(Flashback end)
And a beautiful relationship between teacher and student it has become. Stardust has taught Odd-Eyes greatly as he was no longer hunted by his past, and has instead accepted it and has moved on. Stardust has even given him permission to come to the island whenever he wanted. Even their friendship has grown largely as Odd-Eyes called Stardust his master, even though the Signer Dragon told him it was not necessary.
Odd-Eyes have met all the other Duel Spirits of the island, including Nightingale's fellow Lyrilusc sisters and the Windwitches. Windwitch – Winter Bell, just like how Rin teased Lulu and Yuya, teased Nightingale and Odd-Eyes about liking each other. The two would always blush at her teasing, while Stardust would always burst out laughing. Over time, Odd-Eyes and Nightingale got used to Winter Bell's teasing, but would still get embarrassed about it as they always blushed.
A month has passed since Stardust and Odd-Eyes had met, and it has lead to here. "Is everything alright Odd-Eyes?" Stardust questioned his student as he turned to look back at the starlight city and forest. "Of course. Why do you ask?" The younger dragon answered his teacher as he walked up behind the taller dragon and looked down at the starlight city. "You visited yesterday. Normally, you'd rest as in your words, 'it's such a pain in the neck to run across water', correct?" Stardust said with an amused smirk on his face, getting Odd-Eyes to groan at his master memorizing his words.
Odd-Eyes lifted his head and looked up at his master with concern visible in his eyes. "I feel as if something will happen today. Something that will change history". The Dragon-type monster confessed to his master, getting Stardust Dragon to look over his left shoulder to look at his student. "A premonition". The Signer Dragon stated, getting a confused look from his student.
"A premonition?" Odd-Eyes said in confusion, having never heard of that word before, also getting Stardust to sweat drop. "It means you have a strong feeling that something is about to happen. It is commonly known that something bad will happen, but perhaps we can take advantage of it". Stardust Dragon explained to his student the meaning of the word 'premonition', receiving a slightly concerned look from him.
"You don't think one of my siblings is here, do you?" Odd-Eyes questioned his master in concern, not ready yet to face them. "No, they're not here yet. I haven't sense any dimensional disturbances". The Synchro Monster reassured his student, getting the younger dragon to sigh in relief. "But perhaps whatever is about to happen can help you build up the last bit of confidence you needed. You've come far, and have almost completed your training. There is just one last test left". Stardust Dragon told the younger dragon, getting Odd-Eyes to stare at his master in confusion.
"One last test? What is it?" Odd-Eyes Dragon asked his master what his last test was, getting the Signer Dragon to chuckle. "You will find the answer to your own question soon. For now, just spend this time with Nightingale". Stardust Dragon told his student as he held his right hand out down below, getting Odd-Eyes Dragon curious on what he was gesturing to. The Dragon-type monster walked up to the edge of the mountain and looked down. He saw Lyrilusc – Assembled Nightingale in an open flower field, singing a song to her Lyrilusc sisters, who were all listening to her sing respectfully.
Odd-Eyes Dragon turned to look back up at his master and bowed his head in respect. "Please excuse me, master?" The Dragon-type monster requested, before he leaped off the edge of the mountain and began falling down to the ground. Stardust Dragon looked over the edge and watched his student fall into the forest and disappeared from view. The Signer Dragon gave a small chuckle as he looked up at the sky. "Are you sure he can be trusted?" A powerful voice questioned the leader of the Signer Dragons, getting Stardust Dragon to narrow his eyes.
Stardust Dragon turned around and lifted his head up to see the flying form of Ascension Sky Dragon. Stardust Dragon gave another small chuckle as he looked down. "You haven't changed at all, old friend". The leader of the Signer Dragons stated as he turned back around to look down at the starlight city and forest. The Light Synchro Dragon narrowed his eyes as he flew down next to his old friend and landed besides him.
Ascension Sky Dragon is a Signer Dragon, just like Stardust Dragon and they were old friends that served underneath the Crimson Dragon along with the other Signer Dragons. Ascension Sky Dragon actually used to be the leader of the Signer Dragons before Stardust Dragon, but he had always planned to make him his successor. The two had worked together and eventually, Ascension Sky Dragon officially named him his successor and Stardust Dragon became the new leader of the Signer Dragons.
One day, after a fierce battle against the Earthbound Immortals, Ascension Sky Dragon had disappeared and everyone no idea where he had gone. Stardust Dragon, Black Rose Dragon, Red Dragon Archfiend, Ancient Fairy Dragon, Black-Winged Dragon and Life Stream Dragon had shed tears for their comrade and old leader, even the Crimson Dragon was sad for his old friend.
A thousand years had passed, Ancient Fairy Dragon had been captured and Life Stream Dragon had disappeared mysteriously after the battle against the Earthbound Immortals so long ago. Eventually, thanks to Leo and Luna, both Life Stream Dragon and Ancient Fairy Dragon had returned to them. After the battle against the Timelords and his new mission given to him by his lord, Stardust Dragon knew that his 'death' would cause suffering to his fellow Signer Dragons, but still journeyed to this new world with his comrades.
To his surprise in his short time in the Fusion Dimension Spirit World, Stardust had found his old friend and mentor, Ascension Sky Dragon there. It turned out, the clash against the Earthbound Immortals had somehow sent him to the Spirit World of the United World, and had witnessed the fall of the Supreme King Dragon Z-ARC with his own hands. The Crimson Dragon had come across him during his time making an island in the Synchro Dimension.
Both Ascension Sky Dragon and the Crimson Dragon were both overjoyed to see each other again. The embodiment of the Dragon Star told his old friend everything that had happened and about the new mission he's placed upon Stardust Dragon and his new Signer. The old leader of the Signer Dragons understood the situation and requested to fight besides his old pupil again, which the Crimson Dragon granted and transported Ascension Sky Dragon to Stardust, along with adding his card to Yusei's deck.
The former master and pupil had caught up on lost time greatly this past month, with Stardust Dragon happy to have his old mentor back in his life. The feeling was mutual as Ascension Sky Dragon was happy to be with his pupil again. Stardust Dragon had told him everything that had happened since they last saw each other, about their world, what happened in the battle against the Earthbound Immortals, the Meklords, the Timelords and finally, about Yusei.
Ascension Sky Dragon grew fascinated upon listening to his old pupil's tale, before he grew amazed at the heights of power Stardust had obtained with his new Duelist. The old leader of the Signer Dragons could see the care his old pupil had for his new master, so he promised to protect his new Duelist, both for himself and Stardust Dragon.
5 weeks had passed since their reunion, and eventually, Stardust Dragon had told his old mentor about his new student, Odd-Eyes Dragon. At first, Ascension Sky Dragon was excited for his pupil, until he had learned that Stardust's student was the Standard piece of the Supreme King. Despite Stardust's reassurance and that Odd-Eyes was purified of his old master's darkness, the old leader of the Signer Dragons still felt unease about the red dragon. He didn't try to convince his old pupil to reconsider his decision, just advised him to be careful about him.
"I am just cautious about him. He's unlike any dragon I've ever seen before in my life, and he used to be part of the Supreme King. Tell me, why did you even decide to take him under your wing?" The former leader of the Signer Dragon asked his former pupil, turning to face the new leader of the Signer Dragons. Stardust Dragon continued to look down, but was now looking at the flower field, watching as Nightingale finished her song and received applause from her audience, including Odd-Eyes as he walked out of the forest and joined them all.
"…It's because I wanted to help him". Stardust answered his old mentor, much to his slight surprise as he thought he'd receive a different answer. "When I first saw Odd-Eyes in the vision that my lord showed Yusei and I, he interested me greatly. However, I grew to pity him as he was forced into heated battles because of the people of the United World's selfish wish for more intense battles. Despite seeing him hurt so many people and Duelists, I believed that he was a kind soul. I was proven correctly when I met him and saw his guilt for what he had done. I took him on as my student so that I can help him whenever I could. He's proven to be quite the student, flying through my lessons for him at an incredible rate". The Wind Synchro Monster began to explain to his old mentor with a found smile on his face, thinking about his time with his student.
"That's why I took him on as my student. Not for him to gain power, or for me to have something to do. I did it to help him accept his past and move on from it". Stardust finished with his voice full of conviction, before he turned around to look at his old mentor, who had a proud look on his face. Ascension Sky Dragon stared at his old pupil for a few moments, before he looked down the edge and saw Nightingale and Odd-Eyes deep in a conversation. "Do you think your relationship with your new student will be anything like ours?" The former leader of the Signer Dragons questioned his former pupil in a curious tone.
"It is possible. Only time will tell as I have only known him for a month". The current leader of the Signer Dragons answered his old mentor, before he looked back up at Ascension Sky Dragon and gave him a smile. "I know I've said it countless times before, but it is still good to have you back, master". Stardust Dragon told his old mentor with a happy tone, getting the former leader of the Signer Dragons to turn to look at his former student and return the smile. "I am no longer your master, Stardust. You are now mine. You've grown up and become a better leader than I ever was". Ascension Sky Dragon replied to his former pupil with an honest tone, getting Stardust to chuckle a bit.
"I'm the leader that I am today only because of your teachings. I know Black Rose Dragon, Red Dragon Archfiend, Ancient Fairy Dragon, Black-Winged Dragon and Life Stream Dragon will be overjoyed to see you again when we complete our mission". Stardust Dragon told his former mentor, before he looked back down the edge and resumed watching his student and adoptive daughter. Ascension Sky Dragon returned the smile and watched his former pupil's new student and adoptive daughter, happy to spend as much time with Stardust Dragon as he could.
(In the Standard Dimension)
The sun shined high in the sky above Paradise City with its civilians enjoying another peaceful day, unaware of the dangers that will soon come to their home. Over multiple parts of the city were once filled with posters of the Sledgehammer a month ago, but half were now showing posters of Yusei. There were posters of him with his monsters like Stardust Dragon, Ascension Sky Dragon, Junk Warrior and so much more. Even a passing by van had a screen showing Yusei and the Sledgehammer's Duel a month ago.
Ever since Yusei's victory against the Sledgehammer a month ago, he had grown into a famous celebrity, despite his status of being a teacher of the You Show Duel School. Thanks to his efforts and his skills in that duel, the You Show Duel School had regained some of its lost population as people would come to see Duels displayed by the students of the Duel School, but no one has chosen to join as they preferred to join the Leo Institute. Still, the You Show Duel School had not only regained some of its lost ground, but has grown stronger now, thanks to the teachings of Yusei's Synchro teachings, and Lulu's Xyz teachings as well.
Speaking of which, Yusei, Lulu and Rin were currently walking up to the You Show Duel School right now from the street on the right with the Shooting Star of Satellite leading the two girls. Lulu had an eager look on her face as they drew closer to the You Show Duel School, something that Rin took notice of as she grew a grin on her face. "That eager to see your boyfriend?" The Witch of the Wind questioned the Mistress of Birds with a teasing grin, making Lulu give out an exhausted sight with her cheeks red.
"For the last time, he's not my boyfriend". Lulu told her sister in an exhausted voice, but she really didn't mind her sister's teasing. "Yet". Rin corrected with a grin on her face, getting Lulu to let out a sigh at her persistence. Yusei, having heard his two daughters, gave an amused chuckle as they were closing in on the entrance. Before they could walk in, they were interrupted by a rather loud voice. "OUR DUEL SCHOOL IS GOING DOWN THE TOMBS!" A familiar voice screamed extremely loudly, taking Yusei, Rin and Lulu back as they recognized the voice to be Skip's.
"That's not a good sign". Yusei stated, before he and his adoptive daughters continued on with the entrance door sliding open for them. "He'd only flip his top if something important broke". Rin commented with her hands on her hips, having grown to know Skip enough to know that he'd only react like that if something important broke.
The three reached the elevator with Lulu pressing the up button, causing the elevator door to open, allowing them all to walk them. Yusei and his adoptive daughters walked in, before they turned around with Rin pressing the conference room button, which lit up after he pulled his finger back.
The elevator's doors closed, before it began going up to the conference room. "Hopefully, Yusei can fix it". Lulu commented as she held her hands together in front of legs. Eventually after 10 seconds, the elevator stopped and opened its doors, allowing the family to walk out into the conference room. Once inside, they saw Skip sitting down on the sofa chair with his hands on his head; Yuya and Zuzu sitting beside each other on the couch to the left and Gong was standing across Skip.
"Well, just what happened to you guys?" Rin questioned with her left first pressed against her hip, getting everyone's attention as they turned to see her, Lulu and Yusei enter. "YUSEI! WE NEED YOUR MAGNIFICENT TECH SKILLS TO REPAIR THE ARC SYSTEM!" Skip shouted out, shooting up from the sofa and moving faster than a bolt of lightning as he was now in front of Yusei, Rin and Lulu, making them take a step back in surprise. "What are you going on about? What happened?" The Shooting Star of Satellite questioned with wide eyes, wanting an explanation on what happened.
From her spot next to Yuya, Zuzu glared at the 19-year-old male with hostility in her eyes. Even though it's been a month, Zuzu still bares distrust for Yusei. In fact, it seemed to have grown a bit more than before as Yuya continued to change. "I'll tell you what happened. Your 'precious' student is what happened". The pink haired girl told the Shooting Star of Satellite in a disrespectful tone as she crossed her arms and leaned her head back. Yuya, Lulu and Rin all turned and frowned at Zuzu, having picked up the disrespect in her voice directed at Yusei.
Yusei gave a small sigh at the tone in Zuzu's voice. Despite all he's done for Yuya and her Duel School, Zuzu's distrust of him continued to grow, even now showing hostility and disrespect to him. He still doesn't know why she's grown to hate him, but he hopes that eventually, she'll lose her distrust. Seeing that Yuya was focused on Zuzu, the 19-year-old male turned to look at Gong, wanting an explanation from him.
Getting the unspoken message from Yusei, Gong spoke up. "Gong and Yuya were in the middle of an intense Duel. Our fiery spirits were too much for the ARC System and it blew up". The Superheavy Samurai Duelist told the Synchro teacher of the You Show Duel School, not to mention his Synchro trainer that taught him how to Synchro Summon. After Yusei's Duel against the Sledgehammer, Gong realized that it was time to improve his Heavy Strong style, and thus, asked Yusei to train him how to Synchro Summon. The Shooting Star of Satellite happily granted Gong's request, and began teaching him how to Synchro Summon.
(Flashback)
In the Action Field, Sword's Cemetery, Yusei and Gong stood across each other, both having their activated Duel Disks on their left forearms, in the middle of an Action Duel. Yusei had Max Warrior and one of his new monsters, Junk Anchor on his field, in front of him and had three cards in hand. Gong had his ace monster, Superheavy Samurai Big Benkei on his field, who was behind him, and had 4 cards in his hand. The point of the Duel wasn't for either of them to win, but to train and hopefully, for Gong to master Synchro Summoning.
Yusei Life Points: 4000/ Number of cards in hand: 3.
Max Warrior ATK Points: 1800/ Level: 4.
Junk Anchor ATK Points: 0/ Level: 2.
Gong Life Points: 4000/ Number of cards in hand: 3.
Superheavy Samurai Big Benkei DEF Points: 3500/ Level: 8.
"Alright Gong, pay close attention, okay!?" Yusei told the Superheavy Samurai Duelist with a serious voice and his eyes narrowed, which Gong nodded to the Shooting Star of Satellite. "Gong's got it! Now, show Gong what ya can do, Yusei!" Gong replied to the Shooting Star of Satellite, thrusting his right fist up and getting Yusei to grow a cool smile on his face.
"Okay then! Level 2 Junk Anchor tunes with Level 4 Max Warrior!" The Shooting Star of Satellite called out, swiping his right hand up to the sky as Max Warrior flew into the air, while Junk Anchor burst into two green rings. The green rings chased after and circled around Max Warriors, causing him to turn orange transparent as he was scanned by the rings.
"Fragments of steel merge into an impenetrable shield! Synchro Summon! Come, Junk Gardna!" Yusei chanted to the heavens as Max Warrior turned into four lights, which lined up within the two green rings. A bright pillar of light appeared and absorbed both the rings and lights. Yusei's Synchro Monster, Junk Gardna came down from the pillar of light, before he brought up his armored arms.
Junk Gardna DEF Points: 2600/ Level: 6.
Gong stared at the Synchro Monster in awe and with a smile on his face, having grown a deep fondness for Synchro Summoning. "Okay Gong, I've shown you how to Synchro Summon. Now, show me what you can do! I end my turn!" The Shooting Star of Satellite told the Superheavy Samurai Duelist, declaring his turn over.
Gong Life Points: 4000/ Number of cards in hand: 3.
The 14-year-old boy placed his right hand on the top card of his right hand. "Gong draws!" Gong called out as he drew his card in a dramatic fashion by swiping his right hand out, creating a powerful gust of wind from how powerful his draw was, but Yusei didn't even flinch at it. The Superheavy Samurai Duelist looked at the card he drew, before he widened his eyes upon seeing it was one of the cards that Yusei gave him.
As he stared at the card he drew, Gong remembered an important lesson that Yusei taught not only him, but also Yuya, Zuzu, Lulu, Rin, Allie and Frederick. 'Remember everyone to treat your cards with respect. Every card is special, and you just have to learn to appreciate its power in order to figure out how to best use it. Even the weakest of cards can be a force to be reckoned with if you know how to use them'. Those were that Yusei told everyone, and Gong had kept them memorized in his heart, seeing it as an important lesson.
Gong swiped his right hand out, still holding the card and showing what it was to Yusei. "Gong Summons the Tuner Monster, Superheavy Samurai Trumpeter!" Gong exclaimed, before he swiped the card onto his Duel Disk's blade. A portal appeared on the ground in front of the Superheavy Samurai Duelist, before a small samurai themed machine monster appeared, spinning a trumpet in its hand.
Superheavy Samurai Trumpeter ATK Points: 300/ Level: 2.
"Superheavy Samurai Trumpeter gives Big Benkei a tune up!" Gong called out as Trumpeter blew its trumpet, before transforming into two green rings. Big Benkei soared into the air as the green rings circled around it, scanning the Machine-type monster as it turned transparent orange, before transforming into 8 lights. A beam appeared and consumed the lights and rings. "Gong Synchro Summons… Superheavy Samurai Warlord Susanowo!" Gong called out as a brand new monster came out of the beam.
It was an imposing machine warrior clad in blue-green armor, holding a naginata and was sitting cross-legged. It appeared behind Gong and thrust the end of its naginata to the ground, creating a powerful gust of wind.
Superheavy Samurai Warlord Susanowo DEF Points: 3800/ Level: 10.
"Yes!" Gong cried out at joy at seeing his successful Synchro Summon, throwing his hands into the air from his successful Synchro Summon, while Yusei had a proud smile on his face.
(Imagination)
Gong was in the Wild West, wearing a cowboy outfit with a cowboy hat, riding a raging bull and was waving a lasso into the air. The sunset was behind them, making a dramatic scene. "GONG HAS MASTERED SYNCHRO SUMMONING!" The big 14-year-old cried out in joy, being a little bit over dramatic.
(Reality)
"Well done Gong. Let's end the Duel here". Yusei told the Superheavy Samurai Duelist, getting Gong to nod in understanding. "Hold it!" A voice interrupted, getting both Yusei and Gong's attention as they looked in the direction of where the voice came from. The far right side of the Action Field cleared to reveal Mr. Strong, who was sitting down a little bit away from the Action Field and had a determined look on his face.
"You two started a duel, and you both got to finish it! Even if it was just meant to practice!" The principal of the Strong Dojo told the two Duelists as he crossed his arms. Gong narrowed his eyes, before he gave a nod. "Okay Daddy! We'll keep going!" The Superheavy Samurai Duelist replied to his father, before he turned to look at Yusei.
The Shooting Star of Satellite turned to look back at his friend and gave a smirk. "Your father has a point. Besides, this'll be a great chance for you to bond with your new cards, and create a new Heavy Strong style. Just remember, no holding back!" Yusei told the Superheavy Samurai Duelist, getting Gong to grow his own confident smirk. "Gong never dreamed of it!" Gong replied to his friend, before both he and Yusei held up their Duel Disks, intending to continue their Duel.
(Flashback end)
Yusei and Gong had continued their Duel, and it ended with the Shooting Star of Satellite's victory. Gong wasn't disappointed as he enjoyed his Duel greatly; even Mr. Strong enjoyed the duel between them as well. Yusei was just glad that he helped Gong grow stronger as a duelist. Back to the present, Zuzu turned to look at Yuya and saw his frown, getting her to return it. "If anything, Yuya was responsible. His Odd-Eyes Skater blew the thing up from her attack". Zuzu accused her old friend, a bit ticked off that he was frowning at her.
"You can't honestly be blaming me, are you?" The tomato haired boy questioned his childhood friend in slight shock that she was blaming him. Zuzu let out a 'hump' as she turned the other way with her eyes closed in irritation and her arms crossed. Everyone let out a sigh at her behavior, before Yusei turned to look at Skip. "I'll go see what I can do. But don't get your hopes high, just in case". The Shooting Star of Satellite told the principal of the You Show Duel School, getting everyone to redirect their attention at him.
"Might I make a suggestion?" A familiar voice requested, getting everyone's attention as they turned to see the Sledgehammer's manager, Nico Smiley entering the room from the door. "You again". Yusei remarked, wondering why the Sledgehammer's manager was here in the You Show Duel School. "What are you doing back here, Nico? Does the Sledgehammer want another shot at Dad?" Rin questioned Nico with a frown on her face and her arms crossed, assuming that the Sledgehammer sent his manager back here for a rematch against Yusei.
"Oh no, I'm here for something else. If you would please let me speak". Nico requested with his casual smile on his face, getting everyone to frown at him, wondering what his reason for coming back here was. A minute later, Nico was sitting down on a couch, facing Yuya, Zuzu and Lulu, who were sitting down on the couch on the other side. Skip was still on the sofa and finally, Yusei, Rin and Gong were standing behind the couch that Yuya, Zuzu and Lulu were sitting on.
"Okay, what's your reason for coming back here?" Yusei questioned the Sledgehammer's manager with his arms crossed, taking initiative for everyone. "The Sledgehammer is hosting a Fan Appreciation day at the Leo Institute. Part of the festivity is issuing a one on one dueling challenge to Yuya". Nico explained to everyone as he turned to look at Yuya, much to his and everyone else's surprise. "You're inviting me… to duel the Sledgehammer?" The student of the Shooting Star of Satellite questioned in disbelief at what he was hearing.
"I'm not inviting you to duel his Grandma". Nico answered with a sly look, getting Rin to look up at the roof with a curious look on her face. 'Can a Grandma even duel?' The Witch of the Wind questioned in her mind, having never seen an old person duel before. "Seriously though, it's your chance to take him on, just like how your teacher did a month ago". The Sledgehammer's manager added, getting Rin to return her focus at the discussion.
"Hold up, why does he even want to duel me? If it's because he thinks I know where my dad is, he's wrong. I have no idea". Yuya questioned Nico with a confused look, assuming that the Sledgehammer wanted to duel him because he thought that he knew where his dad was. "Oh no, it's nothing like that. See, ever since the Sledgehammer's defeat to Yusei a month ago, he's been undergoing rigorous dueling training. He trained to the literal bone. But now, his training has paid off. He's master Fusion, Synchro and Xyz Summoning". Nico told everyone with an excited smile on his face, much to their surprise at hearing the Sledgehammer's new strength.
"Wow. Guess that beating you gave him really motivated him, huh Yusei?" Gong commented with his arms crossed, getting Yusei to look at the Superheavy Samurai Duelist. "Indeed. See, the Sledgehammer heard that Yusei took you under his wing and has been teaching you for the past 5 weeks. He wants to test his new strength against Yusei's student and see how his training paid off". Nico told the group, before he brought out a poster and placed it down on the table.
It was similar to the poster that he showed everyone before, but it showed Yuya instead of Yusei this time. "Everything is set, and ready to go. All that's left is for you to agree". The Sledgehammer's manager told Yuya as he, along with everyone else looked down at the poster. Skip raised his head to look up at Nico. He opened his mouth to deny Nico's request, only for the Sledgehammer's manager to speak, before he could, Nico spoke again.
"If you accept, the Leo Corporation will donate the newest, Augmented Reality Combat System to your Dueling School for no charge. As in free". Nico added in with a sly look as he played with his fingers, instantly shattering Skip's thoughts of refusing the offer. "You got a deal!" The principal of the You Show School exclaimed, before he groaned in pain upon Rin slamming her right fist on his head, causing his eyes to change to anime white in pain.
"Is bribing seriously all it takes to get you to do whatever anyone wants!? My respect for you continues to go down even more! Besides, this isn't your choice, it's Yuya's!" Rin scolded her principal with an anime angry face, before she, along with everyone else, including the sulking Skip, turned to look at Yuya, who was still looking down at the poster with narrowed eyes.
Yuya turned to look over his right shoulder to look at his teacher, who looked down at him with a natural expression, but his eyes showed an encouraging look. The tomato haired boy spent a moment or two staring at his teacher, before he turned to look back at Nico with a determined expression. "Tell the Sledgehammer that he's got a duel". Yuya told Nico with a strong voice, getting Zuzu, Gong, Skip, Rin and Lulu to widen their eyes in surprise, while Yusei grew a proud smile on his face.
Nico grew a pleased look on his face upon hearing Yuya's answer. "I'm sure he'll be pleased to hear that. The duel will take place in an hour, so please make your way to the Dueling arena". Nico said in a pleased tone as he picked up the poster, before he stood up from the couch. "Got it". The tomato haired boy replied to the Sledgehammer's manager, getting Nico to grow a pleased smile.
Nico then took his leave and left the You Show Duel School, leaving everyone alone. "Yuya, what were you thinking!? Why would you accept the Sledgehammer's challenge!?" Zuzu questioned her childhood friend in an enraged tone, getting Yuya to turn around to face her with a serious look, much like Yusei's. "I can't keep running away from any threat that comes my way. Yusei taught me to take on any challenge, and this is one of those times". The tomato haired boy replied to the pink haired girl as he stood up from the couch with everyone's eyes still focused on him.
"If you'll excuse me". Yuya said as he walked over to the elevator and pressed on the down button. The elevator door opened, which Yuya walked in, before he turned back around as the doors closed. "You think Yuya's okay?" Gong questioned in concern for his best friend, getting Zuzu to look up at him with a frown. "Of course he's not okay! He shouldn't have accept that challenge and just let Yusei fix the old ARC System!" The Standard piece of Ray snapped at the Superheavy Samurai Duelist, believing that Yuya should have declined the challenge.
Zuzu and Gong began an argument with each other about whether or not that Yuya made the right choice, which Rin stepped in and tried to break up the argument. Lulu paid the three no attention, instead she was looking at the elevator with a concerned look, deeply worried about Yuya. The Mistress of Birds looked over her left shoulder to look up at her adoptive father and saw his natural expression.
"Yusei…" Lulu said in a worried voice, getting Yusei to look down at his adoptive daughter and saw her worried look. Yusei uncrossed his arms and placed his right hand atop her head, before he gave her a comforting rub. "Don't worry about Yuya. I'll take care of it". The Shooting Star of Satellite told his adoptive daughter in a comforting tone, getting her to lose her worried look and replace it with a trusting smile.
Yusei lifted his hand from Lulu's head and walked up to the elevator. "You guys head on ahead to the stadium. I've got something to take care of". Yusei told everyone as he pressed the down button, getting Rin to stop trying to break up the argument between Gong and Zuzu, and turned to look at his back. "Where are you going?" The Witch of the Wind questioned her adoptive father as the elevator door opened and he walked in.
Yusei turned back around to face the ground, before he gave a smile. "Just going to take a walk". The Shooting Star of Satellite answered Rin with a confident smirk, before he pressed the down button. The elevator doors closed, leaving a confused Rin, a still arguing Zuzu and Gong, a groaning Skip with a bump on his head and a smiling faced Lulu as she knew where her adoptive father was going.
(With Yuya)
At Paradise City Bridge, Yuya was sitting down on the railings of the bridge a little bit away from the road with the Dueling arena in the distance. Yuya had his goggles over his eyes, staring at his swinging pendant that he was holding in front of him with his right hand. The student of the Shooting Star of Satellite was quiet as he watched his pendant swing over the Dueling stadium in the distance. As he continued to watch his pendent, Yuya thought back to one of his father's important lessons.
(Flashback 3 years ago)
The sun was setting for the day. An 11-year-old Yuya was sitting down on a ledge, crouching forward with his goggles covering his crying eyes as he cried. A black gloved hand then suddenly pulled Yuya's goggles off his eyes and to his forehead, much to his surprise as his tears fell to the ground, before he started rubbing his eyes with his hands.
The young boy lifted his head up to look at his father as Yusho placed his right hand atop his son's head. "Take your dad's advice, Yuya. Try to laugh when you feel like crying. And when things get tough, respond with a smile. It'll give you the strength to keep moving forward". Yusho told his son, before he gently took off Yuya's pendant and held it up in front of them both. "It's kinda like a pendulum". The Dueltainer began as he started swinging the pendant. Yuya looked forward and watched his pendent swing in front of him.
"If the pendulum swings one way, you know it'll swing the other way to. Like in a duel". Yusho told his son, getting the young Yuya to look at his father in confusion. "A duel?" The 11-year-old boy questioned in confusion, unable to understand. "The key to dueling is to believe in your deck, and yourself. When you're falling behind, you can always make things swing your way again. So don't worry about anything, just try to enjoy the ride". The Dueltainer told his son, before they both looked back at the pendent as it continued to swing.
"The pendulum can even be a tool of discovery. Whenever you're lost, this pendant will show you the way you need to go. Try to remember what I've told you, Yuya. It may help you someday". Yusho explained to his son as Yuya continued to watch his pendent swing in fascination.
(Flashback end)
'You were right, Dad. Swing. Swing, pendulum. More… and more!' Yuya thought to himself, continuing to watch his pendant swing in front of him. A familiar hand pulled Yuya's goggles off his head and onto his forehead, much to his slight surprise. "Didn't I tell you that you didn't need to hid behind those goggles anymore?" A familiar voice said to the tomato haired boy, getting Yuya to look right to see Yusei standing next to him, smiling down at his student.
"Yusei". Yuya said in slight surprise to see his mentor, which the Shooting Star of Satellite nodded to him. "I knew I'd find you here. What are you even doing here? You've got a duel to win". The Shooting Star of Satellite reminded his pupil as he leaned against the railing with his arms still crossed. "Sorry, it's just that… I needed some time to think". The tomato haired boy apologized to his teacher as he went back to watching his pendant swing.
Yusei noticed his student watching his pendant, getting him curious on what the 14-year-old boy was thinking. "And what were you thinking about?" The Shooting Star of Satellite questioned his student, getting Yuya to stop swinging his pendant and stare at it. "A lesson that my Dad taught me. It was a lesson that involved dueling, and about a pendulum". The tomato haired boy revealed to the Signer, increasing his curiosity. "Is that right?" The Shooting Star of Satellite questioned, before his right hand shot out and grabbed a hold of the pendant's string.
"Then let me teach you another lesson". Yusei told his student, getting the 14-year-old boy to look at his teacher. "What's it about". Yuya questioned in a curious tone, getting Yusei to smile at him. "It's about testing your own potential". The Signer answered his student, turning Yuya's curiosity into confusion. "My potential?" Yuya questioned in confusion, having never been taught this lesson before. Yusei nodded to his student, before he looked over his right shoulder to across the water.
"Keep on challenging yourself and try to make the impossible, possible. If you believe in your friends and in yourself, you're certain to be rewarded. You can make the impossible possible… No matter where in the world you may live or who they may be… By combing your feelings as one, you can change the future. That's what's known as limitless potential. So keep on believing in your friends and in your strength. Never give up until the end and continue to challenge yourself and test out your potential. That's what it means to be a member of Team 5D's". The Signer explained to his student one important lesson, one that changed his life so long ago.
Yuya listened to his teacher in awe as he explained his lesson, not noticing the weird glowing coming from the back of Yusei's right arm, or the slight red glow coming from his pendant. "And if you don't give up, you're sure to be rewarded. I tested my own potential way back, and that's why I've come so far". Yusei continued with a smile as he stared at his glowing arm and the glowing pendant, feeling his mark of the Crimson Dragon active by its own.
The glowing on both the mark of the Crimson Dragon and on the pendant then ceased. Yusei pushed himself off the railing and took hold of the pendant with both his hands. "Always remember this lesson, Yuya. It's one that I've always kept memorized in my heart, and it helped me accomplish the impossible". The Shooting Star of Satellite told his pupil as he placed the pendant over Yuya's neck, who continued to stare at his teacher in awe.
Yuya eventually grew a confident smile, before he turned to face the Dueling arena in the distance. "Thanks for the lesson Yusei. I kinda get it, and now I wanna test out my own potential, in this duel against the Sledgehammer!" The student of the Shooting Star of Satellite exclaimed with a confident smile, before he placed his left hand in his pocket and brought out his deck.
Yuya held his deck in front of him and looked down at it, seeing that the top card was his ace monster, Odd-Eyes Dragon. "I don't care if the Sledgehammer has Fusion, Synchro and Xyz Summoning. As long as I believe in myself and in my cards, I know we'll win. After all, it's not about what kind of cards you use. It's about how you use them, right?" The tomato haired boy questioned as he turned to look at his teacher with a smile, which Yusei nodded to him.
"Exactly. Now go out there and bring down the Sledgehammer, just like I did". The Signer told his student in an encouraging voice as he placed his right hand on Yuya's head, and ruffled his head playfully. Yuya gave a happy laugh at his teacher's actions, before he nodded his head. "It'll be my genuine pleasure". The tomato hair styled boy replied to his teacher as Yusei lifted his hand up from his head.
"Come on then. We better head to the stadium, or you're gonna lose because you didn't make it there on time". Yusei told his student with a smile, before he turned around and began walking off. Yuya quickly returned his deck to his pocket, before he turned around and jumped off the railing. The 14-year-old boy quickly chased after his mentor, ready to face the 'champion' of Paradise City, just as his teacher did before.