The School Representative Duel finally drew to a close amid the shock lingering from the appearance of Contrast HERO Chaos.
Thanks to Jaden Yuki's victory, Chancellor Sheppard got his wish and received Ms. Dorothy's "kiss" a truly ridiculous reward. Chazz, just like in the original story, chose to return from North Academy and was welcomed back to Duel Academy.
However, in contrast to the peace within the academy, a different kind of storm was brewing outside, stirred by Jaden Yuki's return to the public eye.
"Jaden Yuki... to think that after several years apart, he has evolved to such a level?"
Inside a resting room at a duel stadium, a silver-haired youth watched the red-clad boy in the video summon Contrast HERO Chaos. This was Aster Phoenix. Since his parting with Jaden years ago, Aster had remained active in the Professional League. He constantly challenged himself, dreaming of the day he could finally defeat Jaden Yuki once more.
But looking at things now, Jaden had also been growing stronger during those years.
"Jaden Yuki, that dangerous fellow," a cold voice rang out from behind Aster.
Aster turned his head slightly and saw Sartorius Kumar, dressed in white robes, walking into the room.
"Sartorius..."
Sartorius didn't seem to hear him. He merely stared fixedly at the youth on the screen, his eyes gleaming with resentment.
Elsewhere, in a Domino City hospital's intensive care unit.
"Jaden Yuki..."
The old man lying inside the unit watched the youth on the screen and his HERO Deck with cloudy eyes. "He is indeed a truly powerful duelist. I can feel that terrifying power and his soul. If it is his duel, it can definitely awaken the sleeping Sacred Beasts."
However, even if he successfully awakened the Sacred Beasts, such a powerful duelist was not someone his current self could easily defeat. He needed even more power. He needed power that surpassed the Sacred Beasts to thoroughly crush Jaden Yuki.
The old man tapped the glass of the intensive care unit with a withered finger. Soon, several bodyguards dressed in black entered the room.
"Chairman Kagemaru." They stood respectfully to the side.
"The plan... can be implemented," Kagemaru said coldly. "Also, I need even stronger cards. Cards that can unleash the full potential of the Sacred Beasts!"
Back at Duel Academy, Jaden Yuki gazed up at the azure sky, enjoying the final moments of peace. Pharaoh lay nearby, snoring away.
In contrast, the spirits around Jaden were much noisier. Ghost Reaper & Winter Cherries and Ghost Ogre & Snow Rabbit were scuffling with each other, while Ghost Belle & Haunted Mansion stood between them, caught in a helpless attempt to play peacemaker.
"Stop fighting! You two, stop it right now!"
"Get away! This has nothing to do with you! This morning, while I was pretending to sleep, I caught this brat trying to chop my head off with her scythe! Don't think I didn't know!"
"Hmph! You were the one who used a knife to cut my skirt last night, you jerk!"
Glancing at the two fighting, Jaden shook his head and sat up, looking at his motionless fishing rod. "I've been fishing for over a month, and not a single fish has bitten..."
"Jaden, your fishing skills are exactly inversely proportional to your dueling skills," Yubel appeared by his side and teased.
Jaden rolled his eyes, feeling powerless to argue. "Still, these lazy days are about to come to an end." He stretched, his gaze gradually turning serious. "It's about to start, isn't it?"
"Hmm?" Yubel glanced at him.
"No, it's nothing." Jaden coughed into his fist. "Anyway, before that happens, there are still three runaway spirits we haven't found. Ghost Reaper, Ghost Ogre, you two should know where Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring is, right?"
"Eh?"
Hearing Jaden's question, both spirits froze and turned to look at him simultaneously.
In the forest of the island, Jaden searched for Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring's hiding spot under the guidance of Ghost Reaper & Winter Cherries.
"I'm not certain she's still at the original location. After all, the last time we met was a week ago," Ghost Reaper said with a look of reluctance.
"Don't make so many excuses! Just lead the way for the Supreme King!" Ghost Ogre floated beside Jaden, her hands on her hips as she spoke arrogantly.
"Hmph, you jerk..." Ghost Reaper glared at her, filled with annoyance. "Supreme King, though you are strong, Ash Blossom isn't as weak as you might imagine. Besides, you should be well aware of her effect, right? With Ghost Mourner & Moonlit Chill and Ghost Sister & Spooky Dogwood helping her, you might not be their match on your own."
"Who said it was just me?" Jaden glanced at her.
He had Ghost Reaper, Ghost Ogre, and Ghost Belle. Furthermore, he had Yubel and the others. In terms of numbers, Jaden clearly held the advantage.
"I knew it..." Ghost Reaper sighed. Although she wasn't keen on fighting her own kind, she had realized over their time together that the Supreme King wasn't as bad as she had imagined. His personality wasn't as cold as his appearance suggested; in fact, he was quite easy to get along with. Deep down, she found that her initial resistance toward him had faded.
They searched the island thoroughly, but by sunset, they had found no trace of Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring.
"You brat, could you be a double agent sent by her? Where is Ash Blossom?" Ghost Ogre grabbed Ghost Reaper's collar, asking irritably.
"How should I know! She was clearly on the island just a few days ago!" Ghost Reaper grit her teeth and pushed Ghost Ogre away, feeling anxious.
It was strange. Knowing Ash Blossom's personality, she wouldn't have fled like a coward even if she knew she couldn't defeat the Supreme King. Yet, not only was she gone, but Ghost Mourner & Moonlit Chill and Ghost Sister & Spooky Dogwood had vanished as well... It was as if they had evaporated from the island.
Ghost Reaper looked at Jaden Yuki with concern, but she noticed that Jaden didn't seem to blame her at all. He rubbed his chin, looking pensive.
"Umm, Supreme King..."
"Yeah, I know. Let's head back. It's late, time for some rest," Jaden said with a carefree smile.
"...Okay."
Watching Jaden walk away, Ghost Reaper nodded and chased after him with an uneasy heart.
Could it be that the Supreme King knew where they were? If so, why didn't he say anything?
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