Synopsis: There's a student who's known as the "Ace of Study". But can his intellect be a match against the Ace of Games? Let's find out.
In one of the classrooms, a young boy is studying while reading his book. He is calm, quiet, and gentle. The wind is moving towards the curtains, and he feels the breeze.
???: (Narrates Offscreen) My name is Daryl Hoshino. I'm also a seventh grader at Helping Hands Academy. In terms of academics, my best subjects are History, Mathematics, Geography and etc.
He gets up and walks. As he walks in the hallway, many female students idolize him.
Daryl: People in my school call me the "Ace of Study". I was able to gain a great grasp of knowledge since young. I won't deny that I still have ways to go, but I still want to pursue to the best of knowledge there is.
Daryl makes his way to his school locker.
Daryl: When you think about it, there's also obstacles that must be overcome. And by obstacles, he's one of them.
Daryl views one of the Whaddup Pals' videos on his phone. Hou's in there.
Daryl: Teng Hou Ren huh?
OP: 最高（さあ行こう
Sunday Afternoon. In his room, Hou & Ranma are reacting to their channel's growth.
Ranma: I can't believe it. Ever since we uploaded your fight with mine and the Commissioner's, our subscriber count has skyrocketed.
Hou: I know. Talk about an epic win for us.
They both high-five.
Ranma: Meanwhile, our views with Garga well...
Hou: Yeah...they didn't go well. Garga is strong when it comes to sword fighting and meditating. But video entertaining...not the best moment...
Ranma: Our views sure are declining...what are we going to do?
Hou: Hmmm...
Ranma: {Realizes in shock} Oh wait, isn't today where they broadcast that quiz show?
The two sat in front of the television in the living room, watching that quiz show Ranma's talking about.
Host: Welcome back to our show. Our "Almighty Encyclopedia Trivia". I'm your host, Fletcher Adams, and here's today's contestant.
Daryl: I'm Daryl Hoshino. 7th Grader at Helping Hands Academy. Nice to meet you all.
Fletcher: Young Hoshino here has scored the top grades amongst his peers. And he's known as the "Ace of Study". A young genius, so to speak.
Daryl: I'm not sure that I'm really a young genius, but I won't deny that people do call me the "Ace of Study".
Hou: Isn't that guy from next class?
Ranma: He is. And rumor has it that he was able to pass even the most difficult of quizzes the school has provided.
Garga: (Walks in) What's all the commotion?
Hou: Oh, Garga. We are just watching a quiz show?
Garga: A quiz show?
Hou: It's like a test or some sort. Where they test you based on your knowledge. Like the Combat of Mind.
Garga: What? Combat of the Mind? I can't sit out on this one. I, too, shall participate.
Ranma & Hou: {Awkward} Uh....
And so the quiz begins.
Fletcher: Alright, the first question is regarding Mathematics. A topological problem that asks how to recognize a 3-manifold as having the same shape as a 3-dimensional hypersphere.
The three are in stun in confusion.
Hou: Okay, what? I did not learn this at all.
Garga: What...what in the world is this nonsense?
Ranma: Ya...that was gibberish.
Daryl: The Poincaré conjecture.
Fletcher: Correct. Next. Geography. What is the capital city of Paraguay?
Daryl: Asunción.
Fletcher: Correct. History. The Date of the signing of the "Declaration of Independence".
Daryl: August 2, 1776.
Fletcher: Correct. Music. Gustav Holst. Where was he born?
Daryl: Cheltenham.
Fletcher: Correct. Last One. Most Spoken Language in the world.
Daryl: Chinese. Because China is most notable for not just their language but also for their massive inventions & technology.
Fletcher: That....Is CORRECT. Unbelievable. You just answered all of the questions correctly. A young Genius indeed.
Hou: Whoa...he's really smart.
Garga: I-I couldn't answer a single one.
Fletcher: As a result, young Hoshino. (Shows his prize) You just won our most spectacular prize. A state-of-the-art observing astrology telescope. Congratulations.
Daryl: Thank you. It's an honor to compete in this show.
Fletcher: Haha. Well, we have a fine gentleman here. Right. We'll be back after this commercial break.
The aftermath.
Hou: I still can't believe that someone from our school was on TV.
Ranma: And he answered those questions with ease. He really is the Ace of Study.
???: He sure is wonderful.
Hou's Mother walks in.
Hou: Ma?
Hou's Mother: You know, sometimes I wish that my son could be like him. Not like you wasting his time on stupid games.
Ranma & Hou facepalm.
Hou: Oh, gee sure. Compare me with anyone else you find suitable. Typical Asian Parents.
Ranma: You might as well disown him if that's the case. Since he's not a doctor.
Hou: Hey!!!
Hou's Mother: I was joking, relax. I would never abandon my own son.
Hou & Ranma: Uh Huh. Sure.
Hou's Mother: Come On, Hou Ren. If I wanted to disown you, I would have done so already. But I didn't because I care for you.
Hou: Says the one who doesn't believe in our paltube career.
Ranma: Burn.
Hou's Mother: (Sigh) Kids these days.
Suddenly, Anger rose from Garga, which caught their attention. Garga is shaded and he becomes quite angry and suddenly disappears into his card.
Ranma: What's up with him?
Hou: Umm...
The next day, while Hou is running towards school. Ranma catches up to him.
Ranma: Yo Hou. Remember that quiz show yesterday?
Hou: Yeah?
Ranma: Guess what, I was scrolling through the school's online blog and I just found a stupendous comment.
Hou: What comment?
Ranma: Someone commented that Daryl is a buddyfighter. Just like us.
Hou: No way!!!
Ranma: I even scoured the net, and he won a few tournaments back then.
Hou: For real?
Ranma: And I was thinking, we can post a video of you and Daryl Buddyfighting. This will make the channel go up.
Hou: You're right. Then I'd better bring my A-game for this one.
Ranma: Woo hoo, we're gonna be surfing big waves today.
Hou: Uh, that doesn't make sense.
Ranma: Wait, really?
The two finally made it to school. They head to Daryl's classroom. Daryl is sitting there reading his book. However, some students are also beside him, and they feel scared.
Hou: What's going on?
Student #1: We want to ask what it's like for Daryl being on TV.
Student #2: But every time we got close, we freeze.
Hou & Ranma: Huh? What do you mean?
Ranma: Let me try. (Walk to Daryl) Hey, I'm Ranma and I want to...
Daryl hears his voice and stares at him cold. Ranma then just freezes there in stun. And then he quickly moves back.
Ranma: It's true. It's like there's an invisible force field.
Hou: {Confused} Uh...
Daryl: I know you. You're Ranma Kakogawa.
Ranma: What? Wait, are you a fan of the Whaddup Pals? Maybe you would want an autograph.
Daryl: If I remember correctly, we were in 5th grade together. But during a science test, you drew something peculiar.
Ranma: Huh?
Flashback...
Daryl: We were asked to draw an offspring of a frog. But you drew something funny.
Ranma's "drawing" turns out to be a scribble...Flashback ends. Hou reacts in awkward.
Ranma: {Ashamed and Angry} You what? How did you...
Daryl: Nothing personal. But it kinda stayed in my memory.
Ranma: {Even more Angry} I was in Fifth Grade, you idiot. Of course, I would do something like that. You didn't have to point that out.
Daryl shrugs, and then he notices Hou. He is quiet.
Hou: Something wrong?
Daryl: Nothing. What is it you both want?
Hou: Well...about that.
Later, at the school library, they decide to meet.
Daryl: Interesting. You want to have a match with me.
Hou: I do. We heard you're a buddyfighter, so we were wondering if we could have a match.
Ranma: The Ace of Study versus the Ace of Games. That will be awesome.
Daryl: Why should I have a match with you, though?
Hou: {Confused} What do you mean?
Daryl: If anything, I kept my buddyfight identity a secret. I joined this school because I want to seek strong opponents. But sadly, it did not go well. In a way, I don't think nowadays Buddyfighting is worth my time.
Hou: Maybe it's because you haven't found the right opponent.
Daryl: Hmm?
Hou: There's a saying, "you never know until you try". In fact, when I saw you on TV yesterday, you were really impressive. But then again, are you really sure those smarts are suitable when choosing opponents?
Daryl: What does that mean?
Hou: I'm just saying. There are other people in this school that are probably stronger than you and you just don't know it. In fact, think of this as a test. An experiment. Isn't that suitable to your liking?
Ranma: Hou...
Daryl: {smiles} You do have a point. Then again, I do find you interesting.
Hou: So then...
Daryl: However, I know you are still a beginner. And I guarantee you will not defeat me.
Hou: That so?
???: Perhaps I can support that statement?
A monster (SD form) appears beside Daryl. A small yellow dragon with blue eyes, a sharp cross on its head, and yellow bird wings.
Daryl: Meet my buddy. Skyseer Dragon, Cross Astrologia.
Cross: Please, call me Cross. I have predicted Daryl's victory through the use of Astrological Science.
Ranma: Astrological, what now?
Cross: You can say it's fortune-telling. It combines Astrology and Science to predict the future. One of the many secret skills of Star Dragon World.
Hou: Well, this ought to be interesting. Let's see how vast this Astrological science is in a buddyfight.
Garga appears.
Garga: I, too, shall battle. I will undo the humiliation of yesterday's quiz.
Daryl: What?
Hou: Uh...
Ranma: Ignore him.
Buddyfight Stage...
Ion: Hello Folks. Ion here. And today, once again, we're at the buddyfight stage at the academy. Today's fighters feature the Ace of Games, Teng Hou Re,n and the Ace of Study, Daryl Hoshino.
Ranma: This is gonna be wicked as planned. Do your best, Hou.
Daryl: I'm guided by the celestial stars! And the Guidance of a Dragon. Luminize! Galaxy Triangulum.
Hou: A deity dragon's brigade descends onto the battlefield. Come On. Luminize! Dradeity.
Ion & Tako: Buddy....FIGHT.
Both: Raise the Flag.
Daryl: Star Dragon World.
Hou: Dragon World.
Daryl: Skyseer Dragon, Cross Astrologia.
Hou: Gargantua Dragon.
Ion: Daryl will go first.
Daryl: Draw. Charge & Draw. Guardseer Dragon, Gyron to the left. Govern Star Dragon, Bordure to the center.
Both monsters are summoned.
Daryl: Bordure's effect lets me add one item to my hand. Gyron, attack the fighter.
Gyron: Prepare yourself. (Attacks)
Hou's Life is chipped by 2.
Daryl: My turn is over.
Ion: Daryl just starts off with two damage. Let's see how Hou responds.
Hou: Draw. Charge & Draw. Equip. Deity Dragon Sword, Garblade. (Does So) Garcat to the left.
Garcat: (Appears) Oh yeah, Dummy cat rules.
Hou: I buddycall Gargantua Dragon to the right.
Garga: (Appears) All are powerless before my blade.
Hou: Garcat lets me gain one gauge and draw. Go ahead and Attack Bordure.
Garcat: Leave it to me, cat. (Attacks)
While Garcat attacks, Gyron's eyes glow, and suddenly Garcat's attack is shifted.
Hou & Garga: {Shocked} You're going the wrong way!!!
Garcat: I can't help it. I'm being pulled.
Daryl: When Gyron's on the left, the opponent is forced to attack him first.
Garcat hits Gyron, but the latter revives with soulguard.
Ion: Not only is the attack redirected, but Gyron also revives with soulguard.
Hou: No choice, Garga. Attack Gyron instead.
Garga: Got it. (Attacks)
Gyron is defeated.
Garga: Now I'll deal with Bordure.
Garga defeats Bordure. Daryl smirks in response.
Hou: My turn. (Attacks)
Daryl's life is chipped by 2.
Hou: Double attack.
Daryl: Cast. Mars Barrier.
Ranma: Aww man. But if I know Hou well...
Hou: Let's end this. G-EVO activate. Change. Gargantua Dragon, Blast Mode.
Garga: (G-EVO) Blast Mode.
Ion: It's G-EVO time. And with Blast Mode, Garga's attacks cannot be avoided.
Daryl: Are you sure about that?
Hou: Huh?
Daryl: I pay 1 life and cast. Crystallized Phenomenon.
Suddenly, the spell bursts out a bunch of Ice and immobilizes Garga. Slowly, bit by bit, the Ice encapsulates him.
Garga: What the....I can't move !!!
Hou: What's wrong?
Daryl: Crystallized Phenomenon nullifies a monster's effect. Immobilizing them in the process. You relied too much on Garga, so let's see what happens when he's out of pace.
Ion: Whoa. Hou just G-EVO, but now he can't do a thing.
Ranma: The Ace of Study really is the Ace of Study.
Daryl: Another simple logic. If you can't block an attack, you just have to prevent it. Now, are you done?
Hou looks for a while.
Hou: Yeah...I'm done.
Hou's Stats: 9L, 1G, 4H
Daryl's Stats: 7L, 1G, 4H
Garga finally unfreezes.
Garga: I couldn't even beat him in Buddyfight. How can this be?
Daryl: Draw. Charge & Draw. Equip. Seer bow, Babylon. (Pays 1 gauge)
Daryl equips a bow.
Hou: That's his item, huh?
Daryl: Govern Star Dragon, Fret to the left.
Fret: I'm honored that the stars called me.
Daryl: Fret's effect lets me gain two gauge. Now, I buddycall Skyseer Dragon, Cross Astrologia to the center.
Cross: My forecast-telling skill shall bring forth Daryl's victory. (Appears in full form)
Daryl: Attribute, Astrodragon. Size 2. 6000 power. 5000 defense. A critical of 2. My buddy, my forever treasure in heart. Now arrive to bring victory to the stars.
Hou: So that's his buddy's true form.
Suddenly, all of Daryl's cards glow.
Daryl: Across the brightest of stars, A great Triangle has been formed. Activate. Galaxy Formation.
A triangle is formed around Daryl's formation.
Ion: What's that light?
Daryl: With Galaxy Formation, all of my cards gain critical +1 and penetrate.
Ranma, Hou & Garga: What ???
Daryl: Cast. Notice: Enhancement Tactic. We gain 3000 power and 2 gauge. Fret. Attack Garcat.
Fret: Leave it to me. (Attacks)
Fret's attack defeats Garcat.
Garcat: I still have a long way to go.
Hou: Garcat !!!
Daryl shoots his bow up high.
Ion: Whoa. Babylon is an item that attacks even when the center is blocked.
Hou's Life is chipped by 3.
Daryl: Babylon gains double attack when Galaxy Formation is complete. (Shoots)
Hou's Life is chipped again by 3.
Garga: Hou !!!
Daryl: Cross.
Cross: Leave it to me. (Attacks)
Hou: Cast. Green Dragon shield. (Gains 1 life)
Cross: I have double attack.
Hou: Cast. Blue Dragon Shield.
Garga: Nice One Hou. He has no attacks left.
Daryl: Final Phase.
Hou & Garga: Huh?
Daryl: When Galaxy Formation is active, I can finally cast this card. Cast. Tri-Star Decision.
Suddenly, A blue transparent triangle appears above Cross, and he takes it. Cross becomes a form of a bow with an arrow, with Daryl corresponding the same way.
Daryl: Impact. Tri Star Decision.
The shot was on, and thus Hou was hit and his flag is destroyed.
Ion: Game End. Winner. Daryl Hoshino.
Daryl: It's all in the mind.
Cross: Shine Forth. Star Of Glory.
Ranma: Hou couldn't win...
Garga: Impossible...
Hou is in stun, but he smiles. Sunset arrives after that, and the three meet outside.
Hou: It was fun, Daryl. Too bad I lost. I hope we can fight again sometime.
Daryl: Hmm...Consider improving your skills, then we'll talk.
Ranma: Aww man, that's harsh. But he does have a point.
Hou: {Excited} Yeah, Sure.
Daryl: (Walks away) I don't even understand you.
Ranma: He's not much of a talker, huh?
Hou: The Best way to communicate is through Buddyfight, they say.
Suddenly, Garga yells out from his card and flies out of Hou's deck. The two are surprised.
Hou: Wait. Garga! (Runs off) Where are you going?
In the midst of the park, Hou runs, and eventually, he finally finds where Garga is. On a hill in front of a pond.
Hou: There you are. What's going on?
Garga: Leave me be. I want to be alone.
Hou: Garga, come on. It's going to be late. You know, My Mom's going to be upset.
Garga: I don't care. Go home yourself.
Hou: No offense. But you're petty about this.
Garga: Huh? Who are you calling petty? If you had won the fight, none of this would have happened.
Hou: So that's what it's about. (Sigh) Garga. I know you're really distressed about the Quiz Show. And the Buddyfight. But listen, I'm also upset that I lost too.
Garga: Then how are you so calm?
Hou: It's because it's just a game. And I want to maintain my emotions. Look. Defeat isn't everything. Like, just because you lost doesn't mean it's end of the world.
Garga: But...
Hou: Hear me out. A real man always gets back up after defeat. No matter what the odds are, they never give up. Defeat is like an opportunity to get stronger.
Garga: It is? I didn't know...
Hou: You think I always win at everything I do? No, I don't. I'm also Bad At Games sometimes. Sure, I do feel discouraged, but that doesn't mean I have to give up. I always find a way to succeed. And if I don't succeed, I try again and again until I make it.
Garga: You did that? [I never thought my buddy would be this wise. He really is an odd one.] You're right. I was wrong with the way I acted. I'm sorry.
Hou: Apology accepted. Come. Let's go home.
Garga nods in agreement. Later, the two spot something nearby. It's Daryl. He's reading a book while sitting under a tree. The wind moves the leaves slowly. It also moves Daryl's hair.
Cross: According to my predictions, Young Hou Ren is going to be quite an influence on you in the future.
Daryl: Maybe. Maybe Not. But until then. Let's just enjoy ourselves for the moment.
Cross: The wind sure is nice, huh?
Daryl: Yeah.
Intro Segment Plays.
Both: Whaddup Pals.
Ranma: Hey guys, Its us again, and today we're going to introduce today's card.
Hou: Cross Astrologia. He has double attack & Soulguard. He also has the ability called "Galaxy Formation".
Ranma: It's a skill that requires Cross in the center but also a monster on the left and an item equipped. If the conditions are met, all of your cards will gain an extra critical and penetrate.
Hou: Use this card to enhance your attacks in and deal some damage to your opponent.
Ranma: What do you think of today's card. I hope you can use it well in your next buddyfight match.
Hou: Till next time. CHECK US OUT.
Anime Ending: Buddy Funny Days
Hou: When it comes to Aces, there's also an all-around athlete who competes in sports competitions. Next time, "The Ace of Sports". Join us for a Buddyfight.
Story End.