"Overlay Network? The name sounds flashy enough, but what does it actually do?"
To be honest, even now Hoshino still didn't really understand what Kaiba meant by the so-called "link" technology that humans supposedly couldn't control. In most people's eyes, it was nothing more than a trendy new Duel Disk.
Honestly, it felt like Kaiba was just showing off again…
Of course, it was also possible that a genius simply viewed the world differently from ordinary people.
"Xyz · Overlay. A brand-new summoning system that opens up entirely new dimensional possibilities for Duel Monsters!"
"A new summoning method?" Hoshino sucked in a sharp breath.
For an industry where Duel Monsters had already matured, a completely new summoning mechanic would be nothing short of a world-shaking revolution.
"Kaiba, your ambitions really are something. If it's a summoning method like Synchro Summoning, wouldn't that require a massive number of brand-new cards to support it?"
Previously, KaibaCorp and Industrial Illusions had conducted analyses on the Synchro Summoning Hoshino brought back. The conclusion was that, without the mysterious particles provided by D-Wheels, Synchro Summoning simply couldn't be performed.
Even so, a huge number of monsters with the "Tuner" designation had been released to the market at the time.
Coupled with the unforgettable scene of Hoshino performing a Synchro Summon at the KC Grand Prix and brutally finishing off Zigfried, people poured money into the future they dreamed of—even if Synchro Summoning itself couldn't yet be realized.
Frankly speaking, that entire Synchro boom was a clear victory for the capitalists.
"No new cards are required," Kaiba said seriously. "The Overlay Network allows every existing Duel Monster to gain the potential for Xyz Summoning."
"Every existing monster? That's a massive undertaking," Hoshino said skeptically. "Do you even know how many Duel Monsters exist right now?"
"When the Overlay Network officially launches, you'll understand." Kaiba's lips curved into a rare, smug smile as he deliberately kept things vague.
"You really haven't changed—still infuriating as ever." Hoshino shot him a glare. "If you're not going to explain it, why bring it up at all? Just to tease me?"
"So when does it officially go live? With something this big, you're not going to skip the promotion, right?"
Judging by Kaiba's past behavior, even a new Duel Disk launch could involve a virtual projection blowing up all of Domino City. If the Overlay Network was really as outrageous as he claimed, was he planning to nuke a city next?
"Oh, and if you need a spokesperson this time, I'm charging endorsement fees~"
Rubbing her fingers together, Hoshino felt she'd done enough free promotion for Kaiba over the years. It was about time she got something in return.
"It's already in the final testing phase," Kaiba replied calmly. "But this time, no promotion is necessary. This is an evolution humanity must undergo to enter the next era. Those who can't accept it will simply be swept away by the tide of history."
"Well… fair enough."
After thinking it over, Hoshino conceded the point. A new Duel Disk was a luxury product that needed marketing to sell. But a new summoning method—if it truly became widespread—would leave anyone who rejected it behind.
"(｀・・´) Testing phase means it can't be used yet, right? So in the end, Kaiba, you just dragged me here to brag?"
Kaiba sat back down at his desk, expressionless. "Give me your phone number."
"Huh? Why? Wait—you don't even have my number?" Only then did Hoshino realize that despite knowing each other for years, they had always communicated purely through work emails.
"The stronger the duelist, the greater the influence of the Overlay Network," Kaiba explained. "I'll notify you the moment testing is complete."
Mokuba quietly sighed to himself.
Big Brother really went through a lot of trouble… just to say that.
(***)
Kagemaru's Residence
"Director Kagemaru, only the final three keys remain before the Sacred Beasts break through the last seal."
Flipping over the tarot cards laid out on the table, the man in white reported to Kagemaru, who lay within his life-support capsule.
"The upright position of Judgment symbolizes revival and miracles—the dawn of a new world. It seems your long-held wish will finally be fulfilled today."
"Sartorius," Kagemaru replied, "your divinations are usually accurate. But having lived for centuries, I've learned one thing—humans must pursue their goals by any means necessary, actively reshaping fate itself."
Had Kagemaru accepted his destiny back then, his current body would have long since perished. It was precisely because he refused to submit to fate that he continued to cling to life within his broken shell.
"Yes. Thank you for your guidance, Director." Setting aside the tarot cards, Sartorius continued, "However, according to our informants at the academy, the Headmistress appears to have left the campus today. Without her power, will the remaining two Shadow Riders be able to accumulate enough energy to serve as sacrifices for the Sacred Beasts?"
"She left the academy?" Kagemaru mused. "Could it be that she has realized we're using her to weaken the seal?"
"Then what are your orders, Director?"
"If she wants to flee, so be it. Even if she escapes, the academy itself cannot. Have the Shadow Riders target those around her. I refuse to believe she'll remain hidden forever."
"Yes. I will carry out your command."
(***)
Academy Festival – After-Party Night
Due to unusually heavy fog in the sky, all high-altitude flights were grounded. As a result, Hoshino—unable to return to the island via KaibaCorp's private jet—arrived back at Duel Academy after already missing the celebratory banquet marking the festival's conclusion.
Fortunately, the after-party was still in full swing, and she managed to catch the tail end of the once-a-year celebration.
"Senpai, what are you doing hiding out here by yourself?"
After wandering around for quite a while, Alexis finally spotted Hoshino crouched beneath a large tree, surrounded by food from various festival stalls.
"Can't you tell? I'm enjoying the festival," Hoshino replied honestly, her cheeks stuffed full of takoyaki.
After all, she'd been on a work trip today. After such a long, exhausting day, rewarding herself was only natural.
Thankfully, Duel Academy's after-party wasn't just a simple bonfire and dance like ordinary schools. It was more like a summer festival—local vendors giving it their all for one last cash grab, setting up stalls across the island to empty the students' wallets.
"So when you say 'enjoying the festival,' you mean hiding here and eating by yourself?" Alexis teased, holding back laughter.
Putting appearances aside, sometimes their headmistress was adorably childish.
"Everyone's been looking for you. Jaden, Akasha, and even Mr. Jonouchi."
Speaking of Jonouchi, he had absolutely stolen the spotlight at the academy festival over the past two days. Even though he'd tried to hide his identity at first with sunglasses, his overly iconic facial expressions gave him away almost immediately.
And after recently defeating Aster and becoming the number-one duelist in the professional league, Jonouchi had naturally turned into the object of admiration for countless Duel Academy students.
After all, for most students who enrolled at Duel Academy, their ultimate goal was to enter the pro league after graduation. Now that the league's top duelist was standing right in front of them, the students practically worshiped Jonouchi.
Swallowing the last takoyaki, Hoshino said tiredly,
"How should I put this… my social battery is completely drained today. I really don't feel like squeezing into crowded places anymore."
Even after all these years, the shut-in gene inside Hoshino hadn't changed one bit. Every now and then, she still had moments like this—wanting nothing more than some quiet time alone.
Unfortunately, whether at the academy or at home, there was never a shortage of people around her who loved making noise.
"Then I'll stay here with you for a while, senpai~"
Alexis smoothed her uniform skirt and neatly sat down beside Hoshino.
"Want some takoyaki? I bought a lot~"
"Huh? That many boxes… they're all takoyaki?"
Meanwhile—
After fully basking in the admiration of high school girls, Jonouchi finally remembered the real reason he'd come here in the first place.
"Where did Hoshino even run off to? I heard she already came back to the academy. We only see each other once a year—she's not seriously going to be that cold and not even show her face at the end, right?"
Thanks to his height, Jonouchi had a great view even in the packed after-party crowd.
Before long, he spotted a familiar cowlick sticking straight up from a white head, bobbing along with the flow of people.
"You really made me look for you, Hoshino!"
He immediately headed over and called out.
"You're already back, yet you deliberately avoided us. That's just cruel."
"Ah—Jonouchi?"
The "Hoshino" who turned her head showed a fleeting hint of surprise in her eyes.
"I was looking for you too, Jonouchi!"
"You were… looking for me?"
Jonouchi was caught off guard by the sudden enthusiasm.
"I-I see… Then let's go meet up with Anzu and the others. You left early this morning, and Honda's been making a fuss about wanting to see you."
"No, I don't want to go."
Hoshino shook her head stubbornly and grabbed Jonouchi's sleeve.
The unexpected intimacy froze Jonouchi on the spot, completely stripping away the composure he displayed on the pro circuit.
"What's gotten into you, Hoshino? This really isn't like you."
"I want to spend the after-party with you—just the two of us. I don't want anyone else getting in the way~"
"T-That… that's not a good idea…"
On the surface, Jonouchi looked calm, but inside he was panicking.
My popularity's gone up lately, sure—but I didn't think my evaluation from Hoshino would skyrocket like this! What is this pace?! Is this it? Is my life finally turning into a winner route—no, calm down, Jonouchi! Mai is still waiting for you!
By the time he snapped back to reality, he'd already been dragged by the arm to the academy's back mountain.
"E-Even if we're spending the after-party together… this place isn't really appropriate, Hoshino," Jonouchi stammered.
"Come on, Jonouchi, let's do something fun~"
Hoshino said with a seductive smile, decisively snapping open her Duel Disk.
"—Let's duel, Jonouchi! The winner gets to order the loser around however they want!"
"A duel… order anything? Hoshino, what are you even saying—"
Just as Jonouchi felt the situation—which was already wrong—somehow loop back around into feeling almost reasonable, a familiar voice echoed from the dark forest.
"Sensei, why did you bring me out here alone? I haven't even bought my yakisoba yet!"
"Because, Jaden, you need some after-school one-on-one tutoring · AVI~"
Approaching from directly in front of Jonouchi, Hoshino grabbed Judai by the arm in the exact same way she had Jonouchi.
Jonouchi stared in shock.
"W-What the heck is going on?! Why are there two Hoshinos?!"
Jaden looked over as well, finally realizing something was wrong.
"Mr. Jonouchi? Why are you here too… wait, did Sensei split into two people?!"
"Perfect timing." ×2
The two identical Hoshinos spoke in unison.
"The final highlight of the after-party—everyone's favorite—Shadow Games!"
"Shadow Games… figures. I knew something was off from the start—you're not Hoshino!"
Jonouchi declared.
"You must be the Shadow Riders she mentioned before—the ones trying to revive the Sacred Beasts!"
"Ohhh, so it's them," Jaden said, suddenly enlightened.
"No wonder you wanted to give me such scary after-school tutoring. I knew the real Sensei would never do something this cruel."
Jaden, thinking this is cruel just means you're still too young…
Hoshino A:
"Hehehe. Even though we're members of the Shadow Riders, there's no doubt about it—our bodies right now are exactly the same as Hoshino Chiyuki's~ After all, we're spirits who specialize in imitation."
Hoshino B:
"Jonouchi, what we said earlier still counts~ The winner can order the loser around however they want. That is, if you two are confident you can win this Shadow Game!"
"Hahahaha!"
Jonouchi burst out laughing.
"Spirits good at imitation? Don't make me laugh!"
The twin Hoshinos frowned slightly. To them, Jonouchi's laughter sounded no different from mockery.
"Do you have a problem with our perfect imitation?"
Snapping open his Duel Disk, Jonouchi pointed straight at their chests and said sternly,
"Perfect imitation, my ass. I didn't notice at first because I panicked—but the real Hoshino's chest is not this big!"
(***)
Hoshino: "(つД｀)･ﾟ･ Achoo—! Achoo—!"
"Are you okay, senpai? Did it get cold tonight?"
Alexis asked worriedly after seeing Hoshino sneeze several times in a row.
Rubbing her nose, Hoshino's A+ intuition skill activated, faintly locking onto the culprit.
"I don't know why… but right now, I really want to punch Jonouchi."