To Hayato Kuroda, this wasn't just a simple defeat.
No, this shouldn't even be called a regular duel; it was an execution, a questioning of his soul. In this duel, he felt like his soul was bound, and his worldview and beliefs were shaken to their core.
First, there was that damn hand wipe. If it weren't for that hand wipe, none of this would have happened. He wouldn't have ended up with no cards in hand, nor would he have been turned into a clown when that damned Gandil Dragon was forcibly placed on his field, left to stare blankly, enviously watching the opponent play Yu-Gi-Oh! while he could only idle...
Oh, right, that disgusting thing that burns 800 health every turn, torturing him to death turn by turn, was even his own monster, Strong Attack Cannon Beetle.
According to the opponent, this Beetle was something he couldn't even fully comprehend.
Yugen was indeed thinking this way.
What's the effect of Strong Attack Cannon Beetle? Sacrifice a monster, burn the opponent for eight hundred health, no once-per-turn limit. Classic representative characters in Yu-Gi-Oh!'s history like Bouncing Turtle and Cannon Soldier, which of them are pushovers?
Of course, the complicated summoning condition of this beetle is there, being a three-in-one Alliance Monster is more troublesome to summon than the aforementioned two. But its effect itself still holds infinite possibilities.
Such a potential-rich monster being treated by Kuroda like a 2400 attack Mortal Bone, akin to a True Red-Eyed Black Dragon without armor. Isn't that not even understanding your own monster?
It's imaginable how much Kuroda doubts his life after this duel.
Clearly, being a member of the Light Association should mean standing on the correct side of fate; logically, his luck should surpass ninety-nine percent of the world's people. Yet, so many people had no trouble with hand wipes, but his blew up instantly. How can this be called luck?
Where's the promised Goddess of Destiny? Save me, huh? Went offline, right?
And this foolish Gandil Dragon too. He's certain he sensed the aura of light from this monster, it's indeed a manifestation of their Power of Light.
So why is the monster manifested by their Power of Light so foolish!?
Damn it, just being on the field prevents card drawing, this isn't just an internal traitor anymore, it's announcing being on the opponent's side outright!
Light of Destruction is like this? This is the light meant to bring the Great Cosmos on the correct path? Supposedly guiding them on the right road?
Bah.
Oh, by the way, the bug that ultimately defected and helped the opponent execute him was also a card bestowed by the Association...
Thus, now Kuroda deeply realizes the lesson written in blood.
All this talk of destiny's guidance, Cosmic Light, is all nonsense. Their cards are treacherous one after another, useless against Darkness, there's only torture to be had.
What foolish Light of Destruction, it's simply wasting my youth.
"How is it?"
Yugen looked at Kuroda, who was bowing his head and kneeling on the ground, and asked.
"How does it feel?"
Kuroda slowly lifted his head, first glanced at Yugen with a complex expression, took a deep breath, then let out a long exhale.
"Thank you, Mr. Yugen, I've come to my senses."
He stood up, dusted off his clothes, and said.
"That nonsense Light Evil Cult had previously hijacked my soul, brainwashed me with that idiotic talk about the Great Cosmos and Void.
But thanks to Mr. Yugen, I'm awake now."
Yugen smiled and nodded.
Actually, talking to Kuroda was just confirmation, but Yugen could already feel after the duel that this person seemed to have broken free from the influence of light.
This is actually quite similar to the animation. The Light Association entirely relies on card games for evangelization and brainwashing, and anyone defeated by Association members would be washed in light, similarly obtaining the power of light, becoming a fanatical follower of Saio.
Conversely, those brainwashed would mostly break free after being defeated by Yuki Judai and return to normal, with Chazz best representing this.
However, it's not necessarily about winning the duel. Like Chazz, Judai picked up Chazz's discarded Disruption Brothers during his white-washing period and awakened Chazz's original personality during a duel using the brothers.
Yet, Saio said Judai has mysterious powers, one of the few who can exceed his prophetic fate. Judai possesses Ultraman's power, connected to the dark fluctuations of the Cosmos, and Saio's power of light naturally counteracts and repels, making the restraint not surprising.
Yugen achieved a similar effect here, seemingly freeing enemy leaders from brainwashing control, but the process and principle seem to be different.
Now, Hayato Kuroda is not only freed from light's brainwashing but might even exit the Dueling Realm. After today's duel, he seriously considers if he's not suitable for dueling, might as well retire after today...
"The King's duel is convincing." Kuroda said with deep meaning.
"Just luck."
Yugen smiled faintly.
"Today, you were under cult control, it wasn't you. In the future, should the opportunity arise, let's exchange through a duel again; hopefully, next time it's a match with the real you."
It's a rather standard courtesy within the dueling realm, not necessarily indicating they'll truly duel next time, just a courteous exchange.
Even understanding this, Kuroda found himself horrified upon hearing it, instinctively his hairs stood on end, he quickly waved his hand.
"No, no, the Duel King's dueling realm is number one, I've learned that today. No need for another, ah-haha, ha...
Rick. This time, with cult support, it was this bad; next time, heading myself into the fray again... he fears he'd go insane.
Kuroda quickly changed the topic.
"But it's not over yet, Mr. Yugen." He said seriously, "You may have defeated me, but I was merely a pawn. The Light Association is invading on a large scale, and many members have arrived.
I know you're strong, but you're ultimately only one person. You can't possibly solve so many individually, in fact, during your duel with me, other members should have already gone to duel other students.
During this period, who knows how many Academy students have been converted..."
He shook his head as he spoke.
"So, the truth is, Association members will only multiply. You resolve one, more appear during that time. No matter how strong you are, you can't possibly..."
"When did I say I'd rely solely on myself?" Yugen asked.
"Eh?"
He was taken aback.
"How much do you remember about what happened during your control?" Yugen asked, "The Association members who came to Duel Academy this time, do you remember who they are?"
Kuroda thought for a moment.
"Recalling events during control has started to become vague, I even can barely remember the names of the most familiar few..."
This is a normal phenomenon. People who break free from Light Association control lose their memories during that period.
"But I was the leader for this operation, I have a list." Kuroda said, "If you want it..."
"Of course."
Yugen smiled.
"Thank you very much for your assistance, sir. It's crucial."