# Chapter 13: What? The Leader is Gone Again?
The next morning, Yūga Hōzumi called Allen over.
"Can you get in touch with Kaito?" Yūga Hōzumi asked directly.
Allen scratched his head in distress. "Kaito hasn't been reachable since he left the Academy, but he always shows up when we're in trouble."
"Alright, I understand." Yūga Hōzumi realized this tsundere was probably hiding in some corner near the camp right now.
"I'll go scout out the Orion District first; you all guard the camp," Yūga Hōzumi said.
"Is there a need to be in such a hurry?" Allen asked.
"We need to move into the new camp as quickly as possible while the enemy has just suffered a defeat, their morale is low, and they don't have time to deal with us. Otherwise, once they regroup, our actions won't be so smooth," Yūga Hōzumi explained.
"But how will you get there alone? The Orion District is on the other side of Heartland City," Allen asked.
"You don't need to worry about that. Oh, right, organize the survivors to collect the damaged vehicles nearby, preferably buses or trucks that can transport many people," Yūga Hōzumi instructed.
"Abandoned vehicles? I understand what you mean. There are a few mechanics in the camp, but we don't have spare parts to repair them," Allen said.
"Just collect them; I have my own way."
*No kidding,* he thought. *Yusei Fudo, the junk-picking master, can build a D-Wheel from scratch. Surely it's fine for me to use his wrench to fix a few broken cars.*
"Oh, right, if Kaito comes, give these to him." Yūga Hōzumi took out a package containing the Photon Robe he had just drawn yesterday, along with a few cards.
"I understand. Be careful on the way, Brother Yūga Hōzumi," Allen said.
***
After leaving the camp, Yūga Hōzumi casually found a vehicle with minimal damage and took out Yusei Fudo's car-repair wrench.
The moment he gripped the wrench, Yūga Hōzumi felt as if something had possessed him. The entire structure of the vehicle appeared in his mind; where it was broken, how to repair it—answers to these kinds of questions instantly emerged.
It didn't take long for the vehicle to be drivable. After figuring out how to operate it, Yūga Hōzumi stepped on the accelerator and set off.
As for the question of being a road menace, Yūga Hōzumi could only say that in Heartland City at this moment, anyone daring to wander outside in broad daylight was either an invader from the Fusion Dimension or no one at all. If he ran over an invader from the Fusion Dimension, then so be it.
A few hours later, Yūga Hōzumi arrived at the outskirts of the Orion District. From the surrounding building ruins, one could clearly sense the separation between this area and Heartland City. With the Boundary Marker as the limit, the ruins outside had a distinct futuristic tech style, but inside the Boundary Marker, there was a strong cyberpunk vibe.
Yūga Hōzumi got out of the vehicle, preparing to enter on foot. Inside, the streets were intricate and complex; for someone visiting for the first time, driving was definitely not a good choice.
Not long after entering the Orion District, Yūga Hōzumi got lost, just like countless others who entered for the first time.
Fortunately, Yūga Hōzumi encountered the local residents, though at this moment, these residents were not very friendly. Seven or eight youths, who clearly weren't good people, surrounded Yūga Hōzumi.
"You dare to wander around the Orion District alone? You've got guts, outsider." The Blondie in the lead, adorned with various messy chains, sneered at Yūga Hōzumi.
Yūga Hōzumi, who had come prepared, raised his right hand, revealing the red silk scarf that represented his identity as part of the Resistance Army. "Where's your Resistance Army leader? I'm here to discuss something with him."
"Do you think our leader is someone you can just meet whenever you want? What if you're a spy sent by the Fusion Dogs?" Blondie sneered.
"A single scarf can't prove my identity, but what about this?" Yūga Hōzumi said, pulling a badge from his pocket and tossing it over.
"What's this?" Blondie caught the badge and looked at it. The ruby heart mark on it sparkled in the sunlight. He looked at Yūga Hōzumi in shock. "Are you someone sent by the Chief of Heart Academy?"
"It's not that complicated. This badge is mine," Yūga Hōzumi said.
"You're the Chief of Heart Academy?"
"That's right," Yūga Hōzumi nodded. "Now, can I meet your leader?"
"I don't recall us having any dealings with you outsiders," Blondie said, narrowing his eyes.
"What's with 'insiders' and 'outsiders'? How about we don't make such clear distinctions when facing a major enemy?" Yūga Hōzumi said, catching the badge Blondie tossed back.
"Follow us." After his identity was confirmed, Blondie's attitude improved slightly. Although his tone was still stiff, at least the hostility had diminished.
The group led Yūga Hōzumi through many twists and turns in the city area for a long time before arriving in front of an abandoned church.
"Our leader usually doesn't handle matters. If you need something, find our Second Boss," Blondie said stiffly.
"Thanks for leading the way," Yūga Hōzumi said, preparing to enter the church. But just as he was about to push the door open, a man in a suit and leather shoes rushed out from inside. Upon seeing Blondie and the others, he immediately spoke.
"You guys, quickly tell the others to gather! The leader is gone again!" The suited man's face was filled with urgency.
"What? The leader is gone again?" Blondie was also startled by the news. Ignoring Yūga Hōzumi's presence, he turned around with his men, ready to leave.
"What happened? Do you need help?" Yūga Hōzumi asked from the side.
"Reynold, who is this?" The suited man noticed Yūga Hōzumi and asked Blondie.
"Second Boss, this is the Chief of Heart Academy. He said he came to discuss something with us," Blondie said.
*So he's the one actually in charge of the resistance here?* Yūga Hōzumi thought, sizing up the suited man.
Unlike the punk-goth attire of the others, this Second Boss's appearance seemed out of place with his surroundings. His silver suit was neat and proper, his leather shoes shined brightly, and his eyes behind the gold-rimmed glasses showed a hint of curiosity as he looked at Yūga Hōzumi.
"A distinguished guest has arrived, but please forgive us. We have urgent matters that require our immediate attention," the Second Boss said politely.
"From what you're saying, it seems your leader has gone missing?" Yūga Hōzumi asked.
"It's not that simple; this matter is quite complicated. If the Chief wishes to help, then please come with me. I'll explain it to you on the way," the Second Boss said, walking outside.
Yūga Hōzumi followed, watching more and more Duelists emerge from the alleys and gather. He couldn't help but ask curiously, "Who exactly is your leader? Why is such a large force being mobilized?"
"Because if we don't act quickly, our leader might very well die out there," the Second Boss said after taking a deep breath.
"It seems you know what he went to do. A person capable of becoming the leader here shouldn't be troubled by ordinary enemies... unless he went to challenge an entire unit by himself..." Yūga Hōzumi noticed the increasing worry in the Second Boss's eyes and couldn't help but be startled.
"Don't tell me I actually guessed it right? Did he really go and do that?" Yūga Hōzumi exclaimed in shock.
(end of chapter)