Of Productive Days and Dancing Shadows

It was Saturday, 20/02/1995, in Dominio City.

The sun shone brightly high in a cloudless sky.

Despite being late winter for the date, the sweater stuck to my back from so much sweating.

A slight smell of smoke and burnt asphalt constantly inundated my senses.

People continued with their routine unperturbed around me.

The sound of traffic roared behind me as background noise.

'I'm already here...'.

Currently, I was standing in front of the doors of the Domino Museum. Its architecture, at first glance European, rose imposingly before me. But none of that mattered to me. I had a more important purpose to fulfill here today.

'What time is it...?'

I checked the time on my wristwatch with a glance.

'Hum... Let's see.'

I was on time for my scheduled appointment. I noted.

'... It is 10:26 in the morning. I arrived four minutes early, huh? Good.'

With a quick step, I entered through the tall doors of the place.

Today I would seek to clarify some of the most important doubts on my list.

'Or so I hope.'

Once at the entrance, the figure of an old and smiling guard greeted me from behind the reception. Then, he asked me in a friendly tone.

"How can I help you, young man?"

...

...

...

Inside the Domino Museum.

Three minutes after checking my appointment with museum security, I headed immediately towards the Ancient Egypt exhibition wing.

I didn't want to waste time on ceremonies.

'The historian must be there.'

White corridors made of polished marble were left behind me like an exhalation.

'Not much longer.'

Inside, curiosity was raging back and forth like a hurricane. So much so, that it made me completely ignore my surroundings, all of them filled with history and fine arts. Something I wouldn't do under any other circumstances.

'In his phone call, he said he had pertinent information for my investigation... I'm intrigued... really curious. What has he discovered?'

My longing for answers was quite evident. It was the first time someone had contacted me from this museum specifically since my first request several months ago.

'That guy, being all mysterious...'

My curiosity grew with every step towards my destination.

I had turned my third corridor.

'... Why didn't he just give me the answers over the phone? What's with all the secrecy?'

Little by little, I was getting closer to answering some quite interesting questions about this world. Although my annoyance at the delay in such answers had only increased over time.

'Soon.'

Certainly, patience had never been my greatest virtue. Another reason why I had become a police detective in my previous life: no bottlenecks.

...

...

...

Ancient Egypt Section. Five minutes later.

As soon as he entered the place, Kaishu looked around for the chief historian of the Ancient Egypt exhibition wing. His expression was serious, in keeping with the moment and the current location.

In the absolute silence of the wing, a strong smell of earth, dust, and metal floated, something quite typical of a museum. Although none of this seemed to distract Kaishu from his current task in the slightest.

'Finally here. Hum... Now, where could that guy be?'

In the process, Kaishu encountered countless articles related to Ancient Egypt around him, such as mummies, sarcophagi, statues of gods and pharaohs, amulets, hieroglyphics, tools and utensils from that era, jewelry, and fragments of funerary artifacts, among other things.

"Uh? Isn't that...?"

Finally, with his back to Kaishu, in front of a display case with dozens of old papyri inside and shrouded in the shadow of an ancient rock pillar to his left, a man with dark gray hair made his presence known with some somewhat dramatic words.

"Welcome to my museum, young Omori. We've met before, haven't we? But I will introduce myself once more for the sake of courtesy: my name is Hiroshi Bakura, archaeologist. With my little experience on this subject, I will try to answer those very interesting questions of yours. Though first, of course, I would like to know the origin of such inquiries? If you can help clarify my doubts, of course? It would be a good way to start this conversation. Wouldn't you agree, young man?"

After that last provocative question, Mr. Bakura turned towards Kaishu, awaiting a response. His face, hidden behind the darkness of the pillar, displayed a half-formed smile on his wrinkled features. Meanwhile, his eyes, hidden behind the glare of round glasses, showed evident, almost unnatural calmness.

Meanwhile, Kaishu had been slowly approaching Mr. Bakura's location. His gaze was filled with caution.

'What is this guy up to?'

Gradually, the white light of the ceiling lamp turned around the museum owner's figure, revealing him completely.

'I will know soon.'

In the process, Kaishu spoke to Mr. Bakura, sharing a cunning smile.

"You, sir, do not seem like the person from four days ago. Who was that man? Your secretary?... Well, anyway, I'm not here to investigate something as mundane as that. I came for answers about the enchanted gold items originating from Ancient Egypt. As for how I obtained that information, I'd like to reserve that for the moment. Hehe. No self-respecting player shows their hand at the beginning of the game. Although... Could that be a problem to proceed with this appointment, or not, sir?"

Now face to face, Kaishu Omori and Hiroshi Bakura looked each other in the eye without hesitation. Carefully, each inspected the other's expressions for any kind of reaction. At first glance, the most surprised seemed to be the museum owner: given his now furrowed brow.

'What a curious boy we have here, don't we?'

With a smile still adorning his lips, Mr. Bakura decided to relent in his questioning. Meanwhile, his eyes narrowed slightly before finally responding to Kaishu with exaggerated gestures.

"Problems? Oh, no. None at all, my young friend. Eventually, I will get those answers from you, according to your own words... As for the pertinent matter, however, I find it curious... that someone so young is interested in something like this?... Hum, it doesn't seem very normal, honestly. At least, my son, Ryo, is not so... curious, yes, that's it. Not that it's a bad thing. I'm not saying that, oh no. It's just... strange... But anyway, you've told me your reason for being here today. Follow me. I will show you a bit more about the Millennium Items. Because that's how they have been known since ancient times, young Kaishu: Millennium Items... The tablet is this way. I'm sure you'll find its content very interesting. I was very excited about it at the time."

Walking to one end of the room, Kaishu and Mr. Bakura arrived in front of a huge brown rock tablet quite worn from the ravages of time and human handling.

"Is this it, isn't it?"

With Kaishu's question floating in the air, Mr. Bakura nodded. By then, his face had changed to a more serious expression appropriate to the situation. His words came out unconsciously.

"Indeed, young Omori, this is the one..."

On the tablet, aside from a bunch of incomprehensible hieroglyphs, the carved image of a strange circular ring with a mysterious eye in its center stood out.

'So he doesn't know about this, huh? What does he know then?'

Noting Kaishu's apparent lack of recognition towards the image on the rock, Mr. Bakura, intrigued, asked. In the process, his hand pointed to a specific place on the tablet: the spot where the mysterious pyramid-shaped carving was located.

"Do you recognize this image here, my young friend?"

Upon Mr. Bakura's question, Kaishu nodded. He then responded to the museum owner with a slight doubtful grimace.

"Yes, it is undoubtedly one of these Millennium Items. All of them have the Eye of Wdjat within them. That is their mark... Unfortunately, I still do not understand Egyptian hieroglyphic language very well. I know it says something here about some detection power granted by the gods, but nothing more. It also names the item as: ring, followed by a somewhat blurred temporal reference."

Apparently surprised by Kaishu's conclusions, Mr. Bakura couldn't help but laugh on the spot. A hint of genuine admiration had begun to emerge on his old features. After which, he expressed in a laudatory tone.

"Ha ha ha! Excellent! Very well done, young Omori!... Indeed, it is a Millennium Item: the Millennium Ring to be exact. An item whose main power lies in detecting the intentions of and around its bearer... Fantastic, really... I wasn't aware of your knowledge of this lost language, my young friend. You have impressed me, what a great sense of wonder. I wish all the kids your age shared your eagerness to understand the incomprehensible, even in the most cumbersome things. Here, between us, you remind me of my younger self, in fact. In that sense, I suppose you learned hieroglyphics on your own, right?"

Nodding in response to Mr. Bakura's question, Kaishu confirmed. His expression, meanwhile, was a mix of embarrassment at the museum owner's effusive praise and self-satisfaction for his achievements in the field of translations.

"Yes, I had a hard time there. But in the end, I managed... By the way... this, here... here it says something else... Frankly, I don't understand it... You are the expert here. What can you tell me about that?"

With a small smile growing on his face, Mr. Bakura nodded at Kaishu's request. Then he pointed to some specific hieroglyphs on the rock. In the process, he prepared to give an explanation of the matter in question.

"It's a story, my young friend, a dark story, but at the same time, a very interesting story... Here, in this part, a son of Amun is mentioned with reverence. Given the carbon dating on the paintings of the hieroglyphs, the period of time establishes the creation of this ceremonial rock around the period between 350 B.C. and 300 B.C. So, in reference to this son of Amun and without hiding the purchase history of this rock tablet from an old Italian collector, I suspect... that it is a quite famous historical figure, in fact. This person was none other than-"

Interrupting Mr. Bakura's explanation, Kaishu continued unconsciously. His expression, surprised, now showed an excited smile.

"Alexander the Great! It's about Alexander the Great, right? According to some Ancient History books, he conquered Ancient Egypt around 332 B.C... It falls within the range. So it fits with the description of this son of Amun on the rock. Fascinating! Does this tablet really talk about him, or is it just speculation like so many others of this kind?"

Feigning indignation at Kaishu's sharp words, Mr. Bakura responded to him, speaking between snorts and whispered curses.

"Humph! Exactly, it is about him. There is no doubt about that! Now, please, don't interrupt me anymore, young man. This brat, I can't work like this... Hum, where was I? Ah, right. Not only is the son of Amun, Alexander, mentioned here. It is also said that Alexander was the proud owner of the Millennium Ring at the time. Then there is a reference to great power here and some trials to obtain this power over here. Unfortunately, most of the latter is in quite a deplorable state. As you may have noticed? It only takes a glance at this mess to see that... It's a pity, undoubtedly. A great pity. So much lost history. Truly unfortunate..."

Seeing Mr. Bakura in such a melancholic state, Kaishu decided to interrupt him, asking directly. He was starting to ramble.

"Mr. Bakura, do you know anything else about these Millennium Items apart from what's on this rock?"

Coming out of his introspection, Mr. Bakura responded to Kaishu by shaking his head. His expression became conflicted in the process. Something Kaishu noticed without much difficulty. Clearly, the museum owner was hiding some things about the matter. However, Kaishu did not question him further for the moment.

"No, that's all, young Omori... Although, we are still trying to translate some parts of the tablet. But so far, despite all our hard efforts, there hasn't been much progress. But don't worry, young man. I'll let you know if we discover anything new, of course. That wouldn't be a problem... Without a doubt, it's always good to see young people so interested in the field of archaeology. I will encourage that with all my being. We'll stay in touch..."

With that said, Kaishu's visit to the museum concluded.

...

...

...

Omori Residence. Three hours later.

In the dining room, Kaishu and his sister Hinata Omori were enjoying their lunch amidst trivial conversations.

A strong smell of food filled the vicinity, mostly in shades of white and yellow.

Currently, the two young people were the only family members in the house.

"... That was it."

After Kaishu's casual mention of his morning excursion to the Domino Museum, Hinata couldn't help but comment in a joking tone. She held a fork towards her younger brother in a mock-threatening manner. Meanwhile, her eyes narrowed at Kaishu with mischievous intentions, all as a deliberate part of her joke, of course.

"... So, you really went to the museum this morning? It wasn't one of your jokes? Oh, my god! Who are you? And what have you done with my little brother, huh? Speak now! Or forever hold your peace!"

In the process of eating a piece of green pepper, Kaishu raised an eyebrow towards Hinata, finding no humor in her words. Such an expressionless gesture from Kaishu towards her caused a pout to appear on his sister's face. She immediately protested, still in a mocking tone.

"You're not funny at all, little brother. Not only do you go to those boring places now, but you even eat that terrible green alien thing. No offense to Mom's cooking, of course, that's above all... Haaa... Lately, you even watch the news channels with Dad, from all over the world. Horrible, horrible! You've even been studying and getting good grades in school, for God's sake. Where did my cool little brother go, huh?... Hmm... Definitely, this geek is not my brother... Or maybe?... Do you smell that, Kaishu?... It follows you everywhere, little brother. It's the smell of a rat! Jojojo!... Tell me, have you got a girlfriend, eh? Is that it? Isn't it? Tell me. It wouldn't be that sweet-eyed Anzu, would it? Tell your always reliable older sister. Come on. I won't tell anyone. I promise... Argh! Now, spit it out already, codfish! If you don't want to end up like this vegetable! Hya!"

During his sister's long rant and subsequent threat with a fork, Kaishu did nothing but roll his eyes at her. Afterward, he decided to retort to Hinata with a joke of his own. A mischievous smile suddenly defined his lips.

"The only smell in the air is yours, dear sister. You haven't bathed in three days, filthy. Besides, if I had a girlfriend, you would be the last person to know, if my opinion matters at all, of course... Humph! Instead of being so concerned about my supposed changes, you should try to find yourself a boyfriend, girl. Oh, no! No boy would stand your smell. Hahaha!"

Red with fury, Hinata stood up from her seat at the same time as her brother. Their gazes met instantly.

(Insert melody of: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly)

The challenge was defined.

Following this, a comical chase between the two began around the dining table.

Meanwhile, Hinata's angry screech echoed throughout the place like a siren.

"Kaishu! I'll kill you, you bastard brat! Come here! Stay still, you damn worm! How dare you say something like that to your beautiful sister, huh, you cretin?!... Argh! You'll see! When I get my hands on you! I'll-!"

Interrupting Hinata's tirade of curses from behind, Kaishu exclaimed amidst taunts and laughter during his escape.

"Beautiful?! Ha! In your dreams, idiot! You rather look like a sunburnt banshee! Ganguro or not! You're a skunk! A screechy hippie skunk! Hahaha! That'll teach you! You won't catch me! Sunburnt banshee! Screechy hippie skunk! Hahaha!"

Running to his room and slamming the door behind him, Kaishu left his sister Hinata, panting from the chase. From her position in the hallway, she shouted endless death threats at her brother.

"Haaa, haaa, haaa... Open up now, bastard! Kyah!... Haaa, haaa, haaa... You better not come out of there, Kaishu! You hear me?! Or I'll make you pay!... Haaa, haaa, I'm suffocating."

Bam!

Giving a strong hit against Kaishu's bedroom door, Hinata retreated to her own room, muttering revenge. She then closed her door with another loud slam.

Bam!

...

...

...

Kaishu's room. Two minutes later.

"... Haaa."

Sighing, Kaishu reclined on his bed with his hands behind his head. Following this, his gaze fixed on the ceiling, lost in his own thoughts.

'Am I getting better at pretending, aren't I? Hehe... Hmm...'

The events of the day replayed in Kaishu's mind, frame by frame.

'... Today has undoubtedly been a rather productive day.'

Kaishu had many things to consider. Despite not discovering much about the Millennium Items, he had still made some progress in his mission.

'The most important thing is the contact I made today at the museum. Mr. Bakura will be of great help in the future. I am convinced of that... Hmm... Although, of course, there's also that... For a moment, I thought I saw something strange in his expression. Is he bipolar? Or is he just very good at controlling his expression? That was definitely not natural. Furthermore, he also withheld information about the Millennium Items. I am convinced of that... Hmm... Bah, but it doesn't matter. I will find out everything sooner or later. Moreover, if he does something odd... I know very well how to bring people like him down... Hmm, speaking of useful and somewhat strange old men... Should I visit Mr. Muto this afternoon?... Maybe he has reconsidered our little issue? Although, knowing him, I highly doubt it. That old stubborn fool wouldn't give in even to the damned devil. I will probably have to use that tactic... Hmm, also... Has he received my order yet?'

Thus, Kaishu Omori's daily routine continued.

...

...

...

Kame Game Store. Five hours later.

The store's door displayed a red "Closed" sign.

Inside the store, surrounded by all kinds of different games, flashing, noisy, and colorful, Kaishu Omori and Mr. Muto were engaged in a rather heated conversation. The reason, unsurprisingly, was an exchange of cards.

"... Kid, I said no. And no means no! Forget it once and for all!"

Apparently dissatisfied with this response, a grumpy Kaishu still insisted, saying. His gaze, stern, showed great determination in his purpose.

"Sir, you are too old to enter the official tournaments, no offense intended. Moreover, I am offering you a monster that is stronger and rarer than yours. Come on, don't be like that... Moreover, if we make the exchange, I'll even show you my newest card... It's at the level of your Blue-Eyes. I'm sure you'll like it... So, shall we make the exchange? Or will you remain stuck as you are now?"

With curiosity showing in his wrinkled features, Mr. Muto narrowed one eye doubtfully. Following this, he took a card out of his pocket with notable drama. Kaishu mimicked this action, searching for his own card among his deck.

"At the level of Blue-Eyes White Dragon, you say, huh?... Hmm... Curious... So, Zoa for my Summoned Skull and then you'll show me that mysterious card of yours, right? Alright... That seems fair. Although, I hope not to be disappointed with this... Hmm, well, you are certainly improving with this negotiation stuff, young man. Well done. Here. Take it already, you little rascal. Hehe."

Taking the Summoned Skull and handing Zoa to Mr. Muto in the process, Kaishu smiled triumphantly. He then searched through his deck for the promised card to show.

The card was soon revealed.

"Here... This is m-"

With his eyes wide open in surprise, Mr. Muto couldn't help but interrupt Kaishu immediately. He then exclaimed, naming the card with pure astonishment on his features, such was the extent of his shock.

"Red-Eyes Black Dragon! How?! Where did you get it?!"

Smiling proudly to himself, Kaishu returned all his cards to his pocket without answering Mr. Muto's persistent questions. The shop owner's gaze followed his actions with visible regret at all times. He then grumbled, snorting.

"Humph! This-this impolite kid. What are your parents teaching you at home, huh?... Come on, Kaishu. Let me see it again, okay? Just a peek. A tiny one. What's it to you, huh?!"

Making a face of second-hand embarrassment at Mr. Muto's peculiar actions, Kaishu took the Red-Eyes Black Dragon out of his pocket once more. He then handed it to Mr. Muto with a small smile of helplessness on his face. Sometimes, Kaishu wondered: Who was the adult between the two of them?

"Ho, hoho, hohoho! Excellent! Just as incredible as it should be!... Hmm, what bad luck. If I had known about this earlier, I... Haaa..."

Sighing in disappointment at the ramifications of their previous exchange, Mr. Muto returned the card to Kaishu. Though reluctance was still evident from a mile away in his actions.

Afterward, Kaishu put the Red-Eyes Black Dragon back into his pocket. He then asked Mr. Muto in an intrigued tone.

"By the way, did you get that card? The card I asked for last week? You know, the Fusion card?"

With a hint of recognition on his features, Mr. Muto nodded in agreement with Kaishu. He then murmured, heading towards the store's counter.

"Yes, yes, it arrived this morning... If I remember correctly... I put it somewhere around here. Yes, here it is!"

Taking the card from beside the counter, Mr. Muto handed it to Kaishu without much ceremony. Once in his hands, Kaishu glanced at it briefly before putting it in his pocket with the rest of his cards. He then paid Mr. Muto the agreed amount from days ago for the card in question.

"… Good. All set… Huh?"

With the transaction processed, after checking the time on the store's large wall clock, Mr. Muto suddenly apologized. His expression showed urgency.

"Oh, god! I'm sorry, young Kaishu! I need to go to the pharmacy for some medicine. Good heavens. How could I forget that?... Haaa... Yugi will be back soon from his private classes. So, you can stay here and wait in the meantime. Now, I must go. You can play as much as you want on the machines. There are some spare tokens behind the counter. See you later!"

Following this, Kaishu bid Mr. Muto farewell, speaking in a halting manner. The confusion from the urgency of the entire strange turn of events was still visible on his features.

"Y-yeah! See you later, Mr. Muto!... I'll take care of your... of your store... He-he."

Cling, cling!

Blinking, Kaishu smiled, amused.

"He-he. Well... Look at this old man... How irresponsible can he be, huh?... Haaa..."

After Mr. Muto's hasty departure, a still perplexed Kaishu sat in a chair by the store's entrance. He then took out his deck from his pocket. Following a pause of sighs, he proceeded to organize the deck on the floor in his usual manner.

Several minutes later, Kaishu completed his task. A smile of pride now defined his features.

'Done.'

Monsters

1 X Cosmo Queen LV8 ∆Dark∆ (Normal) {Spellcaster} [2900ATK/2450DEF]

1 X Tri-Horned Dragon LV8 ∆Dark∆ (Normal) {Dragon} [2850ATK/2350DEF]

1 X Skull Knight LV7 ∆Dark∆ (Normal) {Spellcaster} [2650ATK/2250DEF]

1 X Red-Eyes Black Dragon LV7 ∆Dark∆ (Normal) {Dragon} [2400ATK/2000DEF]

1 X Summoned Skull LV6 ∆Dark∆ (Normal) {Fiend} [2500ATK/1200DEF]

1 X Dragon Seeker LV6 ∆Dark∆ (Effect) {Fiend} [2000ATK/2100DEF]

1 X Invitation to a Dark Sleep LV5 ∆Dark∆ (Effect) {Spellcaster} [1500ATK/1800DEF]

1 X Reaper of the Cards LV5 ∆Dark∆ (Effect) {Fiend} [1380ATK/1930DEF]

2 X Witch of the Black Forest LV4 ∆Dark∆ (Effect) {Spellcaster} [1100ATK/1200DEF]

2 X Castle of Dark Illusions LV4 ∆Dark∆ (Effect) {Fiend} [920ATK/1930DEF]

2 X Versago the Destroyer LV3 ∆Dark∆ (Effect) {Fiend} [1100ATK/900DEF]

2 X Sangan LV3 ∆Dark∆ (Effect) {Fiend} [1000ATK/600DEF]

3 X Hiro's Shadow Scout LV2 ∆Dark∆ (Effect) {Fiend} [650ATK/500DEF]

3 X Kiseitai LV2 ∆Dark∆ (Effect) {Fiend} [300ATK/800DEF]

Extra Deck

1 X Zera the Mant LV8 ∆Dark∆ (Ritual) {Fiend} [2800ATK/2300DEF]

1 X Chakra LV7 ∆Dark∆ (Ritual) {Fiend} [2450ATK/2000DEF]

1 X Fiend's Mirrow LV6 ∆Dark∆ (Ritual) {Fiend} [2100ATK/1800DEF]

Spells

1 X Zera Ritual

1 X Resurrection of Chakra

1 X Beastly Mirror Ritual

1 X Fusion

1 X Monster Reborn

1 X Change of Heart

1 X Nightmare Steel-Cage

1 X Megamorph

1 X Fairy Meteor Crush

1 X Chain Energy

1 X Mystical Space Typhoon

1 X The Forceful Centry

1 X Confiscation

1 X Exchange

Traps

1 X Appropriate

1 X Metalmorph

1 X Solemn Judgment

1 X Mirror Force

Reviewing his entire deck with his eyes, Kaishu nodded to himself, satisfied.

'The synergy of my deck has increased tremendously with these new additions. Although acquiring some of them has left me without allowance. That ritual, Zera, or those two level eight monsters, Cosmo Queen and Tri-Horned Dragon, god. I don't even want to think about their prices... I'll just say that: it was definitely worth the sacrifice.'

Collecting his cards once again, Kaishu put them back into his pocket. His mind, meanwhile, turned to one of his most recent discoveries regarding the Muto family.

'Yugi already has his Millennium Item... Mr. Muto gave it to him as a belated birthday gift upon his return from Egypt... Yugi still hasn't assembled it. But it can't be long before he does... Once he completes it, then... Then the spirit of the Pharaoh will awaken... The plot will begin shortly after that. Or so I believe. But I am prepared. Every day I discover more about this world. I won't stop—'

Cling, cling!

With the store's bell interrupting his thoughts, Kaishu heard a voice to his left: a voice he knew very well. Immediately, his face turned with a half-smile gracing his features. The reason: Yugi had returned. Consequently, his reflections were pushed to the background.

"Grandpa, I'm back! Huh? Kaishu...?"

Jumping from his seat with a small leap, Kaishu greeted Yugi, saying.

"Hi, Yugi! Mr. Muto went to the pharmacy for some medicine. It's been less than ten minutes. Hehe. He shouldn't be long... By the way, how are your private lessons going? Are math giving you trouble, huh?"

Scratching his head, embarrassed, Yugi nodded at Kaishu. He then greeted his friend with a smile.

"Hello, Kaishu. Huh? Math? You have no idea. Hehe. It's a complete nightmare... Huh? By the way, Kaishu, why are you...? Ah, I see! You came to play Duel Monsters with me, right? Great! Let's go! I'll set up the game board right away!"

Despite Yugi's misunderstanding, Kaishu did not correct his friend in the slightest. Instead, he immediately affirmed.

"Let's go for it!"

...

...

...

Fifteen minutes later.

The orange afternoon sun streamed through the store's glass, bathing its interior in warmth. Inside, Yugi and I had just finished our third consecutive game of the afternoon. A game that ended with my victory and my friend's visible dissatisfaction.

"... I lost... again... Haaa... How are you so good at this, Kaishu? I haven't managed to beat you at Duel Monsters even once... How do you do it?... Is it—are the cards, right?"

Reforming my deck once again, I smiled at Yugi, amused. The addictive smell of Duel Monsters cards made me prolong my smile unconsciously. I then responded to my friend's hesitant question, carefree.

"The cards? No. Not entirely... There's no secret to it, Yugi. Like with everything in life, you just need to keep playing long enough. That way, sooner or later, you'll learn every trick in the book. There are no shortcuts... Oh, really? Hehe... I ended up sounding like a teacher with you. Sorry about that, buddy. You must be bored with all these lessons... Now, shall we play another round?"

To my question, Yugi shook his head, sighing. He then responded, half-jokingly, half-seriously.

"Again? God, no. I'm not a masochist, Kaishu. It's not fun to keep losing over and over. That's... that's too much... Hmm... Besides, I want to finish assembling my puzzle, and the sooner, the better... I think it's almost done... Not much left? You know? I can feel it... Hmm... Or so I think? Hehe... Did that sound a bit weird? ... By the way, do you want something to snack on? I'm a bit hungry and that."

I was also a bit hungry. I hadn't had a snack yet. So I nodded at Yugi's offer, grateful. Indeed, his previous carelessness would keep me entertained for a good while longer.

"Hehe. Sure! Thanks, Yugi."

Following this, Yugi stood up to fetch the promised treats. A red tinge of embarrassment still clung to his features. His movements were as stiff as a board. Clearly, he was still embarrassed by his previous slip-up.

"I-I'll be right back!"

With Yugi's departure and his subsequent halting words, the place was left in complete silence.

'This kid, hehe. How can someone be so clumsy?'

In that silence, my slow and deliberate breathing accompanied my reflections.

'Anyway... He's just a kid. Being clumsy is normal at his age. I wasn't much different back then... So naive, so gullible... But that's not important now. None of that matters...'

My mind then turned to a different topic. An excited smile curved my lips in response.

My eyes closed for a moment.

The smell of toasted bread almost distracted me from my thoughts at that instant.

My mouth watered.

Yugi must have been preparing some very delicious snacks.

Though that wasn't too important right now, despite the grumbling of my stomach.

My imagination flowed.

An image of me raising a golden cup invaded my mind. It was followed by several other scenes: among them, my cards coming to life in giant, hyper-realistic holograms.

The future could be something truly enticing.

'I will definitely participate in the next National Duel Monsters Championship. It's so boring just watching others play on TV. I want to be there. I want to compete with the best in the game. I want to experience it... Hehe. I haven't been this excited since, well... Besides... That Duel Monsters article about Solid Vision from Kaiba Corp sounded really interesting. What incredible technology. Hehe. I had forgotten this part of the game on the program: hyper-realistic holograms and epic battles. How did I overlook something like that? God, how could I also forget the Kaiba brothers?... I'm looking forward to playing Duel Monsters more and more.'

Lost in that unfinished childlike hope, I didn't notice Yugi's return until a second later. His loud, annoyed voice jolted me out of my daydreams.

"... Kaishu. Kaishu!...".

My blinking eyes opened, still half-asleep.

"... Wow, look at that. You fell asleep in that such an uncomfortable position. You must be really tired to do that... Here, I brought you some bacon and cheese sandwiches, and also a bit of Coca-Cola."

Accepting the offered snacks, I devoured my sandwich with eagerness. Meanwhile, I continued delving into my thoughts. My attention briefly focused on my deck.

"Let's see, this goes in..."

Meanwhile, Yugi had begun assembling his Millennium Item right in front of me. It didn't seem like it would take much longer to complete, judging by the nearly finished state of the item. Although, frankly, I wasn't too concerned about it at the moment. I had seen him work on it before during school, which is why I didn't even flinch in the presence of such a piece of dark sorcery.

My thoughts were more focused on a specific card in my deck. A card that I had actually received today from Mr. Muto.

'With the Fusion card at my disposal, new gameplay possibilities open up for me, new strategies. Although it's quite a hassle having to memorize all those possible and impossible fusion combinations... Hmm... Didn't they have fusion monsters in the show or the manga, or something like that? I remember they had a purple frame, right? Why aren't there any of those here? It's so strange. I wish I could remember better. If only it were as easy as remembering a face. Haaa... That I'm good at... Anyway, whatever...'

Among the possible combinations to use with my Fusion card, according to the most up-to-date fusion catalog, was the Black Skull Dragon: a fusion monster resulting from the combination of Red-Eyes Black Dragon and Summoned Skull. It had more than three thousand attack points and nine stars of level. So, it was, by far, my strongest monster to summon and also one of the most powerful in the game.

'Although summoning the Black Skull Dragon with so few copies of Red-Eyes Black Dragon and Summoned Skull is almost impossible, that's for sure... Hmm... Still, having an additional option is never a bad thing. Moreover, with several copies of Versago the Destroyer in my deck, it would be relatively easy to somewhat mitigate that lack of numbers. In the same vein, finding the fusion materials with the effects of Sangan and Witch of the Black Forest would be quite easy. The only problem would be the Fusion card itself... But I'll think about that later.'

The Black Skull Dragon had been my first thought after acquiring the Red-Eyes Black Dragon from that kid Aoyama at school last week. I knew very well that Mr. Muto had the Summoned Skull in his possession from my previous matches against him. So, based on that, all I needed was the Fusion card to wrap up the matter. With that, I now had all imaginable types of plays at my disposal: from fusions and rituals to magic and trap combos, among many other possible combinations.

In truth, with a deck like mine, one didn't need to be an expert in Duel Monsters to win. From an objective standpoint, all of that, combined with my ability to read micro-expressions, and not to mention my own dueling skills, made me quite a formidable opponent in itself. Although admitting that, would sound a bit presumptuous.

'That is why I must participate in the next National Championship. It would be a complete waste not to... Although it is a pity... I will have to wait until next year... Perhaps I should consider making a deck with a light theme as the main attribute, huh? Why not, let's do it? Hehe. Although first I will have to get a part-time job to pay for all that, right? Ugh, my recent laziness is opposed to the idea. However... I cannot keep abusing my parents' generosity like this. Have I been living in a somewhat irresponsible manner, uh? Hehe. Let's fix that!'

The last National Championship of Duel Monsters had ended last month. Frankly, it had not been much of a spectacle at first glance. From a general perspective, two kids playing cards at a table were not entertaining to watch at all. Yet, Duel Monsters stirred not only something in me but in people in general: something cathartic. I did not know what or why. However, it made me feel alive. It was quite childish, in fact. Perhaps it was related to the actual age of my body, in my case. I did not know for sure. Nonetheless, I did not want to live this new life of mine with regrets in my heart. That was why I had registered first for the District Competition next year. Along the way, I might as well make a deck with a light attribute, just to pass the time. It could also help with the family finances. Although I could not think of any job for that, for now.

'Hehe. This will be fun.'

Returning to the present, almost immediately, my attention turned to Yugi across the table. A certain disappointment overtook me at the sight.

'Haaa... That confidence of his...'

Despite my insistence, Yugi had refused to participate with me in that competition. Sometimes, it was not easy to be friends with someone as introverted and shy as Yugi. But in the end, that was what human relationships were about. Persisting in the things that mattered. Not giving up on the people important to us. Yugi had to find his own path to personal fulfillment. If necessary, I would help him with that. Although the final decision was his, of course. But that did not change my decision to help him. After all, the boy was already an important part of my life. Yugi was my friend. There was nothing more to say about that.

'At least, he seems to enjoy it.'

Despite having to disassemble the enchanted item once more due to an internal failure in the construction of the puzzle, Yugi seemed happier than anything else. Clearly, he liked challenges. This led me to ask him almost unconsciously.

"Do you like those things, huh, Yugi? Challenges?"

Yugi lifted his head at my question with a blink of confusion. He then nodded before responding. His expression, for his part, looked quite unsure at first glance.

"Uh-uh. Challenges? Yes, I think so. I don't know, really... Although this... this is not just because of that."

Curious, I could not help but insist on that last part of Yugi's response: barely a whisper.

"What other reason could you have, friend?"

With a sudden blush coloring his features, Yugi scratched the front of his head, embarrassed. He then responded evasively, avoiding my gaze.

"It was because of something my grandfather said. It's nothing important, Kaishu. A promise... Could you... could you help me with this? It's quite difficult, really."

Thus, Yugi and I spent the rest of the afternoon trying to assemble the elusive Millennium Puzzle. At least until the later arrival of Mr. Muto, who, contrary to our expectations, joined us in the task.

Only the darkness of the night combined with Yugi's mother arriving several hours later deterred us from continuing with the whole affair. Unfortunately, we had not made much progress with the Millennium Item by then. Although that did not matter much: no, in its essence. Because our bond had grown even stronger because of it. That alone was significant.

After a short but friendly farewell to the three of them, I returned home to finish my day with my family: a day that had undoubtedly been a great day.

...

...

...

Domino Museum. Hiroshi Bakura's Office. 21:42.

In the room, seated in a comfortable chair behind his desk, Mr. Bakura was receiving a report from his faithful secretary: a pale, very thin man with large gray eyes, dressed in a pink suit and with long purple hair slicked forward. The narration of the events, for his part, was somewhat dubious and conflicted. His tone sounded excessively overacted.

"... And that is the report for the last week according to private detective Yamamura, sir... It's not much, really. Kaishu Omori seems to be a pretty normal kid at first glance, academically outstanding, undoubtedly, but normal after all. The investigation into his family, friends, and acquaintances yielded a rather similar result. Although this aspect has not yet been sufficiently explored, according to the detective himself..."

Nodding to his secretary, Mr. Bakura dismissed him with practiced courtesy. His eyes, distracted, reviewed the report before him with great attention.

"You can go home now, Mr. Tanaka. Good night."

Returning the courtesies, Mr. Tanaka bade Mr. Bakura farewell with a slight smile on his face. The joy was evident in his demeanor. His workday, longer than usual today, had finally ended.

"Good night, sir. I'm leaving now... Great!"

Second up, second down, Mr. Tanaka left the room at a brisk pace.

Click!

The door closed behind the eccentric secretary with a small slam.

"..."

Thus, the place was plunged into complete silence.

In that mutism, Mr. Bakura continued reading the report in his hands.

"Hum..."

Having finished his reading, Mr. Bakura reclined in his chair in a thoughtful manner. Some murmurs escaped his mouth in the process. His previously serene expression was now tainted with a hint of madness.

"... He knows something. I know it. That little arrogant brat is hiding something about the Millennium Items. I know it very well. But I will find out. I will discover everything. Then I will be able to find it. I will be able to have all its power in my hands: the power of the Millennium Ring will be all mine!"

Throwing the report into the trash bin with indifference, Mr. Bakura picked up the phone from his desk. He then dialed a number. A hoarse and sleepy voice answered almost immediately.

"[... Good evening. Uah... Detective Agency, Yamamura. This is Detective Yamamura speaking. Who am I talking to?]"

Responding to Detective Yamamura's question, Mr. Bakura greeted him. His tone, previously frantic, had returned to his usual courtesy.

"Detective Yamamura, this is Hiroshi Bakura from the Domino Museum. Good evening. I was calling to inform you about the renewal of our scheduled contract. Please come by the museum tomorrow for that. As before, I will provide you with an advance for your services."

Upon hearing this, with an euphoric tone, Detective Yamamura exclaimed with a loud and coarse laugh.

"[Hehehe! But of course, Mr. Bakura, it's a pleasure working with you! I've always said so! Hehe... Uh, this? What time can I come by, sir?]"

Glancing briefly at a small calendar to his right, Mr. Bakura responded.

"Ten o'clock would be fine, my good friend... Well then, I will bid you farewell, Detective Yamamura. It is late. I wish you a good rest. Apologies for the late call."

Returning the courtesies with a somewhat more energetic manner than his client, Detective Yamamura exclaimed.

"[Hehe... No problem, sir! Have a good rest yourself! Good night!]"

Hanging up the phone once more, Mr. Bakura opened a drawer in his desk. By then, his expression had regained some serenity.

Inside the drawer, a pair of plane tickets were visible.

With that, murmurs returned to the lips of the museum owner, as his expression of madness to his features.

"Go earlier? Or go later? What is the correct answer?... Hmm, Detective Yamamura will need time to do his job. So I will go earlier. Yes, that's it. It is decided. Egypt awaits me with all its mysteries. This time, I will find it. The Millennium Ring will be—Ugh! Aaah!"

Suddenly, Mr. Bakura's diatribe was interrupted by an event that, at first glance, unnatural.

"Uhhh!"

Without any apparent explanation, a golden and glowing eye appeared in the middle of Mr. Bakura's forehead: it was the Eye of Wdjat.

The appearance of this eye, in turn, had plunged Mr. Bakura into terrible suffering. His screams of pain and anguish echoed throughout the room as an immediate response.

"Aaah! Uhhh! Uh..."

After a few more groans, Mr. Bakura's expression suddenly became devoid of emotion. His eyes, once normal, had turned completely white and expressionless. Following this, a malevolent and disjointed laughter escaped his lips in a long, contextless guffaw.

"... Jejeje~!"

Slowly, a strange pendant began to materialize on Mr. Bakura's chest until it finally took its complete form.

It was the Millennium Ring.

"... ~Jeje. Does this old fool not know when to give up, huh?... Jeje... stupid... Hmm..."

Amid distorted whispers, the same metallic voice resonated once more throughout the office, as before, in a distant sound. Its tone, shapeless and mocking, held the purest mystery.

The lifeless eyes of the possessed Mr. Bakura now looked at the report before him with a hint of malevolent curiosity.

"Kaishu Omori, huh?... Yes, I remember him. He was that kid from school... Do you know abaut the items, huh?... It must be because of the boy Yugi and the incomplete Millennium Puzzle, undoubtedly."

Lost in an insidious expression to the core, an ancient being raised the backdrop like a cruel puppeteer.

'Let us continue observing for now.'

With that, the dark forces tested the waters.

The forces of light, as days of yore, remained on the sidelines.

Shadows of the past came back to life to the tune of a new song.

Dark games heralded their arrival and with them, one of their harbingers, their return.

The stage was set.

The future of Kaishu Omori and his associates was slowly being shrouded in a veil of dismay.

The question was: Who would have the last laugh?

To be continued...

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7400 words.