be forgotten that easily." Once again, words can't escape Asana's mind. Should they have a sleepover? No, she can't muster courage here, so she can't do it anywhere else, without doubt.

"Falls of Blisstopia recover 1000 LP for both of us. Rush Road Charge! I destroy all face-up cards on the field." (Asana: 2900 → 3900 LP) (Yuga: 100 → 1100 LP)

"Not enough!"

"By discarding my hand, I activate Jest of the Cosmos Princess. I destroy your monsters, then draw 2 cards."

"You better hope luck is on your side."

"I pay 1000 LP to activate Magic Curtain. No matter if the walls, mountains, or planets block my way! I shall carve a Velgeard through it all and press onward! Come on out! Sevens Road Magician!"

"I can't believe it!" Asana gasps upon the appearance of Sevens Road.

"Sevens Road. My ace, and the symbol of my roads. I have indeed changed, but I won't let go of what makes me who I am! Elemental Road!" (Magician: 2100 → 3900 ATK)

"Trap, activate! Constructor Force! I destroy all of your monsters in Attack Position!"

"Unfortunately, Magic Curtain prevents your Trap effects from destroying my Magician! (smile) This Duel is mine, Asana! Sevens Magic!"

"I swear. I'll make sure... to defeat you next time." (Asana: 3900 → 0 LP)

"That was a good Duel, Asana."

"Promise kept. I won't press you any further." Asana accepts Yuga's handshake.

"Let's Duel again."

"I have heard enough from you. There's no need for us to Duel." Asana wipes away Yuga's residual tears.

"You do owe me a friendly Duel, though. Back when we first met."

"That..." Asana doesn't expect Yuga to still remember that. Quite observant, isn't he?

"Are you ready, R6?" Yuga's question is answered with loud engine noises.

"Let's do this, Yuga." Asana hops onto the platform, ready to square off with Yuga again.

"Have a nice time, you all?"

"It's you! What's your business?"

"I'm taking my brother's place. Sometimes it's nice to be at school, I would say."

"I don't understand geniuses. They don't answer questions properly at all."

"Sorry for their impoliteness. Do you have something to say towards us?"

"Heh. I sense a perfected mind in you. My brother was going to talk to Yuna, but I might as well talk to you now. Would you mind have a Duel with me, Yuna?"

"I am planning to challenge you anyway. Date? Place?"

"Tonight, at Goha Tower. If you don't mind, I want to livestream the Duel to the entire world. Everyone deserves to see a Duel between me and the founder of Goha. Let's have some fun."

"Sounds like you are acknowledging me as an opponent worth fighting for."

"Far from it. Sure, we may have a good Duel, but you just look too gentle to be the one that lays the foundation of Goha. Perhaps your cuteness comes from the lack of strength, a mask to hide your sinisterness. Maybe Goha rises thanks to a hypothetical dark matter technology. What is true doesn't have to be factual. It simply can't be wrong. Yuna Goha cannot triumph Asaka Mutsuba. Goha cannot triumpgh Mutsuba fair and square. That is true. Is it wrong?"

"Would you believe otherwise, factually?" Yuna questions Setsuko.

"Factually, Goha's prosperity began with dark matter technologies. Logically, it had nothing to do with skills or efforts, for you have not proved your triumph, or rather, unable to do so."

"Factually crap."

"I am factoring your foolishness into the equation. I deem your zeal worthless in regard to the rise of Goha. But I will gladly accept your challenge. Tonight, the whole world will witness the destruction of a founder and the creation of a perfectionist!"

"I repeat, I don't see Goha Corporation as my beloved, exceedingly glorious Goha Company. Goha City may have been built from the foundation of Mutsuba Town, but I have nothing to do with it. Frankly, the moment I prove my superiority to Asaka, my friend, I will propose a plan to build a better place for children than the boring mesh Yuga described in our tea time."

"Go ahead. Let's meet at the top of Goha Tower. I'm also available at midnight if you have to change your underwear. Though, I prefer audience engagement. Don't embarrass yourself."

"You better not bawl your eyes like a baby craving attention from a mom of six after losing."

"So, do you really have a plan to beat the four-eyes?"

"Obviously, Yuhi! I have... (whisper)"

"I see, I see." Yuhi whispers back to Yuamu.

"Let's come to Roa's place, Yuna. His style of dueling may help you."

"But Yuga..."

"He's on his own." Roa shows his inbox with Yuga.

"Ask Yuhi and Yuamu to tell my mom and Yuna that I'm away tonight. I will treat Yuna dinner at a fancy restaurant if she is mad at me. This always happens with her. Ahahaha."

"Heheheh..." Yuna clenches her fist in anger.

"In that case, let's hold a big dinner at your house, Roa-chan." Luke slaps Yuna's back to calm her nerve.

"Do you mind lending me a hand then, my dear cousin?"

"Not without Gakuto. If I have to do you a favour, it should be a banger!"

"Remember, we should help Yuna with her performance. That's our priority."

"She can just wing it. Even I lose to Yuna. That four-eyes stands no chance."

"Now, you two. I have a small request."

"1v3? Or are we getting outside, punk?" Yuhi cracks his knuckles.

"I want to see the strength of Yuna's friends. I will have an accurate gauge of Yuna's strength this way. Besides, I'm simply curious."

"I don't care about drama or melon. But if Dueling helps achieve people's goal, I'm all for it."

"I already Dueled your cousin, so it would be fitting to Duel you, don't you think?"

"Buzz on!"

RUSH DUEL - Yuamu vs Romin

"I go first. Let's go live, with a full-body dive. Patience to the limit, overdrive! Prima Guitarna the Shining Superstar!"

"Because you have a Level 7 monster on the field, I send 1seg Wurm to the GY and Special Summon a Level 7 monster from my hand."

"Blue-Tooth? Roa told me that."

"Or maybe not. A joined zeal! And joined bravado! When we join infinite power, we'll make an infinite beast! Jointech Rex!"

"Sheesh. Yuga has the copyright of mixing aces, you know?" Roa gets snarky.

"Did you learn from him, Yuna?" questioned Luke.

"Soulmates share secrets~"

"More like, she gets aroused seeing our combined techniques."

"Yuhi..." Yuna pinches his cheeks.

"Trap, activate. Featuring Omega. Prima Guitarna gains 1200 ATK. Because Jointech Rex is Special Summoned, you can't destroy my other card." (Prima Guitarna: 2200 → 3400 ATK)

"By sending Striping Wyvern to the GY, I Special Summon this monster from my hand. Watts are volts and amps! Now it's time to switch on the acceleration with the strongest hertz! Rise and shine! Red Boot Boost Dragon! With Blue Tooth Reconnect, I shuffle 2 LIGHT Dragon monsters from my GY back to my Deck and revive my ace. Super high-speed access with top-notch pairing! Emerging from a sea of electrons, it descends upon us! Come out! Blue Tooth Burst Dragon!"

"The spell you Set with Striping Wyvern... It is meant to be used with that monster, isn't it?"

"Time to enhance the system. Dragon's Burst Fusion! Join and access! Join and pair! From the sea of electrons, rooaar! Fusion Summon! Now, come out! Jointech Burst Dragon! Due to my Spell, your monster loses 1500 ATK." (Prima Guitarna: 3400 → 1900 ATK)

"If I remembered it right, that monster destroys all opponent's monsters with 2500 or less ATK and gains 500 ATK for each monster destroyed." (Jointech Burst Dragon: 3300 → 3800 ATK)

"One more thing, Gakuto. It also destroys an opponent's Spell/Trap. Tee-hee."

"You aren't teasing me, are you, huh?" Romin glares at her totally-not boyfriend.

"Time to finish this. Red Boot's effect activates. Multithread Burst!"

"100 damage per Dragon monster in your GY... I see!"

Yuamu clinches her victory with a smile on the face, "Dynabomb Burst Giga of Destruction!"

"...Did I at least put a better fight than Roa?" (Romin: 4000 → 3800 → 0 LP)

"Subjective. He also lost to my sister after one turn. But that's the CEO of UTS for ya!"

"Well, indeed. If aliens exist in your era, handling them takes a lot of effort and experience."

"They exist. And they can Duel as well as humans. Let's see if you can make me as excited!"

RUSH DUEL - Yuhi vs Gakuto

"It has been two years since I last Dueled seriously. Time flies."

"Just so you know, I only picked up Dueling just a month ago too. A two-year break isn't long enough to diminish your skills."

"Did anything happen in the past, Yuhi?"

"Well, while our company's motto is to reprimand aliens, we're on good terms with them. Though, an organization took over our company by force and we had to fight tooth and nail to prove that aliens aren't hazardous. I grew tired because of the burnout. Although, the same stress is now motivating me to do better and do more, to make up for the mistakes I made. Maybe I should take a proper break instead of acting as a delinquent. I should be less hostile and more understanding to a friend who was willing to betray the organization for our sake."

"I see. I'm sure that friend of yours must have encouraged you to continue with your passion."

"I guess... Probably? Not really, but anyway, his fiery personality drives me nuts. Your turn."

"Just because I didn't Duel seriously doesn't mean I slacked off building my Deck. I start my turn with Dark Ruler Battlegear. By sending Kimeruler, a Level 8 DARK Warrior monster, from my hand to the GY, I draw 3 cards and shuffle 1 from my hand into the Deck. Soleil!"

"Skysavior? That's new." Luke and Romin are flabbergasted by Gakuto's new Deck.

"A series of Warrior and Fairy monsters. It helps his Celestial Warrior Deck." noted Tiger.

"By revealing Ciela, a Warrior, I activate Soleil's effect. I excavate the top 4 cards of my Deck and add Fusion. I Normal Summon Ciela and activate Fusion. Altierra the Skysavior Transience! Its Continuous Effect prevents you from activating Normal Spells other than Fusion!"

"So my unique polymerization cards can't be activated?"

"Exactly. I activate Divine Transformation. I Fusion Summon a Celestial Warrior monster using monsters from my hand or field as material. To stop, or not to stop, the answer is no! Countless cries pry open the stone door, and what light through yonder cave breaks! Come forth! Yamiterasu the Divine Ruler! I send the top card of my Deck (Kimeluna) to activate one of Yamiterasu's effects. Imperial Decree! Until the end of your next turn, while face-up, it gains 500 ATK and neither player can Special Summon Level 9 or lower monsters in Attack Position!"

"What the heck?! I can't use Power Bond, and now I can't Special Summon monsters."

"Skillful as always, the heir of Sogetsu Style. A control Dueling style to yield dominance over enemies. Not a tactless playstyle." Setsuko looks at Yuhi, "This is the Dueling of future, far beyond what you could have ever imagined. Perhaps, it would be wise to surrender—"

"Who says I will surrender, brat? Watch your foul mouth or I will beat you to a bloody pulp!"

"What a delinquent style of behaviour. Inelegant, indecent and imperfect." sighed Setsuko.

"I'm glad my friend, the heir of Sogetsu Style, isn't here to discipline me. Do you think I haven't noticed the way you looked away from Yuamu's Duel? How ignorant are you?!"

"I Normal Summon Card Trooper. I send the top 3 cards of my Deck to the GY, then send it to draw 1. Hybridrive Lizard revives Tusk, and I Tribute Summon! Join and explode! Join and be excited! If we join together our blazing hearts, we can call forth the strongest robot! Jointech Hero! By sending the top card of my Deck to the GY, Hero gains 1500 ATK, also it adds back Card Trooper. Beating Max Soul!" (Jointech Hero: 2500 → 4000 ATK)

"Its ATK is higher than those of my monsters. However! I have two powerful monsters, and you only have one! What are you going to do, Yuhi?"

"You know the answer, Gakuto. Carve a road through it all and press onward!"

Setsuko...

"Tusk sends 1 card from my hand to the GY to send the top 3 cards of my Deck to the GY and add back Screwdriver. I Normal Summon Card Trooper to send the top 3 cards of my Deck to the GY. This time, I won't send it to the GY. Tribute Summon! High-speed zeal! High-tension bravado! Cry out, double helix hybrid dragon! Hybridrive Screwdriver! By placing 2 Dragon and 2 Machine monsters from my GY on the bottom of my Deck, I destroy 1 monster on the field, and neither player can Summon monsters with the same name as the destroyed monster until the end of your next turn. Screw Eliminate!"

"So that's your choice? Leaving Yamiterasu on the field?"

"But Altierra is no longer on the field, so I can activate this Spell: Hybridrive Back Fusion! By shuffling 4 Dragon or Machine monsters from my GY into the Deck, I Fusion Summon by shuffling 1 Dragon and 1 Machine monster from my GY into the Deck as material. But before that, you Special Summon 1 monster from your GY in face-down Defense Position."

"In that case... You want me to stop? No, I will not! I am the one to always decide, as willed by the passionate feelings hidden deep within my heart! Come forth, Yamiruler the Dark Delayer!"

"Join and pair the sky and courage at faster-than-light speeds! Stomping on the earth at the speed of light! Now, come out! Fusion Summon! Bluetech Burst Rex! Its effect destroys Yamiruler and reduces Yamiterasu's ATK by 1000! Shadow Initialize!" (Yamiterasu: 3500 → 2500 ATK)

"Bluetech Burst Rex is in Defense Position. But I can't say the same for those two, though."

"This Duel is mine! Jointech Hero! Hybridrive Screwdriver! Attack Yamiterasu and Gakuto directly!"

...

"Attack?"

...

"Hey, what's wrong? You two can attack. Right...?"

"Did you forget to read your cards properly, Yuhi?" dead-panned Yuna.

"Hybridrive Back Fusion only allows Yuhi to attack with Fusion Monsters. As always, you never change, my brother."

"And I thought I had game. It's your fault for adding this restriction, Yuna."

"I only make balanced cards. Besides, stop blushing at me right that. It's... Hmph!"

"I'm simply embarrassed at myself. Don't assume I have a dirty mind like you, dear hopeless romantic."

"I bet no girl will be inviting you on a date to buy clothes together. No alien girl, even."

"Ahem. Are you done with your turn, Yuhi?"

"Oh, sorry. Your turn, Gakuto."

"Then I draw." Gakuto draws Seyanen the Combustion Commander, Mezame the Ringing Alarm, Skysavior Prayer, Sword Skill - Ruler's Slash, Bonded Bowing.

"Seyanen requires me to have no monsters on the field, so it's unusable. Ruler's Slash requires Yuhi to have a Spell/Trap on his field, so it's up to no good too. Skysavior Prayer...!"

"Neither player can Summon monsters with the same name as the destroyed monster until the end of your next turn."

"I see, Yuhi. You still haven't given up on this Duel yet. Then, I will kindly respond to your feelings. Revised Policy! Yamiterasu's second effect changes the battle position of 1 monster on the field - Screwdriver. Mezame lets me add back Yamiruler from my GY to my hand. Tribute Summon!"

"So that's your ace. But its ATK is only 2500. Not enough to destroy all of my monsters yet!"

"I activate Bonded Bowing. I change Yamiruler to Defense Position and draw 1. I activate Yamiruler's effect. Commander's Decree! Until the end of your next turn, while face-up, Yamiruler prevents both players from Tribute Summoning Level 7 or higher monsters."

"Another lockdown effect. Yuck."

"I discard 2 cards to activate Skysavior Prayer, Rising Luna Radiant Luster. I revive a LIGHT or DARK Celestial Warrior monster, then destroy 1 card on your field - Bluetech Burst Rex. And I activate Yamiterasu's first effect!"

"Grrrhh... You're essentially saying I can't Summon any high-level monsters at all."

"Yamiruler and Yamiterasu attack! Slash of Heavenly Commandment and Resurrection!"

"1000!" (Yuhi: 4000 → 3000 LP)

"The Duel has already been decided, right? You are prone to a single strike of Yamiterasu, whom also locks you out of Special Summoning. Yamiruler also locks you out of Normal Summoning, too. Why do you not listen to me? Just surrender. You're ridiculing yourself."

"And what's wrong with that, really? If I made a grave mistake, I simply deal with it. If you can do that, you have become a grown-up. Otherwise, you are just a kid. Have a hard time understanding?"

"Yes, because our intelligence don't match at all. Face it, you are so imperfect I can't—"

"Cringe. Just stay back and watch." Yuna drags Setsuko's shoulder out of the way.

"Drawing 5 more cards won't help him Summon high-level monsters, you know?"

"We will see. I draw! Heheheh. Hahahah!"

"Sounds like a good hand, dayum."

"Well-spoken from the man that always draws Dragias at the right time."

"Maybe you should get good luck. It's a shame you lose to Yuamu that quickly."

"I Normal Sumon Card Trooper. Its effect lets me send the top 3 cards of my Deck to the GY. Then, I send it to draw 1. By placing 2 LIGHT Dragon monsters from my GY on the bottom of my Deck, I activate Hybridrive Restruct. Revive, Landporter MAX. It sends 1 monster from my field to the GY and adds back an EARTH Machine Maximum Monster to my hand."

"The only out to this situation is... I know it." Roa sees Yuhi adding back his Maximum.

"Also, I toss a coin twice. If the result is 2 heads, I draw 1. Gottem! Because you don't know, I will tell you something cool. Fortrex has 3 cools effects. First, its Level increases by 6, becoming 10. Yamiterasu's effect only applies to Level 9 or lower monsters. Second, it can discard 1 EARTH Machine monster to lose 600 ATK and either attack thrice, or twice with piercing. Third, it shuffles 3 monsters from both players' GY into the Deck, and it gains ATK equal to the total Level of shuffled EARTH Machines of mine, times 100. And there's more. I have Jointech Rushhorn and Joint Passion in my hand. A Machine monster that is equipped with Rushhorn gains 300 ATK, and its attacks pierce. An EARTH Machine monster that is chosen by Passion inflicts damage to its opponent equal to the original ATK of any monster it destroys by battle this turn."

"If that's the case, Fortrex would cause my defeat even if I focus more on defending myself."

"Here I go! Maximum Summon!"

...

"Game bugged?" Yuhi's cold sweats start to drop profusely.

"Pffts. You made your Maximum yourself, so it's not my fault."

"My brother, I think you are capable of resolving this bug yourself."

"Because it is a Level 4 monster in my hand, Yamiterasu's effect applies before it can increase its Level... Really?!"

"Unfortunately, you'll have a hard time walking on your road when facing the Sogetsu Style of Dueling. Will you stop here, or else?"

"I don't like stopping. Maybe that's why all the kind girls in my town hate dating me, but my stubborness makes me who I am. I Set 2 monsters and Normal Summon!"

"A Maximum piece? It must have an effect that doesn't need Maximum Mode to be active."

"That's right. I activate the effect of Fortex [R] to shuffle 3 monsters from your GY. Now you can't use your GY as resource next turn. Also, I Set 1 card and equip Protection of Arthenée, Jointech Rushhorn to my monster. The equipped monster cannot be destroyed by your effects and gain 300 ATK."

"1600 ATK. Are you assuming I can't win next turn, even with Yamiterasu's effect?"

"Yes. I have 3000 LP. My other monsters also have 1300 ATK. Your two warriors don't have enough combined ATK to shave away all my LP. And your deck isn't offensive enough!"

"Your strategy is all too clear. It's a luck-based one, therefore imperfect. I don't want to hear any further complaints from you, but it is a waste of time watching this. I'm feeling bored."

"All that yapping, yet I bet you will do the same play if you have to wear my shoes."

"You! Unlike you, I will never let myself be in the same position as yours, for I am perfect!"

"Calm your jets, or I have to call your brother. Maybe I should call your mom to spoil you?"

"I will show you soon why I am always right, Yuna." Setsuko holds back as Yuna drags her out of Yuhi's sight.

"This may be the last turn for either of us. Regardless, I hope this has been a fun Duel for both of us. My turn, draw! Yamiterasu's effect activates!"

"No matter which effect you use, I will survive!"

Gakuto sees the card he mills, feeling confident in his victory.

"Arzareth the Sweeping Wind? Wait!"

"I activate Descent of the Sweeping Spirit. Revive, Arzareth! By discarding 2 cards, I destroy 1 Spell/Trap on your field! Winds sharp as blades, rip apart my target!"

"I still have Jointech Rushhorn. Arzareth's 2200 ATK is nowhere near enough to defeat me."

"Then I Tribute Summon. This is my offense, Yuhi! Darklord Zerato! I Normal Summon Modorina to return Yamiruler to my hand. Zerato's effect activates! I send Yamiruler, a DARK monster, from my hand to the GY to destroy all monsters on your field!"

"What the heck?! Hey, chill! Nooo!" (Yuhi: 3000 → 200 → 0 LP)

"In the end, that is one of the most embarrassing loss I've ever seen in my life. Imperfect."

"Sucks to be me, woe is me. Anyway, isn't a perfect Duel meant to excite someone's heart?"

"A perfect Duel is something akin to your sister's Duel. You truly are disgrace of a Duelist."

"Cheese!" Yuna draws a smile on Setsuko's face. "No, seriously. Yuhi is the best comedian of a Duelist you can find, yet you never smile throughout the Duel. Are you even a human?"

"I mean..." Setsuko breaks out in laughter. "In the world of Dueling, I'm essentially God."

"God smiles when we love him supremely. Maybe we just don't love you enough. Or rather, you don't deserve love at all."

"Alright, alright, Yuamu. Each person has their own standards of a good Duel. What matters is that those that can enjoy this Duel should be able to do so. You're indeed a warrior, Yuhi."

"I've heard such words from an alien friend I've made along the way, but thanks for that."

"Your choice of friends is something, Yuna. Well, I will see you at Goha Tower tonight."

"Livestreaming the Duel to all the planets in Milky Way, I don't mind. Bring it on, Setsuko!"

"Wait for me to finish dinner, Setsuko."

"Ramen again?"

"It's providence."

Setsuko is chatting with her brother chillingly at Goha Tower. She is about to chastise how unbalanced his diet is, if not for the presence of an unexpected lady standing behind her with determined mauve eyes.