Naruto's gaze wandered the endless white around him, the blank canvas of a world where the only other feature was the figure standing across from him. A mirror image of himself, with every detail mirrored to perfection. It was like staring into his reflection, or even looking at a mirage.
"Are you the spirit summoned by the mirror?" Naruto asked, cautiously.
The reflection – Mirror Naruto – just shrugged, the movement fluid and easy. "Sure, you can think of me like that," he replied, a grin spreading across his face. It was a smile full of light and mischief, a stark contrast to the serious set of Naruto's own expression.
"So, you're here," Mirror Naruto continued, the words hanging between them like a challenge, "which means you're looking to break past your current limits, huh?"
"What if I am?" Naruto retorted, his voice a low growl of determination.
Mirror Naruto's fingers danced to his side, equipping an object with a soft beep – a D-Pad materialized in his hand. "Well then," he said, his eyes alight with a competitive spark, "Life's pretty simple. We settle this in a duel."
A duel. The word echoed in Naruto's mind. His lips curved into a half-smile, a mirror to his copy's cheer but with an edge of resolve. "Now we're finally speaking the same language," he said, accepting the challenge.
"I will take the first turn!" Mirror Naruto said as he drew a card.
T1 Mirror Naruto H:5-6 LP: 4000
"I activate the Continuous Spell: Black Whirlwind!"
The card materialized with a sinister flourish, its image shimmering with a dull light. Almost instantly, the air around them thickened, growing cold and charged with tension. Mirror Naruto stood there, watching as a vortex of inky shadows burst forth, accented by a macabre dance of feathers. One lone feather, dark as spilled blood, fluttered menacingly in the eye of the storm. Another feather, luminous as if dipped in liquid gold, flickered ethereally amidst the blackness. Yet most lay concealed, lost in the abyss. The wind shrieked, a wailing banshee of a gale, ceaselessly spiraling, trapping the duelists in its clutches.
Naruto's eyes narrowed as he raised an arm, shielding himself from the savage tempest. Across from him, his doppelganger was undeterred, methodically plotting his next move.
"Then I summon Blackwing - Breeze the Zephyr from my hand to the field!"
Blackwing - Breeze the Zephyr DARK LV 3 Winged Beast ATK: 1100
He had summoned forth a bird unlike any other. Its face, though bearing the likeness of a bird, held a hint of humanity, an uncanny resemblance akin to the legendary harpies of myth— as if plucked from the very depths of a fairy tale forest.
"Per Black Whirlwind's effect!" A single feather floated to Mirror Naruto's hand, materializing into a Duel Monster card. "If I Normal Summoned a monster, I can add from my Deck to my Hand a Blackwing Monster whose Attack Points is lower! I will add Blackwing - Gladius the Midnight Sun!"
Naruto narrowed his eyes. He could tell what was coming next.
"If the only monster I control is a Blackwing monster, I can Special Summon Blackwing- Gladius the Midnight Sun from my Hand!"
Blackwing - Gladius the Midnight Sun DARK LV 3 Winged-Beast ATK: 800
He's got two Level 3 monsters—this can only mean an Xyz Summon! Naruto thought to himself.
But then, something Naruto didn't expect happened. "I shall tune the Level 3 Blackwing-Gladius the Midnight Sun with the Level 3 Blackwing-Breeze the Zephyr! Synchro Summon!"
"What?!" Naruto gasped in shock.
"Rise from the darkness and take flight! Appear, Level 6 Blackwing - Nothung the Starlight!"
Materializing from a beam of light was yet another abomination—a grotesque fusion of humans and vultures. It donned an eccentric vest, cropped in such a way as to reveal an abdomen cut from stone, every muscle and tendon honed to lethal precision. In its taloned grip, it held a sword as menacing as it was peculiar, its edge gleaming with an ominous light. From its back sprang wings of impenetrable black, unfurling to reveal a majestic span that could only inspire a chilling dread.
The doppelganger quickly pointed a finger straight at Naruto. "And know this—upon Nothung the Starlight's successful summoning, you will take 800 points of direct damage!"
With scarcely a moment's hesitation, the winged warrior brandished its dark blade. From it erupted a crescent wave of shadowy energy, that rend through the ground like a massive shark fin. The attack collided with Naruto with no resistance. In an instant, searing pain flooded through him, dragging him to his knees as his Life Points plummeted as well.
Naruto's LP: 4000→3200
"Tch… This deck, it's very similar to my own," Naruto mused, an uneasy realization settling over him. He might have doubted it at first. But now it felt like he was fighting a version of himself from a different world. From the way his deck could easily swarm the field to their ability to inflict effect damage. This was going to be a tough fight for sure.
Seizing the moment, Naruto acted. "Since I've taken damage, this allows me to Special Summon from my hand!" With a flourish, he flicked a card from his grasp and slammed it onto his D-Pad. "Rise, Raidraptor—Avenge Vulture!"
Raidraptor - Avenge Vulture DARK Level 4 Winged-Beast/Effect ATK: 1700
Across the field, his mirrored adversary offered a knowing smirk. "Now that's more like it! I'll set two cards facedown and end my turn!"
Mirror Naruto observed the strain etched across the real Naruto's face. He cocked his head to the side, a playful smile on his lips.
"Why so serious?" Mirror Naruto asked his voice light and teasing. "Duels should be fun, you know? Isn't this the thrill that we've been looking for? The pounding of our heart when we get cornered. The uncertainty as we drew our final card against impossible odds!"
"Quiet!" Naruto shot back as he drew a card.
T2 Naruto H:4-5 LP: 3200
"I will Normal Summon Raidraptor—Skull Eagle! And since all the monsters under my control are Raidraptors, I can Special Summon Raidraptor—Heel Eagle from my hand to join the fray!"
Raidraptor-Skull Eagle DARK LV 3 Winged-Beast ATK: 1000
Raidraptor -Heel Eagle DARK LV 3 Winged-Beast ATK: 700
Without needing instruction, the avian beasts took their positions, lining up in a formidable formation across Naruto's field.
"And now, I activate the spell card, Raidraptor—Sanctuary! With three or more Raidraptors under my command, I can draw two additional cards!"
His fingers danced over his deck as two new cards flew into his hand. Naruto peeked at what he just drew.
"Next, I activate the Continuous Spell: Raidraptor—Nest! When two or more of my Raidraptor monsters are on the field, I can add another from either my deck or graveyard. I will add Raiders' Wing from my Deck to my Hand!"
A spell card materialized, depicting two luminous birds circling around a bird's nest.
"Then, as I have a Continuous Spell on the Field, I can Special Summon Shadow Puffin from my hand!"
Popping onto the field was a curious creature—a penguin colored in all black. It looked like a shadow silhouette.
Shadow Puffin DARK LV 4 Winged-Beast ATK: 1000
"Then as I summoned a Winged-Beast monster, I can Normal Summon Simorgh, Bird of Perfection from my hand to the Field!"
Simorgh, Bird of Perfection DARK Winged-Beast LV 4 ATK: 1800
His reflection—Mirror Naruto—pumped his fist in excitement. "Yes! That's the spirit! Your deck is singing now!" His eyes swept over the diverse assembly of avian creatures, a jubilant grin spreading across his face. "A sky full of birds; it's like something straight out of my wildest dreams!"
Naruto chose to not entertain him. "Xyz Summon! I overlay the Level 4 Avenge Vulture and Shadow Puffin!"
The two monsters dove into a spiraling galaxy-like portal that had opened up on the ground.
"Appear, No.50 Blackship of Corn*!"
Amidst the roiling waters of the tempestuous sea, a pirate ship emerged, its dark sails billowing against the stormy skies. The ominous vessel, christened the "Blackship," bore a foreboding sight upon its sails - the number 50, a symbol of notoriety etched in blood-red hues.
As the tempest raged around it, the ship's hull stood tall and proud, adorned with a menacing array of weaponry. But the most formidable among them all was the gargantuan cannon that perched like a sleeping dragon upon the ship's bow.
Yet, despite its fearsome appearance, there was something odd about the ship's design. The body of the ship was shaped akin to the cob of corn, giving it a hint of a cartoonish edge.
No. 50 Blackship of Corn R4 ATK: 2100 Xyz Material: 2
"I activate Blackship of Corn's effect! By detaching 1 Xyz Unit, I can destroy Nothung and inflict damage to you equal to its Attack!"
"Not so fast!" Crow shouted. "I activate Black Feather Cursed Guard!" Crow said as a Trap Card flipped up on his field. "With this, I will negate Blackship of Corn's effect!"
A strange emblem appeared in front of Nothung, absorbing the Blackship's cannon fire.
But Naruto's resolve was unshakable. "I activate Raiders' Wing's effect from my hand. By detaching 1 Xyz Material from Blackship, I can Special Summon it to the field! Then, I will overlay the Level 4 Raiders' Wing and the Level 4 Simorgh of Perfection!"
Raiders' Wing LV 4 ATK: 0
"Formed from pitch-black darkness, to fight those foolish enough to oppose it with its treacherous fangs!"
From a cloudy void, a dark bident tail flickered to the sound and flash of lightning. The creature tightened its three-clawed arm, as electricity arched its way across its irregular wings. Its eyes shone with a golden light as it raised its head to the voice of its master, the curved blade attached to its jaw surged with a silver glint.
"Now, descend! Xyz Summon! Appear! Rank 4! Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon!"
Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon DARK R4 Dragon/Effect/Xyz ATK: 2500 Xyz Materials: 2
"I will activate Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon's effect! By detaching 2 Xyz Materials, I will absorb half of Nothung's Attack Points! Go, Treason Discharge!"
Lightning shot from Dark Rebellion's wings and quickly brought Nothung to his knees.
Nothung's ATK: 2400→1200
"I then banish Shadow Puffin from my Graveyard and use its effect on Dark Rebellion." A strange bird shaped shadow extended from the Blackship of Corn until it connected with Dark Rebellion's shadow. " Until the end of the turn, I can change Dark Rebellion's name to Number 50 Blackship of Corn until the end of this turn!"
"Then, I will overlay the Level 3 Heel Eagle and the Level 3 Skull Eagle! Xyz Summon! Appear! Number 75 Bamboozling Gossip Shadow!"
Emerging from the void, a figure of shadow and enigma presents itself. A creature, shrouded in jet-black, a silhouette of chaos and formlessness. With sharp, fragmented shards orbiting its frame, it appears as if reality itself crumbles and disintegrates in its presence.
No.75 Bamboozling Gossip Shadow WIND Spellcaster/Effect/Xyz R3 ATK: 1000 Xyz Materials: 2
Naruto continued his combo. "I activate Xyz Treasure! I will draw one card for each Xyz Monster on the field! As there are three, I will draw 3 cards!"
A fierce light blazed within Naruto's eyes. "The effect of Gossip Shadow activates! I can attach this card along with all of its materials to a Numbers card on my field. I will pick Dark Rebellion, whose name is now changed to "Number 50: Blackship of Corn"!"
Gossip Shadow transformed into a dark smoke that erupted towards the skies, spiraling towards the already intimidating form of Dark Rebellion, imbuing it with an even darker aura.
Mirrored Naruto's eyes widened in realization. "So you've gained three extra materials—that means—"
"Exactly," Naruto interrupted, "Dark Rebellion's effect isn't limited to once per turn! By detaching two Xyz Materials, I can activate its ability again! I'll halve Nothung's Attack Points!"
Energies converged around Dark Rebellion, its form pulsing with an even more menacing radiance. Its fangs seemed to elongate, hungry for the life force it was about to sap.
Dark Rebellion
ATK: 3700 → 4300
Nothung
ATK: 1200 → 600
"And let's not forget," Naruto continued, "since Raidraptor - Skull Eagle was detached as material, I can banish it to add Raidraptor - Sanctuary back to my hand!"
"What a nasty set of combo…" Mirrored Naruto murmured, a smile still adorning his face, though it now was notably more nervous than before.
"It's time to battle! I will attack Nothung with my Dark Rebellion whose name has been changed to No. 50 Blackship of Corn!"
"Not so fast!" Mirror Naruto said as he flipped up another one of his trap cards. "I activate Black Wing! I will banish Breeze the Zephyr from my Graveyard! This turn, the attacks of your monsters with 2000 or more attacks are all negated!"
Naruto scowled."So no matter how many times I attack, I won't be able to deal a lick of damage…"
He glanced at his hand. "I will set 2 cards and end my turn!" Naruto said reluctantly.
"My turn!" Mirror Naruto shouted enthusiastically. He grinned at the card in his hand. "Watch me as I make the comeback of the millenium! First, I will Normal Summon Blackwing- Gale the Whirlwind!"
Blackwing-Gale the Whirlwind DARK Winged-Beast LV3 ATK: 1300
"At this time, Black Whirlwind's effect activates! I can add one Blackwing monster from my Deck with lower Attack Points than Gale! I will add Blackwing- Blizzard the Far North!"
Naruto scowled. Black Whirlwind's effect was similar to his Raidraptor-Nest in some ways.
Without missing a beat, another card hit the D-Pad with a decisive click, "Blackwing-Nothung's effect activates. Once per turn, I can perform an additional Normal Summon! I will Normal Summon Blackwing-Blizzard the Far North! Then, Black Whirlwind's effect activates again! I will add Blackwing- Sharnga the Waning Moon to hand!"
Naruto's brow furrowed, his pulse racing as he watched his doppleganger unleash move after move.
"Finally," Mirror Naruto grinned. "Blizzard the Far North's ability kicks in! I can revive Blackwing-Gladius the Midnight Sun to the field!"
"I will tune the Level 2 Blizzard the Far North with the Level 3 Gladius the Midnight Sun! Synchro Summon! Appear, Level 5 Blackwing-Gram the Shining Star!"
Blackwing-Gram the Shining Star DARK LV 5 Winged-Beast/Effect/Synchro ATK: 2200
"Then, if a monster with 2000 or more Attack Points is on the field, I can Special Summon Blackwing-Sharnga the Waning Moon from my hand to the field!"
Blackwing-Sharnga the Waning Moon DARK LV 2 Winged-Beast/Effect ATK: 500
"I will tune the Level 2 Blackwing-Sharnga the Waning Moon with the Level 5 Blackwing-Gram the Shining Star! Synchro Summon! Appear, Level 7 Blackwing Tamer-Obsidian Hawk Joe!"
In the dwindling glow of the Summoning's aftermath, there stood Blackwing Tamer-Obsidian Hawk Joe. His armor was a sliver of dawn, a golden radiance that stood out against the blackened whirlwind that surrounded the battlefield. His wings, as dark as the evening sky, stretched out behind him, each feather a whisper of the fierce gales they could summon. Adorned atop his head was a tribal headdress, a fiery crown of crimson. His stance, noble and unyielding, bore the majesty of an ancestral chieftain. Guarding his left shoulder, a piece of armor curved and pointed, mimicking the noble arc of a bird's proud beak. His right hand, a claw formidable as the talons of the mightiest of birds, ready to rend through the opposition, while his left hand, flesh and bone, clenched tight—a remnant of his human spirit.
Blackwing Tamer-Obsidian Hawk Joe DARK LV 7 Winged-Beast/Effect/Synchro ATK: 2600
"I will now banish Blackwing-Sharnga the Waning Moon from my Graveyard to activate its effect!" Mirror Naruto said. "As I control a Blackwing Synchro monster, I can destroy one card you control. I will destroy No.50 Blackship of Corn!"
The ghostly spirit of Sharnga shot out of Mirror Naruto's Graveyard, and crashed right into Number 50.
Naruto winced as his Blackship shattered into pieces.
"I'm still not done yet!" Mirror Naruto said as he held out a Spell Card. "I activate Harmonic Waves! I will use this to make Nothung a Level 4 monster until the end of this turn!"
Blackwing-Nothung the Starlight LV 6→4
"I will now tune the Level 3 Blackwing-Gale the Whirlwind with the Level 4 Blackwing-Nothung the Starlight!"
"Spread your jet-black wings, and storm forth in tandem with the roaring thunder! A slash of lightning! Synchro Summon! Cascade, Assault Black Feather - Raikiri the Rain Shower!"
From the swirling mists of the battleground, Assault Black Feather - Raikiri the Rain Shower takes form. One wing, a sprawling canvas of darkness, no less intimidating than his brethren. The other wing was a marvel of craftsmanship, a mechanical wonder with feathers lined like an arsenal of blades, each one a silvered edge gleaming with lethal intent.
Adorned in armor that captures the indigo of a twilight horizon, it stands resolute, a warrior amidst the swirling winds. The vibrant purples and hints of electric blues that accent its battle gear are like the fleeting beauty of lightning across a night sky, fierce and fleeting. In its grasp, a blade hums with the pent-up force of a thousand storms, eager to strike with the swiftness and precision of a thunderbolt.
Assault Blackwing-Raikiri the Rain Shower DARK LV 7 Winged-Beast/Effect/Synchro ATK: 2600
"At this time, Blackwing Tamer-Obsidian Hawk Joe's effect kicks in!" Mirror Naruto shouted. "He allows me to revive Blackwing-Nothung the Starlight in my Graveyard!"
With a wave of his hands, Hawk Joe brought Nothung back from the dead.
Blackwing-Nothung the Starlight LV 7 ATK: 2600
"Then, as Nothung the Starlight is Special Summoned successfully, I can inflict 800 points of damage to you!"
Naruto winced as yet another flying sword projectile cleaved through him.
Naruto's LP: 3200→2400
"And I'm pretty sure you know what will happen next! That's right, Dark Rebellion's Attack Points will drop by another 800 points!"
Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon DARK R4 Dragon/Xyz/Effect ATK: 2150→1350
A wide grin played on Mirror Naruto's lips, his eyes glinting with a joyous spark as he faced his original counterpart. "Don't you think this is amazing?" he asked.
With a slow, deliberate motion, he swept his arm to present the formidable trio of Synchro monsters that flanked him. Their eyes, reflective of their master's intent, bore down on Naruto with a silent challenge.
"The fun is just getting started!"
Luna's gaze was fixed on the doppleganger before her. It was like staring right into a mirror. Her reflection, an uncanny mimic of her own appearance, met her eyes with a depth that was unsettling.
"I know what's running through your mind, Luna," her double spoke. "Better than anyone else could. And I swear, I'll stop you right here, right now."
There was a steely determination in the double's eyes as she reached for her D-Pad, her movements mirroring Luna's own with eerie precision. The device came to life in her hand, its screen glowing with threat.
Luna didn't flinch. A spark of defiance lit up her eyes, and a smirk tugged at the corner of her mouth. "I'd like to see you try," she retorted confidently.
A/N: Thank you guys for all the reviews/favs/follows. To answer your question, Naruto will definitely be playing the Rank 13 Birb God in the future.