Yugioh [420-422] (Patreon)

Chapter 420: Shining New Star

"Just by being on the field, he can seal off the effects of all monsters of an entire race."

Zane's face turned grim.

Such a targeted effect—wasn't this a death sentence for any Duelist running a pure Dragon-type deck?

Even Mokuba, who had always believed in his brother's strength, couldn't help but swallow nervously, starting to worry for Kaiba.

"But even so, Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon still has higher ATK," Jaden said.

"No," Mokuba replied in a low voice. "That warrior has other terrifying effects."

Sure enough, Kira continued, "Buster Blader, the Dragon Destroyer Swordsman's other effect: This card gains 1000 ATK for each Dragon-type monster on your opponent's field and in their graveyard!"

"What!?"

The crowd gasped again.

A thousand points for every Dragon?

Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon also boosts its ATK based on Dragons in the graveyard, but only 300 per card. Buster Blader, the Dragon Destroyer Swordsman absorbs the power of every Dragon on field and in the graveyard, and it's 1000 per card.

In other words, no matter how hard it tries, there will always be a massive gap between Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon and Buster Blader, the Dragon Destroyer Swordsman. The more Dragons in the graveyard, the greater the difference, a wall Shining Dragon can never hope to climb.

"Kaiba's grave has six Dragons, plus Dragon Spirit of White and Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon on the field," Kira continued. "That's eight Dragons total.

So, 'Buster Blader, the Dragon Destroyer Swordsman ' gains 8000 ATK!"

[Buster Blader, the Dragon Destroyer Swordsman, ATK 2800 → ATK 10800]

Mokuba's face went pale. "Ten thousand eight hundred ATK..."

"Also, while Dragon Destroyer Swordsman is on the field, all opponent's Dragons must switch to Defense Position," Kira said. "And when it attacks a Defense Position monster, any excess damage is dealt as piercing battle damage."

Kaiba frowned. "Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon's effect, I choose not to accept this effect, so it stays in Attack Position. Only Dragon Spirit of White changes to Defense."

[Dragon Spirit of White, ATK 2500 → DEF 2000]

"What terrifying suppression," Zane muttered, staring at the swordsman. "Against a Dragon user, this swordsman's pressure surpasses even that of the gods."

Dragons had always been the most sought-after race in the dueling world, both for power and style, attracting legions of duelists. The introduction of such a card would shake the dueling world to its core.

For Dragon users, facing this monster, you've lost more than half the duel before it even begins.

Can't attack, can't use effects, and the opponent's ATK goes over 10,000—how do you even play against that?

"Now I activate the Spell Card 'Pot of Greed'," Kira said. "I draw two more cards."

Kira drew two cards, glanced at them, thought for a moment, then stepped forward.

"Battle! Buster Blader, the Dragon Destroyer Swordsman, attack 'Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon'!"

The warrior raised his dragon-slaying sword, its blade flashing with a brilliance like the Milky Way.

"I anticipated you'd use the ultimate Dragon-slaying swordsman," Kaiba roared. "If my opponent doesn't go all out, there's no point! Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon still has its ultimate ability—Shining New Star!!"

"It's useless, Kaiba!" Kira shouted. "Shining New Star is an effect that must be actively activated! As long as Buster Blader, the Dragon Destroyer Swordsman is on the field, you can't activate any Dragon monster effects!"

Mokuba was amazed. "But Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon can choose whether to accept effects..."

"That's only for 'effects that affect the monster," Jaden explained. "But 'the opponent cannot activate any Dragon effects' is a restriction on the player."

Zane nodded as well. "It doesn't affect the monster itself; it prevents the player from using effect commands. No matter how strong the monster or how perfect its resistance, if the duelist can't give the command, it makes no difference."

Hearing this, they realized Buster Blader, the Dragon Destroyer Swordsman truly was Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon's nemesis.

At first glance, Shining Dragon seemed invincible, but all its abilities were perfectly countered by the swordsman.

A true dragon slayer, the ultimate weapon against Dragons.

Even Kaiba was surprised—not because Kira stopped him, but because he somehow knew Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon's hidden ability.

But in the heat of battle, there was no time to dwell on it.

"I expected this! I activate my set card!" Kaiba shouted. "Continuous Trap—'DNA Surgery'!

Declare a monster Type—all monsters on the field become that Type!"

Kira frowned. "Declare a Type, I see."

"That's right, I declare 'Divine-Beast'!" Kaiba shouted. "All monsters on the field become Divine-Beast!"

The three monsters—two Dragons and the Swordmaster—were instantly enveloped in a mystical aura, appearing even more majestic.

Of course, Kaiba likely only chose Divine-Beast for style points.

His real goal: make his monsters anything but Dragon.

"Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon can choose whether to accept the effect. I choose to accept 'DNA Surgery's' effect," Kaiba declared. "So Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon and Dragon Spirit of White become Divine-Beasts.

Now the number of Dragons on the field drops by two, reducing Buster Blader, the Dragon Destroyer Swordsman's ATK by 2000!"

[Buster Blader, the Dragon Destroyer Swordsman, ATK 10800 → ATK 8800]

Mokuba was worried. "But even so, it still has over 8000... Ah, but if it's not a Dragon..."

"Exactly. Now that 'Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon' is no longer a Dragon, it's no longer restricted by Swordmaster's effect!" Kaiba shouted. "So Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon's ultimate ability—Shining New Star—activates!

Sacrifice itself to destroy any card on the field!"

Kaiba's voice was solemn.

"And this effect... can be activated during the opponent's turn!"

(Note: The anime's subtitles translated Kaiba as saying "destroy any card on the field," but in the original Japanese he said "any card," not "just one." However, in both the game and the anime, he always destroyed just one card, so there's been debate on whether it could destroy more.)

Jaden was shocked. "Destroy any card, and you can use it on your opponent's turn!?"

While everyone knows quick-play field wipes become common in future Yu-Gi-Oh, at this point such effects are still outrageous.

Being able to wipe out any number of cards at any time, resetting the opponent's plays—how do you even fight back?

Chapter 421: Like a Legend Reborn

"Shining New Star!"

With Kaiba's shout, the Dragon of Light blazed like the sun, its radiance sweeping across Kira's field, wiping it clean.

Even the invincible Buster Blader, the Dragon Destroyer Swordsman was powerless—he was unbeatable against Dragons, but only Dragons.

But the opponent's Dragon had donned a Divine-Beast's skin. With that, he was rendered powerless, vanishing in the white light.

Watching the mighty swordsman leave the field, Jaden murmured, "Even such a powerful Swordmaster is..."

"Of course," Mokuba said, rubbing his nose with pride. "Because that's my brother... the legendary Seto Kaiba."

Yeah, there's nothing to worry about.

His brother's dueling... is the strongest.

"Even Dragon Destroyer Swordsman can't do it... Kaiba really is incredible," Kira admitted.

"In just half a year, you've grown this much," Kaiba said calmly. "Fujiki Kira, even I have to admit, you've exceeded my expectations."

He paused, then smiled slightly.

"Maybe you're the duelist I've been waiting for... Hmph, but not today. Not just yet."

Yes, he'd waited long enough.

This time, as he returned to the top, the Duel King's throne would be his, no matter who stood in his way.

"Although all my cards were destroyed by Shining Dragon, my Battle Phase isn't over yet," Kira said calmly.

Kaiba frowned.

"Oh? But you don't have a single card left on the field," he said. "No monsters to attack with. In this situation, you're saying your attack isn't over?"

"That's right."

"Heh, interesting." Kaiba chuckled. "Let's see it then. In this situation, how do you plan to counterattack?"

"As you wish."

A transparent apparition appeared behind Kira.

Makyura the Destructor!

"That guy..." Kaiba instantly realized.

"That's right. When I Fusion Summoned earlier, I sent not just two Fusion materials, but three more cards to the graveyard. One of them was 'Makyura the Destructor'," Kira explained.

"When Makyura the Destructor is sent to the graveyard this turn, I can activate Trap Cards from my hand this turn. First up..."

Kira waved his hand, and a Trap Card materialized in front of him.

"Trap Card—'High Speed Aria'! Discard a Spell from my hand, and this Trap can activate as that Spell's effect! As a cost, I can't activate any Spell Cards next turn!" (Anime card)

Kira sent a card from hand to the graveyard.

"I discard the Spell Card 'Super Soldier Synthesis' from my hand and gain its effect!" Kira declared. "I tribute the Level 4 LIGHT 'Beginning Knight' from my hand and the Level 4 DARK 'Evening Twilight Knight' from my deck as Ritual materials!

I Ritual Summon 'Black Luster Soldier' from my graveyard!"

"Here he comes—the strongest form of Black Luster Soldier," Kaiba remarked.

Super Soldier Synthesis lets you Ritual Summon Black Luster Soldier from hand or grave, using a LIGHT and DARK Level 4 from hand/deck if the total is 8.

"One soul guides the light, one soul guides the darkness. The gate of chaos opens—"

The two knights became beams of light and darkness, spiraling to the ground. The vortex of chaos soared, then was cleaved open by blades of light and dark.

Black Luster Soldier descends!

[Black Luster Soldier, ATK 3000]

Zane: "To summon a legendary warrior at such a moment..."

"So strong, so strong, Kira!" Jaden exclaimed.

Although still in the Battle Phase and Black Luster Soldier can't use its banishing effect, it still has its double-attack effect.

Kaiba has only Dragon Spirit of White left, now in Defense due to Buster Blader's effect. Black Luster Soldier's first attack will destroy it, triggering its second attack for a direct shot—ending the duel.

"No way..."

Zane muttered, unconsciously glancing at Kira.

Could this guy actually defeat the legendary Seto Kaiba...?

"Black Luster Soldier's first attack—on 'Dragon Spirit of White'!" Kira declared.

Black Luster Soldier soared, spinning through the air, unleashing a storm of sword strikes!

Kaiba gazed up at the endless blades, momentarily lost in thought.

Black Luster Soldier.

What a nostalgic monster.

In fact, this duel had been full of such moments. The Buster Blader just now, the Electromagnetic Turtle, and of course his lifelong nemesis, Kuriboh, and so on...

Now, under Black Luster Soldier's sword, he seemed to see a faint glow from the pendant on Kira's chest.

For a moment, he couldn't tell if he was facing Kira or his old rival.

Despite all his progress, his upgraded Blue-Eyes—even the mighty Shining Dragon—could he still not win against that guy...?

"Brother!" Mokuba called out worriedly.

Kaiba: "..."

No.

Even if that guy stood before him, he'd never lose again.

He'd already resolved that long ago.

Next time, they'd meet as Duel King...

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell 'Dark Spell Regeneration!'" Kaiba shouted.

(Anime-only card, later made into a Trap and limited to use with the Winged Dragon of Ra, but in the anime, it's generic.)

"Dark Spell Regeneration can only be activated when your opponent declares an attack," Kaiba stated. "It lets you gain the effect of a Spell Card in your opponent's graveyard!" (Anime effect)

Kira frowned. "A Spell Card in my graveyard..."

Instantly, all the Spells in Kira's graveyard appeared as projections, floating in the air.

"Looks like your 'Fusion Birth' sent some good stuff to the graveyard. Let me borrow one.

I'll use this card from your graveyard—

—Spell Card 'Monster Reborn'! I revive any monster in either graveyard to my field!"

Kira frowned.

As expected of Kaiba—even at the very end he could pull out a trick like this.

And if it's Kaiba, the monster he's determined to revive is obviously...

"Return once more—Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon!!!"

Chapter 422: MVP of the Duel

Endless radiance—a shining white dragon, like a blue-white sun rising to the sky. The sacred dragon's body appeared again in that light!

[Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon, ATK 3000 → ATK 4800]

"Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon is back!" Mokuba cheered.

"Another comeback...!" Jaden was stunned.

Kira had summoned Black Luster Soldier, thinking a double attack would seal the win. But at the last moment, Kaiba had another ace, reviving his invincible Shining Dragon.

Shining Dragon ignores all effects. Black Luster Soldier can't overpower it, and banishing doesn't work. Next turn, Kaiba can counterattack for a comeback.

Kaiba turns the tables.

And now Kira has lost his trump card, Buster Blader, the Dragon Destroyer Swordsman, against Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon.

With things like this, what hope is left...?

"In that case, battle rewinds, attack canceled. I won't attack," Kira said. "End of Battle Phase."

With that, they entered Main Phase 2, and Kira officially gave up on attacking this turn.

Zane breathed a sigh of relief.

Looks like even Kira was powerless at this point.

"...I activate the Spell Card 'Pot of Avarice'," Kira declared.

"I shuffle five monsters from my graveyard back into my deck, then draw two cards."

Five monster cards were displayed, then shuffled back into the deck.

"Of course, 'Buster Blader, the Dragon Destroyer Swordsman' is a Fusion Monster, so it goes back to the Extra Deck, not the main deck."

"Oh?" Kaiba smirked. "Recovered your Buster Blader, huh?"

Everyone fell silent.

It was true. To defeat Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon, only the dragon-slaying expert could do it.

Such a god-tier dragon—ordinary monsters stood no chance.

Buster Blader, the Dragon Destroyer Swordsman was his only shot.

"But even so, it's just back in the deck," Zane frowned. "Relying on just one draw to get it back out..."

He didn't finish, but everyone felt the same.

At this point, Kira's chances were slim.

No one would blame him, though. Even losing here, he'd already amazed everyone. To duel Seto Kaiba to this point, he was no longer just the king of Duel Academy—he was now one of the world's top duelists.

But even so, to rely on just one draw...

"He can do it," Jaden suddenly said.

Zane looked at him in surprise.

"I believe in Kira," Jaden smiled. "Because Kira is unbelievably strong."

Kira didn't draw right away, but locked eyes with Kaiba.

"So it all comes down to the draw... Kaiba, you really are something," Kira shrugged. "Honestly, I rarely find myself in this position."

"Hmph."

Kaiba feigned indifference, but couldn't hide the upward curve of his lips.

He'd heard plenty of compliments before, but praise from a worthy rival—especially one who could push him this far—was different. Even Kaiba appreciated it.

Not that he'd ever admit it.

"If you think this will make me go easy, you're dreaming," Kaiba said. "In a duel, you always give your all, until only one stands."

"Of course. But one way or another, this is probably my last draw."

Kira closed his eyes.

"Getting to this point was beyond my calculations and plans. Win or lose, it'll be decided by this draw alone."

Kaiba raised an eyebrow. "Are you afraid to see the answer?"

"No."

Kira smiled, reopening his eyes.

There wasn't a hint of doubt in them—the look of someone boldly facing the future.

Kaiba thought, even if he himself were one step away from victory, he probably couldn't be so calm.

"Trust your deck, put your soul into every draw," Kira said softly.

The golden pendant on his chest gleamed.

"Don't overthink it. Just feel it. Just hope..."

Forge the future with a draw, create miracles.

That's the way of a duelist.

"I accept Pot of Avarice' effect—draw!!!"

Kira drew two cards.

At that moment, even the air along his arm's path seemed to sizzle, and his whole being seemed to shimmer with heat, as if reality itself was distorting.

Kaiba's pupils contracted.

The power of the spirits.

But this strange sensation... could it be...?

Kira raised the drawn card.

At the end of this fierce battle, for his final draw, fate responded.

"I tribute Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon and Dragon Spirit of White, and with my soul—my ace—special summon to Kaiba's field!

Awaken from the molten abyss, power of destruction and rebirth—

—Lava Golem!!!"

Molten lava surged like a volcanic eruption, its searing heat incinerating all; not even the gods, not even Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon, could resist.

The sunlight instantly dimmed, as if the stars themselves were devoured. A burning fist slammed onto Kaiba's field, and a towering figure slowly rose from the flames.

[Lava Golem, ATK 3000]

Kaiba: "..."

Of course... that thing.

Zane opened his mouth, as if he had a thousand words stuck in his throat.

Right.

There's more than one way to take down Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon.

That was Kira's real ace.

Only now did everyone realize it.

Although Pot of Avarice shuffled back both Buster Bladers, it was just a feint. Among those five cards was his true ace—Lava Golem.

But even so...

To shuffle five cards, then draw two, and hit Lava Golem—the only chance to win, on the very last draw...

Zane couldn't help but look at Jaden.

This seemed more like Jaden's kind of miracle draw than Kira's.

Yet Jaden stood with hands on his hips, grinning. "Told you, Kira's strength is beyond imagination."

Zane: "..."

A Jaden-style godly topdeck, but the card is something so... sinister...

Both luck and darkness in one!

"And not just that," Jaden added. "Lava Golem inflicts 1000 damage to its controller during their Standby Phase."

[Kaiba, LP 1000]

Not a point more or less: exactly 1000.

And by the way, the 3000 Kaiba lost earlier was also from a Lava Golem punch.

If there were an MVP for this duel, Lava Golem would be it—100% of the team's output, the real star of the match.

"But it's not over yet," Zane said. "Lava Golem's effect activates in the Standby Phase, so Kaiba still gets to draw a card before that."

It's a slim chance, but if it's Seto Kaiba, maybe...

"This turn isn't over, so Makyura the Destructor's effect is still in play," Kira said. "I can still activate Trap Cards from my hand.

So I activate this—"

Kira swept his hand.

"Trap Card—'Time Seal'! Skip your opponent's next Draw Phase!"

Everyone: "..."

Kaiba: "..."

Of course, as someone who'd thoroughly studied his old rival's deck—including countless AI copies—Kaiba instantly recognized the card.

Another one of Yugi's damn cards.

"So, Kaiba's Draw Phase is skipped—he can't draw, and immediately proceeds to the Standby Phase," Kira declared. "And in the Standby Phase, Lava Golem deals 1000 damage to its controller."

Kaiba looked at Kira again, still seeing the glow of the pendant, as if seeing an old friend.

But as the searing heat of Lava Golem washed over him, he snapped back to reality.

Looking again, there was no old friend—only his opponent.

The duelist who had finally handed him a long-overdue defeat: Fujiki Kira.

And nothing more.

[Kaiba, LP 1000 → LP 0]

PS: Damn, no defeat for character development? xD

Poor Kaiba got cooked literally by Lava Golem.