The scent of freshly cut grass and the excited chatter of students filled the air as classes returned from summer vacation at Duel Academy. The vibrant blue skies overhead and the picturesque view of the lake in the distance welcomed students back to their academic routines.
In Class-A, the first-year classroom, Yuta and Asuka sat in their usual spots, ready to tackle another semester. The classroom was spacious and well-lit, with the desks neatly arranged in rows. A large window offered a panoramic view of the great city of Tokyo. Posters of famous duelists adorned the walls, offering inspiration to aspiring duelists.
Around them were their classmates. The short and timid boy, Sho, sat nervously behind a stack of books. The methodical and athletic nerd, Daichi, was making sure his notes were in perfect order. The cute and ingenuous girl, Momo, couldn't contain her excitement as she chatted with her friends.
Yuta and Asuka exchanged glances, expecting a bit of commotion after revealing their relationship during summer break. To their surprise, their classmates seemed unfazed. In fact, Sho shrugged and sighed.
_ Finally. It was about time you two got together.
Daichi chimed in with a dry chuckle.
_ I was placing bets with Momo-chan on how long it would take you two.
Momo giggles.
_ See? I told you they'd be cute together!
The easy acceptance and warmth of their friends eased Yuta and Asuka's nerves. It was as if everyone had known all along.
Just as they settled back into the routine of school life, Manjoume Jun, the self-proclaimed "Manjoume Thunder," made a dramatic entrance. The room fell into an awkward silence as all eyes turned toward him. Jun's pale skin stood out even more than usual with something that captured all his classmates' attention - a red tie beneath his uniform. In a cheeky tone, a random voice in the classroom shouted
_ Hello there, Slifer Red!
Laughter erupted as Manjoume stomped up to the front of the class, standing like a lecturer ready to deliver a grand speech. He looked at the class, a mix of irritation and haughtiness on his face.
_ What's so funny, huh? Laugh all you want, but I'm only a Slifer Red because I missed those blasted final exams before summer!
He declared, his tone more entertaining than angry.
_ You can call me whatever you want, but remember, you're all still losers compared to the great Manjoume Thunder!
More laughter ensued, and the atmosphere lightened as the class settled into a mix of groans and grins. It seemed that even after summer vacation, Duel Academy was back to its usual blend of eccentric characters and good-natured humor.
...
The first day back at Duel Academy had come to a close, and as the final bell chimed, students spilled out of the classroom, chattering and making their way through the bustling halls. Yuta, Asuka, Sho, Daichi, and Momo walked together, sharing their experiences of the first day of the semester.
The hallways were alive with the energy of countless conversations. Students navigated the busy corridors, talking animatedly about classes, the upcoming dueling tournaments, and, of course, their summer vacations. Yuta couldn't help but smile at the familiar sight of the bustling academy.
Sho walked a bit more upright than usual, almost as if he had gained a bit of confidence during the vacation. He looked at Yuta and Asuka and couldn't resist sharing his perspective.
_ You two make quite the couple, you know. I mean, we all saw it coming!
Daichi nods in agreement.
_ Yes, it was only a matter of time. But you two should know that love is not the most important subject here. I've already calculated the odds for our next duel tournament.
Momo chimed in with her usual infectious enthusiasm.
_ But love is important too! I think it's amazing that Yuta and Asuka are together. Just like me and Sho-kun! <3
Sho blushes as Momo enthusiastically hugs him. In this lively conversation, the group made their way through the bustling academy halls.
In a quiet and distant corridor, Professor Daitokuji approached Jun. The Slifer Red tie Jun wore was a constant reminder of his change in status at Duel Academy. Daitokuji's presence unnerved him, fearing that he might be called to receive further instructions about his new dorm. To Jun, it felt as though the universe was delighting in making him confront the reality of his new title.
Daitokuji's expression remained inscrutable as he spoke.
_ Manjoume-kun, the Chancellor wants to see you in his office.
Jun's anxiety spiked. Could his escapade in America have caught the Chancellor's attention? He knew he was taking a risk by challenging O'Brien, but he couldn't back down.
Reluctantly, Jun made his way to the Chancellor's office, the heavy wooden door creaking open to reveal the room. It was a spacious, imposing chamber with high ceilings and towering bookshelves. The oak desk in the center was expansive, a symbol of authority and wisdom.
To his surprise, Chancellor Samejima was not alone. Seated across from the Chancellor, sipping a cup of coffee, was a figure that made Jun's jaw drop.
_ Brother?
Jun couldn't believe his eyes as he stared at his older brother. Shoji turned to face him, a mischievous and unsettling grin on his face.
In the solemn, book-lined atmosphere of the Chancellor's office, Jun felt a shiver run down his spine. The memories of past turmoil and abuse seemed to flood back in an instant. He never expected to encounter Shoji here, at Duel Academy, the place he believed would be his sanctuary from the pressures of his family.
Shoji, with a strangely remorseful expression, broke the silence.
_ Jun, I need to tell you something. I'm sorry for how I've been treating you, especially at the beginning of this year. I was harsh, and I know it.
Jun's eyes hardened, and he spoke with an air of finality.
_ It's too late for apologies, Shoji. I don't want anything to do with you, especially when it comes to my dueling career.
Shoji's remorseful facade remained, but Jun could sense something beneath it. His older brother was not one to apologize so readily. Shoji continued, adopting a tone of concern.
_ I spoke to the Chancellor about your ranking as a Slifer Red. He doesn't know what you're capable of, and this might stain your career forever. I've made some contacts with a Pro League in Spain. They're willing to take you in.
Chancellor Samejima, standing to the side, gave Jun a sympathetic look but remained silent. The boy understood the complexity of the situation - as a teacher, he had little power to override parental decisions.
_ I even got you the latest Gladiator Beast cards! Let's drop those Sylvans and get back to what works!
Jun was losing his patience. He removed Shoji's hands from his shoulders.
_ I told you, Shoji, I have nothing to do with you or your Gladiator Beasts. I'll stay here and use my Sylvans because that's what I want.
Shoji's temper flared, and the facade of remorse vanished.
_ You're a fool, Jun! Can't you see? You wouldn't be anything if it wasn't for me managing your career!
The situation escalated, and the Chancellor stood, ready to intervene. But Jun's expression shifted, and he spoke with resolve.
_ Fine, Shoji. We'll settle this once and for all. We'll duel in front of the entire school. You can use your Gladiator Beasts, and I'll take you on with my Sylvans. If I win, you'll never bother me again.
Shoji, cornered by that big man's intimidating body, had no choice but to accept. The Chancellor maintained a stern posture, ensuring the situation didn't spiral out of control.
_ Very well, it's settled. We'll arrange the duel, Manjoume-kun. But remember, you both must conduct yourselves with the dignity and respect befitting Duel Academy students.
The tension in the room hung heavy as the terms of the duel were established. Jun had drawn a line in the sand, and he was determined to defend his path and his choices.
...
The Duel Academy's arena was a mix of spectacle and mistery, with towering holographic projectors and seats filled with curious students, eagerly anticipating the mysterious reopening event for the first year's duel activities.
Amidst the buzzing crowd, Jun and Shoji enter the arena, each carrying their own duel disk. They took their positions on opposite ends of the arena, facing each other.
A playful banter quickly unfolded, Shoji wearing an arrogant grin as he waved his duel disk.
_ You know, little brother, you might have reached the GenEx final... But I've got the superior deck. And you can't beat that.
Jun met Shoji's taunts with unwavering confidence.
_ Superior deck, maybe. But I'm just better than you, anyway.
The crowd was still somewhat uncertain about Shoji, but they were captivated by the rivalry between the two brothers. A chant began to ripple through the audience, and soon, it swelled to a crescendo of support for Jun.
_ Thunder! Thunder! Thunder!
With the energy of the crowd at their backs, Jun and Shoji stood at their respective corners of the arena, preparing their decks and duel disks. The tension in the arena reached its peak as the brothers raised their voices in unison.
_ Duel!
Jun 8000 Shoji 8000
As agreed in the Chancellor's office, Jun will start the duel. Shoji may think he'll have the advantage for holding the first Battle Phase of the duel, however, Jun is about to show him the difference between the ordinary and the genius.
_ I'll start with this: Mount Sylvania, activate!
Mount Sylvania
The transformation was astounding, as the metallic floor gave way to a stunning and vibrant holographic forest, enveloping the arena in its beauty.
_ Now, I summon Lonefire Blossom, in defense position. With its ability, I can tribute it to Special Summon Sylvan Hermitree from my deck!
Lonefire Blossom 500 ATK 1400 DEF
Sylvan Hermitree 2700 ATK 1800 DEF
_ I'm far from done, brother. Sylvan Charity, activate! I will draw three cards, then, send two from my hand to the top of my deck.
Sylvan Charity
As usual, Jun handles his cards with patience while the crowd hypes up their GenEx runner-up.
_ Thunder! Thunder! Thunder!
That annoys the hell out of Shoji.
_ Okay, now that I'm done, I can activate Sylvan Hermitree's effect! I excavate the top card of my deck, send it to my Graveyard and, then, draw the next one!
Sylvan Hermitree
_ After this, I can activate the ability of the monster I just sent to the Graveyard! Sylvan Princessprout will be Special Summoned to my field as a Level 8 monster!
Sylvan Princessprout 100 ATK 100 DEF
_ And that's not all! Because a Sylvan Monster was excavated, I can Special Summon, from my hand, Sylvan Sagequoia! In attack position!
Sylvan Sagequoia 2600 ATK 2100 DEF
The crowd explodes while Shoji's pent-up anger turns him as red as a pepper.
_ Now, overlay! I XYZ Summon Alsei, the Sylvan High Arbiter, in defense position!
Alsei, the Sylvan High Arbiter 2300 ATK 3200 DEF
Jun strikes a magnificent pose as the crowd roared for his ace monster, his eyes locking within his brother's, savoring the rage in Shoji's expression.
_ I set a card and I end my turn!
In the midst of the commotion that had taken over the Duel Academy's arena, Shoji's initial unease began to settle as he redirected his focus to his expensive deck. He couldn't help but glance over at his brother, that audacious brat who dared to believe he could impress anyone with those lame Sylvans. Shoji's resolve stiffened - it was time to teach Jun a lesson.
_ Here I go, little brother! My turn! I will summon Gladiator Beast Laquari, in attack position.
Gladiator Beast Laquari 1800 ATK 400 DEF
A murmur of anticipation rippled through the audience as Gladiator Beast Laquari materialized, his bronze armor gleaming under the holographic spotlight.
_ Let's not waste any time! Battle! Laquari, attack that XYZ Monster!
Shoji's move was met with a mixture of confusion and curiosity from the crowd. They couldn't help but wonder about the Gladiator Beast's weakness against Jun's XYZ monster and its formidable defense. Jun, on the other hand, observed Shoji's move with a raised eyebrow. He hadn't expected Shoji to be so well-versed in the use of Gladiator Beasts.
_ Before Damage Calculation, I can activate this effect! From my hand, I Special Summon Gladiator Beast Vespasius, in attack position!
Gladiator Beast Vespasius 2300 ATK 0 DEF
_ And that's not all! When Vespasius is on my field, all my Gladiator Beasts will gain 500 ATK points!
Gladiator Beast Laquari 2300 ATK 400 DEF
Gladiator Beast Vespasius 2800 ATK 0 DEF
As Laquari lunged forward to engage Jun's High Protector, even after becoming more powerful, it quickly became apparent that this attack was an exercise in futility. Jun's Alsei, the Sylvan High Protector, remained firmly in control, and the attack failed to overcome the massive defense of the tree-like monster.
_ Gladiator Beast Vespasius, destroy that stupid tree!
With a straight attack, Shoji's Gladiator Beast wipes out Sylvan Sagequoia from Jun's field. However, instead of being greeted by the crowd's cheers, the Duel Academy's arena is filled with boos all around. Jun smirks.
_ That's how it is, huh? Fine, I'll take that smile away right now! Activate Quick-Play Spell Card! Gladiator Beast United! I will shuffle the monsters I control back to my deck and Fusion Summon Gladiator Beast Domitianus, in attack position!
Gladiator Beast United
Gladiator Beast Domitianus 3500 ATK 1200 DEF
More boos.
_ Tsc! Gladiator Beast Domitianus, attack!
_ Not so fast, brother! Trap Card, activate! Sylvan Blessing! I will send this Plant Monster from my hand to the top of my deck and, then, Special Summon this one from my Graveyard! Sylvan Peaskeeper!
Sylvan Blessing
Sylvan Peaskeeper 400 ATK 100 DEF
Slowly, the boos give place to cheers.
_ And I'm not done yet! When Peaskeeper is summoned, I can excavate the top card of my deck. Guess what card I just placed here?
Sylvan Peaskeeper
Sylvan Marshalleaf
_ My Marshalleaf's effect will destroy your Domitianus, brother!
Rage completely blinds Shoji's sight to a curtain of red.
_ NO, IT WON'T! I ACTIVATE MY GLADIATOR BEAST'S EFFECT! I CAN CANCEL THE ACTIVATION OF YOUR SYLVAN WHATEVER, EVEN FROM THE GRAVEYARD!
Gladiator Beast Domitianus
Shoji's blind rage kept him from realizing that his final moments of control were dwindling. He unleashes his Gladiator Beast's effect in defiance, a move met by Jun's laughter. It was a stark reminder that no matter how powerful Shoji's cards were, they would never surpass the talent and experience of the great Manjoume Jun.
_ You should've used that to the activation of my Peaskeeper, Shoji! When a card is sent from my deck to my Graveyard, I can detach one material from Alsei and return your Domitianus to your Extra Deck!
Alsei, the Sylvan High Protector
The crowd, once filled with boos, had done a complete 180, now filled with raucous applause and shouts of approval.
_ Thunder! Thunder! Thunder!
As Shoji struggled to regain his composure, he took a deep breath and refocused on his cards. Although he couldn't make a move this turn, he knew that the next one would be his chance to regain control of the duel. With an open field, Jun's monsters, as impressive as they were, couldn't finish the duel in a single strike.
_ I end my turn.
_ Wait a minute, brother! Because of Sylvan Blessing, I must send Sylvan Peaskeeper back to the top of my deck.
Sylvan Blessing
_ Not only that, I still have Mount Sylvania active, which means I can excavate that top card! When Peaskeeper is sent to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower Plant-Type from there!
Sylvan Peaskeeper
Lonefire Blossom 500 ATK 1400 DEF
_ But no, brother, I am NOT done! When a Sylvan Monster is excavated, I can Special Summon another Sylvan Sagequoia from my hand!
Sylvan Sagequoia 2600 ATK 2100 DEF
_ Now, you can end your turn.
Jun 7800 Shoji 7100
Jun stood on the duel arena, taking a deep breath as the crowd's roars filled the air. It was almost too easy, he mused. The victory came as no surprise to him - after all, having faced off against duelists like Austin O'Brien, Jenny Cook, and Hikari Yuta, defeating his own stupid brother felt like a child's play.
With a smirk on his face, he turned to Shoji, who looked nothing but defeated.
_ Oh, brother... It's a shame you have to be humiliated like this. But consider it a lesson. I activate my Lonefire Blossom! I'll tribute it to summon Sylvan Hermitree to my field!
Lonefire Blossom
Sylvan Hermitree 2700 ATK 1800 DEF
Jun activates his card with a flourish, and the towering figure of Sylvan Hermitree emerged. The crowd watched in anticipation.
_ Now, after changing Alsei to attack position, let's battle! My "lame Sylvans" will put an end to this quickly, don't you worry!
The crowd's energy reached its peak as Jun's Sylvans launched a relentless attack on Shoji's Life Points. The duel ended in a unilateral, impeccable victory for Manjoume Jun - underlining the stark difference in the skills of the two brothers.
_ It was never you, Shoji. I am where I am because of MY OWN efforts. And guess what? I'll keep going further, whether you like it or not.
Jun 7800 Shoji 0
Without even waiting for his brother's words of response, Jun turns his back and leaves the duel field. As he approaches the bleachers, he sees his classmates cheering. He gives them a thumbs up - in a way that very well reflects his flamboyant personality.
Amidst all the commotion, an object flies from the stands, hitting Jun right in the face. It's a red T-shirt. On its front, there is a printed lettering that says "Red Heart".
Jun holds that T-shirt in front of his face in disbelief. He turns to his colleagues, completely overcome with rage.
_ NOT IN A MILLION YEARS, YOU HEAR ME?! NOT! IN! ONE! MILLION!
Manjoume Jun leaves the arena with the audience still roaring his name.
...
_ At least it's not as hideous as I expected.
Jun steps into his new room at the Slifer Red's dorm. The place is well organized with three beds, a desk, a TV, a small fridge, and a bathroom. Although everything seemed a bit worn, it had a certain charm that Jun hadn't imagined.
_ If I squint my eyes and don't pay too much attention to the dirt, it's almost bearable...
As he began to unpack his things, there was a sudden burst of noise from outside. The door to his room swung open, and a group of Slifer Red students barged in, singing, screaming, and chanting his name.
The overwhelming welcome makes Jun's eyes widen in disbelief - but he did his best to maintain his character.
_ Well, well, it seems the Slifers have been eagerly awaiting my arrival! Sorry, losers, but-
The students continued their chaotic celebration. Undeterred by Jun's bravado, the Slifer Reds gather around him, roaming in circles while chanting. Their loud noises completely silencing Jun's sarcastic commentaries.
At some point, Yuta approaches his rival, casually draping his arm around Jun's neck. It was a friendly yet provocative gesture, and Yuta knew it was an effective way to get under Jun's skin.
_ Come on, buddy. Being at Slifer isn't the end of the world...
Yuta said with a grin as Jun promptly removed his arm, feigning outrage.
_ On its own? Maybe. But being at the same rank as you is WORSE than the end of the world!
Laughter erupted inside the room.
The Slifer Red students welcome Jun with open arms. He might hate it or deny it as much as he wants but, Manjoume Jun, and his eccentric personality, belongs to the Slifer Red now.