Yu-Gi-Oh! long-time viewers all know that there were originally four Blue-Eyes White Dragons in this world.
The four cards were in the hands of different people. One of them was kept by Solomon Muto, Yugi's grandfather. However, President Kaiba, who appeared with a villain's face at first, took the cards from everyone through various means and tore up the fourth card right in front of Grandpa.
Even though he did that, Bai Jia was still devotedly following him without any complaints, showing absolute loyalty to the President. Although that was during his dark period, it might be one of the biggest black marks in Kaiba's life.
When creating this character, Teacher Takahashi initially just wanted to design a purely evil character and did not plan much for future developments. Just like he did not anticipate Yu-Gi-Oh! would become an anime about card games.
After that, the matter of the fourth Blue-Eyes was never mentioned again. But after Kaiba was redeemed by Atom's Spiritual Breakdown, there were rumors that he also retrieved the fourth White Dragon.
Tearing up the White Dragon is undoubtedly one of the few things Kaiba regrets in his life, though he would never admit it in front of others. Over the years, he has never given up on using ever-advancing technology to repair that card.
The rumor has it that he succeeded. However, as everyone knows, a card deck can only contain up to three copies of a card with the same name, so even if he had the fourth card, he couldn't use it. Therefore, the legendary fourth White Dragon was merely kept as a mascot at the center of Kaiba Group.
But a rumor is just a rumor, and it was the first time Kaiba admitted to this matter in person.
"Blue-Eyes White Dragon, so this is your choice, huh."
Kaiba was expressionless.
"Alright. You'll receive the card once you return."
When the President says something, it's as good as done, and Yugen didn't doubt it at all.
"Thank you, President."
In fact, the four White Dragons in this world may only exist in this dimension. After all, in the GX animation, there was a spirit of "The Partner of Justice - Kaiba Hero" who also had a White Dragon card deck, with three Blue-Eyes as well. This suggests there might be more in the Elf Realm.
Some even argue that Kaiba Hero was actually the President himself in disguise, coming specifically to help the downcast Judai revive, but that's debatable. The animation didn't leave much room for such examinations.
"Don't thank me yet. You have more important troubles to handle now." Kaiba said calmly.
Yugen understood what he meant and followed his gaze.
He immediately made eye contact with the Judge standing on the other side of the duel arena not far away.
With arms crossed, the Judge wore a calm smile, looking like a suave scholar with no trace of a malicious Evil God.
"Fujiki Yugen."
He stood up, seemingly speaking to Yugen.
But Yugen quickly realized it wasn't traditional "speaking." They were too far apart, and he shouldn't be able to hear anything.
The voice sounded directly in his ear, or rather, in his mind.
"Maybe you're more interesting than I anticipated. Will you become a better sacrifice than Seto Kaiba, hehe..."
With that, he stuck out his tongue, licking his lips.
Then he gave Yugen a weird smile and exited the duel arena.
The finals were approaching; the battles in Duel City had left only the two of them, so there was no need to draw lots for the player order.
An hour later, on this isolated island, a new Duel King would emerge.
And perhaps decide the fate of the world.
...
...
Elsewhere.
Amidst the darkness, a black aura floated in mid-air, faint images appearing as if in a holographic projection.
The projection displayed scenes from the Duel Island. At the time, Yugen and Kaiba's duel had just concluded, and the finalist was determined.
A man in white stood in front of the projection, hands behind his back, slightly frowning.
"Fujiki Yugen... he even defeated Seto Kaiba." He murmured hoarsely, "This guy..."
Narrowing his eyes, he stared at Yugen through the projection, feeling the more he looked, the more mysterious Yugen became.
From behind him came the sound of a door opening; someone stood at the entrance.
"Professor Mackenzie, do you need me to get Mizuki? Or..."
"No need."
The man known as Professor Mackenzie waved a hand.
Yes, he was indeed Professor Mackenzie from Duel Academy's United States branch... or rather, the body's owner was.
And now, the owner of this body had become the ancient, relentless monster, Tragodia, an enemy of the Ancient Egyptian royal family.
"But that world champion, Hibiki Momiji..."
The person hesitated.
"That should be a valuable sample, right? Taken just like that..."
"No problem."
Professor Mackenzie, or rather Tragodia, waved a hand, then narrowed his eyes with a cold smile at the scene in the projection.
More precisely, he was staring at Yugen.
"This development may prove very interesting." He said, "Let's watch and wait. There's no hurry."
"...Yes, Professor."
The person withdrew.
The door closed, and the room returned to darkness.
Tragodia sneered.
Fujiki Yugen, harboring several spirits and even a faint trace of the Pharaoh's presence. Little Lobster bore a grudge as deep as the sea towards the Pharaoh and his Seven Divine Artifacts; its creation was intricate with connections to the Pharaoh's artifacts, so although that presence was weak, it was still detected by him.
This young man, up against the Orichalcos' Cheating Snake...
He felt the duel was still worth watching.
Once those two reveal their true colors and resolve their duel, he would make his move.
The Little Lobster was enamored with its own wisdom, chuckling with a sinister laugh.
...
...
"Yugen actually made it to the finals, so impressive..."
Judai looked at Yugen with admiration.
After battling for so long today, both of them were feeling hungry and went to the buffet in the venue to recharge.
"It was luck." Yugen still said.
"But be careful in the finals. That guy called the Judge... how to say it?" Judai frowned, "Very strong, no doubt about it. And he feels different from the others..."
"Kurikuri!" Feathered Chestnut Ball appeared.
Yugen didn't understand: "What did it say?"
"The partner says it also sensed that, and that guy hasn't even gone all out yet," Judai said.
"I see." Yugen nodded.
Not too surprising.
Beside him, a spirit also materialized in a spirit body form; it was the newly awakened Lava Demon God from the recent fierce battle.
Though Yugen had vaguely felt that his Lava Demon God might have become a spirit, with similar hints appearing in duels, it seemed it had fully awakened through the intense duel today.
"Roar~" the Lava Demon God said.
"What did it say?" This time Judai didn't understand.
"It said it doesn't matter, it will act," Yugen said.
"Oh-oh." Judai nodded.
That's really reassuring.
But speaking of which, Yugen couldn't understand what the Chestnut Ball said, but he could understand the Lava Demon God.
Hmm...
Judai brushed aside the thought, saying, "But back to the point, that guy is really strong, Yugen can't be careless."
"I know." Yugen nodded.
"Oh right, since that's the case..."
Judai suddenly stood up, took out a card box, and rummaged through it.
"Take this card for the finals." He handed a card to Yugen with a smile, "It counts as my and Mr. Momiji's part together."
Yugen paused, instinctively thinking, what on earth? Could this be a dead card...
Of course, it wasn't surprising he thought this way, considering since it's Judai's card, nine out of ten could have obscure meanings.
But he glanced at it and, surprised, looked up: "This card..."
"You can also make use of it, right?" Judai smiled.
Indeed.
After contemplating, Yugen accepted it without hesitation, nodding, "Alright, I'll borrow your and Mr. Momiji's strength for now. Thanks, Judai."
"Hahaha, no thanks necessary."
Judai gave him a fist bump.
"Friends should help each other."