章 85: Start of the Grand Championship

[Yuna's POV]

Next day...

The bright sky exploded with dazzling fireworks, marking the grand opening of Kaiba Land. Despite the lingering turmoil from Dartz's recent chaos, the new amusement park offered citizens a much-needed escape, allowing them a brief respite from the surrounding confusion.

Crowds of people from across America poured into the park, rapidly transforming it into one of the world's hottest attractions. While the cutting-edge rides powered by Kaiba Corp's futuristic technology drew countless attention, the real buzz was about something far more exciting...

"Sano-san, aren't you nervous?" Yugi asked, nervously rubbing his palms together. "There are going to be so many people watching us."

"...Scared?" I echoed, locking eyes with him. "I'm terrified... There will be at least fifty thousand people out there... Maybe more."

"Ha ha, really?" He laughed awkwardly, scratching the back of his head. "I'm glad I'm not the only one feeling this way."

Suddenly, the door to our waiting room swung open, and an employee stepped inside. "Yuna Sano and Yugi Mutou, it's time."

We stood up in unison, our hearts pounding as we walked into the dimly lit hallway. With each step toward the exit, the cheers from the audience grew louder, reverberating through the walls. Just before reaching the end of the hallway, Yugi and I paused, taking a moment to absorb the deafening roar of the crowd.

"Do I really have to go out there?" he muttered, his voice barely audible over the noise. "There are way too many people."

I couldn't find the words to respond, so I just nodded stiffly. My heart was pounding in my chest; this was the largest crowd I had ever seen, and all their attention would be on us.

Unfortunately for Yugi and I, there was no time to gather our nerves as the employees coordinated our entrance over the radio, "Alright, get ready. You'll be going in three, two, one... Please proceed through the exit, and good luck."

With that brisk farewell, Yugi and I exchanged a quick nod before stepping into the blinding light, bracing ourselves for what lay ahead.

[3rd POV]

Ten Minutes Earlier.

The enormous stadium buzzed with hundreds of conversations as people eagerly took their seats. Suddenly, a cloud of colourful smoke erupted in the centre of the arena, drawing gasps of surprise from the audience.

As the smoke cleared, a man with long white hair appeared at the centre. His bright red suit shimmered brilliantly under the sunlight. With a broad smile, he brought the microphone to his lips and laughed.

"Greetings!" Pegasus announced, his voice booming through the stadium. The crowd erupted into cheers. "How exhilarating to see so many people here today."

"As you know, I am proud to say that Duel Monsters has reached new heights, with duelists competing all over the world. Now, thanks to Kaiba Corp, the best of the best are here today to prove their skills!"

"In this stadium, several contestants will be demonstrating their duelling prowess until only one remains!" Pegasus announced with enthusiasm. "Now, you must be wondering, what's so great that it's making these duelists drool for the first place spot?"

He chuckled, leaning into the microphone. "Well, it's none other than the chance to challenge the two best duelists in the world and claim the title of King or Queen of Games! Let me introduce you to our champions, Yugi Mutou and Yuna Sano!!"

Gradually, two figures emerged onto the stage, drawing the audience's awestruck gazes. "From the right, we have the beautiful young lady Yuna Sano, who claimed first place in both the Duelist Kingdom and Battle City tournaments! She wields dragons that surpass even the mighty Blue-Eyes White Dragon! Behold, the undefeated Queen of Games!"

Behind them, the giant TV screen lit up with footage of Yuna's duels during the Duelist Kingdom. The audience watched in awe as she summoned the Divine Dragon Lord Felgrand and the Starving Venom Fusion Dragon, roaring fiercely and destroying any monsters in their way. The video then switched to her most recent battle, showcasing her Dragonmaids' intense confrontation against Zigfried.

The crowd erupted in admiration, and Yuna couldn't help but twitch with embarrassment. As the video concluded, everyone applauded enthusiastically. Pegasus laughed heartily. "How's that? Amazing, right? Now, Miss Sano, do you have anything to say to the determined duelists?"

Yuna hesitated for a moment, feeling the weight of all eyes on her. Gathering her composure, she spoke into the microphone, her voice soft but firm. "I look forward to it..." Her words hung in the air, momentarily quieting the entire stadium.

"Ho-ho?" Pegasus smirked, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "I like that confidence, and rightfully so! Anyone who challenges Miss Sano will need to bring their A-game, or they might find themselves swept away like that poor gentleman earlier!" His laughter rang out, contagious as the crowd joined in, energized by the lively atmosphere.

"Remember, besides Miss Sano here, we also have another Champion! While he reached the finals during the Duelist Kingdom, our friend here showed incredible growth, swiftly defeating powerful opponents like the infamous Seto Kaiba and even achieving a draw with Miss Sano in the same tournament. I introduce you to Yugi Mutou!!"

Similar to Yuna's introduction, a video was supposed to begin playing. However, to the audience's confusion, the screen remained black and silent, causing Yugi to frown with anxiety. Tapping his earpiece, Pegasus chuckled apologetically.

"Actually... it seems there are some technical difficulties, and we weren't able to present the video. But you'll have to take my word for it!" Pegasus laughed shamelessly, trying to diffuse the situation as murmurs spread through the crowd.

It felt as though Pegasus had dangled a treat in front of their faces only to snatch it away. Frustration and annoyance crept over the audience, and some began to voice their discontent, causing Yugi to shrink further.

"Oh? Looks like some of you aren't convinced?" Pegasus rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "What should we do? Many seem to doubt poor Yugi's skills, don't they?"

Voices of agreement filled the air, and Yugi gulped anxiously. "I could step down if that's what everyone wants. Having two people with the same titles can be problematic..."

"But that simply won't do!" Pegasus interjected, shaking his head firmly. "You earned the title fair and square. No need to worry, and we can crush two birds with one stone!"

Confusion clouded Yugi's and the audience's faces as Pegasus continued, his tone conspiratorial. "How about this? Yugi Mutou, let's have a duel!"

"Huh?!" Yugi stepped backward in shock, his eyes widening as Pegasus regarded him with a knowing smile.

"Yes, you heard me right. Your performances in the Duelist Kingdom have piqued my interest! Despite facing Miss Sano as an obstacle, your growth has been extraordinary! What do you say? This duel should dispel any doubts, don't you think?"

Under pressure from the public, Yugi reluctantly nodded, and Pegasus clapped his hands in delight. "Perfect! As a special treat, let's kick off this thrilling tournament with a bang! I, Maximillion Pegasus, the Creator of Duel Monsters, challenge you, Yugi Mutou, the King of Games!"

The crowd erupted with excitement at Pegasus's bold declaration. As the creator of the iconic Duel Monsters game, Pegasus's skill was legendary and not to be underestimated. His participation promised to shake up the tournament leaderboard effortlessly.

With a subtle gesture, event staff arrived and escorted the somewhat overwhelmed Yugi away. Once Yugi was out of sight, Pegasus turned his attention back to Yuna. "Now that that's settled, there's another problem everyone seems to be quite interested in."

"Another... problem?" Yuna frowned, feeling caught off guard as she hadn't been briefed on this beforehand. Glancing at Pegasus, she sensed his mischievous smile and grew uneasy.

"You see, there have been rumours circulating lately. Could you please explain this image?" Pegasus said, and on the screen, a picture of Yuna and Seto sitting together appeared suddenly. Both of them had broad smiles on their faces as they engaged in deep conversation.

Recognizing the picture from yesterday, Yuna stared at it in disbelief. "Someone took this picture yesterday, and it's gone viral!" Pegasus grinned mischievously. "Seto Kaiba, famously for his terrible personality, smiling? That's quite unbelievable!"

"So my question is, are you and Seto Kaiba in any particular relationship?! That's the most reasonable hypothesis!" Pegasus's voice boomed through the stadium, amplifying the tension as he shamelessly brought the microphone closer to Yuna's mouth.

By this point, Yuna's face had turned completely red. Under the scrutiny of everyone's watchful eyes, she nervously tightened her fist and managed to utter, "We're... just... friends..."

"Hmm, is that so?" Pegasus chuckled, seemingly satisfied with her answer. "Oh well!" His laughter rang out as he glanced around.

As Pegasus smiled, a swarm of security guards rushed to his side. "Looks like my time is up! Don't worry, Kaiba-boy, there's nothing wrong with love!"

The audience erupted into laughter as Pegasus was escorted off the stage, presumably to face a potentially irritated Seto. Left alone on the stage, Yuna quickly bowed and stepped down, signalling the official start of the grand championship...

[Yuna's POV]

Once the starting ceremony ended, I returned to the hallway alone while Yugi was dragged off to prepare for his match against Pegasus. My mind was still in disarray, and the image of Kaiba and me was now exposed to the world.

Thanks to Pegasus, I knew it would be highly awkward when Kaiba and I met. Coupled with the fact that I hadn't even told him about Ishizu's request yet, I couldn't imagine things going smoothly. As I massaged my head, trying to navigate this dilemma, a voice suddenly broke through my thoughts.

"So this is why you defended that guy so passionately..." Recognizing the familiar voice, I turned around and saw a man leaning against a pillar behind me.

"Alister..." I muttered in shock, and he smiled.

Just like the last time I saw him, he was dressed in his usual open black coat with a grey shirt beneath. However, the Orichalcos stone and the Chaos Duel Disk he usually wore were gone, presumably discarded after Dartz's defeat.

"What are you... doing here?" I asked, my voice wavering with surprise.

"I came to talk," he replied with a nonchalant shrug. "A lot seems to have happened after I got my soul taken. Is it true that Dartz lost?"

"I think you... already know the answer," I explained, my voice steadying. "There's still remnants of Doma remaining... Are you going to join them?"

Alister chuckled and shook his head. "Ha ha, no. I've had enough of that life. Now, I want to get as far away from it as possible."

"I see..." I nodded hesitantly, trying to gauge his reaction. "Do you... still hate Kaiba?"

Alister sighed, running his hand through his hair. "I don't know. In those three weeks, I had a lot of time to think. In the end, as you said, we're all just victims of our circumstances. While I still don't like him, I can at least accept that it's not his fault..."

"So thank you..." Alister mumbled, averting his gaze. "I think I'm finally ready to move on now."

He approached me and handed me something from his pocket. As he opened his hand, I saw a burned, broken figurine. "I want you to have this."

Gently placing the figure in my palm, Alister stared at it fondly. "This was my little brother's favourite toy. It helps me remember him."

"Why would you give me... something this important?" I asked, flustered and nervous that I might break the fragile object in my hand.

"My brother always wanted to be a hero, and unfortunately, I couldn't accomplish his dream," Alister explained wistfully. "But I think you're the very person he aspired to be."

"You overestimate me," I said bashfully, causing Alister to laugh.

"Well, that's just my opinion, but I hope you keep it anyway. It's my brother's and my way of saying thanks."

"Then I will keep this safe," I promised, smiling. Alister sighed with relief. "What are you going to do now?"

"For now, I want to go back to my hometown. Maybe then I can find any survivors from my village," Alister answered, turning to leave. "Thank you, Yuna Sano. We may meet again in the future."

As Alister began to walk away, I hurriedly called out his name. He turned around, and I smiled warmly. "Good luck."

Laughing, he waved and bid me one last farewell as he walked off. Although we were once enemies, I couldn't help but feel sympathy for his past. In the end, all I could do was pray that whatever Alister decided to do next would go well for him...

[3rd POV]

Meanwhile, in the Kaibaland Control Room...

"You see, I wanted to have a bit more excitement. It's all for the greater good!" Pegasus explained with an awkward laugh, trying to diffuse Seto's intense glare.

"Where did you get that picture?" Seto muttered, his fists clenched tightly. Pegasus merely shrugged.

"Well, it's everywhere, ~Kaiba-boy~," Pegasus said, raising his hands in mock innocence. "So don't blame me for everything!"

"You..." Seto contemplated punching Pegasus square in the jaw but restrained himself with great effort. "Find all those pictures and remove them, now!" he shouted, causing the staff to type away at their computers frantically.

Annoyed by Pegasus's presence, Seto stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him. Walking down the hallway, he pondered Yuna's response to the question, feeling a bittersweet taste in his mouth.

"Just friends, huh..." he mumbled under his breath, unable to hide the disappointment on his face. Somewhere in his heart, he had hoped their relationship could be more. Ironically, Seto found himself annoyed that Pegasus had inadvertently helped him realize his dissatisfaction.

"Kaiba..."

Lifting his head, Seto stared at Yuna standing before him, feeling a surprising sense of relaxation.

"Sano, when did you get here?" he asked, trying to mask his smile.

"I just arrived," Yuna responded.

"I see..." Seto nodded, taking in her presence. "You did well today. It's not easy for anyone to speak in front of so many people."

"Ha ha... It was nerve-wracking," she admitted honestly. "I almost couldn't speak with everyone watching me..."

"But you still did it," Seto praised. "So don't underestimate yourself."

Yuna's eyes widened slightly before she laughed. "Thanks..."

Enjoying her smile, Seto felt his heart lighten. "By the way..." He nervously slurred his words. "I currently don't have anything urgent to attend to. Would you like to have lunch with me?"

"Lunch... with you?" Yuna's cheeks reddened, and Seto waited with bated breath. "I would love to..."

"But, I'm sorry... I won't be able to." Her words were like a bucket of cold water, dousing his excitement. Sighing, Yuna smiled apologetically, her regret evident.

"Why..." Seto muttered, and she averted her gaze.

"In a few hours... I'm leaving for Egypt." She explained her situation, and when she heard Ishizu's name, Seto's expression was crumpled in annoyance.

"Kaiba... I know you don't like this..."

"Not liking it is putting it lightly," Seto scowled, grasping her wrist. "I can't believe you're only telling me now! You know how I feel about this!"

"I do..." Yuna muttered softly.

"Then don't go. Ishizu can handle it herself," Seto proposed selfishly, and she chuckled helplessly.

"You know she can't..." Yuna answered patiently.

"We can send Yugi!" he argued. "Isn't he that pharaoh or whatnot?! Why not just send him?"

"Because Ishizu asked me to." Her calm voice made Seto's body tremble with anger. Unfazed, Yuna continued, "I feel more assured doing this myself rather than entrusting it to someone else."

"I don't believe this," Seto laughed bitterly, leaning against the wall. "Is what happened with Dartz not enough? Now you're seeking even more trouble?!"

"Kaiba," Yuna whispered, "I will never promise you anything that I'm unsure of... That's why I won't promise I will not get hurt..."

"And you're still going?!" he shouted.

"Yes." Yuna nodded. Suddenly, Seto embraced her tightly, leaving Yuna stunned.

"Don't go..." he ordered, holding her in place. "I will go instead."

Yuna's body tingled, and she instinctively closed her eyes. The sensation of Seto's warmth made her heart beat wildly. However, realizing she was succumbing to his touch, Yuna hurriedly backed away and caught her breath. Smiling bashfully, Yuna regretfully shook her head. "Sorry, Kaiba, I couldn't let you do that..."

"Why not?" Seto yelled in frustration, and she laughed softly.

"Well... I don't want you to get hurt, either." Yuna responded slyly, "So just believe in me this time." She stepped backwards, dodging his hands as she moved further away.

"Sano, wait!" Seto shouted, his face red, trying to grab her.

Stopping suddenly, Yuna chuckled and smiled wryly. "Then how about this? Let's make another promise. But this time, I promise that once I'm back, I will tell you something important."

"Something important?" Seto questioned doubtfully.

"It's something important to me..." Yuna explained, "But it's something you don't have to listen to..."

Staring at the ground, Seto let out a deep sigh. After a minute of hesitation, he nodded. "Fine... You're going no matter what, aren't you? When that time comes, make sure you tell me, or else you'll be in trouble for getting me curious over nothing."

"Okay!" Yuna spoke excitedly. "Just don't hate me after..."

"Why would I hate—"

"Alright... see you!" Yuna smiled and ran away. Seto watched her fading figure and sighed deeply, worries plaguing his face as he recalled Yuna's unconscious state during their battle with Dartz.

However, a hint of curiosity and anticipation set in. "Stay safe..." As he stared into the distance, a brief notification sound entered his ears, and Seto reached for his phone.

[Noah: All the images have been removed. However, I left one just in case you wanted it.]

Clicking on the attachment Noah had sent. Seto gazed at the image and expanded Yuna's bright face. Smiling, he quietly saved the picture to his phone, keeping it with him forever...

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I hope you enjoy it!