Yu-Gi-Oh! Dragon Knight Reborn!
Created by: DragonKnight15
Hello to all, this is Chapter 31 of the fifth and final Arc of Volume 6: Pain and Hatred!
Intro: The Earth... is a great place where humanity and all other creatures live and learn to evolve little by little, but this great world has Darkness in it too. Evil beings who wish to conquer this world and everyone.
Only one being stood against them to show everyone the power of light and hope, but this great mythical dragon wasn't able to stop them. He gave his powers and hope to a human that was known by his name, the Dragon Knight!
Before this hero also met his end, he gave the legendary Dragon Sword and his hopes and dreams to the next knight, his youngest son who is destined to become a legend by the sides of his comrades and his love. This hero... is the Dragon Knight of Light!
(OPENING 3: Sign by Flow from Naruto Shippuden)
Volume 6: Chapter 31: The Truthful Dark Night!
Previously in DKR:
The battle against Pain escalated as Naruto entered his Fourth Tailed Kyuubi berserk form. It attacked Pain viciously, livid in hate. Pain was not encouraged, even when it went into a Six Tailed version and engaged him with all the abilities he had. However, the Kyuubi's power was too much. Judai and the others tried to stop Naruto with just himself, Kurosaki, Alicia and Ruby.
Unfazed, the berserk Naruto was still too much but their teamwork almost worked if not for Pain to use his final trump card, Chibaku Tensei. The group were swallowed up into the mini moon planetoid but Judai did manage to use his powers to get them all inside of Naruto, nearing closer to unsealing the Kyuubi. They couldn't stop him but the Fourth Hokage did. Revealing to be a bit of the original's essence and revealed to be Naruto's father; the group left father and son to talk it out.
The Eight Tailed Kyuubi vanishes as Naruto reclaimed control as well as Sage Mode. The group got off the disturbed mini moon falling apart as Naruto settled things with the weakened Deva Pain, losing the other Paths' abilities. Using the 5 second time gap, Naruto used every trick he had to finally nail the Deva Path with a Rasengan, defeating him once and for all… But it was not over.
Naruto and Judai left to confront the real Pain, Nagato, and for Naruto to confront his hatred by learning why someone like him ended up like this. After hearing Nagato's story, Naruto made up his mind and said that his answer is he would never give up on Jiraiya's dream; going to overcome hate with his strong guts and the belief of the book that inspired Jiraiya through his student Nagato. Taken back, the leader of the Akatsuki reclaimed new hope in Naruto and entrusted him with the future, bringing back everyone killed at the cost of his life. Konan thanked him as she left with her dead teammates' bodies, leaving.
Returning back to Konoha thanks to Kakashi, Naruto was a crowded Hero of Konoha, cheered and acknowledged like he had always desired. The group smiled for their victory… However…
Obito now watched in a distance towards the fight between Yugi and Kojan about to start with great interest.
Will Yugi be able to reach out to Kojan? Will we know of that night that changed him?
And now the conclusion... less than an hour before the Pain fight:
Shadow Knight teleports Yugi and the others on top of a rooftop as they all felt dazed by the strange transportation, all except Kaiba, Haruto, Shadow… and most of all Yugi and Kojan. Both were in their base form, staring at the other resolutely.
''I-I really won't get used to teleportations...'' Jonouchi openly admits, nearly puking on the side of the building as is Honda.
Ichigo groans as she too is in base form, looking around. ''Wait… Is this?''
Anzu also notices too and gasps as they are in Domino City. ''We're back in Domino!'' They are indeed at the tallest building in the city that isn't Kaiba Tower.
''Best place for the two to fight.'' Shadow Knight tells the group with his arms crossed underneath the cloak. ''Though do not worry, I will make sure no citizens get close or hurt in their fight.''
''I was about to ask.'' Haruto affirms, still having plenty of magic to transform again. Shadow remains silent as he looks at the two Dragon Knights.
''Kojan…'' Jenny utters concerned as Manectric groans, also worried.
''I suppose it makes sense since this is Yugi's city. His home court.'' Ryan states the reason they are here. Erika just frowns, objecting. ''It's not a sport or something. I'm just unease how the fight will end up like.'' Ryan can't help but agree with her too. After all, those two are in completely different leagues to everyone else.
Kaiba, gripping on his briefcase, gazes firmly at Yugi and Kojan. This may not be a duel but it is the closest thing to a fight between two souls about to clash.
''Is this really necessary?'' Masaya questions with Ichigo frowning and nods. "I don't like it but yea. Kojan-kun won't accept anything less and Yugi-kun wants to save him. He has to try.''
He still frowns, not liking this. Just a bad feeling.
''…'' Yugi gazes with a dark gaze towards Kojan who gazes back with the same look, both silent. ''…''
The others watch as this is like a western showdown between two gunslingers.
''Anything you two wish to say to each other before I toss the Senzu Beans and begin?'' Shadow Knight asks the two knights as if he knows both have something to tell to the other.
Kojan narrows his death gaze towards Yugi and pleads once more. ''Yugi, I will ask you once more: Toss the Dragon Sword and surrender. I have no interest in killing you unless you give me the option.''
''… No.'' Yugi responds firmly with his own gaze, refusing to surrender. Instead, he has to ask him the obvious question.
''But Kojan-kun…'' The tricolor head begins to say as he faces him with a small frown. ''Why?''
Kojan looks at him, not following with a stern gaze. Frowning more, Yugi demands, upsetly. ''Why? Why do all of this?! We're friends, you taught me the importance of Bonds, of connecting to others. So why?!'' He tries to calm his nerves, relaxing. ''Why did Keiko die? Was it the day you left the school camp?''
''…'' Kojan is silent, not saying a word as his eyes still glare upon him before he ultimately gives him a response with a sigh. ''Fine. You wish to know…'' His eyes shift into the Sharingan and then his Mangekyou form. "I'll show you.''
Yugi watches as the colors of his point of view turn black and white.
Next thing he knew, Yugi finds himself in a distorted space of sorts. He looks around, seeing this reddish-black swirling area around him.
''This is…'' He begins to question, realizing this is similar to that Tsukuyomi that Itachi used on him and Ichigo long ago.
''Yugi, we're getting you out of-'' Yang Dragon begins saying in getting him out of the Genjutsu but Yugi shakes his head, surprising them and Atem.
''I need to know.'' He proclaims, needing to know the truth. He would get a response by a familiar voice. ''Stubborn. Some things don't change.''
Yugi turns and Kojan is there, almost manifesting out of thin air or hiding his presence. He looks at the purple eyed young kid, seeing the Pharaoh and the heads of Yin-Yang Dragon beside him. He scowls a bit, expressing himself. ''… You've gained a crowd.''
''… We have a bond like you and I.'' Yugi expresses back only for Kojan to ignore that as the world around them becomes a regular forest. The star-shaped hair kid looks around and notices this place as being Domino but there was something else about them.
''I was taken to that camp by my brother. Why a place not filled with ninja? He… he never wanted me to live like one.'' Kojan begins speaking openly about how he ended up in Domino even now; he finds it confusing but he can't deny he has no regrets. ''Shisui-nii-san didn't want me to become a ninja. He wanted me to live a life more peaceful than any Uchiha. I guess I was glad I had met you during that time.''
Yugi is taken back by that, blushing as he feels the same.
''I never understood why as I just wanted to be as strong as my older brother, to be proud to stand beside him…'' Kojan then admits with a somber tone, wishing he could tell how much he wanted to protect his older brother. He was all he had to this world and was always amazing… but that would change on that night as he slowly frowned. ''And I would know why when I decided to return home earlier.''
Yugi continues staring as he realizes where they are now.
''I had tried to contact him but no respond so I wanted to surprise him.'' Kojan begins to tell him as he turns to the right. ''So I left at the middle of the night but you know that part.''
Yugi turns to that direction and there, they stare at the retelling of the night Kid Yugi confronted Kid Kojan and Keiko. He was surprised how real they looked but it makes sense being an illusion. He does recall that night, he heard noises that woke him up and saw both Kojan and Keiko leaving the building of the camp. So he followed them, wondering where they were going but he was exposed. He was confused why Kojan wanted to leave but he said something about his brother Shisui. The only part he didn't understand was a certain dark haired girl followed him and even left with him.
''Before you asked, Keiko followed me before you did.'' Kojan then reveals that detail, frowning saddened towards the fake illusion of her. That night, Kojan was going alone but Keiko was a step ahead of even Yugi, confronting him and not asking twice that she wanted to go with him. He protested as the journey would be long and dangerous but she didn't care as she told him why.
''She had a divorced family and had no reason to go back to a broken, half open family.'' Kojan tells Yugi about Keiko's past, surprising the star-haired boy as he didn't know that. It was stranger though since most of the workers in the camp didn't know Keiko.
''She wanted to find a home so I let her tag along and then you came but I told you I would come back as fast as possible.'' Kojan proclaimed as the two stared at their younger versions arguing but Kid Kojan's argument was stronger. ''I actually liked Domino City. It was a peaceful place.''
''Yea… and I watched you leave with her.'' Yugi proclaimed with a sad stare, watching his younger self waving goodbye to the two who are left. He would continue until they were out range.
''The journey was long but I was still an Uchiha, I knew where it was to arrival to Konoha and we did…'' Kojan sums up the journey there, knowing the path there and instead of praising himself; he scowls just that he did that. ''My mistake is we arrived on that night.''
The world around them alters once more, this time becoming the former Uchiha District as Yugi widens his eyes to see bodies after dead bodies across the area. It was a bloody place, horrified.
''What is this?'' Yugi turns to see the distressed Kid Kojan, questioning in dread while Keiko trembles behind him with a horrified expression. ''K-Kojan, I'm scared…''
Kid Kojan turns at her, trying to hide his fear and just smiles, encouraging. ''I-It's okay Keiko! I'm here and if things become bad, run okay?''
''…'' Keiko stares at him silently, warming up as she grabs on his arm and blushes. ''I… I want to stay with you.''
This staggers the young Uchiha, speechless, as his eyes narrows away as if hesitating to even respond to her. Yugi notices it as he looks back at Kojan, looking down upset at his younger self.
Just then they hear something as Kojan speaks up. ''There I heard a sound of a fight and ran to it with Keiko behind me… and saw them.''
The area changes as Yugi sees Kid Kojan and Keiko, staring at two and one of them he immediately recognizes.
''That's Itachi-kun and…'' Yugi utters in surprise, seeing the younger version of Itachi Uchiha and then looks at the kid on the ground and it was his brother, unconscious on the ground. ''And that's Sasuke-kun. So this is-''
''Yes, and also when he saw me.'' Kojan responds as if this was the Uchiha Massacre and just looks down coldly. Yugi frowns, turning around and sees Itachi's expression when he sees Kid Kojan, paralyzed in shock. This surprises the Dragon Knight as that means Itachi wasn't expecting him but Kojan knew there was another reason.
''Kojan, why are you here?'' Itachi questions, trying to sound calm but his voice is staggered. Kid Kojan is just as terrified, frowning unease as he speaks up. ''I-I wanted to see Shisui.''
Itachi trembles by that name as Kojan asks again, becoming worried. ''Where's my big brother? Itachi-nii-san, what's happening?!''
Itachi does not answer. Kojan gazes saddened as he says. ''He froze because he didn't know what to say or do because looking at me is like looking at Shisui, his best friend he saw died before his eyes.''
Yugi looks back at Kojan, now confirming that his brother did die. But there's more to that.
''And I would get my answers… by him.'' Kojan then proclaims with a darkened voice, glaring madly. Yugi doesn't follow as his voice speaks up. ''Itachi killed him, just like the rest of your village.''
He is startled as he recognizes that voice. Yugi turns around and there, Kid Kojan is shocked as appearing out of thin air before him is that same masked man from before. Even though he looks different and his mask is different too; it still has the same eyehole that shows his red glowing Sharingan eye.
''As did I.'' He proclaims, narrowing his eyes, almost amused.
Kojan scowls madly, clenching his fists tightly by just staring at him.
''Madara Uchiha…'' He utters out coldly. Yugi widens his eyes, realizing this is why that masked man knew about Kojan so well.
Kid Kojan hisses madly at this stranger as he calls him out. ''I-Itachi-nii-san would never! Shisui-nii-san would never accept that!''
The masked man snickers at his remark, realizing who he was, as he taunts him. ''Oh? You're Shisui the Bodyflicker's little brother? How ironic. He sent his brother away only for him to come here looking for him.''
He turns around towards Itachi and questions him, further taunting Kojan. "Why don't you tell him what happened to his big brother, Itachi?''
This gets to the younger Kojan, panicking as he eyes Itachi before he asks him. ''Itachi-nii-san, where's my brother?''
Itachi doesn't answer as his eyes are covered by his front hair but his body is obviously trembling. Kojan didn't question why he was shaking like a leaf but he soon realized why; he was struggling to find the words to explain himself.
''Can't you tell?'' The masked man turns back at the little boy, speaking with a cruel yet amused voice.''Itachi killed him, like he did with half of the Uchiha Clan.''
Kid Kojan widens his eyes and immediately snaps, yelling at him in protest. ''LIAR! HE WOULD NEVER!''
The masked man shakes his head, proclaiming this child's naivety. ''Doesn't matter. Itachi, I allowed you to keep your little brother alive…'' His visible eye glows menacingly. ''But this one is all mine.'' He begins to walk forward as Kid Kojan quickly steps back with Keiko behind her.
Itachi just watches, his arms trembling but he can't do anything. He needed to join the Akatsuki, even if… even if his best friend's little brother had to die. That's what Kojan learned as he watches these events as an outsider.
The masked man continues walking forward while Kid Kojan steps back more and more. He is trembling, clearly afraid for his life. But he can feel Keiko just if not more afraid. Yugi can see that with her legs gleaming with some wetness… no doubt she wet herself and he can't blame her.
''Keiko… run out. You'll reach Konoha and someone will help you.'' Kid Kojan mutters softly towards her, causing the girl to gasp and protests loudly.''NO!'' Her legs are still trembling, her eyes watery with fear and yet she can't run away knowing he'll get hurt or worse.''I-I can't just let you stay here alone with them! I won't!''
Panicking as he can't do anything to protect her, Kid Kojan pushes her away from him as he yells at her.''GET GOING! I WON'T TELL YOU AGAIN!''
Keiko looks at him, seeing him more afraid than her. She sobs, frowning, as she starts running away. The masked man watches her leave as he keeps walking. Kid Kojan picks up a kunai and guards himself as the masked man hums, impressed.
''Oh? So you were trained huh? Was your brother proud of you?'' He further mocks him, causing Kid Kojan to snap and yell furiously.''SHUT UP!'' He charges forward.
Yugi watches worrying and these feelings would be confirmed by Kojan, uttering out. ''I was a fool.'' He turns to face him, seeing the dread and disgust all over the Uchiha's face. ''A damn fool.''
The tricolor head turns back and watches as Kid Kojan fights desperately, coming at the masked Uchiha with everything from punches, kicks and kunai swings and all of his attacks are dodged by the masked man, evading them with ease. It isn't just dodging but like he was a ghost, similar to how he stalled for time back then when pursuing the Uchiha Brothers.
''I tried to fight someone who I had no idea what he was capable of and he treated this as a literal game, taunting and provoking me to keep killing him in vain.'' Kojan proclaims, watching the fight as the man, Madara, continues mocking his attempts and his brother. All of this motivated Kid Kojan, refusing to give up but his current self now knew better this was all a cruel game. ''He wanted me to hope… before he shattered it.''
''I think I've had my filling, boy.'' The masked man proclaims, now knee gutting Kid Kojan. He gasps with a widened expression of pain, staggering backwards. He begins beating the child up over and over each time Kid Kojan gets up. Yugi actually has to look away, finding this unfair for his friend but this wouldn't last as the masked man picks up Kid Kojan by the neck, lifting him up.
Kid Kojan has multiple bruises and scratches but he just smirks weakly.
''Smiling at the face of death huh?'' The masked man questions as Kid Kojan spits blood at his mask. The man cackles as he squeezes and starts choking his neck. Itachi just watched, not able to do anything for him if it meant his plan to infiltrate the Akatsuki was over.
''I was fine with this, knowing Keiko got away and she would be saved…'' Kojan begins informing Yugi, glad that he would have died protecting her until he frowns. ''But…''
''LEAVE KOJAN ALONE, BIG BULLY!'' The masked man is suddenly smacked by the back by a tree branch, causing him to hit the ground hard as well as releasing Kid Kojan. He gasps heavily, turning and sees in horror that Keiko saved him.
''W-WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?! GET OUT NOW!'' He yells at her in a panic, terrified she even came back. Keiko blushes, not meaning to come back but she couldn't leave him there.
''I-I just want to help you…'' She expresses, blushing red before, knowing there wouldn't be a better time; tells him honestly about her feelings to him. ''I… I really… like you.''
Kid Kojan widens his eyes, freezing up as he's not sure how to feel. Yugi looks back at Kojan who looks away.
''Love is an illusion in this fake world.'' Kid Kojan widens his eyes as he's kicked into a tree, gasping in pain. Yugi turns back as the masked man is back on his feet and grabs Keiko.''Let me show you.''
''KEIKO!'' Kid Kojan panics, getting off the tree to charge but frees up as the masked man has Keiko, grabbing her on both her shoulders as he taunts him. ''Go on. Prove her right and save her.'' His Sharingan eye narrows down. ''Or surrender and she won't get hurt.''
Kid Kojan sweats as he sees Keiko's crying face, terrified for her life. Yugi turns to face Kojan, also afraid that this is what cost her death.
Commercial Break
Yugi continues looking at Kojan in dismay at what comes next, worrying that he would risk his life and she would die because of it.
''Kojan-kun, did you-'' He begins to ask him only for the Uchiha to respond firmly. ''No.'' He looks down scowling. ''I was afraid and…''
''K-Kojan…'' Keiko's sorrowful voice utters, crying as she doesn't want to get hurt. Kid Kojan just froze, overwhelmed in what to do. If he charges, she gets hurt. If he gives up, she'll be safe and he will be killed. But also…
''I didn't know how to feel. I also… liked Keiko and yet… a part of me was never loved the same way.'' Kojan admits as he had never thought of her like that back then. ''My brother was the only person I felt strong feelings for and yet… I felt something deep with her.''
He slowly scowls, biting his lip at how much he regretted never telling her how he felt for her. How much he also liked her, how she was nice and made him happy… how… how badly he wanted to take back his decision that night.
''I just froze, afraid to lose someone who loved me and afraid to make a mistake. So…'' Kojan begins to explain as his younger self made his choice and dropped the kunai. ''I made the worst decision.''
The masked man looks at the dropped kunai and then back at Kid Kojan before he speaks. ''… You really aren't a ninja.''
He releases Keiko, finding a sense of relief as she quickly runs towards Kid Kojan.
''But ninja or not…'' Adjusting his mask, the masked man vanishes as Kid Kojan is paralyzed as he's right behind him, somehow teleporting. This freaks out Keiko, stopping in her tracks. The man lowers down to Kojan's ear and begins whispering. ''Kojan, reality is always cruel.''
Kid Kojan trembles, not understanding as the man vanishes and before he knew it; he re-manifests behind Keiko and reaches out with his hands on both sides of her head and then twists her head to the left. Yugi paralyzed in horror as was Kid Kojan, watching as his eyes trembled as the man released his grip and Keiko dropped on the ground, eyes opened and… lifeless.
Yugi looks away, grunting in anguished by what he witnessed while Kojan's eyes are filled with dread.
Kid Kojan is left speechless with an empty, shocked expression as he stares at her unmovable body. He approaches her, dropping to his knees to shake her.
''K-Keiko…'' He utters out, worried for her and yet Keiko doesn't answer or move. He stares at her lifeless, crying eyes as she's gone.
''…'' A chilling silence echoes the lifeless Uchiha District, peaceful… before the cries of a screaming Kid Kojan are heard, yelling as his world shatters apart. ''AAAAAWWWWWW!''
Yugi frowns, saddened, looking back at Kojan who just looks at his younger self as this was when he began to see the world the way it truly was.
However, his crying would stop as Kid Kojan stared down the masked man, so intensely, so enraged. Keiko died because of this psychopath. He…. HE WON'T ALLOW IT! These dark feelings, this building hatred across Kojan's black color eyes cause them to bleed and turn red with tomoes forming around them, 1 in the left and another on the right.
''YOU BASTARD!'' Kojan screams out furiously, his fears replaced with rage and hate as a sudden rush of energy flowing through him, power that Kojan couldn't care where it came from but wanting to use it all to kill him.
''He awakened them.'' Itachi utters, astonished that much like Sasuke; Kojan has also achieved the Sharingan. The masked man snickers at this, proclaiming rather surprised. ''Ninja not but Uchiha, you clearly are.''
Kid Kojan stands up, his glowing red eyes gazing so murderous as he yells out furiously. ''I WILL NEVER FORGIVE YOU, YOU DAMN MURDERER!''
The masked man snickers at his declaration and responds with his arms crossed. ''Go right-'' He wasn't able to finish his words as he's kicked across his mask by Kid Kojan, shocking him as his impact pushed him back and his mask cracked. He staggers as Kid Kojan comes charging fast which Yugi notices he's using a somewhat version of Dragon Speed Burst. He realizes that likely Kojan unlocked his Draconic Powers somehow.
The masked Uchiha is still able to fight this stronger Kid Kojan, surprised by his growth in power. He kicks Kojan away who grinds his feet on the ground and picks up the kunai he discarded. He looks at it and snaps angrily as wind gathers around it.
''WIND RELEASE: VACUUM BLADE!'' Kojan yells out, throwing the strong wind energy enhanced kunai and it passes through the masked man but then he forms hand seals and slams his hands on the ground. ''LIGHTNING RELEASE: SPIDER WEB!'' The masked man is suddenly paralyzed by the electrical spider web expanding underneath his feet.
Kojan watches, recalling how grateful of Itachi. Even though Shisui refused to ever teach him Jutsus, Itachi did. He never understood why but someone he called his sensei taught him to see potential and teach others who need help. And that's what he did for Kojan, like… he knew he would need it.
''How can you be able to use all those-'' The masked man questions, his voice staggered before Kojan forms another hand seal that he recognizes.
''FIRE RELEASE!'' Kid Kojan begins to utter out, inhaling deeply before exhaling forward. ''GREAT FIREBALL TECHNIQUE!'' He breathes and fires a large fireball that consumes the masked man and explodes on impact.
Yugi watches astonished while Kojan just scowls.
Kid Kojan pants heavily, his eyes still shaken by this surging power but also the pain of looking back at Keiko's dead body. He frowns in disgust towards himself but he wouldn't have time to mourn.
''Not bad…'' Kid Kojan widens his eyes, looking forward and sees emerging from the surge of flames is the masked Uchiha, only half his mask is exposed showing the damaged half of Obito Uchiha. Yugi sees it, not recognizing this guy but the wounds across his face is horrifying while Kojan just glares angrier.
''But…'' He proclaims, showing a half smile as he grins evilly. Kid Kojan glares madly, grinding his right foot.
But before he could do anything, the masked man stops as Kid Kojan staggers heavily. He looks down and a blade is sticking out through him, stabbed in the back by Itachi. Blood drips from his mouth as does his pierce chest.
''I-Itachi…nii…san…'' Kid Kojan tries uttering, sobbing before Itachi pulls the blade off his back and Kid Kojan drops face-forward onto the ground.
The masked man eyes Itachi as he says calmly. ''He's Shisui's little brother. He is just like Sasuke.''
''… Fine. Danzo might just snatch his eyes anyway or he bleeds out here.'' Turning his back, Obito speaks still using Madara's voice. ''Let's go.'' He vanishes as Itachi looks back at Kojan and frowns, turning his back and vanishing.
Just him alone, Kid Kojan gasps heavily, bleeding from his mouth. He tries dragging him, leaving behind stains of his blood as he tries reaching Keiko's body.
''K-Keiko… Please… wake up.'' He utters out, crying as he begs for her to wake up. However, Keiko does not answer and Kid Kojan lowers his head, gritting his teeth and immediately lets out a painful scream of absolute despair, losing himself with a broken expression. ''AAAAAAWWWWW!''
Yugi frowns again, feeling for him. Kojan just frowns before the tomoes of his Sharingan begin to spin and the world around them fades away.
Yugi widens his eyes as he's back in the real world, barely a second passing as he looks around and sees the others, looking at him puzzled by his horrified expression.
''W-why did you stop?'' Yugi questions Kojan, wanting to know what happened to him with that wound.
''…'' Kojan doesn't answer him as his eyes narrow back to that night.
Kid Kojan continued crying, still bleeding out as he would eventually pass out and die here. At the least… He… he can…
''Do you wish to die here?'' Kid Kojan gasped, turning around weakly to see someone. The silhouette was hard for him to see through his bleeding but it was a rather small being… purple and a suit of sorts. The figure looked down at him before he asked him again. ''Do you want to avenge her? To find the truth?''
The young Uchiha just stared at him, not even sure of himself. He… no- dying here would be pointless if the man who killed Keiko is still out there.
''Then become the Dragon Knight, the strongest, and change this cursed world and cruel fate.'' The figure offered him, walking up to him. Kid Kojan looked up, his vision still blurry as he struggled to even move.
''W-who are you…'' He questioned, not sure who he was. The figure reached down to him, showing it was some kind of claw as he uttered, somberly. ''Someone who lost everything too.''
The young Uchiha looked at his sharp nailed claw and honestly, he had nothing to lose. All he wants… are answers and vengeance as he grabbed onto his claw before passing out.
''… That's none of your concern.'' Kojan finally speaks up coldly, glaring at Yugi. ''Keiko died in my eyes, my brother died before I could even see him again…'' He reflected as he couldn't even find his body, searching and nothing.
Jenny covers her mouth in shock. So that's why he's like this.
''Now I lost Itachi too. I have no one left.'' Kojan then says, looking down saddened. Ichigo frowns, feeling for him as it explains why he wanted to protect Itachi.
''Kojan-kun…'' Yugi utters, being the only one to see his pain and despair of that night.
Kaiba scoffs as he gets his motivation and has a good feeling about what his goal is.
''And you know what's the sad part: I'm glad Itachi killed every Uchiha.'' Kojan, cackling softly, ultimately admits his relief of the Uchiha's destruction. He learned what they were aiming for and the consequences that would have happened and it just makes him realize how cruel people are. Konoha could have done something to prevent the coup and instead their solution is kill them all. And the Uchiha are no different, not caring what this might bring and instead they're all dead.
''I learned something important: Life is cruel, people are cruel and fate is cruel.'' Kojan expresses honestly, despising the world around him for all he's seen and all he went through. ''I learned the truth of Itachi's decision and understood why my brother never wanted me to become a ninja. Ninjas- no, humans love betraying each other.''
He learned everything from his master, teaching him about the cruelty and unfairness of the world and he's right.
''Deception, lies, illusions; that's what lies in a life of a ninja.'' Kojan lists all the evil actions that ninjas have done for their own goals or intentions, not caring who they hurt as long as it matches their goals, their ambitions. ''For the village, for one's position, for power; such worthless ambitions. Even the word, ambition, is a sin.''
He looks at his right hand, remembering how he would grab this hand on Shisui's hand… and Keiko's too. ''I lost my brother and a girl who was never involved because of the actions of greedy idiots, wanting power and not caring who gets hurt. In this world, no one can understand each other.''
Kojan then looks up at Yugi, reminded of his naïve nature and tells him firmly. ''He, my master, taught me to pursue grander ideals and goals; one's that will reshape the world for its sake. So I will make the world a better place…'' As his black eyes darkened a bit more than usual. ''By eliminating such worthless desires. I will end the era by killing that ambition!''
This shocks nearly everyone but Kaiba and Shadow while Yugi is terrified by his friend's intent.
''W-what did you say?'' The tricolor head begins to question him, not able to accept he would go that far. ''Kojan-kun, that's insane. Not every ninja-''
''You misunderstand.'' Interrupting him immediately, Kojan begins to correct him by agreeing. ''You're right, there are some who don't wish position or power and yet for how long before those dark desires kick in.''
He pauses, thinking of Darkus, Aizen, every other villain and resumes dictating. ''But ultimately; everyone is in it for themselves, no one is truly honest with one another or cares to understand what others have gone through. It always goes back to one's home, to their ideals, to secure control and seek power. To one's own ambition.''
Reflecting once more to that night that changed his world, Kojan declares strongly as his eyes seem dead on to his goal, almost like he's not human. ''For the world to become a happier place; such ambitions need to die. I will kill not just the ninjas who are rooted to the ideal of ambition and desire but everyone else who seeks out such things! I don't care if you're a Shinigami, an Alchemist, ANY; I will kill any who stand for such ideals. I will end that ideal of wanting to protect something for one's village, for one's country, for their pride, control and power!''
The others are ultimately stunned. Even Kaiba was taken back by this, gulping slightly. Haruto glares as he gets the whole ambition thing, Wiseman coming to mind… but also how such could hurt many more people. His bigger concern is the look in Kojan's eyes, feeling despair in them.
Ryan can't help but not disagree. People are ambitions; usually ending up hurting a lot of people who did nothing wrong. He's seen it as his young career as a lawyer but he also knows people also have good intentions and that's no right just killing them.
Ichigo frowns as she finds this all insane. Would he be fine killing so many for such a world? It just feels wrong. The others are more silent while Jonouchi clenches his right fist.
Kojan then points his hand towards Yugi, announcing. ''For a happy world where no one else dies for one's ambition; I must have your Dragon Sword and become the strongest Dragon Knight. That's what he taught me, that's what he was training me for; to become the strongest.''
Yugi looks at him calmly though inside; he's shivering to his core. Kojan is willingly to end all ambitions for the world? Can such a thing happen?
Seeing his hesitation, Kojan then proclaims madly. ''Don't bother questioning it! Having kindness can't save the world or bring about change. Your naivety is not needed. To become a Dragon Knight, one must discard compassion and kindness and have the ruthless mindset to kill those evil of the world and those who are willingly to kill anyone in your path. Not a fool like you!''
Jenny frowns as she now gets why he doesn't want Yugi to be Dragon Knight because what he intends to do requires that power. She understands his motives; it's someone who saw the evil of the world to the extreme and comes to a conclusion just as extreme. She also can't lie that people will do things for one's self, not caring what happens to others.
Jonouchi grits his teeth tightly, trying to hold back his temper but he's not sure for long.
''Give up the Dragon Knight and walk away from this path. That is my final warning to you.'' Kojan tries pleading to Yugi, not wanting to kill him.
''…'' Still silent, Yugi just looks at him calmly without using words; he can't. Kojan reads his expression and becomes enraged.
''Don't give me that look! If I must discard such worthless crap like friendship, then I will! I choose to become something more, someone with no ties!'' The Uchiha yells madly at him, still not understanding why he won't just give up on this path that only he has the right to walk on. It's always been the case with him; wishing to follow him, to lean for his support and it pisses him off.
''I don't- I DO NOT WANT THOSE DAMN CONNECTIONS ANYMORE! That is who I am now, that is who Kojan Uchiha is now!'' He yells madly, accepting his current self as the one who will become the savior of this world. ''I am the Dragon Knight, the one who should save this world! Now give me your damn-''
''YOU'RE THE ONE WHO'S WORTHLESS!'' The Uchiha widens his eyes madly as he narrows his eyes as Jonouchi finally snaps and yells enraged.
''Jonouchi-kun.'' Yugi utters, looking at him. Ichigo also looks at him, having a feeling he wasn't going to sit back and agree with Kojan.
''Kill everyone with ambitions to make the better world…'' The darkened blond headed proclaims, summing up Kojan's goal as he walks forward. Reminded of Duelist Kingdom, about entering to save his sister and if not for Yugi or Mai; he wouldn't have saved her eyesight. If not for his ambition, his quest to save her and people understanding him; he wouldn't have done the impossible.
He walks up beside Yugi and shouts in protest. ''You're wrong if that will change anything! A better world is a place that people have compassion in their hearts and can communicate to each other!''
He then points at Kojan, also adding. ''And I've had enough of your insults! Yugi has been trying his hardest to remind you of the bond you have with him!''
Honda nods in agreement with Anzu, frowning, knowing how important the bonds Yugi has makes him who he is.
''And I get it; you don't want it but to him, these connections mean everything to him and you're the one who taught him that!'' Jonouchi tells him firmly, getting that he has this insane quest but it was him that allowed Yugi to even have these connections. ''Yugi became someone who depends on these bonds because of you, it's the closest thing to a family. And it makes him happy as does everyone around him!''
Ichigo smiles, feeling the same way that Yugi connects to others is like him forming a family.
''So it pisses me off you don't want to acknowledge that he's doing all of this because he owes you! Because you were the first to call him a friend, to form that connection with!'' Jonouchi yells out, demanding to know why he can't see how important he is to him.
Kojan just snarls at this nonsense, finally questioning him coldly. ''… And why does this matter to you? This is none of your concerns!''
Jonouchi glares as he answers him by slamming his right hand onto his chest, declaring passionate. ''It's my concern because just like Yugi sees in you, I feel the same for Yugi. That we're like brothers!''
The Uchiha just glares while Yugi blushes softly.
''And not just him but Honda, Anzu, Bakura, Otogi…'' Jonouchi begins naming others that Yugi feels the same way for. ''And Mai and hell, the Kaiba Brothers of all people. As well as Momomiya and the others too!'' He glares passionately at Kojan, reminding him the one thing he can't serve. ''Even if you are deep in the dark, you have those bonds you can always count on! Because those bonds are a part of you, forever binding you!''
Kojan now glares even colder by that comment.
''That's why I'm also going to remind you and your stubborn coldness that you can't forget those bonds!'' Jonouchi vows not going to let Yugi fight this guy alone as he challenges him. ''Duel me!''
Kojan makes a face of disgust, not going to waste his time dueling some-
''Unless of course you think some guy with no powers might beat the so called powerful Dragon Knight.'' Using his head, Jonouchi straight-up provokes Kojan as well as mocking him. This gets under Kojan's skin, giving him a death gaze as he responds coldly. ''Then I'll gladly duel and crush you until nothing remains of you.''
Jonouchi stares determinedly, going to make him sorry for ever thinking a world without connections is impossible.
To be continued…
(ENDING 3: Mayonaka no Orchestra by Aqua Timez from Naruto Shippuden)
Next Time…
Jonouchi challenges Kojan to a duel, believing in Yugi but also believing in him like an older brother. Kojan, not caring of such things, accepts the duel to crush him and end him. Will the underdog prevail or will the Uchiha dominate?
Honda: Jonouchi…
Anzu sighs: Not a surprise.
Haruto: Why would he want to play that game against Kojan?
Kaiba: And that's why you have no sense of pride, wizard.
Ichigo: He's got this Nya!
Kojan glares: I'll send you to hell.
Jonouchi: Not gonna happen! I'm taking you down!
Yugi: Jonouchi, careful. Next time in Yu-Gi-Oh! Dragon Knight Reborn: The Battle of Bonds! Jonouchi vs Kojan! Duel Standby!
Ichigo: Please remember to read, enjoy and review Nya. See you all next time!
Author's Note: So Kojan's backstory is just as dark and sad as any Uchiha, probably close to… Obito, ironically. Unlike Itachi who became a "villain" for the village he loves, Sasuke who wanted a revolution to end the cycle and Obito who hated the world of losers and hell; Kojan is similar to them. He loved his brother and due to the death of Keiko… and… yes, it was Dragonic who saved him; he viewed the world as a cruel place due to the ambitions of others. Does that mean- Yes, he would know all he would know why the Uchiha needed to die, of Danzo, of "Madara". All of this led Kojan to 1 conclusion; he will eliminate that ambition so no one else suffers the way he did. Very flawed but it's because of others' actions and ambitions that his life even became this. He was once a happy person, wanting to make connections but struggling to accept them fully but since that night; Kojan changed and abandoned those ideals to create a better world. You could even say this Dragonic influenced him to think like this hmm.
In a way, he's like Light but in the extreme as he will eliminate the desire of ambition at all cost.
I will save Yugi's thoughts and response to Kojan's goal for later.
We are at the final chapters. How long? Close. For now, next time is the big duel between Jonouchi vs Kojan! See you all next time to see that duel!
I know it's Thanksgiving in the US but I don't care... My friend, Redwallfan2000, who we've been friends for over a decade... decided it was best after his Internet was damaged and wasn't repair (BECAUSE HE LIVES IN THE 2000S and I've been waiting for him for about 8 months now) is finally going to get fixed and HE decided to celebrate it... BY leaving FF and pursuit other stuff... as well as cut me off. I... I don't deserve this.
... First my aunt because of my mother and now my best friend who was my very first reviewer of DKR wishes to leave me too. When I had no Internet, I wanted to come back so quickly to talk to my dear friend... BUT TO HIM, I MEAN SHIT AND DOESN'T GIVE A DAMN BUT HIS STUPID SAMURAI CATS! Buy it on Amazon, MAYBE that will make him see reason!
"But can't he multi-task?" I did say he comes from the 2000s. He doesn't understand anything of the current timeline.
Okay... FINE! ONE MORE FUCKING REASON WHY I FUCKING HATE 2024! Good riddance to a shitty year!
Am I a bad person? Do I really deserve this? Have I killed someone? NO. AND THIS IS UNFAIR! Like he's my best friend... but this really hurts a lot that he just discards me and says "we all make sacrifice"... well I hope it was worth it, Redwall. You're not my friend anymore.
SIGH... When I get a job, I'm not giving up on DKR. Don't worry, I won't let you people down... I just want one of you to put DKR in TV Tropes please. 1 OF YOU. PLEASE. I deserve something nice!
Anyway, HAPPY FUCKING THANKSGIVING! See you next week.