Chapter 54: Duelist Kingdom Finals (5)

The Duel between Yami Yugi and Risa ended with Risa's ace monster Gorgon being defeated by Mirror Force.

After the Duel, Pegasus decided to invite the Duelist and Guests to have lunch before the match of the Top 4 of the Duelist Kingdom.

Tokio wasn't surprised that the atmosphere during the lunch was heavy. It was also saddening to learn that Risa and Tomoyuki decided to left after the duel.

It was strange to learn that Risa appears to be uncomfortable with the presence of Yugi so she decided to leave.

With none of his friends here, Tokio felt a little bit uncomfortable eating lunch with the Yugi and the others, Mai and... Pegasus.

Yup, Pegasus was eating lunch with them so that's why the situation is heavy.

After all, this guy has imprisoned 3 souls in a card.

" Konami boy, It was a rude manner to talk to a person behind his back. "

Pegasus smiled as he wiped out his lips using a handkerchief. Tokio stared at Pegasus. Forgetting that this person can read minds even using it outside of Duels.

[ Since you can read other people's minds, this isn't me talking behind your back but being blunt and honest. ]

" How cheeky of you Konami boy. "

Tokio just decided to keep quiet after that and eat silently. While the lunch was happening, Tokio notice Yami Yugi and the others toward him.

It was awkward. Joey was looking at him. He must be regarding Tokio as an obstacle that he needed to cross for his Sister Serenity.

When the lunch ended, half an hour later, everyone headed to the duel stage. Croquet also declared the final matches.

Akai Konami Vs Katsuya Jonouchi & Valentine Mai Vs Mutou Yugi.

The first match is between him and Joey.

Opposite the duel stand, Joey was standing. He has a serious expression on his face and eyes that was full of determination.

" Akai, it's been a long time since our last duel. I would show you my strength and my growth! "

Finally, it was the duel between him and Joey. Despite looking calm on the outside, there was a trace of nervousness within Tokio.

He has made Joey stronger by giving Joey cards. It was a decision made by impulse. But Tokio can't regret it.

Seeing Joey stronger, made Tokio strangely feel happy for him. Also, this Joey was different from the Animation.

He has seen in his duel, that Joey has learned and trained about the Duel Monsters. He wasn't left fumbling as much compared to the original.

[ Then, let's see if you have grown stronger Katsuya-san. Let's Duel. Would you be the second or you would be the first? I would let you decide. ]

Tokio replied to Joey's words. Then the latter intensely stared at his opponent and replied firmly.

[ Since you have let me choose, I would grab the opportunity to take the first turn! ]

After drawing 5 cards, Tokio saw Joey grinning. He must have gotten very good starting hand cards.

" Alright! Here's my first move! I set a card in my back row. Then I activate my spell card Hinotama! "

[ Akai Konami LP 2000 → 1500 ]

" I then summon my black stone of legend and activate one of its effects! "

The black stone of legend disappeared on Joey's monster field. It was then replaced by the Red-Eyes Black Dragon.

[ Red-eyes Black Dragon <Level  7> Atk 2400 Def 2000 ]

" I end my turn! "

As expected, Joey got lucky on his hand card. On the first turn, he instantly summons his ace card red eyes black dragon.

Tokio then draws his 5 hand cards.

[ The Tripper Mercury, Spirit of the Harp, Invitation to a dark sleep, Island Turtle, Trap Hole of Spikes ]

Even though Tokio has also gotten lucky with his hand card, unfortunately for him, The Tripper Mercury can't defeat the red eyes black dragon. And it can't activate its special effects that can only be activated when trooper Mercury is tribute summoned.

[ I set a card, I place a card in face-down defense position. ]

" My turn again! Draw! Okay, it seems that my luck is good! I activate my cards effect and equip my black metal dragon with red eyes black dragon! "

[ Red-Eyes Black Dragon <Level 7> Atk 2400 → 3000 ]

" Red eyes black dragon, attack! "

Tokio cursed inside his mind as his Island Turtle was destroyed. It seems that the Goddess of Luck was very enthusiastic about helping Joey today in this duel.

" It's your turn now, Akai. "

Seeing Joey confident and happy with the results, Tokio couldn't help but frown.

[ I know. ]

Tokio doesn't have the ability of heart of the cards. He has no talent for drawing the cards that he wanted at crucial times.

But Tokio wouldn't let those things become an obstacle to him.

Even though Tokio was sympathetic toward Joey's struggles here in the duelist kingdom, Tokio doesn't have the plan of losing the duel to Joey.

He wouldn't surrender or do a half-ass play.

Tokio just needs to wait until he draws the right card.

The Duelist Kingdom rules suck this time. No direct attacks which means that Tokio can exploit the shit out of it.

The Duelist Kingdom rules suck since there are a lot of loopholes.

[ Flash Assailant ]

As expected, Tokio doesn't have the talent for Heart of the Cards. Tokio then decided to stall and stall again for his survival until he draw the right card.

[ I play a monster in face-down def position. I end my turn. ]

" Ah, looks like you don't have luck with your cards Akai-san! I summon a monster in a face-up attack! "

[ Mad Sword Beast <Level 4> Atk 1400 Def 1200 ]

" Mad Sword Beast Attack! "

Instead of being destroyed, the card was then revealed in the face in a defensive position.

[ Katsuya Jonouchi LP 2000 →1400 ]

" I have made a mistake... Red eyes Black Dragon, attack! "

The Spirit of the Harp was then destroyed. Gritting his teeth, Joey ended his turn.

Tokio then draws his card.

As he stared at the card, he stared at Joey whose face was solemn. There was also a great desire in his eyes to win no matter what.

For his Sister, Joey must win.

" What's wrong Akai-san? Did you get a bad card? "

Seeing Tokio just staring at the card that he have drawn, Joey asked his opponent and considered his rival in confusion.

It couldn't be it, right?

[ Katsuya-san, what is your reason to fight? ]

Suddenly, Joey was asked by his opponent. He was more confused but listening to his opponent, Joey decided to be honest.

" Do you have someone important? My little sister is the reason why I am fighting. "

[.. I see. ]

Joey's opponent then paused in contemplation. The former then couldn't help but return the question.

" Then what about you Akai-san? What is the reason that you are fighting here in the Duelist Kingdom? "

Joey expected something like simple things like wanting to enjoy the game, for the prize money, or even something grand like fulfilling their dream or proving that they are the best duelist, but none of those are his opponent's answers.

[ Shadow Lands. ]

" Huh? "

Along with Joey, the rest of the audience except Pegasus we're confused.

[.. When I came to this place...At first, I don't have a reason to win... But then something happened. I wanted to go to Shadow Lands. ]

Tokio then showed the card that he has drawn to Joey and the audience.

[ Raigeki ]