Synopsis: The prelims are almost over, and many points are gathered one after another. Only one day left and a villainous mind returns...
On Live TV...
Ion: Hello Folks. Ion & Tako Here. Only One Day left for the Gaen Cup Prelims, and it seems matches are heating up. Note Hibikase has defeated Mamoru Sekai, and Kei Jigunji has defeated Rei Urameshi. So many points are gained one after another.
Takokichi: BUT. Only 16 players are allowed to move on. Meaning there are limited spots. So who will be the ones to move on? Let's find out.
Ion: Since today is the last day, we decided to amp up the points a little. Meaning the points gained will be doubled. To all competitors out there, may fortune smile upon you.
Takokichi: Till the next match...
Both: BUDDYFIGHT!!!
OP: Black & White
In a hallway of the Buddy Police, Hou Ren & Garga enter Tasuku's office.
Hou Ren: You asked for us, Commissioner.
Tasuku: You're late, Hou & Garga. I expect you to be on time.
Hou Ren: It's only five min—(realizes) Wait.
It appears that Light, Agent, Lost Ren, and even Shiloh and Emma are at the office too. Hou and Garga are surprised.
Hou Ren: Shiloh? What are you doing here? This is top secret.
Shiloh: You won't believe me, but Tasuku asked me to come here yesterday.
Tasuku: Yes. And now that all 7 of you are here, I can finally discuss with you all about something important.
All 7 of them are surprised. Agent and Lost Ren become stern.
Agent: What's this about, Commissioner?
Lost Ren: This better not be a waste of time.
Tasuku: It's about the Gaen Cup. Hou, do you remember that time we discussed Davide's actions before the tournament?
Hou: I do.
In a flashback, it reveals Davide summoning a bunch of illegal monsters to rampage, and the time when Hou & Tasuku talk about Davide's actions.
Hou: It doesn't make sense. He's mainly a cheat in Buddyfights. And the fact that Kyoya asked him to do so? Why would he just summon Illegal monsters out of nowhere to rampage?
Tasuku: Personally, I don't know as well. And the fact that Kyoya also sends Ms Shafi just to target you? Why then? Wouldn't they have come in sooner?
Lost Ren: Don't forget Magoroku Shido as well.
Shiloh: Who?
Lost Ren: Right before the tournament, while I was training up in the mountains, I caught him spying on me. And of course, lo and behold, Kyoya sent him to do it.
Tasuku: Three Actions with Kyoya involved. What is it that makes him so fond of you two? Is it your powers or what?
Lost Ren: Here's a guess. It's our skill level. Why else would he target us before inviting us to the Tournament? If anything, he even invited the knights, but our brothers declined.
Garga: And besides, if they want our powers, he could have done it sooner, like you said.
Shiloh: Wait, wait, wait? What makes you guys think it's all Kyoya's doing?
Emma: And what does this have to do with the tournament?
Garga: (crossed arms) How bout the fact that we interrogated Ms Shafi and she revealed Kyoya's name behind her actions?
Hou Ren: (crossed arms) Or the fact that when Davide was so afraid when he was caught after losing to Masato?
Shiloh: Oh...But if that's the case, then what does this have to do with the tournament, like Emma said?
Tasuku: Simply put, with Lost Ren and Hou being targeted and Davide's release of the illegal monsters, and with all three things including Kyoya backing them up. Why suddenly host the tournament?
Light: It's fishy. That's for sure. My father despises that man big time. Saying he's "unheadly" as ever.
Tasuku: Mmm. (sigh) Funny, seeing all of this right now is Deja Vu. I never told you all of this, but I was once Kyoya's right-hand man back in my youth.
Everyone is shocked upon hearing that statement.
Jack: It's true, everyone. And it was not pleasant at that time.
Flashback reveals Tasuku was once the "Purgatory Knight".
Tasuku: I was once known as the 'Purgatory Knight'. I joined him in order to make the world a better place. But that led me on the wrong path before a friend of mine saved me. While he made me realize the error of my ways, I couldn't help but feel guilty as I helped him nearly destroy the world once.
Flashback end, and everyone is slightly astonished while Tasku is slightly guilt ridden.
Tasuku: And, Davide & Shido were his subordinates too. And the Gaen Cup was held back in the days with major secrets behind it. Like I said, Deja Vu.
Hou Ren: (confused, hand movement) So is this like us paying for your mistakes or...
Tasuku: No, No, No. What I did was 27 years ago. Let's just say, comparing now and then, I just cannot trust him. Which is why I need you 5 to investigate.
Garga: Five?
Tasuku: To be precise, Hou Ren & Garga, Lost Ren, Shiloh, and Emma.
Hou Ren, Lost Ren, Garga: (shocked) Huh?
Hou Ren: Okay, Not To Object, but I understand me & Lost Ren, but why Shiloh & Emma? This doesn't even concern them.
Tasuku: You guys are Draknights no? And if I have to be honest, they both immediately said yes before this meeting began.
Hou Ren: (To Shiloh) This true?
Shiloh: Mmhm. (Flashback) I was hanging out with my brothers that day, but then we accidentally bumped into Tasuku on the streets. He spoke to me privately about this, and I immediately said yes. (Flashback End)
Hou Ren: But still...
Shiloh: I know I'm not a Buddy Police member like you. But I want to spend time with you on this mission. And don't worry, my brothers are okay with it.
Emma: And as her buddy, I want to spend time with her more. Please, Hou, accept us.
Hou Ren: I....(Smile) I can't say no to you both. And you two played a major role during the previous crisis. Okay then.
Shiloh and Emma are glad, and so is everyone else.
Tasuku: Very good. Agent and Light. You both will need to assist me here. I can't handle the Buddy Police alone. One more thing, this is a Top Secret Mission. Do not involve anyone else in this.
All: Right.
Tasuku: That is all. Good luck and report back if you see anything suspicious.
Outside the HQ. The five frontline members discuss their next move as they walk with each other. The winds are moving past them as leaves are seen flying.
Hou Ren: (crossed arms) If I know you well, Lost Ren, you can look after yourself, considering you're mostly solo. But Shiloh and Emma, I think Garga and I need to do some carrying.
Shiloh: (Chubby) I'm not a baby, you know.
Emma: (Chubby) What she said.
Garga: What Hou is trying to say is that you both are still new to missions. Especially from the Buddy Police. You'll need our help.
Shiloh and Emma: (Chubby) Fine.
Shiloh: (Whispers to Emma) So bossy am I, right?
Emma: (Whispers back) Yep.
Hou Ren: (Awkward smile) I can hear you guys, you know.
Lost Ren: Enough squabbling. Let's not waste time and head back to the matches.
Hou Ren: (Annoyed) Can you not? Anyway, it's a shame we can't involve Daryl and the rest, considering that they help me out, too.
Garga: But you know Commissioner's Orders, Hou. And besides, it's too dangerous for them.
Hou: Fine Fine. Anyway, (checks his phone) what are our rankings?
All five look at their rankings through Hou's Phone, and Hou is quite surprised upon seeing something.
Hou: Oh wow, Shiloh, you're placed fifth.
Shiloh: I know. I'm shocked too. And you're placed in second.
Lost Ren: And I'm first.
Hou: (annoyed) Of course, you're first.
Lost Ren: (cold) You got a problem?
Emma: Wait...someone's in second too.
Upon hearing this, everyone is flabbergasted as they look back. And the person who is tied for second place is DA DAN???
Hou Ren: DA DAN???
Garga & Lost Ren: That Scoundrel???
Shiloh & Emma: (confused) Who?
Suddenly, they hear a small, menacing but familiar laugh in surprise. Hou, Lost Ren, and Garga turn angry to see that Da Dan is walking towards them.
Da Dan: Hehehe. Hello there.
Hou Ren, Lost Ren, Garga: YOU!!!
Hou Ren: How did you find me? You stalking me or something?
Da Dan: Hehehe. Maybe. Maybe Not. And I (points at him) challenge you to a fight.
Hou Ren: No.
Da Dan: Huh? Why not? I thought you would never refuse a challenge.
Hou Ren: Here's the thing. I have no intention of fighting scumbags like you. Need I remind you that you did some horrible things back then?
Garga: Agreed. You framed my buddy, stole his deck, and even hacked his channel one time. You're nothing but a meaningless doucebag, so to speak.
Da Dan: Ack...don't be a hater. Argh...Screw that. I want revenge. I want to destroy you because of the times you humiliated me. And besides, I've gotten stronger. Fight me, I say!!! Fight Me!!!
Hou is completely unfazed and annoyed. He lets out a sigh.
Hou: You're never gonna leave me alone, are you? Let's just get this over with. (Reveals his deck)
At a fighting stage...
Ion: The Gaen Cup Prelims are reaching their final moments. And boy, we have a special match for you folks at home.
Tako: Featuring the players tied for second place: Da Dan and Hou Ren.
Ion: (ponders) You know. Seeing this right now is Deja Vu. Didn't something like this occur back in the Playoffs?
Tako: It did. It was that one time when they were tied for 8th place.
Ion: But now's not the time for that. Because we have a fight to watch. So, both players, please Luminize.
Hou: A deity's dragon brigade expects the unexpected. Luminize. Dradeity Exspecta.
Da Dan: Dragonblood Sect. Gather under the great Da Dan. Luminize...Fatal Nightmare.
Ion & Tako: Buddy...Fight.
Both: Raise the flag. Dragon World.
Ion: The first move goes to Da Dan.
Da Dan: Draw. Charge & Draw. Cast. Dragonic Charge Plus. (Ability) And I call Madness Luna to the left.
Madness Luna: (appears) It's been a while.
Da Dan: And now...the star of my show arrives. I pay 3 gauge and Buddycall to the right.
With that card being summoned, a dark hurricane emerges on the right. It's twistful, powerful, and creates heavy gusts of wind. This made everyone, even the spectators, block themselves from the heavy wind.
Garga: What's...going on?
Hou: I don't know!!!
Da Dan: I'll tell you what's going on. I present...FATAL EYES!!!
Fatal Eyes appear on the right, right out of the hurricane. His red eye glows. Similar to Deadly Eyes but with darker red and deadlier skin. His gun turns somewhat similar to a lostless heizer due to its many teeth from its jaw.
Fatal Eyes: My crimson eye is a sign of your death.
Everyone's shocked.
Hou: You're kidding me. Deadly Eyes evolved?
Garga: I don't mean to be rude, but it looks really uglier than the last.
Ion: (creeped out) Ewww...what is that thing? So...Creepy.
Tako: I'll say...
Da Dan: You'll find out soon enough that my buddy is more than just looks. Equip...Nemesis Soul. (Equips and suddenly is in pain)
Fatal Eyes: Forgive me, Da Dan. But you must pay a price due to the laws of darkness.
Da Dan: Yeah Yeah. Whatever. Cast. King of Da★Dan. (Ability) I place a card from my dropzone into my buddy's soul. And I increase my gauge and hand by 1. Now, Fatal Eyes, go ahead and show him your new power!!!
Fatal Eyes: Slake your pain. (Shoots)
Hou: (Being Shot) Ergh!!!
Hou's Life: 10 -> 7
Da Dan: Heh. My turn is over.
Ion: Da Dan dealt 3 damage on his first turn. And now it's Hou's turn.
Tako: He equips Garblade and Gargasabre Exspecta before buddycalling Garga to the right. And he cast Gargantua Linkage to increase his resources.
Da Dan: Heh. I figured you do those things. In that case, Fatal Eyes's ability activates.
Fatal Eyes' red eye starts to hypnotise as it glows.
Fatal Eyes: Now, fall to slumber once again.
Garga's under control. Much to Hou's dismay.
Da Dan: Hehehe. Because with Fatal Eyes, your buddy is forced to attack him once again. And Nemesis Soul ensures that. And further, your cards can't use their abilities during your attack phase, and you can't use spells to switch Garga's form!!!
Lost Ren: Tch...this means he can't use switch mode or Gargasabre's ability.
Shiloh: (shocked) Oh, No!!!
Garga is fully mind-controlled and attacks Fatal Eyes. Except it doesn't have enough power as it gets bunts off.
Da Dan: Fatal Eyes has 30000 defense. Your buddy doesn't have enough power. And with that said, he gets to counterattack. So Sayonara, Garga.
Fatal Eyes counterattacks by slicing Garga with his claws.
Garga: AHHHH. (Destroyed)
Ion: Garga's OUT!!! Incredible!!!
Hou Ren: (Forehead shadowed) Tch. My turn is over.
Ion: Hehehe. Like I said, I'm gonna get my revenge here and now. Draw. Charge and Draw. I set a spell. Serioso. With this effect, Fatal Eyes' soul cannot be dropped. And now I cast. Dragion Judge. (Ability) Looking at the top 5 cards of my deck. I move two cards among them into Fatal Eyes's soul.
Shiloh: That's a total of 7 cards!!! How's Hou going to chip them away next turn???
Lost Ren: Don't Panic, Shiloh. He's not the type to go down easily, remember?
Shiloh: How can you say that?
Lost Ren: Just look at his eyes, for example.
Shiloh: Huh?
Shiloh and Emma pay attention to Hou's eyes as per request. Hou is looking very unfazed and unclouded as his expression is completely cold and stern.
Shiloh: He's...calm.
Emma: Huh.
Da Dan: You can act tough all you want. But you won't beat me.
Hou Ren: You talked too much.
Da Dan: Huh?
Hou Ren: I cast. Revenge. I pay 1 gauge and bring Garga back in from the dropzone.
All (minus Lost Ren): Huh???
Garga is resummoned back.
Ion: Wait, what? Garga's summoned back in???
Fatal Eyes: Tch. Doesn't matter. I'll destroy him then. Fatal Eyes get rid of him.
Hou Ren: I cast. Deity Blue Dragon Shield. (Blocks) Garga. G-EVO Now. Change to Gargantua Exspecta. GO.
Garga: (G-EVO) Gargantua Exspecta!!!
Everyone's shocked.
Ion: I thought Garga couldn't use G-EVO. What???
Hou Ren: Fatal Eyes blocks my cards during MY attack phase. In other words, I can use G-EVO during HIS attack phase.
Ion: I see.
Hou Ren: And with Gargantua Exspecta's ability, (ability) This should do it.
Da Dan: Huh??? Dah, doesn't matter what card you add. It won't matter. Fatal Eyes. Get Rid of Garga right now.
Fatal Eyes attack.
Hou: I cast. Dragon Guard. (Braces himself) I take on the attack.
All (minus Lost Ren): WHAT???
Hou's Life: 7 -> 4
Da Dan: WAIT!!! BECAUSE HOU TOOK DAMAGE!!!
Garga: (Charges his sword) HIS PAIN MAKES ME STRONGER!!!! EXSPECTA (Stabs) SLAYER!!!
Garga's strike blasts towards and overruns Fatal Eyes!!!
Fatal Eyes: AHHHHHHH. (Destroyed)
Da Dan: IMPOSSIBLE!!!
Ion: Garga's strike blast towards Fatal Eyes in One Blow!!! INCREDIBLE.
Shiloh: (realizes) I get it now. He summoned Garga back so that he can bring Gargantua Exspecta in and use his ability.
Lost Ren: He knew that he couldn't destroy Fatal Eyes during his turn. So he decides to destroy it during the opponent's turn instead.
Hou Ren: Exspecta. It means one who expects the unexpected. I knew you were gonna destroy Garga himself. So I purposely have him be destroyed, and when the time is right, I bring him back in and destroy your loathsome Buddy.
Da Dan: (angry) Why You...
Hou Ren: And now that I took damage... (Stabs the ground)
Da Dan is suddenly electrocuted!!!
Da Dan's Life: 10 -> 8
Hou: Successive Cast. Hiding Bomber. Barbed Wire. I destroy Madness Luna and rest Nemesis Soul.
Madness Luna suddenly explodes, and Nemesis Soul's sparks with lightning and hurts Da Dan's hand in pain.
Da Dan: Erghhh!!!
Ion: Amazing. Da Dan is completely stripped of everything during his turn!!!
Tako: My jaw dropped, chu.
Hou: And I'm not done yet. FINAL PHASE. (Pays cost) I CAST.
Da Dan: WHA....WHAT????
Impact Sequence.
Hou: IMPACT!!! DEITY...EXSPECTA....PUNISHER!!!
Da Dan: OH NO!!!!
Punisher hits, and Da Dan's flag is down.
Ion: Game End. Winner. Teng Hou Ren.
The crowd cheers loudly.
Ion: I seriously can't believe it. How was Hou able to turn every disaster into an opportunity??? This was out of this world!!!
Lost Ren: I suspect either his impact or revenge was already in his hand. And he added Dragon Guard with Gargantua Exspecta. He then must have added Barbed Wire and Hiding Bomber with Gargantua Linkage. Eliminating any losing patterns to create winning patterns.
Shiloh: Oh my goodness. I never imagined Hou would be this good.
Hou Ren: (To Garga) Sorry, Garga. I used you as bait.
Garga: Don't worry. They say winning often requires sacrifice. Though even I did not see that coming.
Hou: Mmm. Anyways, he's done for.
Garga: Yes. Speaking of which, why was he in second place with Hou?
Ion: About that, I just received some shocking info. According to the tournament committee, (shows footage), they were able to detect Da Dan hacking into the points system and increased his points.
All: WHAT?
Tako: Bonus, you both would have tied for first, but Lost Ren beat you guys to it. That's why you both were tied in Second.
Da Dan: Dahh...It was a perfect plan for me to take him out. And I would have gotten away with it, too, if it weren't for his meddling.
Hou Ren and Garga facepalm themselves. And everyone else follows suit.
Ion: Anyways, as a result, Da Dan is officially disqualified and is hereby banned from all tournaments in the future.
Da Dan: No...No...No....NO WAY.....(Faints)
Ion: And with that, the prelims are over. The sixteen players who are moving on are THEM.
A screen appears in the air and shows that the sixteen players are Hou Ren, Lost Ren, Shiloh, Ranma, Daryl, Masato, Devil Destroy Bigmachine, J Genesis, Sophia, Rouga, Ageha, Shura, Alec, Elijah, Shido, and Davide.
Ion: Congrats to those moving on. The second round will start in a week. Until then, stay tuned and be prepared. Good luck.
While everyone is looking at the screen, a voice approaches them.
???: She's right, you know.
Sophia Sakhrov then appears before them.
Hou Ren: Do I know you?
Sophia: Sophia Sakhrov. I have a message for you. It's from Master Kyoya.
All five are shocked.
Sophia: (Nods) He says he's impressed with your progress. At the same time, he wants you to be prepared because the second round is going to be tough.
Hou Ren: Wait. You mentioned Kyoya's name. Don't tell me you're working with him.
Sophia: I have no obligation to answer that. All I can say is that no matter what you find, it will never succeed in stopping Master Kyoya's plan.
Lost Ren: You're lucky I'm not the type to attack an unarmed woman. But you might as well answer why Shido, Davide, and Ms Shafi were sent to target us.
Sophia: Again, I have no obligation to answer that. If you want answers, get them directly from Master Kyoya himself. And don't try anything on me because I possess the disaster force, too.
The five stare sternly.
Garga: Hate to say, but she's right. We're in the middle of public, so to speak.
Sophia: (shrugs) At least your buddy has a sense of manners. Spasibo.
And then Sophia walks away. All five remain stern.
Shiloh: So what now?
Hou Ren: I think for now all we can do is lay low and continue the matches. Action speaks louder than words, they say.
Lost Ren: Yes. (sigh) We got a lot of work to do.
ED: Gonna Be Right.
Preview....
Ranma: Ranma here, Hou and I have reactivated our channel. Wait, what's all this? Next time, "A knight full of scars." Join us for a buddyfight.
Story End.