The GX Tournament from last semester had just ended not long ago, and as the new semester begins, the students of Duel Academy are faced with a new round of dueling tournaments.
This time, though, the scale isn't as grand as the GX Tournament, nor is there an opportunity to face professional duelists. This tournament is mainly organized by Professor Cobra from another school, with the primary purpose of improving students through practical dueling.
For Judai, he didn't really care who his opponent was or the scale of the tournament; as long as he had cards to play, he was satisfied.
Moreover, he could challenge champions from various branch schools!
On the opening day, Judai had already dueled against John, who used Crystal Beast cards. Now he's determined to challenge all the champions from the branch schools until he's utterly satisfied!
However, after watching his duel with John, it seemed the others weren't too keen on dueling him either. In the past two days, anyone Judai sought out for a duel declined, for some reason...
"This is so boring."
Judai sat by the pool, yawning listlessly.
Even during the tournament, the regular academy courses couldn't be neglected. Otherwise, if every tournament caused a pause, both semesters of courses might as well not exist.
Judai was currently in swimming class.
Swimming class was a favorite among most boys. Even those most introverted and least fond of outings loved this class—like Marufuji Shou, who after a whole year just barely learned to swim despite being terrible at it.
The reason is simple: there are many beautiful long legs in the pool.
This is quite the rare benefit of school life. Many boys, especially envy Judai's class—for school beauty Tenjouin Asuka chose the same swimming class as them.
At this point, they're already in their third year. It's said that in the past two years, every semester, during the course selection periods, many people would stay up all night, eyes bloodshot, glued to their computers trying to choose the same swimming class as Asuka.
Judai's approach to course selection has always been casual—he often forgets to select until the deadline approaches. But curiously, every semester, he ends up in the same swimming class with Asuka, for some reason.
Well, actually, it's not just swimming; they often end up choosing the same classes. But Judai doesn't think much of it, considering it a mere coincidence and a sign of their good fate...
Just then, Asuka finished a swim and was getting out of the pool, water cascading down her white, delicate skin, akin to emerging lotuses out of water.
Lil buddy Marufuji Shou's eyes were practically bulging, yet Judai continued to space out, lost in thoughts.
"Why hasn't class ended yet? I really want to duel..."
Asuka walked straight over.
"Wow, Asuka, you changed into a new swimsuit." Marufuji Shou immediately noticed.
"Yeah." Asuka wiped her damp blonde hair with a towel, feeling a bit embarrassed, "Isn't it a bit too bold...?"
"Not at all! I think it looks great." Marufuji Shou nodded vigorously.
"Really?" Asuka turned to Judai, "Judai, what do you think?"
Judai snapped out of his daze and glanced at her.
"Oh? You changed to a new one? Feels pretty similar to the old one?"
Asuka: "..."
...
Youyu sat in his room, looking up Professor Cobra's past experiences and personal information on the computer.
Chinai was behind him, sorting freshly washed clothes. Noticing the photos on the screen, she curiously leaned over, resting her little head on Youyu's shoulder.
Perhaps it was an illusion, but Youyu felt Chinai seemed to have grown taller while in the academy.
Her skin seemed even paler now, almost dazzling. Her facial features, well-maintained, appeared to be exquisitely carved, with long legs perfectly proportioned, elegant and smooth.
...Though we generally don't mention her chest in front of Chinai.
"Why invite someone like him to the academy?" she asked.
"Someone like him?" Youyu queried, "Professor Cobra is a highly experienced dueling educator. What do you mean by 'someone like him'?"
"Like... someone who looks wicked."
Youyu chuckled, "That's quite shallow to judge by appearance. Handsome ones aren't necessarily good guys."
Chinai blinked her big eyes, "But Youyu, you're a good guy."
Youyu supported his chin, contemplating briefly, "There's some truth in what you say..."
Chinai queried again, "So, why check this person's information? Is there anything noteworthy about him?"
"Not currently." Youyu shook his head, "I just worry he might have some ideas about Judai. You know, Judai's fame is quite overwhelming now, perhaps excessively so."
Chinai nodded in understanding.
Indeed, ever since last semester ended until now, Judai's reputation has been blazing hot. For someone his age, it might even be a bit too much.
Until now, various organizations have sought to contact him. These include both official and unofficial entities, with nearly every group or organization worldwide eager to recruit this student.
After all, things are no longer the same as they were in the past.
When Duel Academy was first established, there were voices against it, claiming schools focusing solely on developing game skills might be producing societal waste.
But now, those voices have vanished entirely.
Everyone clearly sees the prospects of "Duel Monsters" in this world, and understands how this card game will inevitably permeate every field and aspect, becoming a core element of driving civilization forward.
Hence, with Judai's current illustrious achievements and his exhibited god-like dueling talent, once he graduates, virtually every global entity will compete to recruit him; such talent cannot be refused.
However, considering Judai is still a student, somewhat foolish, hence unable to handle these matters, much of these connections have temporarily been blocked by Youyu.
This way, Judai can continue enjoying his carefree life at the academy, indulging in his card-dueling routine.
"You're really invested in his affairs, Youyu," Chinai softly murmured.
"What?"
"Nothing."
Actually, Chinai quite liked this aspect of Youyu.
...Alright, she liked every aspect of Youyu.
Youyu was merciless towards outsiders, never hesitating to annihilate opponents with the harshest means (and seize Duel Discs), yet he always showed care towards those around him.
...Like herself.
Thinking of this, Chinai's face flushed red.
Men are generally like this, able to be hard at times, and soft at others.
This contrast only enhances his appeal.
Youyu: "?"
What now? I haven't said anything, yet she's reacting again?
What a mystery...