Youyu was playing cards with the Grand General in the Spirit Realm, while in reality, everyone continued to move forward.
After the final battle at the Paradise Building, the entire building collapsed with a rumble beneath everyone's feet. It was only then that they realized the appearance of this modern building was entirely a disguise applied by magic, and its true form was an ancient temple-style architecture. It had stood tall in the middle of the city for many years, yet no one ever suspected anything was amiss.
Unfortunately, at the time of the collapse, Kaiba, Rafael, Yugi, and Yugi's friends were all on the rooftop.
The ever-loyal Izono uncle arrived just in time with a helicopter to rescue them, urging the President to quickly get on and escape.
However, Rafael uncle accidentally fell through a crack in the rooftop, hanging there by one hand.
While the others hurried onto the helicopter to escape, only Yugi refused to abandon him, trying desperately to pull the redeemed uncle aboard by reaching for Rafael's hand from the edge of the rooftop. Unfortunately, Yugi's hand was just slightly too short to reach...
As the rooftop crumbled bit by bit and the building was on the verge of complete collapse, Yugi remained on the edge, stretching his hand, unwilling to give up.
He wasn't leaving, and awkwardly, if Yugi didn't leave, neither would the President. Kaiba just stood there with a cool pose, arms crossed, allowing the helicopter's gusts to tousle his hair and the hem of his coat.
Almost as if he intended to stay there with Yugi, dying together...
But he was President Kaiba, and if he didn't leave, the employees behind him suffered as well.
The pilot was so nervous he was sweating on the controls, but without the President aboard, he dared not take off. In the cabin, a group of men in black suits was jumping anxiously, yet no one dared remind the President, suggesting that surely there were other fish in the sea, so why die with Muto Yugi...
Ultimately, it was invincible Izono who stepped forward. Even though the uncle, known for staying calm in front of "Mount Tai collapsing," seemed somewhat uneasy in this situation, he made his way to the President's side, treading on a rooftop losing bricks with every step, and pushed up his sunglasses.
"President, perhaps we should leave. I'm afraid things will get ugly if we stay any longer..."
In the end, Yugi couldn't save Rafael. Feeling it was the end for him, Rafael asked Yugi to defeat Dartz and crush Doma's plot. Then he let go and fell from the building, disappearing without a trace.
Though deeply unwilling, Yugi eventually had to give up on him.
Seeing Yugi relent, President Kaiba flipped his coat stylishly, and the two of them turned to board the helicopter, escaping just in time before the building collapsed.
It seemed as long as Yugi wouldn't leave, the President might actually be planning to stay there to the bitter end with him...
"Rafael..." Yugi looked at the crumbling ruins below with a somber expression, apparently disheartened over being unable to save the newly redeemed Duel Master.
Kaiba stayed silent, his expression equally grim. But it wasn't Rafael he was thinking about—someone with whom he shared no connection—he was thinking about Youyu...
"Did that Youyu get defeated... No way?"
When Jonouchi, who had caught up later, heard the news, he found it hard to believe as well.
"That's Youyu! One of the strongest Duelists alongside Yugi, known as the Duel King..."
Yugi spoke in a low voice, "Perhaps Dartz's methods are beyond what we imagined..."
"Hmph, just some guy engaging in supernatural tricks, making unsubstantiated boasts!" Kaiba coldly interrupted, "Unless I see it with my own eyes, I won't believe it!"
Everyone was taken aback for a moment, and even the heavy, solemn atmosphere in the cabin seemed dispersed by his spirited tone.
Yugi closed his eyes and smiled lightly.
"...That's true. It's merely Dartz's one-sided claim. Concluding so hastily would indeed be rash."
"Exactly, Youyu isn't a Duelist that's easily defeated!" Jonouchi chimed in, "Maybe he's already made his way to Doma Headquarters by some special method to wait for us there!"
He sneaked a peek at Kaiba, "Hey, Kaiba, you actually said something good for once!"
Kaiba snorted proudly, ignoring him.
By now, it's certain that Rafael claimed Yugi's first blood; it was confirmed, and Kaiba had undoubtedly lost hope.
But now you're telling the President that just moments ago, Youyu also got taken down by someone else?
And right under Kaiba Seto's nose?
The President found this hard to believe, unacceptable!
The good news was that they now had the true target: Doma Headquarters and Dartz's location.
So the President directly ordered Izono—to proceed at full speed! We're going to raid Dartz's lair!
For the sake of his own livelihood, Izono uncle agreed without batting an eye. However, in reality, Izono uncle also found it quite a hassle.
As they say, when deities fight, mortals suffer. Now, a team of chosen Heroes was about to challenge the world-ending Evil God, and Izono uncle was just a bodyguard working for his keep.
The boss had decided without hesitation to involve him in taking on the Evil God, but Izono uncle had nowhere to voice his woes...
However, they did encounter a small incident on the way. Their helicopter was intercepted by a carrier and its attached fleet mid-flight.
At first, they thought the incoming was hostile, but unexpectedly, after landing on the carrier, the captain acted as if he had seen a savior, greeting them warmly.
Only then did they learn that Doma had already taken control of the world's armies.
Now, the world's leaders were aware of Doma's scheme, but due to Dartz's manipulations behind the scenes, even with looming destruction, no country could send a single soldier against Doma.
In such times, the power of a Dark Game in the world becomes evident, easily accomplishing feats that sound incredible.
Clearly, Dartz was an embodiment of such power.
The captain expressed his admiration and condolences to the Heroes, clearly stating that even though it was embarrassing, the fate of the world now rested in the hands of a few individuals.
You must win this card game, or all of humanity will be doomed...
Jonouchi patted his chest and assured them not to worry, that while he couldn't guarantee other things, when it came to card games, they had absolute confidence.
"By the way, although it's off-topic, I have a small personal request." The captain said, taking out a photo.
Yugi took the photo, finding it to be of a young blond boy, still with a hint of childish innocence.
"This is my son; he's a fan of Duel Monsters." The captain smiled sheepishly, "If possible, I hope to get your autograph for him."
Yugi naturally agreed to this request generously.
Jonouchi leaned in, "What about me, what about me?"
The captain seemed a bit awkward, "You are...?"
Jonouchi's confidence was hit, "It's me! The top eight of Duel City..."
"Oh... oh! I remember!" The captain clapped his forehead, "You're the one who plays with dice..."
Jonouchi: "*&@%#"
So, as part of the top eight in Duel City, I'm remembered by the global audience as the dice player!?
Kaiba, with arms crossed, "Hmph, at least leaving an impression is more than nothing... for a Normal Monster."
Jonouchi rolled his eyes at him.
People asked for Yugi's autograph, not yours, Kaiba, what are you smug about?
Just as he thought this, he noticed the captain taking out a card, obviously a cherished one, and handing it to Kaiba, "President Seto..."
Jonouchi was instantly irritated.
This is blatant disdain, right?
Why doesn't anyone want my autograph? I'm supposed to be a star player, after all?
Kaiba snorted disdainfully, yet his nostrils almost pointed skyward.
Take a good look; this is the chasm between you and someone like me, a Normal Monster!
He took the card and saw it was a prototype from Industrial Illusions Society, a yet-to-be-released "Elemental Hero Featherman."
The President suddenly had an ominous feeling...
"I noticed that Hero King Youyu doesn't seem to be here. I heard that he's one of your men, President?" The captain grinned, "To be honest, my kid is actually Youyu's number one fan, always shouting about wanting to be a Hero at home. If possible, we hope to get Youyu's autograph too..."
The smile vanished from President Kaiba's face, while a grin appeared on Jonouchi's.
Jonouchi mentally gloated: Ha ha ha Kaiba, even you have days like this!