"Regarding the upcoming battle with Doma, I have a little idea," Youyu made a request. "If possible, can I join Industrial Illusions Society's plans?"
Tenma Yako stared at Youyu for a moment, his eyes showing neither joy nor sorrow, as if he was trying to see through his thoughts.
Then he gently closed his eyes and let out a long sigh.
"Duel King Youyu, Mr. Pegasus has watched your duels... Especially the one at the top of the Dueling Tower when you contested for the Duel King title against Muto Yugi," Yako said slowly. "Mr. Pegasus has watched that match many times."
Youyu said nothing.
"Perhaps because he once dueled against Muto Yugi, he has some understanding of Yugi's strength and style. According to Mr. Pegasus's evaluation, he always liked to tell us Yugi is the strongest Duelist he's ever met.
With a deep bond with his card deck, an incredible ability to control the situation of a duel, and always able to win from seemingly impossible situations, he's a ridiculous Duelist."
Yugi inwardly: That is true indeed! The other me is indeed strong!
Dark Yugi: That's because I have you, AIBO. Without you, I could never hold on alone.
(A daily commercial exchange to maintain goodwill)
"But Youyu, Pegasus said you are different from other Duelists he has seen," Yako said. "He said your dueling is 'calculated.' Like an excellent chess player who considers many moves ahead right from the first step, your calculations and combinations always seem impeccable.
And not only that. From your choice of cards and some tactical combinations, he can see something different from others."
Several players who heard this perked up their ears.
Pegasus actually said this?
No wonder it's our Youyu-san!
Even Youyu himself was somewhat surprised.
Wow, such flattery?
Such reputation comes effortlessly. With millions of viewers in Yue Hua's channel hearing this, some folks already rushed to the forums to post first-hand news.
The title opening with Raigeki: Breaking! Father of Duel Monsters Pegasus acknowledges Youyu as the world's strongest Duelist! Reliable news!
These days, such straightforward, forthright headlines are rarely seen.
"I've heard that my brother, the one called the 'Perfect Duelist,' Gekko, lost to you too," Yako continued. "According to the message he sent back, he lost with absolute conviction; it was a complete and utter defeat.
With his word, even if there are those within Industrial Illusions Society who are dissatisfied with you as Duel King, they probably have nothing to say."
Youyu: "..."
Bro, slow down a bit. You're putting on all the prestige for me, so what am I supposed to do?
"Actually, originally, according to brother Gekko's instructions, he said if you were interested in joining, I could consider giving you part of the command in the upcoming battle…"
Youyu asked curiously, "Did that Gekko really say that?"
"Ah, yes." Yako said lightly, "But now the fact is this. You have already gained recognition from my brother, the so-called 'Perfect Duelist,' Tenma Gekko. You have also gained the acknowledgement of the president and our adoptive father, Mr. Pegasus...
... But very unfortunately, they are not here now. The only helmsman left at Industrial Illusions Society headquarters is me, Tenma Yako."
Youyu vaguely sensed something: "So...?"
"So next, this is a personal request from me."
As Yako spoke, he had already walked to a corner of the room, and somehow pulled out a Duel Disc from somewhere and wore it on his hand.
"Let's duel." He said lightly, "If you can defeat me, then not only am I willing to follow my brother's instructions and let you join our battle, I am also willing to transfer the highest command of Industrial Illusions Society to you, and the entire Industrial Illusions Society will be at your disposal."
After a pause, he added, "Of course, you can also view this as my challenge to the Duel King."
Even before Youyu, the person involved, could respond, Kaiba sneered: "Hmph, know your own limits. Since that's the case, see for yourself the gap between you and a true strong challenger."
Honda: "Are they preparing to duel here?"
Jonouchi: "Oh! Seems like things have gotten interesting!"
This fully reflects the mindset of onlookers in this world — as long as there's a card game, whether participating or watching from the front row, everyone gets inexplicably excited.
Youyu thought, can't you all calm down a bit? I haven't even agreed yet...
... But of course, this duel seems inevitable.
"Alright." Youyu turned his head, "Then I accept this duel."
The space of the collection room was narrow, naturally unsuitable for a duel. So everyone then followed Tenma Yako to the special dueling area inside the Industrial Illusions Society building.
Both sides stood on either side of the arena, each activating their Duel Discs.
"Duel!" x2
[Tenma Yako, LP 4000]
[Youyu, LP 4000]
"I'll go first, draw a card." Tenma Yako said, "I'll first use 'Pot of Greed' to draw two cards. Then I'll set a monster face-down from my hand onto the field. After that, I'll set three Set Cards and end my turn."
"My turn." Youyu drew a card and then revealed one from his hand, "I activate the Magic Card 'Graceful Charity,' to draw three cards from the deck and then discard two to the graveyard.
Next, I summon 'Elemental Hero Sparkman!'
It had been a long time since the initial appearance of Elemental Hero Sparkman, who leapt onto the field and unleashed a burst of electricity, striking a cool pose before quickly exiting as cannon fodder, ensuring he didn't lose out on style.
[Elemental Hero Sparkman, Attack 1600]
"Next, the effect of 'Magicians' Souls' from my hand," Youyu continued, revealing a second card from his hand, "By sending a Level 6 or higher Spellcaster-Type Monster from the deck to the graveyard, then sending this card to the graveyard, I can revive the 'Dark Magician' or 'Dark Magician Girl' from the graveyard!
I send the 'Dark Magician' from the deck and 'Magicians' Souls' from my hand to the graveyard, and Special Summon the 'Dark Magician!' "
The two cards were sent to the Duel Disc's graveyard zone, and soon a pitch-black magic array appeared on the ground. A green Magic Staff flew out, followed by a red-robed, white-haired magician who flew with the guidance of that Magic Staff, which spun in mid-air before returning to his hand.
[Dark Magician, Attack 2500]
"As expected, as formidable as always, Youyu," Jonouchi said from the side, "Setting up like this on the first turn..."
"First, I'll have Dark Magician attack!" Youyu declared, "Destroy the opponent's Defense Position Monster!"
Because the monster was face-down, its defense was unknown. Many Level 4 and below monsters have defense higher than Sparkman's attack, so Youyu prudently chose to attack with Dark Magician first.
Dark Magician leapt up, swinging his staff, unleashing a magical wave transformed into an orb, blasting the covered monster card as if it was a cannonball.
The card flipped, its 3D image transforming into a monstrous, grotesque rat with sharp teeth. It shrieked sharply before being shattered to pieces by Dark Magician's cannonball and disappearing from the field.
[Giant Rat, Defense 1450]
"Giant Rat's effect." Tenma Yako said calmly, pulling out his deck, "When destroyed in battle, I can Special Summon a Earth Attribute Monster with 1500 or less Attack from the deck in Attack Position."
Youyu frowned slightly.
A Last Will Monster, preparing for the next turn's play?
So usually now, he should Special Summon a second 'Giant Rat' from the deck...
Yako coolly took out his deck: "I activate 'Giant Rat's ability, and Special Summon a monster from the deck."
He said, his gaze moving down, swiftly finding what he needed from the spread-out deck cards.
"Next, the monster I'll summon is this guy..."
Tenma Yako found a card and slapped it onto the Duel Disc.
"Special Summon from the deck in Attack Position...
... Leo Wizard!"
Youyu: "???"