In his bedroom, Yuto began adjusting his Deck.
Most of the old TV Asahi–era Monsters were now useless. He only kept [Radar Lock] and [Bombardment Marker] to add into his Deck.
He opened the two booster boxes again, though still—mostly junk, nothing valuable.
The next day, Yuto overheard classmates discussing a transfer student.
Joey leaned over. "Yuto, I heard a transfer student's coming! You think it'll be a cute girl?"
Nope—it wouldn't be a beauty, but a card-obsessed guy who'd call you "commoner."
Sure enough, just before class began, Seto Kaiba walked in with the teacher.
"Everyone quiet. This is our new transfer student, Seto Kaiba. Please welcome him." The teacher smiled. Sparse applause followed as Kaiba scanned the room with a haughty glare.
Joey muttered, "Tch, looks like a pain already."
Yuto, however, watched with interest—this was one of the future Duel Kings.
Soon, it was lunch break. Yugi eagerly pulled Joey aside. "Joey, let's duel with Duel Monsters! Try out the new Master Rule."
Joey agreed instantly. They exchanged grins and found a quiet corner.
Each pulled their Decks from their bags, placing them carefully as if they were treasures.
Yugi drew a deep breath, opening his familiar Deck. His gaze sharpened with determination. He knew every card like a close comrade.
Joey, not to be outdone, laid out his adjusted Deck. While not full of rares, every card showed his passion and effort.
Growing up with a game shop, Yugi had access to rare cards that most kids could only dream of.
Naturally, the duel drew classmates around, curious to watch.
In the world of Duel Monsters, card battles had become a global craze. Schools, parks, street corners—everyone dueled.
Kaiba, sitting nearby, at first focused on his own business. However, when he noticed Yugi and Joey dueling, his attention shifted.
"Damn it! Yugi, how do you have so many powerful cards?!" Joey exclaimed.
His strongest Monster was weaker than one Yugi casually played, leaving him frustrated.
Yugi smiled. "Because my family runs a game shop, and Grandpa loves collecting cards. That's why my Deck has so many strong ones."
Joey's eyes lit up. "Alright! After school, I'm going to your place!"
He was eager to see those rare cards, especially the super-rare one Yugi mentioned his grandpa prized.
Yugi nodded cheerfully. "Sure. I'll show you Grandpa's most prized card!"
Kaiba took notice too. Though he didn't expect much, he figured it was worth checking out.
...
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