Yuki Judai said with unwavering fighting spirit,
"It's just you? Don't make me laugh!"
Tsukada Junko couldn't help but burst into laughter.
...
Meanwhile, deep within the mountains behind Duel Academy, Titan—one of the infamous Seven Stars assassins—had already arrived.
Staring at the ancient scroll glowing beneath the golden rift in the sky, he stood speechless.
"Elementary school students are making the list now?"
"If the Duel King Golden List hadn't revealed it, who would've believed such unbelievable duelists existed?"
"There are so many duelists across the top regions... yet some of them are being outclassed by children?"
Ever since the Golden List's exposure, it had become increasingly difficult to maintain the credibility of an assassin organization.
Thankfully, the duelist he was tracking—Yuki Judai—had yet to appear on the list.
That was, perhaps, his only stroke of luck.
...
Inside a helicopter:
"Elementary school student?"
"Ugh! Don't tell me even kids are stronger than me now?" Jonouchi Katsuya grumbled, clearly disheartened.
Ranking forty-third was hard to accept.
"This kid is probably stronger than most of us," You Feng replied with a shrug.
"What? You Feng, you know him too?" Mazaki Anzu blinked in surprise. Why did You Feng seem to know so many of the list's duelists?
"Uh… just a guess," You Feng replied, realizing he'd let slip too much again.
"You Feng, enough with the mystery! Just admit it—you're a student from Southern Duel Academy!" Jonouchi suddenly exclaimed, narrowing his eyes.
"..." You Feng remained silent.
There was no need to explain too much to Jonouchi—he'd only understand through experience.
If this followed the anime's development, a fully powered-up Jonouchi would dominate Southern Duel Academy duelists.
But for now, he was still rough around the edges, and with his incomplete deck, it was possible for several academy students to defeat him.
[Duel King Golden List – Rank 42 in Overall Strength]
[Keith Howard]
[Alias: "Bandit Keith." All-American Champion. Known for his underhanded tactics and high-speed dueling in Eastern Tokuyoshi.]
[Signature Card: Desperado Barrel Dragon]
[Strength Attributes – Pressure: 75 | Interference Resistance: 60 | Luck: 71 | Deck Construction: 64 | Defense: 65 | Strategy: 68]
[Total Power Score: 403]
[Reward: +7 Interference Resistance | New Monster Card: Three Electroplated Soldiers]
"Whoa! That's the fourth duelist from Eastern Tokuyoshi to make the list!"
"This is getting ridiculous. Southern Duel Academy was dominating yesterday, now it's Tokuyoshi City?"
"But every Tokuyoshi duelist so far has relied on shady tactics!"
"Heh, four duelists from Tokuyoshi already. Unreal."
In the Tokuyoshi region, a man in a bandana bearing the American flag, dark sunglasses, and a blue denim jacket scoffed.
His gravelly voice muttered, "Damn that Duel King Golden List, exposing all my tricks!"
"Heh… but I guess it proves how strong I really am if even the list can't ignore me."
...
Northern Satellite Region.
ZONE gazed at the massive golden scroll in the sky. The glow of the Duel King Golden List was overwhelming.
"Luciano, Placido, Jose…"
"It's time to add more chaos to this world."
"If these top duelists aren't eliminated soon, our mission will be compromised."
"I'll take care of the duelists here. You three—head to Tokuyoshi and Southern Duel Academy."
"Don't disappoint me."
ZONE's voice echoed.
Three silhouettes stood silently—clones of the same origin.
...
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---
[Duel King Golden List – Rank 41 in Overall Strength – Public Reveal]
Crow Hogan looked at the glowing golden list and sighed.
"This is frustrating… only one of us from the Satellite region?"
"Are we really that weak?"
"Better call Yusei and talk it over."
He noticed unrest among nearby duelists—frustration and doubt spreading.
Without hesitation, Crow dialed Fudo Yusei's number.
"Yo, Yusei! Long time no see!"
"Crow? Didn't expect a call from you," Yusei responded, mildly surprised.
"Yusei, have you seen the Golden List?"
"This ranking is serious. Duelists from Tokuyoshi and the Southern Academy are miles ahead of us."
"Satellite duelists are already talking about leaving to train. Maybe we should do the same."
"How about it? You and me—we hit the road and face the best."
Crow's tone was resolute.
"Sounds good," Yusei replied. "Their techniques differ from ours. We can't break new ground unless we face them."
Yusei smiled. Crow's plan matched his own thoughts perfectly.
"Nice! So where to first?" Crow asked.
"Let's start with Eastern Tokuyoshi," Yusei said, eyes fixed on the list above.
...
Osiris Red Dormitory
"That's already the fourth duelist from Tokuyoshi!" a voice said softly behind Tenjoin Asuka.
She turned around to see Ryo Marufuji, the very one they'd been discussing.
"Yes, it's impressive. Tokuyoshi's reputation seems well-earned," Asuka replied, feeling the pressure mount.
...
In Tokuyoshi City
"Master Kaiba! We've confirmed Keith Howard is active in Doshino City. He's with a local biker gang."
Isano handed Kaiba Seto a list of the current rankings.
Kaiba had just returned from the rooftop, list in hand. His eyes narrowed as he crumpled it into a ball.
"These bottom-feeders made the list… and I haven't?"
Not having his name announced yet clearly irritated Kaiba.
The Golden List wasn't just an announcement—it was shaking the very foundation of every duelist's pride.
...
"So many strong duelists from Tokuyoshi! Heh… impressive," Jonouchi admitted grudgingly.
"Don't get cocky," You Feng replied calmly. "Once the city-wide duel war begins, whoever loses from Tokuyoshi is going to be humiliated."
"...?" Jonouchi immediately deflated, suspecting You Feng had insulted him.
"To be honest… I'm worried I won't make the list," said Yugi, voice low.
"You…" You Feng paused. Yugi's early strength hadn't been fully revealed yet.
Later, due to plot twists, he'd win multiple pivotal duels—but right now, it was difficult to gauge his true potential.
At least for now… You Feng couldn't be sure.