Yuto and his friends slipped into the dense jungle.
Though the forest came with endless mosquito bites, at least they had shelter from the wind and a place to pitch a tent.
Yuto unloaded his pack and pulled out the emergency tent he'd prepared in advance.
But the bag had limited space—he had only brought one.
"This is trouble…" Yuto frowned at the small tent. "I only brought one."
"Oh?" A teasing female voice suddenly rang out.
"Five big people, and just one tent?"
Everyone turned to see Mai Valentine approaching at an easy pace, a bulging rucksack slung over her shoulder.
"Why don't we call a truce for the night? Everyone needs rest." She dropped the heavy pack and deftly untied it.
Inside was an impressive array: instant food packs, a tent, and a variety of camping gear.
"You came prepared!" Yuto praised sincerely.
"More like you didn't read the competition notes carefully enough," Mai raised an eyebrow, pulling a collapsible water bucket from her pack and tossing it to Joey and Tristan.
"You two, fetch water."
Then she turned to Yugi and Yuto.
"You two, collect dry firewood. If it's damp, it's useless."
Finally, she tilted her chin at Téa.
"You, help me set up camp."
Mai's crisp, commanding tone left no room for argument. Everyone moved without hesitation.
Half an hour later, their small camp was ready.
The fire crackled, four boys huddled around it, keeping watch over a pot of bubbling food.
Elsewhere, Mai and Téa had stretched a plastic sheet to create a makeshift shower area. The two stood guard for each other and quickly washed up in turn.
Soon, they returned hand in hand to the warmth of the fire.
It was hard to grasp the bonds between girls sometimes.
By then, the pot of curry had finished cooking, its aroma announcing dinner.
"Let's eat!" Joey eagerly grabbed a plate and dug in.
Tristan ate more politely.
Yugi and Yuto enjoyed the food as they chatted softly.
Mai's gaze fell on Yuto's Duel Glove, the ten gleaming Star Chips set into it.
"Oh? You've already gathered them all?" Her tone carried a hint of surprise. "So fast. Why not head straight for the castle?"
"I want to go with Yugi and Joey," Yuto smiled at his friends. "They're almost ready."
His eyes flicked to Mai's glove. "And you've got eight."
"That's right." Mai's lips curled faintly. "Once we're inside the castle, we'll have a proper duel."
"For now, let's forget duels and relax," Yuto waved his hand.
"True," Mai nodded, setting aside her empty plate and standing up. "I'm going to get some air, feel the sea breeze."
She walked off into the trees.
"She must have a story of her own…" Yuto murmured at her retreating back.
The five others remained around the fire, savoring their brief moment of peace.
After dinner, Yuto gathered the plates. As he stood, Yugi's voice carried a note of concern.
"It's been a while, hasn't it? Mai hasn't come back."
"Yeah," Tristan frowned. "Should we look for her?"
"That woman… if we go, she'll just mock us," Joey objected.
"Still—" Tristan began, when Téa's sharp voice cut in.
"Who's there?!"
She glared at the bushes. Rustling leaves parted, revealing a white-clad figure.
Bakura!
"Bakura?" Yugi asked.
"So I wasn't seeing things earlier!" Téa quickly added, remembering the shadow she thought she glimpsed when they climbed the stairs.
"Did you get an invitation too?" Yugi asked.
Bakura shook his head, smiling sheepishly. "I snuck in."
"No problem!" Joey said cheerfully, hands on hips. "The more, the merrier!"
Mai was forgotten for the moment.
The group welcomed Bakura into their circle.
"So everyone brought Duel Monsters cards?" Tristan blinked as Bakura and Téa each pulled out their Decks. "I thought I was the only one…"
"Of course!" Joey said like it was obvious. "This is Duelist Kingdom—everyone's pinned their hopes on their cards!"
"So… what's your favorite card?" Bakura asked softly, eyes curious.
Joey was first, proudly holding up [Flame Swordsman]. "This one!"
He gripped the card with both hands, slashing the air like a sword.
Next was Yuto. He showed [ACE – Char the Red Comet]. "This one's saved me countless times, always turning the tide when I was cornered."
He displayed the card proudly, the iconic red Mobile Suit on its art.
Tristan stood with [Command Knight]. "This one! Not the strongest, but it feels powerful."
Téa smiled, drawing [Magician of Faith]. "Mine would be this—it feels so graceful."
Finally, Yugi carefully thumbed through his Deck before selecting one. "Of course… it has to be [Dark Magician]."
The trust in his voice was clear.
Then all eyes turned to the one who asked.
"So, Bakura, what about you?" Yuto prompted.
Bakura smiled faintly. He didn't answer right away. Instead, he slowly drew a single card from his Deck…
...
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