The duel with Pegasus ended with a long string of exclamations like "Unbelievable" and "It's Miracle."
Youyu felt the advertisement was quite successful. The Great Shogun Shien managed to restore the face lost after being controlled by the enemy, landing the final blow that secured the duel's victory, regaining its position as the ace of the card deck.
Although the onlookers had vaguely anticipated this result, seeing President Pegasus, whom they revered like a deity, being defeated, was still quite impactful.
At the same time, Youyu's status in the heart of Tenma Yako's little brother also rose, even showing signs of surpassing his most respected foster father, Mr. Pegasus...
The friendly match ended with Pegasus expressing admiration, and Youyu modestly returning the gesture, both sides exchanging compliments, furthering their friendship, then continuing back to the table to eat.
Even though Youyu was somewhat interested in a few cards Pegasus used in the duel, considering his status, it wasn't the right time to ask. He could only remember for now and wait for an opportunity later.
After the Doma incident, Youyu's reputation in the Fantasy Club was already quite high, and now after a soulful exchange with the President, he became the focal point of the gathering.
Although Youyu didn't dislike the attention, he was more than happy to stay and enjoy eating, drinking, and chatting, reality didn't permit.
After all, Kaiba and his brother were still waiting for him back at the hotel.
For someone like President Kaiba, people always waited for him, not the other way around; Youyu already received special treatment. Letting the President wait outside while he indulged in food and drink felt quite uncomfortable to him...
However, before leaving, he didn't forget to say goodbye to Anna.
Just as he predicted, after Dartz's defeat and the fall of the God of Orichalcos, all souls were freed. Anna's father and uncle returned to her side, and her peaceful and warm life was back on track.
This time, the girl wasn't as reserved as before. When hearing that Youyu was leaving, she seemed somewhat reluctant.
She mustered the courage to give Youyu a big hug, wanting to say something, but awkwardly realized she didn't even know the name of this handsome benefactor.
So she whispered, "Thank you, big brother who plays cards..."
Youyu: "..."
Although she wasn't wrong, why did it sound so strange...
Back at the hotel, President Kaiba seemed to have been ready for a while. Upon seeing Youyu return, he got up without a word, simply saying, "Let's go."
So, after returning, Youyu barely sat down before gathering his things and heading out with the President.
By the time they returned to Domino, it was already early morning.
Every time he came back late, regardless of the hour, he could always see the light from a familiar small shop at the corner. There seemed always to be a girl vigilantly behind the counter as if tireless.
However, tonight, Chinai probably wouldn't be waiting.
After all, Youyu had been away from Domino for quite some time, and the battle with Doma was quite lengthy. He hadn't told Chinai he was returning today, so it wasn't likely she'd know and wait at the door this late.
He didn't notify her beforehand because he didn't want to disturb her rest.
Sure enough, the card shop at the corner wasn't lit up like usual. The whole street was empty, no lights, not a soul.
Of course, Youyu had the key. He opened the door, quietly crossed the hall, silently went up the stairs, and grasped his room's handle...
When suddenly, a door next to him opened.
A silver-haired girl in cute pajamas with a bear pattern and fluffy slippers was rubbing her sleepy eyes, asking dazedly, "You... Youyu? Is that you?"
Youyu: "..."
Wow, girl, do you have telepathy or some superpower? How did you catch me?
Chinai rubbed her eyes, trying to discern whether she was in a dream or reality.
"It's me," Youyu nodded.
Chinai's eyes lit up, suddenly fully awake, looking almost incredulous: "It really is you..."
"How did you know? Did I wake you?"
Chinai shook her head, looking down: "No... no. I dreamt about you and felt like you would return today..."
Youyu: "..."
That's impressive, isn't it? This surely counts as a superpower, right?
A human radar, indeed.
Chinai's face blushed slightly.
There were more things she left unsaid. She often dreamt of Youyu at night, actually quite frequently, but found it too embarrassing to admit...
Though it was past three a.m., Chinai seemed wide awake upon seeing Youyu return.
She told Youyu how many strange events happened on the street recently: many Duel Monster images appeared, and a bunch of armored soldier-like zombies roamed the streets, attacking indiscriminately, scaring her badly.
In fact, Dartz's chaos had already caused a global uproar. His actions were so grand and widespread across the world that any attempt to cover up the news was futile since everyone witnessed these abnormal creatures.
Nonetheless, Domino should have been one of the least affected areas.
Youyu ensured Chinai and those around her weren't hurt, and she shook her head, saying they weren't.
During that outbreak of soldiers and monsters, the typically crazy folks who lined up outside the shop spontaneously came out, fearlessly blocking the street.
Thanks to them, the street wasn't tainted by Orichalcos's beasts.
Such experiences changed Chinai's perception of those odd folk.
She used to think of them as "card-game-crazed lunatics," but now realized they could be surprisingly reliable in crucial moments.
...Of course, the lunatic part hadn't changed in her mind.
"Oh, and I saw them rolling on the ground together in a line."
Even Chinai, with her limited facial expressions, couldn't help but chuckle.
"Though they're strange, they seem like good people. They treated me well, and just a 'thank you' from me made them happy for quite some time..."
Youyu: "..."
Girl, you have no idea how valuable your goodwill is to those simpletons...