Who Let Him Play Yu-Gi-Oh!

"Koyo Hibiki?"

Kira was a little surprised.

So he came to this tournament too…

He was a famous figure in the original series. With "Elemental HERO" cards, he became world champion; he's recognized as the world's strongest HERO user.

He appeared in the GX manga, not only as Jaden's mentor and guide, but also as Chazz's childhood idol.

Even the "Elemental HERO" deck that Jaden used in the manga was inherited from Hibiki. After losing to the manga's ultimate boss "Tragoedia" and collapsing, Hibiki entrusted the deck he'd used to win his championship to Jaden.

So legendary HERO cards like Airman and Absolute Zero—famous among fans—were all originally Hibiki's.

But in the manga's timeline, Hibiki should have been comatose when Jaden was still a child. Now, Jaden is in Duel Academy and Hibiki is competing, so this worldline must be different.

Jaden clearly doesn't have Airman, Absolute Zero, or the other powerful HERO cards. Whether they know each other is uncertain.

After all, Kira had realized he was in a world merging manga and anime elements. Some things followed the historical inertia, others diverged.

Kira thought and asked, "How long is the suspension?"

"Hmm, not sure—maybe a day or two? Or a week?" Mokuba replied. "They have to ensure safety, and the higher-ups need to handle procedures after such a big incident…"

"I see," Kira said. "That's fine. I wanted to ask—do you have a research and development team here? I'd like to learn about something."

"Now?" Mokuba was surprised. "You could, I guess, but are you planning to add new cards before the tournament resumes?"

Most duelists avoid tweaking their decks right before an important event, especially with unfamiliar new cards.

For one, untested cards may not fit the deck, and using them without practice can disrupt your strategy.

Plus, many believe cards need time to bond with their users. Even powerful cards can feel awkward at first, and only the most talented"top-deckers can maximize them right away.

Even drawing Raigeki when your opponent's field is empty, or Harpie's Feather Duster when their backrow is empty, can be useless.

"No, not necessarily to change my deck, just to learn something," Kira replied. "I imagine KaibaCorp has always had a team researching the Egyptian Gods, right?"

Mokuba raised his eyebrows in surprise.

"The Egyptian Gods? You're not planning to—"

He shook his head.

"No, absolutely not."

"Why?"

"You don't understand—this is too dangerous. Not just anyone can get involved," Mokuba insisted. "Even researchers have gone mad—or worse—just trying to study the God Cards.

Ever since the Egyptian Gods disappeared, many have tried to recreate their power. But many have gone insane, some even died mysteriously.

We figure this is a forbidden field for now—or maybe we just haven't found the right way in. Either way, it's too dangerous. For your safety, forget it."

"Don't worry, I'll be careful," Kira said calmly. "I might have some connection with them soon. I just want to understand things, not join the team yet."

Mokuba hesitated, then nodded.

"There is God Card research, but it's high-risk and highly classified. We don't have an independent team; we only have a joint project with Industrial Illusions.

After all, the original God Cards were made by them; they have more experience."

He sent Kira a message. Kira checked his Duel Academy student terminal: it was a digital business card.

"His name is Franz—he's a key researcher for the God Card team at Industrial Illusions," Mokuba said. "I'll notify them; they can brief you on current progress.

But don't get your hopes up. Atem—er, the Nameless Pharaoh—has been gone so long, and no one's managed to reproduce the Gods' power. That team's been stuck for years."

"Thanks," Kira said.

He glanced again at the business card.

Franz, lab coat, glasses.

Wait…

Wasn't he the guy who, in GX Season 2, stole the God Card copy and actually managed to summon the Winged Dragon of Ra?

…

Elsewhere in Duelist Kingdom

As the roar of an engine echoed closer, a motorcycle stopped outside an abandoned warehouse.

Luca cut the engine, took off his helmet, and ducked under the half-opened rolling door.

"I'm back~" he called lazily.

Footsteps approached, and a man stormed over, grabbing him by the collar.

"I told you—Seto Kaiba is mine!" the man snarled. "Which part of that don't you understand?"

"Relax, Loren, he's still alive, isn't he?"

Luca, pinned against the wall, was unfazed, still lazy as ever.

"You'll get your chance."

Loren glared for a moment, then let go and stepped back.

"It's unexpected—the Arbiter appeared early. Didn't expect him to come to this tournament too."

Luca straightened his clothes.

"The 'Sealed Device' showed up, so we've had to accelerate things."

Loren's face was expressionless.

"Exactly. The plan needs to change. We need to absorb more power during the break. You'll have to go to Shimizu Town."

"Me?" Luca frowned, clearly reluctant.

"The Arbiter's orders," Loren said.

"Tch, always making me run errands. Fine." Luca scowled.

"We have evidence the 'Tragoedia' is there. Your job is to find him and bring him under our control. Be careful.

He's likely just awakened, but he's still a formidable monster. Don't be reckless."

"Yeah, yeah."

Luca waved dismissively, ducked under the door, and disappeared into the night.