In the following days, Youyu's schedule was packed tightly.
A few days ago, the appearance of "Turtle Kaiju-Gamera" shocked the world — this was the first time since the rampage of the Three Phantasm Spirits that a large Monster materialized in the city and caused havoc.
The only saving grace was that Duel King Youyu happened to be nearby and swiftly dealt with the crisis. Nevertheless, the appearance of the Kaiju still caused significant destruction in the city, resulting in countless property damage, but more importantly, it spread fear.
People have always held a complicated attitude towards the existence of Duel Monster Spirits.
Due to the popularity of Duel Monsters games, for Duelists and many interested individuals, the Spirits are trustworthy partners.
An undeniable fact is that most Monster Spirits hold a friendly attitude towards humans. Let's not forget there are Spirits like Kuriboh, who captures the hearts of thousands of young girls with its cuteness, and others like the Dark Magician Girl, who appeals specifically to the otaku crowd.
Yet, it cannot be ignored that some evil, violent Spirits have also caused disasters, even threatening the survival of the world.
Power always invites suspicion; this is a universal rule in any world. The formidable power of the Spirits naturally gives rise to opposition within the human community, as some people believe that the Spirits' power could lead to the world's destruction.
This perspective has existed for a very long time and will not disappear even at the end of time.
The king from ten thousand years ago, Dartz, once prophesied this, and humanity's last savior, Z-ONE, also witnessed this kind of future.
The emergence of the Kaiju undoubtedly accelerated this process, and people are desperate to know who should be held accountable for this disaster.
DD has been detained for questioning by the relevant authorities, but Youyu is quite sure they won't uncover anything meaningful. This individual is obviously just a pawn, a minor clown unworthy of attention.
All he knows is that one day, the power of the Kaiju suddenly came into his hands. Then, like all second-rate villains, he swelled with arrogance at gaining a little power, ultimately meeting his downfall at someone else's hands.
Such easily inflated yet brainless individuals are destined not to go far; if not Youyu, then someone else would deal with them. Anyway, this type of character generally doesn't cause much trouble.
However, for the same reason, it is also certain that the mastermind will not waste resources on such worthless pawns. You cannot expect to extract valuable information from an abandoned piece.
This means that DD and his controlled Turtle Kaiju might merely be a demonstration by someone, showcasing their power, paving the way for future actions.
The question now is, why?
However, through this engagement, at least Youyu confirmed the involvement of the Light of Destruction behind the scenes, though he has yet to determine what role this Cosmic destructive force plays in the incident and to what extent.
But regardless, since this force is involved, the first person he must look for is Saiou Takuma.
Youyu has already arranged for someone to confirm Saiou's whereabouts and plans to visit him in the coming days to personally ascertain whether this original BOSS is still connected to the Light of Destruction in the altered world line.
Meanwhile, President Haima also arranged some tasks for him.
Though Youyu may spend three hundred days of the year slacking off, as a nominal manager of the Kaiba Group, he can't refuse when the President occasionally assigns important work...
... except, of course, accompanying the President for card duels.
This time, it appears to be for the annual new KC Cup opening ceremony. As customary, as the Duel King, Youyu has to make an appearance, promoting the Group's new products and peripherals in the process.
Originally, Youyu would reject such work—
— Seriously, I'm the mighty Duel King, the world's top-tier strongman, and you want me to do a promo?
Until Mokuba muttered quietly on the phone: "Actually, this product launch is 'Hero' themed, and Youyu bro, you do get a commission..."
Youyu patted his chest: "No worries, Mokuba, leave it to me. The company's interests are my interests; commission is a minor issue..."
"That's great." Mokuba beamed, "Then I'll just tell my brother you've agreed!"
Alas, with no choice, Youyu admitted he was broke, short on cash and Crystal Stones.
"Oh, Youyu bro." Mokuba said, "There's also your match at this year's opening ceremony, don't forget."
If he hadn't mentioned it, Youyu might have truly forgotten.
He participates in the KC opening ceremony every year.
Though he complains every year that the President, that capitalist, uses his fame for free without offering appearance fees, swearing not to join next year... yet he always ends up attending.
Perhaps it's what people say, you can't bite the hand that feeds you. After all, Youyu's private stash contains a stack of the President's cards, and not giving him face indeed seems wrong.
Aside from the inaugural KC Cup where he competed personally, he hasn't participated in the tournament as a contestant since. Sometimes, to attract viewers and fuel Duelists' enthusiasm, the KC Cup champion is granted the right to challenge Youyu for a duel.
This year's tournament has such an arrangement.
"Alright." Youyu agreed, while secretly grumbling about the hassle.
Youyu secretly plans that once Judai matures and also earns the title of Duel King, he'll hand over these troublesome matters to his adorable disciple to deal with.
After all, Judai eagerly accepts any task related to dueling.
...
"KC Cup?"
A woman with shoulder-length short hair and a stunning figure stood in a massive hall filled with dazzling lights, looking puzzled.
Her name is Alice, guided by the power of light, one of Saiou's most trusted subordinates.
Sitting close ahead of her, with his back turned, was Saiou Takuma.
"Indeed." Saiou, as usual, was fiddling with his Tarot Cards, speaking without turning his head, "You not only need to participate in the KC Cup but must also win, seizing the championship.
Because the victor of this tournament will earn the right to challenge the First Duel King, Youyu."
"The aim is to challenge that person?" Alice frowned, "Then why don't I just ambush him..."
"No!"
Saiou sternly stopped her, startling Alice.
His voice softened: "The First Duel King, that person is not simple. I cannot explain the reason to you for now. In any case, no matter what, do not arouse his suspicion!
I need you to probe his depth without making him suspicious of you!"
"Y-Yes." Alice replied, but internally, her doubts only grew.
Because, in her memory, this was the first time she saw Saiou-sama like this.
A Saiou-sama who seemed so cautious, almost appearing a bit uneasy.
This couldn't help but make her question.
Is that Youyu... really that formidable?