Synopsis: It's not much here but our young protagonists decide to go through some memories alone. Shall we see through what mysteries there are?
A bright sun shines in the bright blue sky. The Whaddup pals intro Suddenly plays and it's officially live.
Hou & Garga: Whaddup Pals.
Hou: Hey Guys, it's us again and today we're going to unwrap all of my birthday presents.
Garga: You all have sent Hou a bunch of presents and fan mail and we really appreciate that greatly. So thank you all of you for sending him presents.
Hou: Yes indeed Garga. Alright, now outcomes the fun part. Let's start with Commissioner's present.
He unwraps it and outcomes three new booster boxes.
Hou: WOAH. Three New Booster Boxes. Thanks Commissioner.
Garga: I'm surprised. He's able to afford those boxes and gave them to you. I suppose being Commissioner has it's perks.
Hou: He's Rich Duh!!! I'll unbox them later in a future video but for now we got more presents to unwrap.
Garga: (Hands a present) Here's Masato's.
Hou unwraps them and outcomes a Nintendo Switch.
Hou: A Nintendo Switch??? I always wanted one of these. Thanks Masato.
Garga: (Hands a present) Here's Daryl's.
Hou unwraps them and outcomes a...A Portrait of Hou Himself. It's in paint and the illustration resembles him being normal and straight to the point as he smiles warm.
Hou: A portrait of me ??? (Notices a note beside it) Wait there's a note here. (Reads it) "I drew it myself. From Daryl. P.S. I had no idea what to give earlier so I decided to draw one for you". Oh wow, I had no idea Daryl can draw. Thanks Daryl.
Garga: Even I couldn't draw that well. I wonder where should we hang it.
Hou: Maybe beside my table. Anyways we got more presents to unwrap. Don't you dare miss it.
Garga: Yay.
OP: Silhouette.
The Live Stream is Officially Over and Hou & Garga lays down on bed. The bedroom is quite a mess as there's wrapping papers and other useless items all over the ground.
Hou: Whewww...I really got a lot of presents. Really Exhausting.
Garga: A New Freshly Made Katana From Kanessada. A new Guitar from Note with a thank you reply beside it. And even a new Watch from Light.
Hou: Talk about lucky. And followed by Fan Mails, too good to be true.
Garga chuckles...
Hou: Although...I kinda wish he's here too.
Garga: You don't mean...
Hou: Yeah...I miss Ranma. A lot.
Garga: (Pats him) I know you do. I'm curious. How did you and Ranma first meet?
Hou: Hmmm...it kinda started all the way back at 3rd Grade...
Flashback.
Hou: Back then before I became the Ace of Games, I was just being me. But...ever since I transferred after kindergarten, life is kinda boring. Like sure, I pass a few tests and just me being somewhat of a child, it didn't really give me any spark of joy.
Garga: Were you completely innocent back then?
Hou: No. I often play pranks whenever I feel bored. I often disrupts a few classes and got into trouble with the teachers.
Garga: Ah...You were a troublemaker back then.
Hou: Yes. Then one day, I notice some kid around my age, just sitting on his desk. I thought why not I play a prank on him until I notice what he's doing...he was playing some sort of video game on his tablet. That kid was Ranma.
Garga: Interesting.
Hou: He was like playing so cool with the game and I was so...mesmerized by how he plays. Until...he kind of noticed me behind him. I was scared because I thought he's going to like report me... but he didn't. He offered to teach me and that's how our story began.
Garga: I see...
Hou: I'm pretty sure I told you this before...he taught me everything I know about gaming. Like the game's tips and tricks and weak points. We often hangout after school. We were the best brothers in arms that no one could beat.
Garga: Brothers in arms huh? I like that.
Hou: Two years later, the two of us would come up with an idea of creating our paltube channel.
Garga: The Whaddup Pals...
Hou: That's right. Because I was also great at stunts, we performed tons of tricks and gaming content for our channel. And for 3 long years, my skills would earn me the title of "Ace of Games". (Looks Up) And the rest as you can see, it's history.
Garga: You both had great chemistry with one another...I envy you.
Hou: Like I said, if it wasn't for him, I wouldn't have become who I am today...but everything changed after...well, the incident. I had no idea Ranma deep down would eventually feel Jealous....And yeah you were there so...
Garga: True...I feel sorry for you. Losing your best friend after 5 long years...I have to be honest, I feel like I'm also responsible for your friend's downfall.
Hou: Don't blame yourself. If anything, You can blame Destiny for this...it has a cruel sense of humor.
Garga: Cruel sense of humor huh? (chuckles) You have an odd mind.
Hou: Still what's done is done. And I'm going to get my friend back no matter what.
Garga: I know you will. You are my buddy after all.
Suddenly, Hou's Mother barges in angrily.
Hou's Mother: What is all this mess? Young Man, clean up now.
At a Library, Daryl & Cross are watching Hou's recent stream recorded as a video. They smile warmly as they enjoys their video.
Hou & Garga (In video): Check Us Out.
Daryl: I'm glad Hou actually admires my gift. Personally I want to give him a brand new state of the art telescope but I'm pretty sure Hou is not the type to look at stars.
Cross: So you decided to draw a picture of him to do so. I must admit, even though I've known you for quite some time, I had no idea you can draw.
Daryl: There's a lot you don't know about me.
Cross: I have a question, how did you become the Ace of Study?
Daryl: {Curious} Why you ask?
Cross: It just never come across my mind till now that's all.
Daryl: Well...it all started when I was very young in kindergarten...
In this flashback, Daryl was a young boy while carrying books around. Back then, he was wearing toddler clothes with a ribbon tie.
Daryl: I was once a quiet boy. Doing everything as told by my peers. I was always the smart one in class. Although...too smart so to speak.
While in class, a teacher shows a shape in a flashcard.
Teacher: What's this shape?
Daryl(Toddler): (Raises his hand) A square. It has 4 sides. With all lines equal. 90 degree angles. In French it's called "Carre".
Everyone was quite surprised by Daryl's answer. After a while, he was at a park.
Daryl: I didn't had many friends back then. I only had my books to keep me company. It's how I was able to obtain vast knowledge.
Cross: Was reading your only interest?
Daryl: Not exactly. You can say I had a thing for the arts too when I was young. Music. Mathematics. Science. Etc. Throughout the years, I was able to earn top scores in my classes. And this led to some people calling me names...
Cross: Were those nicknames mean or...
Daryl: Some are. My classmates would often make fun of me. But I paid no attention. Again and again, I continue to strive. Eventually, I earned myself the nickname "Ace of Study". Bonus, I skipped a bunch of grades.
Cross: Well you are a young genius that's for sure.
As the story continues, Daryl, who's now a 10 year old boy walks in the streets.
Daryl: Then one day, I find my life filled with boredom. Until I noticed a game called "Buddyfight" in one of the shops I passed by. I was curious, so I check it out. I bought a pack and that's when you and I first met.
Cross: You were astonished by my appearance back then. I even fascinated you even more with my vast knowledge of Astrological Science.
Daryl: For the first time, I had a friend like you by my side. Spending time with you felt warm. I picked up the game quite fast. You and I won a few tournaments after that.
Cross: Indeed. I won't deny that you even predicted every of your opponent's moves.
Daryl: It's all in the mind. And the rest as you can see, it's History.
Flashback ends.
Cross: You know, from what I observed till now, you often hide things. But now, I see you share them like earlier. You've changed. Daryl.
Daryl: You think so?
Cross: I know so. Personally, I think Hou has something to do with it.
Daryl: He does...He brought me out of my shell. Made me see things in a different way. I was surprised when I lost to him. But for some reason, I find it enjoyable.
Cross: He sure is an odd one. But he's still a nice man.
Daryl: Yeah. He helped me out a lot, if anything, he's kinda helped you evolved didn't he?
Cross: You can say that again.
Daryl: I want to repay him for everything.
Cross: Sorry?
Daryl: I want to face him on equal grounds again. That's why I know that one day, Garga will also evolve, and I will face him with all my might. As friends. And Rivals.
Cross smiles in agreement and the two continue to look at the video with smiles.
While all of this is going on, Masato & Agito are once again training at a gym. Masato is lifting dumbbells left and right. Agito is just counting them.
Agito: 47. 48. 49. 50.
Masato: (Let's go) Phew. What a workout.
Agito: Wonderful as always Masato.
Masato: Thanks Agito. (Sigh) Man, things are happening lately. Like Lost World, Daijirou, your evolution, Hou's Birthday. Everyday's a new adventure.
Agito: True that. I have no idea what else to say besides intense.
Masato: Me too. Let's take five.
Masato then scrolls through his phone and checks the news. One article in particular catches his attention as his eyes become widen. The article features the Kurayashiki Clan marking as one of the top Gold Mining Industries in the country. Headline says "Kurayashiki marks Golden Hour".
Masato: Kurayashiki huh? Daijirou...
Agito: That guy again? He's everywhere at this point.
Masato: I kinda wish we can hangout together just like when we're friends. But because of his attitude of preferring the strong over the weak, I couldn't stand him.
Agito: But you continue to reach out to him...you're strange I give you that.
Masato: It's because I believe he can change. That's why.
Agito: I have a question. I know you told us the story of how Daijirou trained you in sports. But you never tell us how you both met.
Masato: Oh yeah that...it all started back when I was 7 years old.
Flashback again.
Masato: I was always interested in sports. My first sport was rugby. Aka football. But...
Agito: But?
Masato: Back then, I was terrible at sports. I often mess up with the throw. And I often feels scared whenever I get hit with the ball.
A bunch of kids even pick on him...This made him sad.
Masato: A bunch of kids would bully me. But I chose not to give up. So after school everyday, I would practice my rugby skills at the school field.
Agito: Woah...
Masato: One day, while I practice as usual, one person kinda came up to me and gave me advice. That person was Daijirou himself.
Agito: What was he like?
Masato: Spiky hair. Red all the way and a fierce face. But really, he's a friendly guy. He's my senior on top of that.
Agito: Interesting.
Masato: He gave me pointers on how to play rugby properly. I was so inspired by how he plays and it motivated me to keep going with everything he taught me. And one day, in a rugby match, I was at the top of my game.
Agito: {Starstruck} Wow.
Masato: The bullies who picked on me, they become my friends instead. It was a memory I can never forget, all thanks to Daijirou.
Agito: Interesting. 7 years it's been...
Masato: Daijirou then taught me more about other sports. Basketball. Baseball. Even Badminton. Everyday was so fun training with him. Eventually after 3 years, I took part in an Olympics competition and I was first in every single game. I got a bunch of scholarships offers and even more, and I would also earn the title of "Ace of Sports".
Flashback end.
Agito: So that's how you earned the title...
Masato: Daijirou as always supported me. It was so fun having him around. It felt like everything is perfect...until...well the rugby incident...
Agito: Rugby incident? (Realized) Oh...I get it.
Masato: I had no idea why suddenly he became so obsessed with winning and strength. I disagreed with what he thinks nonetheless.
Agito: You did the right thing. He was quite a jerk.
Masato: Long story short. I later found buddyfight at some point. I met you. I was really stoked when meeting you and I really suck at the game back then. It's history after that and you were there.
Agito: And then we fought Daijirou yes.
Masato: Yep. For Share. If anything, I was lucky. Because I wasn't using the guys I got from Daijirou. I was using different attributed cards and personally, I thought I was going to lose.
Agito: But in the end you won, and that's when he tossed away the Linkdragon Order. Harsh.
Masato: I have to thank him.
Agito: Huh?
Masato: Because if it wasn't for him, we wouldn't have band together as a team. You wouldn't have become King Agito back then. So in a way, he sort of helped me.
Agito: Oh...True that. Speaking of Daijirou, the first time we fought him, it was close game. The second time, it was one sided. And the third and last game, it was a close game again.
Masato: Yeah. We would have lost twice if it weren't for your evolution. And I gotta say, Hou was responsible for it.
Agito: How?
Masato: Hou told me that when he ask about how we and the Linkdragon order met, that's when the guys break down and confess their feelings. Their respect for us is so strong that they pass even more of their powers to you. So in a way...again, he helped us out.
Agito: You're right...Who knew.
Masato: Haha. Well gotta thank the guy for this. Anyways, I love to keep talking more but we gotta go, the gym is about to close I believe.
Agito: Yeah. Let's go.
They both get up and leave. Meanwhile, at Vile Ranma's base, Vile Ranma observe all of the past matches he had with Hou through a screen. He is looking very serious as he remembers about all of their past endeavors.
Vile Ranma: [You always had it easy for you. Friends...Family...Garga...and even though you lost twice, you chose to get back up. How are you...still standing?]
Destroyer then appears behind him in skull form as he comes from the ground.
Destroyer: I sense something troubles you in your heart. And an emotion of Anger.
Vile Ranma: I do...I just don't get it, how could that idiot just get back up after I crushed him. TWICE MIGHT I ADD.
Destroyer: I find it curious too. But wouldn't it be fitting to not pay attention to him?
Vile Ranma: More or less. He keeps living rent-free inside my head. He just keeps coming and linger my heart. I just don't know why he keeps going when everything seems hopeless for him.
Destroyer: Perhaps...but he's still quite a fool so to speak.
Vile Ranma: (sigh) You know Destroyer, you sound like it when the first time we met.
Flashback...for the fourth time...
Vile Ranma: I was editing in my room that day...I was feeling very sad and angry because of how Hou has grown. Even when tough situations are upon him, he just never goes down. That's when you appearred. My drawer in front of me was rumbling. I was scared at first but as I move forward, I can feel something calling towards me.
Destroyer: Yes. It was me. I can feel your hatred and jealousy. It resonates with my very power and soul.
Vile Ranma: And I was quite hesitant before I opened my drawer. Inside was a pack. It's the same pack I bought that day. The same day where Hou gets Garga as his buddy...I was afraid that my heart might break as Hou acquires Garga as his buddy. So I kept it in that drawer, unopened.
Destroyer: And thus that's when I pulled you in.
Vile Ranma: Yes...it was a wild ride and I feel power surging around me. Dark power. I landed in some sort of space. A very dark space. Slowly, bit by bit, that's when you appear. Personally I was scared, but...I start to become calm.
Destroyer (Past): I am Vanity Husk Destroyer.
Ranma (Past): Vanity...Husk....Destroyer?
Destroyer (Past): Ranma Kakogawa. You are the chosen one. Your heart is filled with Darkness and it resonates with my very soul.
Ranma (Past): Wha....What are you talking about? I don't have any darkness.
Destroyer (Past): Do not lie to me.
A memory of the same day where Hou acquires Garga as his buddy is shown.
Destroyer (Past): You and Hou Ren have been linked by a strong form of friendship. But...when Gargantua Dragon appeared, a tiny crack begins to take surface...Tell me, isn't it suffering...to see your friend having a buddy while you have none?
Ranma (Past): I...it's true, I was jealous. But that doesn't mean I hate him or anything. I wasn't even suffering.
Destroyer (Past): You still constantly deny but deep down, you want him to suffer badly. After all, he continues to grow every day. Even the strongest of the opponents could not touch him. And as he grows, he made new friends everyday...leaving you, his only best friend behind.
Ranma (Past): That's not true. Hou cares for me more than anything. Like he even said I was the reason he become who he is in the first place.
Destroyer (Past): Then tell me. Why were you feeling so angry inside? Why did you give his opponent his intel? Don't you want him to suffer? Experience what you feel?
Ranma (Past): I...
Destroyer (Past): Ranma. You don't have to deny yourself. You can unleash your true personality. You don't have to hold back. You are a free man. You have the right to live the life you want. And I promise you, if you become my buddy, all of your dreams will come true.
Ranma (Past): I...I can do that?
Destroyer (Past): Yes. Discard all of your useless feelings. Remove anything that's holding you down. Should you do that...power...shall be within your grasp.
The moment the word "Grasp" is echoed towards his ears, Ranma then suddenly fades back to his room. He looks at the pack, unopened. And he said...
Ranma (Past): I am free....I'm going to live the life I choose. Nothing will stand in my way...not even you...old friend. (Unwraps the pack)
Flashback end.
Vile Ranma: Once I had you as my buddy, I learned more about you and the power of Lost World. At the same time, I leaked the Whaddup Pals credentials to Jasraj and Da Dan and I disabled my phone number so that Hou cannot contact me.
Destroyer: Indeed. You wanted him to suffer, be in despair. Yet he persist on fighting like always.
Vile Ranma: He's really annoying. I want to have what he has. I formed the Lost Crew, I demolished him Twice, built a reputation for myself. And yet he just keeps standing in my way.
Destroyer: Then let me ask...what do you want to do?
Vile Ranma: It's simple...I will slash his spirit to ribbons. Until the day he finally begs for mercy, All Shall BOW AT MY FEET. I WILL NOT STOP AT ANYTHING. ONCE AND FOR ALL!!!
While all of this is happening...Light who is nearby secretly recorded the whole scenario. The next moment at the Buddy Card Office, Tasuku, who's witnessing the footage, feels incredibly concern.
Tasuku: I see...so that's what he plans to do...
Jack: Truly, this is ominous.
Tasuku: Then again, there's no denying that he will get stronger. After all, I analyzed his power. "Minus Power" to be precise.
Light: Minus power?
Tasuku: It's a power that's fueled by negative emotions. Such as hate, anger, sorrow and many more. And Destroyer amplifies it and absorbs them bit by bit. My guess, is that he's going to evolve too.
Jack: How can power be minus? And if he does evolve, what else is he going to do?
Tasuku: I'm not sure...but possibly, he would repeat the same thing that happened 10 years ago. Endless Manslaughter. Bloodthirst. It will be absolute carnage if he does.
Jack: Then I suggest we waste no time and prepare countermeasures.
Tasuku agrees. Everyone watches in worry. Light then pretends to be less worried but deep down, he's afraid...
Light: Seems to me that guy has a lot on his plate huh?
ED: Hello by Za Bon.
Preview:
Hou: Masato, Daryl & I want to train. And I decided to record a video. But here's a twist. A penalty is included. Next time, "Rematch". Join us for a buddyfight.
Story End.