Chapter 53: A Woman Like the Wind
A week later, at 9 PM, at Domino City pier.
After gathering at Hayato's home, Yugi and his companions arrived at the pier half an hour early, only to find that quite a few people had already gathered there.
"There must be over a hundred people here, right? It's surprising how many people Pegasus invited to Duelist Kingdom," Joey muttered indignantly, traveling light with only a Deck. "He invited so many people but didn't include this great Joey! That Pegasus is truly despicable."
"And these Duelists aren't all of them; they're just Duelists from one region of Japan. The number of Duelists gathered for Duel Monsters has probably exceeded a thousand," Hayato said, looking around. He then noticed Joey wasn't carrying anything and looked slightly puzzled. "Joey, didn't you bring a bag?"
"Huh? Why would I bring a bag? Aren't we going to participate in a Duel Tournament?" Joey asked, hearing Hayato's words. He then noticed that Yugi, Téa, and Tristan all had bulging backpacks, while only Hayato was as empty-handed as him. "And Hayato, you didn't bring anything either."
"While it's a Duel Monsters Tournament, don't forget, the competition venue is on a private island. Think, think, Joey. We're going to an island with so many participants; do you think Pegasus would be kind enough to take care of every single one?"
"It's more likely that he'll make us survive in the wilderness and then duel to the death with any Duelists we encounter, right?"
Hearing Hayato's words, Joey couldn't help but panic. "Then what do we do now?"
"There's no helping you, Joey. I'll share some of my food with you then." Tristan sighed helplessly, looking at Joey, who was imagining his hungry future with a desperate expression. "In return, you'd better achieve something this time."
"Of course! Thanks, Tristan." Hearing Tristan's words, Joey laughed without a care in the world again, even patting Tristan's shoulder.
"Please, I'm carrying all this food and water; it's heavy. If you hit me again, you can carry it."
"No way!"
Just then, a group of Men in Black appeared on the pier. One of them, the leader, stood on a high platform, speaking into a megaphone: "To all the chosen Duelists! Welcome everyone to the tournament specially organized by Industrial Illusions!"
Immediately, everyone's attention was drawn to him.
"Everyone present has been selected as an elite through Duel Monsters, based on our special investigation. Opportunity is equal for all. Now, the light of glory shines above you." The Man in Black, whose unremarkable hairstyle clearly indicated he couldn't Duel, raised his hand to the side. A luxury Cruise Ship docked at the pier lowered its boarding ramp. "Alright, Duelists, cross the sea, fight for honor, and let us depart for Duelist Kingdom!"
Although he seemed like just a Fodder Monster, the Man in Black's speech was quite stirring. Many of the Duelists present were greatly encouraged, their blood boiling with excitement. Joey was eager to Duel with these Duelists right away, and even Yugi was filled with anticipation for "Duelist Kingdom."
Hayato had no right to criticize others, because even he, thinking of the scene after becoming a Sai Q Duelist — the Duelist King — couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement.
After boarding was announced, the crowd gathered at the pier automatically formed a long line, orderly presenting their Star Chips to the Men in Black and boarding after registration. Although when it was Joey and the others' turn, some of the Men in Black tried to turn them away because they didn't have Star Chips, once Hayato presented that "Duel Monster" Card, the Men in Black's attitude completely reversed, becoming incredibly respectful.
Aboard the Cruise Ship, Joey leaned on the railing, gazing at the distant sea view. "I've seen it many times on the way to Hayato's house, but looking at it from a Cruise Ship is a completely different feeling. That Pegasus really has some tricks up his sleeve."
"After all, thanks to Duel Monsters, Industrial Illusions has accumulated a lot of wealth over the years," Hayato said, playing with the "Duel Monster" Card. "And I remember a saying, 'status determines mindset.' The same scenery, to the rich, is poetic and picturesque, while the poor are thinking about how good the mushrooms here are for picking and making soup."
As they chatted, a seductive laugh came from nearby. "That's an interesting analogy, witty little brother, but it's best not to eat wild mushrooms~"
Hayato turned his head. His eyes met a cascade of golden hair. The speaker was a tall lady dressed in a sexy purple outfit, wearing long high-heeled boots. As the breeze swept past, it carried with it a subtle yet pleasant, not overpowering, perfume scent.
"So-so beautiful~" Joey and Tristan's eyes immediately fixated, staring intently at the blonde woman. Their gazes repeatedly wandered over her long, slender, fair legs, barely concealed by her short skirt, and her exceedingly prominent figure. Even Yugi's face was a little flushed, which greatly annoyed Téa, who jealously compared herself to the blonde woman, then suddenly felt disheartened.
"And this lady is?" Hayato looked at the blonde woman who had approached them. Although he was equally struck by her beauty, he preferred black, long, straight hair, so he merely observed her with an appreciative gaze. While he recognized her identity, he still asked.
"My name is Mai Valentine, and like you all, I'm an invited Duelist." Mai Valentine answered Hayato. Seeing that Hayato's eyes didn't hold the lecherous gaze she often saw in men, Mai Valentine felt somewhat pleased, but still looked at her primary target for striking up a conversation—Yugi. "You must be Yugi, right? I never thought I'd meet the talk of the Duel Monsters community on the same ship."
"Talk of the community?" Téa tilted her head, unable to connect those words with Yugi.
"By defeating Kaiba, who possessed three of the strongest Blue-Eyes White Dragons simultaneously, Yugi's reputation in the Duel Monsters community is immense. Strictly speaking, his fame is almost catching up to Pegasus, because among all the Duelists who have appeared so far, his dueling skill is the strongest," Hayato explained. "In other words, he's a favorite to win the championship, so it's perfectly normal for people to recognize him, right?"
(end of chapter)