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Chapter 368: KC Cup
The effect of **Ring of Destruction** took away Judai's last 100 Life Points, and at the same time, the Dark Game Hayato had set up also punished **Yubel**, who had been captured.
**Yubel**, who had reached out to Judai and stayed behind him like a Spirit, seemed to want to grab something, but was completely suppressed by the power of the Dark Game and Sealed back into their Card, unable to appear.
Because this Duel ended too simply, only 200 DP were obtained during the Settlement, which wasn't even enough for the cost of Hayato's Dark Game just now. However, it was better than nothing.
Putting away his Duel Disk, Hayato walked up to Judai, who was sitting on the ground.
Although the Dark Game Hayato initiated primarily targeted **Yubel** held by Judai rather than Judai himself, and **Yubel** also actively blocked a portion for Judai, it was still a Dark Game. Judai, who had Lost the Duel, had a slightly dazed Expression on his young face.
Manjoume Shouji, who was standing by the Duel Field, didn't understand why Hayato wanted to Duel this Kid until the Duel ended. Just as he was about to say something, his Mobile Phone rang in his pocket. After answering the phone, Manjoume Shouji couldn't help but smile. After hanging up, he excitedly said to Hayato, "Jun is awake!"
"You go ahead, Shouji. I still have something to say to this boy." Hayato waved his hand at Manjoume Shouji. He had expected Manjoume Jun's Awakening, after all, the culprit who caused Manjoume Jun to fall unconscious had just been Sealed by him.
However, Manjoume Jun waking up so quickly was somewhat of a surprise for Hayato. As expected, another person with a tough physique like Joey Wheeler.
"Manjoume-chan is awake?" Since he was the one who caused Manjoume Jun to fall unconscious, Judai couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief upon hearing the news of his Awakening, looking somewhat happy. "That's great..."
"It's all because of me, Yubel..."
As he spoke, Judai suddenly realized something was wrong.
"Huh! Just now, it seems I was the same as before, only thinking about winning the Duel." Suddenly standing up from the ground, Judai looked at Hayato with a concerned Expression. "Mr. Hayato, are you okay?"
"Heh heh, I'm not that easy to Defeat, Judai." Hayato chuckled and rubbed Judai's Jellyfish Head. At the same time, he collected the residual Dark Magic Power from **Yubel** on Judai.
Because Hayato knew the truth about Yubel protecting Judai, when he initiated the Dark Game, Hayato chose not to Defeat **Yubel** but to Seal them back into the Card.
Although he didn't know how long this Dark Game could Seal Yubel, at least for a long time, Judai wouldn't harm others through Dueling, especially now that Hayato had also cleaned up the Dark Energy remaining on Judai.
However, it was ultimately only treating the symptoms, not the root cause.
Yubel's Power source wasn't themself, but Judai himself, whose Dark Power from his previous life was gradually Awakening. As Judai grew older, the Seal on Yubel would eventually be re-Awakened by Judai's Power. Therefore, Hayato truly wasn't deceiving Judai; he genuinely wanted him to experience other joys in Duel Monsters besides Victory.
However, Hayato wasn't like Naruto, who was skilled with words. All he could do was teach Judai what he felt was the happiest thing.
So, after waking up and confirming that his Body was completely normal, Manjoume Jun, who had rushed to the Open Space downstairs from the Hospital, heard two Figures, one large and one small, sitting side by side at the edge of the Open Space, whispering with their heads bowed and holding something in their hands—
"Teacher Hayato, do you want **Mirror Force**? I feel like this Card doesn't seem like a Card used by a Hero."
"You have to think differently. A Hero's mission is to uphold Justice and protect the Weakling. This Blessing of the Moon Goddess is a Card that represents the Will to protect."
"Then what about **Solemn Judgment**?"
"What kind of Hero doesn't have the Means/Method to Counter Sin? The best way to uphold Justice is to Frustrate the Evil Forces' Plan before they can even set it up."
"I see! So I should put three copies of **Bottomless Trap Hole** and **Fiend's Chain** too, Teacher Hayato!"
"Congratulations, Judai-san, you've already learned how to answer questions before they're finished!"
Looking at Judai's 40-Card Deck, which was more than half Trap Cards, Hayato nodded with satisfaction. Hmm, although it wasn't the complete version, lacking the meta-defining **Karma Cut** and the Invincible **Book of Moon**, it at least had some elements of a "yin" Hero.
Hayato Kobayashi, you've done terrible things!
While Judai was adjusting his Deck, Hayato also took the **Yubel** Card, which Judai treasured, from his hand.
After being Sealed by Hayato, the **Yubel** Card became quite ordinary. Let alone the special feeling of an Awakened Card Spirit, there wasn't even a trace of residual Dark Power. It seemed that the Dark Magic Power remaining on Judai was the last thing Yubel left behind.
Although he was quite moved by **Yubel**'s "stalker-like" behavior of leaving Power on Judai to protect him even after being Sealed, this didn't mean Hayato planned to let Yubel off the hook. He didn't intend to change Yubel's original Destiny and planned to let them take the Rocket launched by KaibaCorp to space, just like in the original Plot.
Letting Yubel absorb the Power of the Light of Destruction, the Final Boss of the GX Era, and then having Judai persuade Yubel to return with his words—Hayato "Harm Others" Kobayashi felt excited just thinking about such a self-serving act.
What, the Final Boss of GX is Darkness? Sorry, who's that? Never heard of them.
Looking at the **Yubel** with 0 ATK/0 DEF and divine Stats, Hayato solemnly took out a Card Sleeve and sealed it, then attached a Chain similar to Kaiba's before returning it to Judai. "**Yubel** is a very powerful Monster. I can't solve the Problem with them for now. In short, if you don't want to hurt others, absolutely do not Use **Yubel** to Duel others, Judai-san."
"Even Teacher Hayato can't do anything about **Yubel**?"
Hayato looked at Judai, whose Expression was slightly dejected, and spread his hands helplessly. "Actually, I have an Idea, but I need to find someone to help me first."
"Unfortunately, that guy suffers from a severe Urge to Duel. If I ask him for help, it will definitely turn into his 'Revenge Match' in the end. I even suspect that guy is currently Dueling AI using my Duel Data."
Speak of the devil, and he shall appear.
"I am the storm that's approaching~~"
Music full of Power rang from Hayato's Mobile Phone. Hayato looked at the caller ID, which was labeled AI King—it was Kaiba calling.
Answering the phone, Hayato heard Kaiba's deep voice from the other end. "Hayato Kobayashi..."
"Yo, Seto. Why do I feel like you're not in a good Mood from your voice?"
"Hmph, just now, I suddenly sneezed three times. The only way that could happen is if you were talking bad about me behind my back." Uncharacteristically, Kaiba, who was usually serious, made a joke following Hayato's words.
Contrary to Hayato's words, his Mood was actually quite good, but he usually didn't show his Mood on his face.
"Not at all, not at all. You know me, I never slander others behind their backs." Because I was stating facts, hmm.
"Hmph, whatever. Enough small talk, my Time is not abundant." Kaiba let out a stiff laugh, clearly not believing Hayato's words. "At this Time, you should have already seen the Videotape Pegasus sent to you and Yugi. He didn't Use the phone but insisted on sending a Videotape, I really don't know what that guy is trying to be mysterious about."
No, no, no, it's because that guy Pegasus thinks that phone calls aren't as convenient as direct video conversations. Hayato Ranted in his Heart. Knowing that Kaiba Believed in Science, Hayato was too lazy to explain to him that Pegasus still had some Power from the Millennium Eye.
"Yes, I've seen it. He said he plans to accept your invitation and come to Domino City next Saturday to discuss Industrial Illusions and KaibaCorp jointly releasing the Forbidden & Limited List. He also invited me along."
Speaking of this, Hayato Paused slightly. "Theoretically, even if it's just to discuss the specific Rules, there's no need for Pegasus to travel all the way to Japan, thousands of miles away. Moreover, he specifically invited me and Yugi to sign the Stock Transfer Agreement for Industrial Illusions."
"Plus, Seto, you specifically called me. Let me guess, the matter you're going to announce next Saturday is far more than just the Forbidden & Limited List, right?"
Kaiba's light laugh came from the other end of the phone. "Talking to you is indeed easier than talking to a Mediocre Person. Anyway, you'll know eventually, so telling you in advance doesn't matter."
"The hosting of Battle City was quite successful. Both KaibaCorp's Virtual Projection System licensing fees and Industrial Illusions' Card Sales have increased globally. Domino City also received a large sum of Tax Revenue due to the influx of many foreign personnel. I Plan to strike while the Popularity of Battle City hasn't faded and hold another Duel Monsters Tournament."
"However, given that there has already been a high-Quality Duel Monsters Tournament like Battle City, I Plan to modify the Rules to allow everyone to participate, maximizing the popularity of Duel Monsters."
Hayato Ranted, "In other words, isn't it just that KaibaCorp's Duel Disk Hunger Marketing is over, and now you can start mass distribution to recover costs?"
"Hmph, it's your business if you want to think that way." Kaiba didn't agree, but he didn't refute Hayato's statement either, as this was indeed one of his Goals.
Hayato thought for a moment. "But if it's a tournament for everyone, you can't just rely on the Ante Rule from Battle City to get free Popularity, right? If there isn't enough attraction, don't end up with a pathetic number of participants. After all, not everyone is satisfied just by Dueling like you."
"Also, you just said talking to me is easier than talking to a Mediocre Person. Did you call Joey Wheeler too? That's Strange."
"Although he's a Mediocre Person, he's at least a second-rate Duelist, stronger than some fourth-rate Duelists. He can somewhat Increase the Quality of Duels." Kaiba spoke with a tone of disdain for Joey Wheeler, but if he truly looked down on him, he wouldn't have sent Joey Wheeler a Card after the Semifinals. He was such a tsundere.
"Competing against Duelists with some Fame, and the Champion getting the Qualification to Duel the Duel King. I think these should be attractive enough for ordinary people who fantasize about reaching the top in one go."
Paused, Kaiba added, "Also, the Champion Prize Money is 5 million Yen, the Runner-up Prize Money is 3 million Yen, and the Third Place Prize Money is 1 million Yen."
"The last one is the most attractive, right?" Hayato Ranted. "I was just wondering what you used to tempt Joey Wheeler, and now I understand."
"Don't think you can order me around, Kaiba, I'm not your Subordinate!" Joey Wheeler probably wanted to say that at the time, but Kaiba offered too much.
"But Kaiba, you said the Champion of this Match can Duel the Duel King?" Hayato narrowed his Eyes, sensing an opportunity to extort. "I don't recall ever agreeing to this."
"If the Champion comes to you to fulfill the promise and finds out you haven't even discussed this with me, the Influence on KaibaCorp could be immeasurable."
Kaiba was silent for a moment on the other end of the phone, then laughed. "Did you forget something? I never said that I, as the organizer, wouldn't participate. Anyway, the first place will only ever be me. It doesn't matter what the Champion's Spoils are, because they will only fall into my hands."
This familiar overconfidence, it was indeed Kaiba. Hayato couldn't help but remind him, "You're the one who forgot something, right? While it's unlikely Joey Wheeler can beat you, where do you get the confidence that you can definitely beat Mutou Yuugi?"
Hearing Hayato's words, Kaiba on the other end of the phone sounded as if he had been waiting for this Question for a long time, and said proudly, "Even when I had **Obelisk the Tormentor** in hand, I couldn't be sure I could definitely beat Mutou Yuugi. But now, I am not the same as before. With the stronger Power I've gained in my Deck, I can be 1000% sure that I can defeat Mutou Yuugi!"
"By then, it will be you, I will absolutely take the Title of Duel King from your hands. Don't be afraid and avoid the Match when you see my great Power, Hayato Kobayashi!"
As he spoke, Kaiba looked at a Card placed beside him.
With this Card, I will possess the Power to decide the Future. Any misfortune I refuse to accept will stay away from me. Holding this Card, I will be in eternal and absolute Luck.
I will become the Duel King, and the Duel King will inevitably be mine, Kaiba's!
Hearing Kaiba's confident declaration, Hayato also smiled. "Since you've said that much, fine, I'll attend the Press Conference next Saturday to support you. But I'm not helping you for free. As a Deal, after I Defeat that lucky Champion, you'll have to do me a small favor, Kaiba."
"Hmph, you can make any request you want, but the premise is that you can defeat me, that you can defeat me, who will be the Champion of this 'KC Cup'."
Saying that, Kaiba hung up the phone.
"As expected, still the KC Cup. But from what Kaiba said, Industrial Illusions and KaibaCorp are combining forces? Although it's not the first time, it's hard not to Exclaim that two corporations that were fiercely competing against each other not long ago can cooperate so unitedly. As expected, still in the Business field, there are no eternal Enemies, only eternal Profit."
Putting away his phone, Hayato muttered to himself and turned his head, only to see Manjoume Jun and Judai Yuki looking at him with expectant Expressions.
"KC Cup..."
"Champion..."
"Duel the Duel King!"
Manjoume Jun, who had been quite Annoyed with Judai earlier, acted in perfect sync with him, saying in unison, "Mr. Hayato/Teacher, we want to participate in the KC Cup too!"
Hayato looked at Judai and Manjoume, who had sincere Expressions, as if they would evolve from "craftsman spirit" to "dogeza aliens" if he didn't agree. He rubbed his Chin, and the corner of his mouth curved slightly. "Participate, you can both participate."
Kaiba's words just now gave Hayato a good Idea.
---- Kaiba is Card Printing ----
Under the effect of King Crimson's Power, Time flew by, and several days passed in the blink of an Eye.
On Saturday morning, in front of the newly completed Domino City Sports Center, contracted by KaibaCorp, a Press Conference jointly organized by KaibaCorp and Industrial Illusions was officially held.
At the Press Conference, the two Champions of Duelist Kingdom—Hayato Kobayashi and Mutou Yuugi—attended and formally signed the Stock Transfer Agreement with Mr. Pegasus J. Crawford, the 100% Stock Owner of Industrial Illusions, Genius Game Designer, Father of Duel Monsters, one-eyed silver-haired childish foreigner (crossed out). They each acquired 30% of Industrial Illusions' Stock.
Subsequently, Pegasus and KaibaCorp Vice President—Mokuba Kaiba—jointly released a New Rule for Duel Monsters called the "Master Rule," which Restricted and modified the Effects of some Duel Monsters Cards. Cards like **Chaos Emperor Dragon - Envoy of the End** and **Yata-Garasu** were listed as Forbidden Cards and were not allowed to be Used in official Duels.
Cards like **Graceful Charity**, which were powerful but didn't have as significant an Influence as Forbidden Cards, were listed as Limited Cards, with a maximum of one allowed in a Deck.
Just as the Press Conference was ending, and the Reporters were already organizing their drafts and preparing to leave, a wind suddenly picked up on the Venue, accompanied by the Roaring Sound of a propeller. The wind grew stronger and stronger.
Under the accustomed gazes of Hayato, Yugi, and Keipei, Kaiba stood by the cabin door of a Helicopter shaped like a **Blue-Eyes White Dragon**, holding onto the handrail with one hand and pressing the Headphones to his ear with the other. His voice came through the Speaker at the Venue: "The most important news cannot be left until the very end."
"Duelists watching this Press Conference, do you remember Battle City not long ago? Were you disappointed that you couldn't reach the Top 8 and compete with the Duel King for the supreme Throne?"
"Do you want to experience the wonderful feeling of a passionate Duelist Spirit clashing with a Top Duelist again? Then celebrate, your chance has come!"
"A fiery Duel Tournament will be held again! One week from now, the largest Duel Monsters Tournament in history, jointly organized by KaibaCorp and Industrial Illusions, will kick off in San Francisco, USA. So, celebrate the start of intense Dueling once more!"
Kaiba's white Trench Coat fluttered wildly in the wind as he stood by the Helicopter. Hayato really couldn't understand if Kaiba had some Strange preference for Helicopters, why did he always stand on a Helicopter when announcing a Duel Monsters Tournament?
But seeing Kaiba's Trench Coat, Hayato suddenly understood. It was probably because the Airflow from a Helicopter was strong, and his Trench Coat looked cool when blown by the wind?
While the other three at the Press Conference seats also focused on Kaiba's Vehicle, they felt the main point of ridicule was the Exterior Design. They probably also thought traveling by Helicopter was cool?
"Kaiba's aesthetic sense is, as expected, still... uh, unique?" It must be said that Yugi's words were extremely high in emotional intelligence.
Even Keipei had a helpless Expression. "I specifically reminded Brother not to Use that Helicopter before I left. KaibaCorp isn't without normal Helicopters..."
As for Pegasus, that guy was quite interested in the **Blue-Eyes White Dragon**-shaped Helicopter in the air. "What's this, Kaiba-boy's Helicopter is clearly super kawaii! Oh My God, me thinks such a Helicopter is simply a work of art, it makes people feel Funny!"
Kaiba in mid-air naturally couldn't hear the whispers of the people on the Ground. While enduring the cold wind, he began to introduce the KC Cup process.
First, compared to Battle City, the KC Cup had no Restriction on the Quality of a Duelist's Deck or their Dueling Prowess. As long as your Deck Composition wasn't wrong, met the 40-Card requirement, and you had a functional Duel Disk, you could register for the Match. However, at the same time, the KC Cup added a Qualifiers process. Only by winning enough Points through Duels in the Qualifiers could you qualify for the Main Tournament and appear in the Live Broadcasted Matches to gain Fame.
With Battle City as a test run, this time the KC Cup boldly expanded the number of participants in the Main Tournament to a full 64 people. The participants were divided into four groups, A, B, C, and D, with sixteen people in each group. Players would Duel each other in pairs to determine the strongest player in each of the four groups, followed by the Semifinals and Grand Finals to select the KC Cup Champion.
It could be said that Kaiba had completely mastered the art of running tournaments. Leaving aside the Benefit from the popularity of Duel Monsters, the Television broadcast during the KC Cup alone was a huge sum of money.
Furthermore, even if someone wanted to try their Luck to see if they could strike it rich and compete for the 5 million Yen Champion Prize Money, they would first have to buy a Duel Disk monopolized by KaibaCorp. This guy Kaiba was completely crushing it.
"Wait and hold Hope, Duelists!" Kaiba's speech reached its final sentences. "Whether it's Wealth or Honor, everything awaits you on the Duel King's Throne!"
"Bare your fangs towards the Throne!"
"Oh oh oh oh oh!!!"
Kaiba's **Blue-Eyes White Dragon** Helicopter flew away from the Press Conference, leaving behind the people at the Venue, stirred up by Kaiba, staring at Hayato like Hungry Wolves about to devour him. Even Hayato felt a chill down his spine from these gazes.
Belatedly, he remembered: Wait, I've never heard of any Honor or Wealth on the Duel King's Throne?
Damn it, that bastard Kaiba definitely took a Kickback!
This chapter is a three-in-one. Asking for Recommendations for the weekend (hinting to remember to vote for Recommendations on Monday, as they reset weekly).
The effect of **Ring of Destruction** took away Judai's last 100 Life Points, and at the same time, the Dark Game Hayato had set up also punished **Yubel**, who had been captured.
**Yubel**, who had reached out to Judai and stayed behind him like a Spirit, seemed to want to grab something, but was completely suppressed by the power of the Dark Game and Sealed back into their Card, unable to appear.
Because this Duel ended too simply, only 200 DP were obtained during the Settlement, which wasn't even enough for the cost of Hayato's Dark Game just now. However, it was better than nothing.
Putting away his Duel Disk, Hayato walked up to Judai, who was sitting on the ground.
Although the Dark Game Hayato initiated primarily targeted **Yubel** held by Judai rather than Judai himself, and **Yubel** also actively blocked a portion for Judai, it was still a Dark Game. Judai, who had Lost the Duel, had a slightly dazed Expression on his young face.
Manjoume Shouji, who was standing by the Duel Field, didn't understand why Hayato wanted to Duel this Kid until the Duel ended. Just as he was about to say something, his Mobile Phone rang in his pocket. After answering the phone, Manjoume Shouji couldn't help but smile. After hanging up, he excitedly said to Hayato, "Jun is awake!"
"You go ahead, Shouji. I still have something to say to this boy." Hayato waved his hand at Manjoume Shouji. He had expected Manjoume Jun's Awakening, after all, the culprit who caused Manjoume Jun to fall unconscious had just been Sealed by him.
However, Manjoume Jun waking up so quickly was somewhat of a surprise for Hayato. As expected, another person with a tough physique like Joey Wheeler.
"Manjoume-chan is awake?" Since he was the one who caused Manjoume Jun to fall unconscious, Judai couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief upon hearing the news of his Awakening, looking somewhat happy. "That's great..."
"It's all because of me, Yubel..."
As he spoke, Judai suddenly realized something was wrong.
"Huh! Just now, it seems I was the same as before, only thinking about winning the Duel." Suddenly standing up from the ground, Judai looked at Hayato with a concerned Expression. "Mr. Hayato, are you okay?"
"Heh heh, I'm not that easy to Defeat, Judai." Hayato chuckled and rubbed Judai's Jellyfish Head. At the same time, he collected the residual Dark Magic Power from **Yubel** on Judai.
Because Hayato knew the truth about Yubel protecting Judai, when he initiated the Dark Game, Hayato chose not to Defeat **Yubel** but to Seal them back into the Card.
Although he didn't know how long this Dark Game could Seal Yubel, at least for a long time, Judai wouldn't harm others through Dueling, especially now that Hayato had also cleaned up the Dark Energy remaining on Judai.
However, it was ultimately only treating the symptoms, not the root cause.
Yubel's Power source wasn't themself, but Judai himself, whose Dark Power from his previous life was gradually Awakening. As Judai grew older, the Seal on Yubel would eventually be re-Awakened by Judai's Power. Therefore, Hayato truly wasn't deceiving Judai; he genuinely wanted him to experience other joys in Duel Monsters besides Victory.
However, Hayato wasn't like Naruto, who was skilled with words. All he could do was teach Judai what he felt was the happiest thing.
So, after waking up and confirming that his Body was completely normal, Manjoume Jun, who had rushed to the Open Space downstairs from the Hospital, heard two Figures, one large and one small, sitting side by side at the edge of the Open Space, whispering with their heads bowed and holding something in their hands—
"Teacher Hayato, do you want **Mirror Force**? I feel like this Card doesn't seem like a Card used by a Hero."
"You have to think differently. A Hero's mission is to uphold Justice and protect the Weakling. This Blessing of the Moon Goddess is a Card that represents the Will to protect."
"Then what about **Solemn Judgment**?"
"What kind of Hero doesn't have the Means/Method to Counter Sin? The best way to uphold Justice is to Frustrate the Evil Forces' Plan before they can even set it up."
"I see! So I should put three copies of **Bottomless Trap Hole** and **Fiend's Chain** too, Teacher Hayato!"
"Congratulations, Judai-san, you've already learned how to answer questions before they're finished!"
Looking at Judai's 40-Card Deck, which was more than half Trap Cards, Hayato nodded with satisfaction. Hmm, although it wasn't the complete version, lacking the meta-defining **Karma Cut** and the Invincible **Book of Moon**, it at least had some elements of a "yin" Hero.
Hayato Kobayashi, you've done terrible things!
While Judai was adjusting his Deck, Hayato also took the **Yubel** Card, which Judai treasured, from his hand.
After being Sealed by Hayato, the **Yubel** Card became quite ordinary. Let alone the special feeling of an Awakened Card Spirit, there wasn't even a trace of residual Dark Power. It seemed that the Dark Magic Power remaining on Judai was the last thing Yubel left behind.
Although he was quite moved by **Yubel**'s "stalker-like" behavior of leaving Power on Judai to protect him even after being Sealed, this didn't mean Hayato planned to let Yubel off the hook. He didn't intend to change Yubel's original Destiny and planned to let them take the Rocket launched by KaibaCorp to space, just like in the original Plot.
Letting Yubel absorb the Power of the Light of Destruction, the Final Boss of the GX Era, and then having Judai persuade Yubel to return with his words—Hayato "Harm Others" Kobayashi felt excited just thinking about such a self-serving act.
What, the Final Boss of GX is Darkness? Sorry, who's that? Never heard of them.
Looking at the **Yubel** with 0 ATK/0 DEF and divine Stats, Hayato solemnly took out a Card Sleeve and sealed it, then attached a Chain similar to Kaiba's before returning it to Judai. "**Yubel** is a very powerful Monster. I can't solve the Problem with them for now. In short, if you don't want to hurt others, absolutely do not Use **Yubel** to Duel others, Judai-san."
"Even Teacher Hayato can't do anything about **Yubel**?"
Hayato looked at Judai, whose Expression was slightly dejected, and spread his hands helplessly. "Actually, I have an Idea, but I need to find someone to help me first."
"Unfortunately, that guy suffers from a severe Urge to Duel. If I ask him for help, it will definitely turn into his 'Revenge Match' in the end. I even suspect that guy is currently Dueling AI using my Duel Data."
Speak of the devil, and he shall appear.
"I am the storm that's approaching~~"
Music full of Power rang from Hayato's Mobile Phone. Hayato looked at the caller ID, which was labeled AI King—it was Kaiba calling.
Answering the phone, Hayato heard Kaiba's deep voice from the other end. "Hayato Kobayashi..."
"Yo, Seto. Why do I feel like you're not in a good Mood from your voice?"
"Hmph, just now, I suddenly sneezed three times. The only way that could happen is if you were talking bad about me behind my back." Uncharacteristically, Kaiba, who was usually serious, made a joke following Hayato's words.
Contrary to Hayato's words, his Mood was actually quite good, but he usually didn't show his Mood on his face.
"Not at all, not at all. You know me, I never slander others behind their backs." Because I was stating facts, hmm.
"Hmph, whatever. Enough small talk, my Time is not abundant." Kaiba let out a stiff laugh, clearly not believing Hayato's words. "At this Time, you should have already seen the Videotape Pegasus sent to you and Yugi. He didn't Use the phone but insisted on sending a Videotape, I really don't know what that guy is trying to be mysterious about."
No, no, no, it's because that guy Pegasus thinks that phone calls aren't as convenient as direct video conversations. Hayato Ranted in his Heart. Knowing that Kaiba Believed in Science, Hayato was too lazy to explain to him that Pegasus still had some Power from the Millennium Eye.
"Yes, I've seen it. He said he plans to accept your invitation and come to Domino City next Saturday to discuss Industrial Illusions and KaibaCorp jointly releasing the Forbidden & Limited List. He also invited me along."
Speaking of this, Hayato Paused slightly. "Theoretically, even if it's just to discuss the specific Rules, there's no need for Pegasus to travel all the way to Japan, thousands of miles away. Moreover, he specifically invited me and Yugi to sign the Stock Transfer Agreement for Industrial Illusions."
"Plus, Seto, you specifically called me. Let me guess, the matter you're going to announce next Saturday is far more than just the Forbidden & Limited List, right?"
Kaiba's light laugh came from the other end of the phone. "Talking to you is indeed easier than talking to a Mediocre Person. Anyway, you'll know eventually, so telling you in advance doesn't matter."
"The hosting of Battle City was quite successful. Both KaibaCorp's Virtual Projection System licensing fees and Industrial Illusions' Card Sales have increased globally. Domino City also received a large sum of Tax Revenue due to the influx of many foreign personnel. I Plan to strike while the Popularity of Battle City hasn't faded and hold another Duel Monsters Tournament."
"However, given that there has already been a high-Quality Duel Monsters Tournament like Battle City, I Plan to modify the Rules to allow everyone to participate, maximizing the popularity of Duel Monsters."
Hayato Ranted, "In other words, isn't it just that KaibaCorp's Duel Disk Hunger Marketing is over, and now you can start mass distribution to recover costs?"
"Hmph, it's your business if you want to think that way." Kaiba didn't agree, but he didn't refute Hayato's statement either, as this was indeed one of his Goals.
Hayato thought for a moment. "But if it's a tournament for everyone, you can't just rely on the Ante Rule from Battle City to get free Popularity, right? If there isn't enough attraction, don't end up with a pathetic number of participants. After all, not everyone is satisfied just by Dueling like you."
"Also, you just said talking to me is easier than talking to a Mediocre Person. Did you call Joey Wheeler too? That's Strange."
"Although he's a Mediocre Person, he's at least a second-rate Duelist, stronger than some fourth-rate Duelists. He can somewhat Increase the Quality of Duels." Kaiba spoke with a tone of disdain for Joey Wheeler, but if he truly looked down on him, he wouldn't have sent Joey Wheeler a Card after the Semifinals. He was such a tsundere.
"Competing against Duelists with some Fame, and the Champion getting the Qualification to Duel the Duel King. I think these should be attractive enough for ordinary people who fantasize about reaching the top in one go."
Paused, Kaiba added, "Also, the Champion Prize Money is 5 million Yen, the Runner-up Prize Money is 3 million Yen, and the Third Place Prize Money is 1 million Yen."
"The last one is the most attractive, right?" Hayato Ranted. "I was just wondering what you used to tempt Joey Wheeler, and now I understand."
"Don't think you can order me around, Kaiba, I'm not your Subordinate!" Joey Wheeler probably wanted to say that at the time, but Kaiba offered too much.
"But Kaiba, you said the Champion of this Match can Duel the Duel King?" Hayato narrowed his Eyes, sensing an opportunity to extort. "I don't recall ever agreeing to this."
"If the Champion comes to you to fulfill the promise and finds out you haven't even discussed this with me, the Influence on KaibaCorp could be immeasurable."
Kaiba was silent for a moment on the other end of the phone, then laughed. "Did you forget something? I never said that I, as the organizer, wouldn't participate. Anyway, the first place will only ever be me. It doesn't matter what the Champion's Spoils are, because they will only fall into my hands."
This familiar overconfidence, it was indeed Kaiba. Hayato couldn't help but remind him, "You're the one who forgot something, right? While it's unlikely Joey Wheeler can beat you, where do you get the confidence that you can definitely beat Mutou Yuugi?"
Hearing Hayato's words, Kaiba on the other end of the phone sounded as if he had been waiting for this Question for a long time, and said proudly, "Even when I had **Obelisk the Tormentor** in hand, I couldn't be sure I could definitely beat Mutou Yuugi. But now, I am not the same as before. With the stronger Power I've gained in my Deck, I can be 1000% sure that I can defeat Mutou Yuugi!"
"By then, it will be you, I will absolutely take the Title of Duel King from your hands. Don't be afraid and avoid the Match when you see my great Power, Hayato Kobayashi!"
As he spoke, Kaiba looked at a Card placed beside him.
With this Card, I will possess the Power to decide the Future. Any misfortune I refuse to accept will stay away from me. Holding this Card, I will be in eternal and absolute Luck.
I will become the Duel King, and the Duel King will inevitably be mine, Kaiba's!
Hearing Kaiba's confident declaration, Hayato also smiled. "Since you've said that much, fine, I'll attend the Press Conference next Saturday to support you. But I'm not helping you for free. As a Deal, after I Defeat that lucky Champion, you'll have to do me a small favor, Kaiba."
"Hmph, you can make any request you want, but the premise is that you can defeat me, that you can defeat me, who will be the Champion of this 'KC Cup'."
Saying that, Kaiba hung up the phone.
"As expected, still the KC Cup. But from what Kaiba said, Industrial Illusions and KaibaCorp are combining forces? Although it's not the first time, it's hard not to Exclaim that two corporations that were fiercely competing against each other not long ago can cooperate so unitedly. As expected, still in the Business field, there are no eternal Enemies, only eternal Profit."
Putting away his phone, Hayato muttered to himself and turned his head, only to see Manjoume Jun and Judai Yuki looking at him with expectant Expressions.
"KC Cup..."
"Champion..."
"Duel the Duel King!"
Manjoume Jun, who had been quite Annoyed with Judai earlier, acted in perfect sync with him, saying in unison, "Mr. Hayato/Teacher, we want to participate in the KC Cup too!"
Hayato looked at Judai and Manjoume, who had sincere Expressions, as if they would evolve from "craftsman spirit" to "dogeza aliens" if he didn't agree. He rubbed his Chin, and the corner of his mouth curved slightly. "Participate, you can both participate."
Kaiba's words just now gave Hayato a good Idea.
---- Kaiba is Card Printing ----
Under the effect of King Crimson's Power, Time flew by, and several days passed in the blink of an Eye.
On Saturday morning, in front of the newly completed Domino City Sports Center, contracted by KaibaCorp, a Press Conference jointly organized by KaibaCorp and Industrial Illusions was officially held.
At the Press Conference, the two Champions of Duelist Kingdom—Hayato Kobayashi and Mutou Yuugi—attended and formally signed the Stock Transfer Agreement with Mr. Pegasus J. Crawford, the 100% Stock Owner of Industrial Illusions, Genius Game Designer, Father of Duel Monsters, one-eyed silver-haired childish foreigner (crossed out). They each acquired 30% of Industrial Illusions' Stock.
Subsequently, Pegasus and KaibaCorp Vice President—Mokuba Kaiba—jointly released a New Rule for Duel Monsters called the "Master Rule," which Restricted and modified the Effects of some Duel Monsters Cards. Cards like **Chaos Emperor Dragon - Envoy of the End** and **Yata-Garasu** were listed as Forbidden Cards and were not allowed to be Used in official Duels.
Cards like **Graceful Charity**, which were powerful but didn't have as significant an Influence as Forbidden Cards, were listed as Limited Cards, with a maximum of one allowed in a Deck.
Just as the Press Conference was ending, and the Reporters were already organizing their drafts and preparing to leave, a wind suddenly picked up on the Venue, accompanied by the Roaring Sound of a propeller. The wind grew stronger and stronger.
Under the accustomed gazes of Hayato, Yugi, and Keipei, Kaiba stood by the cabin door of a Helicopter shaped like a **Blue-Eyes White Dragon**, holding onto the handrail with one hand and pressing the Headphones to his ear with the other. His voice came through the Speaker at the Venue: "The most important news cannot be left until the very end."
"Duelists watching this Press Conference, do you remember Battle City not long ago? Were you disappointed that you couldn't reach the Top 8 and compete with the Duel King for the supreme Throne?"
"Do you want to experience the wonderful feeling of a passionate Duelist Spirit clashing with a Top Duelist again? Then celebrate, your chance has come!"
"A fiery Duel Tournament will be held again! One week from now, the largest Duel Monsters Tournament in history, jointly organized by KaibaCorp and Industrial Illusions, will kick off in San Francisco, USA. So, celebrate the start of intense Dueling once more!"
Kaiba's white Trench Coat fluttered wildly in the wind as he stood by the Helicopter. Hayato really couldn't understand if Kaiba had some Strange preference for Helicopters, why did he always stand on a Helicopter when announcing a Duel Monsters Tournament?
But seeing Kaiba's Trench Coat, Hayato suddenly understood. It was probably because the Airflow from a Helicopter was strong, and his Trench Coat looked cool when blown by the wind?
While the other three at the Press Conference seats also focused on Kaiba's Vehicle, they felt the main point of ridicule was the Exterior Design. They probably also thought traveling by Helicopter was cool?
"Kaiba's aesthetic sense is, as expected, still... uh, unique?" It must be said that Yugi's words were extremely high in emotional intelligence.
Even Keipei had a helpless Expression. "I specifically reminded Brother not to Use that Helicopter before I left. KaibaCorp isn't without normal Helicopters..."
As for Pegasus, that guy was quite interested in the **Blue-Eyes White Dragon**-shaped Helicopter in the air. "What's this, Kaiba-boy's Helicopter is clearly super kawaii! Oh My God, me thinks such a Helicopter is simply a work of art, it makes people feel Funny!"
Kaiba in mid-air naturally couldn't hear the whispers of the people on the Ground. While enduring the cold wind, he began to introduce the KC Cup process.
First, compared to Battle City, the KC Cup had no Restriction on the Quality of a Duelist's Deck or their Dueling Prowess. As long as your Deck Composition wasn't wrong, met the 40-Card requirement, and you had a functional Duel Disk, you could register for the Match. However, at the same time, the KC Cup added a Qualifiers process. Only by winning enough Points through Duels in the Qualifiers could you qualify for the Main Tournament and appear in the Live Broadcasted Matches to gain Fame.
With Battle City as a test run, this time the KC Cup boldly expanded the number of participants in the Main Tournament to a full 64 people. The participants were divided into four groups, A, B, C, and D, with sixteen people in each group. Players would Duel each other in pairs to determine the strongest player in each of the four groups, followed by the Semifinals and Grand Finals to select the KC Cup Champion.
It could be said that Kaiba had completely mastered the art of running tournaments. Leaving aside the Benefit from the popularity of Duel Monsters, the Television broadcast during the KC Cup alone was a huge sum of money.
Furthermore, even if someone wanted to try their Luck to see if they could strike it rich and compete for the 5 million Yen Champion Prize Money, they would first have to buy a Duel Disk monopolized by KaibaCorp. This guy Kaiba was completely crushing it.
"Wait and hold Hope, Duelists!" Kaiba's speech reached its final sentences. "Whether it's Wealth or Honor, everything awaits you on the Duel King's Throne!"
"Bare your fangs towards the Throne!"
"Oh oh oh oh oh!!!"
Kaiba's **Blue-Eyes White Dragon** Helicopter flew away from the Press Conference, leaving behind the people at the Venue, stirred up by Kaiba, staring at Hayato like Hungry Wolves about to devour him. Even Hayato felt a chill down his spine from these gazes.
Belatedly, he remembered: Wait, I've never heard of any Honor or Wealth on the Duel King's Throne?
Damn it, that bastard Kaiba definitely took a Kickback!
This chapter is a three-in-one. Asking for Recommendations for the weekend (hinting to remember to vote for Recommendations on Monday, as they reset weekly).
