A few days later, Youyu took little Judai along once more to the Cyber Dojo located on the snowy mountain.
It was during the call from Master Samejima to Youyu that Youyu happened to recall how Judai, in the future after entering Duel Academy, had battled against Marufuji Ryo, the then legitimate heir of Cyber Style?
Marufuji Ryo, in the early stages of the animation, was indeed worthy of the title "Caesar," undoubtedly the strongest at Duel Academy. It was at his hands that Judai first tasted defeat in the animation.
In fact, even until the end of the Three Phantasm arc, Judai could only manage to tie with Marufuji Ryo. It wasn't until after Marufuji Ryo graduated that Judai took up the "Ace of the Academy" mantle.
However, since Judai is now his personal disciple, Youyu felt it necessary to train him from the start with the aim of becoming NO.1!
First set a small goal: when the time comes, Judai must win his first match against Marufuji Ryo!
So, Youyu thought of letting him witness Cyber Style firsthand, and have Master Samejima arrange some students in the dojo to act as practice partners for him to train against.
Unfortunately, Marufuji Ryo didn't seem to have been admitted to the Cyber Dojo yet.
Otherwise, it wouldn't be impossible to have little Judai thrash him a few times while he was still a novice...
As they arrived at the dojo entrance, Master Samejima greeted them with the same cheerful smile as last time: "Thank you for coming. Please come in..."
Immediately, his eyes fell on Judai.
"Oh? Is this the student you mentioned?"
Before Youyu could respond, little Judai widened his eyes like an inquisitive child, staring intently at Master Samejima's shiny head: "Eh!? This uncle doesn't have hair!"
He looked like he'd discovered a new continent.
Master Samejima's smile froze, and the corners of his mouth twitched.
Youyu coughed to ease the awkwardness.
Even though Youyu was usually confident that he had thick skin, he felt a tinge of awkwardness this time...
"Ahaha, kids say the darnedest things." Master Samejima chuckled as he touched his shiny bald head, "Yes, no hair here. Isn't it shiny?"
"Shiny!" Judai nodded vigorously, "Like a mirror!"
Master Samejima: "..."
Judai used the Taunt skill, and it was super effective! It dealt 9999 points of critical damage to Master Samejima...
After the small episode, Master Samejima led the two inside the dojo.
As expected, as soon as Youyu entered, he saw the kids still diligently practicing the divine draw...
Judai expressed curiosity: "What are they doing?"
"Practicing the basic skills of being a Duelist." Master Samejima cheerfully explained, "The bond between a Duelist and their cards."
"Practicing... the bond with cards?" Judai blinked his big eyes, looking puzzled.
The expression seemed to say—
—Nani? Does the divine draw require practice?
Master Samejima was quite patient and didn't hold a grudge against the jellyfish-haired young boy for previously offending his hairstyle, explaining patiently: "Yes. A duel isn't just about the Duelist; it's also about the communication of intent between the Duelist and their cards.
Only when the Duelist and their cards are in sync, becoming one entity, can they exert the strongest power in a duel. This is also the most important concept that a Duelist needs to comprehend."
Master Samejima was enthusiastic about teaching the art of dueling, and even if it wasn't his own disciple, he generously imparted his knowledge.
To Youyu, his explanation sounded somewhat like the legendary "Human-Sword Integration" concept, but modified to "Human-Card Integration"...
"My words might be hard to comprehend, so a demonstration might be clearer."
Master Samejima waved to a nearby child practicing card drawing: "Ryo, come over here."
Youyu: "!"
"Yes, Master!"
Watching the polite youngster running over, Youyu was immediately shocked.
Hey, isn't that... Marufuji Ryo!
Wasn't he absent the last time Youyu visited?
Master Samejima's new apprentice?
"Mr. Youyu, this is Marufuji Ryo." Master Samejima introduced proudly, "He is my most promising disciple. Last time you were here, he happened to have gone home for something."
That makes sense.
Youyu nodded in understanding.
So, it turns out Marufuji Ryo was already here in the Cyber Dojo; it was just that they hadn't met last time.
"Mr. Youyu!" Marufuji Ryo's face turned slightly red, seemingly a bit excited.
Of course, it was understandable. After all, in front of him stood a legendary Duel King, one of only two in the world, and now he stood before him...
...not to mention, he was so handsome.
Feeling a bit excited was inevitable.
"Ryo," Master Samejima smiled, "please demonstrate the results of your training."
"Yes!"
Marufuji Ryo took a deep breath, raised his Duel Disc, holding his breath and focusing, fingers poised above the card deck. His stance and gaze mirrored that of an ancient warrior, preparing to draw his sword for a decisive slash...
"Draw!"
Marufuji Ryo's little hand drew a perfect arc in the air, drawing six cards from the deck with precision. Upon flipping them over, among them was a "Fusion" and two "Cyber Dragons."
"Magic Card 'Fusion' activate! Fuse the two 'Cyber Dragons'!" As per Master Samejima's request, Marufuji Ryo performed the demonstration, "Fusion Summon! Cyber Twin Dragon!"
Two Cyber Dragons appeared on either side within the Duel Disc's holographic system, merging into a two-headed steel dragon under the magic vortex!
The massive dragon raised its two heads, its gigantic body almost touched the ceiling. Metal components clanged crisply, and golden currents danced around its mechanical form.
[Cyber Twin Dragon, Attack Power 2800]
Cyber Twin Dragon, not only with a formidable 2800 attack power, but also possessing the ability to attack twice per turn, can dominate most situations in the current dueling environment and instantly provide pressure!
"Amazing!" Little Judai unreservedly expressed his admiration.
The young students in the dojo also applauded, praising Marufuji Ryo's performance.
However, Marufuji Ryo was humble, slightly bowing: "Sorry, Master, I couldn't perform my best..."
Indeed. Since in Master Samejima's GX Animation memories, during his time training at the Cyber Dojo, Marufuji Ryo drew three Cyber Dragons and one Fusion on his first hand, directly summoning the Cyber End Dragon with 4000 attack power and automatic piercing effect; its strength of 502 was comparable to the President's...
"That's perfectly fine, it's already great." Master Samejima smiled, patting his beloved student's head, "You still have plenty of room for improvement."
Youyu understood that "plenty of room for improvement" equated to "a higher quality 502 level"...
Little Judai, watching eagerly: "Then... can I try too?"
Everyone in the room turned their eyes to him.
"..."