Ah? Test paper?
Little Judai suddenly became mute and closed his little mouth without making a sound.
Hmm? There's something fishy.
Youyu immediately realized the problem: "Did you fail again?"
"No... No, I passed this time!" Little Judai defended, red-necked.
"Then can I take a look at the test paper?"
Youyu felt it was necessary for a teacher to pay attention to a student's academic performance, in all aspects.
Little Judai hesitated for a long time, finally muttering: "Test paper… test paper… can't find it..."
Can't find it?
Youyu chuckled: "That's really unfortunate. Suddenly I remember, the new Duel Disc I told you I'd bring last week, I seem to have lost it too."
"Eh!?" Little Judai acted like he got struck by lightning, "How come? Youyu brother, you're too sly..."
Finally, the young luck dog had to bow to the dark forces, sifting slowly through his backpack and pulling out a crumpled-up, pickled-looking exam paper...
Youyu opened the paper, whoa, wow, 31 points.
Youyu recalled the passing score at the Jellyfish School was probably 30 points? Passing by one point… it definitely counts as passing.
But how should I put it...
Looking on the bright side, at least it's better than zero-grade specialist Nobi Nobita?
It's quite strange. Judai is certainly not low on intelligence, especially with a quick mind when playing cards, yet he can't decipher elementary arithmetic?
Is it really a lack of talent?
Youyu squinted at Little Judai, who shivered just seeing the gaze, subconsciously hiding behind Sister Chinai.
Must have been sleeping or wandering during class, not listening at all.
The GX Animation explains that although Judai's written exam score at entrance was the worst school-wide, at least he passed the line and was admitted!
The Duel Academy in GX which Judai attends is top-notch, implying the written exam scores can't be too sloppy. His admission shows he has the potential, but without clear goals, he can't absorb the lessons.
That's unacceptable.
When Judai attends Duel Academy, everyone knows he's the apprentice of the First Duel King. Yet, if they pull out the gradebook and see nothing but failing scores, he'd lose face as a teacher.
Thinking of this, Youyu looked at Judai again, revealing a kind and gentle... yet slightly strange smile.
"Judai, your birthday is next month, isn't it?"
Little Judai's eyes lit up, he hopped out from behind Sister Chinai and nodded vigorously.
Last year, for his birthday, Youyu brother gifted him a super cool, limited edition "Elemental Hero Shining Flare Wingman" card, that card remains the ace of his Hero Deck.
This year, although a month away, Little Judai is secretly anticipating what Youyu brother might gift him.
If only every day could be a birthday!
Youyu smiled: "Then how about this, I'll gift you a set of 'Test-taking Guide' this year, to keep you from being too bored during the holidays…"
"Eh!?"
Little Judai: Looks lifeless.JPG.
At this moment, Yubel's spirit floated out behind Judai like a ghost, crossing her arms and humming: "Hmph, Judai should be fine even without this kind of stuff!"
My Judai has the demeanor of The Supreme King!
Why learn this kind of thing?
Youyu gave her a sideways glance, speechless, not responding.
However, it's unexpected for Yubel to remain earthbound till now, something Youyu didn't foresee.
After Atem left last year, President Haima suddenly expanded various businesses aggressively. One of the modules is development in aviation and aerospace fields.
You might wonder, what relation does a card company have with aerospace?
Well, you don't get it. Playing cards touches upon the ultimate truth of the cosmos, intimately connected with any field or industry.
Recently, President Haima made a space station on near-earth orbit, looking like the cosmic outpost in Ultraman monitoring alien invasions (though often useless). However, supposedly the space station is built to better serve card playing...
And don't you know, shortly after building the space station, Kaiba Company detected unique energy fluctuations somewhere in the cosmos. Experts believe the chance exists to spawn powerful Card Spirits from this wave.
At last year's end, Kaiba Company initiated a lavish project. The President took the stage himself, inviting kids worldwide to submit cards, to design their ideas and send to Kaiba Company. Kaiba Company selected chosen designs and sent them via rocket to the edge of the cosmos creating new Monster Spirits.
Little Judai actively responded to the Kaiba Group's call. He used crayons on his sketchpad, drawing his ideal Hero Image.
In Judai's imagination, the Hero has a silver powerful body, red lines, a transparent blue crystal like a diamond on its chest—ideally round-shaped. It's immensely strong, skilled in combat, and can fire lasers...
Then his creation won if by "luck".
Hearing his masterpiece selected, Little Judai jubilantly ran to Youyu brother with the good news, too excited for sleep all night.
But unaware, even before submission, and before that handsome Hero image was conceived, it was already pre-ordained.
During the event launch, the responsible department head was specifically asked by Kaiba Seto to favor the submission from "Yuki Judai".
When Judai's crayon-drawn Hero sketch with one eye larger and severely disproportionate proportions arrived, President Kaiba took time to scrutinize the drawing, smirking and "Hmm."
Like seeing an old friend.
Afterward, Judai's "masterpiece" was sent skyward with the rocket's roar.
...Yes, but not Yubel.
According to the animation plot, Yubel should've been sent with that drawing, drifting in space suffering, blackening years later to return as a villain.
But even Youyu didn't expect Yubel to mellow after a failed raid last year.
Perhaps Youyu's caution, "Watch out for your constant antics, Judai might ditch you" did impact her. Concerned Judai might abandon her someday, Yubel took heed and didn't spark trouble ever since.
This also led Judai to still remain unaware of the spirit trailing him...
Without Yubel ascending, GX lacks a high-tier BOSS. Though avoiding future hassle, it might cost Judai the opportunity for growth...
Not sure if that's good or bad.
"Youyu brother~" Judai suddenly said, "Your Duel Disc rang."
"Oh?"
Youyu picked up his "Smart Duel Disc" noticing a new message.
It's from Mister Phoenix, absent for a while.
Mister Phoenix seemed transferred to branch in America's International Fantasy Society, Little Ed followed too, reducing contact since.
"Hello, Youyu, I'm planning to visit Domino with Ed. Do you have time?"
Youyu replied: "Yes, I do."
"Great, I was thinking maybe we could meet up for a meal, Ed also wishes to see you."
Mister Phoenix included a cryptic emoji.
"Also, I brought back some new Heroes, you must see them!"
On mention of this, Youyu's enthusiasm soared.
New Heroes?
Meaning another new series?